Mr. Miner's Phish Thoughts

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“The Curtain > Tweezer” 8.6 II, Morrison, CO

A timeless piece of Red Rocks history.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/phlb06d1_01_The_Curtain.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/phlb06d1_02_Tweezer.mp3]

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“Mike’s > Lifeboy” 8.13 II, Noblesville, IN

They don’t make “Mike’s” this anymore.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Phish1996-08-13trk13.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Phish1996-08-13trk14.mp3]

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“Harry Hood” 12.6 II, Las Vegas, NV

A heart-wrenching, end-of-tour classic from The Aladdin.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ph96-12-06d2t05.mp3]

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“Bathtub Gin” 11.7 II, Lexington, KY

The Rupp Arena “Gin”—an all-timer.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Track-031.mp3]

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“Reba” 8.17 I, Plattsburgh, NY

After waking up from the first night of The Clifford Ball, the band continued the dream sequence with this blissful, afternoon “Reba.”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ph96-08-17d01t03.mp3]

***

“Run Like an Antelope” 11.24 I, Portland, OR

A ferocious and under-the-radar version that put an exclamation point on the first set in PDX like a musical freight train.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Run-Like-An-Antelope.mp3]

Let’ start the week off with another dip into the primordial psychedelia of Summer ’95—the band’s most experimental tour ever.

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“Mike’s Song” 6.20 II, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

This menacing version descended upon Blossom, leaving many wide-eyed fans wondering what had just happened.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/phlb04d1_04_Mikes_Song__Contact__Weekapaug_Groove.mp3]

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“David Bowie” 6.15 II, Atlanta, GA

Another one of Summer ’95’s top-shelf “Bowies.”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ph1995-06-15d2t04.mp3]

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“Tweezer > Gumbo” 6.28 II, Wantagh, NY

Another multi-faceted and experimental monster, featuring “Dave’s Energy Guide” and a jam on The Breeder’s “Cannonball,” from the first night at Jones Beach.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/JBTweeze95.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/GumboJB95.mp3]

***

“Runaway Jim ->  Makisupa” 7.2 II, Sugarbush, VT

A hard-edged and grinding jam eventually melts into “Makisupa” on the first night of Sugarbush’s summer-ending precursor to The Clifford Ball.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/PH95-07-02D2T03.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/PH95-07-02D2T04.mp3]

***

“Split Open and Melt” 7.1 II, Mansfield, MA

A first set joyride into seething musical realms.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph1995-07-01d1t07.mp3]

“Tweezer” 6.14 II, Memphis, TN

The Mud Island “Tweezer,” a classic and personal favorite that—I feel—is captivating for the entire 50 minutes.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ph1995-06-14d2t03.mp3]

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“Runaway Jim -> Free” 6.15 II, Raleigh, NC

Phish took this doggie a long way from home in Walnut Creek, another classic rendition.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Phish-2008-Left-Nuts-01-runaway_jim.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Phish-2008-Left-Nuts-02-free_6.16.95.mp3]

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“David Bowie” 6.24 II, Philadelphia, PA

In a summer that contained countless standout “Bowies,” this version from the Mann Music Center is among the elite.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Track-03.mp3]

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“Down With Disease -> Free” 6.26 II, S. Springs, NY

One of the finest sequences of music from a spectacular summer—a two-pronged, psychedelic monstrosity.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/1995-06-26-Down-With-Disease-_-Free-1995-06-26-Saratoga-Performing-Arts-Center-Saratoga-Springs-NY.mp3]

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“Stash” 6.17 II, Gainesville, VA

A mind-numbing version from that closed the first set on the fifth night of a five night run. And it wound up being the highlight of the show.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ph95-06-17d1t10.mp3]

“Reba” 10.18 II, Nashville, TN

A soaring second setter.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ph94-10-18sbd.d2t04.mp3]

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“Disease -> Have Mercy -> Disease” 11.12 II, Kent, OH

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Down-With-Disease-_.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Have-Mercy-_.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Down-With-Disease.mp3]

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“Mike’s Song -> Simple” 11.16 II, Ann Arbor, MI

A colossal exploration of “Simple” highlights this set-opening combo.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph1994-11-16d2t04.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph1994-11-16d2t05.mp3]

