, attached to 1998-11-24

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Down with Disease: Solid jam to open the show, first jammed out show opener of the tour. Nothing you haven’t heard from a DWD before though. The Moma Dance: Standard. > Ginseng Sullivan: Standard. Stash: This one gets nice and weird! They minor chord the jam and turn it into that signature summer 97 sounding stuff. Really cool! They end up taking this jam for a ride and then some, almost too long. You can hear some folks get restless on the tapes. It’s a decent Stash for the era. Torn on whether or not to recommend it. Going to say no but it is a solid offering all the same. Brian and Robert: Standard. Limb By Limb: Pretty mellow version Sample in a Jar: Standard. Tela: Standard. Always welcome. Chalk Dust Torture: Standard. SET 2: Ghost: Cool build that starts in the early 8’s. This one just chugs along and minds its own business for the most part. No signature moments or themes to speak of really. Still, a good enough jam vehicle to open up the second set. Not one that I feel like I would ever need to revisit. > Halley's Comet: Standard. > Tweezer: Very snappy/catchy repetitive theme. Very good jam, one that I would recommend. But it’s not truly awesome as described on Phish.net. That theme is a lot of fun but once they finally move on from that things get dark and slow down a good bit and then into a very, very slow old school wind down ending and then a big, intimidating wall of sound and then… -> Possum: Way dissonant and off key as noted in the jamchart. Trey was definitely vamping on this for a long time. Definitely trying to mess with those in attendance. It’s worth a listen just for that aspect. Wading in the Velvet Sea: Standard. > Character Zero: Face melting wankery. ENCORE: Suzy Greenberg: Dude of Life, woof. Alternate lyrics. > Tweezer Reprise: Standard. Summary: Another mediocre fall 98 show. The last barn burner was Grand Rapids and to a lesser extent 11.15.98 from East Tennessee. Since then, there has not been a standout show and that includes this one. The first set has a good Stash but outside of that there is hardly anything to return to. Set two starts off with a promising Ghost that is good enough I supposed, a very good Tweezer, the Possum is sort of interesting or annoying depending on your view point and from there it’s really all she wrote. Phish.net has this rated generously at 4.019/5 (108 ratings). I just don’t feel this is anything but a basic, average Phish show. I would hit it at 3.5/5. Replay Value: Tweezer, Possum
, attached to 1998-11-21

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Wilson: Massive energy to open this show. > Big Black Furry Creature from Mars: Energy ramps up even more. Lawn Boy: Standard. Divided Sky: Feisty. Cry Baby Cry: Another big bust out. > Boogie On Reggae Woman: Standard. > NICU: Standard. Dogs Stole Things: Standard. Nellie Kane: Standard. Foam: Page and Trey both shine brightly in this version! Wading in the Velvet Sea: Standard. Guyute: Standard. Bold As Love: Love it. Great set closer! SET 2: Sabotage: That’s one way to open the set!! > Mike's Song: It is solid – nothing more and nothing less. Gets the job done. > Simple: I love this version – it defines that 98 ambient sound. Mike sounds terrific in the last few minutes. Highly recommend this version. 3.0 Phish just could not pull this off. > The Wedge: Standard. > The Mango Song: Standard. > Free -> Ha Ha Ha -> Free: Free really slams hard into HHH. Pretty good Free, Mike is liquid. Weekapaug Groove: Standard. ENCORE: Tubthumping: Awful, why play this? Maybe it was amusing in person? Summary: The first set is about as bland as you can get. Woof. The second set looks cool on paper but the only thing that really delivers (in spades) is Simple. The rating on Phish.net of 4.35/5 (177 ratings) is egregious! Not even close. I would rate this as a 3.75 and I feel like that might even be a bit generous. What a letdown run after that incredible run one year ago at the same venue. Expectations were sky high and did not deliver at all. Replay Value: Simple
, attached to 1990-09-20

Review by thelot

thelot Beautiful audience recording available for this show! Nice Landlady>Bag pairing to kick things off. Solid Sky. You could hear a pin drop during the ‘Gus the Christmas Dog’ section of Sky. You can hear the one chomper in the crowd clear as day! lol Inspired Possum set closer. They get right into it with a Bitch Set 2 opener. Fun Tweezer sandwich with lots of Fish hoots. Cool secret language segue into Buried Alive and back into Tweezer. McGrupp offers a nice cool down following Tweezer. Out of the ashes of McGrupp comes the first HYHU of the tour. Fishman declares he is no longer Henrietta but now “Not the great” Zero Man. A fire Antelope closes out Set 2. Lizards wraps up the night in fine fashion. Nice quality recording and a quality performance overall. Thank you John Redmond! :)
, attached to 1990-09-16

Review by thelot

thelot Decent audience source available for this show. It sounds like the show took place outside based on the sound of the recording. The show opens up with the predictable DaaM>Bouncin’ pairing. Fine versions of Landlady, Reba and Ya Mar. Smokin’ Tweezer with a cool Heartbreaker tease and secret language. Solid Mike’s Groove with another strong version of Weekapaug. Magilla fades out during Mike’s solo. The recording fades back in at the start of the Antelope jam. Decent jam with some secret language during the jam and Marco section.
, attached to 1998-11-20

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Rock and Roll Part Two: Too funny. Crowd is bonkers. > Tube: Crowd gets even louder when this starts up. Standard version though. > Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) - Enormous bust out, very cool nod! > Funky Bitch: Standard. Guelah Papyrus: Standard. The very beginning is a little off. Rift: Standard. Meat: Heady space with lots of loops after the song proper, cool stuff similar to but not as crazy at the Cleveland version from 7 days ago. > Stash: Tough start coming out of Meat, ouch. The jam is more or less discombobulated. Doesn’t seem like they were in sync. Train Song: Standard. > Possum: Standard. Roggae: Standard. Driver: Standard. Split Open and Melt: Pretty good version really. Nothing stands out exactly, but it gets the job done and is a good way to end the set. SET 2: Bathtub Gin: Definitely a strong version, would recommend. To me, it seems much more like a 3.0 version than a 1.0 version. Once the jam starts it almost immediately goes into an upbeat mode. > Piper: Standard. Axilla: Standard. > Roses Are Free: Standard. Farmhouse: Standard. Hold Your Head Up > Gettin' Jiggy Wit' It > Hold Your Head Up: LOL. Harry Hood: Standard. > Character Zero: Has a little extra mustard, Trey definitely playing the rock star here. ENCORE: Cavern: Very fun with Gears, crowd roars it’s approval. Summary: Crowd just roaring throughout the whole show. Energy is sky high. But the band just couldn’t deliver. It’s one thing to not deliver a show akin to the product they put out the year before at this venue. But it is very curious why they put on such a run of the mill, vanilla show here. Really odd. Anyway, the Phish.net rating of 4.075/5 (173 ratings) is completely ridiculous. If you take the emotion and potential attendance bias out of the equation, you know this show is just average at best. 3.5/5 for me. Replay Value: Bathtub Gin
, attached to 2013-07-31

