Funny that you mentioned not being into the new songs and that Billy Breathes was your introductory album.

I remember when Billy Breathes came out. Most of my friends said Phish had sold out, I mean they were actually playing Free on the radio! The good old days of small venues and super complex arrangements were over.

I tried, and eventually came to really like that album. Ghost was even harder to like. Guyute was real Phish, but a lot of the album left me thinking WTF. I tried for three or four months, but eventually put the CD on the closet shelf and forgot about it. By the next summer, being impatient when those songs were played, I was bummed if a setlist didn't feature a couple songs of the new album.

I won't give a blow by blow, but pretty much every evolution of the band has worked the same way for me. Sure, I miss the rawness and energy of those early shows sometimes, but the band has also matured in many good ways. The sond quality liive is nearly universally good. Tray can actually sing. The light shows are better than ever.

Do yourself a favor. Listen to the second set of 7/14/19. It's a great mix of old and new and a good showcase of why Phish should never stop evolving.

Thanks for the great review!