There is no authority on what song choices make a set better than another. Any review built on such a premise is speaking only to a specific audience that will judge the music without hearing it.
Sorry that you can’t connect to the outpouring of gratitude from an aging band and audience, all counting backward down the number line, grooving in spiritual paradise (and, for some, physical paradise, on a warm, breazy beach, as the sun sets.)
Imagine thinking Waste isn’t good enough for whatever it is you’re searching for.
Second set was fantastic.

It seems to me that of all the venues Phish plays, there are none that produce more divisive reviews between the attendees and couchers than Riviera Maya. I was fortunate enough to make the first 2 editions of this glorious run and had the best times of my life. Were the shows transcendent? Absolutely not. I'd say that only 1 of the 6 qualifies as above-average, 4-star fare that I might return to for a listen. But I can say without a doubt that "average-great" Phish on a beach in MX is better than anything else I could have possibly been doing those days. That being said, were any of the shows on this run transcendent? Probably not. Did those in attendance have some of the best times of their lives? Probably. But overall, MX is a good lesson in tempering expectations. It's easy to look at previous killer shows and think they hitting on all cylinders and that will translate to the next one. But past performance is no guarantee of future returns. I, too am guilty of having a great time at a show and coming to Phish.net only to be disappointed by the overall review score. That's the beauty of this band. Everyone "Phishes" differently. So be kind to one another. It's ok to love this show, and it's ok to criticize it.

Much love, my friends! See you all this summer somewhere.

Holy shit I love this band. This has been a great weekend for the band with very interesting setlists and creative encores. Can't wait for the rest of the year.

Ashiptoquebec is the kind of person who says they like Phish, but really actually hates them. People like this put a bad taste in your mouth and need to exit the scene.

@SPREADITROUND - I just listened to this show for the first time, and I did a double- or triple-take during Bowie. Fish is playing like an absolute MADMAN. It seems to me like he's doubling up on the drumbeats at the start. I think if Trey's rushing at all toward the climax it might very well because Fish is driving him to do so. Propulsive, to say the least.

SET 1: Sigma Oasis: Standard.

David Bowie: Very cool placement! Is it just me or is Fishman doing something atypical during the David Bowie, David Bowie, David Bowie intro lyrics? 9-minute Bowie, gotcha. Trey rushes for the climax.

Wolfman's Brother: Very solid and enjoyable jam.

Tube: Good lil’ jam. >

Prince Caspian: Standard.

Mull: What’s with Mike’s vocals for the first few lines? Sounds like he is singing out of a closet or far away from the mic. They should take this song for a real ride sometime; this was a good lil’ jam. >

Ghost: Cool placement! Excellent jam, no wasted space whatsoever. Good stuff.

The Squirming Coil: What in the hell is with the beginning here? Just reworked to emphasize the beach part? Very strange and cool, I guess? Then Broadway Trey’d. Ugh.

SET 2: Possum: Standard. >

Julius: May be the worst example of Broadway Trey yet. Extremely cringe. Other than that, this is a cookie cutter Julius.

You Enjoy Myself: Cool placement! Creepy nirvana section. Trey rips the solo hard. Good stuff, would recommend.

Everything's Right: Lots of it is fairly mellow but the complete body of work makes up a good jam, would recommend.>

Simple: Great jam, like Ghost – there is no wasted space. Just lot’s of rocking out and I love that they actually ended this one. >

Backwards Down the Number Line: Trey blisters this one. >

Suzy Greenberg: Standard.

ENCORE: McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters: Cool placement! Only three times has this been played in the encore slot: McGrupp in the encore slot: 7/11/1988, 6/16/2009, 2/26/2023.

Waste: Broadway Trey’d to the max.

Slave to the Traffic Light: Very strong version, Trey gives it a proper ripping, would recommend!

Replay Value/Summary: Wolfman’s, YEM, Everything’s Right, Simple, Backwards Down the Number Line, Slave to the Traffic Light. This is a nice comeback show after a below average show played the night before. Nice flow, one big jam that was good, and many, fiery, focused jams. Would have been pleased to attend this one for sure.

Score: 3.9 out of 5.

The rich get richer, the poor get poorer.
If we all can’t be there, it’s harder to have a scorcher. Our Mexico run ratings and reviews have been amusing to say the least. Each year the band delivers, but reviewers (and even an honest re-listener might admit), the shows/runs just don’t make it to the same level as we experience at MSG, Dicks, Vegas, Alpha, IN, etc. We love phish because of the genuine interaction and connection with fans. State-side shows have an organic energy, beginning in the parking lots, that Phish feeds off of. For those that can make it to MX, it’s an amazing time, a vacation with Phish shows at night. How can that not be a 4.5 star rating for those in attendance? For others, that listen and watch from afar, and make a musical comparison to other shows, a lesser rating isn't a surprise.

Let’s not forget, Phish is sounding amazing and not letting up for a second. They’re still dedicated to their fans, the craft, and we’re all having a blast. Onward to Spring Cali and Summer23 is gonna be caliente!

Well, maybe I'll hit the couch tour jackpot next time. First set was standard, but no one taking charge, and no surprises. Second set started hot with a rapidly declining energy. BDtNL ruins the set. Still better than some bands. Appreciated the McGrupp, was confounded by the Waste, and although a lovely song, Slave seemed randomly placed. Maybe a Hendrix Fire cover? A fiery Fuego? A Peaches? Something that would gave the audience freaking out. A hallucinatory Roses Are Free. Whatever. Decent show, a hard 3, not worth thousands of dollars. Sorry for the bummer phriends! I just miss the mischievous setlists that make your heart jump into your throat. Love you all and see you this Summer!