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.

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”.

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.

***

“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.

***

“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.

***

“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.

***

“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.”

***

“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.

***

“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.

***

“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.

All selections and text by Kaveh Rahimi

“Run Like An Antelope” 8.28.93 II, Berkeley, CA

After three nights of the Grateful Dead at Shoreline, the friendly, West Coast confines of the Greek, put the perfect cap on a wonderful four nights of music. It was the end of summer tour and the band was locked and loaded with their typical tight, robotic force of music. The “Antelope” from this night, after a good “2001-Rift” opener, took a really good show to another level. Not quite as overall powerful as the Red Rocks “Antelope” 9 days earlier, this version is still a shred-fest of 1993 proportions.

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“Lizards” 6.10.94 I, Red Rocks, CO

I know we have all had this experience, where there has been a certain time a song has been played and you finally “understand” the song. “The Lizards” on this night was this type of experience for me. I had heard the song many a time, but it was during Trey’s floating solo, that I, half way up an unpacked Red Rocks, felt/understood the plight and struggle of the Lizard people. His solo translated that idea into music. I felt it and just understood it. One of those experiences.

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“Slave to the Traffic Light” 11.26.94 II, Minneapolis, MN

The “Bowie” from this night took the band to many a new and far reaching place in the musical universe, and it is that same openness and patience, that translates to this “Slave,” the perfect set closer.

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“Jesus Left Chicago” 10.31.95 III, Chicago, IL

After the monster (one of my favorite) “You Enjoy Myself” opened the third set, a perfect and killer version of this cover is one of the highlights of the night. With Dave Grippo joining the band, his infusion of alto sax on this song, takes it to another level. The band just let’s him give solo upon solo. I remember the crowd erupting after this solo and giving him a long, well deserved hand. Something about a straight up blues number in a city like Chicago that is hard to replicate anywhere else.

***

“Reba” 11.17.97 I, Denver, CO

We all love 4 to 5 song sets. This pure gem takes up slot 2, after the then rare, “Tweezer” opener. Something was in the air over these two night in the Mile High city; seemingly taking off in full with an absolute blissful Set II from the first night. You know you are in for a great “Reba,” when Page and Trey nail their game of cat and mouse, before the serious release of music happens. Worth noting that Fishman, as usual, holds down and adds the right amount of drive to this furious back and forth chasing. Now the meat….right from the outset, there is an open air to this “Reba” jam, with Trey in no hurry to add directive or control. Page and Trey with the always healthy backbone of Mike and Jon, continue their game of playing off each other with Gordo adding to the jam raising it to another level…the four headed beast in full control. The continued, classic Phish push, push of the music. The rest of the song, just floats away…as all great Reba’s do.

***

“David Bowie -> Catapult -> David Bowie” 2.16.03 L.Vegas, NV

Absolutely one of my favorite show openers. The band was in serious mode on night two in Vegas. The transitions into and back out of “Catapult” fit better than OJ’s glove. Tight. And driven. With the technically, aggressive nature of “Bowie” on full display, especially as the underlying beat for this “Catapult” that sneaks up on you in perfect silence. This “Bowie” is the perfect show opening sandwich. Tasty.

***

“Piper” 12.29.03 I, Miami, FL

Right out of the box and charging. I love this “Piper” as an opener. This version is locked and loaded with aggressive guitar work from Trey with that little extra, dirty 2003 guitar tone. After the initial outburst, the band settles into the galloping part of the song with Page adding tasteful piano over Trey’s, always wonderful, rhythm guitar work. Following a calmer, guitar build up that is driven by Fishman with his usual pushing fills, Trey slaughters his solo, bringing an already high energy building to a higher understanding. As the song builds itself to conclusion, it is very, very easy to forget that this is the start of the show. Jesus.

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“Wolfman’s Brother” 10.30.09 II, Indio, CA

An often overlooked, hidden gem from the Indio run. This version has the band chomping at the bit as soon as the lyrics end. With the groove already in place; the plinko-ish, Page piano jam gets things rolling. Mike is quick to add some liquid bass, thus bringing Trey to the foreground as the jam continues to ebb up and down but constantly move forward. Trey then drives the band, off into the outer realms of music. The song complete breaks down almost as quickly as it began. Finding itself in orbit of Pluto and the like, there is nothing earthly about this quite scary section; which is good. Pure, form-breaking music to the end.

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“Down with Disease” 6.3.11, II, Pine Knob, MI

While this one that has been well documented and discussed, it is amazing music. After the “Waves” at Bethel, the throw down at historic Pine Knob on Mike’s birthday, continued to put the music of 2011 into the upper stratosphere. This “Disease” is pure magic. What gets me every time I listen to this version is the pure “push” that comes in two latter places in this song. Places where the form has been left and all there is, is music. It is music as it should be! Pure and new. When the band is firing on all cylinders and you are listening to music being created, there is really no other place to be.

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“Chalk Dust Torture -> Emotional Rescue” 8.31.12 II, Denver, CO

I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for a “Chalk Dust Torture,” anytime and anywhere. This version is lodged in everyone’s memory quite well, so I’ll only add that this version is the “Chalk Dust” that I have been waiting for since hearing the IT version in 2003. There is something wonderful when this band takes a normal, straight forward rock and roll song and blows it’s doors wide open—the power of the musicians. Furthermore, it is rather fitting that the band chose to bust out “Emotional Rescue”, because, as of that point in the evening, I think we all where riding a great emotional wave and needed some “rescue” from the bliss.

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Thank you for all the reader’s picks submissions! It will take me a bit, but I will get to all of them. Cheers, Miner

 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.

***

“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.

***

“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.

***

“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:]https://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.

***

“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.

***

“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…

***

“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.

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?

***

“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.

***

“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.

 ***

“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.

***

“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.

 ***

“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.