Review by Shadowfox0

Shadowfox0 2nd best Tweezer ever and there are hundreds of great Tweezers i even love the funky underrated short 14 minute one in 2019 the least amount of Tweezers played year by far. But this 5 part jam is epic and I have it memorized. The other great ones include the 2 from the Live Phish color volumes I am still hoping for a green of the Halloween releases Ziggy Stardust Little Feat Thrilling Chilling Exile on Main Street Bowie being my favorite and they can leave off the 2 original Phish albums from the future Sci Fi Soldier and Kasvot Though Kasvot is growing on me that is some major CHOMPER song action I for one hate all songs on there except DDHVL and Passing Through and Turtle in the Clouds is growing on me with the Pussy Drop Interupt or Interlock or whatever the fuck they are saying. . .Passing Through needs to be played more often that song is a great ender The ender songs to their halloween and just albums in general are so great like Caspian Petrichor Passing Through ok maybe not In Miami I am Me bullshit Here I am in Miami or whatever the fuck it is called that Mike song accapella is garbage but You Never Know off the then called Wingsuit shoulda stayed as Wingsuit not Fago I am not a big fan of Feugo but I did love the most recent one not Dicks 2023 if played there but the 30 minute epic one at MSG 2023 7-30 if I recall the dates right. If they do not go that Halloween route and this is if they ever do GREEN for weed and dedicated to our Makisupa Policemen and Firemen all around the world . . .hitting those hoes in dem low lows girl I still got love for the street beat cops its the DRE Of course number 24 would have to be Big Cypress so maybe all 4 be the great festivals Make number 21 be The Great Went 22 be Lemonwheel 23 be Dover Downs Curveball part 2 w no camping being the Curveball Hippies sleeping on the beaches of Rehobeth Beach my hometown Conowingo closest beach and home to gays and hippies alike not so much transgenders but the community is diverse as fuck and a cool scene but NASCAR and Phish do not mix just keeping it real but I appreciate Phish trying to make it LESS MUDDY so as not to be a repeat of Coventry or Curveball no more C word festivals The air force base is badass for all those military family Phish phans like me my uncle fixes WW2 planes and works w the navy and marines most. Patrick Lewis I married his niece out of respect for military blood now in my in law BEST Tweezer ever is probably still the one that opened the show in 1999 w the Fire ending the first set but this one is in the top 5 for sure w 2-28-2003 and MSG 1997 Clifford Ball Big Cypress I got a decent one and my only 2 at Hershey Park 2010 and Camden 6-7-2009 with a great final set song version strange placement but epic Sand during that show overshadowed even the Freezer oh yes and Hershey did not have a reprise so they did it twice at the next city to make up for it so I missed out on that but Bold as Love is such a great Hendrix tune how could i be upset. I got my worst ever Tweezer at MPP in 2011 and 2009 but an amazing 6-27-2010 made up for it even had a super duper rare Walfredo maybe even more rare than Harpua and Col Forbins and Icculus but Id have to look up the stats on rarity I almost shit myself when I saw Trey go for the drum kit and Mike for Treys guitar not his bass and Page to the bass I dont even like the song but the MD blue crab lyrics we were eating crabs at MPost Walfredo where did you go ? How much did you get paid? What is your favorite Tweezer? This is number 3 I think for me but that is a tall order to have a trinity of Freezers and which one stacks up as Whirlpool GE or Kenmore epic pleasing of the tweezer nipple titty twister that makes you wet even in a cold cold cold gonna be cold
, attached to 2023-07-28

Review by lofus99

lofus99 Saw most of the tour and THIS was the show that delivered the psychedelic masterpiece that only comes along here and there. Would not be surprised if the boys took some shrooms this night. I just so happened to be tripping this night, but as a musician, I am an even more critical listener under that influence. If there is no magic, I hear it right away. This show, even the 1st set had a psychedelic edge. Wave of Hope and Cities have that magic. For sure Trey was playing Mountain Jam in Wave. Phish.net please amend. But despite the strong shrooms, the rest of the set was clearly not in Electric Ladyland territory.....like the entire 2nd set was. Honestly, you hear the extra special sauce when tripping to this 2nd set just like Electric Ladyland. It is there. The boys put it in on purpose, just like Jimi did. If you do not know what I am talking about, with respect to Electric Ladyland, you need to dose and listen to it while peaking, start to finish....and then you will know. That is what is happening with the Melt. Full on psychedelic brain orgasm. Trust me. Tested it twice now. Until you hear that while tripping....you just won't get it fully for what it is. Mountains is surreal as well. But the whole set, from start to finish flows perfectly for an acid test music listening party. Suck it up those who dissed on the More opener. It works just fine as the mental warmup for what follows. They probably needed it to get their bearings. This can happen if playing on shrooms and they seem to like a little 2nd set warmup lately. just deal with it. stop judging shows by the setlist. You guys are weak.
, attached to 2023-07-28

Review by lofus99

lofus99 Saw most of the tour and THIS was the show that delivered the psychedelic masterpiece that only comes along here and there. Would not be surprised if the boys took some shrooms this night. I just so happened to be tripping this night, but as a musician, I am an even more critical listener under that influence. If there is no magic, I hear it right away. This show, even the 1st set had a psychedelic edge. Wave of Hope and Cities have that magic. For sure Trey was playing Mountain Jam in Wave. Phish.net please amend. But despite the strong shrooms, the rest of the set was clearly not in Electric Ladyland territory.....like the entire 2nd set was. Honestly, you hear the extra special sauce when tripping to this 2nd set just like Electric Ladyland. It is there. The boys put it in on purpose, just like Jimi did. If you do not know what I am talking about, with respect to Electric Ladyland, you need to dose and listen to it while peaking, start to finish....and then you will know. That is what is happening with the Melt. Full on psychedelic brain orgasm. Trust me. Tested it twice now. Until you hear that while tripping....you just won't get it fully for what it is. Mountains is surreal as well. But the whole set, from start to finish flows perfectly for an acid test music listening party. Suck it up those who dissed on the More opener. It works just fine as the mental warmup for what follows. They probably needed it to get their bearings. This can happen if playing on shrooms and they seem to like a little 2nd set warmup lately. just deal with it. stop judging shows by the setlist. You guys are weak.
, attached to 2023-09-03

