I'm sorry my dear blog. Again, I have not forgotten about you and I spend every day coming up with something to write about, I just have not had a minute to sit down and do it. Although, now that I have discovered internet on my phone it may be a lot easier.
Anyway, the New Years Run started last night THANK GOD! I have been waiting for this since... well Halloween, but it's phinally here!! I hope to write more later, but for the time being, here is the article I wrote for Surrender to the Flow Magazine, which you can find for FREEE on lot before and after each show. Here's a peep at some of the content:
InPHANcy… or How to Love Phish Just as Much as That Guy with 100+ Stubs
By Carly Shields
Someone once said to me, “You’re about a decade and a half late on that whole Phish thing.” Another person questioned the love I have for this band based on the amount of shows I’d been to. Even others doubt my knowledge of Phishtory because I’m young for this crowd (22, really?). And to be honest, sometimes this makes me feel like I really did just jump on the bandwagon. But no, let’s go back and I will tell you the story of a baby phan who came to the party right on time.
I saw Phish for the first time in 2004 on top of the David Letterman building. It’s a show that changed me, for sure, but didn’t have the impact that my next, and really first, two shows had. I had been a fan of Phish during their hiatus, and even kept up spirits when we all thought they would be gone forever. Upon the return in 2009, I didn’t think for a second that my life was about to change dramatically, and in so many beautiful ways. So I went to Bonnaroo, and though neither of those sets compare to what we can expect from Phish these days, it still set me on the roll that has yet to slow. Since then, I have seen 20 stunning shows that keep getting better and better.
During summer and fall of 2009, I fell in love with the crowd, the passion of the phans, the welcoming neighborhood of each lot. Foolishly, neither Halloween nor New Years was on the roster for me then. If only I had known!
When it came time to write my thesis for graduation, my professor said, “Well, what do you love?” and I said, “Phish.” So I wrote it on the band, phans, and love of the music, and in so doing, fell into the endless tunnel that is Phish phandom.
Dancing through that tunnel- more like a spiral of joy- summer 2010 was my tour of confirmation. Finally, the boys were close to home and I could afford to follow them around. Each show taught me more about their playing techniques, styles, personalities, and genius minds. (I had been listening to Phish non-stop, mind you. Every day was- and still is- filled with different live recordings, from all the years of their music making.) Each song seemed to fill out every time I heard it, the exploration of new songs constantly amazing me. I uncovered the depths and wonders, the layers of the cake, the jazzy, smooth, funny, serious, weird, and true corners of Phish, and each of these amazing musicians.
By the end of my summer of love, I decided to dedicate my life to Phish. I know, I know; this sounds a little crazy, and I realize, of course, that my life can’t be solely dedicated to Phish (or can it…). So I’m not twiddling my thumbs waiting for the guys over at Red Light to up and quit. But during fall tour, I got some sort of unspoken message through every Phish avenue that this was my calling: through the band, obviously, the lights and Koruda himself, the crowd culture and the lot scene, the individual phans, our subcultural market of toys and garments and food, hell, our language. It all made me absolutely positive that I had found some sort of affirming identity, some real group I could be a part of and relate to. And some fucking incredible music to guide us on the way.
My real point is that I don’t think I’m the only one in this situation. There are a lot of younger phans who didn’t get to see Phish back in the 90’s, either because we were too young, weren’t into it yet, whatever the reason. This is not to say that we’re resistant to learning: so many of us are finally getting into the groove of what Phish really was. The boys are back, there’s no denying that. The “reunion” part of this is definitely over; though to an older phan I’m sure it still seems different, they are certainly back in action and we’re all here together now. Sure, there’s some unspoken merit behind having seen a ton of shows, but if you love it, and if you’re feeling the good vibes, then boy, man… god… shiiit rock on!
December 28, 2010
November 27, 2010
Reason #11: Surrender to the Flow Magazine!!
I didn't forget about you, dear blog!! I'm sorry I have been away; these past two weeks have been a crazy rush for me to get a job and go back and forth from NYC so I have just been unavailable. I'm so very behind on my 365 reasons, but trust me, kids, you'll get a reason for every day of the year. This is like a little daily calendar I'm building, so you can turn the page and get a new reason. But these things take time and energy and focus, of which I have very little these last few days.
So for you today, I have a few little plugs. Later in the day, hopefully, I will do my first Phormal Phriday, in honor of yesterday. And perhaps tomorrow, a Thanksgiving blog to show my appreciation for the boys. Anyway, on with it.
The reason I love Phish today is because of the amazing amount of creativity they inspire. I don't mean this just in all the little McLovin's trying on their guitars and pokin' at their keyboards again, or even young musicians writing Phish inspired music, which I am obviously all for. But beyond that, Phish has inspired several very high quality blogs, this one clearly being among them (justtt kidding, my two readers haha..). Mr. Miners Phish Thoughts (phishthoughts.com) are read by thousands every day. He posts just about every day, and his depth of knowledge about the band and music is really quite impressive. He digs down to the core of every jam, the meaning behind each indecipherable line, and critiques like no other. His criticisms aren't bad by any means, they're very understanding of the fact that Trey, Mike, Page, Phish, and Koruda are human beings.
Side note, and maybe a topic for another post: We tend to forget these guys are just people. Albiet, very talented and well known people, which is often a bad combination. But still, people. They make mistakes, they have off days, they wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and believe it or not, sometimes they don't wanna go to work. They have the pressure of millions of phans motivating them every day; I am personally thankful that our love is enough to get them out of bed and on the road. And thankful also to their families, who tolerate being without their husbands and daddys for so long. We all really appreciate the hard work it takes to satisfy us.
But back to Mr. Miner- he does highlight exactly the feelings a lot of us get as we listen to recordings or experience new shows. He can understand where we feel the energy really come in, where someone trips up, where the jam is coming back to life, or back to the root song. He can put into words feelings that we just know are there. I'm not trying to turn this blogger into a philospher, but the man knows his Phish. And he's a damn good writer.
Other blogs, like Joy's Jam, YEMblog, Andy Geidel's Phish Page, phasinated.com, Online Phish Tour, Live Music Blog, and a ton others, all do a very similar thing; opinion articles, show reviews, polls, links to other content and blogs. It's a huge network of Phish Phans and inphormation (...too much?), all working together to create and inspire even more.
Another great example of this is the new book that just came out, PhanFood: From the Kitchen Pot to the Tour Lot, by Taraleigh Weathers (The Healthy Hippie) and Pete Mason (PhanArt) http://www.jambands.com/news/2010/11/24/phanfood-from-the-kitchen-pot-to-the-tour-lot.
This shit is fucking cool right here. Definitely check it out, I will be congratulating Miss Taraleigh in a moment here, but do you see what I mean, folks?!!??!? Look what ELSE this amazing band has inspired, how can you not love it.
To think, I haven't even gotten to the reason for this post. SURRENDER TO THE FLOW MAGAZINE! I think this is one of the greatest inventions ever, thanks very much to one creative and motivated Editor in Chief, Christy Articola. Every time a new tour comes around, she gets a group of people together and starts handing out articles. A whole handful of people await her assignments. Not only does this magazine feature show reviews of the past tours, but it is a present tour guide- full and complete. Each show in the upcoming tour has a page dedicated to it, including Phish's history with the venue, directions and distance from the last show, critical info about the show, and everryyyything you need to know about each city/state. Hotels, campgrounds, grocery stores, liquor stores, drug/ liquor/ cell phone laws, emergency numbers, and more! The list is extensive, and there is nothing more that you could possible need to know about the shows. Then on top of that, there's the reviews, alumni news, stats, book review, joke articles, op ed pieces, recipes, rad libs and other games, and that's not all!!!! I won't give away the rest of the amazing articles and Phish stuff Surrender to the Flow has to offer- be sureeee to pick up your FREE (if you can believe it- yes, STTF is totally free if you get it on lot) copy on lot during this New Years Run. Or buy a subscription to get back issues! I'm not trying to advertise for them here, but honestly, if you love Phish this little, less than 50 page paper magazine is something you will want to read. Find Surrender to the Flow on Facebook and take their survey from Fall Tour, it's really interesting to see what the results are and how they compare to your answers.
I'm rambling here- the point is, STTF, Mr. Miner and other blogs, PhanFood, this is all the result of Phish. They have inspired creative venues by which their phans can pour out their love and devotion, and seriously make it a large part of their productive life. It's a most beautiful thing in the face of such judgement from the general public. But that's a whole separate issue.
It's taken me all day to write this...Til next time! phunkyTela
So for you today, I have a few little plugs. Later in the day, hopefully, I will do my first Phormal Phriday, in honor of yesterday. And perhaps tomorrow, a Thanksgiving blog to show my appreciation for the boys. Anyway, on with it.
The reason I love Phish today is because of the amazing amount of creativity they inspire. I don't mean this just in all the little McLovin's trying on their guitars and pokin' at their keyboards again, or even young musicians writing Phish inspired music, which I am obviously all for. But beyond that, Phish has inspired several very high quality blogs, this one clearly being among them (justtt kidding, my two readers haha..). Mr. Miners Phish Thoughts (phishthoughts.com) are read by thousands every day. He posts just about every day, and his depth of knowledge about the band and music is really quite impressive. He digs down to the core of every jam, the meaning behind each indecipherable line, and critiques like no other. His criticisms aren't bad by any means, they're very understanding of the fact that Trey, Mike, Page, Phish, and Koruda are human beings.
Side note, and maybe a topic for another post: We tend to forget these guys are just people. Albiet, very talented and well known people, which is often a bad combination. But still, people. They make mistakes, they have off days, they wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and believe it or not, sometimes they don't wanna go to work. They have the pressure of millions of phans motivating them every day; I am personally thankful that our love is enough to get them out of bed and on the road. And thankful also to their families, who tolerate being without their husbands and daddys for so long. We all really appreciate the hard work it takes to satisfy us.
But back to Mr. Miner- he does highlight exactly the feelings a lot of us get as we listen to recordings or experience new shows. He can understand where we feel the energy really come in, where someone trips up, where the jam is coming back to life, or back to the root song. He can put into words feelings that we just know are there. I'm not trying to turn this blogger into a philospher, but the man knows his Phish. And he's a damn good writer.
Other blogs, like Joy's Jam, YEMblog, Andy Geidel's Phish Page, phasinated.com, Online Phish Tour, Live Music Blog, and a ton others, all do a very similar thing; opinion articles, show reviews, polls, links to other content and blogs. It's a huge network of Phish Phans and inphormation (...too much?), all working together to create and inspire even more.
Another great example of this is the new book that just came out, PhanFood: From the Kitchen Pot to the Tour Lot, by Taraleigh Weathers (The Healthy Hippie) and Pete Mason (PhanArt) http://www.jambands.com/news/2010/11/24/phanfood-from-the-kitchen-pot-to-the-tour-lot.
This shit is fucking cool right here. Definitely check it out, I will be congratulating Miss Taraleigh in a moment here, but do you see what I mean, folks?!!??!? Look what ELSE this amazing band has inspired, how can you not love it.
To think, I haven't even gotten to the reason for this post. SURRENDER TO THE FLOW MAGAZINE! I think this is one of the greatest inventions ever, thanks very much to one creative and motivated Editor in Chief, Christy Articola. Every time a new tour comes around, she gets a group of people together and starts handing out articles. A whole handful of people await her assignments. Not only does this magazine feature show reviews of the past tours, but it is a present tour guide- full and complete. Each show in the upcoming tour has a page dedicated to it, including Phish's history with the venue, directions and distance from the last show, critical info about the show, and everryyyything you need to know about each city/state. Hotels, campgrounds, grocery stores, liquor stores, drug/ liquor/ cell phone laws, emergency numbers, and more! The list is extensive, and there is nothing more that you could possible need to know about the shows. Then on top of that, there's the reviews, alumni news, stats, book review, joke articles, op ed pieces, recipes, rad libs and other games, and that's not all!!!! I won't give away the rest of the amazing articles and Phish stuff Surrender to the Flow has to offer- be sureeee to pick up your FREE (if you can believe it- yes, STTF is totally free if you get it on lot) copy on lot during this New Years Run. Or buy a subscription to get back issues! I'm not trying to advertise for them here, but honestly, if you love Phish this little, less than 50 page paper magazine is something you will want to read. Find Surrender to the Flow on Facebook and take their survey from Fall Tour, it's really interesting to see what the results are and how they compare to your answers.
I'm rambling here- the point is, STTF, Mr. Miner and other blogs, PhanFood, this is all the result of Phish. They have inspired creative venues by which their phans can pour out their love and devotion, and seriously make it a large part of their productive life. It's a most beautiful thing in the face of such judgement from the general public. But that's a whole separate issue.
It's taken me all day to write this...Til next time! phunkyTela
November 15, 2010
Reason #10: Guilt Phree Monday Vol. 1- Chalkdust Torture
Welcome to the first (of a long running, hopefully) installment of Guilt Phree Monday. Admit it, we don't loooveee every Phish song. We shake our heads at some performances, shy away from certain albums all together, certainly never like the studio version more than the live performance, heavens no. As an example, who wants to admit to enjoying any part of Coventry? Well, for one day a week, lets just say it: there are parts of the Phish sound, culture, and movement that we are a little embarrassed to like. Here is my first, and really it's many guilts wrapped into one, but no! Guilt Phree is the theme, so here is your time and my time to confess those guilty pleasure. Heck, it's Phish. No one here will judge you, right?
My first guilt phree confession is Chalkdust Torture, and I'll tell you why. In many more ways than one, CDT opened the door to Phish for me. My first show was in 2004, when I went to the city with a boy I had a crush on to see them for free on top of the Letterman Building. It was a rushed and overdone Chalkdust, clearly cut for TV and performed for kids like me; a pop song for the newbies. But I was hooked; hearing every kid in New York City scream out every word for blocks, the cheers that greeted the boys as the tension grew and grew; it took me by storm, and I was singing that song for weeks after. Eventually I forgot about it, Phish broke up again, and I left the chalk dust collect on my tounge.
I saw them again at Bonnaroo in 2009 (yes- guilty!) and LOVED IT (guiltier...). Listening to the show back, I can hear how it was a very straightforward performance with them, taking no risks, going into few interesting jams, and still very much on their climb back to the top. It was their first festival since the reunion, not even their own; I can imagine the nerves and discomfort. And I'm sure they felt the rediculousness that was Bonnaroo. (Suffice it to say, neither of us will be back.) In any event, they opened the show with a classic CDT; "Can I live while I'm young?!?!" they shout at at least 70,000 young kids, a lot of whom just finished a school year. It's all a very good way to kick off a Bonnaroo performance, and heck, they got me for good after that.
