See 11-22-97

Fall '98 is such a weird tour to me - there are many shows that have seen official release, far more than other (perhaps more deserving) tours like Summer '95 or Fall '99*, as well as the legendary 11/2 DSOTM show, but the quality *wildly* fluctuates from show to show and the music is not quite the drop-dead wicked funk of '97 nor the float-on-a-cloud ambiance of '99 (think My Left Toe, or the December tour). There are certainly strong shows, but the hit rate is not as high as the best tours. This tour is as transition as transition gets; that said, the best of the year deserves as much attention as anything else.

This show is one of my picks for best of the run; I might make the argument that it's *the* best if the wind's blowing the right way. The first set is reasonably good, with the highlights being the one-two PYITE/Gumbo punch (with the latter entering loop-and-organ chillout land, to really beautiful effect) and a cool Sleep/Tela mid-set combination, plus a pretty gnarly Theme to boot. The second set, however, is where the action's at - Halley's charges into a strong uptempo jam out of the gates, then about 5 minutes in things get more relaxed and streamlined (think the 11/17/97 YEM), then Mike starts really doing some work as Trey goes into "throttle my guitar" mode and the jam builds to a wicked, snarling climax. This is a great, great Halley's, a song with no shortage of great jams, and would be nearly enough for a listen-worthy set by its lonesome.

Simple comes in pretty much out of nowhere, and it's a perfectly fine version, as is Walk Away. But the Limb that follows is rather nice for a Type I version, with Page getting a chance to shine Squirming Coil style before everybody joins back in and finishes with a flourish. Then, as a fine close to the set, we get a very strong Ghost, half bouncing funk (a la the '97 Ghosts) and half sheer atomic-powered explosive jamming (a la 7/6/98). There's a surprisingly long encore, as well, which makes for a nice capper to the night. Give this show a listen - this is as good as Fall '98 gets.

* official count: 10/30 II, 10/31, 11/20-21, 11/27. Four full shows, a (great, btw) set from a fifth. That's more than December '95!

Yeah, not sure one spaces on the 11/22/97 Halley's... (thought I'd still give the edge to 12/7/99). 11/11/98 is is still a fine version. Typical for late 98 jamming, and maybe a bit more aggressive at times. But a Fall 98 highlight to be sure.

Being that it was my first show, I didn't know what to expect, but I had only three expectations or hopes/wishes.

First, I was hoping to hear Halley's... check.

Second, I was hoping to hear Limb as it was one of my favorite tunes at the time... check.

Third and most important, I was hoping to see my musical heros on stage for the first time, and reaffirm everything I've heard to that point on bootleg and CD.

From this point forward, I knew that I had found my band. I've only atttened a few shows since this one, but there has not been a day that has gone by since 1998 that I have not at least listened to Phish if only for a few minutes.

The Gumbo has a nice finish. Nearly 25 minute Halley's which is one of the strongest jams of 1998. The Ghost closer is no joke either. Any jam that has synth is good yes?

Debate which Halley's is the greatest but don't forget to enjoy the ability on display!

Hello Halley's! This is a monster, and probably the best Halley's Comet out there next to 12/7/99 and 12/14/95.

for best ever "Halley's Comet" see 8-3-98...