I wasn't around in 77 to know the Dead played better then than they played in the 90s. What makes Phish cool is that one who followed Phish extensively in 97, or 94, can legitimately acknowledge the great playing that took place during moments (and sets) of this tour.

Seems that some fans who, for whatever the reason - it doesn't matter - began following the band after '09, suffer from a complex which prohibits them from outright admitting that the product was simply superior before Coventry.

This translated in person, and holds true on tape.

Those who have written about Coventry, and it's proper placement (bottom) have made convincing arguments. @andrewrose , however, points to some sick summer shows.

and 03 boasted some awesome shows too, running up to IT - a festival which should be 'high,' and whose Tower Jam should be included (sounds way better than it looked, anyways)....

Even the mistakes and off nights along the way were more interesting (forgetting the reasons why) than what we have today.

But what makes 2015 so freaking cool is the suggestion that this isn't another pinnacle, but a 'point' in yet another fascinating trajectory (new tunes, 10/31 tunes considered)....

Even a fun, but less 'inspired' Dicks run can't take anything away from this summer.

But having experienced MB - I wasn't at Nevada for the Tweezer - I still think one should at least let the tour run out, and a new run begin, before placing MB above, in no particular order:

Cypress
C. Ball
Went
It

Because that Tweezer is still pretty cool, but I heard a couple versions this year that I think are much better.