Mr. Miner's Phish Thoughts

Tune in to Sirius XM’s Jam On TONIGHT at 9 pm eastern as I guest host a 90 minute show looking back at the New Years Run at MSG!

 

 

All selections and text by Jeff D’Alonzo

A disclaimer. I love trey and i love jams that exude emotion. Tried to do a combo of relatively unknowns and monsters, but thanks to Miner and this ridiculous community, there aren’t really any unknowns.

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“Carini” 2.17.97 II, Amsterdam, NL

Thank the dude who remastered this show. It’s my belief that this show changed the game. The winter Europe tour started off strong, new style being developed and whatnot. The night prior, 2.16.97 took it a little further. However, this show, specifically this “Carini,” is where it went down. Coming out of the gate dirty, the band connected and went straight into that funky psychedelic vibe that is everywhere in ’97. There is really solid playing by everyone throughout the jam, but what makes it, is the ending. The last 4 minutes is the blissiest piece of bliss every made. Utter beauty and flowing with a peak that is the definition of gorgeous. I just blissed my pants.

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“Antelope” 5.16.94 II, Los Angeles, CA

Pretty sure the only people that knew about this one, were the people at the show until this set popped up on etree, i guess 4 or 5 years ago, it was the last missing link to my 1994 collection. Lo and behold I saw a 20 minute “Antelope.” Popped it on and the rest is history. The jam after the “BBFCFM” nonsense is one the most beautiful pieces of Phish music ever made. Trey leads a melodic build up that makes me shiver with emotion. Not really sure how to explain it, heart wrenching glory I guess.

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“Ghost” 6.15.00 I, Osaka, JP

I went through a month phase where I listened to this “Ghost” three times a day. Perfect driving music. Fishman is a god here and Trey follows his lead all the way through. Two jams, both brilliant, leading to a groove laced peak towards the end. Kids were lucky to be in Japan for this one.

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“Bathtub Gin” 2.14.03 I, Los Angeles, CA

A personal favorite of mine. The only song on my list that i was present for. It seems like tour openers always have a big jam. The “Gin” is it. The whole winter tour was laced with huge “Gins.” But i like this version the best. Trey is a monster during this one. Funky, dirty, grooving, crushing. Pick whatever adjective, maybe Miner can help me. This jam is just amazing. Throw down city.

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“Bathtub Gin” 9.12.99 I, Portland, OR

When I discovered this jam randomly back in the day, I was floored. Hadn’t really read about it anywhere or heard any mention, prolly overshadowed by the “Ghost” from the same show. But this jam rules. It’s a perfect summer show jam, sunset, all that jazz. As my buddy Shin likes to say, a straight candy raver. It’s just a really bouncy and happy version with a beautiful groove.

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“Tweezer” 6.9.00 II, Tokyo, JP

Japan 2000 is arguably their best “jams” tour. So many heavy hitters. This one is probably the biggest. This “Tweezer” starts off cool, really laid back and patient. Gets a tad lost in the middle but then around the 18:00 mark,
everything in the world makes sense. So patient, all four of them finding their way. Both dirty and pristine, this ending jam is one for the ages, complete perfection.

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“Mike’s Song” 11.7.98 I, Chicago, IL

My favorite “Mike’s” ever. First jam is solid, well played and energetic. Then comes jam two, an absolute blissful beast. I love every kind of Phish, acidy experimentation, deep swamp funk, methjazz, etc. I love it all. But what really gets me is the bliss. And the second mikes jam from UIC is one of the blissiest. And also being a complete Trey whore, i love it, and this jam has IT.

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“Ghost” 7.12.03 II, George, WA

Post hiatus fire. Trey tone is in full effect. Another grooving shred fest, starts off really smooth and elegant. 10:50 mark on is why I go to shows. One of those moments when all you can do is smile at the fact that you got to listen to the greatest band on the planet do their thing.

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“AC/DC Bag” 11.7.98 II, Chicago, IL

Everyone knows this one but I don’t care. ’98 is prolly their best year all around, imo. The ambient shit brought things to a whole other level. This monster has complete experimental psychedelic ambiance all over the place. Whatever that means. I don’t condone drug use, but if you decide to indulge, put this on and listen to the whole thing.

