I don't believe there is a consistent pattern. Just when you think it's one thing, they do the opposite. Kuddos to Eaton for keeping us on our toes. If there as a code to be cracked, we would have cracked it.
Additionally, for the record, BM last year was a 77 second night and Elective first.
DSO hasn't recreated a NYE show on NYE since 2014 when they did 84 I think? Personally I'd much rather an elective.
My fav NYE shows over the years have been....09 Mattson's first NYE, utter psychedelic meltdown and a forum family private dance party in an obscure balcony of the Ram's Head
2013 in Long Island. Great Elective with an epic dance party in the back balcony.
2015 at Efactory. maybe one of the greatest shows I've seen period. Mostly early style elective, acoustic first set.
2017, last year, was really great too. Another Elective.
But I'm intentionally missing NYE this year for the first time since Denver 06. Hanging out home with Friends instead. If i had to guess, i'd say in philly will be one Elective and one recreation, with the Elective highlighting songs of the Recreation's era that weren't played. Elective first, then a late 80s.
Looking forward to these shows!