“Mike’s Song -> Breathe Jam ” 10.25.95 II, St.Paul, MN
A relic from the day when “Mike’s Song” had jams. In this Fall ’95 incarnation, Trey annihilates the opening segment moving to his mini kit as the band moves further and further into experimental territory. Slipping into abstraction, they pass smoothly into an instrumental interpretation of Pink Floyd’s “Breathe.”
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“Simple > McGrupp” 10.26.96 II, Charlotte, NC
This is but one of many standout “Simples” along the road of Fall ’96, and served as the centerpiece of Charlotte’s Fall ’96 stop.
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“Weekapaug -> Mango Song” 11.25.94 II, Chicago, IL
Concluding our patchwork “Mike’s Groove,” here is the unique segue and song pairing that followed “Harpua” at UIC in Fall ’94.
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“My Left Toe -> Whipping Post” 7.25.99 II, Noblesville, IN
In a stunning piece of first-set improvisation, Phish built their abstract Summer ’99 vehicle into a legit take on the Allman’s classic. This jam came out of nowhere at the beginning of the show at Deer Creek, foreshadowing one of Summer ’99’s best outings.
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“Tweezer -> Makisupa” 10.22.95 II, Champaign, IL
Another buck-wild, Fall ’95 throwdown to follow up yesterday’s “Tweezer” from the same tour.
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“Stash” 12.5.97 II, Cleveland, OH
Behind the dance-party funk of Fall, “Stash” made a huge splash every time it dropped. Here is the second set opener of the consistently underrated show from Cleveland State. Though this version doesn’t stray too far from structure, it absolutely slays from start to finish.