Then I saw Chalk Dusts at Charlottesville, SPAC, Camden, Charlotte (also ironic because that's my name), and Jones Beach. Five out of 16 in the last year, I think it wouldn't be hard to fall for a staple like that.
Finally, another guilty pleasure, UMASS 2 was an incredible show for me. I just felt so in the moment and in touch with the band. I spent most of the first set watching from the front, Page side and pretty much digging it, but when I found my friends behind Page, almost on top of him, I was kind of in heaven. I'm typically a Fish side chica, with my Fishman dress and all, but this fall, it was Page side rage side all day! Earlier in October, the Quinn, Chalk Dust encore, though not incredible in any particular way, felt so good for me. It kind of solidified this whole year of falling in love with Phish, and I just knew I had a perfect Phish show. I'll never forget so many moments of each set, so many reasons that manifested themselves why I love this band so much. I was kind of stunned for days. It was the night I decided to start this blog.
Then, like icing on a chocolate jam cupcake of rockin' Phish delight, a Whole Lotta Chalk Dust the night before Halloween. A spot on, mid-first set Chalk Dust lead seamlessly into Whole Lotta Love, where we got about two minutes of Zeppelin glory, like an intro to the TweeZep, which blew me out of the water. This was it, Halloween was really the moment, this Chalk Dust Love was the opening line and the closing sentence to the first chapter of my story with Phish. It opened the door, held my hand as we walked together excitedly into the unknown. It found me again in a new season and a new setting and we embraced like old phiends. Guilty or not, Chalk Dust Torture is magical song for me.
From Phish.net, here are some notable versions that you should definitely check out:
1991-05-17, 1993-03-08, 1993-07-23, 1993-08-09, 1994-07-16, 1994-11-16, 1995-06-20, 1996-10-23, 1997-07-25, 1998-11-27, 1999-07-10, 2003-08-03, 2004-06-18, 2004-08-09, 2010-06-25, 2010-10-30
PS- I finally got my Fire Wire super crazy external hard drive so I can finally free up some space on my vintage computer! This means I can download, download, download! Woo!! Maybe my computer will even be capable enough for me to use picture here! Be back soon!
My first guilt phree confession is Chalkdust Torture, and I'll tell you why. In many more ways than one, CDT opened the door to Phish for me. My first show was in 2004, when I went to the city with a boy I had a crush on to see them for free on top of the Letterman Building. It was a rushed and overdone Chalkdust, clearly cut for TV and performed for kids like me; a pop song for the newbies. But I was hooked; hearing every kid in New York City scream out every word for blocks, the cheers that greeted the boys as the tension grew and grew; it took me by storm, and I was singing that song for weeks after. Eventually I forgot about it, Phish broke up again, and I left the chalk dust collect on my tounge.
I saw them again at Bonnaroo in 2009 (yes- guilty!) and LOVED IT (guiltier...). Listening to the show back, I can hear how it was a very straightforward performance with them, taking no risks, going into few interesting jams, and still very much on their climb back to the top. It was their first festival since the reunion, not even their own; I can imagine the nerves and discomfort. And I'm sure they felt the rediculousness that was Bonnaroo. (Suffice it to say, neither of us will be back.) In any event, they opened the show with a classic CDT; "Can I live while I'm young?!?!" they shout at at least 70,000 young kids, a lot of whom just finished a school year. It's all a very good way to kick off a Bonnaroo performance, and heck, they got me for good after that.
Then I saw Chalk Dusts at Charlottesville, SPAC, Camden, Charlotte (also ironic because that's my name), and Jones Beach. Five out of 16 in the last year, I think it wouldn't be hard to fall for a staple like that.
Finally, another guilty pleasure, UMASS 2 was an incredible show for me. I just felt so in the moment and in touch with the band. I spent most of the first set watching from the front, Page side and pretty much digging it, but when I found my friends behind Page, almost on top of him, I was kind of in heaven. I'm typically a Fish side chica, with my Fishman dress and all, but this fall, it was Page side rage side all day! Earlier in October, the Quinn, Chalk Dust encore, though not incredible in any particular way, felt so good for me. It kind of solidified this whole year of falling in love with Phish, and I just knew I had a perfect Phish show. I'll never forget so many moments of each set, so many reasons that manifested themselves why I love this band so much. I was kind of stunned for days. It was the night I decided to start this blog.
Then, like icing on a chocolate jam cupcake of rockin' Phish delight, a Whole Lotta Chalk Dust the night before Halloween. A spot on, mid-first set Chalk Dust lead seamlessly into Whole Lotta Love, where we got about two minutes of Zeppelin glory, like an intro to the TweeZep, which blew me out of the water. This was it, Halloween was really the moment, this Chalk Dust Love was the opening line and the closing sentence to the first chapter of my story with Phish. It opened the door, held my hand as we walked together excitedly into the unknown. It found me again in a new season and a new setting and we embraced like old phiends. Guilty or not, Chalk Dust Torture is magical song for me.
From Phish.net, here are some notable versions that you should definitely check out:
1991-05-17, 1993-03-08, 1993-07-23, 1993-08-09, 1994-07-16, 1994-11-16, 1995-06-20, 1996-10-23, 1997-07-25, 1998-11-27, 1999-07-10, 2003-08-03, 2004-06-18, 2004-08-09, 2010-06-25, 2010-10-30
PS- I finally got my Fire Wire super crazy external hard drive so I can finally free up some space on my vintage computer! This means I can download, download, download! Woo!! Maybe my computer will even be capable enough for me to use picture here! Be back soon!
November 11, 2010
Reason #9: Dancing shamelessly anywhere!
I love Phish today because when I'm rockin' out with my head phones, I can dance anywhere totally shamelessly! This is not to say I dance all crazy and show style everywhere I go, but when I'm in public, I have no problem nodding my head and bouncing my knees. I love dancing, I love the music, why hide it?
I go into New York City at least once a week and do a lot of walking around and riding the subway solo. Sometimes I like to listen to the sounds of the city; it can be very calming in a weird, My Cousin Vinny way. But most times, I listen to the boys; lately I've been choosing shows from '97-'98 and listening to Providence '10 on repeat. Here's my routine: around 930 a.m. I grab the train into Grand Central. Sometimes I have time for a coffee, sometimes I don't, but either way I usually fall asleep around Chappaqua, with my music for the trip on. I wake up to check around 125th st., and finally stand up about a song later. I do wear my sunglasses, even on the train, because it allows me to be freer.
Side story: I have spent a very good many of my prime years being far too self conscious. I really have to thank Phish for allowing me to find a part of myself I love so much who can do everything she is inclined to do, without criticism. I'm working with this fly, confident chica, and soon she will be all I am. Still, I have things to worry about and silly people thoughts clouding my mind that I need to learn to deal with before she can really take over. Phish is helping me, we're workin' on it together, and it's the best project I've ever worked on!
ANYWAY. Sorry- I'm going to focus. So I'm on the train, I wake up and try to move it and groove it a little to get my blood going, wake up my mind a bit, start my day with a positive attitude. I like to listen to a nice Mike's Song or a long, spacey Piper- something I can think about and follow, something I can run to the subway with, and something that doesn't need all my attention so I can focus on my surroundings, too.
I usually keep on a set until I arrive at my destination, but should it end, or my mood changes, subway mode for me tends to be a story song. When I'm listening to the tale of a song, like anything Gamehendge, I pay closer attention to the music and do less overt people watching. And I'm a phan of people watching. I'm a Suzy Gr-- I mean, Sociologist, and people watching is merely my data collecting. I'm more than happy to admit that the fascinating culture we're all a part of astonishes me. I don't understand how it happens or functions, forms and dissolves nightly, and goes completely unnoticed in the mainstream media. And truly, I am not looking to expose it. Half the beauty is the private little world we make for ourselves. The pain is shared equally when someone has to deal with real world in Phish world. In my career, I hope to merge the two, but for now, it is a world in which I only have one foot. Oh sorry, back to focusing.
The point is that all my traveling alone, I don't care who sees me dancing or singing along. I know they don't think I'm crazy. They probably just really want to know what I'm listening to.
The best part is what happened last night. I went to a great show, an act called Jonsi, very artsy, very cool, I did have a great time. But after, all I needed was some Phish. I didn't pick a classic or a hit, just a jammy,22 minute Light from earlier this summer. It took me from Grand Central exactly to my friend's apartment a block away from Astor. I had to do a bit of walking and it was dark. This jam kept me walking fast, staying aware, smiling and nodding, absorbing a song I'm still not all that familiar with. I mean, I love it, I think Light is a great composition; I just need more time to learn its intricacies, its most secret details. And on this walk, since it was dark and there were only a few people on the street, I rocked it. I was movin' and groovin' and I felt really good; got me back to basics after a night of exploring the musically unknown.
Getting on the train this morning, I felt groggy and haggard looking, so what did I do? Slapped on my aviators, put on Live Phish 9, and danced all the way from 8th St to GCT. It was a great morning, and today is going to be another phabulous day. =) Hope you all pheel the same!!
More next week- up to visit my cousins in college this weekend.
I go into New York City at least once a week and do a lot of walking around and riding the subway solo. Sometimes I like to listen to the sounds of the city; it can be very calming in a weird, My Cousin Vinny way. But most times, I listen to the boys; lately I've been choosing shows from '97-'98 and listening to Providence '10 on repeat. Here's my routine: around 930 a.m. I grab the train into Grand Central. Sometimes I have time for a coffee, sometimes I don't, but either way I usually fall asleep around Chappaqua, with my music for the trip on. I wake up to check around 125th st., and finally stand up about a song later. I do wear my sunglasses, even on the train, because it allows me to be freer.
Side story: I have spent a very good many of my prime years being far too self conscious. I really have to thank Phish for allowing me to find a part of myself I love so much who can do everything she is inclined to do, without criticism. I'm working with this fly, confident chica, and soon she will be all I am. Still, I have things to worry about and silly people thoughts clouding my mind that I need to learn to deal with before she can really take over. Phish is helping me, we're workin' on it together, and it's the best project I've ever worked on!
ANYWAY. Sorry- I'm going to focus. So I'm on the train, I wake up and try to move it and groove it a little to get my blood going, wake up my mind a bit, start my day with a positive attitude. I like to listen to a nice Mike's Song or a long, spacey Piper- something I can think about and follow, something I can run to the subway with, and something that doesn't need all my attention so I can focus on my surroundings, too.
I usually keep on a set until I arrive at my destination, but should it end, or my mood changes, subway mode for me tends to be a story song. When I'm listening to the tale of a song, like anything Gamehendge, I pay closer attention to the music and do less overt people watching. And I'm a phan of people watching. I'm a Suzy Gr-- I mean, Sociologist, and people watching is merely my data collecting. I'm more than happy to admit that the fascinating culture we're all a part of astonishes me. I don't understand how it happens or functions, forms and dissolves nightly, and goes completely unnoticed in the mainstream media. And truly, I am not looking to expose it. Half the beauty is the private little world we make for ourselves. The pain is shared equally when someone has to deal with real world in Phish world. In my career, I hope to merge the two, but for now, it is a world in which I only have one foot. Oh sorry, back to focusing.
The point is that all my traveling alone, I don't care who sees me dancing or singing along. I know they don't think I'm crazy. They probably just really want to know what I'm listening to.
The best part is what happened last night. I went to a great show, an act called Jonsi, very artsy, very cool, I did have a great time. But after, all I needed was some Phish. I didn't pick a classic or a hit, just a jammy,22 minute Light from earlier this summer. It took me from Grand Central exactly to my friend's apartment a block away from Astor. I had to do a bit of walking and it was dark. This jam kept me walking fast, staying aware, smiling and nodding, absorbing a song I'm still not all that familiar with. I mean, I love it, I think Light is a great composition; I just need more time to learn its intricacies, its most secret details. And on this walk, since it was dark and there were only a few people on the street, I rocked it. I was movin' and groovin' and I felt really good; got me back to basics after a night of exploring the musically unknown.
Getting on the train this morning, I felt groggy and haggard looking, so what did I do? Slapped on my aviators, put on Live Phish 9, and danced all the way from 8th St to GCT. It was a great morning, and today is going to be another phabulous day. =) Hope you all pheel the same!!
More next week- up to visit my cousins in college this weekend.
November 8, 2010
Reason #8: LITTLE PHEAT!!!
I LOVE PHISH TODAY because of the Little Feat set one week ago! Here you go, kids; your Halloween show review!
I had a GREAT time during this show, it was everything they hyped it up to be and more. And the ticket was a bitch to get- pardon my french. Reason #4 explains what I did during the hours before my first Halloween show: I had to walk the boardwalk aimlessly, finger in the air, to find a ticket for my buddy, which of course didn't happen. Don't worry, we all got in no problems and were able to rock the show together. First show, I rocked Fish side, mostly, second show Page side rage side all day, H'weenie dead center for my boys, with my closest phriends around.
First set I was actually down on the floor, and it was incredible. I got some amazing pictures of Page keytar-ing up for the Frankenstein opener (how appropriate). I've been so lucky as to have seen this before (SPAC 6/20/10, encore), but Frankenstein is just not the same without it. So a very special moment and good, solid opener indeed. BBFCFM followed, a tune that used to be a bust out but now has been heard far too often (four times in 2010, and I happened to be at all those shows.. I'm over it, sowwy.), and then, so appropriately but earlier than expected, Story of a Ghost! Everyone was waiting for it, and the hall erupted with cheers and balloons and bouncy balls at those first few funky notes. They kept up the theme with a Spooky (first since April '93) into The Divided Sky. (You know what's comin' next, but I had to wait for it, so you'll wait and read my side story: in this years Phishbill, they wrote a legal disclaimer requesting- jokingly, no doubt- to have the name of The Divided Sky changed legally to Divided Sky. They said since it never said 'the' in the lyrics, it didn't make sense to have it in the title. They also wanted to make an addendum to the title Gotta Jibboo. Proposed alternative: No, Seriously, I Really Gotta Jibboo. =) ) THEN THEY PLAYED ROSES ARE FREEEEE!!!!!! Sorry, that's just how I felt about that whole situation. MY FRIST ROSES!! Oh, it's like falling in love, or getting your first apartment. Freeing and fulfilling and luscious and enviable, all at the same time. Carve out a pumpkin and rely on your destiny.... it was so so wonderful for me. I kiss the Phish gods above. Then, to close the set, a funky Funky Bitch into Boogie (which got super down and dirty), then Stash and Character Zero. Standard. Gettin' ready. Savin' energy. I hear you boys.
