Yeah, I found the highlights tracklisting kind of odd, and the whole thing a bit underwhelming, honestly. (Granted, IMO "Roggae" is barely a song) And I don't hate Trey's "dad-rock" stuff like some people do, I know they're not going to be writing "Fluffhead 2.0" 30+ years into a career, and that's fine, but it seemed to rely a bit heavily on those songs. Like, it's a perfectly fine listen as a streaming thing but I did find it a bit odd, overall, and particularly safe with the song choices. I assume the complete box is sold out, so I'm hoping at some point down the line the thing comes to digital. They haven't really added much new of significance to the general public streaming service catalog in awhile so that might be something they'll do at some point.
Inglewood last night was only my 2nd Phish show. I've been listening to them on and off since Rift came out, but never caught a show until 2013. The people sitting in front of me were at Chula Vista as well and they were saying how fantastic it was. Well... after the first set they turned to us and said that this show already surpassed that one. It was incredible in every way, tbh. Just blown away.
Not one of my favorites, but the vocal arrangement is nice and I guess the band enjoys the slow shuffle groove. As for the official release, it would be fun to have but I have a folder of Charlie Miller's recordings of the entire run.
That show looks incredible setlist-wise and based on the Jambase review. Glad you enjoyed it. As I said previously in this thread, the four Bay Area shows I've seen this year make we want to drop everything and travel to Phish shows for the first time since the '90s. They are on fire right now. I have a bunch of friends who will be at the Santa Barbara Bowl show tomorrow, but unfortunately a mid-week drive to Santa Barbara and back is not in the cards for me, nor is Vegas because Halloween is still a big enough deal for my kids that I don't want to miss being with them.
Understood. I am so tempted to go to Vegas for 10/31 but I do not have the time or funds for it, sadly...
All of this talk really piqued my interest, so I picked up 10/23. Holy moly, they are completely locked in! I'm going to check out last night's show next, and definitely those two SF shows.
Last night at the Forum was fun and crazy, but a bit haphazard. I couldn't believe it went so long (not that I was complaining). Definitely unique, but a bit of a kitchen sink feel. 10/23 on the other hand was a work of art from beginning to end. A beautifully cohesive show that I believe will be studied for years to come. I'm serious... there was something really special about it. This road to Halloween is wonderfully nutty. Can't wait to see where it leads!
Anyone heading to Vegas this weekend? We are doing a live podcast taping at Brooklyn Bowl 1:00 PM sat and Sun afternoons. Say hi!
Just finished 10/24... Wow. That was seriously something else, non-stop greatness. Both sets were incredible but that second set is an instant classic if you ask me.
Last night in Santa Barbara was STELLAR. A close second to 10/23 Chula of the three So Cal shows (not that I didn't enjoy the nuttiness of 10/24). Almost everything was jammed, segues flowed naturally, a standalone Weekapaug from out of nowhere, and stage banter that we only later realized originated from Trey's 1983 demo "Bivouac Jaun". This truly is 4.0 and they are at the top of their game. Halloween is going to be nuts.
