THE GOOD: In all my years of listening to Phish, I don't know if there's a better show opener than this Axilla. Actually, I don't know if there's a more lopsided show in the band's history than this one - set one just absolutely smokes. Possum, which goes into hey-jam territory, complete with some evil moaning and a CYHMK tease, is one-of-a-kind and a must-listen. It even ends in a herky-jerky fashion that I've never heard since. I love the mid-set Reba, which also features hey-jamming and a near-foray into JJLC, but then returns back to the main theme gloriously. Even the Foam is outstanding in this set, with a fantastic silent jam, you really can't lose! The SOAM is laden with tension - and, although overshadowed by the Red Rocks version - is very solid. The second set features a strong Weekapaug with teases all over the place, but it's really the first set that shines here.

THE BAD: This show is lopsided as all get out. The band runs into some problems in the meat of the second set (flubs in It's Ice and MFMF), and chooses some relative snoozers (Poor Heart, A Train), which make it a little lackluster.

ETC: With hey-jamming to be found everywhere, there are teases and themes galore. Listen for Can't You Hear Me Knocking teases in Possum (8:10) and GTBT (3:10). This Mike's features a theme that the band would revisit at the famous 12/30 CCCC show featuring the 'golden hose' - listen for it at 6:25. Also, there's a distinctly First Tube section of the Weekapaug (4:45), a possum tease by Mike, and a section that sounds just like Goodbye Head! Don't forget Fish on the 'voodoo washboard'.