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“Mike’s Song” 11.21.95 II, Winston-Salem, NC

My friend Cheryl turned me on to the jam a couple years ago. Not the best “Mike’s,” but a personal favorite. First jam is typical ’95, rocking, Page and Fish owning. But again, the second jam is what i crave. It starts off spotty and confused but towards the end turns into another bliss fed gem. Trey takes control and plays a slow melody that cuts to my core. Beauty.

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All selections and text by Poster Nutbag from Online Phish Tour

“Curtain With” 5.24.88 I, Burlington, VT

One of my favorite ’80s tapes. Had this show mislabeled as 5/25/88, but that seems inconsequential right now. This jam shows what Phish could do at a very early age. I always like listening to this stuff because you can just hear how good they will be. Other noteworthy items to check out in this show are “Whipping Post” (absolutely shreds) and “Ya Mar” with Jah Roy for some reggae stylings.

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“Rift” 2.25.90 I, Baltimore, MD

I wanted to put this on here for those who haven’t heard it yet. As sad as I was to see the “With” leave “Curtain” from 1988-2000, I’m glad the music found a home in “Rift,” as I cannot imagine “Rift” being played in this form. The one part I do wish they had kept was the line “And so fell the weight I never can lift/Behind us the darkness between us the rift”.

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“Landlady > Destiny” 4.11.91 II, Northfield, MN

The classic 1-2 punch of “Landlady > Destiny” executed to perfection here. This is from the same show that features the “Prison Joke.” This show is your average/great show from 1991 and this “Landlady > Destiny” exemplifies how tight the band was back then, a few minor flubs in “Landlady” notwithstanding. I’d also love to hear another standalone “Landlady” (i.e. not in PYITE), but that’s about as likely as me seeing “Peaches” (still chasing that one).

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“Run Like an Antelope” 11.19.92 I, Colchester, VT

This show was released by the band as the Haiti earthquake benefit and features really fierce playing throughout, but no moment more fierce than at the 4:24 point in Antelope where Trey releases what I think might be the most perfect guitar lick he has ever played. I also love the “Those Were the Days” teases sprinkled throughout, especially the one preceding “rye, rye, rocco.” Just turn it up and listen…

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“Mike’s > Leprechaun > Weekapaug” 7.17.93 II, Vienna, VA

Digging deep yet again, this sequence is quintessential 1993 Phish. 1993 is one of my top 3 favorite years of the band, falling behind 1997 and constantly changing places with 1995. We all know about August 1993 and most of us know about the Roxy run in February and the May shows (thanks to the releases of 5/3/93 and 5/8/93), but the July shows which led up to the August shows get lost in the mix. July doesn’t really have the moments of pure insanity that August does, but it has some truly excellent moments of its own like the one above. “Leprechaun” makes a worthy replacement for “Hydrogen here,” and I would certainly be game to see this song make an appearance once again.

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“Slave to the Traffic Light” 12.31.94 II, Boston, MA

A monumental “Slave” to close out a monumental year. All New Year’s shows should end like this.

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“David Bowie” 6.19.95 II, Noblesville, IN

This may be my favorite “Bowie” of all time. The jam is typical for Summer ‘95: dark, meandering yet focused, visiting different themes, and incredible peaks. This “Bowie” does all of that. For one, listen to the theme that Trey establishes at the beginning of the jam, then listen to how he brings it back at various times (the same should be noted for the “Reba” in ths show too). That is the kind of stuff only Trey, and the band for that matter, can do and its one of the reasons why Phish is such a special band. I also like the use of effects Trey uses as the jam gets going. Very unique and I can’t say that I have heard them before or since.

Summer 1995 is such a pivotal point in the band’s history. I think today we tend to forget the impact the death of Jerry Garcia had on Phish. Just to refresh everyone’s memory, in the summer of ‘95 the Grateful Dead were imploding and Jerry was not much longer for this world, while at the same time Phish was approaching an apex of sorts. The death of Garica couldn’t have come at a better (or worse) time for the band. It gave the emerging Phisheads who were splitting their time between the Grateful Dead and Phish the ability to focus 100% on Phish and gave all the fence-sitters a place to go. It was a coincidence that this influx of interest came at the precise moment when the band was fully realizing their powers, which brings us to…

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“Simple > Sparks” 11.29.96 II, Daly City, CA

1996 has been discussed at length, both here and elsewhere. 1996 was a transitional year, both for the music, the band, and the fanbase. Fall 1996 generally isn’t the strongest tour ever but there are many gems in there waiting to be found. This “Simple > Sparks” is one of those. It should be noted that to fully appreciate this sequence, you should listen to the “Wilson” that precedes the “Simple” and the “Sparkle” that follows the “Sparks,” but in order to highlight the meat of this sandwich I chose this segment to highlight.

