TTFM: First Nights of Tour

Posted in Jams with the tags , on November 24th, 2014 by Mr.Miner
10.17.14 Eugene, OR (Eric Battuello)

10.17.14 Eugene, OR (Eric Battuello)

Beginning in 1997, whether they knew it or not, Phish began a tradition of throwing down a very significant jam on the first night of their tours. Sometimes they came amidst fiery tour openers and sometimes in lesser shows, but like clockwork, Phish announced the beginning of tour with a filthy jam that would most often hold up to anything played over the duration of the run. This unspoken ritual began in earnest in the summer of 1997, and that is where today’s playlist begins, tracing each tour through 2000. (Europe ’98 and Summer US 2000 were exceptions, thus not represented.)

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Ghost” / “Bathtub Gin” 7.21.97 I, Virginia Beach, VA

When Phish came back from a month-long tour of Europe, in which they explored their new medium of cow funk, they were rearing to show their fans what they had going on. It didn’t take long for them to show off the goods at the first show of the US Summer tour in Virginia Beach, opening with a deeply jammed “Ghost.” Later in the first set, the band dropped the jam of the show in “Bathtub Gin.” Enjoy both jams below.

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Stash” 11.13.97 II, Las Vegas, NV

Phish opened up Fall ’97 with a strong overall performance at a shrunken Thomas and Mack Center (half of the venue was cut off by a curtain). The jam of the show was the first of several standout versions of “Stash” that would transpire over the following month. This ominous second-setter landed in a tribal-like ambiance while steering clear of any grooves in a deeply psychedelic journey.

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Tweezer -> Free” 7.15.98 II, Portland, OR

Phish had barely any time between the last day of their European tour in Barcelona (7/10) and the first night of their US tour in Portland, Oregon (7/15), so you could say they were warmed up. The “Tweezer -> California Love -> Tweezer -> Free” that the band dropped in the second set of this tour opener needs to introduction—pure filth from a band on fire.

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Reba” 10.29.98 II, Los Angeles, CA

Phish dropped a monster second set at LA’s Greek Theatre to open Fall ’98, and this wide open “Reba” was its centerpiece. Introducing their new group-wide, ambient sound that would be expounded upon over Fall Tour, the band sculpted a mind-expanding masterpiece that deserves discussion amongst the all-time greats.

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Free” 6.30.99 II, Bonner Springs, KS

Perhaps the most polished, badass, groove-era version of the song ever played, the Bonner Springs “Free” is like a freight train in the living room of your mind. Methodically maniacal, this version carries the perfect pace from the start, featuring Mike in the middle of the formation for the first time. Trey’s solo possesses a generous amount of swagger.

 

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Stash” / “Tweezer” 9.9.99 I / II, Vancouver, BC

Both of these tour-opening jams illustrate the dark, layered and ambient nature that characterized Phish’s late ’99 style. Each of these jams were immediate keepers and they have stood the test of time.

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Bathtub Gin > 2001” 12.2.99 II, Auburn Hills, MI

This scalding sequence got tour winter started quickly at the Palace in Auburn Hills.

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Tweezer” 6.9.00 II, Tokyo, JP

Phish landed in Japan and wasted no time getting down to business, dropping this monstrous and exploratory “Tweezer” on their first night in Tokyo.

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Ghost” 9.8.00 I, Albany, NY

This fuel injected version of the late-’90s groove vehicle came as the third song of the first set—of tour.

