Headed up north from Indy with my car windows down, broken a/c, both me and my buddy were drenched in sweat. We had just left a blazing 2 night monsoon that crushed us at the Creek. I was even more psyched at what to expect at the Midwest Mecca. Alpine Valley here we come! This venue has been known to have memorable shows in recent history and the boys would live up to it on this night.

As always we stayed at the lodge at Alpine. The pre-game festivities were in full effect and easy access into the venue and pavilion seats only made our crews mindset and excitement at an all time high going into this one. Before we new it the band was walking on stage.

To get things started the band chose a bluesy rock tune with My Soul. Page did a nice job out of the gates singing this one loud and clear. Trey also chimed in with a hard hit blues undertone in the last 2 min jam. I felt the crowds energy began to pickup more through Daniel Saw but didn't get down to the nitty gritty and get the show on the road until AC/DC Bag. This was a short and concise version but I especially liked Trey's transition into Moma Dance. The early part saw good musical banter back and forth between Trey and Fishman. Mike's straight funk beats delivered the message and got everyone to their feet. Pushing me further from shore...I was soaking this one in and I began to feel a big night ahead of us. Next Trey hit the chords that would lead us into a perfectly placed Runaway Jim. Roughly 2 min into this jam we get a smooth bass beat from Mike while Trey hits his high screeching notes with rifle precision and at machine gun speed. The band was really letting loose over the last 3 songs which appropriately led into a breather with Let it Loose. I like the lyrics to this song and Page did it justice on vocals. The next 4 songs was my highlight early on and would take this set to new heights.

The sour taste I once had from leaving out Reba at MSG '11 was soon all but forgotten after being showered with this versions beauty. We all enjoy the early part sing along but a few minutes in I fell into a darker confused state, thoughts scrambling through my mind as the band plays a juggernaut of fast and slow tempos. What seemed like longer than 5 minutes of mind obscurity soon turned into the mental low I needed to appreciate what would follow. Trey and Fishman went back and forth between quick guitar strumming and heart wrenching drum fills that would transition this piece into complete euphoria. Trey began to play the sweet sounds that bring everyone to a calm and collected consciousness. The whole band at this point would connect at the height we expect from Reba. The whistling soon brought me back to reality and confirmed my love for this song. Clocking in at 13 minutes I had to bag and tag this version as a gem. The KDF->The Sloth combo allowed the band to dive deeper into jam mode. In the last 4 minutes of KDF Trey absolutely annihilates his turn. Knifing through high screeching notes and repetitive lower notes. One can't help hear both Mike and Fishman rock steady behind his notes as they've been all night. The Sloth is one of my favorites so for me it was just icing on the cake. Ocelot came up next and we got a flavorful taste of Dead like, spacey and other worldly type jamming. I'm always blown away at the creative heights the band takes this song.

Poor Heart and When the Circus gave both my self and many around me a quick rest before the set rounded out very strong with above average versions of Timber and Oh Kee Pa->Suzy set closer. So much to talk about at set break. But it would only be 2 hours from now that most of this first set would be overshadowed by perfection.

Lights...

BDTNL opened up the second set followed by Carini. The band used both of these songs as appetizers for the meat of the set. Just as Carini's exploratory jamming was entering a new realm Trey transitioned into Wilson and chose to get the crowd involved with the songs typical back and forth band to crowd banter. Once that came to an end we then boarded ship for the voyage into uncharted waters.

As a powerhouse of leg one Golden Age sure lived up to its reputation on this night. Half way through the song just as Treys first solo starts to fade Page begins to shred on the keys. Mystical organ and synthesized electronic sounds are countered by Mikes funky but playful array of bass torpedos. Trey continues to hold his notes longer and steady...then he slowly transitions into the ever so popular and recognizable 2001 rift. Page chimes with additional electronica while Fishman plays Golden Age drum beats....what!?!?! Was this a 2001 tease or are they going for it. All consciousness of time and space has left and before we knew it we were into 2001. It was placed perfectly to keep the spacey and darker theme that Golden Age carried. If there would be any perfect contrast to our dark voyage through GA & 2001 it would be a sizzling Rock and Roll. As the band moves the song into its jam segment every member slows down and truly lets the music breath. Patience, continuity, explorative jamming, it had it all. As I had entered a new realm of blissful awareness Trey began to play the opening notes of Steam. The steam effects only added value to the dark territory we had found ourselves lost in. The guitar solo at the middle of the song would pale in comparison to the last 1 minute of the song. This was completely unique and like nothing I had heard from Phish. I've tried to dissect it and I almost can't...pure improvisation at its phinest. And then to top it off this peaceful melody would be what transitions the band into a 10 minute Piper. I won't compare this version with MSG '11 which is mind altering in it self but this one gave us the jolt we needed. Every time I hear Quinn the Eskimo I literally feel like jumping for joy. This was one hell of a set and show...I thought for sure this was the set closer. Instead we get a Harry Hood->Zero. My lord...Hood gave Mike a chance to really show off his prowess out of the gates with beats that sent shock waves throughout the pavilion. I love how this song continues to build and build until we get to the final "Thank you Mr. Miner, thank you Mr. Hood"...there may not be a phiner segment in the Phish catalog then the last 4-5 minutes of Hood. I sure feel good about Hood. Zero was absolutely stellar to close out this masterfully played second set. This was a top notch version that should not be overlooked. Streets of Cairo teases just added fuel to this fire. Zero will always be one of my favorite Phish songs and just a perfect way to end a great set.

Good times, bad times couldn't of been more fitting as an encore. Zeppelin cover always does it for me.

Tonight affirms the nostalgia that Alpine Valley brings to the table and there was a magical piece of Phish history made tonight. I enjoyed ever minute of it and will continue to come to see Phish at this venue for as long as they keep playing.