Seek this show out for a feisty Timber in the first set and a great set 2 opening combo of 2001>Simple. This is the nastiest and longest pre-1997 version of 2001 and the Simple is transcendent and one of my all-time favorite jams. If the back half of the second set had lived up to the start of the set, this show would truly be something special, but the Gary Gazaway guest spot doesn't really do much for me. Still, this is an above average show and 2001>Simple is a clear highlight of the tour.

There are few things in life that are better than dancing around my kitchen with Phish playing in my ears. I insist there is no better way of getting the dishes done. During the 2001>Simple of this show, I danced my tush off. In listening to the Fall 1996 tour, (after Halloween) I never realized that this tour was so incredible. This 2nd set is a prime example. It's no wonder that Phish is the only thing that I can listen to, THEY ARE AMAZING!!! Just wished I could see the light show.
Marty

1st set: Loved the CTB's opener...they should bring that out more often .Timber rocked and i really enjoyed Reba !

2nd set: 2001>Simple was fantastic ...looking back Swept Away >Steep was nice considering Phish doesn't trot those two out very often "in the now" times ! Tweezer was the Highlight of the show for me, i really dug Gazaway's trumpet playing on it and i THINK this is the only Hello My Baby with a trumpet in it. This show was my first and it was really tight...overlooked but no matter...so many are

The Simple from this show is an essential jam to listen to and own. It has one of the most beautiful/soaring peaks I've ever heard. If you haven't listened to it, do yourself a favor and get it right now!

The Timber absolutely smokes !!!! I love the 95/96 Timbers !!! Aggressive and fiery !!!! Ginseng was location appropriate. Memphis is in fact my muddy water Mississippi Delta Home The Simple is a must hear. Tremendous Peak. Soaring, high flying Trey. Great foundation by Page, Mike & Fish. Fall '96 Simples were the best ! I like this song standing alone as much as I like it following Mike's.

My favorite Simple ever! Download this show just for the Simple, you won't be sorry.

Another great instance of being in the right place at the right time. El Buho joined up for some serious heat at the end of a great example of what a 96 phall tour show was like. I did 18 shows that phall tour and this was one of those that was overlooked in many views (as is the next one b/c of repeated songs or lack of attendance.)

SET 1: Cars Trucks Buses: Standard.

Timber (Jerry the Mule) – Standard.

Poor Heart: Standard >

Taste: Standard.

Billy Breathes: It’s fine, but the set is not looking so great at this point.

Chalk Dust Torture: Here we go, this is a game changer for this first set. It RAGES. Aside from 12.31.94, I believe this might be the longest Chalkdust to date. Actually, Lake Place from 10.16 might have it by two seconds. 5.17.91 really shouldn’t count as there was a power outage in the midst of that one.

Guelah Papyrus: Standard.

Ginseng Sullivan: Big ovation for My muddy water Mississippi Delta home. Trey seems a little tentative with his playing after the first verse.

Reba: Fairly average version.

Character Zero: Standard.

SET 2: Also Sprach Zarathustra: Easily the longest played thus far at 12:07 – the next longest was just under 7 minutes at the Clifford Ball. Dance party! >

Simple: I love the loops Trey throws down right before he jumps on his drum kit. Amazing version, they brought out the big firehose for this one. All-timer for sure, a true break out performance. ->

Swept Away > Steep > -- Standard.

Scent of a Mule: LOL @ the OG cow samples in the beginning of this one. Foreshadowing of 3.0 Fishman samples. Another charted version of this tune.

Tweezer: With El Buho. I am sure there are many fans of this version with him on trumpet. I just am not a big fan. It certainly is unique, and I will give them all credit for taking chances.

Hello My Baby: Unique with Gary.

Tweezer Reprise: Different and unique >

Llama: Interesting take with the trumpet. Trey turns up the heat but just momentarily.

ENCORE: Waste: Standard.

Johnny B. Goode: This one gets a proper ripping, good send off!

Summary: Set one is a bit of a throwaway as really only Chalkdust has replay value. But 2001 and Simple are both game changers for the band, historically speaking for both of these tunes. SOAMule has replay value for those that like that song. The El Buho stuff is admirable for having the guts to take some chances. Many love it for sure and with good reason – personally, it doesn’t trip my trigger. I would rate this show as a 3.9 out of 5, a good bit lower than the 4.27 currently shown.