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Bridging the Gap

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , , on June 2nd, 2014 by Mr.Miner
Phishbill 10.31.96

Phishbill 10.31.96

When Phish concluded 1995 with a peak performance at Madison Square Garden on New Year’s Eve, nobody in their fanbase could have predicted that the band would return to the same room, two years to the day, and sound diametrically different. In fact, the same could be said for the their two-night MSG stand that nearly bisected these year-end holiday shows in late-October of 1996. There was still no hint as to the band’s oncoming metamorphosis, despite the fact that it would start in just over a week. In just the opposite vain, the band, for the first time in their career, had downshifted into a stylistic neutral following the end of their crowing year of ’95. That’s not to say didn’t play great shows. Virtually the entirety of their short US Summer Tour were standout shows. The Red Rocks, Deer Creek and Clifford Ball runs were stuff the of legend (and still are), while Hershey has come to light over the years as a show on the level with any of them. The only standard performances that aren’t still discussed today were their stateside return at Wolf Mountain, and Alpine Valley. But despite these standout Summer shows, Phish was treading stylistic water. They were riding out the wave of fast-paced psych rock that had delivered them to The World’s Most Famous Arena on the biggest night of the year, but they didn’t quite possess the same full-throttle nature as the previous Fall. Having only played a handful of headlining gigs in Europe while opening for Carlos Santana earlier in July, and with a resultingly truncated US Summer, they hadn’t had much on-stage time to develop a new direction before the start of Fall.

Billy Breathes

Billy Breathes

Phish released their sixth album, Billy Breathes, the day before kicking off Fall Tour ’96 in Lake Placid. And as they set out in support of this album (whose songs were virtually all live staples already), their shows—in retrospect—were pretty uninspired. This may seem hard to believe, but in the 11 shows that pre-date Halloween on Fall Tour, there are but three jams with all-time musical value eighteen years later—Pittsburgh’s “Maze,” Charlotte’s “Simple,” and Tallahassee’s “Mike’s Song” (whose treasure lies in its sub rosa rehearsal of Talking Heads’ “Houses in Motion”). That’s slim pickings for twenty-two sets of Phish, regardless of what year it is! Only two months removed from a stellar Summer run, Phish’s sense of purpose had faded and their shows were suffering.

But then came Halloween. A proverbial shot in the arm if there ever was one, Phish’s musical costume of the Talking Heads on October 31 in Atlanta, forever changed the course of their career. To learn “Remain in Light” for their third Halloween set, the band had to embrace a percussive style of groove-based playing with which they had only flirted. Composed with a far more democratic style Phish was used to up through 1995, “Remain in Light” gave the band a new way of looking at improvisation. This seminal performance was the first brick in the road to the band’s funk-based paradigm shift of 1997.  But five weeks of Fall Tour still remained!

Markthalle—Hamburg, GR

Markthalle—Hamburg, GR

And in these last five weeks, Phish’s new direction began emerge. The tempo of many jams slowed down. Trey became more and more enamored with his wah pedal, playing sparse and chunky chords structures for his band mates retort. Highlights began to bubble up at a far quicker rate—inspiration was clearly afoot—and they sounded far different than the music before Halloween. The thick grooves that we would come to know so well started to seep into Phish’s repertoire slowly but surely over the rest of Fall. This time period represents the beginning of a process that culminate on that fateful night in Hamburg, Germany, March 1, 1997—commemorated on “Slip, Stitch and Pass”—when everything “clicked” for the band, and they had fully realized their new direction.

During a 1998 interview with David Byrne, himself, for Sessions at West 54th St., Page looked back on Halloween ’96 and noted:

It may have had the biggest effect on us because we really learned the grooves and we really tried to get inside the grooves on the album…I took so much away from that. And the groove-oriented playing that we’ve done in the last few years – repetition, pulling things out, putting them back – all that sort of thing, a lot of it was from learning [Remain In Light].

The point of today’s playlist is to bridge the gap between Halloween and the the Hamburg’s March 1st arrival. I have selected tracks with which you can track the band’s stylistic progression over this time. Enjoy the selections. (And forgive the repetition of songs, there were only so many jams they were taking in this direction.)

