TTFM: Lesser Knowns—’98-’00
I had a lot of fun putting together Friday’s playlist, so I assembled another for Monday. Again, I tried to stick to jams that aren’t super popular—quite a tough task in this day and age of stacked hard drives and social media, as just about everything gets played. Nonetheless, maybe I nailed a few you’ve never heard before. I’m gonna pull out some older tracks this week as well. Stay tuned.
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“Ghost” 7.30.99, Nigaata, JP
This little-known, daytime “Ghost” from the band’s first trip to Japan at the Fuji Rock festival is an absolute beast.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/1-07-Track-07.mp3]***
“Wolfman’s Brother” 8.6.98 II, Atlanta,GA
This set-opening jam flies under the radar with so many heavy hitters littering Summer ’98. A quintessential Summer ’98 groove fiesta.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/15-Wolfmans-Brother_.mp3]***
“Piper > 2001” 11.4.98 II, Denver, CO
This show is constantly—and rightfully—overshadowed by Utah and the UIC run that surround it, but this segment has legitimate merit.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ph1998-11-04d2t03.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ph1998-11-04d2t04.mp3]***
“Stash” 9.9.99 I, Vancouver, BC
I’ve featured this dark and ambient, first-set-of-tour “Stash” a bunch throughout the years, but it totally fits this thematic playlist. When’s the last time you spun this one?
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/1-08-Stash.mp3]***
“Mike’s Song” 11.7.98 I, Chicago, IL
Speaking of UIC ’98, this “Mikes” kicked off the entire run (after a “My Soul” opener), but is often lost in the three-night fray. Trey sets this jam off with a series of swank rhythm grooves, and the band brings it home with a bliss-laden second jam.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/02-Mikes-Song.mp3]***
“Halley’s > Tweezer” 10.8.99 II, Uniondale, NY
A slow, slinky and methodical ‘Tweezer” that moves out into an increasingly ambient-experimental soundscape. (Contrary to the mp3 tag, there is no performance of “My Left Toe.”) Not a bad “Halley’s” either—a complete juxtaposition of sound and tempo.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ph1999-10-08d2t01.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ph1999-10-08d2t02.mp3]***
“Limb -> 2001” 10.9.99 II, Albany, NY
Another under-the-radar sequence that absolutely typifies where Phish’s stylistic progression was at the time.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/II-01-Limb-by-Limb-.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/II-02-2001-.mp3]***
“Down with Disease” 6.15.00 II, Osaka, JP
After years of anonymity, the first set “Ghost” from this show finally gained its proper recognition as an all-time version. I’m not sure the same can be set for this outlandish, near 30-minute “Disease,” as it still lies in the shadows on Japan’s more well known masterpieces.
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph2000-06-15d2t04.mp3]***
“Slave to the Traffic Light” 11.18.98 II, Greenville, SC
One of the truly memorable “Slaves” of the late-’90’s. Are you familiar?
[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/2.05-Slave-to-the-Traffic-Light.mp3] Tags: TTFF
Pretty sure the Arkestra has already been cut out of the royalties. Labels making more money. System.
Well that part’s not so fresh. What are your fav Sun Ra albums lilum? I need to indoctrinate myself.