This tight rager showcases Big Red’s chops back in 92. Listening back, I’m struck, not only, by how absolutely all over the fret board he is, but by how he barely used to use any effects at all (to great effect). A great version that is completely overlooked.
This first set of this Red Rocks show was broadcast on the radio, which is how I got a good quality copy that year. My vote for best ever “YEM” (possibly my favorite Phish jam ever), which somehow doesn’t get mentioned anymore with almost everyone’s attention falling on 12.9.95 and other versions.
Not exploratory, but tight and intense, this early “Bowie” reminds me of the band’s recent gesture toward shorter, more economical playing. They really get right down to business here.
This Neil Young sit-in gets my vote for second-best guest performance ever; a nasty extended jam for the benefit of small farms. (For the record, everything with Karl Perrazo is the best guest performance.)
This is the last good version of “Free.” And it is very good. The Trey and Mike jam ultimately inspired a horrible moment at Coventry, which, I speculate, is why they’ve never tried to jam it since.
Just because it never gets old—of the top three or four versions ever, which kicks off the second set of a magical night in Virginia.
All selections and text by Luke Falk “Split Open and Melt” 4.16.92 I, Santa Barbara, CA This tight rager showcases Big Red’s chops back in 92. Listening back, I’m struck, not only, by how absolutely all over the fret board he is, but by how he barely used to use any effects at all (to great …
This masterpiece is in the middle of a run of what I consider to be the greatest string of “Tweezer’s” ever performed by the band. A monster exploration of rock groove that they band was owning on a nightly basis at this point. Trey and Page each shine on this one, and we even get hints of what sounds like an early “Birds” jam! Frankly, it may be Fishman that deserves the MVP throughout. This is a fine example of peak Fall/Winter ’95 Phish—explosive, percussive, guitar heroics, it’s all there. Cherry on top with a nice segue into “Makisupa,” allowing Trey to hop on his mini-kit.
If nothing else, know that 1996 was the year of “Maze” (and “Simple”), and when it takes the second slot of Set two on the NYE run, hold on. This was the last version of the year, and it gets the full treatment. Both Page and Trey both crush this version, with Trey getting the edge, giving it an extra helping of tension, and a little dash of evil with the last couple of minutes reaching terrifying levels. They don’t play “Maze” like this anymore.
This slid under the radar then, and it still does now. The last “Caravan” played by Phish, and it’s a murky, swank little run through the jazz classic they had performed so well in their club days. It carries over amazingly well in the cavernous Spectrum.
Having missed all of ’97 and all of ’98 up to this point, and having been completely out of the tape trading circle, I hadn’t heard Phish funk, although I had read reviews on the internet. The last live show I had seen was 12-31-1996, so, needless to say, this show was a revelation to my ears. This isn’t the best “Ghost” ever, but to me it holds a special place. It has some funk, then Trey kicks it into overdrive, building and directing, and the jam absolutely soars, eventually landing into a huge “She Caught the Katy” bustout, complete with heavy fog machine usage. I was front row this night, and still haven’t gotten over this jam sequence.
This is easily my favorite first set ever, and this may be my favorite sequence of Phish ever performed. It may be one of those “had to be there” moments, but the cosmos aligned in the cornfields that night. After the fun “Meat” opener, and a heavy “MFMF,” “My Left Toe’s” ambiance enveloped the masses (who were baking in 99 degree heat that day. I consider this to be the finest version of “My Left Toe,” and the drop into Whipping Post could not have been more unpredictable, and perfect for that time, on that day.
This is my personal favorite “Twist.” It’s the first song that comes to mind when I think of that night in Florida. I think it’s the best example of Phish excelling at ambient music. It’s mesmerizing, and beautiful, almost like a bedtime lullaby, but instead performed for 80K people swaying in unison, as the band calms us down for the long night ahead.
This show had a lot to like, mostly antics and creative setlist construction, but the unequaled highlight is “Drowned -> CDT Reprise.” A blistering jam erupts out of The Who classic, with Trey all over his loops. Eventually he lays back and allows the band to settle into an infectious funk groove, complete with a brief start-stop jam. I can’t think of many jams where I had as much fun dancing as I did during these 5 minutes. When the hilarity ensued with “CDT Reprise,” the bliss and humor of Phish reached it’s zenith.
A must hear, top tier version of “Gin.” May or may not have been inspired after Trey pegged a kid in the face with a glowstick. Either way, this is a beast that can be separated into two parts. Part 1 – “The Mr. Completely Jam,” containing all that dirt and growl from Trey that I love from 2003. Part 2 – The insane Trey/Page weirdo “Gin” funk breakdown (listen for what I think sounds like playing with “FoTM”). In between all that is straight up dirty rock and roll.
Those were dark days for all of us, and the Deer Creek >Alpine Valley run in 2004 did little to shake the stain of sadness. Yet this “Tube” gave me one last time to dance in the moat at Deer Creek, and dance I did. The last jammed out “Tube” provides a good work out for Page, Mike, and Fish, while Trey adds some effects and other tones throughout. A bit harsh for “Tube,” but overall still above average rock groove.
