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]
Dreamt about coming into a windfall of cash. So much it had to be hid. Woke up to a ‘Follow’ from Baby’s Ass. Welcome to my nightmare. FML
And again, I thought we were better here, however I should expect as much from Joggerz:
NO ONE IS SKIPPING HAMPTON. Some people can go, some can’t. If you are going, get over yourself. “Skipping a show” means you are “On Tour” and purposefully miss a stop to avoid a long drive, crummy city, or to just get a head start on the next stop. Not going to the 1st three shows of tour, when you don’t live anywhere near there, IS NOT SKIPPING.
“We are gonna rage hampton because so many people are skipping it” SOUNDS AS STUPID AS THE BABYS ASS!
@AJ,Leo,any last minute mothership passengers. I have an extra bed at the Hilton garden inn if anyone should need it. Also one extra 3 day pass.
Geez, sorry. Not skipping, webcasting.
Grumpy Case…. this phish stuff is serious biz, AJ… Check yourself! 😉
^still attempting to insult. so sly.
If I make Hampton, will be crashing with Revise and blowing dab smoke in the webcast cameras.
The thought has crossed my mind to bring a mini rig into the venue before lol. Kinda over the whole pen thing. I could imagine explaining what it was to security might be a little tough though
Will keep that in mind @revise. thanks a bunch.
I’m skipping Hampton because I don’t want to go.
Saw Phosphorescent in Seattle last night. Great, great show. 7 piece band- tons of sound. Highly recommend if he comes to your town.
that’s a lie, MrP . . . you do want to go
I have totally checked myself, damn nearly wrecked myself.
My presence at the mothership is not appreciated by the band, listen to 2003 & 2004 shows for proof
AJ- Have you heard this yet?
http://www.npr.org/2013/09/22/224170294/first-listen-oneohtrix-point-never-r-plus-seven
oh man. i miss the simple times when i had time to argue about semantics of “skipping” versus “not going” to Phish shows.
i’m pissed i have to skip @revises room.
I have not, I keep trying to borrow it from the internet but Warp are quick on the link removal. Will stream it today.
Revise, u could hand me the toro, and retrieve inside. on some future occasion.
So Palmer, you’re saying you could go, financially, familia wise, and without work problems, and just don’t want to go?
Hampton is gonna be it for me this fall. Excited for my first experience there! I get AJ’s point that Hampton seems overlooked due to the all east coast run afterwards plus it went from one of the toughest tickets ever to 1/2 face value. That being said, I don’t think it raises the chances of a throwdown weekend just because of this. It more about the people who ARE there and the energy they give off IMO
what if you skipped a show that you are physically at? does that count as not going or skipping? what if there is a lady, lots of alcohol, and nakedness involved/promised?
hampton will be awesome . . . period. i’m going for the party.
Lol @ Phoam- If I was younger, single, childless, like I was 15 years ago, I’d dot eh whole thing…
Now I pick my spots. close to home , within a 4 hours of driving.. 1 plane trip in 3.0 to see Phish.
Just can’t drop 4 digits for a weekend to see 2-3 shows.. not worth it to me.. but everyone’s situation is different. Mine is what it is.
I will see you and your MUCH better half , BEK , in AC i hope…
If a tribe doesn’t even share a common language or understanding of phrases and concepts, then we’re just a group of dudes that get together for pick up basketball and a beer, without ever getting deep, and not really a tribe at all.
that’s called being whipped on a ‘nother level, pshs . . . and not necessarily a bad one
right on, Palmer. and yes, bek is the bright spot in my life . . . dream girl for sure.
I’d go, but BEK sold my tickets. 😉
almost october and excitement is building. I’m in for Reading (the non-skip, non-slip, easy grip, skid resistant skip show). Saw someone on here a few days ago w/ an extra Reading. Is that ticket still around? Looking for 1.
peace, phish lovers