This is one of the strongest shows on one of the strongest Phish tours ever, fall of 1999.

The first set is full of gems, like a Llama with a raging jam, a funky, powerful Wolfman's and an oddity like Quinn the Eskimo.

But set II is where it get sublime. The Tweezer melts in slow motion funk into Page's cover of On Your Way Down, with was a bust out and sung beautifully. The Piper that follows just might be THE PIPER of 1999 although 12/8/99 and 7/18/99 are both great also. This song just turned into this dervish like energy vortex that just raged for decades of time.

Also, it doesn't hurt that an amazing FOB recording circulates.

This show kicks absolute butt!

It really does have everything. Good Banter (end of SOAM), Jams (SOAM, Tweezer, Piper, YEM). Great segues (Piper>YEM).

Llama kicks things off hot as usual. Wolfman is strong and has some nice light jamming towards the end. Quinn is a very strong inspired version. Roggae is very powerful and is another great addition from a year full of them. SOAMs jam starts off with a nice loop intro into some nice Ambient jamming and shredding over by Trey, and the extended ending and banter is definitely fun.

Tweezer kicks the second set off much to anybodies excitement. The jam starts with a mellow groove and gradually speeds up, but mostly stays the same throughout. Now for Piper.....And this is what I would call a all timer. This is not your stereotypical slow build Piper from this Era. It speeds up very early, you can tell they mean business from the start. It then goes to light-speed headed by Trey lighting up his fret board. Meanwhile Fish is beating the crap out of the drums, it's pure chaos in the best possible way. Then the loops kick in and it morphs into intergalactic floating madness with Mike holding things down. It then churns and simmers into YEM. YEM has a very infectious dance section and a notable vocal jam this is actually pretty good.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps is a very strong version with a killer solo by Trey.

Overall this show has about everything I want in a show. I love it.

SOAM has a Manteca tease at 47:05 btw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbwHdqwiPt0&index=18

Each song in the second set is one of my favorite versions. Wolfman's, Quinn and SOAM and incredible as well. Find this show, trust me.

SET 1: Llama: Smokes coming out of the gate. Trey has that effect akin to playing Zeppelin backwards like in Antelope the night before and countless other times on this tour. Big fan.

Wolfman's Brother: Slow and funky, Mike owns this. Really strange version in that this one just fades into the ether; Trey does not take a solo at all. Weird.

Punch You in the Eye: Killer, elongated intro, super cool; Fish tries to push them out of this, but Page and Trey aren’t having it. >

Quinn the Eskimo: Great placement for this rare tune.

Poor Heart: Peep Fish egging on Page during his solo.

Roggae: Standard.

Split Open and Melt: Is it just me or does Fish kick this off a beat slower than normal? Big, ol’ loop to kick the jam off! Jam hits second level in the mid 10’s, Trey’s effects are just so unique to this year/tour. This version does not have a traditional peak but that does not matter as what came before it was mind bending stuff. Fun banter after the song is over. Manny on the drums, what was that all about? Trey “ I am the good lieutenant and don’t you forget it.”

The Squirming Coil > Loving Cup: How cool is it to pair these songs, they were made for one another. This combination has only been done at 11.30.97, 9.19.99, 12.17.99. But 10.2.99 and 12.17 are the only two shows where they paired these two up and employed a > segue in between them. And there really should not be a segue here in this show there is a full beat between Coil and the beginning of Loving Cup. Actually I just went and listened to 12.17 and there should not be a segue there either. Get it together .net, lol.

First set summary: Has exceptional flow, everything I am looking for in a first set, this one has. SOAMelt is the obvious highlight. Great set!

SET 2: Tweezer: Love, love, love this version. So patient and slow through 10. The eventual ramp up and pay off is huge and into… >

On Your Way Down: This was paired perfectly with that Tweezer – both that same feel – slinky and slow. Well done! >

Piper: Buckle up, it’s on from jump street as they have no patience or time to waste as they ramp this one up with the quickness. Impressive shredding. This one is ballistic all the way up to the 11-minute range or so. They find a great theme and roll with that from 11:45 through 14:07 and then pick it back up from 14:51 through 16:00, outstanding! >

You Enjoy Myself: Nice groove! Awesome placement.

Frankenstein: Standard.

Waste: Best Waste ever? Trey shreds this version like crazy, very impressive.

ENCORE: While My Guitar Gently Weeps > Tweezer Reprise

Second set summary: Tweezer sets the tone, Piper is an all timer, YEM is solid, and Waste is an awesome closer. Tweezer, Piper, and Waste all have replay value for sure. Awesome set! As good as the first set was and that great SOAMelt, I love this show. It’s so cohesive and has big guns. I am happy to rate this as a 4.45 out of 5.