Review by lofus99

lofus99 It was a pretty good 1 set show. Trey was ripping it, but everything seemed close to the vest. However, I was glad to see that I am on target when I say that only certain sets from certain shows are truly psychedelic. Even on shrooms, this show was not it at all. Friday 2nd set.....psychedelic masterpiece from start to finish. tested and confirmed. That was the magic set for tripping. Saturday may have been the best show, but Friday 2nd set is the true psychedelic masterpiece that only comes along now and again. That Melt...
, attached to 1998-11-19

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Cities: Standard, played close to the vest. The Curtain: Standard. > Sample in a Jar: Has a little extra juice to it. Ginseng Sullivan: Standard. Bouncing Around the Room: Standard. Maze: Surely melted some faces. Something: Standard. Ghost: All gas no brakes. Seriously. This is straight hellfire. Trey is a juggernaut. Would definitely recommend. The last minute things mellow out with Trey playing around with the reverse reverb and Page throwing in some heavy effects. Would recommend this version. > Golgi Apparatus: SET 2: Also Sprach Zarathustra: The chorus or whatever you would call it doesn’t even start until about 7:20. Dance party USA. Above average version, very good stuff. Would recommend this version. > Rock and Roll: Plenty of reverse reverb in this one, especially at the end – it’s very mellow and spacey – pretty cool. Decent version of Rock and Roll. -> Taste: Page on a mission for his solo, crushes that baby grand. Trey destroys his section too. Monster, monster Taste. May as well be straight out of summer 97. How this is not a jamcharts version is absolutely criminal. Would highly recommend this version. Frankie Says: Standard. Gumbo: Very funky at first. And slow. From there – in the latter stages – this one gets muddy, dark, and has a certain edge to it. Then some big, crazy effects starting around 9:18 will snap you of the ether. Nice juxtaposition. Very cool Gumbo right here, way above average and bordering on great. Would recommend this version. -> Chalk Dust Torture: Ripped. Frankenstein: Standard. Been Caught Stealing: It’s less than tight to open so it takes the crowd a good while to figure out what this is. Then right before the lyrics the lightbulb goes on. ENCORE: You Enjoy Myself: Mike is loud and proud in this one. Love the theme that develops in the jam. So smooth. Very reminiscent of a fall 97 jam, the funk is very deep. Drums and bass jam is super sick too. Killer encore! Would recommend this version. Summary: Solid first set with Ghost being the obvious anchor. Very good second set, lots of fun. Taste really blew me away! I think the Phish.net rating of 3.848/5 (92 ratings) is right on the money. Replay Value: Ghost, Also Sprach Zarathustra, Taste, Gumbo, You Enjoy Myself
, attached to 1990-04-09

Review by jive1twoandlee

jive1twoandlee Spring 1990 is home to some great material, and it was also a time of development and exploration with a lot of songs, and both are very apparent with this show. Shows during this time have that old, nostalgic feeling, like being back in high school again. The early days were so sweet. The sound quality of the tape is pretty awesome considering the time, though there is a slightly annoying echo during the first half. SET I - Reba: Great starter, and has some very simple yet satisfying work from Trey. Cavern: A much slower than the version we've gotten used to, and there are some minor lyrical flubs. But, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt; they were still working on it. All things considered, it's not too bad. The Oh Kee Pah Ceremony: Standard, but always fun. AC/DC Bag: Standard Caravan: Great. Everyone is going all in, and they're all laying down milky, jazzy goodness. They really need to bring this one back. Rocky Top: Standard Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page: some fun additional lyrics, but otherwise standard Ya Mar: Page and Trey have some great moments here. "Leo on guitar" The Sloth: Unfortunate cut at the beginning, but what is available is standard :/ McGrupp: Amazing, played almost to perfection. Again, Trey and Page are the clear winners here. The ambient section is incredibly soothing, and the end crescendo is oh-so satisfying, even if Trey has some minor slips. 9/10 Dinner and a Movie: Great organ-play with Page, but overall standard Bouncing Around the Room: Standard Runaway Jim: Standard, but Page playing the end-of-verse lick a couple steps down is kinda fun David Bowie: The intro is very fun, with some Walk This Way and Runaway Jim teases. Other than that, this Bowie is kinda sloppy, even by David Bowie standards. Though, in my opinion, the kick-ass outro section justifies any bad Bowie. Set I summary: Average first set, though there are some great moments. Highlights here are Caravan and McGrupp. 6/10 SET II - Funky Bitch: N/A Esther: To be honest, it was very sloppy in some places, including a lyrical slip in the beginning (though we'll give Trey the benefit of the doubt, Esther's lyrics are like a damn novel). Everyone kinda just seems confused for most of it. Not one of the best. Uncle Pen: Standard La Grange: Above average; great energy Foam: Standard Harry Hood: Totally sweet; the intro is much slower than the version we have now, but this in particular is a very great intro segment. Page rocks the keys, and adds some really fun sounds. While a bit short, there's not a single mistake in this one, just great overall. Jesus Just Left Chicago: standard Divided Sky: PAGE. He's so good in this one. Wow. Anyway... there is a slight skip in the tape that picks up at the slow section, which is alright, because that part's sweet anyway. Trey's guitar tone at the time just completes this song, it's so gentle and soft, it just fits right in there, which can't be said for a lot of Skies in future shows. Trey beautifully nails the solo, and the boys send us into pure bliss... until the end. Trey has some issues with timing, and everyone kinda falls apart for a second, but they pull it together for the final notes. 7.5/10 Love You: Fish blows Tweezer: Early version, you can tell they aren't necessarily taking the song very seriously yet, but they're sure as hell having fun. Mike shines here for the first time in the show, he goes to town the whole time. They continue the groove for a bit, then we get into the sauce. Y'know, the scary Tweezer sauce. Trey gives us some cool riffs around the 7 minute mark. The build-up (and subsequent build-down) is fun and hectic, albeit a bit messy. And then, we get a sudden explosion of sound, and we're back to the main section. Hell yeah. Quite silly overall, but really fun. Whipping Post: Allman Brothers. Need I say more? Everyone is turned to 11 here, and is hitting the mark in all factors. Trey absolutely kills the whole time; shooting his knives of sound into our hollow, susceptible ears, and I never want it to end. And I'm sure I don't have to mention Page doing work as always, especially after the second chorus; the organ has never had a better time being played. The jam keeps getting hotter and hotter, then Trey gives a sudden, raspy roar of emotion and soul, but unfortunately this means it must come to an end. Phenomenal all around. SET II summary: An average start, but the real highlights come after Foam. Overall really fun, with some great moments. Show Summary: Page dominates this show, he is the standout talent in all of the songs. There are some great moments here, but all in all, this show isn't spectacular in any way. It's just a simple, silly time. 7/10 Replay Value: Reba, [u]Caravan[/u], [u]McGrupp[/u], Harry Hood, Tweezer, [u]Whipping Post[/u]
, attached to 1998-11-18

