Weekend Nuggets: Giant Country Horns ’91

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , on May 29th, 2010 by Mr.Miner

DOWNLOADS OF THE WEEKEND:

A couple nuggets from the horns tour of Summer ’91. Below is a link to my all-SBD compilation from the same tour.

7.19.1991 Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA < Megaupload

I: Golgi Apparatus, The Landlady > Bouncing Around the Room, David Bowie, Fee > Cavern, The Squirming Coil, You Enjoy Myself, Gumbo, Touch Me

II: Suzy Greenberg > The Divided Sky, I Didn’t Know My Sweet One, Magilla > Tweezer, The Mango Song, Big Black Furry Creature from Mars

E Lawn Boy, Runaway Jim

Notes: This show featured the Giant Country Horns for all songs except Fee, Coil, I Didn’t Know, My Sweet One, and Runaway Jim.

Source: FOB Neumann KM-86

*****

7.24.1991 Trax, Charlottesville, VA < Megaupload

I: Golgi Apparatus, Chalk Dust Torture, The Squirming Coil, Buried Alive > Split Open and Melt, Bathtub Gin, The Landlady, Cavern, Tela, You Enjoy Myself

II: Possum, Guelah Papyrus, David Bowie, Jesus Just Left Chicago, My Sweet One, Bouncing Around the Room, Funky Bitch, I Didn’t Know, Frankenstein, Suzy Greenberg

E: Contact > Big Black Furry Creature from Mars

Notes: This show featured the Giant Country Horns on Buried Alive through Cavern, YEM, Bowie through Funky Bitch, and Frankenstein through BBFCFM.

Source: Schoeps CMC64->Aerco->Apogee500E

*****
Miner’s Picks:Giant Country Horns ’91 < Torrent

Miner’s Picks:Giant Country Horns ’91 < Megaupload

=====

Jam of the Weekend:

Sand > Misty Mountain Hop” 9.24.99 II

The ending of the second set at Phish’s last visit to South Park Meadows in Austin, Texas.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph1999-09-24d3t01.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph1999-09-24d3t02.mp3]

=====

VIDEO OF THE WEEKEND:

“David Bowie” 3.24.92 – Richmond, VA

Tags: ,

Ten Tunes For Friday

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , on May 28th, 2010 by Mr.Miner

Hampton '09 (J.Volckhausen)

Another week in the books, and summer tour is but two away. Today is one of the last few installments of Ten Tunes before the music begins to flow in earnest. The time is almost upon us. But while we’re waiting, here are some jams to enhance your Friday. Happy Memorial Day weekend folks, the summer season officially starts now.

***

Bathtub Gin > 2001” 12.2.99 II

This sequence served as the centerpiece of the first second set of December ’99.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Phish1999-12-02d2t03.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Phish1999-12-02d2t04.mp3]

***

David Bowie” 11.20.94 II

A ferocious jam set the table for the all-timer the following week in Minneapolis.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph1994-11-20d2t02.mp3]

***

Halley’s > Hood” 2.24.03 II

12.29.09 (W.Rogell)

After an incredibly (read: too) long sit-in from BB King slowed the first set to a crawl, this sequence picked up the action to start the second set in style. And post-hiatus “Hoods” began to grow.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/2.01-Halleys-Comet.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/2.02-Harry-Hood.mp3]

***

Stash” 12.29.95 I

A phenomenal version that capped a vintage year for “Stash.”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph1995-12-29d1t06.mp3]

***

Tweezer” 11.11.96 II

Only weeks after Remain In Light one can already hear Phish beginning to focus on rhythmic grooves. Segments of this jam sound like they could be plucked from ’97.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Track-04-51.mp3]

***

Split Open and Melt” 12.28.95 I

There was no better way to kick off what many believe to be the greatest New Year’s Run of all-time in 1995.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph1995-12-28d1t02.mp3]

***

Antelope 8.12.96 I

Creek '04Deer Creek “Antelopes” and Alpine “Tweezers,” timeless Midwestern staples of summer tour. This aggressive “Antelope” showed up in the first set of ’96’s first show, setting the tone for a stellar two nights in the cornfields of Noblesville.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph1996-08-12d2t06.mp3]

***

YEM” 10.31.09 III

Indio’s celebratory, and rather large, Halloween “YEM;” one of ’09’s better versions.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/phish2009-10-31d05t05.mp3]
Tags: ,

Minerese: Vol. II

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags on May 26th, 2010 by Mr.Miner

12.31.09 (W.Rogell)

Yesterday’s post turned out to be so much fun, I figured we’d segue right into “Minerese, Volume II.” Yesterday we tackled some basic terminology, though I’ve been known to use more colorful language to paint the picture of a Phish jam. Today, I plucked out some of more vibrant terms I’ve dropped from time to time, and dug up some audio excerpts to define them.