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“Buried Alive > Disease > Makisupa > Chalk Dust” 12.2.97 I, Philly, PA

Anyone who knows me knows that I sing the praises of this show to anyone who will listen. Overlooked because of the preceding shows (the three night Worcester run) and the show that followed it (12/3/97 with its huge jams), 12/2/97 might be the most consistent show of Fall ‘97. Most people know the “Mike’s Groove” from this show (and if you don’t, you should) which I think is better than Hampton (flame away if you must), but this opening sequence really kicks things off in style. Phish really needs to find an indoor home in Philly now that the Spectrum is gone. Nothing could ever beat a show in the Spectrum.

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“Free” 7.31.98 II, Columbus, OH

My chronological journey through 1.0 is coming to an end a bit early (sorry 1999 and 2000. Had I not been limited to 10 picks, for 1999 I would have chosen the encore from 10/7/99 because it’s so weird or the “Bowie > Have Mercy > Turd Sandwich > HYHU > Cracklin’ Rosie” because even when Phish screws up they can still run with it, and for 2000 the 9/9/00 “MFMF > Gumbo > Maze” for the silky smooth groove of Phish 2000) , so I thought I’d highlight this “Free” from one of my favorite sets from the summer of 1998. This “Free” exemplifies how “Free” should be played. Out of all the songs Phish has played in 3.0, I think I am disappointed in the drop off in quality of “Free” the most. The way they play it now just doesn’t do it for me, but fortunately we have a record of “Free” in all its glory to listen to whenever we are in the mood.

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Bonus Pick: “Stand! > Izabella” 6.13.97 E, Dublin IR

Sick encore from a forgotten tour. First time played for both. Would have loved to see “Stand!” make it into the regular rotation in 1997. For another awesome version of “Stand!” check out the side project Trey and Mike played in called “New York” where they also do a cool cover of the La’s “Timeless Melody”.

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All picks and text by Nathan Colblentz

Here’s my ten. I’ve tried to include personal favorites that I haven’t heard much mention of from other fans.

“Divided Sky“ 11.19.92 I, Colchester, VT

Never has a TV theme sounded so heartwarming – Trey’s ‘Those Were The Days’ moment just before the ‘lullaby’ segment puts this “Divided” in ‘best ever’ territory, right up there with 6-18-94 and the like.

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“You Enjoy Myself“ 8.28.1993 II, Berkeley, CA

This might just be the perfect underdog of a “YEM.”  Oh to be on Page Side / Rage Side during this full-blown “Oye Como Va” tease.  There are hundreds of rediculous “YEMs” from those early years, but this one just hits me just the right way. 14:40-15:10 sounds like the sky is falling. Everyone has their favorite “YEM,” this one is mine.

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“Wolfman’s Brother -> Magilla“ 7.21.97 II,  Virginia Beach, VA

On the heels of Phish’s game changing Europe tour, this might just be the funkiest tour opening set ever, and the drop into “Magilla” is uber-smooth and a surprise for everyone. The only other appearance of “Magilla” in 97 was in France just a few days earlier, one of many phish standards to be reinterpreted for Phish’s new sound. While the French reading oozes like molasses, this one chugs along at a “Wolfman’s” tempo with some snazzy jazz comping from Page and Trey. As far as I know there hasn’t been another “Magilla” quite like this one, before or since.

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“Tube > Drowned“ 11.2.98 I, West Valley City, UT

This is my absolute favorite “Tube” and easily makes my top 5 list. The overpowering, raging psychedelia of the second “Tube” jam carries perfectly into “Drowned,” making this easily the musical highlight of a show that also happens to contain the famed Dark Side set.

