My Year in Music 2009
This is the first time since I’ve started recapping my year in music (2006, 2007, 2008) that Phish was back. So I’ve got to change things up a bit since a club show, no matter how good, really doesn’t compare to Phish show.
Raw Statistics
Phish Shows – 21
Other Shows – 13
Studio Albums
5) Garage A Trois – “Power Patriot”
I have to admit I was a little worried how GAT would sound with Marco Benevento’s keyboard weirdness replacing Charlie Hunter’s guitar wizardry. But from the opening notes of the album Benevento makes his presence known without overpowering the music. GAT certainly sounds different with no guitar but Stanton Moore, Skerik and Mike Dillon can still hold down a fierce groove. If you are looking for some peppy offbeat jazz that can get groovy and spacey alike, look no further.
4) Medeski Martin & Wood – “Radiolarians II”
I know the general consensus is that “Radiolarians III” is the best of the Radiolarian Series, but I beg to differ. While “III” certainly does have some good tunes it’s not as solid from start to finish as “II” is. To me “II” is MMW’s best work since 2000’s “The Dropper.” On “II” MMW was able to once again strike that perfect balance between abstract spacey-ness, groove and piano trio. Overall “II” and “III” are probably must haves for any MMW fan.
3) Soulive – “Up Here”
After 2007’s “No Place Like Soul” I was more than a little worried about Soulive’s direction. But with “Up Here” Soulive returns to their roots as the rocking funk/soul trio we all know and love. Joining the core trio on “Up Here” are The Shady Horns (Ryan Zoidis & Sam Kininger) and trust me these two make a big difference. This album has a little bit of everything but mostly its just good old-fashioned Soulive kicking it like only they can.
2) Phish – “Joy” and “Party Time”
Phish returned to the recording world with a double album that displayed both their newfound maturity and the once lost love of their own craft. While some phans might think the album is too generic with no jams, I for one really like “Joy.” After all it is a studio album, and when looked at through that lens I’m not sure how one couldn’t appreciate it. Other than the quirky little ditty “I Been Around” there’s not a bad song on the disc.
“Party Time” is the companion disc to “Joy,” and while “Party Time” is not quite as polished from start to finish, it still packs many highlights. Page McConnell’s “If I Told You” chief among them. With outtakes ranging from 1998 to 2009 you have to almost be amazed at what Phish leaves on the cutting room floor. In fact, “Party Time” has seen many more plays than “Joy” in my house. (Random sidebar: I hope I’m in attendance for the Phish debut of “The Birdwatcher.”)
1) The Black Crowes – “Before the Frost…Until the Freeze”
This double release tour de force is hands down the best studio album of the year, and it’s not even close. This is the Crowes returning to the glory days of 1992’s “The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion” and 1994’s “Amorica.” Just like Phish, the Crowes are in a much better place after returning from their breakup and they likely delivered their version of the classic Grateful Dead duo of “American Beauty/Workingman’s Dead” here. Yes, I’m serious.
This double disc was recorded in front of a live audience at Levon Helm’s Woodstock, NY studio dubbed The Barn. With Luther Dickinson and Adam MacDougall now firmly entrenched as full time members of the band, and guests Larry Campbell (banjo, fiddle & pedal steel) and Joe Magistro (percussion), you can really feel the down home comfortable vibe they had going on.
Rather than give you all the highlights, I’ll just say go buy or download it instead. You’ll thank me later.
Official Live Releases
I only bought seven non-download releases this year, so I’m going to shorten up the list to my top three.
3) theNEWDEAL – “live: TORONTO 7.16.09” – CD with highlights from 7/16/09
Released in late December this bad boy slides in right under the wire. Recorded in their hometown of Toronto “7.16.09” finds tND in a very playful and relaxed mood. The songs list is pretty standard with “Gnome,” “Deep Sun,” and “Gone Gone Gone” all checking in, but as with all tND shows the jams define this disc. This one is perfect for late night when your party needs a boost of energy.
2) New Monsoon – “Live” – 2 CD compilation of 9/17,19-20/08
With new members Sean Hutchinson and Marshall Harrell on the road for over a year these shows where the end of an extended period of transition for the band before they took a well-earned break. These discs are the perfect prescription to get any Monsooniac though this period of time where the Bay Area quintet isn’t gigging very much. The first disc focuses more on songs with only “Naked Truth” and “Rattlesnake Ride” stretching out. The second disc is where their jamming steps to the forefront. Overall NM is a tight well-oiled rock and roll machine here, and of special note is that the 9/20 show was in Houston just days after hurricane Ike hit.
1) Phish – “The Clifford Ball” – 7 DVD’s of complete 8/16-17/96 (including sound check & flatbed jam)
I’m not sure what more I can say about this historic moment that hasn’t already been said? This was Phish’s first multi-day campout festival in the middle of nowhere, seven more would follow. These were my fifth and sixth Phish shows respectively and I went all the way up to Plattsburgh, NY by myself (what a noob I was). Anyway, its all here in surround sound and the multi-camera shoot doesn’t miss anything. Oh yeah, and the band was on fire for six sets making this a must have for any phan.
Top 4 Non-Phish Shows
4) 10/23/09 – Umphrey’s McGee – Eugene, OR – McDonald Theatre (15th show)
I: Cemetery Walk, Rocker (part II), Great American > Andy’s Last Beer, Words, Tribute to the Spinal Shaft
II: Ocean Billy, Pay the Snucka, The Song Remains the Same, Cemetery Walk II, Syncopated Strangers, Partyin’ Peeps, Hangover > Pay the Snucka
E: Mulche’s Odyssey
This was the first Umphrey’s show in Eugene since 5/11/05 and the turnout was still good. In fact I think the band was pretty surprised not only by the amount of people but at how rowdy and into it they were. The first set started out a little slow with “Cemetery Walk” but got rolling with “Rocker.” “Great American” was sublime and the transition into “Andy’s Last Beer” was flawless. “Words” kept things rolling and the closing “Spinal Shaft” stretched out to almost 23 minutes and was certainly a highlight of the evening.
The second set really got started for me with Led Zeppelin’s “Song Remains the Same.” Man, does the Umph ever pull this one off nicely. But the meat of the show came next with the one-two punch of “Cemetery Walk II” and “Syncopated Strangers,” with “Walk II” being another highlight. I guarantee that “Peeps” was played as a shout out to the crowd and “Hangover” slid ever so smoothly back into “Snucka.” “Mulche’s” was really just icing on the cake and I doubt it will be another four years before UM returns to Eugene.
3) 4/17/09 – Yonder Mountain String Band – Eugene, OR – McDonald Theatre (5th show)
I: Rambling Boy, River, Only a Northern Song, Ain’t No Way of Knowing, A Father’s Arms, Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms, Peace of Mind > Girlfriend is Better, Fingerprint > Boatman > Peace of Mind
II: Blue Collar Blues, Kentucky Mandolin, Nothin’ But Nothin’, Rain Still Falls, Big Mon, Out of the Blue, Just the Same, Traffic Jam > One Love, Granny Woncha Smoke Some > Traffic Jam
E: Tear Down the Grand Ol’ Opry, Country Boy Rock & Roll
with Sam Bush on fiddle, mandolin & vocals entire show
There was a wild energy in the room for this one right off the bat. For starters Jeff Austin is a personal friend of the production manager at the McDonald. Next Sam Bush’s sister lives in Lane County. The place ran out of beer, they played past curfew and two girls got in a fight on the front row. We’re talking some serious electricity in the air.
As for the music all five musicians were obviously having a blast and the Yonder guys were clearly psyched to be sharing the stage with one of their idols. The highlights for me were the end of each set. “Peace of Mind” into the Talking Heads “Girlfriend is Better” was just sick. And “Boatman” back into “Peace of Mind” closed set one out nicely. But it was the “Traffic Jam” that was absolutely fierce. Bob Marley’s “One Love” and John Hartford’s “Granny” got a little shticky, but “Traffic Jam” brought it home in epic style.