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Back at the Chicken Shack: Just the second time played (debuted at 10.30.98) and you can tell by the crowd reaction or the lack thereof that they are unfamiliar with it. Props to Jimmy Smith, the author of this tune. Birds of a Feather: Standard. Farmhouse: Standard. > My Soul: Standard. Guyute: Standard. Lawn Boy: Standard. Love Me: Standard. David Bowie: In the composed sections that lead up to the lyrics there is the strangest echo going on – very distracting. This Bowie gets the job done. It has good length and a solid ending. But nothing truly unique or interesting about it all the same. Carolina: They screw up in the middle and restart from the beginning. Wish I could make out the banter after the screw up, it’s all kind of muffled but sounds like they were all cracking up. Trey is laughing throughout the song. Pretty funny. From Phish.net “Carolina was restarted after Page’s miscue and ended with a choreographed stage routine. “ SET 2: Wolfman's Brother: This version boasts that deep funk that eventually evolves into an organic upbeat jam – not that cookie cutter 2017 and newer MSG bliss jam. No sir. This one takes it’s time in getting there and even at its peak it never gets too self-absorbed. Great version! -> The Lizards: Clean version. Very well done. Second and last version of fall tour not to be seen again until 7.12.99. The Moma Dance: Vanilla. > Albuquerque: Fantastic. Slave to the Traffic Light: Somehow, this seems to fly under the radar. But I am here to tell you this is an easy all timer, right up there with the very best. Inspired version, not that different from the top of the mountain 12.7.97 – no, I am not kidding. Fluffhead: The beginning of this one is all goofed up. But that is short lived, and the body of work here is fantastic. It is crushed throughout. Easy all timer. > Character Zero: Standard. ENCORE: Brian and Robert: Standard. Sleep: Standard. First time played in the encore slot. Dog Faced Boy: Standard. First and last time played in the encore slot. The Squirming Coil: Standard. Summary: Yikes, that first set is very, very boring. Just going through the motions. You would think after having two days off they would have more to offer. The second set though does it’s level best to make up for it with a strong Wolfman’s top notch versions of Slave and Fluffhead! Maybe one of the most unique encores ever – it’s like the band felt they needed to deliver a large dose of landing gear to those in attendance in the best manner possible. Really interesting show. Would rate it as a 3.5/5 – Phish.net has it as 3.767/5 (90 ratings). I wanted to score it higher but that first set its just so boring. Replay Value: Wolfman's Brother, Slave to the Traffic Light, Fluffhead
, attached to 1989-04-14

Review by stgsince88

stgsince88 This was my 4th show. I had seen my first at this same location a year and a month earlier. Many of the same songs which is not surprising as they didn't have that many songs then. I really have no opinion on the songs because I loved them all then. I had the non-descript black junta tape and had listened to it many times by now. I also had a few bootlegs as they were called even though taping was allowed. For me at this time it was about the change in scene. A year after the 88 show this band had definitely grown in Vermont. In Johnson for this show there was a large party held on railroad street (thanks Todd) It was clear many people from UVM and other colleges were in town. The excitement was palpable. The 88 show had a few hundred. There were already a few thousand in Johnson who were not getting in. The band played. They were amazing, and it is still so funny to me that I recognize the screams of people, i literally knew who was screaming. During the set break the band went to Arthurs hall, closest to the base lodge and did some ummm "stuff". You hear this when Trey calls them out, "you know who you are, we know who you are." I think the 2nd set shows that whatever they did do helped :) It's a lot more fire. Overall an amazing experience looking back 34 + yrs ago. Im still here and had this same experience at SPAC for the flood benefit as I had great seats but not as close as I had that night watching pages hammond leslie spin from 10 ft away
, attached to 1998-11-15

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: My Friend, My Friend: Good opener. Two nights in a row though that has deviated from this tour’s show opening norm of a face melting rager to begin the show. Ghost: Trey rock god clinic and then about three or so minutes of the funk with Page paving the road. I love this Ghost, always have. How it’s not a jamcharts version is beyond me. > Driver: Funny banter – Driver of Fishman’s Head, thought better of it – then Trey mutters almost under his breath Driver of Horns (Fish’s viking helmet?) - and a standard version. Scent of a Mule: Not a fan of this tune but this one I am. Great Page section, really engaging. Cavern: Standard. > Limb By Limb: Very strong, plenty of trilling. Trey and Fish just own it. Would recommend! Roggae: Standard. > La Grange: Trey showing off those chops, but something is a little off in heading back into the closing lyrics. SET 2: Runaway Jim: Great energy to open the second set, but standard as she goes. > Stash: Fish and Page are great! Other than that, not much to say. Mike's Song: Smokes, huge fan. Would recommend! > Simple: Standard. > Wading in the Velvet Sea: There is an outro jam tacked on to the end of this one that is absolutely ethereal. A must hear. Very similar to the ending of the 5.26.11 Waves soundcheck. > Loving Cup: Standard face melter. > Weekapaug Groove: Trey absolutely rips this to shreds, very impressive. Recommended. ENCORE: Rocky Top: Summary: Shortest US show of the whole year clocking in at 2:15. Very strong first set anchored by Ghost, Scent, and Limb but has great filler in there too with the rare La Grange and the only My Friend of the tour. Second set is equally as strong with the Mike’s, Wading, Weekapaug and strong bookends. Rocky Top is a given and the crowd roars it’s approval. Phish.net is way, way off on this one as the current rating is 3.62/5 (92 ratings). I love this show and have always given it the dark horse nod. I would rate it as a 4/5. Replay Value: Ghost, Scent of a Mule, Limb By Limb, Mike’s Song, Wading in the Velvet Sea, Weekapaug Groove
, attached to 1998-11-14

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Funky Bitch: Solid – first opener of the tour that I would not consider a rocking face melter. But plenty of strong energy, nonetheless. > My Soul: Standard. Reba: Solid version, definitely gets the job done. Little sloppy here and there. Bouncing Around the Room: Standard. Tweezer: Yes! Mid first set, love this placement. Right around 7:10 sounds like a Whole Lotta Love briefly from Trey. Balls to the wall rager and then a humongous peak in the late 9’s, very impressive. This settles down a good bit. In the early 12’s it almost sounds like they are angling for TMWSIY. I would recommend this version as it has a couple of nuances to it and that huge peak and that spacy 5 minute segment that defines Fall 98. It is a very good version, but not great. > The Moma Dance: Standard. > Sparkle: Standard. > Character Zero: Definitely has something a little extra to it, it is quite ripped. SET 2: David Bowie: Rock solid for sure. Like Tweezer, I would call this a very good but not a great version. It does not stray far at all from what your typical Bowie is or does. It is Type I all the way. But that said it does have all the elements you would assign to a strong version. Clean composed section, dark and patient intro to the jam and then a gradual building of tension and ramping up the jam into the trills at the end. It is a good enough version for the era, but I would not ever need to relisten to this one. Something: Very cool, thought they did a good job with this. Page is good enough on the vocals. Crowd loves it. Piper: Very short. Very standard. Golgi Apparatus: Clean version, strange placement. Guyute: Hate this placement. Hold Your Head Up > Sexual Healing > Hold Your Head Up: Funny. You Enjoy Myself: Vanilla version. Julius: Standard. Hello My Baby: As you would expect. ENCORE: So Lonely: My ears might be broken but I thought the vocals actually sounded pretty good here. Pretty cool cover and took some guts to play this for sure. > Tweezer Reprise: Standard. Summary: Pretty strong first set with a solid Reba and that very good Tweezer and some good filler on either side. Pretty long second set, 86 minutes. Phish.net has this as a 3.962/5 (130 ratings) indicating that it is well above average. This show, outside of the Tweezer, and a good Bowie and Reba, and a couple of cool covers – just doesn’t do it for me at all. Two shows in a row since Grand Rapids that just don’t cut the mustard. I will rate this – like Cleveland – as a 3.5/5. Very average Phish show. Replay Value: Tweezer
, attached to 1990-09-15

Review by thelot

thelot The levels on this audience source are a bit hot. Plus, there’s a handful of cassette generations in the lineage. Suffice to say this source leaves a lot to be desired. The Buried Alive>Sky pairing is a great way to open a show. After Paul and Silas Trey mentions that they wrote 15 new songs during their time off. Nice segue from a rippin’ Bag into The Asse Festival. Great mid set Bowie complete with an Asse Festival tease and more secret language. Solid versions of Stash and Magilla. Coil closes out set 1 for the first time. The quality degrades for the start of set 2 but improves a bit after Melt. Solid version of Melt. The debut of Eliza was up next with no introduction. Things fade out after Foam. When the recording comes back in Trey introduces Zero Red Donut Man for another rendition featuring alter ego, Michael McFishman singing Minute by Minute. lol A decent Hood follows Minute by Minute. Possum wraps up set 2 in fine fashion with more secret language. Communication Breakdown makes another appearance after a brief hiatus. Although it’s reported that it was played at a private party over the summer while the band was on break. There’s another cut after Communication Breakdown. The beginning of YEM is cut. Not sure why they chose to patch in the intro from 6/16/90? When The source switches over it’s pretty clear it’s the same source used for this show. They say good night following the vocal jam so I’m pretty confident YEM closes out this show. Fun YEM with an entertaining vocal jam.
, attached to 1998-11-13

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Chalk Dust Torture: Great energy out of the chute, yet another rocker to open the show. Standard fare for Fall 98!!! Wolfman's Brother -> Mind Left Body Jam -> Wolfman's Brother: Super slinky and funky. The MLB stuff is fantastic! Amazing in the two hole this early in the show! Roggae: Standard. Ginseng Sullivan: Mike forgets lyrics. It's Ice: Sloppy intro and the immediate stuff that leads into the ‘jam’ – some of that is suspect as well. The jam is very lengthy, dark, and evil. > Cars Trucks Buses: Standard. Farmhouse: Standard. Water in the Sky: Standard. The Sloth: Sloppy. Run Like an Antelope: What is Trey teasing in the intro? GTBT? Ramble On? I can’t place it. Anyway, very chill and mellow beginning of the jam. Patient. This version gets really strange in the 11 minute range, sounds like Trey is killing cats. Not good sounds coming out of that doc. But the trilling that comes out of that around 12:17 is sweet. Antelope's lyrics were changed to "suck the deershit from this side of the hole." As it turns out this was not a very good version, it’s just mostly off all the way around. SET 2: Down with Disease: Trey messes up the lyrics. I LOVE the space this gets into in the late 14’s. Not quite ambient but so chill and patient. Then Trey strumming that starts at about 14:53 and well beyond is very pleasing to my ears. Around 17:25 though it sounds like he is kind of running out of ideas. Someone needs to rescue him. There is no rescue to be had and they find their way back to the closing segment at 18:40. Kind of meh. The overall body of work is good enough though that I would recommend this version. > Sample in a Jar: Oof. Dirt: I love this tune, but not in this spot. No sir. Set needs much, much more. Birds of a Feather: The band sounds tired and bored. This version is very meh. The fact that this is a jamcharts version is laughable. Meat: I love loops - love them. This is basically a super mellow soundcheck jam. I don’t like this in this spot of the set based on what had come before, the set needed more. > Harry Hood: Loops continue into the Hood opener which is neat. Pretty solid Hood right here. ENCORE: Good Times Bad Times: Raucous version, they rip it big time. Summary: I remember reading that the night before the show the band was out raging it in The Flats. This is basically confirmed by Trey when before the second set he introduces Bruno and says he was late to work this morning because he got drunk partying in The Flats the previous night. I just don’t think this is a very good show. They crushed it in Grand Rapids, rolled into Cleveland and got wrecked the night before apparently and this show mostly just sounds tired/bored uninspired. The current rating of 3.828/5 (128 ratings) seems to strong. I would rate it a 3.5/5. Replay Value: Wolfman's Brother, Mind Left Body Jam, Wolfman's Brother, Down with Disease
, attached to 2021-08-01

Review by alumnibluez

alumnibluez Ok long time listener first time caller here but thought I would add my thoughts on this one because it constantly sticks out in my head as my favorite set of Phish I’ve ever witnessed. I thought the first set was mediocre at best and thought maybe I had seen enough Phish and was ok with that. I’d seen some great shows over the years. Then the second set just absolutely crushes from top to bottom. Just crushes. If I’m ever in a bad mood I just put this gem of a set on and it changes everything. It’s like riding one big giant wave that never crashes. From tweezer on it’s just peak live music and now I’m hooked again. Just absolutely incredible. Thank you Phish. I’ll never forget that hot, sweaty night in Georgia.
, attached to 1998-11-11

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Punch You in the Eye: Killer opener. Yet another Fall 98 show opening rager. This one is fast and light on it’s feet. Very well done! Gumbo: Ethereal and sublime. Easy all timer right here. Right up there with Star Lake 97 and Deer Creek 03. Gains significant momentum as it rolls along, each member an equal member of this effort. If You Need a Fool: Standard. Sleep: Song is awesome. Tela: Nice reaction from the crowd on the opening notes. Birds of a Feather: Straight ahead face melter. Theme From the Bottom: Jamcharts version. It’s fine but I don’t get where it stands out enough to gain that recognition. Julius: Trey really runs roughshod on this one, it crushes. SET 2: Halley's Comet: Rock and roll – into a bunch of funk – into more hard core rock with Trey doing his best impression of Hendrix leaning as he leans heavily on the reverse reverb. An incredible jam. Easy all timer! > Simple: Beautiful little micro jam, very delicate. Nice Trey and Mike interplay at the end. But the last ten seconds or so they just kind of get lost and don’t know what to do with Trey just kind of strumming around and then… > Walk Away: More rock and roll! > Limb By Limb: Much like that beautiful Simple jam, this sounds very, very similar in the early going. It eventually picks up speed as the entire band equally contributes. It’s the Trey show towards the end as he lets it rip. Another all timer right here. When the Circus Comes: The first break of the set. They earned this one for sure! Nice respite. Ghost: The effects to kick this one off are delicious. Huge loops. The way it should be played every time. Once this one gets going, I swear – Mike has never sounded so good. Epic. Page throwing down. Trey just crushing that cow funk, and Fishman driving the bus like a boss. So very good. The funk is so deep. Eventually this evolves into a rocking jam which peters out into very heavy effects. Outstanding version, what a way to leave the stage as the effects die down to nothing and the crowd roars their approval! ENCORE: Contact: You can hear just how much fun they were having up there. > Rocky Top: Fun as you would expect. > Funky Bitch: You can hear Trey call for one more and then they start this up. This one is fire. Trey is in all his glory. Shredsville. Summary: Really fun first set. That Gumbo is sick. Set two is just nasty as hell. Halley’s is unreal. Limb and Ghost are great too. Smoking show. I am on board with the current rating on .net of 4.533/5 (199 ratings). Replay Value: Gumbo, Halley's Comet, Limb By Limb, Ghost
, attached to 1998-07-05

Review by Marc0Esquand0las

Marc0Esquand0las This show was a lot of fun, for the band & audience. Yes there are sloppy moments, but it was all "fun sloppy." I remember dancing like the world was ending with some great people and we were all having a blast. The 2nd set was pure fire. Don't believe the couch warriors when it comes to the low rating here.
, attached to 1998-11-09

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Llama: Another Fall 98 set one smoking opener! Lots of crunchy reverse reverb here. Horn: Sloppy! I Get a Kick Out of You: Trey – “Captain Gactin (?) will now sing a song for you.” The second and last time they played this Sinatra tune. Divided Sky: Very, very long pause. Crowd is frothing at the mouth – super loud and into it. Strong version right here people. Frankie Says: Standard, couldn’t touch the Denver version. Dogs Stole Things: Standard. Poor Heart: Sounds like they are really having fun. > Free: Definitely has extra juice and groove. Would absolutely recommend this version! Very chunky and funky. NICU: Standard. Bold As Love: Rocks hard. Feels like Trey doesn’t want to leave the stage. SET 2: Bathtub Gin: This has it all. Rock, funk, ambience and groove in the middle, and then they ever so gradually build it back up to its original theme. Page sounds like a ragtime piano player on the closing. This is an all time version for sure but the reason it doesn’t get more notoriety is likely because it doesn’t have any one signature moment that folks can grab onto. Instead, it’s the entire, consistent body of work that is impressive and workmanlike. The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday: > Avenu Malkenu > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday – Mesmerizing. > The Moma Dance: Standard. > Slave to the Traffic Light: Nice version here. > You Enjoy Myself: What in the world is Trey doing during Page’s solo? Weird issue on the source from the Relisten app. Listen to Page’s solo – it has Trey overlayed over the top of the Page – his strumming part that leads up to the Note. Very strange. Funky jam. I don’t think it’s good enough to be a jamcharts version though. ENCORE: Frankenstein: Crowd goes nuts before they play this. I guess they turned the house lights on on purpose as a joke or something? This is from Marcus Pearson [email protected] “When they went off stage, the house lights came on. Everyone freaked out and started screaming, booing, and yelling. The crowd got really loud, and the lights eventually went back down. They came back on a minute later.” Anyway, typical Frankenstein, great effects. Free Bird: Trey thanks the crowd, we had a great three nights. Thanks for having us, etc. Then, What song is it you wanna hear? The crowd instantly clamors for Free Bird. Great stuff! Great encore. Summary: Solid first set but nothing that will truly grab your attention outside of Free. Gin is really, really good – but not great. Phish.net has this rated at 4.377/5 (122 ratings) which seems absurd to me. Why is it so high? It’s a good show, better than average. But, whatever. I would rate this as a 4/5. Replay Value: Free, Bathtub Gin
, attached to 1998-11-08

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround Taste: Very consistent Page solo with a nice, gradual build that he creates. Trey crushes his solo, it’s fantastic and a must hear. But what holds this one back from the very best like so many from 97 and 03 would be the ending is mess. But cool way to open the show and we are off and running. Carini: First ever naked dude lyrics due to the naked dude in Madison a couple of nights ago. Other than that, this about as vanilla a version as you will find. Love Me: Standard. Ride Captain Ride: Opening notes attract a roar from the crowd as this was the next version played after the huge bust out at Deer Creek from 3 months earlier. Fee: Nice jam following the composed song. Paul and Silas: Standard. Roggae: Standard. Water in the Sky: Standard. Stash: This gets dissonant at 8:50. Lots of tension building! Crowd roar at 10:20 in appreciation of all this. Return to normal theme at 10:50. Big, big peak at 13:03. Really like this Stash and would recommend – plenty of relistening value! Cavern: Standard. SET 2: Chalk Dust Torture: Standard. Meat: Oof. > Rock and Roll: Standard. > Down with Disease: Tons of reverse reverb in this one. Trey plays hardcore rock God on this one. This one is ALL Trey. Smoked. 4 minute chill ambient jam tacked on to the end. Would recommend this version, I am definitely a fan. > Piper: Standard. > Wading in the Velvet Sea: More mellow than usual. Run Like an Antelope: White hot, Trey rock god stuff. Just absolutely smoked! Would recommend for sure! ENCORE: Been Caught Stealing: Great encore! Summary: First set has a great opener, then a bunch of meh, and a strong, late second set Stash. Second set does not really have much in the way of exploration but if you are into Trey led smoke shows, then you should check DWD and Antelope. They blitzkrieg’s. I think the current rating of .net suits this show: 3.86/5 (100 ratings) Replay Value: Taste, Stash, Down with Disease, Run Like an Antelope
, attached to 1998-11-04

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Buried Alive: Great opener! > Character Zero: Awesome placement, love this here. The arena is rocking. Guyute: It’s fine. > Bathtub Gin: Very solid jam! Would not necessarily recommend but it holds its own here mid first set. > Ya Mar: It’s a jam charts version. Not sure why honestly. Lots of wood blocks in play which was cool. Birds of a Feather: Standard. Brian and Robert: Standard. Frankie Says: Sick as hell. Not sure there was a better one until Miami 03. This one gets out there big time. 98 ambience and loops for the WIN. Loved this. -> David Bowie: Nice! Very solid version although Trey struggles a bit with the ending for a moment. SET 2: Runaway Jim: Very solid jam. But would not go out of my way to revisit this one. It is a very nice opener. > The Moma Dance: Standard. > Piper: All timer. I love this version. I have attendance bias but this one has the goods. Ferocious through 12 or so and then great ambience with loops. Thought we were headed for the moon at this point. -> Also Sprach Zarathustra: I loved hearing this ring out but there isn’t much to grab on to here… > Chalk Dust Torture: What? Very strange placement. Was scratching my head. Loving Cup: Wow, ok. Guess they had a hot dates lined up for the bus or the clinic. ENCORE: The Squirming Coil: Standard. Summary: Very solid first set. With that Jim and Piper in the first quarter of the second set, I was hoping they were gunning to try and revisit the heights of the previous years shows at this venue. It was not to be. Very, very average show. I was a new resident of Denver and very broke, so I was lucky to attend this show in the Coors Suite (raged it hard). But waking up Tuesday morning and seeing the Utah setlist broke my heart. Would rate this as a 3.5/5. Extremely average show. Replay Value: Frankie Says, Piper.
, attached to 1998-11-02

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Tube: Has everything you would except out of an easy all timer: The funk, ambience, ferocious and driving jam – it’s incredible. I absolutely adore the big, ol’ loops that are such an important piece of any good Tube jam. Wish they still played a part in tunes these days other than when you occasionally here them in First Tube or Gotta Jibboo. Killer segue into… -> Drowned: What an opening to this show, wow!!! This Drowned is absolutely fantastic. Again, like Tube, it incorporates all the elements of this era that made it so great. I love the droning aspect that is prominent to open this jam and it eventually evolves into intense rock and roll. Then with three minutes to go you get some big, nasty effects and then a very spacy and ambient thing, and we get another awesome segue into… -> Jesus Just Left Chicago: Awesome. Page has a great solo. Driver: Nice banter RE: Dead Goat Saloon Bittersweet Motel: More fun banter about the experience at the bar. Limb By Limb: I LOVE how ambient and sparse this one gets. So quiet and patient. There is absolutely no peak to speak of so this one will never get much press. But it exemplifies what this era was about. Wading in the Velvet Sea: Oof. Love this tune. But the set needed more at this point. > Sample in a Jar: Oof. The set started so strong but ended so poorly. SET 2: Down with Disease: Type I face melter. The Mango Song: Interesting placement! > The Moma Dance: Standard. You Enjoy Myself: Pre Nirvana section is exceptionally heady. Super spacey complete with loops. Doesn’t get any cooler than this!!! Other than that this is an average YEM. Harpua: Very funny and reveals what many had wondered about – Vegas was too ‘overwhelming’ > Speak to Me[3] -> Breathe[3] > On The Run[3], Time[3] > The Great Gig in the Sky > Money[3] > Us and Them[3] -> Any Colour You Like[3] -> Brain Damage[3] -> Eclipse[3] > WOW. Incredible. What a band! I had just moved to Denver two months ago and recently graduated from college. I badly wanted to go to Vegas > SLC > Denver but was flat broke. When I saw the setlist the next I thought I would die, what a cruel joke. Snooze you loose! Harpua: Triumphant return. ENCORE: Smells Like Teen Spirit: Sloppy as hell. Didn’t matter. Summary: An all timer. The ultimate snooze you loose show. Such an odd turn of events with what happened during set III of Halloween and then this. That they learned how to play this album the day of the show is mind blowing. Tube is a must hear, easy all timer – same with Drowned. By the way, Drowned isn’t a charted version? What???? Replay Value: Tube, Drowned.
, attached to 2023-09-18

Review by miTfan3

miTfan3 My life took a turn in 2023 when, after several years of apprehension, I started listening to Phish. Just before the pandemic, the Grateful Dead entered my life and I spent several years taking the headfirst dive. After immersing myself in their culture and experiencing the blowout of Dead and Co’s Final Tour, I was ready to embrace something new, and Phish instantly came forward. Within that very same week, Trey announced he was bringing Classic TAB to my favorite hometown venue. A small 1500-seat venue with ornate designs I had seen many shows in over the years, but never a name as big as Trey Anastasio. By the time the night finally arrived, I got fully into the world of Phish and was extremely looking forward to seeing Trey play in front of me. Monday night and the line was around the block before doors opened. The place was absolutely packed by showtime. I got my favorite spot behind the elevated rail behind the soundboard. Practically standing eye-to-eye with Trey as he and Classic TAB tore into his solo material and a healthy smattering of Phish jams. They might not go Type 2 in this lineup, but they know how to groove real hard and Trey was up there clearly having a blast playing to a small room. Something I imagine has become somewhat rare for him. Some of the best guitar playing I’ve ever seen in person. They took the jams tonight to some staggering heights and cathartic releases. This four-piece arrangement on one hand had a “back to basics” feel, but at no point felt simplified. They dug deep and gave Richmond one of the best shows we’ve had in ages, and we’re lucky enough to get some pretty great shows in town or nearby. I feel extremely grateful to have made this show and have this experience. My first time seeing Trey perform and I know it won’t be the last. See you next year at my first Phish shows!
, attached to 2023-09-03

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround Sigma Oasis: Pretty much a standard version > Down with Disease: Run of the mill jam and the re-entry into the ending is trainwreck city. Oof city. The Moma Dance: Ugh. So greatest hits is what this show is going to be? > Kill Devil Falls: This is gonna be different. Um, no it won’t. Standard… Free: Standard > Everything's Right: Solid jam! Would not revisit but would have been great fun to get down to. Roggae: Nice held note, Trey. > The Wedge: Great placement – just played at SPAC in a similar placement Gumbo: Standard. > Also Sprach Zarathustra: Solid, enjoyed listening to this. But they kind of all sound the same unless they *really* take it for a ride. Hope this makes sense? > Fuego: Pretty decent jam but seems to end kind of abruptly and then segues into > Runaway Jim: Felt very, very rushed. > Twist: The definition of cookie cutter. About to Run: Standard. Harry Hood: Was going ok but then they just rush through the ending, like someone had the runs and had to book of stage but that wasn’t the case as they went on to go into > More: UGH. Wow. ENCORE: First Tube: Same as the last one played and same as the next one they will play. > Tweezer Reprise: See notes for First Tube. Summary: Circumstances were not ideal. But why play a generic festival set? This show is almost as long as Thursday night. So why not jam it the hell out? Seems like such a swing and a miss. I would rate this as a 2.7/5. There is nothing here to grab on to. Replay Value: None.
, attached to 1994-11-12

Review by play_it_leo89

play_it_leo89 The highlights of this show have been duly noted, and rightfully so. But overlook the acoustic mini-set at your own peril! To do so is to ignore an important part of the transformation and growth of the band amidst one of the most important eras in their history. Yes, it breaks up the flow of the second set - an inexcusable act in the eyes of some - but as a very different sort of "breather" (different compared to what they're doing these 4.0 days, anyway; it certainly wasn't different in fall of '94), it's a wonderful look into what makes them tick, what inspires them, what makes them truly joyful - and as a fan, I always appreciate getting to see that. Also, listening to these songs it's astounding how impressive their musicianship really is, attempting different arrangements, different styles and in some cases different instruments than they're more used to. Viva l'acoustic mini-set! Viva la bluegrass!
, attached to 2021-10-29

Review by play_it_leo89

play_it_leo89 Such an interesting show; that second set just smokes! Not quite a Tweezer-fest, but a nice theme felt throughout. I'm ALWAYS happy to hear Walk Away - it's strange, too, because I like the song enough by the James Gang, but by Phish it's one of my favorite covers they do. And it's not even like they do it all that differently. But man, there's SO MUCH energy. I'm glad it's as much a regular as it's become. Also, listen close for Trey's count-off to Sand: "One, two, [i]motherfuckin'[/i] three..." Dude came to PLAY!
, attached to 2023-09-02

Review by spreaditround

spreaditround SET 1: Fluffhead: Exceptional time II jam. Easy all timer. Truly inspirational and wow – what a statement to open up Saturday night’s show. It’s ON! My Soul: Trey melts some faces. Cavern: Intro sounds odd. > Reba: Seemed it was played kind of fast. Wish Trey’s tone wasn’t quite so shrill and sort of thin sounding otherwise this would have been great. Mound: LOL, train wreck city. “We're talking about practice. Not a game; not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it's my last, not the game, we're talking about practice, man.” > A Wave of Hope: Played close to the vest – but that’s fine – it rocked. > Taste: Pretty decent version right here! The very ending Trey kind of struggles with but no big deal. > Ghost: Type I face melter. Interesting placement – very cool! SET 2: AC/DC Bag: Pretty cool jam here. Nice, aggressive, and intentional. It is very cool to see jams coming out of this tune! -> Chalk Dust Torture: No let up in the energy with this in the two slot. Let’s go!! Pretty mellow jam here. It seems that this may have been practiced as it seemed to seamlessly peter out and went into the next tune rather perfectly. > Ether Edge: Yuck, terrible. Slick segue though into… -> 46 Days: Heavy effects drive a chunky, funky jam. I appreciate the band thinking outside of the box on this one. Cool stuff would recommend! > The Howling: Such a lazy tune. But this one actually has a nice jam to it. > Piper: Another bliss jam. ENCORE: Theme From the Bottom: They continue to play around with the composed section. I love it! 28 years after it debuted, and it is still open to being tweaked pretty cool. > The Mango Song: Cool in the encore slot! Don't Doubt Me: Now things are getting interesting. Is this turning into a third set? > Evolve: Yep, a third set. But this song is still lol. Golgi Apparatus: Little bit loose but whatever. > Run Like an Antelope: Standard as she goes. But the effort and energy of this encore is very telling. Way to go Phish! Summary: Strong and fun first set. Second set ok. Crazy encore feels – tacked on. C’mon, you know it’s true. If you were there, you were all like – best ever. But then the drugs wore off. This is a good show with honestly just one major highlight (Fluff) and then a couple of good jams and then basically a third set. You know this to be true. Search your feelings. 3.9/5 Replay Value: Fluffhead, AC/DC Bag, 46 Days,
, attached to 1994-11-02

Review by Icculus

Icculus [u] [b] Posted to Rec Music Phish in November 1994[/b][/u] [b]11/2/94 Bangor Municipal Aud., Bangor, ME[/b] If you went to this show, you may have seen my friend walking around outside with a GIANT sign that read "Drove From Arizona Have Cash and Halloween Tapes for your Extras" etc. Anyway, I went to Halloween and Bangor with him. We were horrified to find out that Bangor was sold out, since weeks ago we had the option of getting tickets. In desperation mode, Dead (his nickname) whipped up these signs and proceeded to gather three tickets for himself and two of our Maine friends. I said I would find a ticket myself, since I had enough Phish on tape and had seen them enough times that I wouldn't be too unhappy to miss Bangor.. I got a ticket finally, from dreadlocked Jeff Drudge, and made it in during the Maze jam in the first set. If anyone knows Jeff Drudge, from Ohio, please be in touch. Setlist Note: fish was on ukelele, not washboard, for MOHP and Foreplay/Long Time. (Mike on banjo, page on standup bass, and trey on classical guitar) I missed the Suzy, Foam, and If I Could, but heard that they were good but nothing to write home about. The Maze jam that I caught was strong but not awe-inspiring (for those who have seen and heard it done well before). Guyute and Stash were also nothing to speak of. Especially Stash. I was hoping they would do more with it.. not tonight. The Scent of a Mule was the most incredible one I have heard up till now. Just ridiculous. You have to hear it. I couldn't believe it. They were really, really screwing around on it. Very, very long, too. The WMGGW was sick, just like at Halloween.. a great set closer!! Halley's Comet was great to hear.. my first one! I was leaping up and down with glee.. most of the people around me didn't get it (in fact, most of the people THERE didn't get IT.. I thought the bangor crowd was worse than charlottesville and INSERTCOLLEGECROWDHERE crowds combined.. clueless people galore, lots of moshing and people getting carried over others' heads on the floor, even during Lizards.. it was a god damn embarrassment, and you could tell that Mike was not pleased.. oh well, guess I'm too old..). The Tweezer was over thirty minutes long and was the longest, weirdest, and most peculiar Tweezer I have ever heard so far. If you like Bomb Factory, you will love this one.. lots of weird chaotic mayhem in this Tweezer that i couldn't relate to. It was still incredible... an experience! [See "A Live One".] I liked it much more than any other tweezer ive heard this year, including Bomb Factory. Mango was great as always, and Possum and Lizards were fine, just not impressive. I won't comment on Axilla and Sample, which the masses ate up, and which were played just like they are always played. The encores were great.. really like MOHP.. the Tweezer Reprise was typical (which surprised me since the Tweezer sure as hell wasn't). It was nothing like the extended Tweezer Reprise we got at Charlottesville. I really enjoyed this show, and recommend you veterans check out the Scent and the Tweezer, which were just exceptional versions. Everything else was pretty standard... don't get me wrong folks, I love phish, but when you have seen them a certain number of times and have waaaay to much stuff on tape, you reach a certain point were you have got to make calculated decisions about what tapes/versions to hear and what not to hear. Peace charlie
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