***

“Colorful Molasses”

When the music gets so thick you feel like you are swimming through a larger-than-life ocean of groove, you’ve entered the realm of colorful molasses. These tar-thick rhythmic textures create a liquid reality where the gooey grooves engulf your existence. In this case I’ve juxtaposed a classic dose with a portion from ’09.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/molasses2.mp3] [audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/molasses1.mp3]

***

“Drone Landscapes”

11.21.09 (W.Rogell)

Often times, Phish enters a phase of the jam characterized by its total lack of melody. Often in conjunction with more eerie experiments, these segments are comprised of heavily effected, and often repetitive, musical phrases. These landscapes resemble alien sonic brews that Phish creates in migrating between musical planes.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/drone1.mp3] [audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/drone2.mp3]

***

“Crack-like Grooves”

These grooves feel so good, you just gotta’ have more! These fiercely-addictive dance patterns are the musical equivalent of choice hubba rocks. Time and space stand still when high on Phish crack.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/crack1.mp3] [audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/crack2.mp3]

***

“Bass-led Jihad”

Michael Gordom (T.Stack)

Michael Gordon (T.Stack)

This eclectic term is reserved for those segments of absolute Mike-driven annihilation. In these crusades, Gordon’s bass lines anchor the rhythm while, simultaneously, carrying the lead melody. Trey and Page settle into the background while Mike steps front and center as the dynamic leader of the band. Taking no prisoners, Mike’s offerings shower the audience with relentless attacks of bass warfare.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/jihad1.mp3] [audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/jihad2.mp3]

(For those trying to identify these excerpts, the task should be much easier today with more well-known selections.)

=====

Jam of the Day:

Mike’s Song > Sparks > Curtis Loew” 8.2.93 II

A classic sequence from Tampa, Florida, kicking off August ’93.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph93-08-02d2t02.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph93-08-02d2t03.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph93-08-02d2t04.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph93-08-02d2t05.mp3]

=====

DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:

6.11.00 Hibiya Outdoor Theatre, Tokyo, Japan < Torrent

6.11.00 Hibiya Outdoor Theatre, Tokyo, Japan < Megaupload

Hibiya Park, 6.11.00 (J.Greene)

This afternoon show took place a half-day after Phish ended their show the night before at Zepp. Taking place within Hibiya Park in central Tokyo, this show facilitated connections between Japanese and American fans in a way that small nightclubs couldn’t. Check out my take on the show, written only hours after it concluded.

I: First Tube, Punch You In the Eye, Horn, Ginseng Sullivan, Stash, Dirt, Possum, It’s Ice, Farmhouse

II: Birds of a Feather, Free, Beauty of My Dreams, Bug, David Bowie, When the Circus Comes, Back on the Train, Harry Hood

E: Character Zero

Source: Unknown

Tags:

Minerese: Vol. I

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags on May 25th, 2010 by Mr.Miner

11.20.09 (W.Rogell)

With tour just around the corner, I’ll be writing reviews of Phish shows again before too long, and for that I am grateful. While considering my reviews, I thought a good way to change things up and prepare for tour would be to look more closely at some of my more commonly-used phrases when describing Phish music. In an attempt to make my writing clearer for those reading along this summer, I’ve created some audio excerpts to serve as aural definitions of some terms. Today we’ll start with five basic terms, and I’ll put together a couple more installments of “Minerese” before tour starts.