During the set break, they played over the PA the first track off Little Feat's 1978 live double album "Waiting for Columbus," called Join the Band. Though we all already knew what cover they were going to do (if we didn't know from Saturday's giveaway), the crowd burst into recognition and applause. When the lights went down on the stage (God- everything about this weekend was so special for me) I was finally part of some Secret Language business!! I have studied Phish's secret language to better understand how they communicate with one another and improvise so successfully, but I kind of thought they were done with it. Well, I suppose they mostly are but on Sunday night, those of us who took care of our Phishbills and didn't throw the flyers out took part in a call and response to get the boys to start playing. Before the second track of the double album, first live of the set, an announcer came on stage to tell us what an extraordinary event this was (as if we didn't know that!). "Let's just get to it folks, help me bring 'em out. Gimme an F!" Crowd: PH! "Gimme an E!" I! "Gimme an A!" S! "Gimme a T!" H!! "Please welcome, Little Feat!" PHHISHHHHHHHH!!! If only good for one thing, that will be great to hear when I can finally download the show. So they started the Waiting for Columbus set exactly as Little Feat would have played it. The horns section added such a profound second level to the music for me; at times, I just stood and absorbed the volume that was being blasted at me. And other times, I stood in awe at the world-renown percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo and his immense drumming talents. I thought Fish was good... shiii.
Every song was a debut (except Time Loves a Hero), and since at least 50% of Phish phans weren't old enough or born by '78, the appreciation level wasn't quite where it was for, say, The Beatles set or The Who set. It was way up there, don't get me wrong. This is certainly the hardest musical costume the boys have donned, and they certainly pulled it off beautifully. And we phans just love the boys! Not to say that anything they spew at us we accept; we're rather a judgmental bunch, especially when it comes to our deities. But they were trying real hard, and doing a pretty great job, covering some pretty hard rockin' jam sandwich kinda melodies. What I'm trying to say is that even for the phans who didn't know Little Feat, or who didn't realize Time Loves a Hero wasn't a Phish original, the set was pretty great. High energy, only a few noticeable flubs, and super entertaining, to say the least. For one track, Willin', the horns section stepped back and the boys mixed it up- Mike on keys, Fish on vocals, Page on bass and Trey on drums, which was awesome. (I had seen Trey on drums the week before, when Fish broke out the Elextrolux, but I thought it was still pretty cool, Ernie's alright.) For the next track, Don't Bogart That Joint, was sung acapella, which I found amazing, I LOVEE when four men who don't consider themselves singers can bust out an acapella or two. (In my reading I have found that Phish spent a lot of time going to barber shop quartet classes and working on their voices blending.) This was my Surrender to the Flow vote for song to be kept in rotation, as lame as that may be. They closed the second set just as a strong as it began, and treated us phans to a special H'ween treat- the boys and their guests took small drums and danced single file around the general admission floor area. I got a nice wink from the red-head!
People were blown away and tired at this point. We train for two sets each night, and sometimes barely muster enough strength for a multi-song encore. But tonight, we had about another hour-hour and a half left of music. This is not to say we weren't excited- believe me, when those underwater, spacey noises broke the surface for DWD, people were hype to have their boys back. Fish flubbed the beginning and it had to be restarted, prompting him to declare, "Sorry- this ones off our album." But then it got rowdy, for sure. A high energy Back on the Train to re-ignite our souls followed by a funky, frankly badass version of Jibboo, never heard it quite so... uh uh, ya know? Then came a Camel Walk which livened the crowed, and a strangely placed Suzy Greenberg, for the slot machines of Atlantic City. Wilson was a given, we had all been waiting for it to go, and I rocked it alone as I was transitioning from floor level to up a bit for a better sound. But it really wasn't that incredible, and it seemed to stick out just like Suzy did, which disappointed me a little. After Wilson, the show was coming to a close but it wouldn't be any sweet goodbye or quite bidding farewell. Harry Hood started this closing run, followed by The Horse>Silent (soft spot... made me cry... like it usually does), and, clearly, YEEEMMMMMMM. It was fantastic, absolutely wonderful, as many times as I hear that epic jam I will never, ever, be sick of it. It keeps me guessing, tho I could sing each part in my sleep. The jam keeps me interested, following and anticipating every note. The lyrics keep me laughing, actually laughing out loud with- not at- a musical composition. You Enjoy Myself is easily one of Phish's best songs, best jams, highest energy, most loved. Easily. And it made a wonderful Halloween set 3 closer. Admittedly, Julius almost blew it out of the water, featuring the horn section and Hildago back on the stage. Can you imagine a Julius so full of energy and sound and passion. That's what we got- best Julius I've seen to date, and I know that song will never be the same again. (Suzy is pretty much not the same since I heard the version from Festival 8.)
So there you have it, two hours later and a crap ton of text. But I hope you are enjoying my blog so far, hope I've done a decent job keeping up with it and that you will continue to read! Please feel free to share any stories or anything with me, via email, comment, or on my fbook page: facebook.com/phunkyTela.
Happy Halloween yall, much lovee <3 oh ps IT SNOWED IN NY TODAY. Welcome to winter, what are we about 50 days from Worcester? =D
I had a GREAT time during this show, it was everything they hyped it up to be and more. And the ticket was a bitch to get- pardon my french. Reason #4 explains what I did during the hours before my first Halloween show: I had to walk the boardwalk aimlessly, finger in the air, to find a ticket for my buddy, which of course didn't happen. Don't worry, we all got in no problems and were able to rock the show together. First show, I rocked Fish side, mostly, second show Page side rage side all day, H'weenie dead center for my boys, with my closest phriends around.
First set I was actually down on the floor, and it was incredible. I got some amazing pictures of Page keytar-ing up for the Frankenstein opener (how appropriate). I've been so lucky as to have seen this before (SPAC 6/20/10, encore), but Frankenstein is just not the same without it. So a very special moment and good, solid opener indeed. BBFCFM followed, a tune that used to be a bust out but now has been heard far too often (four times in 2010, and I happened to be at all those shows.. I'm over it, sowwy.), and then, so appropriately but earlier than expected, Story of a Ghost! Everyone was waiting for it, and the hall erupted with cheers and balloons and bouncy balls at those first few funky notes. They kept up the theme with a Spooky (first since April '93) into The Divided Sky. (You know what's comin' next, but I had to wait for it, so you'll wait and read my side story: in this years Phishbill, they wrote a legal disclaimer requesting- jokingly, no doubt- to have the name of The Divided Sky changed legally to Divided Sky. They said since it never said 'the' in the lyrics, it didn't make sense to have it in the title. They also wanted to make an addendum to the title Gotta Jibboo. Proposed alternative: No, Seriously, I Really Gotta Jibboo. =) ) THEN THEY PLAYED ROSES ARE FREEEEE!!!!!! Sorry, that's just how I felt about that whole situation. MY FRIST ROSES!! Oh, it's like falling in love, or getting your first apartment. Freeing and fulfilling and luscious and enviable, all at the same time. Carve out a pumpkin and rely on your destiny.... it was so so wonderful for me. I kiss the Phish gods above. Then, to close the set, a funky Funky Bitch into Boogie (which got super down and dirty), then Stash and Character Zero. Standard. Gettin' ready. Savin' energy. I hear you boys.
During the set break, they played over the PA the first track off Little Feat's 1978 live double album "Waiting for Columbus," called Join the Band. Though we all already knew what cover they were going to do (if we didn't know from Saturday's giveaway), the crowd burst into recognition and applause. When the lights went down on the stage (God- everything about this weekend was so special for me) I was finally part of some Secret Language business!! I have studied Phish's secret language to better understand how they communicate with one another and improvise so successfully, but I kind of thought they were done with it. Well, I suppose they mostly are but on Sunday night, those of us who took care of our Phishbills and didn't throw the flyers out took part in a call and response to get the boys to start playing. Before the second track of the double album, first live of the set, an announcer came on stage to tell us what an extraordinary event this was (as if we didn't know that!). "Let's just get to it folks, help me bring 'em out. Gimme an F!" Crowd: PH! "Gimme an E!" I! "Gimme an A!" S! "Gimme a T!" H!! "Please welcome, Little Feat!" PHHISHHHHHHHH!!! If only good for one thing, that will be great to hear when I can finally download the show. So they started the Waiting for Columbus set exactly as Little Feat would have played it. The horns section added such a profound second level to the music for me; at times, I just stood and absorbed the volume that was being blasted at me. And other times, I stood in awe at the world-renown percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo and his immense drumming talents. I thought Fish was good... shiii.
Every song was a debut (except Time Loves a Hero), and since at least 50% of Phish phans weren't old enough or born by '78, the appreciation level wasn't quite where it was for, say, The Beatles set or The Who set. It was way up there, don't get me wrong. This is certainly the hardest musical costume the boys have donned, and they certainly pulled it off beautifully. And we phans just love the boys! Not to say that anything they spew at us we accept; we're rather a judgmental bunch, especially when it comes to our deities. But they were trying real hard, and doing a pretty great job, covering some pretty hard rockin' jam sandwich kinda melodies. What I'm trying to say is that even for the phans who didn't know Little Feat, or who didn't realize Time Loves a Hero wasn't a Phish original, the set was pretty great. High energy, only a few noticeable flubs, and super entertaining, to say the least. For one track, Willin', the horns section stepped back and the boys mixed it up- Mike on keys, Fish on vocals, Page on bass and Trey on drums, which was awesome. (I had seen Trey on drums the week before, when Fish broke out the Elextrolux, but I thought it was still pretty cool, Ernie's alright.) For the next track, Don't Bogart That Joint, was sung acapella, which I found amazing, I LOVEE when four men who don't consider themselves singers can bust out an acapella or two. (In my reading I have found that Phish spent a lot of time going to barber shop quartet classes and working on their voices blending.) This was my Surrender to the Flow vote for song to be kept in rotation, as lame as that may be. They closed the second set just as a strong as it began, and treated us phans to a special H'ween treat- the boys and their guests took small drums and danced single file around the general admission floor area. I got a nice wink from the red-head!
People were blown away and tired at this point. We train for two sets each night, and sometimes barely muster enough strength for a multi-song encore. But tonight, we had about another hour-hour and a half left of music. This is not to say we weren't excited- believe me, when those underwater, spacey noises broke the surface for DWD, people were hype to have their boys back. Fish flubbed the beginning and it had to be restarted, prompting him to declare, "Sorry- this ones off our album." But then it got rowdy, for sure. A high energy Back on the Train to re-ignite our souls followed by a funky, frankly badass version of Jibboo, never heard it quite so... uh uh, ya know? Then came a Camel Walk which livened the crowed, and a strangely placed Suzy Greenberg, for the slot machines of Atlantic City. Wilson was a given, we had all been waiting for it to go, and I rocked it alone as I was transitioning from floor level to up a bit for a better sound. But it really wasn't that incredible, and it seemed to stick out just like Suzy did, which disappointed me a little. After Wilson, the show was coming to a close but it wouldn't be any sweet goodbye or quite bidding farewell. Harry Hood started this closing run, followed by The Horse>Silent (soft spot... made me cry... like it usually does), and, clearly, YEEEMMMMMMM. It was fantastic, absolutely wonderful, as many times as I hear that epic jam I will never, ever, be sick of it. It keeps me guessing, tho I could sing each part in my sleep. The jam keeps me interested, following and anticipating every note. The lyrics keep me laughing, actually laughing out loud with- not at- a musical composition. You Enjoy Myself is easily one of Phish's best songs, best jams, highest energy, most loved. Easily. And it made a wonderful Halloween set 3 closer. Admittedly, Julius almost blew it out of the water, featuring the horn section and Hildago back on the stage. Can you imagine a Julius so full of energy and sound and passion. That's what we got- best Julius I've seen to date, and I know that song will never be the same again. (Suzy is pretty much not the same since I heard the version from Festival 8.)
So there you have it, two hours later and a crap ton of text. But I hope you are enjoying my blog so far, hope I've done a decent job keeping up with it and that you will continue to read! Please feel free to share any stories or anything with me, via email, comment, or on my fbook page: facebook.com/phunkyTela.
Happy Halloween yall, much lovee <3 oh ps IT SNOWED IN NY TODAY. Welcome to winter, what are we about 50 days from Worcester? =D
November 6, 2010
Reason #7: HALLOWEEN!!!!
I know you guys have been waiting for a Halloween weekend review. Sorry it has taken me this long to deliver; I was waiting to solve the problem with my hard drive so I could download H'ween night, but I think I'll just start the review. It'll be good practice for THE EDITORIAL I'M WRITING FOR MY RADIO STATION!!! They have finally caught the bait and are letting me do something Phishy. Yay! So anyway, Halloween weekend...
Started off rough for me, the Tropicana (which was a fabulous resort in the end) was giving me a tough time trying to check in and use my mothers credit card. So I was rushing to my room, to change into my dress and get my stuff ready for the show. I had forgotten my ticket, but of course my buddy's buddy had a GA for me at face value. That was super nice, except that walking down the boardwalk to the show, people were trying to get ride of their extras for anything. $20, $10, $5, I didn't hear and free tickets but I'm sure it happened. Anyway, as I'm walking in to the show alone, I see a familiar face from college, and my new friend Frank and I rock the whole show together (he was on the floor alone too). They started with an awesome Star-Spangled Banner (for the massive flag that hangs in the back of Boardwalk Hall) and a rockin' My Soul to kick off the set. I have a real sore spot for Sample in a Jar and was able to dance through the crowd to get up front and see my boys for the first time of the weekend. I love seeing their smiling faces, even when playing something as straightforward as Sample. Besides a few standard breathers, like Sugar Shack, Bouncing, and 46 Days, every song was killer. In the first set, we got a pretty perfect Timber, then an Axilla>Rift>Moma Dance>Cities which made me feel like I was floating on air. It was my first Moma Dance, surprisingly, and it was awesome. Second set is so epic, I just have to list it all the way through: Punch, Sand, Carini, Caspian, Corinna (a Taj Mahal cover not heard since New Years 09), Piper> Theme, Golgi, Slave (!!!!!), Fluffhead closer and Loving Cup encore (hey, why do pirates love Trey? cuz he plays a bad guitaarrrr... hehe). So.. yeah, need I say more? It was redonkulously awesome. Naturally, I thought it wouldn't get better than that. Oh how wrong I was.