2) 12/29/09 – The Heavy Pets – Miami, FL – Tobacco Road (2nd show)
This Side Up, Black Ice > Madagascar, Help Me Help You, Song for John, Xylophone > So Thank You Music, Grace Blix, Waiting for a Sign, Eleanor B Roosevelt, Played Again, Jackie Bones
E: Drenched
In my advanced years I can’t rage late night shows every night like I used to, nor do I really feel the need especially after a Phish show. But the chance to catch my second Pets show (the first being 7/29 before Red Rocks) on their home turf was too good to pass up. We got there around 12:30 during “This Side Up” and the place was small, packed and stuffy hot. It took forever to get a beer (thanks Bill) but once “Black Ice” started it was all good. “Ice” shredded like it always does and faded into an excellently played “Madagascar.”
But the jams were really just getting started. “HMHY” was 20 minutes of sickness. “Song for John” was the only down tempo song I remember and “Xylophone” was really just a massive build up before the drop into a 35 minute “STYM.” I mean, if you are a Pets novice or a doubter I challenge you to listen to this “STYM” and not come away impressed. The jam had one of everything and two of the better sellers.
“Grace Blix” was a perfect way for everyone to get their heads back about themselves before the Pets started up an absolutely ripping 17 minute “Waiting for a Sign.” By this time Teri was riding the rail, singing along and making eye contact with her new young heroes. After “Sign” it was like 2:30 and our old assess were done. We heard “Elber” outside waiting for our cab and were bummed we missed the closing “Jackie Bones.”
Overall though this was exactly what a young band playing a late night after Phish should have done. They jammed the shit out of everything they played and kept the place boogying like there was no tomorrow. There wasn’t a single person that left this show thinking anything less than “These guys are going places.”
1) 3/5/09 – the Disco Biscuits – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa (17th show)
I: The Overture > Caves of the East, Nughuffer > The Great Abyss > Spacebirdmatingcall > Nughuffer
II: Mirrors^, The Very Moon > Voices Insane > I-Man > Crickets > I-Man > Orch Theme > I-Man
E: Hope > The Overture
^ 1st time played
We got into the NorVa during “Caves of the East.” The place was packed and sweaty, but there were some places to boogie if you searched hard enough. After a brief hello from bassist Marc Brownstein the boys started up a “Nughuffer.” The story didn't have much to it, but at the 5:13 mark they drop into some serious Bisco madness that doesn’t let up until the end of the set. The rest of “Nughuffer” just builds into a sick “Great Abyss” which went on for almost 23 minutes.
At this point Teri and I were in the upstairs bar, drinks in hand, dancing our asses off. “Spacebird” is always nice to hear and took the dance party into a somewhat more ambient direction. The segue back into “Nughuffer” was seamless and we were left amazed after only about an hour of music. Overall this was about all I could ask for in a first set after only being on the East Coast for a few hours.
Set number two opened up with a brand new Brownie tune called “Mirrors.” It had an island feel to it and was well received by the hardcore’s in attendance. From there stuff got crazy again with “Very Moon > Voices Insane > I-Man > Crickets > I-Man.” I stop it there only because we left somewhere around the “Crickets > I-Man” section. Hey, it was already one o’clock in the morning, we had an hour long cab ride staring us in the face and some pretty pressing business the next day.
Top 10
I managed to see shows on every tour this year except for fall. I purposely didn’t review any Phish shows after Hampton saving my thunder for this piece. Keep in mind this is one man's opinion on the shows he saw, nothing more.
10) 3/8/09 – Hampton, VA – Hampton Coliseum (88th show)
I: Sanity*, Wilson, Foam, Bathtub Gin, Undermind^, AC/DC Bag, My Friend My Friend, Scent of a Mule, All of These Dreams, Maze, She Thinks I Still Care^, Army of One, Tube, Cars Trucks Buses, Free, Frankenstein
II: Down with Disease > Seven Below, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, Twist > Also Sprach Zarathustra, The Moma Dance, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Wading in the Velvet Sea, Slave to the Traffic Light
E: Contact, Bug, Tweezer Reprise
* last played 11/27/98
^ 1st time played
I’d be remiss if a Hampton show didn’t make the top ten. You can check out my full Reunion Rundown here.
9) 6/21/09 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre (92nd show)
I: Brother, Wolfman's Brother, Funky Bitch, The Divided Sky, Joy, Back on the Train, Taste, Poor Heart, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Avenu Malkenu > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday, Time Turns Elastic
II: Crosseyed and Painless > Down with Disease > Bug > Piper > Wading in the Velvet Sea, Boogie On Reggae Woman, Slave to the Traffic Light
E: Grind, Frankenstein
This show got off to an auspicious start when one by one all of the band member’s children got into a tub at the front of the stage. It was a nice homage to Father’s Day and made Kenny look like a genius as he called the “Brother” opener walking into the venue. It was also very nice to be sixth row Page side for this gag. The rest of the first set was pretty standard save for a ripping version of Son Seals’ “Funky Bitch,” my second “TMWSIY > Avenu > TMWSIY” and my first “TTE.”
Set number two is really what made this show though. The first 3.0 version of the Talking Heads’ “Crosseyed and Painless” came out of nowhere and melted into some ambient weirdness before sliding perfectly into “DwD.” This one-two punch clocked in at nearly half an hour of total sickness. After a “Bug” interlude the boys took “Piper” way out there and crafted a version of the song that I thoroughly enjoyed (for a change). Stevie Wonder’s “Boogie On” was fun and the “Slave” was expertly played for a perfect capper to the night.
8) 8/8/09 – George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre (99th show)
I: The Mango Song, Chalkdust Torture, Middle of the Road^, Tweezer, Driver, Twenty Years Later, Ya Mar, It's Ice, Wolfman's Brother, Character Zero, Run Like an Antelope
II: Rock and Roll > Makisupa Policeman, Alaska, The Wedge, You Enjoy Myself, Backwards Down the Number Line > Piper, Grind
E: Good Times Bad Times, Tweezer Reprise
^ 1st time played
I have to start out with a disclaimer that I may have this show too low, but it was the final night of our seven-show run and we were both very worn out for this one. My first “Mango” since 1999 was a nice way to start things off and “Chalkdust” always keeps the momentum rolling. Leo Kottke’s “Middle of the Road” was debuted next and really grew on me in subsequent listenings. The band’s second ever take on “Twenty Years” was nice to hear as was the always welcome “It’s Ice.”
The second set once again provided the meat of the show with the Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll” gracing us with 23 minutes of fierce jamming. “YEM” was the next highlight and packed a little something extra under the stars of the Gorge. The real sleeper portion of the show was the closing 20-minute duo of “BDTNL > Piper.” While it may not look good on paper when you hear it you’ll understand. Led Zeppelin’s “GTBT” was a rockin’ way to close out an awesome weekend of shows.
7) 8/1/09 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (95th show)
I: AC/DC Bag, The Curtain With, Mound, Gotta Jibboo, Guyute, Punch You in the Eye, Tube, Alaska, Run Like an Antelope
II: Rock and Roll > Down with Disease > Free, Esther*, Dirt, Harry Hood
E: Sleeping Monkey, First Tube
* last played 9/30/2000
The third night of Red Rocks had a lot to live up to after the previous night’s disgusting second set, but Phish kept the momentum rolling like only they can. The first “Curtain With” since the horrendously botched version that ended Coventry was performed with verve. The first “Mound” since the original comeback show (12/31/02) was an excellent treat and let everyone know the boys meant business. My first 3.0 “Jibboo” got the dance party started and “Guyute,” “PYITE,” “Tube” kept the momentum rolling. The set closing “Antelope” did not disappoint either making this the best first set of the entire Red Rocks run.
The second set was no slouch either but when compared to the night before it doesn’t quite measure up. That said the “R&R > DwD > Free” was 37+ minutes of risk taking improvisational madness. The return of “Esther” was not only a surprise but expertly played as well. “Dirt” was the only breather of the set before a majestic “Hood” closed out this fine summer evening in the mountains. All of our friends and the people around us thought the second set was a little short but a raging “First Tube” encore succeeded in quelling those mild concerns.
6) 6/19/09 – Noblesville, IN – Verizon Wireless Music Center (90th show)
I: Backwards Down the Number Line, AC/DC Bag, Limb by Limb, The Moma Dance, Water in the Sky, Split Open and Melt, Lawn Boy, The Wedge, Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan, The Connection^, Ocelot, Fluffhead
II: A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing > Drowned > Twist, Let Me Lie, Tweezer > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Suzy Greenberg, Possum
E: Sleeping Monkey > Tweezer Reprise
^ 1st time played
Back at Deer Creek for the first time since 8/11/97 I was psyched up and ready for a good time. I actually thought the first set started off a little slowly. “Moma” got things rolling and “Melt” took them to the next level with a nice jam. But it was the closing quintet of tunes that really made this first set something special. Four of the final five songs were 3.0 debuts for me, but none more special than the concert debut of “The Connection.” I’m one of the rare few that actually likes this song and is willing to dance to it. I ran to the bathroom when “Fluffhead” started which turned out to be a great move.