Crosseyed > Antelope” 11.2.96 II, West Palm Beach, FL

The band was so amped about their Halloween set that they brought “Crosseyed”—and the whole Talking Heads style of jamming—directly to their next show. The results were legendary.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ph96-11-02t02.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ph96-11-02t03.mp3]

Tweezer” 11.3.96 II, Gainesville, FL

Still with Karl Perazzo, acting as training wheels for their first excursions into full-blown groove, Phish continued their percussive style of play with this “Tweezer.”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Track-05-6.mp3]

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Mike’s Song” 11.6.96 II, Knoxville, TN

After a more conventional and high quality “Mike’s” jam (some with Trey on  mini-kit), the band breaks into an extended section of collaborative funk grooves, bobbing and weaving through some straight James Brown steez! This jam illustrates just how gargantuan of a pivot point that Halloween truly was, as only a week later, the band’s jamming sounds completely different.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/II-03-Mikes-Song-.mp3]

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Tweezer” 11.11.96 II, Grand Rapids, MI

Here’s a “Tweezer” I’ve featured a lot before that sounds like it could be plucked from some point in ’97. Only 11 days after Halloween and the band was already turning the party out with dance music funkier than they had ever played before.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Track-04-5.mp3]

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Suzy Greenberg” 11.13.96 II, Minneapolis, MN

In between more torrid musical bookends to this long-form jam, Phish slows down into some serious wah-funk.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Suzy-GreenBurg_.mp3]

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Tweezer” 11.18.96 II, Memphis, TN

Gary Gazaway sits in on trumpet for this slowed down and swanky “Tweezer” jam. A cool diversion from the norm, but underneath Gazaway’s soloing, the band is plugging away at thick, collaborative grooves.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2.06-Tweezer.mp3]

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Tweezer” 11.27.96 II, Seattle, WA

Within this standout “Tweezer” jam (and even within the composed song) you can feel the oncoming funk train slowly moving in. The pace has slowed and the music is thick. Toto, “Are we still in ’96?”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/II-04-Tweezer-2.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/II-05-Down-with-Disease-Reprise.mp3]

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Mike’s Song” 12.4.96 II, San Diego, CA

In this “Mike’s,” Trey starts in with the wah feel early in the first jam, and then again about ten minutes into this monster “Mike’s” jam, the band shifts into a very forward-looking musical feel without losing the harder edge of “Mike’s.”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/ph1996-12-04d2t02.mp3]

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2001” 12.6.96 I, Las Vegas, NV

From the first set of Fall Tour’s finale, this is one of the very first jammed out “2001s,” and none had reached this length or absolute smoothness.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/I-04-Also-Sprach-Zarathustra-.mp3]

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Down With Disease” 2.17.97 II, Amsterdam, NL

I can still remember hearing this tape for the first time in college and thinking, “Who is this band?!” with beaming excitement. In this gooey “Disease,” the band is honing in on Cowfunk.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ph97-02-17d2t02.mp3]

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2001” 2.18.97 II, Paris, FR

While this version may sound relatively common place after all these years, in the Winter of ’97, it was blazing a funkwards path.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ph97-02-18d2t02.mp3]

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Down With Disease” 2.21.97 I, Florence, IT

Phish had begun to shift jam vehicles already, shying from “Mike’s” a tad more and leaning towards “Disease.” This version from Florence is brniging the band closer and closer to the goal of their collaborative quest. This one is an under the radar, first set gem.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1.03-Down-With-Disease.mp3]

 

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TTFF: The Dark Side of ’99

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , on May 29th, 2014 by Mr.Miner
Fall '99 (Jay Blakesburg)

Fall ’99 (Jay Blakesburg)

To balance the light, there is there is the dark. And just as the guys were climbing spiritual mountains of ultra-bliss during 1999, another strand of their improvisation was growing more ominous and abstract. Phish’s ambient jamming of Fall ’98 focused primarily on the melodic side of things, with push-and-pull, amoeba-like interplay. In 1999, however, buoyed by the release of “The Siket Disc,” Phish’s abstract jamming—and overall sound—progressed in a much darker direction. The band grew an affinity for sonic layering and dissonant effects, developing what I have called their “millennial” sound. Favoring a drone and hypnotic style of play, Phish moved into their next mini-progression of the late-’90s. Within this context, Trey favored harder-edged guitar work, sheets of sound, and effect-laden soundscapes that veered from his center-stage soloing of years past.

