Hampton 2004 (Unknown)

As promised on Monday, here’s another playlist to help prove that 2004 Phish featured far more than opiates and sloppy compositions.

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“Birds of a Feather” 8.10 I, Great Woods

This “Birds” is another monster jam that often gets lost in the shuffle of the dark, ending period of August ’04. This version closed the first set of the first show at Great Woods in scintillating and exploratory fashion— a stellar excursion through and through.

Download audio file (1.06-Birds-of-a-Feather.mp3)

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“Halley’s > Tweezer” 4.17 I, Las Vegas, NV

Though April’s Vegas run was the low point of ’04 (less Coventry), Phish still cranked out a keeper version of “Tweezer” in this first set combo that directly followed a “Soul Shakedown” opener on the third and final night.

Download audio file (1.02-Halleys-Comet.mp3)
Download audio file (1.03-Tweezer.mp3)

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“Piper -> Jibboo” 6.19 II, SPAC

The world-famous SPAC “Piper” and a slinky segue into “Jibboo.”

Download audio file (2.02-Piper-1.mp3)
Download audio file (2.03-Gotta-Jibboo.mp3)

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“Chalk Dust Torture” 6.18 II, Brooklyn, NY

After Jay-Z left the stage, Phish dug into things for real with this perspective altering “Chalk Dust.”

Download audio file (2.05-Chalkdust-Torture.mp3)

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“Nothing” 6.23 II, Noblesville, IN

Phish expanded on their Undermind single only one time, at this Deer Creek stop in June ’04. I’ve always liked this song (which I’m sure most will scoff at) and I think it could make for some interesting modern day jams. Not included in this clip is the “Forcety-Six Days” that follows a particularly ugly transition.

Download audio file (2.04-Nothing.mp3)

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“Seven Below -> Ghost” 6.20 II, SPAC

This is the first half of Phish’s last four-song set on the second night of SPAC. While the opening show focused more on groove, this pairing favored twisted psychedlia. “Ghost” was followed by “Twist” and “YEM.”

Download audio file (2.01-Seven-Below.mp3)
Download audio file (2.02-Ghost.mp3)

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“Walls -> Bowie” 6.19 I, SPAC

One of few versions of”Walls” in which Phish has crafted an interesting jam, this time with a quasi-then-fully ambient extension that blossoms beautifully before bleeding into a set-closing “Bowie.”

Download audio file (1.06-Walls-of-the-Cave.mp3)
Download audio file (1.07-David-Bowie.mp3)

8.5.10—The Greek Theatre (Wendy Rogell)

The title says it all. With no further ado, here we go.

12.1.96 II, Los Angelas, CA

A piece that quintessentially represents its place in time—the tail end of Fall 1996— this “Tweezer” from UCLA’s Pauly Pavilion often flies under the radar; but it shouldn’t. Phish had begun to shed its arena rock skin for a far smoother style that would begin to takeover their music, and this metamorphosis is fully on display in this “Tweezer.” A version that came on the last run of tour illustrates how far the band had come since their transformative performance of “Remain in Light” on Halloween. And though the initial jam sequence is swanky and groove-based to the core, this extended jaunt eventually builds into a dark and cacaphonous symphony before floating back to earth via futurisic and percussive interplay and a final, old-school “wind down” ending. A true monster in every sense.

Download audio file (ph96-12-01d2t01.mp3)

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12.16.99 II, Raleigh, NC

This hallowed gem illustrates the drone and dissonant style of the late-’99 era quite well. Creeping out of a post-”Velvet Sea” ambient jam late in the second set, this beast emerged. Mike bushwacked the band’s intitial path with bass grenades as Trey set up layered a pillow of psychedleic sounds. Coming with laid-back leads amidst this murky excusrion, Trey began to command the jam with minimalist authority. Settling into a second segment, the band crawls amidst gorgeous ambient-melodica before ascending slowly into a “Slave-esque” that is as cathartic as music gets. This one touches my heart every time I hear it.