I can't hold it in any long- TWEEZEP!!!! Saturday was the night of the Tweezep and a bit of my soul happily stayed behind at Boardwalk Hall. The night started off fairly average, opening with a Kill Devil Falls into Cavern (would have been nice to see those switch) and then a Foam! Thank God they played Foam, it was so quircky and Phishy, that's how I found my headz. Looking around at the kids who were still rockin' compared to the kids who were like "What is that crap, can they play Time Turns Elastic?" (haha, that's for Jimmy D). No TTE, boys, keep it kosher. They played Guelah- hot stuff there indeed- and then tricked us with a fairly straightforward Chalkdust. (I've got a good side story about Chalkdust.. check back for a later post on it). Oh but wait.. there is nothing standard about a WHOLE LOTTA LOVE Dust!!!! CD into Whole Lotta Love back into CD. EPIC, flawless, spot on, and without warning whatsoever. Gah, I LOVE PHISH. Then- a major bustout- my first Ha ha ha, with WLL teases weaved all the way through. Then Walk Away, always riproarin, Wolfman's > Undermind, nice breather and bathroom break without rolling my eyes, into a sick Bathtub Gin that had WLL teases as well! Closed the set with a pretty average Squirming Coil, if that song can be average at all. Second set got duuurrrtyyyy. They opened with a Tube that was kinndaaa outta this world > Possum> Tweezer, both with WLL teases (I was just dying laughing at this point..) but it gets better. Just try to absorb this: Tweezer> HEARTBREAKER> Tweezer> RAMBLE ON> THANK YOU> Tweezer> STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN. I'm sorry, maybe you need to read that again, I'll give you a sec.............. see what I mean?!?!?!? I try not to curse in my posts, but FUCKING EPIC RIGHT? I know you feel me. So then, it was like the show could end, and Trey joked that it would. He said "Happy Halloween everyone, have a good night!" Then admitted that it was a bad joke after the booing started. They played Halley's Comet >2001> Bowie> Show of Life and BDTNL which, both I think, totally kill the energy and mood. Show of Life had a really good thing going for it this night, I was into it in a new way but it still didn't maintain the energy that was reverberating from 2001>Bowie, nevermind the Tweezep epicness energy that had faltered a little. They closed the set with a great Good Times, Bad Times (I always love to hear this, and to end with a cover after such a mindblowing show of covers, I was pleased). The encore was amazing as well, Sleeping Monkey into Tweprise with WLL teases, but after the second set I was ready to get my party face on. Saturday was the ragin' night for sure, and my phamily tore up the Boardwalk and Casino. It was really truly something special.
Now, unfortunately, I have to move on with my day. I'm going to get my computer all fixed up so I can download Halloween night and relive every moment in my head. Then I'll be back with a comprehensive analysis of the best damn show ever.
Speaking of best shows, since I got an external hard drive I'm trying to download as much epic Phish shows as possible. Leave your favorite sets in the comments and I'll check em out!!
Started off rough for me, the Tropicana (which was a fabulous resort in the end) was giving me a tough time trying to check in and use my mothers credit card. So I was rushing to my room, to change into my dress and get my stuff ready for the show. I had forgotten my ticket, but of course my buddy's buddy had a GA for me at face value. That was super nice, except that walking down the boardwalk to the show, people were trying to get ride of their extras for anything. $20, $10, $5, I didn't hear and free tickets but I'm sure it happened. Anyway, as I'm walking in to the show alone, I see a familiar face from college, and my new friend Frank and I rock the whole show together (he was on the floor alone too). They started with an awesome Star-Spangled Banner (for the massive flag that hangs in the back of Boardwalk Hall) and a rockin' My Soul to kick off the set. I have a real sore spot for Sample in a Jar and was able to dance through the crowd to get up front and see my boys for the first time of the weekend. I love seeing their smiling faces, even when playing something as straightforward as Sample. Besides a few standard breathers, like Sugar Shack, Bouncing, and 46 Days, every song was killer. In the first set, we got a pretty perfect Timber, then an Axilla>Rift>Moma Dance>Cities which made me feel like I was floating on air. It was my first Moma Dance, surprisingly, and it was awesome. Second set is so epic, I just have to list it all the way through: Punch, Sand, Carini, Caspian, Corinna (a Taj Mahal cover not heard since New Years 09), Piper> Theme, Golgi, Slave (!!!!!), Fluffhead closer and Loving Cup encore (hey, why do pirates love Trey? cuz he plays a bad guitaarrrr... hehe). So.. yeah, need I say more? It was redonkulously awesome. Naturally, I thought it wouldn't get better than that. Oh how wrong I was.
I can't hold it in any long- TWEEZEP!!!! Saturday was the night of the Tweezep and a bit of my soul happily stayed behind at Boardwalk Hall. The night started off fairly average, opening with a Kill Devil Falls into Cavern (would have been nice to see those switch) and then a Foam! Thank God they played Foam, it was so quircky and Phishy, that's how I found my headz. Looking around at the kids who were still rockin' compared to the kids who were like "What is that crap, can they play Time Turns Elastic?" (haha, that's for Jimmy D). No TTE, boys, keep it kosher. They played Guelah- hot stuff there indeed- and then tricked us with a fairly straightforward Chalkdust. (I've got a good side story about Chalkdust.. check back for a later post on it). Oh but wait.. there is nothing standard about a WHOLE LOTTA LOVE Dust!!!! CD into Whole Lotta Love back into CD. EPIC, flawless, spot on, and without warning whatsoever. Gah, I LOVE PHISH. Then- a major bustout- my first Ha ha ha, with WLL teases weaved all the way through. Then Walk Away, always riproarin, Wolfman's > Undermind, nice breather and bathroom break without rolling my eyes, into a sick Bathtub Gin that had WLL teases as well! Closed the set with a pretty average Squirming Coil, if that song can be average at all. Second set got duuurrrtyyyy. They opened with a Tube that was kinndaaa outta this world > Possum> Tweezer, both with WLL teases (I was just dying laughing at this point..) but it gets better. Just try to absorb this: Tweezer> HEARTBREAKER> Tweezer> RAMBLE ON> THANK YOU> Tweezer> STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN. I'm sorry, maybe you need to read that again, I'll give you a sec.............. see what I mean?!?!?!? I try not to curse in my posts, but FUCKING EPIC RIGHT? I know you feel me. So then, it was like the show could end, and Trey joked that it would. He said "Happy Halloween everyone, have a good night!" Then admitted that it was a bad joke after the booing started. They played Halley's Comet >2001> Bowie> Show of Life and BDTNL which, both I think, totally kill the energy and mood. Show of Life had a really good thing going for it this night, I was into it in a new way but it still didn't maintain the energy that was reverberating from 2001>Bowie, nevermind the Tweezep epicness energy that had faltered a little. They closed the set with a great Good Times, Bad Times (I always love to hear this, and to end with a cover after such a mindblowing show of covers, I was pleased). The encore was amazing as well, Sleeping Monkey into Tweprise with WLL teases, but after the second set I was ready to get my party face on. Saturday was the ragin' night for sure, and my phamily tore up the Boardwalk and Casino. It was really truly something special.
Now, unfortunately, I have to move on with my day. I'm going to get my computer all fixed up so I can download Halloween night and relive every moment in my head. Then I'll be back with a comprehensive analysis of the best damn show ever.
Speaking of best shows, since I got an external hard drive I'm trying to download as much epic Phish shows as possible. Leave your favorite sets in the comments and I'll check em out!!
November 4, 2010
Reason #6: Chris Koruda
I love Chris Koruda. He is amazing. Hooked? Good; tomorrow I'll talk about Halloween, I promise, because I know all one of my readers wants to hear how I feel about those epic shows. But I have to download H'ween night and don't have enough room on my computer right now. Workin' on it...
Back to CK. Koruda is the lighting director for Phish, and he has been called the best in business. This is certainly an understatement. He has massive light set ups: multiple columns of lights that can go every which way with effects and colors and sparkles. He bounces them off three massive sheets spread in circles above them, making shapes and waves and even words! (You may have seen his recent PHISH across the sheets, we got Jack-o-Lanterns over Halloween weekend!) His light board is just as epic; he must have over 1,000 buttons, knobs, switches, and flips, sliding his hands over all of them gracefully.
Not only is his equipment impressive (I know, I know..), but he is so talented that he has become part of the band. Koruda is such an integral part of this team that he needs to be as on top of his game as everyone else. And it's a whole different art form. When you watch him work, you can see how he watches the boys, moves with them, pays attention to Trey's nods, never missing a beat with the lights. Waves of red, blue, green, yellow, purple, white hot light rise and fall with the groove, moving in and out, accenting the music in the just the right way. He can do all this seamlessly, even during the longest jams. He is as spot on for every Heavy Things as he is for your first Fluffhead.
It's wonderful to be up close, showered in the lights as Koruda uses the audience for a canvas. But when you take yourself back a little, you see how he creates this world of light. The boys themselves are swimming with their instruments and melodies among an ocean of light. This bubble is floating on the audience, held still by the surrounding thousands. And what you love so much looks so so small. You could grab in your hand, toss it in the air like a ball, roll it over to feel its energy and radiance. It's something amazing to witness, different from you average highlights at a concert.
People don't say CK5 lightly; he is the official unofficial fifth member of the band, they really should make it official. But you could say the same for Tom Marshall who writes a great deal of Phish's lyrics. In any case, Koruda's daughter, Alexandra, was on stage with the rest of their children during the Father's Day show this past summer. They were jumping in the tubs with their one bother, Little Jack Fishmnan (the only boy among Trey's 2, Gordon's 2, Page's 2, and Koruda's 1). So at the very least that says to me he is considered a member of the band. Really, Phish is a huge organization, comprised of thousands of people we should thank every day.
Koruda does amazing work, weaving in and out of each song just like any of our boys. And there is no doubt that a show would not be the same without him. Chris Koruda makes Phish as much as Trey or Mike or Page or Fish. And we love him just as much.
Halloween review tomorrow, I promise!!
Back to CK. Koruda is the lighting director for Phish, and he has been called the best in business. This is certainly an understatement. He has massive light set ups: multiple columns of lights that can go every which way with effects and colors and sparkles. He bounces them off three massive sheets spread in circles above them, making shapes and waves and even words! (You may have seen his recent PHISH across the sheets, we got Jack-o-Lanterns over Halloween weekend!) His light board is just as epic; he must have over 1,000 buttons, knobs, switches, and flips, sliding his hands over all of them gracefully.
Not only is his equipment impressive (I know, I know..), but he is so talented that he has become part of the band. Koruda is such an integral part of this team that he needs to be as on top of his game as everyone else. And it's a whole different art form. When you watch him work, you can see how he watches the boys, moves with them, pays attention to Trey's nods, never missing a beat with the lights. Waves of red, blue, green, yellow, purple, white hot light rise and fall with the groove, moving in and out, accenting the music in the just the right way. He can do all this seamlessly, even during the longest jams. He is as spot on for every Heavy Things as he is for your first Fluffhead.
It's wonderful to be up close, showered in the lights as Koruda uses the audience for a canvas. But when you take yourself back a little, you see how he creates this world of light. The boys themselves are swimming with their instruments and melodies among an ocean of light. This bubble is floating on the audience, held still by the surrounding thousands. And what you love so much looks so so small. You could grab in your hand, toss it in the air like a ball, roll it over to feel its energy and radiance. It's something amazing to witness, different from you average highlights at a concert.
People don't say CK5 lightly; he is the official unofficial fifth member of the band, they really should make it official. But you could say the same for Tom Marshall who writes a great deal of Phish's lyrics. In any case, Koruda's daughter, Alexandra, was on stage with the rest of their children during the Father's Day show this past summer. They were jumping in the tubs with their one bother, Little Jack Fishmnan (the only boy among Trey's 2, Gordon's 2, Page's 2, and Koruda's 1). So at the very least that says to me he is considered a member of the band. Really, Phish is a huge organization, comprised of thousands of people we should thank every day.
Koruda does amazing work, weaving in and out of each song just like any of our boys. And there is no doubt that a show would not be the same without him. Chris Koruda makes Phish as much as Trey or Mike or Page or Fish. And we love him just as much.
Halloween review tomorrow, I promise!!
November 2, 2010
Reason #5: Phan on Phan Love
I can still hardly breathe from the wildness and awesomeness of this past weekends performances. Little Feat?! Shut up, Phish. Just stop it with your incredible talents and jamming skills. I have many many things that became my phavorite this weekend, and I know I owe you at least 3 reasons to love Phish everyday, but I'm at the end of my work day, won't be at a computer until tomorrow (again!) and so I just really want to share this story with you. Many of my reasons to love Phish will be repeated, especially any regarding the Phans, so bear with me as I explain to you how much Phans love one another.
My friend Nick organized a room for all of us to come up to AC for Halloween. He put it on his credit card, made sure we all paid him back, and it was basically because of Nick that my group of friends was able to attend the show and sleep comfortably and have as amazing of a time as we did. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until the person who was supposed to trade Nick a Halloween ticket backed out. We got a call from the girl at 11 am on Sunday morning informing us that she had to trade it for a Saturday night ticket, so no longer had an extra ticket for that nights show (easily the hardest ticket of the weekend, and for a very good reason.)
Side story: DO NOT EVER DO THIS TO A PHAN. Come on, you should really know better. If you are talking to a person for over a month about trading tickets, how absolutely heartless of you to wait until the last minute to back out. That is just so so rude; I was truly appalled. If you're out there, chica... shame on you. Thank heavens things always work out with Phish, I tell ya.
Anyway, Nick was beside himself upset. He gave up the thought of going to the Halloween show almost immediately, and didn't waste his time walking the boardwalk or casinos with his finger in the air. Myself and a few friends of mine did; we spent precious drinking time walking the boardwalk and around the Trop to no avail, finger stuck worthlessly in the air among the other hopefuls. We sent out mass texts, posted to craigslist, phantasytour, phish.net, everywhere. We really did what we could, and come show time, Nick didn't have a ticket. His bags were packed, he was ready to go. He had school, a paper due, didn't want to drive through the dark. All sorts of reasons to give it up. Something in his heart just wouldn't let him, and my poor friend was physically disturbed to the core.
Then a Phish miracle occurred that doesn't come in the form a free ticket. Our wonderful friend Nate came out to the hallway where we were trying to find a solution for Nick and he said to us, "Guys, I'm gonna give Nick my ticket, someone just has to convince him to take it. I'll find a way in, I know I will; there's just no way I'll sleep comfortably knowing he didn't go to the show. I'll be as upset as him if we don't get him in somehow."
Hearing this, and knowing, of course, Nick wouldn't take the ticket, I went back into the room to do some convincing.
"Nick," I said. "You're the reason we're here. If not for you, none of this would be possible, you have to go to the show tonight. I know you've seen Phish and I know there will be more shows (in response to his protests), and I know you have school, but you're here now and you should be in there in half hour. Take Nate's ticket, he needs you to have it. He's not going to the show without you, and you have to take that ticket or it will be wasted. This is how Phish karma works, he'll get in. He'll get a miracle or sneak in or slip the guard a bill or two, you've got to take that ticket. And you know what, since there are so many more shows, and this is our Phish crew, you know you can hit Nate back next time. Don't turn this down. Come to Phish tonight, please," I begged with him. It was almost selfish of me, I love going to shows with Nick.