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“Halley’s > Tweezer” 11.2 II, Bangor, ME

Ushering in the outstanding month of November ’94, the Bangor “Tweezer”—the first truly monstrous version—set a new standard for exploration from their soon-to-be cosmic vehicle.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph94-11-02_d1t01.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph94-11-02_d1t02.mp3]

***

“Harry Hood” 10.20 II, Louisville, KY

A phenomenal version within a run of stellar October “Hoods.”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Harry-Hood.mp3]

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“Peaches > David Bowie” 11.14, Grand Rapids, MI

A quintessential Fall ’94 “Bowie;” a version that was building towards Minneapolis’ epic twelve days later.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Track-09.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Track-10.mp3]

***

“Run Like An Antelope” 12.9 I, Mesa, AZ

A desert standout at the tail end of tour—remastered by Kenny Powers.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/08-Run-Like-An-Antelope.mp3]

When Phish came back from their hiatus, the band played a mediocre New Year’s Run that left some fans wondering what was to come. But after two weeks in February, during which the band stepped up its game considerably, much of the community believed again. This was the only domestic winter or spring tour since 1994, and the frigid crossing of the nation brought a different feel to the two week journey. But each night, Phish’s playing warmed up the audiuence with increasingly creative playing and considerable on-stage risk taking. And by the end of the short tour, there were plenty of musical highlights to look back on. Enjoy these ten selections for this Tuesday, celebrating the band’s return to the road nine years ago.

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“Mike’s Song > Free” 2.21 II

“Mike’s” still had girth when the band came back in 2003, as it opened this second set in Cincy—nine years ago today—with plenty of filthy grooves.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2.01-Mikes-Song-1.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2.02-Free.mp3]

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“Tweezer” 2.20 II

Though Nassau’s gem gets the most focus of any “Tweezer” from Winter ’03, this Chicago rendition—the first of tour—is a dissonant and diabolical ride.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2.01-Tweezer.mp3]

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“Piper” 2.16 II

This Vegas “Piper” highlighted a big weekend in Vegas that symbolized the true return of Phish to the community at large.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2.04-Piper.mp3]

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“Twist” 2.24 II

A dark horse ride to outer space from East Rutherford’s second set, though much of the crowd was already blues’d out by BB King’s first set marathon sit-in.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/3-11-Twist.mp3]

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“Bathtub Gin” 2.22 II

One of the most original and cohesive jams of Winter Tour, as the band pushed into a nouveau ambient-Phishtronica.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ph2003-02-22d2t03.mp3]

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“Stash -> Ghost” 2.26 II

This sequence was the improvisational centerpiece of the band’s returned to The Centrum in Worcester.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2.01-Stash.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2.02-Ghost-1.mp3]

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“Seven Below” 2.20 II

With the above “Tweezer,” this “Seven Below” jam anchored the second set at Rosemont.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2-04-Seven-Below.mp3]

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“Down With Disease” 2.21 I

An often-overlooked jam that got things rocking quickly in the first set of four on a snowy weekend in Cincinatti.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/1.03-Down-With-Disease.mp3]

The Summer of 2000—moving from Tokyo, Japan to Columbus, Ohio—represented Phish’s last true push of creative music. Though the band’s playing in Japan was on another level than in the states, the band, nonetheless, cranked through a solid summer tour—their last until 2003. Once the fall came, Phish shows turned less consistently creative, and standout jams came less frequently as the band moved towards hiatus. Today’s playlist features some of the tour’s lesser known jams to go along with a couple fan favorites, all arranged chronologically as they came in the Summer of 2000. Enjoy ten more tunes as the wait for summer dates continues!

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“Piper” 6.10.00 I, Tokyo, JP

The only “Piper” of Japan happened in a big way in the first set of Tokyo’s second show.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Track-03.mp3]

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“Theme -> Dog Faced Boy” 6.16.00 II, Osaka, JP

This unfinished “Theme” followed a massive “Runaway Jim” (featured last week) in the band’s final show in the far east.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph2000-06-16d2t07.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph2000-06-16d3t02.mp3]

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“Tweezer” 6.24.00 I, Atlanta, GA

This sunset “Tweezer” from Lakewood is one of my personal favorites.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Tweezer.mp3]

***

“Bathtub Gin” 6.28.00 I, Holmdel, NJ

A spectacular and triumphant version that Trey leads to the mountaintop.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2000-06-28-Bathtub-Gin-PNC-Bank-Arts-Center-6-28-00-Holmdel-NJ.mp3]

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“Birds -> Catapult > Heavy Things” 6.29.00 II, Holmdel, NJ

Phish dropped this stellar piece of improv to open the final set of PNC’s two night stand. The dark and twisted “Birds” jam has hints of Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” laced throughout .

