20 years ago today, Phish played Webster Hall at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. After performing their first New Years show in ’89, the band took the first part of January to work on new material in the studio. Appearing sporadically throughout the northeast, debuting songs from their soon-to-be-released album Lawn Boy, the band was at an early creative high-point in their career.

The show from Webster Hall saw the debuts of “Bouncing” and “Squirming Coil”, as well as the first ever performances of “Caravan” and “Carolina”. This show is also significant as it is the first setlist, as well as the first recording, documented for 1990. 20 years later, it seems appropriate to look back on this show that seems to fly heavily under the radar. Featuring an early, yet divine, version of “Reba”, this show is a great look at the band in the early stages of their career. Trey was clearly feeling it on this winter night in Hanover, as can be heard in “YEM”, “Antelope” and “Mike’s”. I’ve always loved this “Reba” and thought it was worth sharing. Enjoy.

“Reba” (1990.1.20)

DOWNLOAD 1990.1.20 Webster Hall, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH (Pt. 1, Pt. 2)

Setlist:

Set 1: Carolina, The Sloth, Bathtub Gin, You Enjoy Myself, The Squirming Coil, Caravan, The Lizards, Run Like an Antelope

Set 2: The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony, Suzy Greenberg, Bouncing Around the Room^[2], Reba, Tela, La Grange, Lawn Boy, Esther, Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove