Summer 2000 had a couple themes and one of them was quality Bathtub Gins. Clearly the Holmdel Gin was the monster of the summer, but this version hints at what some of the subsequent versions would really solidify. The approach from Trey is really what you will hear that stands out in these Gins.
The other jam highlight has to be Rock and Roll to open the second set. They absolutely turn this song inside out if that makes any sense. By around 9 minutes it starts to become dissonant for a couple minutes but at about 11:30 the jam turns inside out. Absolutely wicked transition into a trancy sort of groove. This isn't the greatest jam ever, but the way this jam transforms is classic Phish and to me really has a sound that I'll always associate with that initial post-Cypress sound.

For summer 2000 this was a good but not great show. There was no madness or wackiness on stage or with the crowd, but RnR had that one moment of channeled improv that I attend shows for, and you cannot walk away from a Contact>Makisupa without a smile. Worth hearing that RnR jam and if you like things like comparing the themes throughout a tour, the Gin is a must for that reason.

This was my first show, which would be followed by the next night (6/24/00.) I had been listening to Phish since 1998 but I wasn't interested enough by 1999 to go to Lakewood for that Independence-Day Weekend double-header. Kicking myself. Great Ghost -> Slave from the 4th.

Ya Mar was a nice breezy opener, quintessentially summer, and it really wasn't that hot out by the time Phish started playing. My Soul has a Lady With a Fan tease by Trey before the lyrics start. Some people in my crew's section groaned when Heavy Things started up. I really liked Farmhouse at the time and still do, including that song so whatevs. Back on the Train was the one song I really wanted to hear from the new album, but my first Bowie was excellent. I didn't know Talking Heads outside of Burning Down the House then, so I didn't catch the Crosseyed tease. Cars Trucks Buses was welcome, but Farmhouse was IMO a weak way to close the set.

Rock and Roll was awesome. Someone had brought all these boxes full of glowrings and was throwing them 100 or so at a time in time with the peaks of the jam. Not a lot of my favorite songs were in this set, but looking back now an unfinished DWD was at least unusual. I had seen a guy with a lot Makisupa Policeman shirt on at the Amoco before the show so I was grinning when Makisupa started up. Don't remember much about the encore, but in contrast to most of the second set, Possum is one of my favorites so I was happy leaving the venue after 3 or so hours of my new favorite band hitting some killer highs with virtually no lows. I think this is a very "even" show, with no noticeable dip in energy throughout. That may have been due to my state of mind at the time, aided as it was by party favors, but relistening to this and the next night right now makes me regret missing Alpharetta this year because of that storm (and the webcast rips I got skipped.)

I said in my review for the next night's show that I might not ever see Phish again, but I am personally quite satisfied with not being there in person, especially since every single show is available in HQ an hour after the encore. I love Phish, "Don't Get Me Wrong," but with 135 GB of legally acquired Phish SBDs I can honestly say that I'm probably the only jaded vet you'll ever meet whose stats consist of 2 shows. Maybe it's me, maybe it really is the scene is not what it used to be, but I will always follow Phish, in my own way.

I'm convinced that the beginning of My Soul has a Lady With a Fan tease from Trey.

PHISH, FRIDAY 06/23/2000
LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE
Atlanta, GA

SET 1:

Ya Mar: Absolutely awesome. Mike and Trey just crush this one together, easy all timer and highly recommended.

My Soul: Standard.

Bathtub Gin: Outstanding jam. Some feel like this one is actually better than 6.28.00. Right out of the gate, they almost immediately find themselves in a serious hose jam. Exceptional, some all time stuff. This jam will make your spine tingle and give you goosebumps. It’s incredible. Peak Trey.

Heavy Things: Standard.

Back on the Train: Standard. >

David Bowie: Standard.

Cars Trucks Buses: Standard.

Farmhouse: Standard.

SET 2: Rock and Roll: Standard. >

Jesus Just Left Chicago: Standard. >

Down with Disease:[1] - I love this jam! Super heady and goes into extreme outer space. Listen to Mike at 15:15, ethereal – just incredible licks. Feels like Pink Floyd. This jam is very trippy. Highly recommended, this one just never gets any love and we need to change that. >

Twist: Standard.

Contact: Tons of false endings. >

Makisupa Policeman: Great little jam. Trippy. >

Character Zero: Standard.

ENCORE:

Brian and Robert: Trey was in the zone a bit on this one, good version.

Possum: Trey gets this OUT THERE and weird but outside of just that awesomeness, this one just flat out rips. Would highly recommend.

Summary: I am way higher on this show than most I guess. But it is HUGE. Ya Mar and Gin are all timers and DWD, MP, and Possum all are super strong too. This is a 4.5/5 show for me all day long. Love this show.

Replay Value: Ya Mar, Bathtub Gin, Down with Disease, Makisupa Policeman, Possum.

[1] Unfinished.

Disease was unfinished.
SHOW RATING
Ratings are currently offline.
Overall: 3.869/5 (>50 ratings)
JAM CHART VERSIONS
Ya Mar, Bathtub Gin, Farmhouse, Makisupa Policeman