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Birds-Of-A-Feather-_.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Catapult-_.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Heavy-Things.mp3]

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“Ghost” 7.1.00 II, Hartford, CT

This scorching, second-set closing “Ghost” snuck in the door at the last minute to highlight the show.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Track-02-3.mp3]

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“Limb by Limb -> 2001” 7.6.00 II, Toronto, ON

A dark horse combo that got things moving after setbreak in a quick stop north of the border.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Limb-By-Limb-_.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Also-Sprach-Zarathustra.mp3]

***

“Split Open and Melt” 7.7.00 II, Burgettstown, PA

Though not with the unbridled fury of 1994, Phish could still rip a serious “Melt” in 2000. Can they still?

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Split-Open-And-Melt.mp3]

***

“Mike’s Song” 7.14.00 II, Columbus, OH

A driving and sinister jam transforms into beauty, representing one of the last—if not the final—versions of “Mike’s” with two jams.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Track-04-5.mp3]

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“Down With Disease -> WMMGW” 7.15.00 II, Columbus, OH

Summer’s dramatic “farewell jam” came at the top of the second set, while sliding smoothly and unexpectedly into “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Down-With-Disease-_.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/While-My-Guitar-Gently-Weeps.mp3]

Nobody saw these coming…

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“Ya Mar” 7.25.98 I, Austin, TX

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ph98-07-25d1t05.mp3]

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“Fee” 7.8.99 I, Va. Beach, VA

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/1-02-Fee.mp3]

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“Boogie On Reggae Woman” 9.18.99 II, Chula Vista, CA

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2.01-Boogie-on-Reggae-Woman-1.mp3]

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“Free” 11.22.95 II, Landover, MD

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Free-_.mp3]

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“Limb by Limb” 12.3.99 II, Cincinatti, OH

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2-02-Limb-By-Limb.mp3]

Until we have something to talk about, let’s keep the thematic playlists rolling. A lot of people enjoyed Friday’s international flavor, so let’s take another dip into Phish jams from foreign lands to open up this week. Today’s selections contain some real heavy hitters to ease the transition back into the week. Enjoy the tunes, and by all means, “Read the book!“

***

“Stash” 7.2.97 II, Amsterdam, NL

Though its tough for me to separate this jam from its set—a frame of non-stop, top-notch Phish—this “Stash” flirts with Phish’s finest pieces ever.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph97-07-02d2t01.mp3]

***

“Ghost” 6.15.00 II, Osaka, JP

Phish followed Radio City’s all-time rendition with this “Ghost” from Osaka—another mammoth version. Enojy Kenny Powers’ remaster.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph2000.06.15-Ghost-remastered-MTX.mp3]

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“Tweezer” 6.9.00 II, Tokyo, JP

The Tokyo “Tweezer”—a once in a lifetime experience.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Track-01.mp3]

***

“Piper -> Makisupa” 7.6.98 II, Prague, CZ

One of the first fully blown-out “Pipers,” the improvisational centerpiece of the show. A stunning jam that had the audience in awe all the way to Barcelona.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph98-07-06d2t03.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph98-07-06d2t04.mp3]

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“Halley’s Comet > Roggae” 7.10.98 II, Barcelona, ES

After an aborted opening set due to sound issues, Phish came out and threw down this lasting, funked-out highlight from the last night of Europe ’98

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ph1998-07-10d1t05.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ph1998-07-10d1t06.mp3]

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“Down With Disease” 6.15.00 II, Osaka, JP

Another creative monstrosity from Japan 2000.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph2000-06-15d2t04.mp3]

***

“Harry Hood > Izabella” 7.9.98 II, Barcelona, ES

Phish reprise the “Drowned” progression within this “Hood” then blow out its peak, bringing this Barcelona version into Hendrix’s “Izabella.” Note the whole crowd World  Cup-based “Ole!” chant after the set closer.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2-07-Track-07.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2-08-Track-08.mp3]

 

There’s nothing quite like seeing Phish in a different country. Whether Europe or the Far East, these international club Phish are unmatchable experiences and many have been highlights of my show-going life. Instead of the monstrosity of an arena or amphitheatre, clubs and theatres provide an intimacy unparalleled in the post-Dead Phish world. Today’s playlist is comprised of jams plucked from these smaller performances abroad.