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“Down with Disease“ 7.7.99 II, Charlotte, NC

While I’d be less likely to remember this performance if this wasn’t my first show and my first time hearing this song, this succint, 11 minute scorcher of a “Disease” takes no prisoners. Trey is a god here. “The My Left Toe” cool down that follows is nice too.

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“My Left Toe -> Prince Caspian“ 7.21.99 II, Burgettstown, PA

While we’re on the subject of toes, this is the biggest and probably the best one. Fire this up and enjoy a full-service audio brain massage. About 12 minutes in it morphs into something entirely different – a billsful, watery I > IV jam over the same 6/8 Left Toe groove, which then drops beautifully into “Caspian.”

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“Stash“ 12.31.03 II, Miami, FL

One of the more original “Stash” jams you’ll hear, this version has everything. Words don’t quite do it justice so I won’t try. Just don’t forget to bring a towel and a pair of quality headphones.

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“Boogie On Reggae Woman“ 8.2.09 II, Morrison, CO

Clocking in at 18 minutes—nearly unheard of for this era—this “Boogie On” deserves another listen. Nearing the 10:30 mark, it starts to lose its bouncy “Boogie” flavor and takes on more of a ‘Oye-Ghost-Va’ feel.  It is all too easy for Phish to fall into grooves like this, but coming from “Boogie On” it sounds pretty damn cool. An easy highlight from a time when Phish was just starting to find their groove again.

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“Backwards Down the Number Line“ 6.12.11 II, Columbia, MD

Trey seems much more stoked to be playing this song than the “Harry Hood” that precedes it. This song has its haters, but they really should hear this one.

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“Run Like an Antelope“ 6.24.94 II, Indianapolis, IN

This “Antelope” is indispensable to any list of “Antelopes” worth their salt. The massive “Disease” jam sandwiched in the middle of this already scorching jam is what puts this one over the top.

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 All selections and text by Dustin Lewis

“Gumbo -> Sanity” 8.15.98 II, Limestone, ME

A groovy piece from Lemonwheel that perfectly illustrates Phish’s Summer ’98 sound. Tight (but loose), focused and funky. This is one of the truly great (yet somewhat forgotten) segues.

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“Halley’s -> Roses” 7.13.99 I, Mansfield, MA

How I miss first set jamming like this pairing. This combo comes in the first frame of the (possibly) last great show at Great Woods. Several other readers picks have mentioned that late ’90′s Halley’s represents an “effortless” type sound. This piece, which somehow merges groove with more abstract soundscapes, sounds as effortless as it gets.

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“Split Open and Melt” 12.4.99 II, Cincinnati, OH

With Big Cypress around the corner, Phish was plugging away at the sound that would take them from midnight to sunrise. Trey switches from effect-laden sustains, to the Mini-Keys, and then back to a raging guitar finish in what was one of my all-time favorite indoor dance sessions on a cold night in Cincy.

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“Mike’s Song” 12.30.93 II, Portland, ME

I can’t leave out the early ’90s entirely! My favorite “Mike’s” of all-time rages from start to finish. Trey’s ripping dark leads gradually morph into bright, blissful glory. PLEASE BRING BACK THE SECON…….ok, I know, it’s been asked enough at this point.

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“Free” 7.31.98 II, Columbus, OH

Not your father’s version of “Free.” Trey ditches the guitar god soloing in favor of soupy Summer ’98 funk. A stellar version that, again, makes you yearn for the days when “Free” was free to run wild.

[audio:]http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph98-07-31d2t02.mp3]

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“Theme -> Dog Log” 9.17.00 II, Columbia, MD

Another reader recently highlighted the “Mango Song” from this spectacular night at Merriweather. This set was one of the most unique of all time and carried a distinctly dark vibe throughout. This “Theme->Dog Log” is really one piece and you can’t help nodding your head back and forth to those distinctly ’00 grooves. Mr. Gordon owns this one.

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“Tweezer” 6.18.94 II, Chicago, IL

This is one of my Top-3 “Tweezers.” The aggressive, ”in your face” ’94  grooves explode out of the speakers for the first act. After a bit of meandering, Page comes in with a Mind Left Body progression that Trey jumps on like a man possessed. The peak of this jam could only come from those four musicians, in the year 1994.