At set break there was a tremendous thunderstorm with all the trimmings; sheets of thick rain, loud thunder and crazy-ass lightning. It was so bad that Page came out and announced that the second set would be delayed until 11 PM and that the lawn needed to be cleared immediately. Good thing too, because as crazy as the storm was it got much worse with lightning flying all over the sky. At this point we were oh so glad to be under the pavilion as the lawn people had to go back to their cars.
When the show started back up again there was a wild energy in the crowd; like anything could and would happen next. Well it did with the fifth ever and last of the year “Ocean Sing” opening the set up in grand style. “ASIHTOS” went way out there into some serious psychedelic spaces before transitioning into The Who’s “Drowned.” “Drowned” is not normally a cover I look forward to but this version was different, way different. What made it special was Trey Anastasio’s energy. Big Red was jumping up and down just chomping at the bit to rip the jam section and when the band got there he took over big time. After a seriously energetic “Drowned” splashed down into “Twist” the opening triumvirate was complete. Wow.
After a half hour of intense and energetic jamming “Let Me Lie” was a needed break. But then the boys dove right back in with a muscular “Tweezer” that got the crowd revved up again and threw them into a frenzy when it morphed into “2001.” “Suzy” and “Possum” were just icing on the cake at this point and when “Tweeprise” dropped the lightning was back just in time for the end of the show.
5) 12/31/09 – Miami, FL – American Airlines Arena (106th show)
I: AC/DC Bag, 46 Days, Water in the Sky, Bathtub Gin, Punch You in the Eye, The Moma Dance, Guyute, Swept Away* > Steep*, Demand** > Seven Below, Lawn Boy, Julius
II: Rock and Roll > Piper, Simple, Theme from the Bottom, Shine a Light, Ghost > NO2***, Suzy Greenberg
III: Party Time > Auld Lang Syne > Down with Disease, Fluffhead, Joy, The Squirming Coil, You Enjoy Myself
E: Blue Moon^, Loving Cup
* last played 7/1/00
** last played 11/14/96
*** last played 7/13/99
^ 1st time played
Another disclaimer is probably need here as I had waaaaay too much fun on New Year’s Eve. So this show could either be too high or too low but after several re-listens it certainly deserves to be in the Top 10. The first set gradually built the momentum until “Gin” dropped and all hell broke loose. After that it was high energy romps through “PYITE,” “Moma” and “Guyute.” I remember back in ’96 when I was sick of hearing “Swept > Steep” every other night, but it was truly a pleasant surprise on this evening. What came next was an even bigger shock with “Demand” appearing out of the ether. (Side note: I’ve now seen the last two renderings of “Demand.”) The segue into “7 Below” was just what I needed and my first 3.0 “Julius” closed the set out on an energetic note.
Set number two featured yet another standout version of “R&R” to kick things off and the jam dropped into a raging “Piper.” This one-two punch could not have played to the energy in the arena any better. “Simple” and “Theme” kept the momentum going and the Rolling Stones’ “Shine a Light” was the absolute perfect choice for a mid-set down tempo number. The “Ghost” that came next was swamp-funk thick and took the dance party to the next level. As “Ghost” started to drone to an end my personal biggest bust out of the show happened with my first ever “NO2.” It wasn’t really a musical highlight just very nice to finally hear. The “Suzy” that closed the set felt rushed to me, but that is picking nits.
Me and everyone else called the “Party Time > Auld Lang Syne > DwD” kick off to set three, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t good. The balloons drop, you kiss your lady and then you hear Mike Gordon drop thump, thump/thump-thump-thump-thump/thump, thump and it’s ON. While this “DwD” doesn’t measure up to some of the other monsters from 2009 I’m not complaining at all. The New Year’s gag was pulled off with aplomb, but from behind the stage (where you could see what was really going on) it wasn’t quite the same.
The rest of the set was filled with heavy hitters to close out the year that Phish returned to take over the world again. “Joy” was poignant and “YEM” was particularly well played and the Stones “Loving Cup” sent us off into the warm Miami night with smiles on our faces.
4) 7/31/09 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (94th show)
I: Runaway Jim, Chalkdust Torture, Bathtub Gin, Time Turns Elastic, Lawn Boy, Water in the Sky, Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan, Split Open and Melt
II: Drowned > Crosseyed and Painless > Joy, Tweezer, Backwards Down the Number Line, Fluffhead > Piper > A Day in the Life
E: Suzy Greenberg, Tweezer Reprise
This show got off to a well played but uneven start in my mind with things not really taking off until a nasty “Stealing Time.” The “Melt” that came after that was otherworldly though. I have to set the scene first. Clouds had been moving in all set and what had been a drizzling rain at first was working its way into a full on downpour. When “Melt” started the rain was picking up and as “Melt” started to get more intense so did the rain. It was one of those times where Phish was seemingly at one with nature, or better yet, controlling nature with their playing. As the psychedelic fury of “Melt” built up the rain kept coming down harder and harder pushing the boys to whole new plain. It certainly holds up on CD too, but if you were there this is one of those moments that you travel all over the place for.
By the time the second set started the rain was gone and the sky was clear, but the playing was just as intense. “Drowned” got things started again but this rain-themed version isn’t quite on the same level as Deer Creek’s. That said the transition into “C&P” was 100% flawless. I thought so at the time and upon re-listen it’s almost better. When Jon Fishman bellowed “Lost my SHIT trying to act casual” it seemed to fit the mood of the entire venue. Feeding off that energy the band took “C&P” into the stratosphere before giving everyone a breather with “Joy.” Normally that 29 minute opening section would be enough to carry a show, but this Red Rocks, this is the edge!
The “Tweezer” that came next brought some serious funk and a middle jammed out section that can only be described as crack-like. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve re-listened to this version. Anyway, the next highlight was “Fluffhead” which featured a pretty serious tease of “Dave’s Energy Guide” in the closing peak. Instead of bringing this “Fluff” to a normal close the boys faded the ending into “Piper.” While I heard better versions of “Piper” in 2009 this one was unique because it ended with piano solo by Page that led perfectly into the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life.” What a glorious way to close this epic night, but it wasn’t done yet. In the “Suzy” encore Trey managed to tease both “Drowned” and “C&P” getting huge cheers from the appreciative crowd.
3) 11/1/09 – Indio, CA – Empire Polo Club (102nd show)
I: Water in the Sky, Back on the Train, Brian and Robert, Invisible^, Strange Design, Mountains in the Mist, The Curtain With, Army of One, Sleep Again^, My Sweet One, Let Me Lie, Bouncing Around the Room, Train Song, Wilson, McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters
E: Driver, Talk, Secret Smile
II: AC/DC Bag, Rift, Gotta Jibboo, Heavy Things, Reba, The Wedge, Guelah Papyrus, Undermind, Sparkle, Split Open and Melt
III: Tweezer > Maze, Free, Sugar Shack, Limb by Limb, Theme from the Bottom, Mike's Song > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Light > Slave to the Traffic Light
E: Grind, Esther, Tweezer Reprise
^ 1st time played
We were more prepared for the heat than we were the day before as we walked over to the stage just before noon, but still, it was HOT. We settled in to a spot just off center Fish side and got ready for…well we didn’t really know what to expect. What followed was arguably the biggest treat of the entire weekend.
I was already parked when Trey asked the crowd to sit after “Train” so my view improved dramatically with everyone seated. The first highlight for me was the Phish debut of Mike’s “Invisible.” The acoustic setting certainly did this tune justice. I’m never going to complain about “Strange Design” and this one did not disappoint. “Mist” was another song that really flourished acoustically.
Mike then asked the crowd if they were “Sitting because they had to or because they wanted to?” I figured something good was coming and I couldn’t resist jumping to my feet when “Curtain” started. The “With” portion was sublime, just perfectly executed. I always like when Page channels his inner Elton John and “Army of One” is the perfect vehicle for that. I was really psyched to hear the debut of Trey’s “Sleep Again,” just wished I heard the electric version they dropped in Philly.
“MSO” gave the bluegrass fans their fix and “Train Song” delivered like it should when played acoustic. The combo of “Wilson” and “McGrupp” brought the set to a close in style. I never thought “Wilson” would be an acoustic pick but “McGrupp?” I almost jumped out of my sandals while standing up to boogie, and my-oh-my did they ever nail this Gamehendge classic. I was totally satisfied after that and did not expect an encore, but I certainly wasn’t upset when they came back out. Only the second “Talk” since ’98 and my first in 87 shows was very nice to hear and “Secret Smile” closed things out on a poignant note.
The second set opened with a nice “AC/DC Bag,” “Rift” one-two punch. “Jibboo” really got the dance party started in earnest though. “Reba” and “Guelah” were both flubbed a little but I’m not complaining. My third “Undermind” was nice to hear and the closing “Melt” took things way out there in a good way. Calling this the weakest set of the day is by no means meant to be a slight in any way. It just happens that this set was sandwiched in between some seriously decadent Phish.
When the boys open a set with “Tweezer > Maze” you know they mean business. “Tweezer” rocked out with a steady groove before dissolving into a frenetic “Maze.” This 25+ minutes of madness didn’t let up when “Free” appeared next as the rest tune. Mike’s bass bombs were shaking the field and everyone’s ass was moving. My favorite version of “Sugar Shack” stepped up next before the real fireworks began.
Starting with “Mike’s” Phish laid the blueprint for how to end a festival on the right note(s). After a rocking “Mike’s” you could almost hear “H2” coming but the boys pulled a fast one and dropped into the super-funk of “2001.” Something about the night air and “2001” just seems to fit as Kuroda’s lights did their thing to the festival grounds. The transition into “Light” wasn’t stellar but the jam out of the composed section was. “Light” went way, way out there into the ambient darkness before oozing into “Slave.” The perfect big show closer came through once again and the missing “Weekapaug” was not on my mind in the least after this 42+ minutes of sickness.
After such a strong set I figured the encore would be mailed in, but to my surprise the boys decided to throw “Esther” in for good measure. In my opinion this was hands down the best set of electric Phish at Festival 8. In fact, as soon as “2001” came out of “Mike’s” I thought to myself; “It doesn’t matter what they play from here on in, this set takes the cake.” We were exhausted and emotionally drained on the walk back to the RV, but oh so satisfied as well.
2) 8/7/09 – George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre (98th show)
I: Down with Disease, Ocelot, Pebbles and Marbles, Possum, Sleep, Destiny Unbound, Stash, Sneaking Sally Through the Alley, Cavern
II: The Moma Dance, Light > Taste, Fluffhead, Joy, Bathtub Gin, Harry Hood
E: Slave to the Traffic Light
After an afternoon that consisted of bouncing around the campground to see friends, some serious partying and a couple hour nap I was ready to go. We managed to get ourselves about 20-30 rows back on Page side as we waited while the sun was setting. This show did not get off to positive start for me as I had just heard “DwD” at Shoreline the show before. Although this “DwD” stuck to the shallows I was still a little surprised to hear it again so soon.
All was forgotten when a Grateful Dead-esque “Ocelot” dropped next. Then came the first 3.0 “P&M” that I had been waiting on. It wasn’t the best version ever but I was still super happy to hear it. “Possum” kept the momentum rolling and “Sleep” was a great change of pace song. From here the set got just disgusting though.
My first ever “Destiny” was a bittersweet experience unfortunately. On one hand I was oh so happy to finally hear it but Trey was either trying something different or just flat out missed the opening guitar riff. Nonetheless, I’ll take it and smile. After another standout version of “Stash” that stretched almost 14 minutes the best jam of my year happened. Allen Toussaint’s “Sneaking Sally” was 18+ minutes of risk taking tight rope walking mastery that included the boys going in and out of a YEM-style vocal jam. But it was jam after the vocal jam where the real magic happened. This jam moved through three distinct sections with the middle section being my favorite. This one must be heard to be believed.
Oh, but the night was far from over. “Moma” was the perfect opener to shake the cobwebs loose and reignite the party, but it was my first ever “Light” where the second set really started to shape up. “Light” did all that I hoped it could it do and more in only its third ever appearance. The jam took over the night sky soaring out to the stars before sliding into “Taste.” “Taste” almost felt the like end of the “Light” jam extended.
Anyway, “Fluffhead” filled the composed song slot and “Joy” the ballad spot before things got down and dirty again. The “Gin” that came next clocked in at 18 minutes but its greatness cannot be measured in time. Phish took it way out there in a rocking/grooving way before ending it with some ambient weirdness. I’d put the “Sally” and “Gin” from this show up against any two jams from the same show in 2009. Yes, they were that good.
The 16+ minute “Hood” that came next could have only been played at the Gorge. The boys took their time and built things up slowly into an epic peak under the Washington high desert night sky. To me the “Slave” encore was the band understanding what an epic show they had just thrown down and wanting to close it off in a way that befit such a monumental evening. And “Slave” did just that like it always does.
1) 12/30/09 – Miami, FL – American Airlines Arena (105th show)
I: Soul Shakedown Party, Runaway Jim, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Dixie Cannonball^, Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan, Corrina, What's the Use, Tela*, Gone^, Rocky Top, Chalkdust Torture, David Bowie
II: Sand, The Curtain With, Lifeboy, Back on the Train > Wading in the Velvet Sea, Love You**, Free, Boogie On Reggae Woman > Run Like an Antelope
E: Frankenstein
^ 1st time played
* last played 11/24/98
** with Rich on vacuum
Thanks to mail order we were fifth row Page side for the second night in a row, and what a show to be that close for. Once we heard the opening notes of Bob Marley’s “Soul Shakedown Party” we knew it was a harbinger of good things to come, but we had no clue on what level. “Jim” was a placeholder until the next 3.0 debut hit. Page absolutely tore up ZZ Top’s “Jesus,” both vocally and on the keys. Mike got his turn next on the debut of Hank Williams’ “Dixie Cannonball.” A short but ripping “Stealing Time” followed that then came the high point of 2009 Phish for me.
Taj Mahal’s “Corrina” came completely out of left field and caught me totally off guard. Phish nailed one of my all-time favorite covers that I hadn’t heard since Big Cypress (1999). Then “What’s the Use” continued the left field portion of the show with Trey spacing out the beginning before dropping the anvil heavy distorted guitar riff. Maybe “Use” wasn’t as practiced as the rest, but I didn’t hear anyone complaining.
Then my Holy Grail, “Tela,” happened next. I knew from the first note what it was and almost squeezed the air out of Teri I hugged her so hard. It had been an astounding 94 shows for me since I last heard the dulcet tones of the Chairman’s voice on “Tela.” And oh what a version. After not having been played at all since ’98 the boys completely nailed this Gamehendge rarity.
Not that I was blown away musically like with the “Sally” from the Gorge, but the one-two-three punch of “Corrina,” “What’s the Use,” “Tela” was the happiest I was at a Phish concert all year. It was the total rapture of an out of body floating experience that I travel all over for.
The Phab Phour was not done yet, not by a long shot. The debut of “Gone” was followed by only the second “Rocky Top” since ’00. With the left field portion of the show over the boys ripped into a fierce version of “Chalkdust.” It was so strong that it got me thinking that maybe this classic opener should be played as a closer a little more often. A spot on “Bowie” closed out the best first set of 2009 in my opinion.
The second set opened with only the second “Sand” of 2009 and got the dance party started immediately. It looked to me like Page called the next tune and he made a good choice. After a blast off to open the set the composed wonderment of “With” was a nice chance of pace. “Lifeboy” was another break out treat but it was the “Train” that followed where Phish really took the bull by the horns. “Train” was 17+ minutes Phish taking chances and succeeding wildly. This “Train” started out rocking in a bluesy way, then went into some spacey weirdness and came out on the other side rocking even harder before it trailed off into “Wading.”
