Phish Worcester Setlist: Night Two

December 28th is traditionally the start of Phish’s New Year’s Run, but with an extra show this year, tonight was the second concert of the five-show jaunt as the quartet returned to the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.

[Photo from 12/27 by Andy Hill]

Last night’s show had it moments and the same could be said of tonight’s performance. Neither concert was likely to blow minds, yet there were a few gems to be found in each set. Our first “antic” of the run occured when Trey broke out an electronic device that played pre-recorded Sarah Palin soundbytes during, you guessed it – Alaska. The band stopped and started the intro of Alaska a few times with Anastasio triggering the 2008 VP candidate’s voice within each stop ala the Beavis & Butthead sound effects from the famed December 9th, 1995 show in Albany. Red even dropped the Palin voice in between songs later in the set.

Tonight’s biggest bust out came in the form of She Caught The Katy and Left Me a Mule to Ride, a tune originally performed by the legendary Taj Mahal. An occasional soundcheck choice for the band, She Caught The Katy has appeared before a paid crowd a scant six times since the quartet’s early days. In fact, four of the six versions came between 1986 and 1988. Katy reappeared randomly at the Desert Sky Pavilion in Phoenix on July 21, 1998. This rarity skipped the aughts completely before returning to the stage this evening.

The first set also had a pair of Anastasio/Marshall debuts – The Birdwatcher and Pigtail. Trey introduced Pigtail as a song he had written recently with Tom and asked the audience to give a shout to Marshall. Tom, Trey and Pete Cottone wrote The Birdwatcher in an interesting songwriting session which the guitarist detailed for Sirius’ Jam On. Birdwatcher was performed a capella after a number of full band versions by Anastasio’s Classic TAB ensemble earlier this year.

Tuesday, 12/28/2010
DCU Center, Worcester, MA

Set 1: Kill Devil FallsMy Mind’s Got a Mind of its OwnAlaskaShe Caught the Katy and Left Me a Mule to RideWolfman’s BrotherPigtailStashBouncing Around the RoomRiftStealing Time From the Faulty PlanThe Birdwatcher

Set 2: CariniBackwards Down the Number LineBack on the Train -> Limb By LimbThe WedgeFrankie SaysAlbuquerqueHarry HoodBug

Encore: Shine a Light,

Notes: Last “She Caught the Katy” July 21, 1998, 323 shows ago.

[via Phish.net]

For Phish’s second set, they came out strong with Carini and then went with three heavy rotation originals – Backwards Down The Number Line, Back On The Train and Limb By Limb. The Wedge and Frankie Says followed before the 2010 debut of Neil Young’s Albuquerque. A unique, must-hear Harry Hood that featured the most patient jamming of the night led into Bug. Worcester got a double dose of Stones encores with Loving Cup keeping the slot warm at Monday’s show and Shine a Light filling the spot tonight. Phish is off tomorrow before kicking off a three-night stand at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

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3 Responses

  1. I’ve got to say; tonight’s performance was one the best in years. Decent song selection, but their playing is what made this show. I was bored stiff last night, but tonight was a complete turn around. Rift got a bit rocky, but other than that, just fantastic! A must listen. I officially declare them BACK! I’ve been waiting two years to proclaim that!

    Hightlights: She caught the Katy, Wolfeman’s Brother, The Wedge, -Albuquerque, Harry Hood, Bug- (in a row).

    This was a really great show, coming from a really hard to please older fan. 🙂

  2. Whoops! I forgot “Bird Watcher”, which was very well sung. Seriously. Besides a few newer songs that I don’t seem to click with, this show was of late 90’s caliber, as far as musicianship and energy. GET IT!

  3. Im a lil jaded too and last night was sick. On paper it looked Avg but once I took a listen it was siick. The first night had me wondering but lastnight was off the hook for the most part. Cant wait to see whats in store the next 4 nights

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