Download audio file (ph99-12-16d204.wav.mp3)

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8.11.04 II, Mansfield, MA

Forgotten amidst turbulent times of August ’04 was the last “Tweezer” of the post-hiatus era. Though not super long, this jam certainly packs a hell of punch before segueing smoothly into the real version of “Hold Your Head Up.” An oversized, dark and mechanical groove dominates this excursion which certainly possesses an apocalyptic feel that paralleled the band’s “final run” to Coventry.

Download audio file (2.06-Tweezer.mp3)

8.9.04 - Hampton Coliseum

While many fans debate the year of 2003, a contingent of the community writes off 2004 all together. I am here to tell a different story. The year’s opening shows in Vegas were a complete trainwreck with only a few jams of interest, and it was after these nights in Sin City that Trey announced the band’s “retirement.” It is my theory that with this announcement, the pressure of Phish—and everything that came with it—was lifted off the guys’ shoulders and minds, thus when they took to the road for a short June tour, they saw the light at the end of the tunnel and played their hearts out. Brooklyn, SPAC, Deer Creek and Alpine—two at each—and more than a few highlights to speak of, including two of the band’s most impressive post-hiatus performances in Saratoga Springs. Then, in August, the band took their final run from Hampton to Great Woods to Camden and up to Coventry, Vermont. And despite the debacle of the festival, there are jams within this final run that deserve recognition.

After a positive response from Friday’s 2003 playlist, I thought I’d come right back and start the week with one from 2004. If you were there, you can attest to the passionate playing that Phish displayed this summer up until the very end. While there was often little precision through composed sections, there was never a lack of impressive improv—Phish could always jam. Now that they are back, happy and healthy, let’s celebrate the music of the year in which they crashed and burned! Stay tuned for part two on Friday…

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“Tube” 6.24 II, Deer Creek

This version kicked off the final set at Deer Creek until Summer 2009.

Download audio file (2.01-Tube.mp3)

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“Twist” 6.20 II, SPAC

This jam—the most impressive from SPAC’s second night—was part of a seamless four-song masterpiece.

Download audio file (2.03-Twist-1.mp3)

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“Seven Below -> Buffalo Bill” 6.25 II, Alpine

An exploratory piece of psychedelia laced with unconventional groove.

Download audio file (2.01-Seven-Below.mp3)
Download audio file (2.02-Buffalo-Bill.mp3)

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“Antelope -> 2001” 8.11 II, Great Woods

This exceptional and out-of-left field song pairing opened the final set at Great Woods until 2009. A smoking sequence.

Download audio file (2.02-Run-Like-an-Antelope.mp3)
Download audio file (2.03-Also-Sprach-Zarathustra.mp3)

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“Boogie On -> Ghost -> Free” 6.26 II, Alpine

Phish exploded in groove on the final night of June’s short tour.

Download audio file (2.01-Boogie-On-Reggae-Woman.mp3)
Download audio file (2.02-Ghost.mp3)
Download audio file (2.03-Free-1.mp3)

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“A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing” 6.19 II, SPAC

One of my favorite jams. Period.

Download audio file (ph2004-06-19d2t03.mp3)

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“46 Days > Possum” 6.17 II, Brooklyn

This “46 Days” was the centerpiece jam of the opening night of tour from Keyspan Park. Many fans watched this show at movie theatres across the nation.

Download audio file (2.01-46-Days.mp3)
Download audio file (2.02-Possum.mp3)

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“AC/DC Bag” 8.14 II, Coventry

A standout jam from Coventry? Yup.

Download audio file (2.01-ACDC-Bag.mp3)

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“Scents and Subtle Sounds” 8.12 II, Camden

A tripped out final outing for “Scents” drenched in layered loops and drone effects finalized Phish’s amphitheatre tour, closing out the second set at Camden. Only Coventry remained.

