YEM review - 12/29/96 The Rectum, Phili, PA

review submisions to me at dws@www.phish.net or dws@gadiel.com

Date: Thu, 03 Feb 2000 08:30:58 -0800
From: Charles Dirksen cdirksen@earthlink.net
To: Daniel W. Schar dws@protos.lifesci.ucla.edu
Subject: 12/29/96 YEM review updated
 
12/29/96 The Rectum, Phili, PA
 
Opening is quite standard. The pre-Nirvana section is spacey and
melodious as it often has been in the last few years, but this version
lasts longer than usual. "Nirvana" doesn't occur until 4:20.  It's
perfectly beautiful!  Mike's solo section begins around 5:04 and it
too is charming -- Mike's more chipper than he often is in this
section.  The pre-charge is *excellent*, and Trey nails the first shot
at "The Note" at 6:19.  Good jamming around it, too.  Second shot at
the Note at 7:02 is also nailed and sustained well.
 
"Boy" at 7:34 after one helluva scream from Trey!! Ultra-funky WUDMTF
segment.. Nice clav-work from Page!  Signals from Mike for the tramps
moves (and the crowd goes wild). Page briefly teases "Here Comes
Speedracer" around 10:50-11 mins.
 
Jam segment begins at 11:30 with Trey noodling just a wee bit.  He
appears to tease "Spooky" briefly at 12 mins.  The jam starts out
weak, but a groove soon develops (with help from the crowd, which is
clapping along!).  By 12:45 the whole band is getting DOWN.. sounds
like Trey is still trying to find a theme!  A very upbeat YEM jam
ensues with strong playing from everyone -- Trey's still leading with
stereotypical rock licks and chords.  A very inspired jam, though,
around 15 mins!!  The stuff that "A" rated YEM's are made of, without
question!  Repetitive in a GOOD way!
 
Sounds like the instrument switching begins at approximately 16 or so
minutes.  I can't for the life of me remember who took what instrument
in what order, and I'd rather not even try to guess. [Editor's Note:
from Erik Swain: "I was there. There were 2 rotations. First was
Trey-drums, Fish-keys, Page-bass, Mike-guitar. Then Trey stayed on
drums and the others switched to Fish-bass, Page-guitar, Mike-keys."]
But it sounds like Trey on drums by 16:45, Mike on guitar, Page on
bass, and Fish on keys (I'm just guessing).  Frankly, a lot of noise,
outside of Mike's soloing on the guitar, which doesn't suck.  Pretty
chaotic though.. Whomever is on piano/keys doesn't know what they are
doing, that's for sure.  If this is Page on bass (18:42) it actually
isn't that bad. Very reptitive, but it still basically works.  Sounds
like there's another switch around 19 minutes, but Trey is still on
drums.  Just a lot of noise, imo (20 mins).  No point in trying to
review this.. :) heavy drum action around 20:30.. presumably Trey,
just before he leaves the kit (by 21 mins).
 
Mike's on the piano by 21 minutes.. and he starts up "Sexteen Candles"
at 21:45 (with a loud "SEX!!!!").  Mike sings Sixteen Candles like an
old pro.. It's hysterical, of course.  Crowd begins clapping along.
Mike is surprisingly good on the piano, btw. He at least knows how to
play this one well enough to pass.. (feedback at 23:29 and then..
 
Vocal jam WUDMTF ending begins at 23:30. Typically crazy vocal jam..
madness.  Runs the gamut. Crowd starts clapping along again. (this
version definitely wins the award for "Most Crowd Clapping")  Sounds
like they are teasing an old 50's tune in this vocal jam, but I can't
place it.  It's a very popular old tune, too.  Doh.  Total time 26:51.
 
Must cop out and give this the ole "N/R" I'm afraid.  Too much crazy
stuff in this version to warrant a rating (which would by definition
relate it to most other YEMs).
 
two cents
charlie


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