Here's a strange little piece of Burlington history regarding how this tape came into circulation. I can not say the story is true, simply because I wasn't there. But, here's the story that came with my 2nd generation copy of the Wendell Studios tape. Not long after it was recorded, I got my copy from this really big guy named George. Anyway, the story I was told by George, was that he was seeing the same girl as Mike Gordon, from time to time. George didn't have a problem with this, but he did have other ideas. I'm told the tape was borrowed by the mystery girl, quickly copied by George, then returned. George was obviously a bit of a sleeze (at that time anyway), and I can't say I knew him well. I was a taper, and he was just someone I traded tapes with a couple of times. Later, in an odd twist of fate/karma, my small TDK tape case with 10 - 11 of my early Phish masters & Wendell Studios tape was stolen. I recently got a decent copy on CDR in a trade, I could tell it was made from that original tape. It really sent me for a trip down memory lane. Being that these songs are so well recorded, I think this would make a great archival release. For early studio Phish, these tracks sound great. I prefer listening to this over the White Tape, or the bonus tracks that were put on Junta. If you haven't heard the Wendell Studios recordings, find yourself a copy, and prepare to be entertained.

This is all pretty good - hearing early Phish with studio clarity running through many of the classics that never saw the album treatment. The thing that stands out for me, however, is Rift. I am not sure if there are any other versions out there like this, but it is really strange to hear it in it's proto-form. Really different and interesting - sounds nothing like Rift (to me) - apart from the lyrics - but it reminds me of something that I am struggling to put my finger on - spices maybe? In any case, really cool to hear such a radical departure from a song you know so well.