I agree that there is just something different about 3.0, but can't quantify it. They still have the ability to crank out some amazing music, but there are also some shows that just leave you scratching your head (peaks and valleys, you know).

I think one of the biggest issues in 3.0 is the decrease in shows played per year. There is just so much hype and expectation when they do only one real tour in a year. If every show isn't over the top, it feels like a lost opportunity. In the mid-late 90's, they played so many shows that one expected to see some amazing ones and some average ones. Of course, even the average ones were still great.

For me personally, my main complaint about 3.0 is the almost total lack of jamming in the first set. I realize that prior to '97, that was sort of the norm, and at the time I was used to it. But, once we got to the 97-00 period, first sets were often as good if not better than second sets. Now, in 3.0, I've come to expect a first set that contains 12-15 songs (as opposed to some shows in the 90's that were 12-15 songs total!), with little improv and essentially album-esque versions.

This is not a terrible thing, just not what I became accustomed to late in 1.0. It would be nice to be blown away by an insane Tweezer opener (like, say, 11/17/97--five song first set anyone!?!). It would also be nice to have Mike's go beyond the first "jam," if one can even call it that these days.

And then there is the lack of new originals. In 1.0, each year except for 2000 saw a crop of 10 or more awesome new tunes. Without that now, even the most amazing jams will start to sound repetitive and stale.

But, at this point, I've accepted what the band has become. It's not really the phish I grew up with, but it's still enjoyable. Not many bands give you 3 hours of high quality music, with great variety, night after night. Could it be better? Of course, and I hope my prayers for new originals, jammed out Gumbos and Halley's, the return of the second jam in Mike's, etc. will eventually be answered.

It probably won't all happen at Dick's, but as long as the Maya are wrong, 2013 offers hope.