Next up was the antics of Fish letting Rich take his vacuum solo during Syd Barrett’s “Love You” and then handing Rich his Electrolux at the conclusion of the song. After the frivolities were over a short but rocking “Free” reignited the arena. Then Mike started the bass bumps from “Boogie On” and the party was in full swing once again. Mr. Gordon just killed this tune taking the first solo before handing it off to Trey. Mr. Anastasio then took the reins and steered the band into the opening licks of “Antelope.” This weird transition led to some more fun as Trey teased “Boogie On” multiple time during “Antelope” creating the song “Boogie like a Reggae Antelope” or whatever combo you prefer.
The encore of Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein” was a perfect capper to a night that featured TEN songs that had yet to be played in 2009. For a setlist geek like me this was nirvana, but I can understand if this type of show isn’t your cup of tea. The thing about this magical night though is there was plenty of jam and musical exploration to go around too.
The recipient of this year’s coveted NBA-Jam band on the rise award is Kalamazoo, Michigan’s own Greensky Bluegrass.
Raw Statistics
Phish Shows – 21
Other Shows – 13
Studio Albums
5) Garage A Trois – “Power Patriot”
I have to admit I was a little worried how GAT would sound with Marco Benevento’s keyboard weirdness replacing Charlie Hunter’s guitar wizardry. But from the opening notes of the album Benevento makes his presence known without overpowering the music. GAT certainly sounds different with no guitar but Stanton Moore, Skerik and Mike Dillon can still hold down a fierce groove. If you are looking for some peppy offbeat jazz that can get groovy and spacey alike, look no further.
4) Medeski Martin & Wood – “Radiolarians II”
I know the general consensus is that “Radiolarians III” is the best of the Radiolarian Series, but I beg to differ. While “III” certainly does have some good tunes it’s not as solid from start to finish as “II” is. To me “II” is MMW’s best work since 2000’s “The Dropper.” On “II” MMW was able to once again strike that perfect balance between abstract spacey-ness, groove and piano trio. Overall “II” and “III” are probably must haves for any MMW fan.
3) Soulive – “Up Here”
After 2007’s “No Place Like Soul” I was more than a little worried about Soulive’s direction. But with “Up Here” Soulive returns to their roots as the rocking funk/soul trio we all know and love. Joining the core trio on “Up Here” are The Shady Horns (Ryan Zoidis & Sam Kininger) and trust me these two make a big difference. This album has a little bit of everything but mostly its just good old-fashioned Soulive kicking it like only they can.
2) Phish – “Joy” and “Party Time”
Phish returned to the recording world with a double album that displayed both their newfound maturity and the once lost love of their own craft. While some phans might think the album is too generic with no jams, I for one really like “Joy.” After all it is a studio album, and when looked at through that lens I’m not sure how one couldn’t appreciate it. Other than the quirky little ditty “I Been Around” there’s not a bad song on the disc.
“Party Time” is the companion disc to “Joy,” and while “Party Time” is not quite as polished from start to finish, it still packs many highlights. Page McConnell’s “If I Told You” chief among them. With outtakes ranging from 1998 to 2009 you have to almost be amazed at what Phish leaves on the cutting room floor. In fact, “Party Time” has seen many more plays than “Joy” in my house. (Random sidebar: I hope I’m in attendance for the Phish debut of “The Birdwatcher.”)
1) The Black Crowes – “Before the Frost…Until the Freeze”
This double release tour de force is hands down the best studio album of the year, and it’s not even close. This is the Crowes returning to the glory days of 1992’s “The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion” and 1994’s “Amorica.” Just like Phish, the Crowes are in a much better place after returning from their breakup and they likely delivered their version of the classic Grateful Dead duo of “American Beauty/Workingman’s Dead” here. Yes, I’m serious.
This double disc was recorded in front of a live audience at Levon Helm’s Woodstock, NY studio dubbed The Barn. With Luther Dickinson and Adam MacDougall now firmly entrenched as full time members of the band, and guests Larry Campbell (banjo, fiddle & pedal steel) and Joe Magistro (percussion), you can really feel the down home comfortable vibe they had going on.
Rather than give you all the highlights, I’ll just say go buy or download it instead. You’ll thank me later.
Official Live Releases
I only bought seven non-download releases this year, so I’m going to shorten up the list to my top three.
3) theNEWDEAL – “live: TORONTO 7.16.09” – CD with highlights from 7/16/09
Released in late December this bad boy slides in right under the wire. Recorded in their hometown of Toronto “7.16.09” finds tND in a very playful and relaxed mood. The songs list is pretty standard with “Gnome,” “Deep Sun,” and “Gone Gone Gone” all checking in, but as with all tND shows the jams define this disc. This one is perfect for late night when your party needs a boost of energy.
2) New Monsoon – “Live” – 2 CD compilation of 9/17,19-20/08
With new members Sean Hutchinson and Marshall Harrell on the road for over a year these shows where the end of an extended period of transition for the band before they took a well-earned break. These discs are the perfect prescription to get any Monsooniac though this period of time where the Bay Area quintet isn’t gigging very much. The first disc focuses more on songs with only “Naked Truth” and “Rattlesnake Ride” stretching out. The second disc is where their jamming steps to the forefront. Overall NM is a tight well-oiled rock and roll machine here, and of special note is that the 9/20 show was in Houston just days after hurricane Ike hit.
1) Phish – “The Clifford Ball” – 7 DVD’s of complete 8/16-17/96 (including sound check & flatbed jam)
I’m not sure what more I can say about this historic moment that hasn’t already been said? This was Phish’s first multi-day campout festival in the middle of nowhere, seven more would follow. These were my fifth and sixth Phish shows respectively and I went all the way up to Plattsburgh, NY by myself (what a noob I was). Anyway, its all here in surround sound and the multi-camera shoot doesn’t miss anything. Oh yeah, and the band was on fire for six sets making this a must have for any phan.
Top 4 Non-Phish Shows
4) 10/23/09 – Umphrey’s McGee – Eugene, OR – McDonald Theatre (15th show)
I: Cemetery Walk, Rocker (part II), Great American > Andy’s Last Beer, Words, Tribute to the Spinal Shaft
II: Ocean Billy, Pay the Snucka, The Song Remains the Same, Cemetery Walk II, Syncopated Strangers, Partyin’ Peeps, Hangover > Pay the Snucka
E: Mulche’s Odyssey
This was the first Umphrey’s show in Eugene since 5/11/05 and the turnout was still good. In fact I think the band was pretty surprised not only by the amount of people but at how rowdy and into it they were. The first set started out a little slow with “Cemetery Walk” but got rolling with “Rocker.” “Great American” was sublime and the transition into “Andy’s Last Beer” was flawless. “Words” kept things rolling and the closing “Spinal Shaft” stretched out to almost 23 minutes and was certainly a highlight of the evening.
The second set really got started for me with Led Zeppelin’s “Song Remains the Same.” Man, does the Umph ever pull this one off nicely. But the meat of the show came next with the one-two punch of “Cemetery Walk II” and “Syncopated Strangers,” with “Walk II” being another highlight. I guarantee that “Peeps” was played as a shout out to the crowd and “Hangover” slid ever so smoothly back into “Snucka.” “Mulche’s” was really just icing on the cake and I doubt it will be another four years before UM returns to Eugene.
3) 4/17/09 – Yonder Mountain String Band – Eugene, OR – McDonald Theatre (5th show)
I: Rambling Boy, River, Only a Northern Song, Ain’t No Way of Knowing, A Father’s Arms, Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms, Peace of Mind > Girlfriend is Better, Fingerprint > Boatman > Peace of Mind
II: Blue Collar Blues, Kentucky Mandolin, Nothin’ But Nothin’, Rain Still Falls, Big Mon, Out of the Blue, Just the Same, Traffic Jam > One Love, Granny Woncha Smoke Some > Traffic Jam
E: Tear Down the Grand Ol’ Opry, Country Boy Rock & Roll
with Sam Bush on fiddle, mandolin & vocals entire show
There was a wild energy in the room for this one right off the bat. For starters Jeff Austin is a personal friend of the production manager at the McDonald. Next Sam Bush’s sister lives in Lane County. The place ran out of beer, they played past curfew and two girls got in a fight on the front row. We’re talking some serious electricity in the air.
As for the music all five musicians were obviously having a blast and the Yonder guys were clearly psyched to be sharing the stage with one of their idols. The highlights for me were the end of each set. “Peace of Mind” into the Talking Heads “Girlfriend is Better” was just sick. And “Boatman” back into “Peace of Mind” closed set one out nicely. But it was the “Traffic Jam” that was absolutely fierce. Bob Marley’s “One Love” and John Hartford’s “Granny” got a little shticky, but “Traffic Jam” brought it home in epic style.
