With this show, I feel that Phish have come up with a new type of "Saturday Night Special" show. Typically this much-maligned sort of performance involves standard renditions of standard songs, played in standard order. On this night, it seemed the band wanted to offer a crowd-pleaser for a rowdy Georgia Saturday night that nevertheless delivered in terms of setlist structure, satisfying improv, and even some surprising segues. It turned out to be easily one of the best top-to-bottom shows of the year thus far, and one of my favorites I've personally attended.

Opening with Mike's Groove will always make me happy, and this Ass Handed Groove was no exception. Weekapaug featured some scintillating leads from Trey and a satisfying peak. Bathtub Gin was very slow, funky and hypnotic. This version of Stash is really special. The entire band is so in sync throughout the jam, listening intently to each other as they construct a dark, introspective space. Trey begins to ramp up the intensity with some truly haunting bends before taking us to a cathartic, almost angst-ridden peak. At this point my best friend turned to me with a knowing smile and just nodded his head. We attended our first show together in 2003, and while I've gone on to become the true Phish dork between us, he knew a special moment when he heard it. Funky Bitch benefited greatly from a slower tempo, allowing the pocket to be fully explored to make this one extra funky and mean. I'm not a fan of the Haunted House material, but Your Pet Cat was fun enough. Character Zero is a great first set closer.

Antelope was an unexpected and very welcome second set opener. I'm not sure the peak was any more insane than any other version, as that's kind of this song's raison d'etre, but it did the trick. Fuego had a really nice ambient jam at the end, through which the entire crowd talked. More on that later. Jim is always nice. It doesn't have to be a standout version, that jam always brightens my mood. My friend and I lost it when No Quarter started up. Certain Phish covers can feel as though they're lacking the gravity of the source material, but the band fully embrace the darkness and intensity of this Zeppelin classic. The Simple that followed was transcendent. They found a theme and set the controls for the heart of the sun. Absolutely must-hear. When Trey started up 46 Days, I thought the band would knock out a few standard songs to finish the set. Wrong. The segue into Sally came out of nowhere and drove the crowd wild. The jam after the first verse of Sally was so funky, so deep and extended, that I completely forgot about the second verse. Fortunately the band remembered and eventually wound back down into 46 Days, leading to a peak in which Fishman tested the limits of his right foot and kick drum pedal. A fun Makisupa Policeman and triumphant First Tube, complete with a Jedi Trey finale, capped off this unbelievably fun show.

OK, soapbox time. Why do people feel the need to talk throughout a concert? Many folks around me in the pavilion seats just couldn't help themselves. It was more noticeable during quiet sections, but even during loud peaks they would scream over the music to maintain whatever passes for conversation in their Bud Light-addled minds. Not only is it massively disrespectful to the band, but it kind of kills the mood for those of us who, you know, actually listen to music. It must be nice to have disposable income to spend on screaming over a PA for three hours. Looking at you, Chad. Looking at you, Jenna. No offense to people named Chad or Jenna who aren't obnoxious. As great as this show was, it felt like half the crowd couldn't have cared less. If you just want to chat and party, go to a party or stay in the lot. Otherwise, stop filling every second of your life with words and just be a part of something bigger than yourself for a moment.

OK, Rant over. This show rocked hard and you should listen to it.