@ericwyman said:

@bertoletdown said:

This fourth quarter trend has to be addressed at some point. It has made the difference between average-great and above average (and maybe even above average and transcendant) quite a few times over the last few years.

I really wanted to lay into it here, but it's just so darn well played it seems a bit unreasonable. But even at it's best, there a definite lack of unpredictability in the choices. I don't know that I have a better suggestion. Slave would be a massive upgrade for my ears and might actually push the set into a "best of ____" discussion. Until the band plays a second set where I can't find one of these ludicrous shortcomings I will continue to judge them as good, not great.

I am really just fine with a first set that chugs along. My expectations are set pretty low for first sets. Entertain me.

But the second set of a rock show and especially the second set of a Phish show should build to a raging peak at the finish. Yes, come out of the gates strong in set two. Yes, please, play a ballad somewhere in the middle to give people time to catch their breath. Yes, use dynamics to let it all breath. But make sure to leave something in the tank for the end. Something titanic. 2-3 short blues rock songs in a row isn't quite working.