Here's a strange little piece of Burlington history regarding how this tape came into circulation. I can not say the story is true, simply because I wasn't there. But, here's the story that came with my 2nd generation copy of the Wendell Studios tape. Not long after it was recorded, I got my copy from this really big guy named George. Anyway, the story I was told by George, was that he was seeing the same girl as Mike Gordon, from time to time. George didn't have a problem with this, but he did have other ideas. I'm told the tape was borrowed by the mystery girl, quickly copied by George, then returned. George was obviously a bit of a sleeze (at that time anyway), and I can't say I knew him well. I was a taper, and he was just someone I traded tapes with a couple of times. Later, in an odd twist of fate/karma, my small TDK tape case with 10 - 11 of my early Phish masters & Wendell Studios tape was stolen. I recently got a decent copy on CDR in a trade, I could tell it was made from that original tape. It really sent me for a trip down memory lane. Being that these songs are so well recorded, I think this would make a great archival release. For early studio Phish, these tracks sound great. I prefer listening to this over the White Tape, or the bonus tracks that were put on Junta. If you haven't heard the Wendell Studios recordings, find yourself a copy, and prepare to be entertained.

This is all pretty good - hearing early Phish with studio clarity running through many of the classics that never saw the album treatment. The thing that stands out for me, however, is Rift. I am not sure if there are any other versions out there like this, but it is really strange to hear it in it's proto-form. Really different and interesting - sounds nothing like Rift (to me) - apart from the lyrics - but it reminds me of something that I am struggling to put my finger on - spices maybe? In any case, really cool to hear such a radical departure from a song you know so well.

Pretty nice sound for the first half this source. From TMWSIY to the end of the recording the sound deteriorates.

The recording starts off with Dog Log. There’s a little outro jam on this version. Uncle Pen is just like the live version. Take 2 of Suzy captures more of the live energy of the song. Take 1 is very straightforward/bland. Fun banter following Suzy. After Suzy they say “we’re gonna crank the shit out and move the shit on!” Trey screws the start of Caravan up so they have to start it back up. Cool intro. Trey calls it a second time and asks Page to add some chords to the mix. Cool hearing a studio mix of Caravan. Same goes for Alumni and A-Train. There’s some tape warble at the start of A-Train. In a Mellow Tone was a cool track. I’m surprised they never tried it on stage. Fish calls it cheesy. Decent Groove. Unfortunately, the quality degrades quite a bit following Mike’s Groove. Trey delivers a note perfect run through of TMWSIY. Tweezer has the abrasive vocals and a short but solid jam. Like Suzy, Possum take 2 is a lot stronger than the first take. Hood is pretty nice. I love the OG Rift. I would love to see them bring this one back! Runaway Jim ends the recording session on a high note. Hopefully a better quality recording surfaces for the second half of these studio outtakes. What a treat to hear these tunes done in the studio.