Beginning during Summer Tour while, largely, showing up within single jams, this “millennial” sound became more prevalent and nuanced as Phish moved through their Fall and Winter tours, often dominating the feel of sets and shows all together. Phish music was growing darker in both the downtempo and uptempo realms, a vibe that seemed congruent with the oncoming unknown of 2000 and beyond. As the world crept closer to the turn of the millennium and a potential Y2k disaster, Phish provided an ominous soundtrack to a time filled with shrouded in mystery and speckled with hope.

For today’s playlist, I picked a couple jams from each tour in ’99 so you can hear the progression of the band throughout the year.

Bathtub Gin” 6.30.99 II, Bonner Springs, KS

It had been six full months since we had seen Phish—the longest stretch of down time in Phish’s career up to that point. And the band greeted us with this 20-minute tour-opening “Bathtub Gin” that touched on their darker, ambient sound that would grow throughout the summer.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ph1999-06-30d1t01.mp3]

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My Left Toe > Velvet Sea > MLT” 7.7.99 II, Charlotte, NC

This choice ’99 nugget is dedicated to RJ of Helping Friendly Podcast and our own Albert Walker. This clip seemed way too timely to ignore based on yesterday’s Twitter debates.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/II-03-My-Left-Toe-.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/II-04-Wading-in-the-Velvet-Sea-.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/II-05-My-Left-Toe-.mp3]

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Piper” 7.18.99 III, Volney, NY

The Oswego “Piper” covers a wide array of ’99-esque feels over a near-half hour, but most of all it is an example of how densely layered and hard-edged their sound had gotten to by the middle of the summer. This would be an example of the developing uptempo millennial jamming, without the pronounced dissonance of late Fall and Winter.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/1999-07-18-Piper-1999-07-18-Camp-Oswego-Volney-NY.mp3]

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Stash” 9.9.99 I, Vancouver, BC

This “Stash” was the first jam of Fall “99, in the first set of tour. A tale of dark magic, this jam had the venue buzzing at setbreak.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/1-08-Stash.mp3]

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Tweezer” 9.9.99 II, Vancouver, BC

This “Tweezer” moves from candy grooves into a seething section of abstract, millennial psychedelia.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/II-06-Tweezer.mp3]

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Ghost” 9.12.99 II, Portland, OR

One of my top five “Ghosts,” Portland’s massive version moves through some hypnotic grooves into a section of abstract darkness.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/2-01-Track-01.mp3]

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Ghost” 10.9.99 I, Albany, NY

A first-set ambient-laced giant from the Knick.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/I-04-Ghost-My-Left-Toe-.mp3]

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Sand” 12.3.99 II, Cincinnatti, OH

Having just re-spun this “Sand” yesterday, I was reminded of its quintessentially millennial qualities. A great example of a lot of what I have described.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/II-01-Sand.mp3]

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Drowned” 12.12.99 II, Hartford, CT

A dark horse piece of scalding, uptempo, late-99 jamming.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ph99-12-12d2t01.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ph99-12-12d2t02.mp3]

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Jam > Bug” 12.17.99 II, Hampton, VA

Most thought the band was prepping the Mothership for liftoff, but they faked everyone out after a five-minute sound sculpture. This was the soundtrack to the Hampton reunion video..

