Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 16:40:47 GMT
From: cdirksen@earthlink.net
To: dan@netspace.org
Subject: 4/15/89 Mike's Song
Newsgroups: rec.music.phish

4/15/89  Billings Student Center Dining Hall, Univ of Vermont,
         Burlington, VT

Fishman used a brand new electronic drum machine on this night
(McGrupp's), but not in this Mike's Groove.  Trey introduced the
machine by saying that Fish learned a new song on it, and that the
person who could name the song would win a special prize.  Fish played
the tune you hear right before the start of a horse race, and Greg
Ehle yelled out "And they're off!".  Greg was disappointed to learn
that his "special prize" was a date with Fishman.  The show was
apparently not well attended, because no alcohol was served.

The soundcheck circulates on tapes of this show.. a mellow "Time Loves
a Hero."  Wouldn't mind hearing this AND Sneakin' Sally at a show in
the near future.

Mike's opens up in typical fashion.  It had gelled by this point in
time.  Tramps segment at 2:23 (about the usual time, even for versions
today).  It opens up with the usual chords from Page and phaat licks
from Mike.  Fish accompanies quite forcefully, too.  Trey comes in at
3:05, sustaining maliciously.  This will be one of those dark & evil
tramps jam segments, which I'm not all too fond of.  Spoke too soon..
Trey solos pretty actively in this one, preferring to sustain less and
play more NOTES! :)  Good jam!  Tramps segment closing chords at 4:37,
and then there's a little bit of a "post-tramps segment."  Trey just
sustains a note for awhile.  Then the real closing chords kick in
around 4:20.

I Am Hydrogen segues in at (no "post-tramps segment") about 5:58, and
it is a bit on the quick side.  Much quicker than versions of late.

Weekapaug starts up at 8:16. Mike solo (very repetitive.. not very
exploratory, as you would expect for 1989!).  Solid rock soloing from
Trey, but nothing unusually inspiring (although I bet it was
impressive to many of the folks back at UVM in '89!).  Traditional
ending (with lyrics).  Total time 14:41.  C rating.

"Welcome to the VPIRG Benefit.  A good cause.  Before we go any
further, I just want to make sure that whoever lost their birth
control pills last night with one more day of real pills to go.
They're right here. Here at Johnson State.  We figured that that
person was a little bummed.  They're hanging off Fish's bass drum..."
(Trey)

two cents
charlie