This is the tail-end show of a 3-night stand at Nectar's. Like the other shows from this run, it's hard to know exactly what the correct setlists and dates are for these shows. What is certain, though, is that this night is the most interesting and best-played of this March run. Phish plays tightly here and the recording picks up subtlety quite well, particularly with Mike's playing. While shows in this period are often raucous and noisy, this set really features nice interplay amongst the band, as well as very cohesive and patient jams. If you enjoy delicate takes on songs, this show is definitely for you.

In a foreshadowing of the Junta Icculus version, Harpua opens with Trey screaming "THIS IS NECTARS...THIS IS PAGE...THIS IS MIKE...THIS IS FISH...THIS IS TREY...this is the story of Harpua." One of the first versions to contain the story of Harpua and Poster Nutbag, Trey does a good job with the narration. Amongst the interesting things in this version is that Poster is a white cat, as well as that a car drives by before the fight (with bike horn effects from Mike). While the rest of the narration and story is very standard, I like the mix as well as Trey's work on the 'goldfish' section.

A solid Wilson slides into Peaches, akin to many versions in '88 and '89. This Wilson is a bit more playful than others of the time period. While a bit faster, it's played at a perfect pace. A screaming Bitch follows Peaches, one that channels 8/21/87. While Golgi and Suzie are standard here, they are followed by a wonderful YEM.

This YEM is very patient and perfectly executed. It begins with a very patient groove featuring Page on the clav, with accents by Trey and Mike throughout. Unlike previous YEM's to this date, Trey lays back in the mix and allows Page to lead things. It allows the jam to build and mature. By the time Trey does come in as the lead voice, the jam has built to the point where it could handle his complicated runs. It's a shining early YEM, a precursor to the powerful ones that would carry sets throughout the late 80s and early 90s.

A wonderful Lizards follows the hot YEM. The GTBT here, like other songs played this night, is fire. The closing jam builds nicely, is moving, and the band is solidly locked in. Sounds like this GTBT closes the set.

Happy Birthday is sung to Christa and J-E-N, who happen to walk in the door as the set starts. After the birthday wishes, Trey informs the crowd that it's "time to go back to that magical land....that's right....Gamehendge". He mentions that the audience already knows much of the story, which might reference the fact that this show was definitely played after the Gamehendge from earlier. With this information, it's possible to think that this run of shows started with the first Gamehendge instead of it being on 3/11.

Anyways, Trey begins the narration and mentions Icculus. The audience is unfamiliar, so Trey starts up Icculus because he wants to explain who he is. This is a great Icculus, better than the short 8/10 version, and funny because Trey says "of course...Wilson was an asshole". Following it, the band moves into Forbin's, then Mockingbird. AC/DC Bag closes what we know of this show, but the tapes clearly cut as the band seems to be moving into another song from Bag (perhaps Whipping Post?).

If you're looking for a spring show in 88, look here. Superior in performance to the 3/12 show, and far better than anything played the past 4 months, this is a very nice set. The YEM, in particular, is extremely strong and has a well developed and patient jam. Nearly every song is played well - other than the YEM, take a listen to the strong GTBT and the funny Harpua.

3.2/5

Harupa is always a good opener, no matter what. I love the song, and it's played well here. Wilson is eh (cause it's '88), Peaches through GBTB is all standard city, with more flubs than usual. Icculus is a nice rare treat, and is awesomely placed between Colonel and Mockingbird. Bag is slow as usual for '88, and the playing is subpar. Not much to write home about on this one.