It would be hard to choose, but if I were ever asked by a newcomer for a recommendation on where to start with Phish, I might say their live ‘97 LP Slip, Stitch and Pass.
There are some typical Phish covers…like a downtempo version of Talking Heads’ “Cities” and ZZ Top’s “Jesus Just Left Chicago”, but also a very trippy insertion of The Doors’ “The End” and Pink Floyd’s “Careful with the Axe, Eugene” in the Phish original, “Mike’s Song”.
As much as I love Trey (guitar) and Page (keys), this record/show is carried by the rhythm section. Mike and Fish on bass and drums are 👌. I think that’s why I love it so much. They always lay the foundation, but here it is more apparent than when Trey or Page outshine them.