I am looking for the Definitive Mike’s Groove.
It’s like this, I’m putting together a mix CD, something like a greatest hits thing and as there is no studio Mike’s, I’m looking for the definitive live version. All the versions I have are somewhat lacking, either a weak Mike’s or Paug or no H2, Its not just a great performance either, but a version that is in a way atypical as well, capturing the best of what Mike’s can be. I love the SS&P version of Mike’s but the Eugene/End coda is quite a deviation (though awesome of course) and therefore not what I call definitive. Any suggestions?
10-31-90 Armstrong College, Colorado.
Sandwiched with a nice I AM HYDROGEN…just like it should be!
I always thought 11-27-98 “Mike’s Groove” was incredibly solid.
The 8-13-96 version has, in my opinion, one of the best "Mike’s Song"s but an oddly placed “Lifeboy” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” makes me scratch my head. The “Mike’s Song” is killer, though; around 12-13 minutes the jam starts to SOAR
^ Lifeboy is my friend Kenny’s favorite tune. There was a Mike’s Lifeboy Week on Fall 95 tour but we missed it. Knowing Phish he was waiting for another and called it for that night. Just proves one person’s hope’s can be another’s head scratcher!
If you are looking for a huge Mike’s groove look no further than 7-17-98. No Hydrogen but the Mike’s and Paug are rediculously good!
For a bit shorter of a version to fit nicely in your best of…I would say 3/22/93 …extremely underrated due to what happened just before it, but it is really really tight.
I like the Mike’s Grooves with that take the whole set like 12/30/93Portland, 8/9/97Alpine, and 2/20/93. But the shorter Mike’s Grooves from the end of 1997 will always be my favorites (big surprise). I have been falling into the habit of only citing fall 97 shows, but I suppose there are reasons for this.
Right now my winner would have to be 11/22/97 Hampton. Mikes opener is surprising and groovy which drops into a very long H2. This hydrogen is pretty unique with lots of pretty work by Page. This drops right into a RAGING 'paug. When the Weekapaug fizzles out there is a little pause…and BAM right back into groove with two GIANT climaxes. My AUD recording really captures how insane the audience reception of the post Weekapaug jam. Everytime I hear the audience collectively lose their shit (and at all the right moments mind you) I get goosebumps. This kind of reaction is what I miss so much about the band. Thousands of fans who TRULY appreciate the music and actually pay attention to what is being played.
Other contenders from this tour: 12/2/97, 12/13/97, and the show ending groove from Vegas 11/13/97 Check these out as well.
Of course there are a million strong Mike’s Grooves, I rarely hear one I don’t like (COVENTRY)
I love the Mike’s Groove from 08.13.96…Mike’s (20 min.!!!) -> Lifeboy -> Weekapaug -> Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Post hiatus, I really dig Camden 07.31.03…Mike’s -> Hydrogen -> Weekapaug (Gadda Davitta tease at the end)…solid groove
I saw a complete mikes groove and it was fantasic. 6/25/04 It isn’t incredibly long but it is rockin’
Actually, that 6/25 Groove is the lowpoint of the set/night. Particularly the Weekapaug. The Jam goes nowhere and there really isn’t the type of anthemic melodicism that really makes the song for me. However, it isn’t bad either and I remember being quite into it at the show.
My all time fav is 4/3/98. It must just be me, because no one else ever mentions it. First off, the Mike’s has some very tight, but not off-the-wall, jamming with some very unique “melodies” from Trey and Mike. The segue into OHPlace is great. H2 is nice and pretty, but I like a sandwich song that keeps the energy flowing. Then the Weekapaug is just amazing, specifically the jam that develops afterwards. I would definitely recommend taking a close listen, especially now that its been officially released.
- Matt
I am looking forward to the Island Run Mike’s. I ordered the CDs back in July. Somehow I prefer to buy the CDs than have the downloads, I just like the product! I’m in London and the first batch went missing in the post. DryGoods are great and have posted a second batch but I’m still waiting - it’s becoming unbearable, I hear the Stash is pretty special too.
The Mike’s Grove from 11-04-1990 set II Fort Collins, CO is amazing. It was the first time I ever heard the whole groove and I love it! And i think its the best groove I heard since! you gotta check it out!! you can stream it from nugs.net.
^ I wholeheartedly agree, FB! Everything about that show is magical.
I especially like the entire Colorado runs from 1990 & 1991.
3-16-91 from Breckenridge Colorado (Ten Mile Room) is a particularly tasty show! No Mike’s though…
actually there was a mike’s groove done in the studio… it was up on etree as a tape trey used to try to get gigs at bars in vt… it should be in the database. unfortunately its pretty flat and unremarkable… for me the mikes that follows the gamehenge on 3.22.93 is the archetype. no crazy teases/segues or off theme jamming but solid as hell.
^ That’s what I was saying…3/22/93 may not be the craziest, or even the best, but it is probably the definitive version, in my mind.
^ True! I actually have that set in my car as we speak. Once the 'Henge is done, The Mike’s Grooove is on!
I just listened to an incredible groove from 7.2.94 Holmdel NJ
2: Also Sprach Zarathustra, Mike’s Song-> Simple-> Mike’s Song-> Y-Rushalayim Schel Zahav-> I Am Hydrogen-> Weekapaug Groove*-> Run Like an Antelope Jam**-> Also Sprach Zarathustra Jam***-> Weekapaug Groove,
Simply remarkable…The Weekapaug is just amazing. I wore this out on casette and recently reaquired the SHN’s, SWEET!
^i saw that one come up at etree… looked bad ass. i passed though due to comments about the quality of the recording. how’s it sound?
I Like the way it sounds. However, it always sounds better playing off my computer then a burn or on my headphones. DL this one it is really worth it. The Weekapaug just fucking kills!
Oh, and the set isn’t over after that. I just cut off the listing because of the topic of the thread. DL and enjoy
I don’t know if this constitutes ‘The Definitive Groove’, but for those looking for something VERY different, check out 2-20-93. I am just getting done listening to it… And it is one of those shows where you can tell they are having fun.
Here is the list (although you must hear it to truly appreciate it):
Set Two:
Wilson, Reba, Tweezer->Walk Away->Tweezer-> Glide-> Mike’s Song-> My Minds Got a Mind of Its Own-> Kung-> I am Hydrogen-> Weekapaug Groove-> Have Mercy-> Rock and Roll All Nite-> Weekapaug Groove-> Fast Enough for You
The Mike’s has a Lizards tease, the ‘blap boom’ from Wilson, and I want to say a a Tweezer and Reba jam also. MMGAMOI is sung almost accapella by Mike, and Page is swirling the keyboards behind him, and the RnR All Nite is with ‘Gene Simmons’… Although I know it is not him, I am not sure who it is.
Has anyone else heard this? Havent heard much talk about it.