Been a phan since '01 but I've only seen them in Atlanta, Berkeley (from the hill OUTSIDE the venue), and now Oak Mountain. The authorities were much nicer for Phish than they were for Widespread Panic. They even had porta potties on site, so nobody got arrested for peeing in the bushes. The shaking footbridge shook me up on the way in, and it took a while to recover my equilibrium. The band must have come in a different way, because they had no such problem.
Possum opener was solid but not fully enjoyed because of the excitement of the show and the aftereffects of the shuddering footbridge. Cities was expected and never fails to please, but I thought they could have jammed it out a little more. Little did I know they had MUCH more in store for us during the first set. A soaring Sample in a Jar and dank Timber had us rolling right along into a well placed, and long, Back on the Train. Next was Lawn Boy, not a favorite but the banter before and after was great. A funky Gumbo, followed by a grassy Ginseng preceded a much appreciated Wedge. After that Julius and I said, nice set, going out with a bang. Not so, for then they started up SICK Cavern. Now it's time to sit down, but wait, what's that? It's a soaring, chill-bump producing rendition of The Beatles' While My Guitar Gently Weeps, and boy did Trey make it cry.
Can't really top that set, but set two was good and got really dark and groovy deep into it. Rock and Roll opener was too long IMHO but The Lizards MORE than made up for it. After a nice sing-a-long Haley's Comet, they got down, dark, and dirty with Sand and Twist. Birds of a Feather was kind of shocking after such deep grooves, but then Mike made everybody GET DOWN with a Boggie On Reggae Woman that sounded like he was drowning an octopus when it first started up. NASTY bass! 2001 was awesome (lights) but way too short. Then they slowed it down with a nice Waste before performing an on time, flowing and soaring Slave to the Traffic Light with an ear piercing climax. Needless to say, I smiled through the pain, because it was some of the most beautiful pain my ears have ever endured.
Zeppelin's Good Times, Bad Times for encore was rocking, but not QUITE what I was looking for. Maybe switch around encore and first set closer? Regardless, I was satisfied.
I believe I will be seeing this band again in the future :)
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre @
- Birmingham @
, AL @
- Fri, Aug 24, 2012 @
Favorite moment: When I realized that set one wasn't over with Julius, then again after Cavern. @
Setlist: See review above. @
Opening act(s): None required/The parking lot @