Whatever You Do, Take Care Of Your Shoes

Phish hit the stage in Woostah last night for the first of five gigs that make up this year’s News Year’s run.  After a massive snowstorm blanketed the Northeast, many fans braved the roads and conditions to get to the tour opener with high hopes of the band breaking through barriers and coming out of the gates hard-charging.  Phish certainly didn’t disappoint, but last night’s show was far from epic.  Amidst moments of brilliance, the show seemed a bit all over the place, lacking in any real flow.

The theme of the evening was certainly snow (Mike was dressed in all white), and the boys dusted off a few surprises, including “Mound,” which was last heard last year in Red Rocks.  For those keeping score, that’s only the third “Mound” since 1996, and the first time sandwiched in a “Mike’s Groove.”  Most of the first set was standard, though I’ll give special mention the jammed out “Cool It Down” extended “Roggae,” and appropriately placed “It’s Ice.”

Set two’s “Mike’s Groove” set the stage for what could have been a explosive set.  Trey’s playing throughout the segment was top notch, and I’ll place this “Mike’s Groove” in my top three this year easily.  But, with the closing of “Weekapaug,” the gang chose an oddly placed “Farmhouse” that seemed to suck the wind out of the room.  All was made up for when they dropped into a gorgeous “Seven Below” which segued perfectly into “What’s The Use.”  This dark jam fit the aura perfectly, reflecting the conditions surrounding the DCU Center.  The transition into “Twenty Years Later” was also fitting for the dark vibe, and it was nice to see this emerge out of something other than “Number Line” or “Light.”  Unfortunately, the set seemed to lose its mojo afterward, with a slew of staples that failed to get the flow back on track.

I hate to sound like a negative Nancy.  Let’s face it…an OK Phish show is still better than a lot of other shows where artists are at their best.  I have full confidence the band is just getting started.  We’ll consider last night to be a warm-up.

Monday December 27, 2010 DCU Center, Worcester, MA

Set I: Sample In A Jar, Funky Bitch, Cool It Down, Roggae, Heavy Things, What Things Seem, Roses Are Free > It’s Ice, Mountains In The Mist, Julius

Set II: Mike’s Song > Mound, Weekapaug Groove, Farmhouse, Seven Below > What’s The Use > Twenty Years Later, Wading In The Velvet Sea, Possum > Cavern > David Bowie

E: Loving Cup

setlist courtesy of www.phish.com

download the show here.

images courtesy of Christine Peterson/The Worcester Telegram & Gazette Corp and @ericwyman.