Gliding Through Worcester
Phish wrapped up their two night stint in Woostah with a mellow, laid-back show that worked in a strange way. Unlike the previous night, which lacked in any real flow or direction, Phish glided through their second show at the DCU with smooth grooves and a more care-free attitude. Those favoring more improv may have been disappointed, and while the show appears to lack on paper, it worked. Trey did appear a bit off, with scratchy vocals and some bad timing (“Rift”), but he managed to hold his own and carry his weight through two interesting sets.
The biggest surprise came with the out-of-left field bustout of “She Caught The Katy.” This Taj Mahal penned-blues number has only been played six times by the boys, with four of those from the ’80s. The last bustout was back in Phoenix ‘98, making this bustout all the more exciting. Trey also used the first set to introduce a new song called “Pigtail,” co-written by Tom Marshall and dedicated to him. “Pigtail” is very reminiscent of “Heavy Things,” with its pop-hooks. This seems to be the song-writing direction Trey and Tom have shifted towards - less composition and more of a focus on lyrics and simpler arrangements (see “Summer Of ‘89,” and “My Problem Right There.”). That being said, the first set did have some noteworthy jams like the show-opening “Kill Devil Falls” and an exploratory “Stash.”
Set two built upon this carefree attitude of the first set. The mellow-ambient feel kicked in with “The Wedge > Frankie Says > Albuquerque” segment. “Frankie” had that spacey, ambient feel, that was very reminiscent of the spacey ‘99 era. Trey didn’t need to shred, and his quiet and carefully executed notes flowed perfectly into Neil Young’s “Albuquerque.” Following this gorgeous passage came a blistering “Hood” that shines as the jam of the evening. Everything seemed to click here, as the band drifted out of the main theme into uncharted waters, with Trey laying down soft, staccato notes, before bringing it all back home for a fantastic ending segment.
These first two shows have been interesting. Nothing too special and exciting, but it’s clear the boys are having a good time. We’re one day away from the YEMSG run, and it’s bound to be a solid three nights. See you there!
Tuesday December 28, 2010 DCU Center, Worcester, MA
Set I: Kill Devil Falls, My Mind’s Got A Mind Of It’s Own, Alaska*, She Caught The Katy**, Wolfman’s Brother, Pigtail***, Stash, Bouncing Around The Room > Rift, Stealing Time From The Faulty Plan, The Birdwatcher****
Set II: Carini > Backwards Down The Number Line > Back On The Train > Limb By Limb > The Wedge > Frankie Says > Albuquerque, Harry Hood > Bug
E: Shine A Light
*Trey used a devise that played Sara Palin quotes during the intro.
**last played 7/21/98 - 323 shows
***debut
****Phish debut
setlist courtesy of www.phish.com
download the show here.
image courtesy of Dave Vann.