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ph1999-12-17d2t03.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ph1999-12-17d2t04.mp3]
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The Road to Cypress

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , , , on May 27th, 2014 by Mr.Miner

ticket-jpgAfter a high-quality Twitter exchange with TJ Scheu (@Lyfeboi) yesterday morning, I re-spun 7.10.99 from Camden, New Jersey, and developed a new strand of thought about one of the musical narratives of 1999. TJ asserted that “a huge thing happened” in Camden’s “Chalk Dust” that the band continued to build on and reference throughout the year. While I certainly knew that something huge happened in Camden’s “Chalk Dust,” I never, necessarily, put the jam in the context of its entire year. While listening intently to this all-time version in this way, I had an organizing thought: Camden’s “Chalk Dust” was the first signpost on the road to Big Cypress.

Within the Camden “Chalk Dust” jam, Trey leads the band to a truly cathartic peak—one of those Phish moments that are hard to believe at the time and give you chills for the rest of your lifetime. It’s not just that the music is incredible—Phish has many virtuoso conversations—this jam is drenched in emotion, the likes of which you don’t quite experience in everyday life. The Jedi-like guitar work of Mr. Anastasio led to a sublime, whole-band arrival that invoked communal elation among the 25,004 involved. This musical theme of  “soul emoting” or “ultra bliss” as illustrated by Trey, with the support of his bandmates, in this “Chalk Dust” jam, provided a narrative string that would carry throughout 1999. As his band set its sights on December 31st—the biggest night of their lives—Trey returned to this style of play throughout the year, expressing indescribable emotions through his guitar like only he can.

The Stroke of Midnight (Unk)

The Stroke of Midnight (Unk)

I distinctly remember feeling momentum build throughout ’99, most distinctly through Fall Tour and the December run. Summer was fun, but once Fall started, it felt like a mission to the Everglades, one show at a time. The anticipatory emotion, excitement and sense of wonder surrounding Big Cypress was palpable, and it increased each and every time the band took the stage during this momentous year. I can only imagine that if the fans felt this energy pulsing through themselves and the community during this time, that the band members felt it several times more intensely. In many ways, Phish’s entire career had led them to this point—the year of 1999 and the brink of the new millennium. In retrospective interviews, the band has openly discussed how after Big Cypress, the crest of the wave had broken. They weren’t sure what was supposed to come next and, not surprisingly, in less than a year, they’d be gone.

I have assembled a playlist that follows this, largely, Trey-anchored narrative through 1999. While his style of “soul emoting” wasn’t a nightly occurance, it happened enough times to establish a legitimate pattern. The following jams become fully structured around this style of play, and represent the most significant examples from the year. Not all of these jams sound exactly the same, but they reach that special place and share a common emotional power that, I propose, came directly from their specific point in time for Phish. As Cypress crept closer, these jams waned in favor of darker, more ominous ones that emerged towards the end of fall and in December. Even at Big Cypress, the band tapped into the source with mostly different, far more relaxed feels, but the following pieces represent their building energy and incredible sense of purpose as they neared their date with destiny.

Chalk Dust Torture” 7.10.99 I, Camden, NJ

Following a”Wilson” opener, Phish tore into this monumental jam—the first brick laid on the golden road that would end up in Alligator Alley.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/1.02-Chalkdust-Torture.mp3]

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Birds of a Feather” 7.10.99 II, Camden, NJ

Brick two was unfurled only a set later in “Birds”—Camden “Chalk Dust’s” kid brother.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2.04-Birds-Of-A-Feather.mp3]

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My Left Toe” 7.21.99 II, Burgettstown, PA

Music that is as glorious and emotive as any ever played. By anyone.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph99-07-21d2t04.mp3]

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Tweezer” 8.1.99 II, Niigata, JP

The final “Tweezer” of the Summer, performed in the shadow of Mt. Fuji on the “Field of Heaven,” certainly illustrates Trey’s emerging “soul emoting” of ’99.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ph99-08-01d2t03.mp3]

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AC/DC Bag” Boise 9.14.99 II, Boise, ID

This household jam needs no introduction, but when looked as a part of this larger narrative, it becomes even more poignant.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/ph99-09-14d2t03.mp3]

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Boogie On” 9.18.99 II, Chula Vista, CA

Towards the beginning of Fall Tour, this second set opener brought the audience to a dizzying plane of catharsis in the middle of the warm California desert. On a side note, can we please go back to Coors Amphitheatre as soon as possible?

