I need to say up front that I am on the early summer "couch tour". I did listen to the SB of The Blossom Center today and I have a few notes as well as some flat out compliments for the show and the way the band has begun this march towards Denver.

My first accolade has to go to Possum>Steam. I'm not going to lie, I have been pretty bored with Possum....until the Blossom Possum. Possum deserves this kind of energy and creativity every time, being such a staple. It has to do with chemistry. Possum had all the elements on this night. Steam was a dream. Steam may have a chance to shine as 3.0 matures more and more. I have nothing but high hopes for this number. In its simplicity Steam is just kind of dark and funky. It could turn out to be a future stunner. Keep an eye on the Steam. Piper was good, the rest of the 2nd was top notch, period. Lizards was tight, well played and kept up the energy. SSTTA was probably better than any I've heard during 3.0. Outright a blast and the apex of the night in my opinion. Phish has always done a fantastic job creating and controlling energy throughout their songs. Building and building to a crescendo and then tapering to a close. Its one of their trademarks. Its now at a point where they are so good at it they are not only doing it within songs themselves but creating the build-up throughout the entire night and then somewhere along the way they find the landing gear and bring us to safety...Hood>Mercy>Hood>Zero, Slave. Everything before this 5 song ensemble was just your basic 3.0 show buildup. I believe set lists need careful thought and consideration and the Blossom Center was constructed with exacting precision.

As I am jumping around I have to say my one disappointment was Foam. Yes Phish did hit all of the transitions which aren't easy and Foam is played in almost all minor keys, not my point. Revisit 12/29/94. I want Foam to be a vehicle again and it seems the band disagrees, it's on the way out. It could be great again, just saying.

These first half dozen shows have impressed me for sure. I am on the edge of my couch...for now.