This show doesn't get enough credit. After listening to a bunch of shows from this era chronologically, I have to say that this one is probably the best one yet. The set flows very nicely, and each song that is performed is a great representation of early Phish. The endless number Grateful Dead covers have disappeared from the set, which is fine with me. At this point, it seems that Phish had started forming their own identity, as evidenced by the ridiculous back-to-back performances of Revolution and Anarchy. Hilarious.

Mike's Song and Antelope (especially) are also both starting to take shape here, and it's definitely an interesting thing to hear for yourself if you're a big fan of either of those songs. Alumni is solid as always, especially as it becomes a staple for the band, and this version of McGrupp is definitely a standout in this set.

With most tapes leading up to this show you can see progress each show, especially in Trey's playing. This is the first show that seems to kind of be the same as those months before. The only thing that is new is Alumni > LJP > Alumni. It's interesting to hear how much the Bass is leading the song in this early version.

Nice snap shot but nothing important coming out of this show.

Most of this show is, you know, raw. But do check out the jam out of McGrupp, which is a glimpse into what Phish would become!

Well, in some ways this date definitely sounds like a step forward musically from the UVM show in May. In particular, Mike's / DEG sound very much more refined at this point (though there's still a ways to go before we get the tune we know and love). Other's, e.g. Camel Walk, not so much... in fact it may have regressed.

Antelope is a bit of a conundrum here. The intro is nowhere near as fleshed out as it was earlier. However, the body is much more fully constructed and now has the lyrics... but there is no jam... bummer!

McGrupp, on the other hand, is just about ready for prime time. The version here is cohesive and very enjoyable to listen to.

This tape needs to be heard!

Antelope definitely picked up the tempo with this recording.

In the download I just listened to (from phishows.com), the opening track labeled TV Theme is actually the McGrupp jam from the end of the show, and the last track labeled McGrupp seems to be the mysterious and incredibly compelling "TV Theme" (which sounds something like a Zappa tune? although Trey says they just wrote it). It's mind-blowing to hear them playing so tight already in this early tape. This is absolutely must hear stuff. (Even though the recording sounds speeded up for most of the tracks and Trey sounds like he's on Helium.)

Alumni>LTJP is good to hear for the first time.

Mike's as some great soloing from Trey but still in infantile form

Revolution and Anarchy are good for a laugh

Antelope is definitely getting more fleshed out

McGrupp is also coming into its own and does indeed have an enjoyable, if fairly forgettable, open ended jam.

Take it or leave it, nothing essential in this show