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2.01-Boogie-on-Reggae-Woman-1.mp3]

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Wolfman’s Brother” 9.24.99 II, Austin, TX

This dark-horse Fall ’99 jam elevates about halfway through and never looks back.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ph1999-09-24d2t05.mp3]

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Tweezer” 12.16.99 II, Raleigh, NC

Raleigh’s to-die-for “Tweezer” represents an intersection of December’s slower, heavier and more ambient style with the “ultra-bliss” feel established during the summer months.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph99-12-16d204.wav.mp3]

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Split Open and Melt -> Catapult” 12.31.99 I, Big Cypress

Perhaps the most iconic jam that came out of Big Cypress, this “Split” represents the culmination of this anticipatory musical narrative on the road to Big Cypress. In this piece, Trey is speaking directly from his soul hours before the biggest night of his life.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph99-12-31d2t01.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph99-12-31d2t02.mp3]

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Down With Disease”  12.31.99 II, Big Cypress

You can, literally, hear the excitement, relief and relaxation in Trey’s guitar tone in this jam—he is so happy to have finally arrived on the stage he had been looking towards all year long. All the pressure had been lifted, and this “Disease”  provided the portal into a night that nobody present would ever forget.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2.03-Down-With-Disease.mp3]

 

12.31.99, Big Cypress (Danny Clinch)

12.31.99, Big Cypress (Danny Clinch)

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TTFM: Lesser Knowns—’98-’00

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags on May 19th, 2014 by Mr.Miner
12.28.13 (Jake Silco)

12.28.13, MSG (Jake Silco)

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]

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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: First Set Situations

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags on May 16th, 2014 by Mr.Miner
12.28.13 (Jake Silco)

12.28.13 (Jake Silco)

For this playlist, I tried to go for a bit more under the radar, first set jams from the golden years. Hope you enjoy

Ghost > Yamar” 7.31.97 I, Mountain View, CA

Quite the opening couplet for a summer show.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/1.01-Ghost-_.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/1.02-Ya-Mar-_.mp3]

***

Split Open and Melt” 8.12.96 I, Noblesville, IN

A filthy, second-song “Split” while the sun still shone in the cornfields.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/I-02-Split-Open-and-Melt.mp3]

***

Reba” 10.15.98 I, San Francisco, CA

The Fillmore “Reba.”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/I-08-Reba-.mp3]

***

Tweezer” 11.14.98 I, Cinncinatti,OH

A ferocious first-setter that combines grooves and ambient-melodica a la Fall ’98.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/ph98-11-14d1t5.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/ph98-11-14d1t6.mp3]

***

Cities” 7.31.98 I, Columbus, OH

A classic first-set jam from the Summer of ’98. Here’s the one well-known jam I let slide, because frankly, I always forget about it.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/1998-07-31-Cities-7-31-98-Polaris-Amphitheater-Lewis-Center-OH.mp3]

***

Free” 8.14.97 I, Darien Center, NY

Here’s an early version of “Free” fully breaking loose.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ph1997-08-14d1t05.mp3]

***

Tweezer” 12.4.99 I, Cinncinatti, OH

Here’s another first set “Tweezer” from the very next year in the same building. Listen to how profoundly the band’s sound has transformed from the ambient-laced groove palette in ’98 to the ominous, layered and millennial monstrosity on the brink of Big Cypress.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/I-05-Tweezer-.mp3]

***

Gumbo” 12.13.99 I, Providence, RI

Here’s another little first set Winter ’99 nugget that delivers. So smooth. So heavy.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/I-03-Gumbo.mp3]

***

Harry Hood” 8.10.97 I, Noblesville, IN

A unique and under-the-radar version that deserves so much glory.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ph1997-08-10d2t04.mp3]
Tags:

