, attached to 1997-07-02

Review by Campster

Campster This show is well reviewed - and I doubt I can add much more value than @waxbanks - but I must finish the box set.

Like the night before, this show is an all-time great and the box set is simply one of the best they've released.

Set I opens with Mike's Song, which is a damn fine omen. This version isn't the finest of the year (ok it's a pretty stacked year), but it definitely gets a nice workout and is plenty satisfying. Before > Simple

Simple is also nice, while not overly spectacular. It does contain the requisite outro jam that is patient and to my ears, seen through to a good conclusion.

>Maze cranks up the heat. This is incendiary. Great great version! What an opening triumvirate.

Strange Design is a beautiful way to cool us off and Ginseng Sullivan is a nice bit of fun.

Vultures is always welcome, and keeps this set flowing well.

Water in the Sky is a bit of filler.

Weekapaug is fantastic. This closes the set with a fine funky workout. Definitely a great version.

That was a good set. I don't think it touches the first set the night before (Ghost, Reba, Limb), but it's definitely nipping at the heels. Tons of fun and some pretty serious jamming.

Set II is an all timer and the opening Stash contains perhaps the single greatest passage of spontaneously composed music the band has ever played.

Stash begins with a typical exploration for a solid 15 minutes. It should be mentioned the intro begins in effects world which is cool. Eventually they shift up to the major/melodic space and Trey finds a melody with the band forming around and takes us on a patient and tender journey to heaven. It's simply the best.

There's also a cool bass led section after that majestic segment. This is a long jam at around 30 minutes so go grab it and give it your full attention. The dynamics, the melodies, everything are just totally original and special.

->Llama, great segue and a fantastic version. Another standout.

->Wormtown which takes us on a trip. This is out there and awesome.

-> Velvet Sea ends the set in perfect fashion. This is one you don't always look for, but here is sublime.

Encore 1: Free - a fantastic version, well worth a listen on it's own!
Encore 2: Bowie - bonus Bowie - yes please! Nothing too out of the ordinary, but certainly amazing bonus Phish.

Overall: 5/5 legendary status. The best Stash ever for me. In fact maybe my favorite piece of Phish. (so many good ones hard to say).

Just listen.


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