I've seen only a couple shows in person since IT, but I've been following Phish from the couch with more and more interest since 2015. I've also been following the recaps and reviews of shows here more regularly since The Baker's Dozen. I really enjoy hearing what others have to say about the boys from VT, especially now that my serious touring days are likely twenty years in the past. Anyway, this is my first post, but hopefully not my last. Phish is doing great things right now, and I for one am so happy that they are.

Right, so this Soul Planet is extraordinary. I got goose bumps listening to it just now, not least because the commitment to the song itself is quite moving. When the band debuted Soul Planet, it seemed like even they thought the lyrics were hacky. What a difference real emotional investment can make! There's an intensity to the performance from everyone that backs up what Trey is singing in a way that I don't think was there before. Of course, this is true of Phish in 2021 as a whole, but I don't think they could have pulled off a 45-minute Soul Planet otherwise.

I mean, I get it now. I doubt Soul Planet will ever be one of my favorite Phish tunes, but I can hear things in the words that I don't think I was open to hearing before because I was put off by the sentimental notion of an ocean of love. Love is a funny word that way.

At the same time, it's so cool that this incredible jam developed out of a song that probably no one would have predicted could go so deep. And I think the jam is better off for it. Especially after the eighteen minute mark or so, it's pretty much uncharted territory. Not to put too fine a point on it, this jam brings it in a way that a Tweezer probably wouldn't. In many of the more recent longer Tweezers, it seems like the band is just searching for the place where this Soul Planet so beautifully arrives.

One final point: Fish is the MVP of this tour. His playing is off the hook. If in doubt, take another listen to the Boogie On from the Gorge last weekend. In my humble opinion, it is hands down the best ever performance of that song. Fish's beat is so deep, so far back in the pocket, and he just drives the jam from there. Same with this Soul Planet. Go Fish!