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“Down with Disease” 2.21.03 I, Cincinnati, OH

Another choice from Cincy, but a completely different time. It is jarring just how different the band sounds when comparing Cincy ’99 to Cincy ’03. This piece, taken just about 10 shows into 2.0, captures the band getting to know each other musically again. Though it would take until the summer for the band to really hit the gas full speed on a night to night basis, it was fascinating watching the rust gradually come off the car.

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“Roggae” 8.5.11 I, George, Washington

I know that most people have probably heard this one, but I just can’t leave out the obvious highlight from my first set at the Gorge. Walking up and over that precipice to see the wonder that is the Gorge was one of the true highlights of my life. If you have never been, please go. It is a truly special place. This bluesy rendition of “Roggae” brought the sun down with style…

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“Mercenary Territory“ 10.31.10 II, Atlantic City, NJ

Though “Spanish Moon” seems to be the consensus highlight from the Columbus set, “Mercenary Territory” was my favorite. The full-band peak, including the horns, must have taken hours and hours to get down (though they still didn’t totally nail it.) If you’ve never heard the original Columbus, give it a spin….”Mercenary” is the real highlight.

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All selections text and by Wilson Walker.

“Makisupa Policeman > Maze” 11.19.95 I, Charlotte, NC

The old Hive was a special place for a lot of reasons. That cavernous room – with great curves – made every band that played the joint sound a little bigger – and boomier. As for the evolution of our favorite law enforcement officer, I’ve always preferred the older, lazier, loping reggae stylings of a ’94/’95ish Makisupa to the modern, peppier versions. I mean, is it a comedy piece now?  Also, who could argue with the vintage “Maki > Maze” pairing? As an opener, those two always went together like good wine and good cheese.

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“Ghost” 7.31.97 I, Mountain View, CA

The Shoreline ’97 show is understandably overshadowed by the previous night (“Bowie > Cities > Bowie”), but there were plenty of great nuggets in this one. The whole evening had a nice, laid back feel, and it all started with the band’s newest centerpiece. Remember the first time you heard Trey tell you the Story of the Ghost? Remember what “Ghost” sounded like that summer?

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“Rhinoceros > Halley’s” 8.3.98 I, Noblesville, IN

What, on paper, looks like a total bizarro cover instantly turns to gold, followed by a jammed-out “Halley’s” to begin a strangely compelling first set. This was one of those weird nights in ye olde corn fields, just look at the setlist. The show, as a whole, wasn’t exactly stellar, but the opening sequence was certainly some high-caliber Creek. Anyone else feel like a lot of the Creek nights kind of bleed together?

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“Moma Dance” 8.9.98 I, Virginia Beach, VA

“Terrapin Station?” Of course. The “Bag?” Oh yeah. The “Gin?” Blistering. That said, I think truly great Phish shows are built around more than just the big-ticket items. Great shows happen when those unforgettable big-ticket items are held together by some very important and often overlooked glue. That glue is when the band nails the small stuff. “Moma” never sounded any better.

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“Slave, Fluffhead, Character Zero” 11.18.98 II, Greenville, SC

Like many of you, I was stunned – STUNNED – when Phish released Hampton ’98 – as opposed to ’97. Even more baffling to me was that they would release two shows I found rather uninspired, when just a few nights prior they unleashed an absolute monster. The Bi-Lo Center is the only show I’ve seen that I think was a certifiable masterpiece – while no one else seems to regard it as such. Give the 2nd set finale a good loud spin. It packs the best versions of “Slave,” “Fluff” &” Zero” I’ve seen, all lined up in one scorching fastball. It still blows my mind every time I hear it.

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“2001” 7.7.99 II, Charlotte, NC

Well kids, this is about the time the dark vibes started creeping into our little funhouse. The scene in the parking lot this night veered between messy and slightly scary. Our crew - and we certainly weren’t the only ones – got popped by some really aggressive undercover cops. For me, it was an instantaneous dawn to the dark days ahead. That said, we all made it inside. Barely. Perhaps fed by the juju that spilled in from the lot, the show exploded into a mind bending piece of Phish. Start to finish, this one was stunning. The highlight: about 10 minutes of noise to lay the groundwork for the stickiest, swampiest, ’99-iest 2001 there ever was… and that was just the start of the second set.

