This was the infamous "Tape Release Party" night. We knew that the first-ever PHISH tape was to be available. The anticipation was frightening. Some of us headed down early to check things out. Not too much was happening, but as usual, there were some folks having a couple in the Outback. The band wasn't really there either. Eventually, we decided to lay down the 3 bucks or whatever and head in to the Front. We had to go back around to the front door to pay the cover because it was still a little early. We went in as we wanted to hear the new tape. Paul had a box of them at the board. Myself and Nutsy pulled out some cash and began to set up our deck. Paul came over to say hello and we asked for a couple of copies. I don't recall the price ($7 perhaps). To get to the heart of the matter, Paul brought us the first two copies of "Junta." Nutsy got the first-ever, but I had the sense to have the band autograph mine. I still don't know who "Hank" is. Oh yeah, the show. Sofi and Joe's appearance in the second set was very... fun. Something profound was felt by all. After Harpua and Whipping Post it was nice to go out in to the cool evening air and stretch out. I also bought some shirt that night. Another first. Thankfully, I still have both the autographed tape and the shirt. I just wish that I had slipped past Nutsy.

The highlight of the first set is a pretty fierce Mike’s Groove, although I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that Wilson-> Peaches combo with Trey doing the Peaches intro vocally. The YEM that starts Set II is absolutely smoking and the vocal jam devolves into Trey cracking himself up and then introducing Fishman’s bass drum with enthusiasm. La Grange is pretty strong, and the Slave is heavy on swelling effects, but Esther gets outright sloptastic toward the end. The Antelope is CRAZY hot!! Very nice! The whole Sofi Dillof/Joe thing was…um…so, yeah, that happened…anyway, Harpua is of course always fun, but this one has the extra amusement of a twice-shot ass, which I recommend for a chuckle. Finally, it's always nice to have a full-band rendition of Whipping Post, and while this isn't the greatest version, it's still pretty solid. Due to a great setlist, above-average versions of Mike's, 'Paug and YEM, and a totally SMOKING hot Antelope, I'm going with 4 Stars.

Sound quality is decent enough. It sounds like the pitch may be a hair sharp. Almost sounds like the source cassette may have sat on the car dash for a summer or two.

The show itself is pretty strong. However, most of the action takes place during the second set. Set 1 was highlighted by a strong Weekapaug, Possum and Sky. Set 2 was fantastic but the guest “Hijack” during I Didn’t Know was like nails on a chalkboard. I actually kind of enjoyed the last time Eyeburn came out on 3/12/89 at Nectars, but this time was kind of annoying. I Didn’t Know I was that far gone…”yes you did!” lol One thing of note about I Didn’t Know that’s not listed is that they say Pardon me Daubs instead of Doug. Another incredible version of Harpua tonight! Somewhat of a sister version to the last one played at The Zoo on 4/20. Unfortunately, If I Don’t Be There by Morning is missing from the recording. YEM is a must hear, as is the Slave->Esther combo. Slave is unfinished and Esther is perfect if not for the botched ending. Antelope to follow is also a must hear. Even La Grange and Bold as Love slay! Check it out!

Posted to rec.music.phish and/or submitted to Phish.net, many moons ago...

This was the infamous "Tape Release Party" night. We knew that the first-ever PHISH tape was to be available. The anticipation was frightening. Some of us headed down early to check things out. Not too much was happening, but as usual, there were some folks having a couple in the Outback. The band wasn't really there either. Eventually, we decided to lay down the 3 bucks or whatever and head in to the Front. We had to go back around to the front door to pay the cover because it was still a little early. We went in as we wanted to hear the new tape. Paul had a box of them at the board. Myself and Nutsy pulled out some cash and began to set up our deck. Paul came over to say hello and we asked for a couple of copies. I don't recall the price ($7 perhaps). To get to the heart of the matter, Paul brought us the first two copies of "Junta." Nutsy got the first-ever, but I had the sense to have the band autograph mine. I still don't know who "Hank" is.
Oh yeah, the show. Sofi and Joe's appearance in the second set was very... fun. Something profound was felt by all. After Harpua and Whipping Post it was nice to go out in to the cool evening air and stretch out. I also bought some shirt that night. Another first.
Thankfully, I still have both the autographed tape and the shirt. I just wish that I had slipped past Nutsy.