Download audio file (2.08-Scents-and-Subtle-Sounds.mp3)

7.2.11 - Super Ball (Graham Lucas)

For this Friday’s playlist, we rewind to the often-debated “post-hiatus” era. Regardless of what side of that fence you come down on, I’m sure all can appreciate these gems from 2003. Featuring a grittier, uncompressed guitar tone and uncompromising dives into experimental and psychedelic playing, Phish took things deep during their second go-round. While some jams wound up more focused than others, I hope these selections can be appreciated by fans of any era. Enjoy the distinct, “post-hiatus” sound on this winter weekend! And check out the book offer below.

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“Walls of the Cave -> Carini” 2.14.03 II, LA, CA

This monstrous jam emerged on the first night of winter tour ’03, restoring some faith after a less-than-impressive comeback run at MSG and Hampton.

Download audio file (2.02-Walls-of-the-Cave.mp3)
Download audio file (2.03-Carini.mp3)

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“Wolfman’s -> Scents and Subtle Sounds” 7.7.03 II, Phx, AZ

This gooey “Wolfman’s” jam merged with the debut of “Scents” in the desert on the opening night of Summer ’03.

Download audio file (Wolfmans-Brother.mp3)
Download audio file (Scents-and-Subtle-Sounds.mp3)

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“Stash” 12.31.03 II, Miami, FL

The defining jam of the first New Year’s Run in Miami.

Download audio file (01-Stash.mp3)

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“Seven Below” 7.13.03 II, Quincy, WA

A harrowing exploration that I missed for a high school friend’s wedding. The wedding sucked and  I haven’t seen the guy since. Fail.

Download audio file (2.04-Seven-Below.mp3)

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“Split -> Free” 7.22.03 II, Noblesville, IN

The centerpiece of night two in Deer Creek, and probably the most lasting piece of the run.

Download audio file (II-01-Split-Open-and-Melt-.mp3)
Download audio file (II-02-Free.mp3)

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“Twist -> Simple” 11.29.03 II, Philadelphia, PA II

This jam provided one of few highlights of a rather uninspired Thanksgiving run.

Download audio file (2.01-Twist.mp3)
Download audio file (2.02-Simple.mp3)

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“Ya Mar” 8.2.03 II, Limestone, ME

What’s happened to the occasional “Ya Mar” jam? Some, like this one from IT, used to go deep.

Download audio file (1.03-Ya-Mar.mp3)

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“Suzy Greenberg” 12.28.03 II, Miami, FL

Phish oozes out of “Suzy” into seething jam that centers on a darkly-spiritual guitar showcase by Trey.

Download audio file (ph031228d2_02_Suzy_Greenberg.mp3)

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“Harry Hood” 7.25.03 II, Charlotte, NC

Just when Phish was beginning to break down improvisational barriers with “Harry Hood” (see Camden ’03 also), they called in quits in ’04.

Download audio file (2.05-Harry-Hood.mp3)

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Cover (Masthay)

Get a Signed Book Now!

In case you haven’t heard via Twitter or Facebook, we are currently in a 72-hour window in which you can order “The Book” and have it signed as well as inscribed with a Phish lyric. You get to choose the song. I get to choose the lyric. This offer remains open for any orders placed by Saturday night at 8 pm Pacific. Please leave a “note” in your PayPal order telling me your choice of song! If you forget to do that, you can email me at mrminer@phishthoughts.com, but the other way works far smoother. With Valentine’s Day  just around the corner, get a book inscribed to your significant other with a lyric that means something in your life! It will last far longer than chocolate and roses! Just an idea…

Bethel Woods - (Michael Messenbourg)

Phish had a phenomenal 2011. There is no question about it. Playing creative shows and jamming on a level unseen in this era, the band raised the bar for themselves moving forward. But apart from their playing—the obviously most important part— there are some aspects of their live show that could use a little polish. With some attention to the following departments, I believe Phish shows can elevate on a more consistent basis in 2012.