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“Bathtub Gin“7.26.99 I, Noblesville, IN

Again, a show eclipsed by the previous night (which happens to be the only show i was ever shut out of – stupid time zone confusion.) Needless to say, I laced ‘em up pretty tight for the tour closer. That disclaimer provided, I think this show deserves a little more love than it gets. It had a nice big ’99 feel to it, and I was a sucker for those. I submit for you a “Gin” that seems a little lost, before it finds its way to pure scorchery.

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 ***

“Limb by Limb” 7.25.03 I, Charlotte, NC

Huge – huge – peak in this one. Also, check out the way-groovy “Gin” in the same set. This was the only show I really enjoyed in 2003. It just wasn’t working for me. When I walked out, I looked at my sister and said ‘you know, i feel like that might be the last time I ever see those guys play. It almost was. I didn’t see Phish again until Fenway Park. Now, 37 shows into 3.0 and nine more on tap for this summer, I couldn’t be happier to have the band back. See y’all on the road.

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“This One Goes to Eleven—My First Eleven Shows” by Ryan Baird

“Ghost > Halley’s > Tweezer” 11.24.98 II, New Haven, CT

After being shut out at my first phish show 4/4/98, getting arrested days before the Lemonwheel, and missing the first set of this show due to traffic on I-95, I was not off to a good start to my phish show career. This second set trifecta was just what I needed to be hooked for life.

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***

“Gumbo” 11.28.98 I, Worcester, MA

For the first night of the tour finale [the night before] I found myself in a familiar place, on the outside looking in. Things were not looking good for this noob, but once again, these first notes I heard [on night two] reaffirmed that I was in the right place.

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***

“Bathtub Gin” 11.29.98 II, Worcester, MA

$$$, I got IT for the first time.

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***

“Foreplay/Longtime” 7.12.99 I, Mansfield, MA

I was beginning to understand that Phish could do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, with a bit of humor, and completely nail it. This was my first outdoor show, I was front row, and the place exploded for this one.

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***

“Tube > Boogie On” 7.17.99 I, Volney, NY

My first festi of any type, and I was in way over my head. Completely broke after about five minutes of being on lot, but happy as I could ever be. There’s nothing that compares to the vibe of a Phish festival, and this opening sequence set the tone for the weekend.

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***

“Runaway Jim” 7.18.99 II, Volney, NY

“It was so hot!” was the understatement of the year. I can remember the start of this set, and thinking that I can’t believe that they’re going to play another set after this one. Festivals are sometimes overwhelming and after my first one, I was happy to have made it out alive.

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***

“Walk Away > Rocky Top” 12.7.99 E, Portland, ME

I honestly do not remember seeing the CCCC “Halley’s.” This might be one of the best jams that I was in attendance for but have no recollection of. And since it gets so much love around here, I don’t need to restate the obvious. However, I do remember the encore, which I thought was bitchin’!

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***

“The Lizards” 12.8.99 II, Portland, ME

After hearing Trey’s thesis and listening to Great Woods ’94 a few times that fall, I had greater appreciation for the epic tale. This was my first real trip to Gamehenge that I can remember to this day. I think that Trey’s solo might be my favorite piece of composed phish.

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***

“Sand” 12.13.99 II, Providence, RI

After hearing it for the first time live a week earlier in Portland, I was hooked. “Sand” has remained my favorite song since December of 1999. This version is pure fire, and foreshadowed what was to happen at my next show/festi.

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***

“Light Up or Leave Me Alone” 12.30.99 I, Big Cypress, FL

“Water in the Sky” got everyone’s attention and “Light Up” set the place on fire. This special event needs the Shapiro treatment, asap. The swamp is one of my most cherished memories, every aspect, especially the amount of music they packed into two days.

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***

“After Midnight Reprise” 12.31.99 II, Big Cypress, FL

The birth of my children, getting married to an amazing woman, and “After Midnight.” There are special moments in life, but as far as Phish goes this one can’t be beat. The vibe circulating within my friends, the crowd, everyone in the Everglades was pure bliss. Phish was sending a clear message, and I was pickin’ up what they were puttin’ down!

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 All selections and text by Joe M.