I don't know if it was my girlie charm, or my genius speech, or if Nick just realized it would be worthless for him to go home, but he took the ticket. We all rejoiced. Even Nate, who was losing a ticket, was thrilled to give it away. And you better believe, Nate got into the show no problem at all. We enjoyed the whole thing together. And I will never, ever, ever, forget the love that Nate showed for Nick, all because of Phish. It was a most beautiful experience for me, embedded in something so powerful and special, I won't ever forget either.
More about Halloween later, I'm sorry yall. But isn't that a great story? I love my phamily <3
My friend Nick organized a room for all of us to come up to AC for Halloween. He put it on his credit card, made sure we all paid him back, and it was basically because of Nick that my group of friends was able to attend the show and sleep comfortably and have as amazing of a time as we did. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until the person who was supposed to trade Nick a Halloween ticket backed out. We got a call from the girl at 11 am on Sunday morning informing us that she had to trade it for a Saturday night ticket, so no longer had an extra ticket for that nights show (easily the hardest ticket of the weekend, and for a very good reason.)
Side story: DO NOT EVER DO THIS TO A PHAN. Come on, you should really know better. If you are talking to a person for over a month about trading tickets, how absolutely heartless of you to wait until the last minute to back out. That is just so so rude; I was truly appalled. If you're out there, chica... shame on you. Thank heavens things always work out with Phish, I tell ya.
Anyway, Nick was beside himself upset. He gave up the thought of going to the Halloween show almost immediately, and didn't waste his time walking the boardwalk or casinos with his finger in the air. Myself and a few friends of mine did; we spent precious drinking time walking the boardwalk and around the Trop to no avail, finger stuck worthlessly in the air among the other hopefuls. We sent out mass texts, posted to craigslist, phantasytour, phish.net, everywhere. We really did what we could, and come show time, Nick didn't have a ticket. His bags were packed, he was ready to go. He had school, a paper due, didn't want to drive through the dark. All sorts of reasons to give it up. Something in his heart just wouldn't let him, and my poor friend was physically disturbed to the core.
Then a Phish miracle occurred that doesn't come in the form a free ticket. Our wonderful friend Nate came out to the hallway where we were trying to find a solution for Nick and he said to us, "Guys, I'm gonna give Nick my ticket, someone just has to convince him to take it. I'll find a way in, I know I will; there's just no way I'll sleep comfortably knowing he didn't go to the show. I'll be as upset as him if we don't get him in somehow."
Hearing this, and knowing, of course, Nick wouldn't take the ticket, I went back into the room to do some convincing.
"Nick," I said. "You're the reason we're here. If not for you, none of this would be possible, you have to go to the show tonight. I know you've seen Phish and I know there will be more shows (in response to his protests), and I know you have school, but you're here now and you should be in there in half hour. Take Nate's ticket, he needs you to have it. He's not going to the show without you, and you have to take that ticket or it will be wasted. This is how Phish karma works, he'll get in. He'll get a miracle or sneak in or slip the guard a bill or two, you've got to take that ticket. And you know what, since there are so many more shows, and this is our Phish crew, you know you can hit Nate back next time. Don't turn this down. Come to Phish tonight, please," I begged with him. It was almost selfish of me, I love going to shows with Nick.
I don't know if it was my girlie charm, or my genius speech, or if Nick just realized it would be worthless for him to go home, but he took the ticket. We all rejoiced. Even Nate, who was losing a ticket, was thrilled to give it away. And you better believe, Nate got into the show no problem at all. We enjoyed the whole thing together. And I will never, ever, ever, forget the love that Nate showed for Nick, all because of Phish. It was a most beautiful experience for me, embedded in something so powerful and special, I won't ever forget either.
More about Halloween later, I'm sorry yall. But isn't that a great story? I love my phamily <3
October 29, 2010
Reason #4: They don't use computers! OH AND IM SEEING THEM TONIGHT.
Not much time today, off to Atlantic City for the most epic Halloween ever!!!!!! GET READY PHIENDSSSS MY SOUL IS IGNITED! I'm pumped, like the phist pump, can you tell? Get on with it, geez.
So I love Phish today because they don't use computers and computer noises. Believe me, I love MSTRKRFT and Bassnectar as much as the next person- really, I do. But in a era of music where use of the computer is highly valued, it's nice to see some good ol' rock 'n' roll. In fact, the computer and computer noises are so highly valued, some bands make their living entirely from that, ie the Glitch Mob. I'm not hating, I'll say it again, I do like this music. And it is an instrument in itself. If you look at videos of the Glitch Mob- shit, I couldn't hit a synth like that or remember what sound when to each button, etc. It's a challenge and new instrument indeed. I just like to see somebody get down and dirty with their bass. Ever see Les Claypool? That man slaps a friggen bass. It's hot to watch, honestly. I love it. And watching a guitar player shred his strings and hearing the delightful mess of sounds that comes out of those six strings- to me, it's incredible. Trey is gonna melt my face tonight!!!!!!! As for drums and keys, wouldn;t you rather see someone wailing it on their actual instruments- slamming their fingers into every note, pounding out the rhythm and beat with their sticks? I would. Seeing a DJ rock a computer is kinda cool... but seeing a saxophonist rip out those full notes, theres nothing better. I don't have time to ramble today, you get my point.
OFF TO AC!!! Look for me in Fishman dress and vacuum!!!
So I love Phish today because they don't use computers and computer noises. Believe me, I love MSTRKRFT and Bassnectar as much as the next person- really, I do. But in a era of music where use of the computer is highly valued, it's nice to see some good ol' rock 'n' roll. In fact, the computer and computer noises are so highly valued, some bands make their living entirely from that, ie the Glitch Mob. I'm not hating, I'll say it again, I do like this music. And it is an instrument in itself. If you look at videos of the Glitch Mob- shit, I couldn't hit a synth like that or remember what sound when to each button, etc. It's a challenge and new instrument indeed. I just like to see somebody get down and dirty with their bass. Ever see Les Claypool? That man slaps a friggen bass. It's hot to watch, honestly. I love it. And watching a guitar player shred his strings and hearing the delightful mess of sounds that comes out of those six strings- to me, it's incredible. Trey is gonna melt my face tonight!!!!!!! As for drums and keys, wouldn;t you rather see someone wailing it on their actual instruments- slamming their fingers into every note, pounding out the rhythm and beat with their sticks? I would. Seeing a DJ rock a computer is kinda cool... but seeing a saxophonist rip out those full notes, theres nothing better. I don't have time to ramble today, you get my point.
OFF TO AC!!! Look for me in Fishman dress and vacuum!!!
October 28, 2010
Reason #3: Free Downloads
I love Phish today because I redeemed my ticket stub online and got a free soundboard download of the whole set! In a world where nothing comes for nothing, this obviously isn't really free. I did pay 60 bucks for my ticket, when it used to be 50 (which is still expensive), so part of that extra 10 dollars definitely went to the free download cause. But I won't hate on the Phish organizations for trying to capitalize on something we're all after. You better believe I would have downloaded those sets off megaupload regardless, just as I have with every other show I've been to (18 tomorrow... small but growing!). And I certainly did that for all the epic sets that I couldn't be at, which happens to be way too many but, alas, you can't go to every Phish show.
That said, about the organization charging us for what we get for free, I love the viral spread that Phish live recordings induce. Buying a ticket to a taper section is a clear option when purchasing tickets- these boys are so okay with people recoding the shows, they make a special section for it (usually with a great view). In fact, they kind of owe it all to the tapers. Because of them, their first few songs and CDs spread like wild fire, by word of mouth and making a tape for someone; the band was way ahead of the game on this one, making sure people had free copies of their music without MySpace or the new wave of social media public relations. This was good thinking, boys, very smart indeed.
I can download every Phish set every played. Can you imagine that? All the Halloween albums like we talked about yesterday, all the highlights of 94-95, all the festival sets, all the misery and disaster of Coventry. You can get it all here:http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p8WKkpP-TKpO1VnQgcff6EQ&gid=7
and I want you to use this site because that's how Phish gains and maintains its popularity. By giving out their love and music for free. It's a genius plot. Not to even mention that 95% of these downloads are soundboard material, if not actually soundboard (which is much harder to come across, I've found). Even some of the older recordings are pretty top notch for a live performance.
In the end, that's what really matters for Phish anyway- the live shows. The studio stuff, that was all a formality; the boys admit in the Phish Book that they put less than half as much effort into any one studio session as they do to single show. The live shows got passed from person to person, creating that much more of a stronger bond between phans. As a sociologist, I'm constantly searching for what brings people together under music. This is certainly one aspect, and it will continue to keep our community together. To be able to talk about shows that neither party attended is quite a remarkable experience. And to feel that shared bond over an experience you can only imagine- that's Phish. That's bonding.
Sorry to be brief today, I have to finish my vacuum for this weekend. Check back tomorrow to see what my phavorite thing is as we kick off the HALLOWEEN RUN IN ATLANTIC CITY!!!!! Count down 23 hourss!!!!!
That said, about the organization charging us for what we get for free, I love the viral spread that Phish live recordings induce. Buying a ticket to a taper section is a clear option when purchasing tickets- these boys are so okay with people recoding the shows, they make a special section for it (usually with a great view). In fact, they kind of owe it all to the tapers. Because of them, their first few songs and CDs spread like wild fire, by word of mouth and making a tape for someone; the band was way ahead of the game on this one, making sure people had free copies of their music without MySpace or the new wave of social media public relations. This was good thinking, boys, very smart indeed.
I can download every Phish set every played. Can you imagine that? All the Halloween albums like we talked about yesterday, all the highlights of 94-95, all the festival sets, all the misery and disaster of Coventry. You can get it all here:http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p8WKkpP-TKpO1VnQgcff6EQ&gid=7
and I want you to use this site because that's how Phish gains and maintains its popularity. By giving out their love and music for free. It's a genius plot. Not to even mention that 95% of these downloads are soundboard material, if not actually soundboard (which is much harder to come across, I've found). Even some of the older recordings are pretty top notch for a live performance.
In the end, that's what really matters for Phish anyway- the live shows. The studio stuff, that was all a formality; the boys admit in the Phish Book that they put less than half as much effort into any one studio session as they do to single show. The live shows got passed from person to person, creating that much more of a stronger bond between phans. As a sociologist, I'm constantly searching for what brings people together under music. This is certainly one aspect, and it will continue to keep our community together. To be able to talk about shows that neither party attended is quite a remarkable experience. And to feel that shared bond over an experience you can only imagine- that's Phish. That's bonding.
Sorry to be brief today, I have to finish my vacuum for this weekend. Check back tomorrow to see what my phavorite thing is as we kick off the HALLOWEEN RUN IN ATLANTIC CITY!!!!! Count down 23 hourss!!!!!
October 27, 2010
Reason #2:The White Album.
In honor of my very phirst Phish Halloween so close on the horizon (2 days!!!!), I though I would take time to recognize an incredible album that Phish covered Halloween of 1994 in Great Falls, NY. The boys took on the infamous double sided album by the Beatles, The White Album. I personally was not blessed enough to witness this in person, but through my endless hours of listening to LivePhish, this has easily become my favorite full-length cover that the boys too. Well, I shouldn't speak too soon, seeing as there are very few rumors and or guesses flying about as to what album they might bust out this year, and it may just take me by surprise. But for now, this is my favorite musical costume.
The beginning of Back in the USSR opens with a familiar riff and, though Trey's voice doesn't sound as perfect as John or Paul's, how am I gonna say no to my boys playing my boys?? I'm not. And they pretty much nail the whole thing. The vocals stick out, I'm just gonna say that one more time, but I can't deny how good it sounds either way. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which has been used several times since this show, is an excellent rendition; Page's piano and harmonies complete this version and make my heart simply bubble. "Rocky Raccoon" is another great track, reminiscent of Harpua in the story telling sense. They kind of skip Birthday, doing an instrumental to wish Brad Sands, the road manager, a happy birthday. Other notable tracks include "Everybody's Got Something to Hide...," a crazy "Helter Skelter" that, if I may say so myself, should probably enter the circuit, if only because it's just so wild and the boys sound like they are having a great time with it, and a "Cry Baby Cry" featuring that epic Electrolux. By the end of the set, you can tell they are getting tired and Trey's voice is tuckering out. The last couple of songs suffer a little, but not enough to make me neglect my favorite band playing my favorite band! This particular cover can be found on LivePhish 13, in the middle of two other killer sets.
In past Halloweens, Phish has also done full album covers of The Who's Quadrophenia (1995- they donned the musical costume so fully, they destroyed their instruments at the end of the show, just as The Who would have), Talking Head's Remain in the Light (1996), The Velvet Underground's Loaded (where they get one of my favorite Phish covers of all time, "Rock 'n' Roll"), and, bringing the tradition back for 2009's Festival 8, The Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street. (They have often pulled from the cover albums mainstays of their set lists; for example, I have heard Loving Cup and Shine a Light about three thousand times this summer. Not that I'm complaining, just saying.) One other full length cover they did as a surprise just days after performing Loaded. To an almost empty arena, the boys broke out Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon right in the middle of a Harpua. Can you imagine seeing this: "Harpua> Dark Side of the Moon> Harpua" and have missed the show? Well, you know how they love to tease us. It seems likely that they pulled this one off for the few hardcore headzz who showed up to Utah two days after a Halloween run.
Now the question remains: what will they play this year? Last year there was a ton of hype around the album, this year it is very hush hush. Trey hasn't said much to anyone except to confirm that it's happening and will be a challenge for him. He is quoted as saying that this one is for him (what isn't.. oops) and will bring his playing to a whole new level. Rolling Stone thinks there are four options: My Bloody Valentine (please, no), Queen (fingers crossed), Genesis (don't make me sit through that... I'll do it.. but oh lord...), or Led Zeppelin (do it do it do it). Can you tell what I'm hoping for? Other possibilities include David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, MGMT, and Radiohead. It's all speculation, though, and I won't know until Sunday around 1130 pm. Based on these bands, I will probably not know until someone tells me. But I'm okay with that, I get three sets of my boys <3.
Hey, if you have a great Halloween story, share it with me in comment section, I'd love to hear it! Check in tomorrow to see what my next phavorite thing is as we get closer to seeing Phish again (it's been a painful three days)!
