This is a solid start to the Summer '97 tour. Most importantly it has the fun factor that, while constantly present in the shows from the earlier years, was sometimes missing as the band matured. Look especially at the Europe 97 tours, the last week of the winter tour not withstanding. However, this show, while never getting into the "bliss" or out-there type 2 jamming that 5 star shows deliver in spades, is a consistently rewarding listening experience.

Set 1: The Ghost, while not nearly as impressive as what was to come, is still a fantastic way to start a tour, not to mention ballsy! However the Gin is the highlight of both the set and the show. While it's not an all-time great, as mentioned earlier, it's just plain-fun. It hits the major Type 1 highlights, dives into some Type 2 porno-funk fun, and then features a great Trey speech as well. I don't even know if it's worth downloading as an all-time keeper, but in the context of the show it brings a smile.

Set 2: Magilla is always fun to hear, especially for Phans like myself that are more jazz-oriented. Bowie is standard great but not must-hear. Theme has Leroi Moore from DMB and devolves into a noise-jam, while Leroi jams out more traditionally in Funky Bitch. Both are fun but not must-hear. Slave like Bowie, is standard great but not must-hear.

Rating: 4/5