^haha, I know. Trey and Mike are so loud and proud throughout this show that I had to remind myself a few times that Page was there. I had to purposefully listen for him in the mix a few times and couldn’t find him.
There is much to be said for an early Phish SBD. Early Phish in general, at that. I guess the combo of the earlier years and a good quality recording. They were younger, rawer, and enthusiastic. The crowds were small, so there are not swells of 10,000 people’s energy pumping them up, more of it is coming from within. Not to say they can’t feed off the energy of a smaller appreciative crowd, but at this stage, and in new geographical territory, they are still looking to prove themselves and they go well beyond proving. Every note, word, beat is as fresh and clear as a mountain stream and has a hard hitting, purposeful feel. The jams are concise, yet complete. They fill you up and lift you up. They are like musical Lembas. A show like this is where Phish earned their place as being utterly beloved and held to the highest regard.
Split Open and Melt. Between Mike and Trey, I could be kept busy all day just listening to this one.
Forbin’s/Icculus/Mockingbird. Never disappoints me, as F/M very well could be my (gun to my head to choose)favorite song/suite. I will say more in the song thread.
The end of Antelope, after the slowdown, was very enjoyable. Quirky and fun.
Mikes>Hydrogen>Weekapaug. What more can I say? I’m in love with the Paug, like Drew. Mike’s and Weekapaug are perfect examples of the musical Lembas.
I’m ok with the end of the second set. It is not as “jam packed,” if you will, but it does a good job of showcasing their diverse talent.
