Thanks to the official release of both Ventura County Fairgrounds shows in 1997 and 1998, this show had a little more like shined upon it. There are a host of deeply under-rated west coat shows from this late 90s era that were simply over shadowed by so much tremendously potent phish. Late 90s is my favorite era and I admit I am totally biased because this was the dawn of my phish experience. This in fact was my first show (my mom wouldn't let me attend in 1997... she knew better and I was 14). Despite that I still managed to throw up on the heels of a group in front of me. (Sorry guys :/)
At any rate... two things worth noting...
1) this venue is known to be totally beloved by phish and the dead because the band can see the waves breaking on the coat line from the stage. That's impart likely the reasoning to prompt such a water-themed second set. (Drowned and sea and sand + theme and water in the sky in set 1.)
2) this is the most magical Dirt that you will ever hear. It contains lines from Mike that have been taken off the books but more importantly if you listen in the beginning, Fishman starts to sing the lyrics. You can hear Trey say "go for it man" ...it's phucking adorable. It's some of the most adorable and endearing stage banter that you will ever hear. I get goose bumps and if you're as big a phish geek as me, you're likely to feel the same. Must hear in my opinion.