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.
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“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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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?
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“Cavern” 6.14.97 II, Dublin, IR
This jam closed out the first show of Summer ’97 with raw, unpasteurized cow funk.
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“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.
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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
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IN OTHER NEWS:
Robert Champion of The Sloping Companion presents his latest installment of The Philler. Check it out below!
