Four Wishes For Fall Tour
8.2.13 (Brian Thomas)
Phish played so well this summer, these lists are getting harder and harder to make. But as we go into Fall, there are still a few things I am hoping to see.
1. The First Set: The last remaining weakness of modern Phish shows is undoubtably the first set. Aside from SPAC’s “Split Open and Melt,” there were no open ended jams in the first half of any shows this summer. There is rarely even much contained jamming of note in opening frames, causing these sets to be musically uneventful. At no point in the last few years have I spun any first set from start to finish, and rarely do I dip into first sets at all but for the random “Reba” or “David Bowie.” Why does Phish choose to keep their first sets so mellow? Sure, lots of fans are there to hear their songs, but how about mixing it up? When the band throws down a great second set, I consider it a great show at this point. Imagine if they infused both sets with creativity? I’m not saying it should be like 1997, but just a bit of interesting music, some meat—and not always “Stash,” “Bathtub Gin,” or “Antelope.” An air of unpredictability has returned to Phish’s second sets this year, but their first ones have remained quite routine.
2. “Energy:” We’ve just seen the birth of Phish’s newest jam vehicle—”Energy.” In only three versions after its debut, the band has built an open-ended psychedelic juggernaut. Sprouting a jam in Alpheretta, the cover was soon placed in the hallowed spot of second set opener in Chicago and San Francisco. The band first opened up “Energy’s” jam in Chicago, charting an uplifting course with an ambient outro, while in San Francisco, they took it down a less cathartic, darker path. I believe we will see this song really blow up this Fall, starting right away in Hampton. I also believe we will see the band take “Energy” jams in wildly different directions, making the new Apples In Stereo cover all the more intriguing.
3. Get In Set Two! : There are several songs that have been begging for the second set treatment, though Phish has been quite stubborn in in keeping them as structured, first set jams. They are: “Wolfman’s Brother,” “Bathtub Gin,” “Tube,” “Stash,” “Split Open and Melt,” “Ocelot,” and “A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing.”
4. New Phish Material: Before every tour for the past couple years, this hope has been listed. Let’s be serious, the band hasn’t written a song in ages. “Steam” is the only original that has debuted in this era and stuck around. Joy songs have been played into the ground and then some. A new album has been hinted at all year, though nothing—even a rumor—has materialized. Does this mean another run with no new originals? Most likely. They did great this summer adding “Energy” to the mix. “Say Something” has potential. But how ’bout an actual Phish song? It’s about time.
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Jam of the Day:
“Rock and Roll” 8.3.13 II, BGCA
This monster version provided the centerpiece of Bill Graham’s second show. PS—Thanks for your feedback. I am keeping the links.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2.02-Rock-and-Roll.mp3] Tags: 2013, Fall '13
hey sumo saw where you let a room go at the Chelsea I & P . . . you not going now or switching up accommodations?
You can pretty much go where you want in AC. At least we did. So many open spots it seemed, even on Halloween. Had a full row in front of us (200’s on left side, perfect area). Lots of room to boogie down.
damn it, snooze you lose. rooms were cheaper yesterday. adding friday night doesn’t help either. oh well. I’m planning on cleaning up in the casino anyway
testing gravatars abilities.
AC was free for all for me last time too. they didn’t care as long as you didn’t crowd people.
sweet the mango is back!
yeah joe, i’m going to do a little gambling in AC, too . . . gonna hit those slots hard
Thanks MiA…sounds good. Hope they use that organ for something!!! Page playing Draculas Theme would be redic
@Joe – Bally’s is fine. Its old but whatever. On the boardwalk taboot taboot….if your that worried bring your own sheets as they only thing g I would look out for is bed bugs but that applies to any hotel really.
@Ren – Bhall security is cool as all get out and my experience there was you can go where ever you damn well please accept the floor. Just got to find a spot that you don’t bother actual ticket holders. I always just hang loose in the aisle of whatever section I’m poaching then slip into empty seats once the lights go down.
I know I’m a Zappa noob at best…but after being introduced by the BB I’m fully behind that idea
four Hampton 3 wishes to drop soon … includes mothership lift off and otherworldly interplanetary travels
@ Joe – we stayed at Bally’s for Halloween 2010 and had a fine experience. Only problem was we had to go to work on 11/1 so after the 10/31 show & partying we caught an hour of sleep and left AC at 4am to drive back to DC. (this was obviously a horrible idea on many levels). But the hot water heaters were on over drive at 4am and the shower was SCALDING.
Wasn’t a problem at any other time, so lesson should be, don’t try to go to work the day after a phish show.
Always fun and a little anxious going to a new venue. Can we get this tour underway already!!!
Thriller keys on the Boarwalk organ ftw
perfect. bally’s it is then.
re: Zappa. I believe We’re Only it it for the Money was on the 100 album list pre-indio.
@ Joe – also at least in 2010 Bally’s was the only casino in Atlantic City with a 10x bet on the craps tables. I don’t fully understand craps but I know this was important to my husband and he cleaned up at the Bally’s craps tables. We aren’t staying there this year bue I’m sure he will be playing craps there.
oops- i wasn’t fast enough checking cash or trade- he committed to someone else earlier today before i saw the message- if there are any 30ths floating around, i will be happy to take them.
nice – She Divides. I understand it (it is a big advantage to players who have the money to play max odds always) But for me, I think it means I lose 10X more money each roll with my luck at craps.
Case of Enjoy By 11/12/13 secured!!! Man do I love that my liquor store doesn’t pull that limited sales shit. First come first served.
DF – open to heady trades for EB hook up….
May have to bring a few of these puppies along for the Reading trek with Gdad & Friends.
We are the other people We are the other people
You’re the other people too
Found a way to get to you
Lemme take a minute & tell you my plan
Lemme take a minute & tell who I am
If it doesn’t show Think you better know
I’m another person
hoedown, i can def bring some of the headier toronto beers
witchshark is the crown jewel of toronto: http://bellwoodsbrewery.com/post/63098387327/some-strong-considerations-for-the-weekend
phil is the man. here’s video from last night.
http://grahamelesh.com/shows/past-shows/tfb-setlist-131015/
Boardwalk Hall is one of the most unique venues in the country
The stands were added much later
When built in 1929 it was the largest indoor clear span space (ie, no supporting columns to support ginormous ceiling span)
First indoor college football game played there
As well as the first indoor helicopter flight
http://www.boardwalkhall.com/history.asp
Amazing place
So excited to get back inside that building again. First taste of the GA floor also.. At least for night 2.. Oh yeah! Boardwalk Hall.. filthy,sweaty, box in a grimy city.. Fall tour stylie!!!
In laws are here, staying at hotel, have not seen them yet.
#theremayblood
They will eventually die.
Very very pumped to get my first crack at Boardwalk Hall.