I enjoyed this blog entry. I have no qualms with any of the reviewers' commentary as they were all quite consistent with the stated thrust of the post. As for me, I'm an old Dead Head and I have never attached too much importance to the length of jams or their connotated improv. I much prefer to look at a show as an organism unto itself; like a breathing entity with blood and sinew and energy.

I cannot state how often (almost always) I hear elements of great pieces of 2nd set music hinted at during moments in first sets. As a musician I know the feeling of having an idea rear it's head only to resurface later that evening or several nights later. This happens often with Phish and it's what makes them the premier jam band of the age.

The great Bathtub Gin of 2/28/03 was germinated during the Ghost in Worcester two nights earlier. I heard the foundation of the Tahoe Tweezer at Northerly Island night 2 and also at the Gorge.

When the Dead were on and tight, every song was an artists' brush stroke that layed a foundation for what came after. "The Music Never Stopped", as it were.

Let's also not forget that creativity cannot be turned on and off like a light switch. It's an organic process that cannot be controlled. If it could, I'm sure the boys would knock us out every time they take the stage. I'm just thankful that it all came together this past Fall and that it's all recorded for us to enjoy for many years.

I think the staff did a nice job with this.