The beginning of Back in the USSR opens with a familiar riff and, though Trey's voice doesn't sound as perfect as John or Paul's, how am I gonna say no to my boys playing my boys?? I'm not. And they pretty much nail the whole thing. The vocals stick out, I'm just gonna say that one more time, but I can't deny how good it sounds either way. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which has been used several times since this show, is an excellent rendition; Page's piano and harmonies complete this version and make my heart simply bubble. "Rocky Raccoon" is another great track, reminiscent of Harpua in the story telling sense. They kind of skip Birthday, doing an instrumental to wish Brad Sands, the road manager, a happy birthday. Other notable tracks include "Everybody's Got Something to Hide...," a crazy "Helter Skelter" that, if I may say so myself, should probably enter the circuit, if only because it's just so wild and the boys sound like they are having a great time with it, and a "Cry Baby Cry" featuring that epic Electrolux. By the end of the set, you can tell they are getting tired and Trey's voice is tuckering out. The last couple of songs suffer a little, but not enough to make me neglect my favorite band playing my favorite band! This particular cover can be found on LivePhish 13, in the middle of two other killer sets.
In past Halloweens, Phish has also done full album covers of The Who's Quadrophenia (1995- they donned the musical costume so fully, they destroyed their instruments at the end of the show, just as The Who would have), Talking Head's Remain in the Light (1996), The Velvet Underground's Loaded (where they get one of my favorite Phish covers of all time, "Rock 'n' Roll"), and, bringing the tradition back for 2009's Festival 8, The Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street. (They have often pulled from the cover albums mainstays of their set lists; for example, I have heard Loving Cup and Shine a Light about three thousand times this summer. Not that I'm complaining, just saying.) One other full length cover they did as a surprise just days after performing Loaded. To an almost empty arena, the boys broke out Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon right in the middle of a Harpua. Can you imagine seeing this: "Harpua> Dark Side of the Moon> Harpua" and have missed the show? Well, you know how they love to tease us. It seems likely that they pulled this one off for the few hardcore headzz who showed up to Utah two days after a Halloween run.
Now the question remains: what will they play this year? Last year there was a ton of hype around the album, this year it is very hush hush. Trey hasn't said much to anyone except to confirm that it's happening and will be a challenge for him. He is quoted as saying that this one is for him (what isn't.. oops) and will bring his playing to a whole new level. Rolling Stone thinks there are four options: My Bloody Valentine (please, no), Queen (fingers crossed), Genesis (don't make me sit through that... I'll do it.. but oh lord...), or Led Zeppelin (do it do it do it). Can you tell what I'm hoping for? Other possibilities include David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, MGMT, and Radiohead. It's all speculation, though, and I won't know until Sunday around 1130 pm. Based on these bands, I will probably not know until someone tells me. But I'm okay with that, I get three sets of my boys <3.
Hey, if you have a great Halloween story, share it with me in comment section, I'd love to hear it! Check in tomorrow to see what my next phavorite thing is as we get closer to seeing Phish again (it's been a painful three days)!
October 25, 2010
Reason #1: Meatprise. And that day after feeling.
Since today is my first day at this and I'm hot off a double header at UMASS' Mullins Center, I thought I'd start with two good reasons: the first being my absolute favorite song of the weekend.
This flawlessly laid Meatstick chorus in place of Reprise lyrics at the end of Set I (that's a treat) Saturday made me practically fly. As a relatively new phan, I'm still wow'd by the creative mix ups and tricks they pull out at each show. Maybe some other phans aren't as thrilled with the Meatprise that went down, though it was pretty tight musically. Seeing as it was my first Meatstick, hearing it twice was an honor. Reminds me of the five time Tweezer from Hartford-SPAC 6/2010. Soo wonderful and rock 'n' roll. Besides the Meatprise, a groovin' Meatstick opener, BBFCFM throw down, and an appearance by the vacuum all helped to welcome Phish back to UMASS.
While I'm on the subject, the rest of the Saturday night was pretty amazing too; lots of hits that made me dance like mad, but nothing that hadn't been played fairly recently. Also nothing new for me besides the main focus here and the Hold Your Head Up>Love You>Hold Your Head Up, which was awesome- to finally see Fish and the fabled vacuum solo made me feel pretty complete.
The second reason I love Phish today (but not reason #2 officially) is because of the way I felt today. After a two night run not that close to home, I'm frankly beat. I had a done a few other shows in NYC the days prior, so that adds to the exhaustion, but really Phish wipes me out. Last nights (Sundays) show, while not the tightest musically, really took me off my feet and brought me to a new level with the band. Something about standing behind them and conducting the crowd to my favorite opening rifts of Free, or grooving hard to the Gamehendge classic the Lizards. Maybe it was the funky energy of Brother that held the set up through a calm, but tight Roggae; Or else it could have been the Taste>Waste that made me stop in my perfect-spot-finding tracks and bawl. I wish I could prepare myself for the emotional draw Waste undoubtedly brings on me, but I never can. Alas, maybe still it was none of these wonderful songs, maybe it was the Bowie that ultimately took me away and sky rocketed me into a Phish world never to be left. Its exhausting just thinking about much fun I had. And I was hurting today; driving home, zoning out, getting all emotional over a Sample from 1999; my body, my legs, my brain, my ringing ears, all saying "Whyyy?? Whyy me? Why no vitamins or nutrients? Why staying up all night and getting down so hard??" To that I say, "We can make it through another day, body, because if we do, we get to go on the Halloween run." Through all my aches and pains today, I just kept saying how much I love those boys, this band, that music. I'm less than 24 hours from the last time I've seen Phish and I already can't wait for Friday!!
See what my phavorite thing is tomorrow as we get closer and closer to this Halloween weekend!
This flawlessly laid Meatstick chorus in place of Reprise lyrics at the end of Set I (that's a treat) Saturday made me practically fly. As a relatively new phan, I'm still wow'd by the creative mix ups and tricks they pull out at each show. Maybe some other phans aren't as thrilled with the Meatprise that went down, though it was pretty tight musically. Seeing as it was my first Meatstick, hearing it twice was an honor. Reminds me of the five time Tweezer from Hartford-SPAC 6/2010. Soo wonderful and rock 'n' roll. Besides the Meatprise, a groovin' Meatstick opener, BBFCFM throw down, and an appearance by the vacuum all helped to welcome Phish back to UMASS.
While I'm on the subject, the rest of the Saturday night was pretty amazing too; lots of hits that made me dance like mad, but nothing that hadn't been played fairly recently. Also nothing new for me besides the main focus here and the Hold Your Head Up>Love You>Hold Your Head Up, which was awesome- to finally see Fish and the fabled vacuum solo made me feel pretty complete.
The second reason I love Phish today (but not reason #2 officially) is because of the way I felt today. After a two night run not that close to home, I'm frankly beat. I had a done a few other shows in NYC the days prior, so that adds to the exhaustion, but really Phish wipes me out. Last nights (Sundays) show, while not the tightest musically, really took me off my feet and brought me to a new level with the band. Something about standing behind them and conducting the crowd to my favorite opening rifts of Free, or grooving hard to the Gamehendge classic the Lizards. Maybe it was the funky energy of Brother that held the set up through a calm, but tight Roggae; Or else it could have been the Taste>Waste that made me stop in my perfect-spot-finding tracks and bawl. I wish I could prepare myself for the emotional draw Waste undoubtedly brings on me, but I never can. Alas, maybe still it was none of these wonderful songs, maybe it was the Bowie that ultimately took me away and sky rocketed me into a Phish world never to be left. Its exhausting just thinking about much fun I had. And I was hurting today; driving home, zoning out, getting all emotional over a Sample from 1999; my body, my legs, my brain, my ringing ears, all saying "Whyyy?? Whyy me? Why no vitamins or nutrients? Why staying up all night and getting down so hard??" To that I say, "We can make it through another day, body, because if we do, we get to go on the Halloween run." Through all my aches and pains today, I just kept saying how much I love those boys, this band, that music. I'm less than 24 hours from the last time I've seen Phish and I already can't wait for Friday!!
See what my phavorite thing is tomorrow as we get closer and closer to this Halloween weekend!
October 20, 2010
Back from Arkansas and into the blog
Well, I am back. It has been quite some time since my last post in April, but no that I've graduated and am spending many days doing nothing, I thought I should check in with my lonely blog. I started this to be about the two loves of my life; Phish and food. I think I will probably go back to my theme after this update, but I just have to write something about Harvest Fest.
This past week I was down in the Ozark Mountains or Arkansas, only the best possible place for a bluegrass festival. I was there to work at Yonder Mountain String Band's Harvest Festival, and what a phenomenal Arkansas time I had. We arrived on late Tuesday night after a 24 hour car ride and set up camp to pass out. On Wednesday, I was assigned to do the job of an orange fence and padlocks, but I made some great friends and heard so many loving tales of the beautiful mountain we found ourselves on. The best part of Wednesday night was the surprise late night shows on the backwoods stage (there were three main stages/tents and one side tent that always had something going on- Nomadic Village they called it, pretty cool concept but for another post). There were a few bands who played for the staff and VIPs that night but by far the best was Poor Mans Whiskey. They did this same act again on Thursday, but this was just so much better. Each member dressed as a different character in the Wizard of Oz and they played a bluegrass cover of Dark Side of the Moon, which they called Dark Side of the Moonshine. I highly highly recommend checking out this album, it is truly incredible.
Thursday the festival began and people came flooding in the site- people of all ages, mind you. If I had to guess, I would say at least 25% of the attendees were over 65. It's gotta be that bluegrass spirit that brings people from all walks of life together. Anyway, on Thursday I was assigned to the merchandise tent and that's when the fun really began. I was working with the man who does the merch for SCI and heard some wonderful tales from him. Better still, I got to talk one on one with so many of the festival attendees and hear about their excitement and passion for the music. I got to see a good bit of music that day- Dirtfoot was my favorite, a very dark but funky bluegrass band. I also got to catch some Mountain Sprout and Cornmeal from a far, but as I heard it from customers at the merch booth, highlights of the day included Cletus Got Shot, Split Lip Rayfield, Oakhurst, Pert Near Sandstone, and 1 oz Jig. Railroad Earth obviously played an amazing set that I listened to from a far, dropping classics like Long Walk Home, Mighty River, Like a Buddah, and Bird in a House.
Friday was an amazing day as well, kicked off with a 5 song surprise set from Yonder. I rushed down in time to catch the last of Complicated, which was incredible. Before my shift started, I was able to catch some of Donna the Buffalo, who opened for the Rhythm Devils when I caught them on Long Island back in August. Though I couldn't hear it all too well, the crowed was loving Leftover Salmon as they celebrated their 20th anniversary on the main stage and the field stayed packed as Yonder Mountain String Band took the stage for their first set of the weekend. Bringing it hard like they always do, YMSB impressed everyone and had even the older fans out until 1 am kickin' up dirt. Late night boasted nasty performance by Dirtfoot and Cornmeal, with surprise guests on the backwoods stage who's names I couldn't tell you, unfortunately.
Unusually, the last day of the fest was Saturday, but everyone was ready for the Emmit-Nershi Band to take the stage. They pulled out an amazing mid-afternoon set and played the String Cheese classic "Jellyfish," which people went crazy for. I got my first Sam Bush set, which was actually phenomenal and soulful. Then of course, there isn't much to say about Keller and the Keels, they always- mind you ALWAYS- kill it. They played new stuff and old stuff, fabulous covers from their newest album "Thief" (haha)and wowed everyone who ever doubted Keller's laid back style. The man knows how to rock. And he chose two of the best (Larry and Jenny Keel) to rock along side him. Yonder technically closed the weekend with two amazing sets for which I finagled my staff pass to get me up front (:D) and the rest of Saturday night was filled with debauchery and kids trying to make it last forever. I was one of them, I'll admit. For me, and I think for many others, YMHF marked the end of a most beautiful summer of life music. From All Good to Vibes to Phish Summer and Fall tour, 2010 was a major plus on my music scale. The live music scene could not have been more vibrant or welcoming or enticing. I shall never ever leave festiland.
As far as food goes, I have two words for you: Jerry Roll. That is all, thank you kind vendors for feeding me all summer. I owe your fresh tastes and portable grills a great deal.
Next week, or maybe tomorrow, I'll be back with more. I'm going to get back to my basics, Phish and food, and really try this time. Also, for anyone who has read this far, I really need a job... any job at all as long as it has something to do with music. I have experience, references, a decent resume, I just am not sure where my skills lie. So please contact me if you're interested in learning more about me or have a possible opportunity I could look into. Thanks for reading phriends!!
This past week I was down in the Ozark Mountains or Arkansas, only the best possible place for a bluegrass festival. I was there to work at Yonder Mountain String Band's Harvest Festival, and what a phenomenal Arkansas time I had. We arrived on late Tuesday night after a 24 hour car ride and set up camp to pass out. On Wednesday, I was assigned to do the job of an orange fence and padlocks, but I made some great friends and heard so many loving tales of the beautiful mountain we found ourselves on. The best part of Wednesday night was the surprise late night shows on the backwoods stage (there were three main stages/tents and one side tent that always had something going on- Nomadic Village they called it, pretty cool concept but for another post). There were a few bands who played for the staff and VIPs that night but by far the best was Poor Mans Whiskey. They did this same act again on Thursday, but this was just so much better. Each member dressed as a different character in the Wizard of Oz and they played a bluegrass cover of Dark Side of the Moon, which they called Dark Side of the Moonshine. I highly highly recommend checking out this album, it is truly incredible.
Thursday the festival began and people came flooding in the site- people of all ages, mind you. If I had to guess, I would say at least 25% of the attendees were over 65. It's gotta be that bluegrass spirit that brings people from all walks of life together. Anyway, on Thursday I was assigned to the merchandise tent and that's when the fun really began. I was working with the man who does the merch for SCI and heard some wonderful tales from him. Better still, I got to talk one on one with so many of the festival attendees and hear about their excitement and passion for the music. I got to see a good bit of music that day- Dirtfoot was my favorite, a very dark but funky bluegrass band. I also got to catch some Mountain Sprout and Cornmeal from a far, but as I heard it from customers at the merch booth, highlights of the day included Cletus Got Shot, Split Lip Rayfield, Oakhurst, Pert Near Sandstone, and 1 oz Jig. Railroad Earth obviously played an amazing set that I listened to from a far, dropping classics like Long Walk Home, Mighty River, Like a Buddah, and Bird in a House.
Friday was an amazing day as well, kicked off with a 5 song surprise set from Yonder. I rushed down in time to catch the last of Complicated, which was incredible. Before my shift started, I was able to catch some of Donna the Buffalo, who opened for the Rhythm Devils when I caught them on Long Island back in August. Though I couldn't hear it all too well, the crowed was loving Leftover Salmon as they celebrated their 20th anniversary on the main stage and the field stayed packed as Yonder Mountain String Band took the stage for their first set of the weekend. Bringing it hard like they always do, YMSB impressed everyone and had even the older fans out until 1 am kickin' up dirt. Late night boasted nasty performance by Dirtfoot and Cornmeal, with surprise guests on the backwoods stage who's names I couldn't tell you, unfortunately.
Unusually, the last day of the fest was Saturday, but everyone was ready for the Emmit-Nershi Band to take the stage. They pulled out an amazing mid-afternoon set and played the String Cheese classic "Jellyfish," which people went crazy for. I got my first Sam Bush set, which was actually phenomenal and soulful. Then of course, there isn't much to say about Keller and the Keels, they always- mind you ALWAYS- kill it. They played new stuff and old stuff, fabulous covers from their newest album "Thief" (haha)and wowed everyone who ever doubted Keller's laid back style. The man knows how to rock. And he chose two of the best (Larry and Jenny Keel) to rock along side him. Yonder technically closed the weekend with two amazing sets for which I finagled my staff pass to get me up front (:D) and the rest of Saturday night was filled with debauchery and kids trying to make it last forever. I was one of them, I'll admit. For me, and I think for many others, YMHF marked the end of a most beautiful summer of life music. From All Good to Vibes to Phish Summer and Fall tour, 2010 was a major plus on my music scale. The live music scene could not have been more vibrant or welcoming or enticing. I shall never ever leave festiland.
As far as food goes, I have two words for you: Jerry Roll. That is all, thank you kind vendors for feeding me all summer. I owe your fresh tastes and portable grills a great deal.
Next week, or maybe tomorrow, I'll be back with more. I'm going to get back to my basics, Phish and food, and really try this time. Also, for anyone who has read this far, I really need a job... any job at all as long as it has something to do with music. I have experience, references, a decent resume, I just am not sure where my skills lie. So please contact me if you're interested in learning more about me or have a possible opportunity I could look into. Thanks for reading phriends!!
April 11, 2010
A Phiction Tale
PHINALLY
I’m sitting on top of a blue mini-van outside of the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. To my left is Chris Burlo, a 23-year-old college grad, whose flowing blond hair and irreplaceable grin are not an uncommon sight here. On the hood sits two “wookie loves,” as Chris refers to them: Amanda Kurtain, a 20-year-old drop-out with thick blond dreadlocks and orange flowers permanently falling down her back, and a kind, welcoming, 27-year-old, who says, “You can just call me Fluffhead,” as Amanda giggles and receives a kiss on the forehead.
Hampton is a small, quiet town whose biggest income is from the flow of people traveling from Richmond to Virginia Beach, and those who swarm the Coliseum for its impressive performances. The venue is on the water, looking like an island unto itself, rounded, with V-shaped columns of light that make the center look almost holy. And tonight, March 6th, 2009, it might have been. The town was paraded with new age hippies, frat “bros”, wookies and wookettes, merry pranksters, people of all shapes and sizes congregated together to see the first of many (though they don’t it yet) reunion shows for the jam band, Phish.
Phish is a four-person group from Burlington, Vermont, home to Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, the University of Vermont, the Harry Hood Packaging Plant, and that’s about it.
“They came from pretty much nowhere and nothing,” Chris told me before the concert that night. “But any phan- now that’s with a ph- will tell you that these boys can overcome just about anything. They were meant to be huge.”
Phish’s reunion weekend was so monumental because the mass of “phans” that Phish had established were not sure in 2004 whether their idols would be returning to the stage together again. Since their national debut in 1989, the band has been traveling across the country, putting more effort into the live shows than recorded material, and always aiming to thank their phans with festivals and multi-night runs. But phans felt abandoned; a child left by his parents, as one critic describes their last performance in 2004. Though lead singer and guitarist, Trey Anastasio, was battling serious drug addiction, keyboardist Page McConnell was starting a family, bassist Mike Gordon was reveling in his fame, and drummer Jon Fishman was working with his side project, Pork Tornado, the four not-in-college-anymore men found time to overcome differences and practice their beloved material during the questionable time off. I can only say that they came back with a bang.
Amanda doesn’t remember when they broke up; she told me she felt like she was missing a part of her life having not grieved over their break-up, but wasn’t into the band or the scene until recently. Hampton is her first show, which Chris and Fluffhead are particularly excited about.
“It’s always great to have a phirgin,” said Fluffhead before the concert. “That look of wonderment and amazement will be priceless.”
I met up with this trio of willing participants many hours before the show started. I suggested that we meet at a diner, someplace quite to talk and give me an understanding of this cultural phenomenon that is so under the radar. Chris, the only one with a cell phone, laughed into my ear and said, “Just meet us at the venue, you will understand then.” And I did. The show was set to start at 8pm, so I arrived around 3pm to get a good parking spot. Well, I was about two days too late for that, so I brought my car back to the hotel and had a cab drive me back to the Coliseum.
“Going to see Phish, are ya?” said the cab driver.
“Yessir, I am. This will be my first concert,” I said with an air of pride.
“Well you sure don’t look like one of them,” he said, “one of them hippies comin’ in here and makin’ a mockery of this town.”
“It can’t be that bad for only three days.”
“Stay a while after the kids all leave,” he said. The rest of the ride was in silence, though he did tell me to have a good time when I left him with an ostentatiously large tip.
As I walk through the parking lot looking for the multicolored, fish-shaped flag that is to indicate where my phriendly phans are, I see the beginnings of this culture that so clearly defines these three, and so many more, people. There are groups of older phans, probably in their 30s, around an open trunk drinking beers and listening to the Grateful Dead. There are groups of adults, families, some with happy looking children in patchwork clothes, selling jewelry or food. People are selling original tee shirts, patches, stickers, and more. There are people walking throughout the lot scene, as it is known, looking for “miracles”- free tickets, or trying to sell their extras, but most people have come to Hampton fully prepared. There are rows and rows and rows of cars, trucks, busses, and phans. The energy and excitement is obvious, you can practically see it in the air: people smiling and hugging, longhaired girls dancing slowly and tossing hula-hoops around their bodies to psychedelic sounds. I hear snip-its of conversation as I scan the many flags and other indicators of location looking for my group:
“I hope they bring it in with something epic, like a Harry Hood or a Fluffhead.”
“I just hope they sound better than they did, I hope they have been practicing ‘cause its over if they have a repeat of Coventry (the band’s infamously bad final festival from 2004).”
“I wonder if Fishman will break out the vacuum cleaner like back in the day, that would be priceless.”
“Molly? Molly? Anybody seen my molly?”
“I can’t wait for Koruda’s lights, man. Haven’t seen anything like ‘em in all these years.”
“I wanna see what new stuff they’ve got. Undermind was terrible, but I dunno, looks like things may be changing.”
I walked throughout the lot for about two hours, hearing a lot of the same talk, a lot of predictions about what songs would be played, a lot of reminiscing about what has been termed Phish 2.0. I spotted Amanda, Chris, and Fluffhead (who’s real name is would never find out) under their flag, passing around a joint. I stopped and stood for a moment too long.
“Want in?” Chris offered.
“Oh, no, thank you. I’m the one interning with Rolling Stone, and-“
“Oh yeah, of course, come on man, take a seat. Join us. How’d you like the lot?”
We talked for a long time sitting on that van, about shows Chris and Fluffhead had seen, about what they hoped the band would play tonight, about why Amanda loved Phish without ever having seen them, which some people deem necessary to phandom.
“The music is open and free and fluent all at the same time. It’s like they could go anywhere with anything they do, and somehow they always get it perfect. They also play like a billion different types of music, like jazz and bluegrass and tronic-y and psychedelic and soft and sweet. It’s amazing what they do. It’s really beautiful.”
Other phans were constantly walking past, some saying hello, some trying to sell us paraphernalia or drugs or what have you. We passed them all along, in the phriendliest manner. When it was getting dark out, Amanda and Fluffhead each took two drops of LSD and shortly thereafter, Chris took one small blue ecstasy pill with a P stamped in the middle.
“Specially made for this weekend,” he told me.
“Why aren’t you doing what they’re doing?” I asked in response.
“I’m the lookout tonight. Gotta make sure everything goes right.”
On our casual walk into the venue, we stopped several times to look at various products and get burritos or water or beer. When we finally made it to the line, we moved even slower, and I started to notice that a lot of people around me were acting similarly to Amanda and Fluffhead; it wasn’t scary or too strange, just spacey and out of it, but still totally in it (Amanda’s words). Certainly not all people were behaving like this, many were spun off the excitement and thrill of the moment. As we inched closer and closer to the pat-down and to making a run for our seats, Chris preps me for what will be “the best experience of my life.”
“It’s everything man. The lights coordinated with the music, and the intensity in the there and everyone dancing. You just gotta see it, and the glow stick wars, man. Color explosions. Just picture it. You won’t have to for long. Here we go.”
My head feels like it’s floating above me as the crowd is herded back to the lot. My ears are ringing and pounding and buzzing, my brain still keeping the frantic beat of their final encore, a cover of Rolling Stone’s “Loving Cup.” Chris is jumping up and down and practically running as I, Amanda and Fluff (as I came to call him),try to keep up with him. He wants to get back to the car to write the sets down before he forgets anything. Naturally, though, we get lost and finding the car becomes an adventure in itself.
An hour and a half, and a few joints, later and the crew were ready for bed. We had spent the time on top of Chris’s van talking about the night and the details of each song, the highlights, and the minimal slip ups. They invited me back for the next two nights, both of which I had passes to, and I accepted, thankful to have found such a welcoming group of phriends with whom I could share a new passion. I told them this, and Chris said, “Hey man, of course it’s no problem. Any phriend of Phish is a phriend of mine!”
I’m sitting on top of a blue mini-van outside of the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. To my left is Chris Burlo, a 23-year-old college grad, whose flowing blond hair and irreplaceable grin are not an uncommon sight here. On the hood sits two “wookie loves,” as Chris refers to them: Amanda Kurtain, a 20-year-old drop-out with thick blond dreadlocks and orange flowers permanently falling down her back, and a kind, welcoming, 27-year-old, who says, “You can just call me Fluffhead,” as Amanda giggles and receives a kiss on the forehead.
Hampton is a small, quiet town whose biggest income is from the flow of people traveling from Richmond to Virginia Beach, and those who swarm the Coliseum for its impressive performances. The venue is on the water, looking like an island unto itself, rounded, with V-shaped columns of light that make the center look almost holy. And tonight, March 6th, 2009, it might have been. The town was paraded with new age hippies, frat “bros”, wookies and wookettes, merry pranksters, people of all shapes and sizes congregated together to see the first of many (though they don’t it yet) reunion shows for the jam band, Phish.
Phish is a four-person group from Burlington, Vermont, home to Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, the University of Vermont, the Harry Hood Packaging Plant, and that’s about it.
“They came from pretty much nowhere and nothing,” Chris told me before the concert that night. “But any phan- now that’s with a ph- will tell you that these boys can overcome just about anything. They were meant to be huge.”
Phish’s reunion weekend was so monumental because the mass of “phans” that Phish had established were not sure in 2004 whether their idols would be returning to the stage together again. Since their national debut in 1989, the band has been traveling across the country, putting more effort into the live shows than recorded material, and always aiming to thank their phans with festivals and multi-night runs. But phans felt abandoned; a child left by his parents, as one critic describes their last performance in 2004. Though lead singer and guitarist, Trey Anastasio, was battling serious drug addiction, keyboardist Page McConnell was starting a family, bassist Mike Gordon was reveling in his fame, and drummer Jon Fishman was working with his side project, Pork Tornado, the four not-in-college-anymore men found time to overcome differences and practice their beloved material during the questionable time off. I can only say that they came back with a bang.
Amanda doesn’t remember when they broke up; she told me she felt like she was missing a part of her life having not grieved over their break-up, but wasn’t into the band or the scene until recently. Hampton is her first show, which Chris and Fluffhead are particularly excited about.
“It’s always great to have a phirgin,” said Fluffhead before the concert. “That look of wonderment and amazement will be priceless.”
I met up with this trio of willing participants many hours before the show started. I suggested that we meet at a diner, someplace quite to talk and give me an understanding of this cultural phenomenon that is so under the radar. Chris, the only one with a cell phone, laughed into my ear and said, “Just meet us at the venue, you will understand then.” And I did. The show was set to start at 8pm, so I arrived around 3pm to get a good parking spot. Well, I was about two days too late for that, so I brought my car back to the hotel and had a cab drive me back to the Coliseum.
“Going to see Phish, are ya?” said the cab driver.
“Yessir, I am. This will be my first concert,” I said with an air of pride.
“Well you sure don’t look like one of them,” he said, “one of them hippies comin’ in here and makin’ a mockery of this town.”
“It can’t be that bad for only three days.”
“Stay a while after the kids all leave,” he said. The rest of the ride was in silence, though he did tell me to have a good time when I left him with an ostentatiously large tip.
As I walk through the parking lot looking for the multicolored, fish-shaped flag that is to indicate where my phriendly phans are, I see the beginnings of this culture that so clearly defines these three, and so many more, people. There are groups of older phans, probably in their 30s, around an open trunk drinking beers and listening to the Grateful Dead. There are groups of adults, families, some with happy looking children in patchwork clothes, selling jewelry or food. People are selling original tee shirts, patches, stickers, and more. There are people walking throughout the lot scene, as it is known, looking for “miracles”- free tickets, or trying to sell their extras, but most people have come to Hampton fully prepared. There are rows and rows and rows of cars, trucks, busses, and phans. The energy and excitement is obvious, you can practically see it in the air: people smiling and hugging, longhaired girls dancing slowly and tossing hula-hoops around their bodies to psychedelic sounds. I hear snip-its of conversation as I scan the many flags and other indicators of location looking for my group:
“I hope they bring it in with something epic, like a Harry Hood or a Fluffhead.”
“I just hope they sound better than they did, I hope they have been practicing ‘cause its over if they have a repeat of Coventry (the band’s infamously bad final festival from 2004).”
“I wonder if Fishman will break out the vacuum cleaner like back in the day, that would be priceless.”
“Molly? Molly? Anybody seen my molly?”
“I can’t wait for Koruda’s lights, man. Haven’t seen anything like ‘em in all these years.”
“I wanna see what new stuff they’ve got. Undermind was terrible, but I dunno, looks like things may be changing.”
I walked throughout the lot for about two hours, hearing a lot of the same talk, a lot of predictions about what songs would be played, a lot of reminiscing about what has been termed Phish 2.0. I spotted Amanda, Chris, and Fluffhead (who’s real name is would never find out) under their flag, passing around a joint. I stopped and stood for a moment too long.
“Want in?” Chris offered.
