May 10, 1992 was the date of my first show. I used to listen to tapes with my buddy Jeff, as we crammed for Astronomy exams. But it was not until this day that I truly began to understand space exploration and Phish. That sunny afternoon from the stage, behind the Fine Arts Center, next to Campus pond, the PA announcer said more to me that day than he'll ever know.
With the phrase, "Ladies and gentlemen without any further adieu, I give you Phish!" I was not aware that these words would set me on a musical path to uncharted realms. Years later, I am still floating.
"Landlady" proved to be a cool introduction. It was almost like television theme music. I got my attention.
"Suzy Greenburg" brought the energy level up. Although, I had no Idea what I was witnessing at the time, I was excited. I saw some the ebb and flow that makes Phish great. Trey and Page were truly pushing this tune to a great place.
"Sparkle" kept me climbing the hill right along with the band. "Laugh and laugh and fall apart"..." I had no clue what this was about. I was just blown away by the speed in which this was played.
"Stash" showed me that these guys were serious musicians. Trey made me believe.
"Uncle Penn" was a major piece of pickin' `n' grinin'. The country flavor of this caught me off guard.
"Cavern" had almost a swagger to its delivery. I still want to know"... Where do get a "serpent deflector" to give the director?
"Reba" served as a great example of how lyrics in the world of Phish appear to be another component to a song's musicality. Words do not have to be taken for their literal meaning. They can be placed together because they sound good. I learned this fact early on. It's fun to listen to.
"I Didn't Know" continued the lyric theory I mentioned for "Reba." I also saw my first glimpse of "Henrietta." The spirit moved him to solo on vacuum. I had never seen this spectacle at a concert before. I have actually seen it a few times since `92. It's rare, but I'm immediately reminded of this day whenever I hear it.
"You Enjoy Myself" was a musical feast for my hungry mind. I've heard this song described as the "quintessential Phish song." I do not know if this is true. Nonetheless, this version seemed to go on forever. It is a song that keeps me guessing even to this day. Part of what I love so much about this band is the element of surprise that they evoke. Everyone asks, "Just, what are they saying"..." Well, whatever the words are, they don't really matter too much. Hang on and enjoy the ride! Each peak, valley and curve of this roller coaster leads to a fun place.
It was not until years later that I learned about Phish's "secret language." I had no idea why Trey was doing a Homer Simpson, "D'oh" in "Possum." If his end was the road, this show was just the beginning, for me.