***

“Percussive Grooves”

Often growing out of high-speed rock jams, these are the sparser segments where all band members offer rhythmic phrases in unison with each other. When traced back to its origin, this type of jamming grew out of Halloween ’96’s adventure, Remain In Light.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/percussive1.mp3] [audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/percussive2.mp3]

***

“Ambient Soundscapes”

11.21.09 (W.Rogell)

Built from layers of sound, these passages can take different forms. While often drifting into spacey realms, “ambient soundscapes” can also remain anchored to harmonies and/or melodies. I’ve tried to select differing examples to illustrate this difference.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ambientsoundscape1.mp3] [audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ambient2.mp3]

***

“Blissful Psychedelia”

Emerging deep within a jam, these are the sacred places that Phish reaches after the initial segment of improv has settled. Pieces of unique music that reach deep into the soul, segments described as “blissful psychedelia” evoke the emotions and majesty associated with the magic of Phish.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/blissfulpsych1.mp3] [audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/blissfulpsych2.mp3]

***

“Amoeba Jamming”

An Amoeba

This is a term I coined years ago when trying to describe those musical passages where nobody is truly leading the jam. Each member pushes and pulls the music ever so slightly, creating an “amoeba-like” dynamic of non-linear improv. These jams can also take differing directions, so I, again, tried to choose different examples.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/amoeba1.mp3] [audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/amoeba2.mp3]

***

“Swank Rhythm Licks”

When Trey is feeling his funk-mojo, he’s one of the best rhythm players around. Taking time away from soaring solos, Big Red slices and dices dance grooves like the Iron Chef does meats and vegetables. Check out these vibrant late ’90s examples of Trey getting down with his bad self.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/swank1.mp3] [audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/swank2.mp3]

***

(If anyone wants to attempt to identify all the audio samples, the winner can select the Download of the Day and write the blurb for the next three days. Some ’09 is featured.)

=====

Jam of the Day:

Piper” 10.2.99 II

After “Tweezer > On Your Way Down,” Phish was hardly done jamming at Minneapolis’  Target Center in ’99. In a year that saw many an amazing “Piper,” this version is among the upper echelon.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/2-04-Piper-_.mp3]

=====

DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:

7.1.94 Mann Music Center, Philadelphia, PA < Torrent

7.1.94 Mann Music Center, Philadelphia, PA < Megaupload

Mann Music Center - Philly, PA

A Summer ’94 stop at one of Phish’s classic venues of the mid-90s, amidst Fairmont Park in Philly.

I: Runaway Jim, Foam, Sample in a Jar, NICU, Stash, The Mango Song, It’s Ice,  Tela, Julius, Suzy Greenberg

II: David Bowie, If I Could, Fluffhead, Down with Disease > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Avenu Malkenu > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday Reprise, Possum, Hold Your Head Up > Terrapin > Hold Your Head Up, Harry Hood, Cavern

E: Rocky Top

Source: AKG 451

Tags:

“Go-Suto” (Japanese: Ghost)

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , , on May 24th, 2010 by Mr.Miner

Osaka 2000

As soon as Phish debuted “Ghost” in their first show of Summer ’97, the song became a staple jam vehicle for Phish. Moving with the band’s musical direction of the late-90s, “Ghost” featured groove, rock, and ambient jams depending on the era, almost always providing a highlight for any show in which it appeared. And then in Phish’s second show of 2000, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the band rewrote the record books for their late-90’s song. Exploring the hyper-complexities of groove and moving far beyond them into completely transcendent music, Phish threw down, perhaps, the greatest version ever played.

After such a blowout, one would figure the band continued magnifying the song for the rest of the summer, let alone the rest of the year. But they didn’t. While the Phish played solid “Ghosts” in Hartford (7.1), Chicago (9.22), and Denver (9.27), the band only took out the song six times after Radio City. And only one truly stood out – 6.15.00. Phish let loose on the final standout “Ghost” of the pre-hiatus years on the penultimate night of Japan tour in Osaka, Japan. Towards the end of the first set, the band unveiled the only Japanese version of the song, and as it turned out, the last truly great version of 2000.

6.11.00 - Tokyo (E.Sakai)

In Big Cat, a small club, elevated six floors amidst a shopping plaza, the audience squeezed into the small, square room. The predominantly Japanese audience packed it in, as the concept of personal space differed from that in the states – a lot. Before long, a combination of fans began filling the room with blown-up balloons, like a life-sized lottery bin. But when the music started, silence fell, and everyone’s focus turned squarely to the stage.

