New York News Day
MSG NYE 2013
This week, Phish dropped two noteworthy pieces of news centered around the state of New York. First and foremost, the band announced that they will return to Madison Square Garden for the fourth consecutive year for their Holiday Run. Though this comes as no surprise, it’s always nice to see more Phish shows on the docket. Phish also announced their next remastered release—a straight heater from Niagara Falls, New York on December 7, 1995. In my opinion, this is one of the very best shows from—arguably—the very best month in Phish history. A shrewd selection from Kevin Shapiro, this drop highlights the band at their absolute career peak (up until that point) as they worked their way to MSG at the end of the month. United in their Empire State of mind, each of these pieces of news deserve a tad more inspection.
12/7/95 Cover
Madison Square Garden, Phish, and New Years Run have become a 3.0 tradition. Starting in 2010, the band has returned to the hallowed round room each and every year for their Holiday bash, and each time we’ve witnessed a subsequent phase of renovation that has decreased the fun and all-out free for all that once existed in the late ‘90s. Now, the venue is extremely segmented, causing fans to scurry for GA West tickets only to discover the section packed like sardines and being forced to go small on the dance floor. Let’s face it, MSG ain’t what she once was and it’s time for a change. Hopefully the band will switch things up sooner than later, but for now it looks like we are heading back to the Big Apple to brave the cold weather for the holidays. With the band peaking again and returning to one of their favorite rooms, however, these shows carry a boat load of potential. Good luck in the ticket lottery!
Niagara Falls is the best release by Phish in quite some time. This highlights one of the peak shows of a peak era—December ’95. Within this show, the band throws down a fantastic first set “Slave” that sets up Hall of Fame versions versions of “Split Open and Melt,” “Reba,” “Mike’s” and “Weekapaug” in set two, not to mention an early, scorching version of “Taste.” This is an absolute can’t miss purchase, as Fred Kevorkian’s remastering has been dialed in on recent releases like Ventura and Hampton-Winston Salem. Bring that oh-so-crisp sound to the fast, frenetic and layered jamming of December ’95, and this drop is bound for glory. Here’s a 2008 piece I wrote on four shows that should be remastered—including Niagara Falls. Hey, two out of four ain’t bad!
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Jams of the Day: Niagara Falls 12/7/95
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/ph95-12-07d2t02.mp3]
“Reba“
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/15-Reba.mp3]
I just think that at midnight on NYE, after days of shows most people are pretty lit and would rather the music be the big show – big cover, big version of a tune – not so much golf cart or flying steamers.
However, a return to Harpua would be hysterical.
It’s their one night a year to put on some production..I don’t see the harm, then again, I never go to NYE shows, so there is that.
The Meatstick performance has been by far my favorite of the “MSG” shows so for in 3.0.
The energy of MSG on the 31st is still pretty great. Gotta say that.
I hear ya, Palmer and agree. I have only been there for one (meatstick) and it seemed like it went on forever, but I enjoyed it enough. If you are sober enough to be paying that much attention you are doing it wrong.
Harpua rap with Wootang!
Maybe they should bring out giant ear dancers then they can piss in them.
#treyknows
nye and a lonely second set second city improv stunt on the penultimate night of this years chicago run. yes, i’m still bitter . . . believe i’m actually still chilled to the bone from standing in the rain that night.
isn’t the “runaway golf cart marathon” phrase taken from Kung?
No expert on Kung lyrics, but they specifically said that phrase at the Brooklyn shows back in 2003 I think.
12/31/10 best NYE show in MSG of 3.0 IMO.
Forget what 09 was like besides Ghost, but prob best 3.0 NYE show of any venue.
Set 2 = the heat. Actually, I’m gonna listen to it now!
Ghost from MSG last year extremely underrated
conclusion – NYE shows in 3.0 very weak.
disclaimer – wasn’t at run last year. 12/31 show probably better than 2010, but whatevz
Back in my day, they rode a flying hotdog and we loved it. None of this other nonsense.
Elements set…dirt ->undermind = $$$$; reliving the dream.
if someone can bring me a Dogfishhead American Beauty to AC I would be forever grateful. preferably someone i hooked up with halloween tickets. also an enjoy by would be even better, but i assume that’s asking too much.
and once again, i recommend listening to the new Basia Bulat album. can stream it here. and then go see her on tour.
http://www.avclub.com/articles/listen-to-basia-bulats-new-album-tall-tall-shadow,103233/
is anyone going to see neutral milk hotel this tour? (they’re playing pretty much everywhere). seems really overpriced unless they jam or something.
Trey’s run at 3:04 min of Waves is pure fluid mastery.
Big Waves has got to come somewhere during Fall Tour….
GA Floor is a huge improvement to this venue, its tight there’s always pockets in the GA setting
shit also a Dogfishhead Bitches Brew, which is returning soon.
new chvrches album is awesome.
after seeing how packed the floor was up front, I would probably prefer to be on the south GA or whatever they call it.
Spasm hooked up close 100’s and I would rather have my own seat.
So close to Page I could have easily hit him with a $5 footlong
Founders Harvest Ale gets released in MI + OH on Friday I think.
Meatstick gag was terrific, best in 3.0
Blasphemy! Page owned that Garden Party like Phish pwnd their cranky fanbase with the nod to Ricky Nelson.
“Back in my day, they rode a flying hotdog and we loved it. None of this other nonsense.” – Joe
Yup… or simply played something like this…
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Set 1: 1999[1] > Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, Ghost -> Ha Ha Ha > Cavern
Set 2: NICU > Character Zero > Tweezer -> Cities > Wading in the Velvet Sea, Run Like an Antelope > Frankenstein
Set 3: Runaway Jim -> Auld Lang Syne -> Simple, Harry Hood > Tweezer Reprise, Llama
Encore: While My Guitar Gently Weeps