Hello America, we learned some stuff in Europe. What an opening statement to one of the most epic runs in Phish history. Check out the whole show, but definitely the Theme jam! Highlights:

1) Ghost: Can you imagine hearing this for the first time and being like, "what is this neat little new song"? Sure, the Irish had already heard, but I'm willing to bet tapes didn't cross the pond that quickly back in the day. Anyways, might as well debut '97 Phish proper with some funk! The funk party eventually morphs into the zany dualism of toon town smiley sun to killer evil sun from mario bros. 3. Mike's bouncing bassline and Fishman's snappy drumming keeps us happy while Trey's cat gurgle guitar tone drives the dissonant dualism. Page can't decide how to keep everyone happy and opts to sprinkle chaotic baby grand cheeriness before settling into electric plunko mode. The balance of funk and adventure is chef's kiss. Great energy to cue up a well-placed and played Dogs Stole Things

2) Piper: The frenetic buildup on this version is notable

3) Bathtub Gin: I feel like a hero has ascended and we are watching the sunset on a forever good day. Hosey feel good vibes, pure electric energy. Page is giddy, Mike is assured bop, Fishman is kinetic, Trey is riffing like a man clawing his way through the jungle vines to that golden sunset vista over the waterfall on bliss island. Then, as the sun sets on this hosey bliss, the James Brown funk sauce is poured on the jam to close out. Slick finish to one hell of an opening statement for Summer '97 USA

4) Wolfman's -> Magilla: The Wolfman's jam is a slinky, sneaky little funk romp, with Mike and Fishman creating spacious rhythms for Trey's deep slinky ton. The jam lasts just long enough to make the THRILLING sneaky, slink transition to Magilla a SunnyD Delight! The Magilla is playful and spry, played with the cohesion of a band that is ready to double down on their first set statement.

5) David Bowie: I love when the band plays around with the hi-hat intro to Bowie. Mike has Nightmare on Elm Street vibes while Trey is adding great atmospherics as usual before riffing on an extended Birdland tease that grows more sinister with each repetition. The rest of the Bowie is pretty standard, but solidly executed. Slow cooker tension building with auto-fire releases.

6) Theme: Funk peppereed with some sweet sax-o-ma-phone?? Damn yes. LeRoi meshes with the band so well on this jam, kudos. The best part is, this jam gets way out there! Mike and Page are the trailblazers, developing a wall of sound din that leaves the funk behind and brings the venue to the the nether regions of outerspace. Really fun and adventurous time