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I agree with the reviewers assessment of the show as a whole, but disagree with some of the sections. For instance, I think Possum is a great show opener. It immediately grabs your attention and gets the crowd "in the mood". Calling it a "go-nowhere rocker" is much to harsh. I would reserve the term "go-nowhere rocker" for songs like "Jack & Diane" by John Mellencamp, or anything by REO Speedwagon, etc. To lump the first six songs into the "go-nowhere rocker" group was pushing a button that was obviously going to get a riled up response. On the other hand I agree that the next five songs (after Possum) kind off felt like cruise control, and as @J_D_G said, it was "40 minutes before the first surprising moment". I agree that "On the Way Down" was certainly a surprise, and a show highlight for me, and I also agree that I kept expecting something to come busting out a bit sooner, I don't think it fair to say the first set "dragged on for 40 minutes". That feel like something a little kid would say ... (aka) "Are we there yet?"
As for the second set, me and @J_D_G are never going to see eye-to-eye, In this case, I think @J_D_G was far more positive in his review than I would have been. I hope he continues to find enjoyment in Heartbreak teases, and Trey dragging the band back into a second Tweezer that quickly disintegrated. Definitely not a highlight for me, but everyone perceives Phis a bit differently, looks for different things, and enjoys different aspects of Phish's music (and show).
All shows have peaks and valleys, great shows progress over multiple peaks, while sub-par shows languish in the valleys. This also applies to shows reviews. Any review that seems to wallow in negativity or fails to connect with readers opinions will be criticized. This is just as it should be. The reviewer can read the comments and make changes as necessary if he agrees, or dismiss the criticism if he disagrees. That seems fair to me.