this is my favorite of the 2 night '98 deer creek stand. an odd set list, sharp playing, and nice explorative jamming really make this a marquee/keeper show. rhinoceros, a one and done song as of now, was a really strange opener. i can't imagine that anyone was guessing any smashing pumpkins songs as an opener. this is a pretty sharp take on this tune too. then, a monster halley's comet brings us into the phish catalog. this is a nice funk/rock version with some really sweet "a love supreme" teases by page. mike gets in on the bass line a bit, but it is mostly page teasingg this jazz master piece. after about 20 minutes, this finds its way into an inspired version of i didn't know. then, we get to go back to odd ball covers. the first ride captain ride was since the early 90's was a very well-recieved treat. cars trucks and buses and the moma dance furthered the funky vibe established earier in the set before a strange desing>zero combo shut it down.

well, this might be my favorite gumbo. tinley park 97 and deer creek 03 were very good, but i just love this one. trey throws around some sweet manteca teases, and this one dips back into that dark/funk groove they explored in the ghost the night before. after an extended funk jam, they blast a rocking axilla. they mellow with meat before going into the whole fishman/bike deal... good times. after 97, tube had become more than just a nifty rarity to catch, it had become a full blown show-making bad boy. this is one of thost. very nice loose funky jam in the middle section. the whole band jives very well on this. gordon plays some real nice funk bass. a rare, for the time, wedge serves as a appropriate and pleasant closer. a well played circus starts up the encore, and then they turn it on one more time. keeping the deer creek antelope streak alive, they played a killer antelope at deer creek every year up to '09, trey leads the boys into a nice rowdy 'lope. this is a good solid closer, and everyone throws down and gets going on this one.

highlights

set 1:
rhinoceros, halley's comet, ride captain ride, the moma dance

set 2:

gumbo (must hear), tube, antelope