I also think this show is getting a bit of a short shrift here.

For one thing, they don't just open with Emotional Rescue. They debut it seemingly out of nowhere, and then take it for a 17 minute sojourn. Funky shit that's appropriately Mike-heavy and in retrospect kind of reminiscent of the 4/3/98 Roses jam. Awesome stuff. To open.

The awesomeness of this AC/DC Bag shouldn't be understated, but what's really remarkable is the segue INTO it. The last five minutes of Ghost showcases some spectacular grooves; they hit a funky little riff that's very Talking Heads/Stop Making Sense (were the seeds for 12/7/97's Bag-> Pyscho Killer planted on this night?). Then the ensuing transition into Bag is up there with their best of manoeuvres on this tour, which is saying something (12/6/97 Izabella-> jam-> Twist anyone?). While it might not to be up to the greatness of the 12/30/97 version (and really, not much is), it's certainly a noteworthy precursor. Beautiful Slave taboot, taboot.

Also, sweet: "Thank you for ordering from Phish Dry Goods. We are pleased to inform you that one or more of your items has shipped."