My pick for the best “Melt” of 3.0. 2009 has left little for highlights, but the Cincy shows that Fall were well played, and this “Melt” showed signs of a band still able to send kids fleeing for the doors. I tend to think that all 3.0 “Melt’s” are formulaic to a certain degree, but the level to which they commit to the truly demented is what make “Split’s” work for me. This version left everybody in attendance motionless, I imagine having internal discussions with their sanity. I think what makes this work is Fishman finding something to do while Trey sets up his loops. It’s a devilish few minutes at the end of the jam, and one of the more challenging improvised pieces the band has dropped in 3.0. And yes, they’re able to seamlessly work back into wrapping up the song.
“Midwestern Meltdowns and an Assorted Few” Selections and text by Jeff Walls aka @Tela’s_muff “Tweezer –> Makisupa” 11.30.95 II, Dayton, OH This masterpiece is in the middle of a run of what I consider to be the greatest string of “Tweezer’s” ever performed by the band. A monster exploration of rock groove that they band was …
From a consistency standpoint, 2000 might just be the best year for “Bathtub Gin.” Here’s my pick for the best one of the summer. Straight fire all throughout.
What would a @DryIceFactory playlist be without – what I would consider – the best version of “Cities” ever played? Bumping summer groove session gives way to supersonic Trey-shred. Must hear Phish from top to bottom.
Everyone loves to talk about the Portsmouth “Sand,” but does anyone else remember the Merriwether 1st setter that took place a week before? Trey absolutely attacks the Ocedoc in this version, masterfully creates some fierce tension and brings the jam to a head before moving into the ending. The highlight of a banging 1st set in an otherwise disappointing weekend in the Mid-Atlantic.
Sometimes I feel like the only people who appreciate this show were the ones who were there. Phish absolutely clobbered a rather rowdy week-night crowd at Verizon Wireless Arena on a Tuesday in New Hampshire. This “Light” (complete with an Alumni Reprise jam) really hit the spot, and might not even be the highlight of the show for many.
Phish slams the door shut on yet another fantastic set at The Gorge. The crowd roars in approval from the composed section all the way to the final peak. This “Hood” is a personal favorite and is underrated, must-hear Phish.
All selections and text by Alexander Papadonis, aka @DryIceFactory “Bathtub Gin” 6.28.00 II, Holmdel, NJ From a consistency standpoint, 2000 might just be the best year for “Bathtub Gin.” Here’s my pick for the best one of the summer. Straight fire all throughout. *** “Cities” 7.31.98 II, Columbus, OH What would a @DryIceFactory playlist be …
I’m running with a new concept today–the reader playlist. Phish Thoughts reader Garret Conour (@garretc) proposed the idea and today has provided the inaugural installment of “Reader’s Picks.” Garret devised the playlist and wrote the words you see below, I just assembled the post. Please email mrminer@phishthoughts.com if you’d like to put one of these 10-packs together. Thanks, Garret! Enjoy!
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Given that I tend towards the darker underbelly of Phish jamming styles, it didn’t take much conscious effort to put together these particular ten jams, but upon completion I decided it would fit in nicely with the annual pre-dates aggression and despondency that always permeates the comments section around this time. Spring is starting to peek around the corner, but this is probably better suited for those of you still stuck indoors.
From a fall ’97 show on campus at Penn State, this Simple forgoes the year’s trademark cowfunk jam for a steady progression from standard “Simple” jam out into uncharted ambient seas before a “Bowie” head-fake on the way to “Timber.”
The Van Andel “Halley’s” is like so many of the best Phish jams: akin to a floating, swirling orb of musical energy that the band manipulates with ease. Just don’t go in expecting smooth ’98 ambiance, because that’s not what you’re gonna get.
Centerpiece jam of the Providence stop in the legendary final month of 1995, this “Disease” sounds, well, like 1995 Phish, with all the percussive mind-fuckery that would lead you to believe.
With not one but two jammed out “Chalk Dusts” this year, might as well give a listen to one of the, if not the only, non-Camden noteworthy “CDTs,” from set one of IT day two.
After yet another stellar MSG “Tweezer” during this past new years run, this here is a gem from Phish’s first trip to the round room. Make sure your chair can be hid under, because Troy is trying to break you.
This should need no introduction, you’ve all been paying attention lately. The best jam I’ve ever been in the building for (Yeah, yeah, 3.0 kid and all that), this is also unarguably the most fully realized storage-style jam the band has kicked down outside of the box that lent its name to the style. Aliens visiting the eastern Washington desert.
A fierce “Bowie” from a summer full of ’em, this particular “David” starts with an extended soundscape intro (remember those?) before getting into everybody’s favorite dark, shreddy, heavy ’95 style.
Don’t worry, Mike changes the bass line after, oh… 15 minutes. But yeah, an extended trip out into spacey ’00 loop jams anchored by Gordo’s “Variations on the Theme from Jibboo” personal dance party. Happy birthday, America.
Not your grandpappy’s “YEM,” the vocal jamming starts early, before the instrument jamming stops, as high speed ’93 turbo jazz-rock alternately dissolves and peaks through the course of the 33 minute run time. And there’s no proper vocal jam, so it’s safe for haters of that.
Phish waging sonic warfare with the Norse gods at their (second) last stand. Bring back the “ASIHTOS” jamming, preferably at the Gorge. Or whatever other shows I’m at this summer.
I’m running with a new concept today–the reader playlist. Phish Thoughts reader Garret Conour (@garretc) proposed the idea and today has provided the inaugural installment of “Reader’s Picks.” Garret devised the playlist and wrote the words you see below, I just assembled the post. Please email mrminer@phishthoughts.com if you’d like to put one of these …