TTFF: Dreaming of Summer

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , on March 13th, 2014 by Mr.Miner
7.22.13, Toronto (Jake Silco)

7.22.13, Toronto (Jake Silco)

Mike’s -> Simple” Clifford Ball 8.16.96 II

A historic chunk of Summertime Phish.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ph96-08-16d03t01.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ph96-08-16d03t02.mp3]

***

Reba” 8.2.03 Limestone, ME

A daytime, post-hiatus gem.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/1.05-Reba.mp3]

***

Sneakin’ Sally” 8.8.98 Columbia, MD

Quintessential Summer ’98 grooves here.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ph1998-08-08d1t05.mp3]

***

Disease -> Free” 6.26.95 I, SPAC, NY

Simply put, one of Phish most superbly executed  psychedelic odysseys.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/1995-06-26-Down-With-Disease-_-Free-1995-06-26-Saratoga-Performing-Arts-Center-Saratoga-Springs-NY.mp3]

***

Chalk Dust Torture” 8.31.12 II, Commerce City, CO

Some of Trey’s most blissful and cathartic playing of Summer ’12.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2.04-Chalkdust-Torture.mp3]

***

Light” SPAC, NY 7.5.13 II

This dense, virtuosic conversation kicked off Summer ’13 in earnest and is now my go-to version of the song.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2.03-Light.mp3]

***

Crosseyed and Painless” 7.10.13, Holmdel, NJ 

This jam has so much staying power—truly an all-timer.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2.01-Crosseyed-and-Painless.mp3]

***

Harry Hood” 7.22.97 II, Raleigh, NC

After an intense, power-packed set of Phish, the band encored with this sublime “Harry Hood.”

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ph97-07-22d2t08.mp3]

***

Rock and Roll -> Meatstick” 8.5.11, George, WA

A jam—especially in context—that caused ripples throughout the modern Phish universe.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ph2011-08-05t14.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ph2011-08-05t15.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ph2011-08-05t14.mp3]

***

Ghost” 8.15.98 II, Limestone, ME

The essential nugget of late-Summer ’98 Phish foreshadowed the shift to ambient jamming come the fall. This relatively under-the-radar “Ghost” sneaks into my personal top five.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ph1998-08-16d3t01.mp3]
Tags: ,

TTFF: December Jams 3.0

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , on December 13th, 2013 by Mr.Miner
10.18.13, Hampton, VA (Jake Silco)

10.18.13, Hampton, VA (Jake Silco)

Seven Below -> What’s the Use?” 12.27.10 II, Worcester

Amidst a snow storm in Worcester, Phish paid homage to mother nature with this centerpiece jam of the show.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ph2010-12-27t15.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ph2010-12-27t16.mp3]

***

Tweezer > Caspian” 12.29.09, II Miami, FL

After all these years, the Miami “Tweezer” still holds up as one of the best of the modern era. And this “Caspian” absolutely crushes.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ph2009-12-29t12.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ph2009-12-29t13.mp3]

***

Piper” 12.30.11 II, New York, NY

The only bright spot of a otherwise piss-poor show. How they pulled it together for this one jam, we’ll never know.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/phish2011-12-30d02t03.mp3]

 ***

Sand” 12.31.10 II, New York, NY

I’ve died and gone to plinko heaven.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ph2010-12-31t14.mp3]

***

Carini” 12.30.12 II, New York, NY

This menacing abstraction was the talking point of the Holiday Run for months after.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2.04-Carini.mp3]

***

Light” 12.2.09 II, New York, NY

Just as “Light” was beginning to break form, Phish thew down this monstrosity at MSG—the most prolific version anyone had ever seen.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/ph2009-12-02t13.mp3]

***

Ghost > NO2” 12.31.09 II, Miami, FL

Everyone knows MSG’s “Holy Ghost” of 2010, but do you remember this grimy, funk number from Miami the year before?