“YEM” 12.28.93 II, Washington, DC

The first of many “Oh man, you really should have been there last night!” lot conversations. Some fiery work by Trey once the jam hits stride.

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 ***

“If I Could” 7.1.95 I, Mansfield, MA

I had this tape from the FM broadcast (RIP WBCN) in my car and played it exclusively for quite some time. Love this rendition which came early in the night.

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*** 

“Simple” 12.31.96 II, Boston, MA

Another WBCN tape that doubled my collection at the time. Not a noteworthy two-night stand in most people’s opinion. A highlight was night one when the sound went out and we couldn’t figure out if they were just fucking with us. This version of “Simple” is pretty compact but brings back fond memories of my beat up Toyota Corrola.

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*** 

“Timber (Jerry)” 11.28.97 II, Worcester, MA

My one and only time in the front row. Epic staring contests with Trey all night. This is the second set opener. Gets into a pretty dark place in the jam before coming back to the lyrics.

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 ***

“Maze > Shafty” 4.5.98 II, Providence, RI

My buddy’s first-show-going girlfriend dropped to the floor between us during the middle of this one. The lights and jam were a little too intense for her.

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*** 

“Piper > Dog Faced Boy” 12.8.99 II, Portland, ME

The night after everyone’s favorite CCCC ’99 jam ['Halley's Comet"]. General Admission in the whole building for those two nights. I have vivid memories of being really moved by “Dog Faced Boy” after an intense “Piper.”

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 ***

“Harry Hood” 7.6.00 II, Toronto, ON

In honor (honour) of the band’s return to Canada this summer.

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***

“Cool it Down” 7.29.03 I, Burgettstown, PA

A swanky take on the Velvet Underground cover.

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***

“Backwards Down the Number Line” 8.16.09 II, SPAC, NY

The second set opener from first summer tour closer of the return. Gets pretty far out. I wish they’d tack on an abstract jam to this tune again.

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***

“Undermind” 11.29.09 I, Portland, ME

Another song from ’09 and another one from Portland, ME? This ten tune thing isn’t as easy as Mr. Miner makes it look after all. Love the sonic freakout portion of this one though.

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All selections and text by @HeadyBrosevelt

Picking ten Phish songs for other folks to listen to is a difficult task. The easiest and most fun method, I found, was to pick selections from shows that I attended (with the exception of “It’s Ice,” explanation below.) While picking from “my” shows, I omitted classics that constantly get played and/or discussed (obvious picks from Fall ’97 and Summer ’98 were left off.) While there may be a few classics below, I don’t always hear them getting hyped. Some selections may not deserve any hype, but they all hold a special place in my mind, body, and soul.

“It’s Ice“ 4.8.94 I, State College, PA

While I didn’t attend this show, “It’s Ice” is the song that turned me on to Phish.  I remember hearing it in my buddy’s car and thinking to myself, “I need to go see these guys.” I loved the imagery. There was no looking back from that moment on. This version from Penn State is wonderful. Cool digi loop jam.

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***

“2001 > Halley’s > Bowie” 6.24.95 II, Philadelphia, PA

This was my first Phish show and it took place two days after seeing the fat man for the last time at the Knick. I drove the twenty minutes from my parent’s house over to the Mann and got my mind fucking blown. The “2001″ and “Halley’s” are integral to the flow of this three pack, but the “Bowie” is where we blast off into the psychedelic stratosphere. A good version of “Bowie” from Phish’s most psychedelic summer.

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***

“Gumbo” 8.13.97 I, Burgettstown, PA

Summertime “Gumbo” at it’s finest. This is a stellar version of a song that may be the epitome of outdoor Phish.

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***

“Drowned” 12.11.97 II, Rochester, NY

Fall 1997 was the first time I went on the road with Phish. I caught Philly through Albany. While most nights consisted of funky throw-downs, this “Drowned” was a helpful reminder that Phish could still scare with psychedelic wizardry.

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***

“Swept Away > Steep > Caspian” 12.12.97 II, Albany, NY

An absolutely rad version of “Prince Caspian.” In my opinion, this is a must hear. The jam is a brilliant mixture of machine gun assault and heavenly patience.

