There is a special thrill in hearing the first fledgling club tapes of a band that has since adapted its sound to arenas. On this collection of early
Phish live performances (recorded on a 1988 tour of the ski towns out West), the effortlessly melodic and jammy brilliance was obviously there, but scaled down to a more intimate level. This CD may not be an appropriate starting point for newcomers to the band's vast catalog, but it is a must-have for fans.