2) 12/29/09 – The Heavy Pets – Miami, FL – Tobacco Road (2nd show)
This Side Up, Black Ice > Madagascar, Help Me Help You, Song for John, Xylophone > So Thank You Music, Grace Blix, Waiting for a Sign, Eleanor B Roosevelt, Played Again, Jackie Bones
E: Drenched
In my advanced years I can’t rage late night shows every night like I used to, nor do I really feel the need especially after a Phish show. But the chance to catch my second Pets show (the first being 7/29 before Red Rocks) on their home turf was too good to pass up. We got there around 12:30 during “This Side Up” and the place was small, packed and stuffy hot. It took forever to get a beer (thanks Bill) but once “Black Ice” started it was all good. “Ice” shredded like it always does and faded into an excellently played “Madagascar.”
But the jams were really just getting started. “HMHY” was 20 minutes of sickness. “Song for John” was the only down tempo song I remember and “Xylophone” was really just a massive build up before the drop into a 35 minute “STYM.” I mean, if you are a Pets novice or a doubter I challenge you to listen to this “STYM” and not come away impressed. The jam had one of everything and two of the better sellers.
“Grace Blix” was a perfect way for everyone to get their heads back about themselves before the Pets started up an absolutely ripping 17 minute “Waiting for a Sign.” By this time Teri was riding the rail, singing along and making eye contact with her new young heroes. After “Sign” it was like 2:30 and our old assess were done. We heard “Elber” outside waiting for our cab and were bummed we missed the closing “Jackie Bones.”
Overall though this was exactly what a young band playing a late night after Phish should have done. They jammed the shit out of everything they played and kept the place boogying like there was no tomorrow. There wasn’t a single person that left this show thinking anything less than “These guys are going places.”
1) 3/5/09 – the Disco Biscuits – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa (17th show)
I: The Overture > Caves of the East, Nughuffer > The Great Abyss > Spacebirdmatingcall > Nughuffer
II: Mirrors^, The Very Moon > Voices Insane > I-Man > Crickets > I-Man > Orch Theme > I-Man
E: Hope > The Overture
^ 1st time played
We got into the NorVa during “Caves of the East.” The place was packed and sweaty, but there were some places to boogie if you searched hard enough. After a brief hello from bassist Marc Brownstein the boys started up a “Nughuffer.” The story didn't have much to it, but at the 5:13 mark they drop into some serious Bisco madness that doesn’t let up until the end of the set. The rest of “Nughuffer” just builds into a sick “Great Abyss” which went on for almost 23 minutes.
At this point Teri and I were in the upstairs bar, drinks in hand, dancing our asses off. “Spacebird” is always nice to hear and took the dance party into a somewhat more ambient direction. The segue back into “Nughuffer” was seamless and we were left amazed after only about an hour of music. Overall this was about all I could ask for in a first set after only being on the East Coast for a few hours.
Set number two opened up with a brand new Brownie tune called “Mirrors.” It had an island feel to it and was well received by the hardcore’s in attendance. From there stuff got crazy again with “Very Moon > Voices Insane > I-Man > Crickets > I-Man.” I stop it there only because we left somewhere around the “Crickets > I-Man” section. Hey, it was already one o’clock in the morning, we had an hour long cab ride staring us in the face and some pretty pressing business the next day.
Top 10
I managed to see shows on every tour this year except for fall. I purposely didn’t review any Phish shows after Hampton saving my thunder for this piece. Keep in mind this is one man's opinion on the shows he saw, nothing more.
10) 3/8/09 – Hampton, VA – Hampton Coliseum (88th show)
I: Sanity*, Wilson, Foam, Bathtub Gin, Undermind^, AC/DC Bag, My Friend My Friend, Scent of a Mule, All of These Dreams, Maze, She Thinks I Still Care^, Army of One, Tube, Cars Trucks Buses, Free, Frankenstein
II: Down with Disease > Seven Below, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, Twist > Also Sprach Zarathustra, The Moma Dance, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Wading in the Velvet Sea, Slave to the Traffic Light
E: Contact, Bug, Tweezer Reprise
* last played 11/27/98
^ 1st time played
I’d be remiss if a Hampton show didn’t make the top ten. You can check out my full Reunion Rundown here.
9) 6/21/09 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre (92nd show)
I: Brother, Wolfman's Brother, Funky Bitch, The Divided Sky, Joy, Back on the Train, Taste, Poor Heart, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > Avenu Malkenu > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday, Time Turns Elastic
II: Crosseyed and Painless > Down with Disease > Bug > Piper > Wading in the Velvet Sea, Boogie On Reggae Woman, Slave to the Traffic Light
E: Grind, Frankenstein
This show got off to an auspicious start when one by one all of the band member’s children got into a tub at the front of the stage. It was a nice homage to Father’s Day and made Kenny look like a genius as he called the “Brother” opener walking into the venue. It was also very nice to be sixth row Page side for this gag. The rest of the first set was pretty standard save for a ripping version of Son Seals’ “Funky Bitch,” my second “TMWSIY > Avenu > TMWSIY” and my first “TTE.”
Set number two is really what made this show though. The first 3.0 version of the Talking Heads’ “Crosseyed and Painless” came out of nowhere and melted into some ambient weirdness before sliding perfectly into “DwD.” This one-two punch clocked in at nearly half an hour of total sickness. After a “Bug” interlude the boys took “Piper” way out there and crafted a version of the song that I thoroughly enjoyed (for a change). Stevie Wonder’s “Boogie On” was fun and the “Slave” was expertly played for a perfect capper to the night.
8) 8/8/09 – George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre (99th show)
I: The Mango Song, Chalkdust Torture, Middle of the Road^, Tweezer, Driver, Twenty Years Later, Ya Mar, It's Ice, Wolfman's Brother, Character Zero, Run Like an Antelope
II: Rock and Roll > Makisupa Policeman, Alaska, The Wedge, You Enjoy Myself, Backwards Down the Number Line > Piper, Grind
E: Good Times Bad Times, Tweezer Reprise
^ 1st time played
I have to start out with a disclaimer that I may have this show too low, but it was the final night of our seven-show run and we were both very worn out for this one. My first “Mango” since 1999 was a nice way to start things off and “Chalkdust” always keeps the momentum rolling. Leo Kottke’s “Middle of the Road” was debuted next and really grew on me in subsequent listenings. The band’s second ever take on “Twenty Years” was nice to hear as was the always welcome “It’s Ice.”
The second set once again provided the meat of the show with the Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll” gracing us with 23 minutes of fierce jamming. “YEM” was the next highlight and packed a little something extra under the stars of the Gorge. The real sleeper portion of the show was the closing 20-minute duo of “BDTNL > Piper.” While it may not look good on paper when you hear it you’ll understand. Led Zeppelin’s “GTBT” was a rockin’ way to close out an awesome weekend of shows.
7) 8/1/09 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (95th show)
I: AC/DC Bag, The Curtain With, Mound, Gotta Jibboo, Guyute, Punch You in the Eye, Tube, Alaska, Run Like an Antelope
II: Rock and Roll > Down with Disease > Free, Esther*, Dirt, Harry Hood
E: Sleeping Monkey, First Tube
* last played 9/30/2000
The third night of Red Rocks had a lot to live up to after the previous night’s disgusting second set, but Phish kept the momentum rolling like only they can. The first “Curtain With” since the horrendously botched version that ended Coventry was performed with verve. The first “Mound” since the original comeback show (12/31/02) was an excellent treat and let everyone know the boys meant business. My first 3.0 “Jibboo” got the dance party started and “Guyute,” “PYITE,” “Tube” kept the momentum rolling. The set closing “Antelope” did not disappoint either making this the best first set of the entire Red Rocks run.
The second set was no slouch either but when compared to the night before it doesn’t quite measure up. That said the “R&R > DwD > Free” was 37+ minutes of risk taking improvisational madness. The return of “Esther” was not only a surprise but expertly played as well. “Dirt” was the only breather of the set before a majestic “Hood” closed out this fine summer evening in the mountains. All of our friends and the people around us thought the second set was a little short but a raging “First Tube” encore succeeded in quelling those mild concerns.