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*** 

“Down with Disease” 12.29.97 II, NYC, NY

I felt like I had to add something from the holiday run that hasn’t already been discussed. MSG ’97 was an incredible holiday run filled with multiple highlights.  This “Disease” flies under the radar because of the stupendous playing throughout the run. Spacey and weird, but eventually finds it’s stride—this “Disease” is worth a listen.

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***

“Reba > FEFY” 7.16.98 I, George, WA

Gorge ’98 was one of the best Phish experiences of my life (despite the raging heat.) I had just finished working in YNP for the summer and was following Phish tour home. The Gorge started my mini tour back to the east. This “Reba” is not one of the best “Reba’s” of all time, but it was a majestic complement to the sunset on the Columbia River. Phish was playing to the sunset and as went dark they segued into “FEFY.”  That sunset moment is etched very clearly into my memory.

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*** 

“Ghost > Free > Birds” 7.23.99 II, Columbus, OH

Originally, I was only going to post the “Birds,” however, after listening back, this is a triumvirate (as Miner would say) that needs to be listened together. The front half of a great set.

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*** 

“Ghost” 10.9.99 I, Albany, NY

“Ghost” is my favorite Phish song. I admit it, I have a slight infatuation with it, thus I am placing a second “Ghost” on this list. This is a unique “Ghost” that reaches the nether regions. Phish takes a lot of risks in this version and they are successful in every aspect.

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***

“Mr. Completely” 7.15.03 II, West Valley, Utah

I only saw two shows in 2.0 and this Utah show was one of them. I saw this show by accident. I was driving from Colorado to Washington to climb. and I stopped in Little Cottonwood Canyon to boulder. Some hippies saw my Colorado plates and long hair/beard and asked if I was going to the show. I inquired who was playing and they told me Phish. I hopped in my car, scored a ticket at a gas station for $15.00, and saw this “Mr. Completely.” I left the show so stoked that I made it into Idaho that night. I have had a mild obsession with 2.0 Phish ever since.

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All selections and text by Chasin Holden

“Drowned” 12.3.97 I, Philadelphia, PA

Eight days later, Phish would use “Drowned” to bring us the debut of “Roses Are Free.” On this night, they hit on Stevie Ray before finding their way to the sacred fall ’97 sound. An outstanding 1st setter from a cold Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

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***

“Slave to the Traffic Light” 12.3.94 II, San Jose, CA

“Slave.” Horns. Enough said.

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***

“Maze” 12.31.94 II, Boston, MA

A standout version from an overlooked NYE show.

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 ***

“Timber” 7.26.97 II, Austin, TX

The Bob Gullotti sit-ins worked very well during the Texas shows in Summer ’97. This “Timber” is one of the highlights.

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 ***

“Harpua > Waterloo > jam > Llama” 6.23.95 II, Waterloo, NJ

It’s hard to find the silver lining in what will always be remembered as a bad show because a fan lost his life [in the traffic mess], but this sequence is fun and rocking and will bring a smile in the face of sorrow.

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***

“Simple” 11.21.95 II, Winston-Salem, NC

I’ve always loved this “Simple.” While not earth-shattering by any means, it runs through teases of “Maze,” “Possum,” “Bowie” (twice) and “A Day In the Life.” Very cool to hear for the first time or the 50th time.

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***

“Mike’s -> Rotation Jam -> Keyboard Cavalry > Mike’s” 11.25.95 II, Hampton, VA

The first ever rotation jam is interesting, to say the least. What surprises me about rotation jams as a whole is how they usually stay pretty melodic despite the band members playing outside their element. This one is my pick for the best of the three.

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*** 

“Curtain > Halley’s > Roses > NO2”  7.13.99 I, Mansfield, MA

One of my favorite runs of tunes ever. A lot of people focus on 7-25-99, but this sequence is better than any part of 7-25-99 in my opinion. The “Halley’s” in particular is top notch and the segue into “Roses” is maybe one of the most overlooked of the band’s career.

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***

“Let It Loose”  10.31.09 II, Indio, CA

Page at his best vocally.

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*** 

“Harry Hood” 12.17.95 II, Lake Placid, NY 

The last “Hood” of a tour rich with excellent versions. While probably not the best version of the tour, this one still finds the stratosphere and is a precursor of the all-time great version from the Garden two weeks later.

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