After a routine four-song, set-opening sequence, Trey quietly initiated a series of siren loops, opening the only “Ghost” of the Pacific. Following the composed section, the band oozed into the piece with a methodical, bass-led groove. Taking ample time to settle into a thick rhythmic canvas, the band pondered the early course of the jam before diving in. Mike took the melodic lead, while Trey and Page added effects, beginning the excursion in a sparse dance pattern. Trey coyly began to pick a melody within the groove, very much blending with whole, yet bringing a whole new element to the table.  Amidst a increasingly murkier plane, Fishman hit a disco-like groove that Mike immediately latched onto, bringing memories of the infectious dance odyssey weeks ago at Radio City. Page and Trey began to gently toy with the beat, and all of a sudden, the band rolled into subconscious territory.

6.15.00 Big Cat Ticket

6.15.00 - Big Cat Ticket

Offering independent melodic ideas along these uptempo rhythms, Trey stepped into prominence, before long, playing an open chord progression that would guide the band through an upbeat, out-of-character second half of the jam. The rest of his band mates picked up on his idea, gradually building a triumphant build over these changes, Meanwhile, after setting the musical plate, Trey transformed into the a cathartic waterfall of notes and melody, peaking the piece in a rolling, cyclical fashion. Uniting all the energy in the room, Phish took sailing on the majestic seas of bliss, drawing out the apex of the jam in an all-out celebration of the human spirit. After the peak, the band seamlessly slid back into “Ghost,” bringing this version to a close.

The Osaka “Ghost”  became an immediate highlight of Japan 2000, and without anyone knowing at the time, represented the last pre-hiatus triumph for the song. This moving piece of music goes under-circulated due to its international origins, and has thus been under-appreciated over the years. Everyone knows the Radio City “Ghost,” and rightfully so. This one came next.

=====

Jam of the Day:

Ghost” 6.15.00 I Rmstr

This standout version of the song has recently been remastered by Phish Thoughts reader, “Kenny Powers,” and is available to download by clicking the orange title above.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph2000.06.15-Ghost-remastered-MTX.mp3]

=====

DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:

5.23.00 Roseland, NYC, NY SBD < Torrent

5.23.00 Roseland, NYC, NY SBD < Megaupload

Roseland Ballroom - NYC

During and after the first Radio City show, fans lined the sidewalks of Manhattan to get tickets for Phish’s just-announced show at Roseland the night after. The intimate gig was filmed for VH-1’s “Hard Rock Live,” and though the show was relatively jam-less, the event provided a special night in the spring of 2000.

I: AC/DC Bag, Wilson, First Tube, Ya Mar, Mike’s Song > Simple > It’s Ice, When the Circus Comes, Back on the Train, Gotta Jibboo, Taste, Sleeping Monkey

II: Punch You In the Eye, Twist, Waste, Piper, You Enjoy Myself, Run Like an Antelope, Train Song, Bug

E: Boogie On Reggae Woman, Cavern

Source: SBD

Tags: , ,

L O S T: “The End” Discussion Thread

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags on May 24th, 2010 by Mr.Miner

The Final Season

Tags:

Weekend Nuggets: Pacific NW ’96

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , on May 22nd, 2010 by Mr.Miner

DOWNLOADS OF THE WEEKEND:

Portland '96

Since Phish has shied away from the Pacific Northwest this time around, here are a couple shows from ’96, when Phish was a nationally touring outfit. These shows were part of an extensive west coast run that concluded Fall ’96. (This Portland show may have been posted once, but now it will be in the permanent archives as well.)

11.24.96 Memorial Coliseum, Portland, OR < Torrent

11.24.96 Memorial Coliseum, Portland, OR < Megaupload

I: Poor Heart, AC/DC Bag, All Things Reconsidered, Bouncing Around the Room, Reba, Character Zero, Strange Design, Taste, I Didn’t Know, Sample in a Jar, Run Like an Antelope

II: Also Sprach Zarathustra > Sparkle, David Bowie, A Day in the Life, You Enjoy Myself, Loving Cup, Suzy Greenberg

E: Ginseng Sullivan, Cavern
Source: Unknown

***

11.27.96 Key Arena, Seattle, WA < Torrent

11.27.96 Key Arena, Seattle, WA < Megaupload

I: Julius, My Friend, My Friend, Ya Mar, Chalk Dust Torture, The Sloth, Uncle Pen, Free, Theme From the Bottom, Bold As Love