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“Tweezer” 7.9.98 Barcelona, ES

In terms of “Tweezer” and Europe ’98, the focus of conversations usually centers on the Scandanavian symphony from Den Gra Hal—”Tweezer > 2001.” But a week later, at the end of the first set in a sweltering club in Barcelona, Phish dropped this under-the-radar, gooey monster that will blow up any dance party at which it is dropped.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/1-07-Tweezer.mp3]

***

“Fee” 7.5.98 I, Prague, CZ

Amidst an Absinthe-soaked slop-fest on the first night at the Lucerna Theatre at Prague, Phish managed to stay on the same page for a standout, and virtually unknown, version of “Fee.”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/1-05-Fee-_.mp3]

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“Stash -> Ghost -> Saw It Again” 6.19.97 II, Vienna, AU

Phish did more than just funk out during their journey to Europe during the Summer of ’97. But there’s plenty of raw groove in here as well.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph1997-06-19d2t02.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph1997-06-19d2t03.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph1997-06-19d2t04.mp3]

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“Antelope -> Catapult > Life On Mars?” 3.2.97 I, Copenhagen, DK

This unconventional song trio came in the middle of the first set in the final show of Winter ’97 in Europe.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ph97-03-02d1t07.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ph97-03-02d1t08.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ph97-03-02d1t09.mp3]

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“Runaway Jim” 7.16.00 II, Osaka, JP

The Osaka “Jim”—no introduction needed. Japan 2000 overflowed with creative jams, and this one opened the tour’s final set.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph2000-06-16d2t06.mp3]

***

“The Moma Dance” 7.1.98 II, Christiania, Copenhagen, DK

The second “Moma” ever played, from Den Gra Hal in Christiana. The band botches the lyrics and sails into an extensive funk journey.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/1-04-Moma-Dance.mp3]

***

“Mike’s Song” 3.1.97 II, Hamburg, GR

A well-known and sinister version from Hamburg, that was etched into history on Slip, Stitch and Pass.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ph97-03-01d02t03.mp3]

***

“Down with Disease” 6.10.00 I, Tokyo, JP

This extended jam opened up the second show of three in Tokyo. Imagine Phish opened a show with a jam like this these days?

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Track-01.mp3]

***

“Cavern” 6.14.97 II, Dublin, IR

This jam closed out the first show of Summer ’97 with raw, unpasteurized cow funk.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ph97-06-14d2t081.mp3]

***

“YEM” 6.9.00 E, Tokyo, JP

After dropping a monumental “Tweezer” in the second set of Japan 2000’s opening show, Phish dropped this lounge-like, laid-back “YEM” for an encore.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/13-YEM.mp3]

======

2/9/2012 Trey & The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Hall

I: First Tube, Water in the Sky*, Divided Sky*, Brian and Robert*,Goodbye Head, Guyute**, Let Me Lie, Stash*

II: Time Turns Elastic, If I Could*, You Enjoy Myself

E: Golden Slumbers, The Inlaw Josie Wales*

* Trey on acoustic, ** Trey on acoustic then electric

Setlist via Phish.net

=====

IN OTHER NEWS:

Robert Champion of The Sloping Companion presents his latest installment of The Philler. Check it out below!

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2.01-Tube-1.mp3]

***

6.18.09 I, Burgettstown, PA

Though its Star Lake show was nothing spectacular, this first set “Tube” remains the most significant of the modern era. Page’s takes an extended clav solo as Trey comps him with a diversity of rhythm patterns and pitch-bent notes. Trey then moves on, hitting some high-octave lead lines before the band comes back together in swanky groove and the final verse of the song.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/1.10-Tube.mp3]