“Oh, no, thank you. I’m the one interning with Rolling Stone, and-“
“Oh yeah, of course, come on man, take a seat. Join us. How’d you like the lot?”
We talked for a long time sitting on that van, about shows Chris and Fluffhead had seen, about what they hoped the band would play tonight, about why Amanda loved Phish without ever having seen them, which some people deem necessary to phandom.
“The music is open and free and fluent all at the same time. It’s like they could go anywhere with anything they do, and somehow they always get it perfect. They also play like a billion different types of music, like jazz and bluegrass and tronic-y and psychedelic and soft and sweet. It’s amazing what they do. It’s really beautiful.”
Other phans were constantly walking past, some saying hello, some trying to sell us paraphernalia or drugs or what have you. We passed them all along, in the phriendliest manner. When it was getting dark out, Amanda and Fluffhead each took two drops of LSD and shortly thereafter, Chris took one small blue ecstasy pill with a P stamped in the middle.
“Specially made for this weekend,” he told me.
“Why aren’t you doing what they’re doing?” I asked in response.
“I’m the lookout tonight. Gotta make sure everything goes right.”
On our casual walk into the venue, we stopped several times to look at various products and get burritos or water or beer. When we finally made it to the line, we moved even slower, and I started to notice that a lot of people around me were acting similarly to Amanda and Fluffhead; it wasn’t scary or too strange, just spacey and out of it, but still totally in it (Amanda’s words). Certainly not all people were behaving like this, many were spun off the excitement and thrill of the moment. As we inched closer and closer to the pat-down and to making a run for our seats, Chris preps me for what will be “the best experience of my life.”
“It’s everything man. The lights coordinated with the music, and the intensity in the there and everyone dancing. You just gotta see it, and the glow stick wars, man. Color explosions. Just picture it. You won’t have to for long. Here we go.”
My head feels like it’s floating above me as the crowd is herded back to the lot. My ears are ringing and pounding and buzzing, my brain still keeping the frantic beat of their final encore, a cover of Rolling Stone’s “Loving Cup.” Chris is jumping up and down and practically running as I, Amanda and Fluff (as I came to call him),try to keep up with him. He wants to get back to the car to write the sets down before he forgets anything. Naturally, though, we get lost and finding the car becomes an adventure in itself.
An hour and a half, and a few joints, later and the crew were ready for bed. We had spent the time on top of Chris’s van talking about the night and the details of each song, the highlights, and the minimal slip ups. They invited me back for the next two nights, both of which I had passes to, and I accepted, thankful to have found such a welcoming group of phriends with whom I could share a new passion. I told them this, and Chris said, “Hey man, of course it’s no problem. Any phriend of Phish is a phriend of mine!”
February 3, 2010
Stuffin' my brain with Line-Ups
Well, it's been too long. I have got to keep up with this, though I've been doing pretty well with my other goals. Not much in the way of music news, except that festivals are coming out with their line-ups; almost as good as Christmas. The Flaming Lips will be covering Dark Side of the Moon, which convinced me easily to volunteer. The Flips will be (supposedly) joined by Jay Z, Dave Matthews Band, Paul Simon, and other headers, as well as the classics- Bisco, STS9, Lotus, MSTRKRFT, possibly Keller or other bluegrass big names. Any way, I've always wanted to volunteer at a festie, and it seems like Roo is the way to go as of yet. Wakarusa would be nice too, with an appearance by Zappa Plays Zappa, but it is just so far. Definitely hitting up Vibes this year, being that I'm moving back to the area.
The only other thing I have as far is music goes is my first big music writing assignment- my capstone paper! A 30 pager, and it will all be about Phish. I'm in Sociology, so I'm going to be studying the crowd, the band, the history, the culture, the gamehenge mythology, the jams, the festivals, the life. I can't wait, I'll keep you (me, basically) posted.
On to food! I made the yummiest dinner ever on Sunday! Big fight with roomie so I took all my dinner stuff out of the house and went down the street to cook with Alison. I had acorn squash, so I just cut it in half and put it in the over at 400 for an hour. I put maple syrup on one half, but it didn't do much except add calories. We made a parmesan risotto, just out of the box, and added chopped onion, green pepper, scallions, and something else, but you can add anything. It was so damn good. The squash was just really fresh and filling and the stuffing we made was warm and creamy and delicious. I would recommend this to any one at any time.
That's all I got. More soon.
January 17, 2010
Less Snow, More Avocado...
So I don't have much music stuff this week; first week back to my last semester of college means a lot of rap and radio dance hits, but I have been missing Miike Snow. We listened to a lot of Miike Snow while I was in ATL, but because I wasn't able to find a free download (guilty, remember- college student), I haven't listened to it much lately. This group is a pair of award winning producers who have worked with Britney Spears types and a lyricist/vocalist who lays down addicting melodies with some heavy meaning atop funky and unique beats. Listen to the tracks Sylvia and Animal on myspace or last fm, you'll be hooked. Also, just want to remind you all about Mama's Love, they're touring so look for dates near you on Jambase or their myspace page.
On to food, but back to Atlanta; I forgot to write about the biscuits we got before we left. They were from a little breakfast place called the Flying Biscuit, and they were fluffy, huge, satisfying, and flavorful, which you don't always find in a biscuit. They had a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon and something else that gave it a kick. Your senses are awakened when you eat this biscuit, in a way the no pastry has ever done for me. Served with a unique apple butter, these biscuits keep for days and satisfy endlessly.
But when I got back to school, I had to start making food again so I went to the grocery store and spent way more money than I should have. I came home with lots of beans, as if I used the excessive cans of beans I had from last semester. So I rushed to make a quick dish that could be used multiple ways and keep for a while. Obviously rice, and I used a can kidney beans, red beans, and chili beans, and a can of corn, each with most of the liquid drained out. Mixed them in with the steamed rice, sauteed carrots, onions, and tomato, and mixed that in, too. Then I ate it with delicious wheat homemade bread. The next day, I heated it on a tortilla with cheese on top (should have used salsa and sour cream and avocado, too) and wrapped it up. So filling and tasty. Then tonight, I cut an avocado in half, turned each side over and light made a slice down the skin, so it peeled right off and I had two little avocado boats. I sprayed these with a little cooking oil and grilled them on either side, put them over greens, and put the heated rice and bean mixture on top, with a dollop of daisy and a spritz of balsamic. MMMMM. If you love avocado, you need to "stuff" them, and you can do it with a variety of foods, including meats, that you enjoy with this creamy fruity veggie. I also wanted to use Panko bread crumbs, but my dish had rice, so I restrained myself, but it would be good.
I'm going to be honest, Iron Chef America is on. Gotta go, xo.
January 12, 2010
Mama's Love-in' ATL
So I went down south to Atlanta, Georgia this past week. It was not warm like I wanted it to be- in fact, it was colder there than in my hometown of DC. So to make up for that, I ate a lot. Justified? Maybe not, but I have some good reports for the nobody reading this.
I've been down to ATL a few time, and my favorite restaurant in ATL is, without question, is Taqueria del Sol. They have a few locations throughout Atlanta, and one up in Athens (which I also visited this same week), but the best on in Decatur. This place is simply genius- my restaurant, Good Stuff Eatery, tries to emulate this same business model but we don't pull it off nearly as well. You wait online to place your order and pay. The menu is limited- a few platters (chicken, steak, etc), tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and appetizer dippin's like queso and guac. The queso is to die for, it's a little spicy but if you can take the heat, the stuff is melty and thick and perfect for the homemade tortilla chips. And they make a rita on the rocks that is the perfect compliment to the meal. My boyfriend orders the same thing every time- and I should learn to follow suit. He gets the best fried chicken tacos- 2 of them- I've ever had. So I get one; it's two little fried chicken strips, tomato, and a kicked up mayo. We both add the queso, but these tacos are good on their own. This time, I also tried the fried fish taco, which came with jalepenos and creative tartar sauce. Up in Athens, I got the Carnita- a local favorite, red meat with some homemade salsa- and the Veggie taco which was very very spicy. Two delish taqueria meals, I can't wait to get back there.
We also hit up the Vortex, because you simply can't visit ATL and not go to the Vortex. It's the craziest little bar/restaurant jam packed with people all the time for their famous burgers. You have to be 18 to enter, you can smoke inside, and you can't see a piece of wall anywhere even if you moved some stuff around. They have tons of old concert posters, ATL street signs, old advertisements, and notoriously a motorcycle hanging from the ceiling, in addition to a billion other doodads hanging off the walls and ceiling. When we finally got our table (we went at 7 o'clock on Friday, expect a wait), I ordered the guacamole burger. They have so so so many creative burgers, like the Elvis burger with peanut butter and bananas or the heart attack, a burger sandwiched between two grilled cheeses, with tots. Their epically delicious tots. So my gauc burger was so nom nomy- you may be thinking 'guacamole on a burger??' but remember, I worked at burger joint- I got creative with my burgers. It this one came with especially good guacamole, a particularly well flavored burger on a bun that could hold all the juices in. And the mound of tater tots they provide could not be ignored, so it was devoured. The tots might have been better than the burger, but I'm a sucker for anything fried.
We also went to this bar called Twains in Decatur. It was a little expensive, but they had a live band playing and we could play pool (for ten dollars!). We got a pitcher of one of Twain's home brews, a light ale called Mad Happy- it was delicious, like a Magic Hat 9, but a little hoppier. And this guy that was playing, his name was John Gradsen or something like that, but he gave up his post for a while and started doing an open mic thing, which I thought was great. They have live music fairly frequently there and it's definitely a great Decatur hang out.
You might be thinking, 'that's all the music you got? some open mic night?' but no, don't think I would ever stand for that. At the end of my trip, we stayed a night in Athens, which is a fabulous little town absolutely dominated but college and grad students. A pretty great scene, if I do say so myself. We went to this place called Tasty World to see a friend's band, Mama's Love. The bar was not huge, probably 150 max, but they brought in a lot of kids and the audience was really into it. The band that went on first, called The Moderate, was just as the name would imply which is only one reason why that's a bad band name. They were decent though, a lot of heart and soul, very 90's pop rock influenced, and with a sax, which you can't go wrong with. These kids were from DC, so they drove a long way like me to perform for kind of a weak audience. But toward the end of their 45 minute set, a lot more people had showed up and they got a lot of cheers and screams. Mama's Love came next, with about an hour and a half set. They set up lights and a fog machine and opened their set with a bang. The whole thing was funky and creative, pushing boundaries, a perfect combination of Phish jams, String Cheese-y playfulness, and Widespread Panic-like lyrics and vocals. Two of the members of Panic were supposedly going to be at this show, but I'm not sure if they did. In any case, Mama's Love brought the house down, there was an undeniable energy in the crowd that reflected the compositions, and after the show, the band said it was the best they'd played yet.
That's about all I got for you, definitely check out Mama's Love- they're the next big thing. I still haven't touched on my Phish of the week, but I can start that next time. xoxo gossip girl?
January 2, 2010
The Two Loves of My Life
Happy 2010!! I don't believe that it's already here, I'm supposed to graduate college this year! It has been a year so far off my whole life, I never thought it would come. Two thousand ten, almost as dramatic as year two thousand itself. And if I'm going to graduate college this year, it better seem like I've just completed a four year course of study in writing. In those efforts, I've begun this blog. If any one but me ever reads it, great, but if not, it's for me to write, react, commit, and work on something. So what do I write about? Well, I can only think of the two loves of my life- music and food. More specifically, Phish and fish, but we'll get to details later.
I love music of all kinds and, like many people, I can't and don't want to imagine a world without it. I love to listen to live music, you sense the energy and feel the emotion and the music is transformed into something entirely different. But I go to all types of shows, from acoustic sets to electronic DJ's to jam bands to punk rock to singer/songwriter types to local bands doing their first gig in an empty bar. Here, I plan to write any reactions to shows I go to, as I'm lucky enough to witness a decent amount of live music.
For example, on New Years Eve, I saw Lotus and MSTRKRFT at the Electric Factory in Philly. The venue was decent, I hate the PA law that separates 21 year old from underage kids, I went to the show with my 20 year old sister and couldn't stand with her? Lame. But I guess the show was a little rushed (MSTRKRFT did have to to get to NYC by 3 am) because Lotus went on at 930 exactly. They opened with Grayrigg, which was a nice way to ease into the night, followed by a Dane Jeer Us into Da Funk, a Daft Punk cover, back into DJU and into a great jam, quick, high energy, right into Jump Off. Halfway through the first set, the crowd finally filled up and the first floor was really bumpin'. They closed first set with Simian, Wax with a DAY TRIPPER tease in there, which could have been better but was still pretty tight. Then they pulled out Blacklight Sunflair and Tip of the Tongue, which had a 7 Nation Army tease. Pretty good first set, but you could tell kids were waiting for something better. It was almost like Lotus was waiting for something better too, and they brought it, but only after MSTRKRFT rang in the New Year for us. They played a fairly heavy set, but I knew they were itching to get out of there. A three hour drive up to New York is no simple task and they had only three hours. So in between Lotus and MSTRKRFT each time were the Playloop and Plex DJ's which were not that impressive, but when Lotus got back on they brought it hard for the rest of the night, which went something like this: Spiritualize with a Kids (MGMT) cover squeezed in, Tarasque with The Ocean (Zepplin) cover, Bellweather with an Enter Sandman (Metallica) cover. So so good, they really brought the house down with these three. Then Dowrn, 128 with a hot jam, Hammerstrike, Sunrain into Flower Sermon which had a Crazy Train (Ozzy) cover, ending with Sunrain. The set was really incredible, really high energy, and really on point. Way to go, Lotus, thank you for a great New Years rager.
If you're still with me, or rather if I'm still with me, let's move on to the second love of my life- food! This blog will help me explore new recipes and start cooking more often. If I want to live on my own and stay healthy, I have to start cooking- that's the end of it, there is no other way. Thankfully, I got a starter cookbook for Christmas. It's got all the essential cookware I need, like different sized pots and pans (nonstick, of course) and mixing bowls and yaddah yaddah. They give me basic directions about cooking, like when to sautee or fry, or when to use oil over butter, or basic temperature things. A very helpful cookbook overall, I look forward to using it back at school. As for now, I brought in the new year with chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, and eggs. I ate that before the hangover hit, so that was basically all for the day. Dinner was some raviolis, which I always recommend be eaten with tomato sauce. Tonight, I made salmon with carrots and onions, broiled (I believe) at 400 for 20ish minutes. And mashers with the peel and carrots. Nom Nom Nom Nom!!! Very yummy.
I didn't even proclaim my endless love for Phish in this post. There will be plenty of time for that I guess, after all, we've got all of 2010! More next week.
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