Moments In a Box: Red Rocks
Red Rocks 8.2 (G.Lucas)
After each tour ends, we spend countless hours learning the new music that just unfolded. We make highlight mixes and listen to certain jams and sets time and time again, studying each subtlety. When we listen back, we can remember those experiential moments of awe; those times that stood still- not always a result soaring peak. Spanning the spectrum of human emotion, memories come in all shapes and sizes at Phish shows. The following are a few of the most poignant moments from the band’s memorable run at Red Rocks.
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“Billy Breathes” 7.30 II
Red Rocks 7.30 (G.Lucas)
Placed within an ominous frame that featured “Mike’s” “Ghost,” “Wolfman’s,” and “Bowie,” “Billy Breathes” was an oasis amidst the darkness. Unfolding late in the second set, the entire venue fell silent as the band meticulously moved through the ballad. Painted with a delicate brush, this rendition stood out after the show had ended. Its amazing how powerful a Phish song can be when given proper context and attention. “Billy Breathes” seemed to strike a chord with most everyone in that night, as many commented on its power throughout the next few days.
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“Split Open and Melt” 7.31 I
Red Rocks (G.Lucas)
In an dark convergence of Phish and nature, this “Split” summoned harsh wind and rain from the heavens, creating an intense ending to Friday’s first set. As the storm blew in, Phish took their jam further and further out, into an ominous, hypnotizing plane. Getting downright sinister, Phish grew the jam into a piece of abstract, mind-control art. Getting at the very essence of the jam, itself, this dip into the river Styx was a congruent soundtrack to the menacing weather- a perfect Phish synchronicity.
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“The Curtain (With)” 8.1. I
Red Rocks (G.Lucas)
Out of nowhere, after an innocent “AC/DC Bag” opener, Phish did the deed; they started up “The Curtain” for the first time since their Coventry demise. Finally ready to put the past behind them, the band stepped up to the revered piece they so horribly botched as their previous swan song. Taking the audience by surprise, the moment we had wondered about since March was, all of a sudden, happening. In the glorious surroundings of Red Rocks, Phish swept the cobwebs from our memories with a sublime, heart-wrenching rendition of “With.” Slowly narrating an introspective tale, Trey’s lines floated through the sky in a life-affirming moment for all. In one of the most poignant passages of the summer, Coventry was finally conquered and we were moving on to greener pastures.
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“Reba” 8.2 I
Red Rocks 8.2 (G.Lucas)
In the waning daylight on the final night of Red Rocks, Phish unveiled the only “Reba” of the second leg. A perfect selection for the setting sun of the triumphant Red Rocks run, Phish settled into the jam in a quiet way. Riding a gradually building groove, the piece was a musical magical carpet ride through the colored eve. With tasteful and creative phrasing throughout, the band created a soaring and emotive jam. Like a sculptor and a ball of clay, Phish skillfully manipulated their medium forming a cathartic build within an otherwise mellow set.
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Jam of the Day:
“Down With Disease” Shoreline 8.5 II
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Of the many standout “Diseases” this summer, this west coast exploratory monster is firmly in the upper echelon. The centerpiece jam of Shoreline’s second set, the band moved from rock, to groove, to ambient in this multi-layered piece. The final section of this jam may be the most engaging, illustrating Phish’s willingness to push their improvisation, seeking deeper places.
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DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:
Red Rocks Poster Series
8.2.2009 Red Rocks < Torrent
8.2.2009 Red Rocks < Megaupload
The fourth and final night of this historic stand was highlighted a standout “Boogie,” “YEM” to kick off the second set. Out of the smoke-covered vocal-jam emerged Billy Kreutzmann, joining the band for a fun-filled finale in Morrsion. We’re invited back this time.
I: Roses Are Free, Wilson, NICU, Prince Caspian, Back On The Train, Reba, Grind, Beauty Of A Broken Heart, Sample In A Jar, Sugar Shack, Waste, Kill Devil Falls
II: Boogie On Reggae Woman, You Enjoy Myself > Undermind* > Drums* > Seven Below* > 2001* > Waves*, Character Zero*
E: Bittersweet Motel, Bouncing Around the Room, Slave to the Traffic Light
* w/ Bill Kreutzmann on drums
Source: B&K 4022 (Taper – Craig Davis)
Spock’s Brain? That couldn’t have been played more than 8-9 times.
@ neemor, i dont think that i’ve heard any of those tunes except for ASIHTOS, P&M, and Scents….. and jennifer dances is probably the worst name for a Phish song that I have ever heard…
Imagine what a 50+ minute Spices would do to my face.
Or your face, for that matter.
Holy crud.
Olivia’s Pool is awesome.
Still love Shafty too, though.
what a superb lyric
Maze > Olivia’s Pool > Maze or some mindfuck shit like that
Olivia’s Pool/Oblivious Fool – six times. That’s the kind of song I’m talking about. But since it became Shafty, does that mean it’s really been played more?
nice type III, havent been out to worcester in many moons, used to party at framingham state a bit back in the day
Spice has been played twice. Hmm… that’s probably the sick joke that Phish has played on us (since it rhymes). I’ve NEVER heard of this song. Guess I’ll have to dig it up and give it a spin.
WVB,
Buy the albums ‘Round Room’ and ‘Undermind’ for some of the “lost classics” I mentioned above.
Marshall……STOP. No need.
I could just go down the list on Phish Stats, one song at a time (wouldn’t have to click them all, of course) but some it’s not always easy to determine which are originals and which are obscure covers.
Buffalo Bill
there was a while when I caught 3 of these in a row in the mid 90′s
great song
spocks brain was played 9 times total, and that too debuted at that vote for choice benefit as well
Same for Thunderhead, although someone here mentioned being a fan yesterday. Mr. C or ColJoy….I think. Caught it at my Albany show during the twentieth anniversary run. Good show, not such a good tune.
But Neemor – you made me think of this with your talk about loving Glide II.
guy forget
what’s the use?
my left toe
Funny, not sure how the Viewer’s Choice show would’ve felt for me at the time.
Spock’s after Buffalo Bill in Camden in 03 was off the chain.
My most psychedelic set post 95.
i like Thunderhead
and I like Shafty very very much.
There are some really good obscure little tunes.
Glide II is one. Guy Forget is another.
Spices was not good at all IMO.
Sort of a collective Phish Phart.
I don’t believe I typed that.
Rocko William – 5 times
Oblivious Tool is good, as mentioned.
Walfredo, I like. Rotational jams are good to search out, but I think more about being there.
Mr. Completely has only been played once or twice I think…
I know its a Trey tune, but once Phish plays it, it counts right?
so if so then you could include Mozambique as well
I’m staying late at work to type about obscure Phish.
My boss hates Phish.
spread it round
rock o william
walfredo
they haven’t played YEM or DWD more than ten times right?