II: Down with Disease > Jesus Just Left Chicago, Scent of a Mule, Tweezer > Sweet Emotion Jam > Down with Disease, The Star Spangled Banner, Fire

E: Waste, Tweezer Reprise

Source: Unknown

=====

Jam of the Weekend:

Bathtub Gin” 11.7.96 II

A beast from Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Track-031.mp3]

=====

VIDEO OF THE WEEKEND:

“Sneakin Sally” 10.31.98 Las Vegas, NV

Tags: ,

Ten Tunes For Friday

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , on May 21st, 2010 by Mr.Miner

Red Rocks '09 (G. Lucas)

Don’t try doing the math today because nothing adds up to ten. But it is Friday, and we have ten central tunes to take up some of the day. This week I tried to switch up the song choices a bit, going for a fresh vibe. Also, these selections focus on the late ’90s with a dash of post-hiatus. Enjoy the tunes, and. as always, enjoy the weekend! (Song titles double as download links.)

***

Tube” 2.22.03 II

A bumpin’ version that kicked off the final set of Cincy’s two-night stand on Phish’s first tour back from their break.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/2.01-Tube.mp3]

***

Timber > Simple” 11.16.97 II

McNichols Arena

A dark piece of improv, “Timber” moves into a gorgeous section of melodic resolution before an energetic transition into “Simple” overtakes the arena. This was part of a strong second set that gets rightfully overshadowed by the musical mastery of the following show at McNichols.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Timber-Jerry.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Simple1.mp3]

***

The Curtain > Tweezer” 11.12.95 II

A dynamic, multi-tiered excursion from Gainesville, Florida during Fall ’95. Page leads the initial segment of the piece while Trey hops onto his kit. But when he steps back onto guitar, it’s some of the more uplifting music you’ll hear. A truly great version through and through.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Track-02.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Track-03.mp3]

***

It’s Ice > Velvet Sea” 9.20.00 II

"It's Ice" (Unk)

In the middle of Cincinatti’s second set, Phish went deep in the subterranean section of “It’s Ice.” The stanza’s centerpiece drifted into the most interesting version of the song I’ve ever heard. A section of awesome improv sees Trey move from guitar to keys, toying with many of his signature licks.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Track-04-5.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Track-05-6.mp3]

***

Frankie Says” 12.28.03 I

Amidst a heavy first set of Miami ’03’s New Year’s run, “Frankie Says” brought the surprise psychedelia.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/1.06-Frankie-Says.mp3]

***

Twist > Slave” 7.4.00 II

July 4th

The triumphant final suite of of Phish’s stand out second set on the 4th of July in Camden, NJ.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Twist-_.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Slave-To-The-Traffic-Light.mp3]

***

Emotional Rescue > Split” 11.21.97 I

The comedic opener of Hampton ’97 moved from humor to funk, and eventually into a dark and twisting “Split.” Things were officially underway.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph1997-11-21d1t02.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ph1997-11-21d1t03.mp3]
Tags: ,

A Blank Space…

Posted in Uncategorized with the on May 20th, 2010 by Mr.Miner

I’ve pondered what to write for a while now, and I’ve officially got a blank space where my mind should be. All I can think about is LOST. I’d write a piece on the show, but others do that quite well, and in appropriate places. For today, we’ll have to settle for a jam and a download. Dig into the archives and read a piece you never read before. Thanks for your understanding! To the Light…

=====

Jam of the Day:

Reba” 6.29.94 I

Phish’s first jam ever at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, NC.

[audio: http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Reba.mp3]

=====

DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:

10.18.94 Vanderbilt Memorial Gym, Nashville, TN SBD < Torrent

10.18.94 Vanderbilt Memorial Gym, Nashville, TN SBD < Megaupload

A nice ’94 soundboard with a monstrous “Reba” and an extensive sit-in from Bela Fleck in the second set.

I: Simple, My Friend, My Friend > I Didn’t Know, Poor Heart, Stash, Tela, It’s Ice, Guyute, The Divided Sky, Amazing Grace

II: David Bowie, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, Reba, Scent of a Mule*, Lifeboy*, The Old Home Place*, Beaumont Rag*, Nellie Kane*, Llama*

E: My Sweet One

*W/ Bela Fleck on banjo

Source: SBD

L O S T: “What They Died For” Discussion Thread

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags on May 19th, 2010 by Mr.Miner

The Final Season

Tags: