Never did the reviewer say he didn't enjoy himself at the show, or that he wishes he didn't go, or that Phish sucks. Just said it wasn't the best show he's ever seen.

Wouldn't it stand to reason that someone who's seen 27 years worth of Phish shows might have developed some criteria on how to differentiate shows? Apparently, the reviewer is a fan of jams where the band melds together, locks in, and takes the song to a special place. And also can recognize and appreciate when the band is totally nailing all the composed, structured sections. I'm sure there's an element of setlist flow and song choice in his rubric too.

Obviously, checking every single one of those boxes isn't gunna happen every night. That's why Phish is special -- there are highs and lows, and the contrast between the two make the whole experience dynamic, compelling and ever-changing.

Whether you're talking about a specific song, a show, a tour, or even the entire 30+ year history of the band in general, Planet Phish is scarred by valleys and punctuated by peaks. The low points make us lust for the heights, which are thus that much more enjoyable and meaningful because of the path we've climbed to reach them.

Yes, the Phish concert experience is somewhat constant -- happy people, feel-good jams, mind-blowing lights, plenty of booze and what-have-you, and a shared history/purpose with a diverse but like-minded community. All of it adds up to a wonderful, inimitable escape.

If that's what keeps bringing you back, and you're not too concerned with critically analyzing the nuances of a specific jam/show/tour, well, there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. There is no rule book on how to enjoy Phish. Part of the appeal of the band is that fans can appreciate Phish on so many different levels. On that note, if you're looking for a show review that simply re-lives the previous night's feel-good, unadulterated joy, check out a recap on Jambase or Relix.

Conversely, if you acknowledge that not all shows are created equal -- at least beyond the aforementioned constants of the live Phish experience -- and you want to place a specific song/jam/show in a larger context, then you're lucky to have a critical, informed source like Phish.net to scour for real, incisive opinions.

This shouldn't be like McCarthy's America, where anyone who didn't do the Pledge of Allegiance 5x per day would be accused of being a communist. It's okay to acknowledge that some shows are better than others. It doesn't make you "jaded" or a "hater" or any less of a fan than the next guy. None of us would be here if we didn't love this band, if we weren't invested it in enough to log onto the website the next day and discuss it all with others.

If every single show you go to is better than the last, the new :best night of your life", maybe these reviews are not for you. Again, hit up Relix or Jambase for a recap that helps you relive every special nugget of every special night in as glorious a fashion as you remember.

If you want a more nuanced, critical and honest opinion on the subtleties of each show -- subtleties that don't matter to every fan -- then thank Icculus that we have Phish.net.