I absolutely *love* this show - I simply cant say it any other way. I gave it a 5-star rating for its listenability - it's the type of show that once you press play at set 1, you literally feel a nagging urge to ride the whole thing out, regardless of what you have planned that day. In my opinion, this is the type of Phish we all got hooked on in the first place.

This show has the *FUN* element that is missing in so many shows - the jams are light, and you can tell that the band is having fun. Also there's a ton of "air" around the instruments (proper staging for gain, i think), and the jamming is patient and deliberate. Lastly - the jamming is *very* layered and the band members pair up and switch off constantly with each other in a type of musical chairs game (crazy!). Really fun.

I just got 7/29 thru 8/1 (1998) and I cant wait to hear those. Anyways enjoy!

P.S. "Patient and Deliberate" is a term that I heard Trey hollar at Paige during a soundcheck - I suspect that when Trey get's the other 3 to relax and let the music come to them, the night seems to get a lot more creative musically.

P.P.S. My comment above about "getting hooked" on phish in the first place. That's the key! If a particular show doesn't grab you by the shirt collar and shake you up a little - then you've got the wrong one baby! (move on to another). Phish should literally blow you away, every time. Thanks!