Diversified Jam Vehicles

When “Light,” “Down With Disease,” “Rock and Roll” or “Piper” starts, everyone knows that we are almost guaranteed an exploratory jaunt. In fact, these songs comprised seven of my Top Ten jams of the year. At the same time, we all know—at this point—that when many other songs start, we are destined for a contained jam (or none at all), with “Tweezer” and “Carini” being two of the few songs that can still move in either direction. As a result, the element of improvisational surprise has largely been erased from Phish shows.

9.2.11 (Lucas via webcast)

In 2012, it would be great to see the band diversify their launch pads and jam out of different songs regularly. This would lessen the predictability of shows and spice up the live experience. With the band’s chops fully in tow after an very creative year, it feels like it’s time to begin switching things up a bit. The jams that stemmed from the aforementioned four songs differed greatly and were prolific, spanning the spectrum of Phish’s repertoire. Thus, it’s not band’s jamming that has become predictable, just where the jams will come from. In all of 2011, the only times the band brought an unexpected song into exploratory territory was Bethel’s “Halley’s Comet,” PNC’s “After Midnight,” Blossom’s “Sneakin’ Sally,” Super Ball’s “Golden Age,” the Gorge’s “Roggae,” and UIC’s “Undermind.” Six times in 38 shows just isn’t that often. Though the band did bring “Waves” back into the improvisational mix this year, there are plenty of more pieces in their catalog that the could be brought back in similar fashion. Additionally, what if they took “Halfway to the Moon” for a ride? And this brings me to my next wish…

New Material

Because 2012 seems like it will be a light touring year, it feels relatively unlikely that we will see a host of new material infused into Phish shows. But in their fourth year of the modern era, the band sorely needs a new batch of songs. Having thoroughly played through their 2009 album Joy during the last three years, 3.0 Phish needs some more originals. If this is truly about moving forward, let’s keep moving. “Steam” represented the sole debut of 2011, a song that holds huge potential. But the rumors of a new Phish album have faded into the background. When the band dropped into “Steam’s” debut in Blossom’s second set, there came with it a freshness; this was Phish in the here and now. We were hearing a sick new music for the first time ever—it was exciting! It would behoove the band to roll out some more originals—including brand new jam vehicles—and bring a whole new element of excitement to their shows.

The Resurrection of Two Favorites

(Jiggs Lot)

In addition to new material, the band really needs to bring two of their most open-ended jams back to prominence—“Tweezer” and “Ghost.” While Phish did throw down two excellent versions of “Tweezer” last year in Denver and Cincinnati, “Ghost” all but vanished from the scene with only one standout rendition in Charlotte. These two songs have traditionally been two of Phish’s most significant and exploratory jams; pieces that could go anywhere and would. And still, each time either of these songs started last year, that was the feeling I got. But aside from these three aforementioned examples—and they were spectacular—Phish never crafted a truly memorable jam out of either. Two of the band’s heaviest hitters should be highlights almost every time out of the gate, but neither has remained as consistent as in the past. The return of these two improvisational behemoths could greatly bolster any show they appear in.

More “Storage Jamming”

After playing a standout late-night set at Super Ball, Phish began to integrate this abstract, often Theremin-laced, style of improvisation into their live shows. As a result, some of the most original and groundbreaking jams took place during the second leg of Summer Tour. Hopefully, Phish will continue to explore this style of jamming during 2012. As in every era in their history, Phish may have found their newest “sound” within these abstract, psychedelic soundscapes. And as they continue to explore this style, nuances and tangential approaches will no doubt develop. “Storage jamming” represented Phish moving forward last year, as one would only hope that this innovative approach is built upon in the year to come.

Setlist Flow

(via Coventry Blog)

Though Phish, far more often than not, threw down shows that flowed quite well last year, they also were prone to some boneheaded calls. For a band leader who, self-admittedly, used to pore over setlists for hours upon hours perfecting the way the show moved from beginning to end, Trey made some questionable off the cuff decisions during 2011. There are two separate—and minor—issues here: the abrupt ending, or cutting off, of jams, and song placement. Let’s look at the first.

Two times last year, deepening “Tweezer” jams (Alpharetta and Super Ball) were cut off abruptly for mid-set versions of “Julius”—talk about deflating the sense of intrigue. Two times “Ghost” got lopped before any sense of a jam really got going (PNC and UIC) in favor of more innocuous songs. Just on New Year’s Eve, when “Disease” settled out of its thematic rock and roll into a murky groove, Trey opted for the fade out. These types of instances were manifold last year, and most often it was Trey barging in with a new idea while his mates were still entrenched in a jam. And the irony of most of these occasions is that another thirty seconds of patience and communication could have allowed the band to merge the two songs with legitimate flow. Why does this continue to happen? I don’t think anyone will ever know.

12.28.11 (G.Lucas)

The second aspect that occasionally plagued sets last year was song placement. No offense to the big guy, of course, but in the case of the two aforementioned “Tweezers,” “Julius” just doesn’t belong in the middle of the second set. Nor does “Guyute” or “Theme” or “Alaska” for that matter, all of which were featured in prominent second set slots throughout the year. In my estimation, finite rockers and intricate compositions don’t make for mid-second set pieces—there is simply no mystery involved. Everyone knows exactly where the song is going. Phish’s most powerful second sets are largely composed of jam vehicles and show stoppers, with natural landing pads, exhales and ballads mixed in. Sure, there are song-based shows where this paradigm flies out the window, but in general, “Julius” works far better at the end of a set as a rocking denouement than wedged awkwardly in the middle. Compositions like “Fluffhead” and “My Friend, My Friend” both which found their way into the middle of second sets during 2011, work far better as a closer and an opener, respectively. And straightforward songs like “The Wedge” or “Alaska” work best in the first set, not the second. These observations seem obvious to me and many others, and thus when they happen live, they seem all the more absurd. (See “Alaska > Velvet Sea” on NYE.) But alas, as I said to begin with, most shows of 2011 flowed quite nicely.

As we wait for the dates of 2012, it seems like the proper time to reflect on the year that was. And though Phish played better in 2011 than either of the previous two years, there are always parts of the show that could be sharpened. If the creative jamming continues to flow, perhaps some of these elements will fall into place. Or perhaps they won’t. But that’s my wishlist for Phish 2012.

Denver 2011

This Friday’s playlist is composed of jams from a different era. All of the songs featured today have taken a back seat during the modern era of Phish, but were once central jam vehicles. I decided to pluck stellar versions from 1998 to add cohesion to the selections. Enjoy the tunes today and through the weekend!

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“2001” 7.17.98 II

One of the all-time classic versions that never gets old.

Download audio file (2-01-Track-01.mp3)

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“Tube” 7.16.98 II

The wide-open funk of the Gorge.

Download audio file (2-05-Track-05.mp3)

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“Mike’s Song” 11.7.98 I

A somewhat glossed-over version that came as the second song of UIC ’98.

Download audio file (02-Mikes-Song.mp3)

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“Halley’s Comet > I Didn’t Know” 8.3.98 I

The opening jam of Deer Creek ’98. Might we be returning this summer?

Download audio file (1998-08-03-Halleys-Comet-_-I-Didnt-Know-1998-08-03-Deer-Creek-Noblesville-IN.mp3)

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“Free” 11.9.98 I

A crunchy first-set beast from UIC ’98; an instant classic.

Download audio file (08-Free.mp3)

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“Cities” 7.31.98 II

Another quintessential piece of Summer ’98 from Polaris.

Download audio file (1998-07-31-Cities-7-31-98-Polaris-Amphitheater-Lewis-Center-OH.mp3)

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“Wolfman’s Brother -> Lizards” 11.18.98 II

One of the lesser discussed shows of Fall ’98—Greenville, South Carolina—had plenty to talk about.

Download audio file (2-01-Wolfmans-Brother.mp3)
Download audio file (2-02-Lizards.mp3)

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“AC/DC Bag” 8.9.98 II

A smoking summertime version from Virginia Beach; the centerpiece jam from the night they covered “Terrapin Station.”

Download audio file (ph98-08-09d2t03.mp3)

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“You Enjoy Myself” 12.29.98 II

YEMSG ’98.

Download audio file (05-You-Enjoy-Myself.mp3)

12-30-2011 (Graham Lucas)

Amidst the many rumors spiraling through cyberspace regarding Phish’s 2012 touring plans, two have taken hold and seem to have some legs. Coincidentally, the two stands that seem to be materializing are located in each coast’s gambling mecca—Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Each of the rumors have been semi-corroborated by a Las Vegas newspaper reporter and Atlantic City’s mayor, giving them a bit more substance than your everyday Internet hearsay. Since both are seeming somewhat likely at this point in time, let’s take a closer look at the buzz.

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LAS VEGAS: March 30 – April 1 ??

Vegas, Baby?

Phish only played on April Fool’s Day in their early years, the last time coming in Portland, Oregon in 1993. If this strongly rumored run goes down, this would mark the first time in 19 years that the band would perform on this made-for-Phish, prankster holiday. Just yesterday, Las Vegas Sun columnist, J. Patrick Coolican tweeted, “Phish fans: Source sez negotiations for a 2/3 nite VEGAS run APRIL FOOLS DAY have taken new intensity. 80-20 likely, sez source.” This tweet aligns with what I have been hearing from multiple sources, thus a return to the Thomas and Mack Center seems like a distinct possibility.

While I am always down for Vegas Phish, the timing on this stand seems a bit quirky. Mike is playing with his solo band at Jam in the Dam in mid-March and then playing another date in London on March 18. Trey will be focused on his symphony tour until March 10th. These two factors alone, regardless of what Page and Fish are doing during, would preclude much practice time before the first show on March 30th. Could they pull it off with but a ten-day buffer? Of course. Might the run turnout straightforward and contained as a result of the time crunch? Quite Possibly. It seems like latter-day Phish benefits from practice even more so than in previous eras, as their lives are diversified more than ever. These Vegas shows would be just the 5th, 6th, and 7th^,performances since Labor Day 2010, and practice would seem more necessary than usual. We shall see what develops.

*****

ATLANTIC CITY: June 15 – 17 ??

Atlantic City

While Phish headlining at Bonnaroo is another rumor that has been circulating with strength, this three-day Atlantic City run would represent a Phish-only “festival” at Bader Field. Atlantic City’s City Council has already approved festivals for June 15-17 and June 24-25, and the mayor alluded to the former being a “jam band” festival that is expected to attract 30,000 fans. With Starr-Hill, Coran Capshaw’s sister company of Red Light Management, slated to throw these events (the other of which, allegedly, features a “rock band”) it is but a forgone conclusion that Phish will play these dates. Further confirmation comes in the fact that that the Dave Matthews Band, who brought their Caravan tour to Bader Field last summer, will not be returning for either of these dates. Many fans have taken all of this info, put one and one together, and booked hotel rooms for this weekend.

This run could conceivably come at the end of a short run in May and June (with Bethel rumored for Memorial Day weekend) and, if so, AC would be a great place to end a tour. As I discussed last week, three-night stands were Phish’s bread and butter last year, and another trifecta in AC—like Halloween 2010—seems like a great time for all. With all hotels in close proximity to each other, the post-music part of this “festival” would take place in the casinos and hotels up and down The Boardwalk rather than in campgrounds and RVs—a different mid-summer twist. And if you poll the fan base, I think you’ll find few fans who didn’t have a blast in Atlantic City last time around, so here’s to hoping this one comes to fruition!

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Jam of the Day:

“Help -> Slip -> Bag” 4.1.86 II

In honor of a possible April Fool’s Day show, here was how Phish opened up their second set of 4/1/86′s “Festival of Fools” at Hunt’s in Burlington—the classic “Help -> Slip -> Bag.”

Download audio file (ph86-04-01d2t01.mp3)
Download audio file (ph86-04-01d2t02.mp3)
Download audio file (ph86-04-01d2t03.mp3)

12.30.2011 (Joe Iudice)

All “Type II” First Team

“Rock and Roll”—With several top-shelf versions last year, “Rock and Roll” is the unquestionable choice for MVP of 2011. When the band wasn’t crafting timeless pieces of music out of the jam—a la Gorge, Mansfield, or Charlotte—they were usually pushing the envelope with experimental playing—a la Merriweather and MSG. Hands down, the launchpad of the year.

“Light”—For the duration of its short life as a Phish song, “Light” has been a vehicle for cosmic improvisation. First the jam brought mostly ambient experiments, and then in Fall 2010, the band began to take the piece into the realm of quickened groove. This year, the band used their modern era jam to explore futuristic soundscapes that often showcased Mike’s lead bass playing. Phish focused more on this song as the year progressed, coming to life in Portsmouth and Super Ball before breaking sonic barriers in Lake Tahoe and UIC. Capping its year with Denver’s “Light -> Disease” Reprise” and a New Year’s Eve Theremin jam, “Light” remained in the upper echelon of jam vehicles.

“Down With Disease”—Between Clarkston’s “A Disease Supreme,” UIC’s extended jaunt, and many other versions in between, “Disease” has become “Old Reliable” for modern day Phish. Almost always moving into original ground and pushing the band far outside the box, “Disease” had yet another standout year in 2011.

“Piper”—A staple jam vehicle of post-hiatus and the modern era, “Piper” starred, once again, in 2011, taking the band into uncharted territory time and time again. Highlighted by Denver and MSG’s versions, “Piper” also had strong outings at the Hollywood Bowl, Super Ball, Raleigh and Merriweather, as the band created a diverse spectrum of jams.

“Waves”—A song that was a staple of the post-hiatus era came back in 2011 with a vengeance. After being played only three times in 2009, the song skipped 2010 altogether, and came back with strong last year. Although the band only played the song four times, three of them were incredibly memorable. Between its outings at Bethel, Super Ball, and UIC—all summer highlights—“Waves” got back on the train with some profound renditions in 2011.

*****

All “Type I” First Team

“Sand”—Just about ever time Phish played “Sand” last year, it ballooned into a show highlight. Having transformed into a whole-band jam during the fall of 2010, the song exemplified this paradigm shift last summer with intricate four-part conversations. If there was a Type I MVP, “Sand” would no doubt take home the trophy. Every time one heard those opening chords, a furious dance session was sure to follow

“Harry Hood”—The final “Harry Hood” of 2010—Worcester’s instant classic—set the bar high for the band’s classic song in 2011. And while the guys didn’t replicate such a monumental version in 2011, they played more than a few above-average versions. Trey began to integrate the stacatto stylings of Worcester’s version into several “Hoods” this year, including a standout renditions at UIC and the version of the year in Denver. But every time played, “Hood” seemed to carry a little something extra in 2011, beginning with its very first performance of the year in Bethel, NY.

“Chalk Dust Torture”—From Clarkston’s first-set-ending version to Tahoe’s mid-second-set shredder and from UIC’s aggressive jam to MSG’s surreal dissolve into “Hydrogen,” Phish actually used “Chalk Dust” creatively last year rather than treating it as a straightforward single. This old-school staple produced more than a few well-played surprises throughout the year, earning a place on this list.

“Crosseyed and Painless”—Though Phish hasn’t taken “Crosseyed” off the map since Red Rock’s in ’09, Phish has consistently crushed the Taking Heads’ cover. Annihilating the song’s infectious composed jam on many occasions this year, “Crosseyed” became a regular part of the bands’ rotation and a reliable piece of high octane rock and roll every time out of the gate.

“Bathtub Gin”—Including highlight versions to start the year in Bethel and to end the year in Denver, “Bathtub Gin” brought plenty of fire throughout 2011. Consistently cathartic jams stemmed from “Bathtub,” and though most stayed within structure, almost every version provided a jolt of energy to its show. Often coming at the beginning shows in 2011, “Gin” never failed to get things started and feet moving during first sets last year. Other standout versions include Super Ball’s, from the festivals opening set, and The Gorge’s, which sparked the second leg of summer.

MVP: “Rock and Roll”

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: “Waves”

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: “Steam”

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Jams of the Day:

“Chalk Dust Torture” 8.16.11 I, UIC

Download audio file (1.03-Chalkdust-Torture.mp3)

“Sand” 6.11.11 I, MPP

Download audio file (1.07-Sand.mp3)

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“Piper -> Twist” 12.30.11  (mkdevo)

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Jam of the Weekend:

“Down With Disease > Free” 6.10.11 II

Another monster “Disease” from last year, this one from Camden, New Jersey.

Download audio file (2.02-Down-With-Disease.mp3)
Download audio file (2.03-Free.mp3)

Watkins Glen (Brian Ferguson)

This week, I figured I’d highlight some of the outstanding jams that didn’t make my personal “Top Ten” last week. This Friday’s playlist comes from the many Honorable Mentions from last Friday’s post. But as they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so any “ranking” is purely opinion-based. Enjoy these ten gems—in no particular order—from the last year, while the 2012 rumor mill is already churning.

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“Down With Disease > No Quarter” 7/3, Watkins Glen, NY

There were so many great “Diseases” last year that Super Ball’s version, which is quite impressive, doesn’t often get mentioned. Powerful whole-band interplay laces this festival outing before the guys gradually moved into “No Quarter.”

Download audio file (2.03-Down-With-Disease1.mp3)
Download audio file (2.04-No-Quarter.mp3)

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“Roggae” 8/5, The Gorge, Quincy, WA

This best-ever version of “Roggae” graced The Gorge at sunset before the band came out at night and dropped the defining music of this era.

Download audio file (ph2011-08-05t08.mp3)

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“Sneakin’ Sally” 6/4, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

The band builds from robofunk into some out-of-character psychedelia in one of the year’s most satisfying groove-based excursions.

Download audio file (ph2011-06-04t18.mp3)

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“Seven Below” 9/2, Denver, CO

This part of the “S” show was, perhaps, the most innovative jam from the summer’s final run.

Download audio file (ph2011-09-02t19.mp3)

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“Boogie -> Waves > Caspian” 5/27, Bethel, NY

The sequence that started 2011′s improvisational focus on the very first night of summer.

Download audio file (2.04-Boogie-On-Reggae-Woman.mp3)
Download audio file (ph2011-05-27t17.mp3)
Download audio file (ph2011-05-27t18.mp3)

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“Simple” 1/1, NYC, NY

This blissful piece of improv moves into an ending so good that it could have been composed.

Download audio file (ph2011-01-01t16.mp3)

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“Drowned > Maze” 5/31, Holmdel, NJ

Phish gets into some dark and abstract music in “Drowned” that foreshadowed the Storage Jam at Super Ball.

Download audio file (2.03-Drowned.mp3)
Download audio file (2.04-Maze.mp3)

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“Carini -> Tweezer” 12/28, NYC, NY

A dark-to-light “Carini” blended seamlessly into a funked-out “Tweezer—a high point of the New Year’s Run.

Download audio file (phish2011-12-28d02t05.mp3)
Download audio file (phish2011-12-28d02t06.mp3)

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“Light -> Dirt” 8/15, Chicago, IL

Another bass-led adventure through a musical wormhole.

Download audio file (2.03-Light.mp3)
Download audio file (2.04-Dirt.mp3)

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“After Midnight” 5/31, Holmdel, NJ

This surprise opener of PNC’s second set of four, went deeper than any version since Big Cypress.

Download audio file (ph2011-05-31d02t02.mp3)