The "Ghost" from this show is by far the best version I've ever heard. Sloppy vocals to start leave no hint of the peak that is to come. Everything builds organically until the explosive climax at 17:08.....then everything collapses into this post-modern sonic wasteland of awesomeness for the next 10 minutes. There may be better versions of "Ghost", but this should be in everybody's Top 5. Its epic, and it puts so many other versions of "Ghost" to shame.
"IT" was my first festival and the last festival Phish held at the Loring Base. I've been to other festivals since then, and nothing compares to the isolated free anarchist vibe that pervaded this festival. It felt lawless and it was lawless....being so goddamn far from civilization certainly added to the "anything-goes" aura that pervaded every minute of that weekend. Its the only time in my life I've seen someone run through security gripping a 4 foot bong!!! LOL....... Oh.....and the glow stick war during this "Ghost" was unbelievable (there's a low quality clip of it on YouTube -- look it up).
When I think back to that glow stick war, and the immense sense of togetherness that I felt for my fellow Phans, I can't help but be reminded that Phish has one of the most loyal tight-knit communities in any music scene. Mind you, lately there's been way too many haters puking negative reviews and targeting the band with their pessimism........But, for those phans who genuinely still love this band and their music, lets not let the haters spoil the party! Phish is the most insane live band I've ever experienced, and I've seen tons of bands, and I still hold this opinion decades on. I love this version of "Ghost" without having to hate on 30 other versions, past or present. There's no room for hate in the world of music, and there is certainly no room for hate if you want to consider yourself a Phish fan. Get real.....hating on a band is literally the opposite of being a fan. And if you consider yourself a Phish fan, and yet can't help but be motivated to hate on this band, then do the world a favor and write a book explaining how you can be a fan or something and still hate on it?
Sorry for the rant.........download this show and revel in this "Ghost"....its a masterpiece of live improvisation.
