If nothing else, definitely hear this stomping early version of Ghost, which clocks in at a full 30 minutes and stays interesting for most of that time. The Summer '97 Europe shows are charming and enjoyable without exception - just a wholly different atmosphere from the band's U.S. stuff. The shows to hear first are 7/1 and 7/2, in my estimation, but as the kids used to say in my hometown, 'You wouldn't kick this one out of bed.' Y'know something? I don't *always* miss my hometown.

This lackluster Piper must have had fans wondering about this new song -- it wouldn't be until Fall tour that it realized its potential. A wanky My Soul next and they've already set a "we're not in Amsterdam anymore" tone -- this show lacks the exploration and energy of the previous two nights. But the set gets a little better from here: the first and only Divided Sky of the tour is a much needed wake-up call. The pause on this recording is kind of strange. It's not clear to me if the audience was completely captivated or if there just wasn't a large crowd there (or both), because for the first little while after the pause, it's dead silent. Nada. Then the w00ks start yelling... BoMD is fine, and Taste brings the energy back up (and yes, like so many other shows this tour, Taste early in the set signals Theme later in the set). But continuing with the up and down theme that is the embodiment of the come-down from the high-flying Amsterdam shows, Train Song splits Taste and Theme (which is quite nice as usual). Rocky Top and we're missing Paradiso already (that means "Paradise" in Italian believe it or not [tongue in cheek]).

BUT! In the huddle they realize that they can still win this one, and they come out and make everyone's night in one fell swoop: a 30 Ghost to open the second set! They pour their hearts and souls out on stage. About 19 minutes in they shift from typical Ghost themes to an almost bluegrass theme -- replete with Ghost vocal shouts -- and then they bring it back for a sort of reprisal of the main theme with lyrics and all. This is completely awesome and highly recommended. Besides a nice Hood, that was all she really wrote.

This is the type of show that makes me wish Phish.net graded on a 0-10 scale. I have a tough time giving this show 4 stars, but if a 3 star show is average, the Ghost alone brings this above a 3. I guess I should be thankful I'm not the only one voting here and we are presented with an ensemble, as this show is rated right where it should be: 3.5.

Not a great first set, but the Ghost in the second set is must-hear.