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.)
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
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“It’s Ice > Velvet Sea” 9.20.00 II
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.
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“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.
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The triumphant final suite of of Phish’s stand out second set on the 4th of July in Camden, NJ.
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“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.
