Listened to this show at the suggestion of the Undermine podcast. After listening to some of the even earlier Phish (first show in '83, 10/15/86, 10/31/86), I can definitely see how this show serves as an exemplary sample of the invention Phish was going through in '87. Relics of the pre-Junta band--such as the disassembled pieces of Fluff's Travels, the original intro to AC/DC Bag, and since-abandoned covers like Swing Low Sweet Chariot--mix well with the elements that would become commonplace and definitive for Phish through the late 80s and beyond--among them a Mike's->Hydrogen, sung lyrics to McGrupp, and most importantly improvisational jams that are simultaneously exploratory and directed. With Page fitting more comfortably into the band and Trey employing a playstyle more distinct from that of his predecessors (10/15/86 sounds especially Garcia-inspired), these August '87 shows really pinpoint a formative moment in the band's career and identity.

The .net jam charts pick out most of the same highlights that I might: berserk Sneakin' Sally VJ, blissfully serene Makisupa solo, epically grand Curtain With jam, and must-hear David Bowie->JJLC foreshadows the mega-jam vehicle role the former tune would take on throughout 1.0 and beyond. I also found it interesting to hear some of the earlier versions of tunes like Suzy Greenberg, BBFCFM (which I admittedly liked considerably better than later, crazier performances), and Divided Sky. Definitely recommend taking a listen to this show if you're interested in some of the band's roots.