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ph209-12-31t19.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ph209-12-31t20.mp3]

***

Harry Hood” 12.28.10 II, Worcester, MA

One of the truly magnificent jams 0f the modern era—musical perfection.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ph2010-12-28t19.mp3]

***

You Enjoy Myself” 12.4.09 II, New York, NY

This is one of very few worthy “YEMs” of the modern era. This one goes out to Scott—@Tourtweet.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/ph2009-12-04s2t10.mp3]
Tags: ,

TTFF: December Jams

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , on December 6th, 2013 by Mr.Miner
Fall 2013 (Andrea Nusinov)

Fall 2013 (Andrea Nusinov)

Tweezer” 12.16.99 II, Raleigh, NC

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/ph99-12-16d204.wav.mp3]

***

Reba” 12.31.95 I, NYC, NY

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/1.03-Reba.mp3]

***

Ghost > Mike’s” 12.13.97 II, Albany, NY

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/203-Ghost.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/204-Mikes-Song-Bring-In-The-Dude.mp3]

***

Simple” 12.6.96 II, Las Vegas, NV

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ph96-12-06d2t04.mp3]

***

Weekapaug” 12.9.97 I, State College, PA

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ph1997-12-09d1t06.mp3]

***

Free” 12.15.99 II, Washington, DC

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ph1999-12-15d2t04.mp3]

***

Bathtub Gin > 2001” 12.2.99 Auburn Hills, MI

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Phish1999-12-02d2t03.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Phish1999-12-02d2t04.mp3]

***

You Enjoy Myself” 12.9.95 II, Albany, NY

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/19951209ph_YEM_holp.mp3]
Tags: ,

TTFF: Reader’s Picks—Alexander Papadonis

Posted in Uncategorized with the tags , , , on March 15th, 2013 by Mr.Miner
7.4.2012 Jones Beach (George Estreich)

7.4.2012 Jones Beach (George Estreich)

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.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2000-06-28-Bathtub-Gin-PNC-Bank-Arts-Center-6-28-00-Holmdel-NJ.mp3]

***

Cities” 7.31.98 II, Columbus, OH

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.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/1998-07-31-Cities-7-31-98-Polaris-Amphitheater-Lewis-Center-OH.mp3]

***

Sand” 6.11.11 I, Columbia, MD

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.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/1.07-Sand.mp3]

***

Tweezer” 8.1.98 II, East Troy, WI

Musical perfection, a must-hear highlight from Alpine ’98.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/04-Tweezer-_-Fluffhead-1998-08-01-Alpine-Valley-Music-Amphitheatre-East-Troy-WI.mp3]

***

David Bowie” 11.26.94 II, Minneapolis, MN

The Minneapolis “Bowie” absolutely, 100% set the blueprint for what took place in Providence one month later. You won’t convince me otherwise.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/1994-11-26-David-Bowie-11-26-94-Orpheum-Theater-Minneapolis-MN.mp3]

 ***

Light” 10.26.10 II, Manchester, NH

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.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/ph2010-10-26t18.mp3]

*** 

Twist” 2.24.03 II

“Twist” is a jam that can go, literally, anywhere. This one takes a slow and steady course to Saturn.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/3-11-Twist.mp3]

 ***

Piper -> What’s The Use?” 9.11.00 II

Why not pair a scary “Twist,” with a scary Piper? The highlight of a great show at Great Woods.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Piper-_.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Whats-The-Use_-_.mp3]

 ***

Harry Hood” 9.11.99 II, George, WA

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.

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/02-Track-02.mp3]

 ***

YEM -> Manteca -> YEM” 12.31.10 II, MSG, NYC

What’s better than a “YEM” paired with “Manteca” antics?

[audio:http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2.07-You-Enjoy-Myself.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2.08-Manteca.mp3,http://phishthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2.09-You-Enjoy-Myself.mp3]
Tags: , , ,