Taking It To The Next Level
Phish descended onto the famed Madison Square Garden last night for the first of three nights for their annual New Year’s Run. 12/30 has some large shoes to fill, especially when looking back at some classics like 12/30/97, 12/30/03, and 12/30/95 that have all solidified themselves in Phishtory as legendary shows. From the opening notes of “Cities,” it was clear that they were out to make a statement. Trey sounded much healthier than the Worcester run (it’s a wonder what a day off can do), and they set to unleash a high energy show. I’ve read the tweets and some reviews, and while last night seems to be getting dogged (see Mr. Miner’s review), I will stand by my belief that it was a great show, showcased by two sets of high energy and confident jamming. Hell, set two didn’t slow down once!
The first set served as a chance for the band to get acquainted with the crowd, unleashing a collection of songs that were each tackled with great charisma and power. Highlights included a nice mid-set “Quinn” “Gumbo,” “Maze” and “Gin” jams, and “Fatman In The Bathtub.” For those not in attendance, check out an audience recording to hear the PA cut out during “Camel Walk.” The audience reaction as they sing Trey’s guitar part is fantastic, and the band didn’t even flinch.
Set two was nothing but a full on assault, opening with a “Tweezer > Light” power-punch that easily is in the running for jam of the year. “Tweezer” featured some gorgeous spacey jamming, as the band meandered out of the song’s structure and into new, ambient territory. Over eighteen minutes later, Trey finally made the transition into the tour’s first “Light.” A strong “Light” (albeit nothing like the MSG version from last year) opened up into “Theme From The Bottom,” another well placed groove that fit perfectly. Dancing in my seat last night, I felt it was only a matter of time before they toned it down with a ballad, but not that night. It was one big dance party with Page dominating on the boards for “2001” and “Suzy.” As the band returned to the stage for the encore, I don’t think anyone expected an “Antelope” after the monster set we just experienced.
I don’t want to jinx anything, but I don’t think I’m the only person that’s noticed the lack of a certain collection of songs this tour. Let’s just hope they’re saving these for a reason. I can’t wait for the next two nights. Put on your sailin’ shoes, because it’s going to be a wild ride.
P.S. Did anyone else catch Trey telling the band to play “Jennifer Dancer” before the start of “Tweezer.” Classic.
Thursday December 30, 2010 Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Set I: Cities, Chalk Dust Torture, Gumbo > Quinn The Eskimo, Halley’s Comet > Camel Walk*, Maze, Driver, Bathtub Gin, Fat Man In The Bathtub, Timber > Golgi Apparatus, Character Zero
Set II: Tweezer > Light > Theme From The Bottom > My Friend My Friend, Axilla I > Fluffhead > Boogie On Reggae Woman > 2001 > Suzy Greenberg
Encore: Run Like An Antelope > Tweezer Reprise
*PA cut out mid-song
setlist courtesy of www.phish.com
download the show here.
