Ranking Dick’s: #10 08/29/2014 (2014 N1)

Setlist:

Set 1: Llama, Undermind, Stash, Halfway to the Moon > I Didn’t Know, Nellie Kane, Guyute, The Line, Ocelot > No Quarter, Ha Ha Ha, Suzy Greenberg

Set 2: 46 Days > Back on the Train > Simple > Ghost > Backwards Down the Number Line > Harry Hood > Wading in the Velvet Sea > Run Like an Antelope

Encore: Character Zero

Quick Lowdown:  The “Lushington” that wasn’t.  Phish spelled out “Lushington” in the first set, and in very Phish-y fashion followed with “Ha Ha Ha” and “Suzy Greenberg”.   Many people were upset they didn’t actually play “Lushington” but I thought it was hilarious.  The first set is solid and the second set is of course highlighted by the incredible “Simple>Ghost”.  It’s among the very best jams ever played at Dick’s.  That segment along with some other highlights secure the #7 slot.

Set 1 Recap:  The “Lushington” set is overlooked for some reason.  This is a solid first set.  “Llama>Undermind>Stash” is a wonderful way to open a show.  “Halfway” is a song that suits Phish well and then some Fishman love with “I Didn’t Know”.  “Guyute” felt perfect in the mid set slot and then you close the set with “No Quarter”, “Ha,Ha,H>Suzy Greenberg” with horns. This set might be light on jamming but it has a lot going for it.  It is constructed superbly, especially when you considering the spelling restrictions.

Set 2 Recap:  The “46 Days” that kicks off this set has about 3 minutes at the end of that are incredibly mind blowing.  Dark and dank with some major Mike power.  Refresh your memory and listen.  This is the good stuff.  Almost sound like “Steam” will bust out at one point.   I have listened to these 3 minutes about 100 times.  Going for 101 right now.  “Back on the Train” follows and gets the energy going into the real superstar…”Simple”.  This “Simple” is one of my all time favorite jams…end or story.  Every note has direction and moves the jam into increasingly awesome territory.  This “Simple” is equal parts amazing bliss jam and thunderous funk jam.  I can’t decided which section I like better.  I have been in awe of this “Simple” while it was going down, immediately after, and after an audacious amounts of re-listens.  The “Ghost” that follows is no slouch either.  Lost in the massive “Simple” shadow, this “Ghost” comes out with major ray of peaking sunshine. This is full out make you feel good and give you the happy chills “Ghost”. Throw it on and reflect about how awesome life is.   The highlights don’t end there!  The “Harry Hood” in this set is one of the most unique around. It features exploration and yet if still finishes with a serious emotional climax.  I love this version.  “Wading” cools us off before “Antelope” destroys the masses.

Encore:  Yup..”Character Zero”

The Takeaways: “Suzy Greenberg”, “46 Days”, “Simple”, “Ghost”, “Harry Hood”

This Show Summed Up in One Gif:

This bunny knows how “Simple” this show was…

Score: 4.4/5