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
love the yoshimi idea
I expect a Phishie to flake….but not someone on this board.
Guess there’s a reason why lurkers be lurkin’
wait, sounds like not the right way. dont go to the 80’s stuff…
Lumpy…your avatar fuckin cracks me up! How pumped are you for AC!!!
I just ordered 2 cases of whip-its…they’ll prob be gone by DCU2
I’m in the same boat, Sumo. Never actually checked out Flaming Lips but always know I should, not sure why. Downloading Yoshimi now, might as well.
I think, when considering what the Halloween album will be, that it’s important to note the the two new jam vehicles of the last couple years have not been Little Feat, Stones, or any other classic rock song, but rather:
Golden Age – TV On The Radio
Energy – Apples In Stereo
I’d guess something a little more contemporary this go-round. Yoshimi would fucking rule.
Yoshimi makes a lot of sense, for sure. I would prefer Kid A, but Yoshimi actually seems more likely that they could pull it off.
also band with a preposition in the name seems likely
I would always be down with Radiohead if we are going contemporary..
…Aj, great minds…
funny to cause I just arrived in SC for rehearsal, was just gettin some drinks and noticed a line at the Catalyst, guess who’s playing? Steve Vai!
ren,
words cannot describe my pumpedness for AC.
I get in on the 31st, a little after noon. will holler then.
we’re gonna need a bigger boat.
Dang Sumo, Yoshimi is def your shit. That andThe Soft Bulletin. Masterpieces. That band really sucks live though. Sad, rilly.
Yeah man! I’ll prob get there right around then as well. Suite is getting decorated for the occasion.
I want a punch bowl with dry-ice smoke
The Basement Tapes.
FLips used to be great live!
I’ll bet they were, but that was the most disappointing show I’ve ever been to. 2 years ago, I believe. Still worship their records though.
Dear Science would be fun. There, I said it.
Yeah Bingos, saw them in ’03, ’04 and ’05. Great shows. Saw them in ’10 at ACL and it was one of the worst shows I’ve ever seen. Hated the shows actually. Never will see them again.
LU- synchronicity.. Zappa w a Stevie’s Spanking Encore…
Lips are better live now than they used to be… Just be stuck doing kinda the same thing for 12 yrs now.. Saw then back in the early 90s -about what you’d expect from punk rockers w a light show… Def a better album band.. Fun “show” though…
Been
I guess by now I mean in the 2000’s…very formulaic…
mbv cover is possible
Gravity!
Total nerve wracking thrill ride with eye popping visuals, wow
…now back to packing for camp hamp