http://https://forum.phish.net/forum/permalink/1378219560

In the dawn of the file-sharing era on the internet, I spent some time tracking down mp3 files of Phish songs I had yet to hear. I ended up making a 90 minute mix tape of these obscure songs, including "Destiny Unbound", "Walfredo", "Prep School Hippie", "Glide II", and a version of "Brother" from 11/16/91 that shocked my brain. I recall being initially disturbed by all of the dissonant playing by Trey and Page, the intense vocal melody, the way Fishman alternated between the frantic main rhythm and the loose swing rhythm during the solos, and the crazy ending. The effect was even more disorienting when I got a copy of 4/4/98 II, which has a much looser version of Brother. How could one song be performed in such different styles? Where did that 11/16/91 version come from? Did they really think that was "music"?

Years later, I was able to download the full show off the spreadsheet, and receive the full effect of this crazy second set. Bathtub Gin is even more off-the-rails than Brother, and this YEM jams as hard as they ever did back then. Phish had just shared the stage with Colonel Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit one week earlier, and the importance of that band's influence on Phish cannot be overestimated. Combine that experience with some serious roadburn (this was their 38th show in 53 days), "Smells Like Teen Spirit"'s recent ascension into the national consciousness, and lots of special guests in attendance, and you get one of the wildest sets the band had played until that point. More fans need to hear this show, wouldn't you say, @midcoaster?