https://forum.phish.net/forum/permalink/1377852761

Margaret Atwood introduced the phrase "context is all" as a motif in "The Handmaid's Tale" in 1985, and the quote is practically a cliché by now. It neatly summarizes the development of post-modern art in the 20th century, and is a crucial component of our interpersonal digital communication today. But even though context is important, it can also sway our perceptions unnecessarily. Not every Phish show played during August '93, December '95, or Fall '97 was a glorious bacchanalia of sound and light. And occasionally, a very good show is overlooked because it is dwarfed by surrounding giants. Compared to the previous three shows on the tour, or the best shows that came later in November '94, 11/3 UMass may fall short; but removed from this context, I believe this show is far better than "an average show".

Phish performed a total of seven shows on the UMass campus between 1990 and 1995. Some are better than others, but the audience response on this AUD recording demonstrates how the Amherst network of colleges was a stronghold for Phish fans in the early 1990s. It makes sense, then, that this show would begin with a nostalgic feel; Fee, Divided Sky, and an old-school Wilson > Peaches combo effectively turn back the clock to the Spring of 1989. However, a remarkable SOAMelt brings us up-to-date with the 1994 Phish sound and style of improv. DWD and Julius rage for eight minutes apiece, while the fledgling Simple sounds like it's almost ready to fly. According to the review on the legacy phish.net review site, Trey was pointing at Fishman when he said "You end up looking like that" during the Vibration Of Life explanation. The segue from the YEM vocal jam into BBFCFM is superb. And listen closely to the very beginning of Nellie Kane, when one waggish lad in the audience yells out, "Play the White Album!"

There are many great four-show runs in the band's history, too many to list. But runs of five consecutive great shows are scarcer; partly because 3-show festivals and 4-show NYE runs are the norm, partly because of the physical stamina required. 10/29-11/2/94 is widely regarded as a phenomenal three-show run for the band, and 11/4 has plenty of fans as well, but I feel that 11/3 deserves to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the others.