6) 6/19/09 – Noblesville, IN – Verizon Wireless Music Center (90th show)
I: Backwards Down the Number Line, AC/DC Bag, Limb by Limb, The Moma Dance, Water in the Sky, Split Open and Melt, Lawn Boy, The Wedge, Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan, The Connection^, Ocelot, Fluffhead
II: A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing > Drowned > Twist, Let Me Lie, Tweezer > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Suzy Greenberg, Possum
E: Sleeping Monkey > Tweezer Reprise
^ 1st time played
Back at Deer Creek for the first time since 8/11/97 I was psyched up and ready for a good time. I actually thought the first set started off a little slowly. “Moma” got things rolling and “Melt” took them to the next level with a nice jam. But it was the closing quintet of tunes that really made this first set something special. Four of the final five songs were 3.0 debuts for me, but none more special than the concert debut of “The Connection.” I’m one of the rare few that actually likes this song and is willing to dance to it. I ran to the bathroom when “Fluffhead” started which turned out to be a great move.
At set break there was a tremendous thunderstorm with all the trimmings; sheets of thick rain, loud thunder and crazy-ass lightning. It was so bad that Page came out and announced that the second set would be delayed until 11 PM and that the lawn needed to be cleared immediately. Good thing too, because as crazy as the storm was it got much worse with lightning flying all over the sky. At this point we were oh so glad to be under the pavilion as the lawn people had to go back to their cars.
When the show started back up again there was a wild energy in the crowd; like anything could and would happen next. Well it did with the fifth ever and last of the year “Ocean Sing” opening the set up in grand style. “ASIHTOS” went way out there into some serious psychedelic spaces before transitioning into The Who’s “Drowned.” “Drowned” is not normally a cover I look forward to but this version was different, way different. What made it special was Trey Anastasio’s energy. Big Red was jumping up and down just chomping at the bit to rip the jam section and when the band got there he took over big time. After a seriously energetic “Drowned” splashed down into “Twist” the opening triumvirate was complete. Wow.
After a half hour of intense and energetic jamming “Let Me Lie” was a needed break. But then the boys dove right back in with a muscular “Tweezer” that got the crowd revved up again and threw them into a frenzy when it morphed into “2001.” “Suzy” and “Possum” were just icing on the cake at this point and when “Tweeprise” dropped the lightning was back just in time for the end of the show.
5) 12/31/09 – Miami, FL – American Airlines Arena (106th show)
I: AC/DC Bag, 46 Days, Water in the Sky, Bathtub Gin, Punch You in the Eye, The Moma Dance, Guyute, Swept Away* > Steep*, Demand** > Seven Below, Lawn Boy, Julius
II: Rock and Roll > Piper, Simple, Theme from the Bottom, Shine a Light, Ghost > NO2***, Suzy Greenberg
III: Party Time > Auld Lang Syne > Down with Disease, Fluffhead, Joy, The Squirming Coil, You Enjoy Myself
E: Blue Moon^, Loving Cup
* last played 7/1/00
** last played 11/14/96
*** last played 7/13/99
^ 1st time played
Another disclaimer is probably need here as I had waaaaay too much fun on New Year’s Eve. So this show could either be too high or too low but after several re-listens it certainly deserves to be in the Top 10. The first set gradually built the momentum until “Gin” dropped and all hell broke loose. After that it was high energy romps through “PYITE,” “Moma” and “Guyute.” I remember back in ’96 when I was sick of hearing “Swept > Steep” every other night, but it was truly a pleasant surprise on this evening. What came next was an even bigger shock with “Demand” appearing out of the ether. (Side note: I’ve now seen the last two renderings of “Demand.”) The segue into “7 Below” was just what I needed and my first 3.0 “Julius” closed the set out on an energetic note.
Set number two featured yet another standout version of “R&R” to kick things off and the jam dropped into a raging “Piper.” This one-two punch could not have played to the energy in the arena any better. “Simple” and “Theme” kept the momentum going and the Rolling Stones’ “Shine a Light” was the absolute perfect choice for a mid-set down tempo number. The “Ghost” that came next was swamp-funk thick and took the dance party to the next level. As “Ghost” started to drone to an end my personal biggest bust out of the show happened with my first ever “NO2.” It wasn’t really a musical highlight just very nice to finally hear. The “Suzy” that closed the set felt rushed to me, but that is picking nits.
Me and everyone else called the “Party Time > Auld Lang Syne > DwD” kick off to set three, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t good. The balloons drop, you kiss your lady and then you hear Mike Gordon drop thump, thump/thump-thump-thump-thump/thump, thump and it’s ON. While this “DwD” doesn’t measure up to some of the other monsters from 2009 I’m not complaining at all. The New Year’s gag was pulled off with aplomb, but from behind the stage (where you could see what was really going on) it wasn’t quite the same.
The rest of the set was filled with heavy hitters to close out the year that Phish returned to take over the world again. “Joy” was poignant and “YEM” was particularly well played and the Stones “Loving Cup” sent us off into the warm Miami night with smiles on our faces.
4) 7/31/09 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (94th show)
I: Runaway Jim, Chalkdust Torture, Bathtub Gin, Time Turns Elastic, Lawn Boy, Water in the Sky, Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan, Split Open and Melt
II: Drowned > Crosseyed and Painless > Joy, Tweezer, Backwards Down the Number Line, Fluffhead > Piper > A Day in the Life
E: Suzy Greenberg, Tweezer Reprise
This show got off to a well played but uneven start in my mind with things not really taking off until a nasty “Stealing Time.” The “Melt” that came after that was otherworldly though. I have to set the scene first. Clouds had been moving in all set and what had been a drizzling rain at first was working its way into a full on downpour. When “Melt” started the rain was picking up and as “Melt” started to get more intense so did the rain. It was one of those times where Phish was seemingly at one with nature, or better yet, controlling nature with their playing. As the psychedelic fury of “Melt” built up the rain kept coming down harder and harder pushing the boys to whole new plain. It certainly holds up on CD too, but if you were there this is one of those moments that you travel all over the place for.
By the time the second set started the rain was gone and the sky was clear, but the playing was just as intense. “Drowned” got things started again but this rain-themed version isn’t quite on the same level as Deer Creek’s. That said the transition into “C&P” was 100% flawless. I thought so at the time and upon re-listen it’s almost better. When Jon Fishman bellowed “Lost my SHIT trying to act casual” it seemed to fit the mood of the entire venue. Feeding off that energy the band took “C&P” into the stratosphere before giving everyone a breather with “Joy.” Normally that 29 minute opening section would be enough to carry a show, but this Red Rocks, this is the edge!
The “Tweezer” that came next brought some serious funk and a middle jammed out section that can only be described as crack-like. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve re-listened to this version. Anyway, the next highlight was “Fluffhead” which featured a pretty serious tease of “Dave’s Energy Guide” in the closing peak. Instead of bringing this “Fluff” to a normal close the boys faded the ending into “Piper.” While I heard better versions of “Piper” in 2009 this one was unique because it ended with piano solo by Page that led perfectly into the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life.” What a glorious way to close this epic night, but it wasn’t done yet. In the “Suzy” encore Trey managed to tease both “Drowned” and “C&P” getting huge cheers from the appreciative crowd.
3) 11/1/09 – Indio, CA – Empire Polo Club (102nd show)
I: Water in the Sky, Back on the Train, Brian and Robert, Invisible^, Strange Design, Mountains in the Mist, The Curtain With, Army of One, Sleep Again^, My Sweet One, Let Me Lie, Bouncing Around the Room, Train Song, Wilson, McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters
E: Driver, Talk, Secret Smile
II: AC/DC Bag, Rift, Gotta Jibboo, Heavy Things, Reba, The Wedge, Guelah Papyrus, Undermind, Sparkle, Split Open and Melt
III: Tweezer > Maze, Free, Sugar Shack, Limb by Limb, Theme from the Bottom, Mike's Song > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Light > Slave to the Traffic Light
E: Grind, Esther, Tweezer Reprise
^ 1st time played
We were more prepared for the heat than we were the day before as we walked over to the stage just before noon, but still, it was HOT. We settled in to a spot just off center Fish side and got ready for…well we didn’t really know what to expect. What followed was arguably the biggest treat of the entire weekend.
I was already parked when Trey asked the crowd to sit after “Train” so my view improved dramatically with everyone seated. The first highlight for me was the Phish debut of Mike’s “Invisible.” The acoustic setting certainly did this tune justice. I’m never going to complain about “Strange Design” and this one did not disappoint. “Mist” was another song that really flourished acoustically.
Mike then asked the crowd if they were “Sitting because they had to or because they wanted to?” I figured something good was coming and I couldn’t resist jumping to my feet when “Curtain” started. The “With” portion was sublime, just perfectly executed. I always like when Page channels his inner Elton John and “Army of One” is the perfect vehicle for that. I was really psyched to hear the debut of Trey’s “Sleep Again,” just wished I heard the electric version they dropped in Philly.
“MSO” gave the bluegrass fans their fix and “Train Song” delivered like it should when played acoustic. The combo of “Wilson” and “McGrupp” brought the set to a close in style. I never thought “Wilson” would be an acoustic pick but “McGrupp?” I almost jumped out of my sandals while standing up to boogie, and my-oh-my did they ever nail this Gamehendge classic. I was totally satisfied after that and did not expect an encore, but I certainly wasn’t upset when they came back out. Only the second “Talk” since ’98 and my first in 87 shows was very nice to hear and “Secret Smile” closed things out on a poignant note.
The second set opened with a nice “AC/DC Bag,” “Rift” one-two punch. “Jibboo” really got the dance party started in earnest though. “Reba” and “Guelah” were both flubbed a little but I’m not complaining. My third “Undermind” was nice to hear and the closing “Melt” took things way out there in a good way. Calling this the weakest set of the day is by no means meant to be a slight in any way. It just happens that this set was sandwiched in between some seriously decadent Phish.
When the boys open a set with “Tweezer > Maze” you know they mean business. “Tweezer” rocked out with a steady groove before dissolving into a frenetic “Maze.” This 25+ minutes of madness didn’t let up when “Free” appeared next as the rest tune. Mike’s bass bombs were shaking the field and everyone’s ass was moving. My favorite version of “Sugar Shack” stepped up next before the real fireworks began.
Starting with “Mike’s” Phish laid the blueprint for how to end a festival on the right note(s). After a rocking “Mike’s” you could almost hear “H2” coming but the boys pulled a fast one and dropped into the super-funk of “2001.” Something about the night air and “2001” just seems to fit as Kuroda’s lights did their thing to the festival grounds. The transition into “Light” wasn’t stellar but the jam out of the composed section was. “Light” went way, way out there into the ambient darkness before oozing into “Slave.” The perfect big show closer came through once again and the missing “Weekapaug” was not on my mind in the least after this 42+ minutes of sickness.
After such a strong set I figured the encore would be mailed in, but to my surprise the boys decided to throw “Esther” in for good measure. In my opinion this was hands down the best set of electric Phish at Festival 8. In fact, as soon as “2001” came out of “Mike’s” I thought to myself; “It doesn’t matter what they play from here on in, this set takes the cake.” We were exhausted and emotionally drained on the walk back to the RV, but oh so satisfied as well.
2) 8/7/09 – George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre (98th show)
I: Down with Disease, Ocelot, Pebbles and Marbles, Possum, Sleep, Destiny Unbound, Stash, Sneaking Sally Through the Alley, Cavern
II: The Moma Dance, Light > Taste, Fluffhead, Joy, Bathtub Gin, Harry Hood
E: Slave to the Traffic Light
After an afternoon that consisted of bouncing around the campground to see friends, some serious partying and a couple hour nap I was ready to go. We managed to get ourselves about 20-30 rows back on Page side as we waited while the sun was setting. This show did not get off to positive start for me as I had just heard “DwD” at Shoreline the show before. Although this “DwD” stuck to the shallows I was still a little surprised to hear it again so soon.
All was forgotten when a Grateful Dead-esque “Ocelot” dropped next. Then came the first 3.0 “P&M” that I had been waiting on. It wasn’t the best version ever but I was still super happy to hear it. “Possum” kept the momentum rolling and “Sleep” was a great change of pace song. From here the set got just disgusting though.
My first ever “Destiny” was a bittersweet experience unfortunately. On one hand I was oh so happy to finally hear it but Trey was either trying something different or just flat out missed the opening guitar riff. Nonetheless, I’ll take it and smile. After another standout version of “Stash” that stretched almost 14 minutes the best jam of my year happened. Allen Toussaint’s “Sneaking Sally” was 18+ minutes of risk taking tight rope walking mastery that included the boys going in and out of a YEM-style vocal jam. But it was jam after the vocal jam where the real magic happened. This jam moved through three distinct sections with the middle section being my favorite. This one must be heard to be believed.
Oh, but the night was far from over. “Moma” was the perfect opener to shake the cobwebs loose and reignite the party, but it was my first ever “Light” where the second set really started to shape up. “Light” did all that I hoped it could it do and more in only its third ever appearance. The jam took over the night sky soaring out to the stars before sliding into “Taste.” “Taste” almost felt the like end of the “Light” jam extended.
Anyway, “Fluffhead” filled the composed song slot and “Joy” the ballad spot before things got down and dirty again. The “Gin” that came next clocked in at 18 minutes but its greatness cannot be measured in time. Phish took it way out there in a rocking/grooving way before ending it with some ambient weirdness. I’d put the “Sally” and “Gin” from this show up against any two jams from the same show in 2009. Yes, they were that good.
The 16+ minute “Hood” that came next could have only been played at the Gorge. The boys took their time and built things up slowly into an epic peak under the Washington high desert night sky. To me the “Slave” encore was the band understanding what an epic show they had just thrown down and wanting to close it off in a way that befit such a monumental evening. And “Slave” did just that like it always does.
1) 12/30/09 – Miami, FL – American Airlines Arena (105th show)
I: Soul Shakedown Party, Runaway Jim, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Dixie Cannonball^, Stealing Time from the Faulty Plan, Corrina, What's the Use, Tela*, Gone^, Rocky Top, Chalkdust Torture, David Bowie
II: Sand, The Curtain With, Lifeboy, Back on the Train > Wading in the Velvet Sea, Love You**, Free, Boogie On Reggae Woman > Run Like an Antelope
E: Frankenstein
^ 1st time played
* last played 11/24/98
** with Rich on vacuum
Thanks to mail order we were fifth row Page side for the second night in a row, and what a show to be that close for. Once we heard the opening notes of Bob Marley’s “Soul Shakedown Party” we knew it was a harbinger of good things to come, but we had no clue on what level. “Jim” was a placeholder until the next 3.0 debut hit. Page absolutely tore up ZZ Top’s “Jesus,” both vocally and on the keys. Mike got his turn next on the debut of Hank Williams’ “Dixie Cannonball.” A short but ripping “Stealing Time” followed that then came the high point of 2009 Phish for me.
Taj Mahal’s “Corrina” came completely out of left field and caught me totally off guard. Phish nailed one of my all-time favorite covers that I hadn’t heard since Big Cypress (1999). Then “What’s the Use” continued the left field portion of the show with Trey spacing out the beginning before dropping the anvil heavy distorted guitar riff. Maybe “Use” wasn’t as practiced as the rest, but I didn’t hear anyone complaining.
Then my Holy Grail, “Tela,” happened next. I knew from the first note what it was and almost squeezed the air out of Teri I hugged her so hard. It had been an astounding 94 shows for me since I last heard the dulcet tones of the Chairman’s voice on “Tela.” And oh what a version. After not having been played at all since ’98 the boys completely nailed this Gamehendge rarity.
Not that I was blown away musically like with the “Sally” from the Gorge, but the one-two-three punch of “Corrina,” “What’s the Use,” “Tela” was the happiest I was at a Phish concert all year. It was the total rapture of an out of body floating experience that I travel all over for.
The Phab Phour was not done yet, not by a long shot. The debut of “Gone” was followed by only the second “Rocky Top” since ’00. With the left field portion of the show over the boys ripped into a fierce version of “Chalkdust.” It was so strong that it got me thinking that maybe this classic opener should be played as a closer a little more often. A spot on “Bowie” closed out the best first set of 2009 in my opinion.
The second set opened with only the second “Sand” of 2009 and got the dance party started immediately. It looked to me like Page called the next tune and he made a good choice. After a blast off to open the set the composed wonderment of “With” was a nice chance of pace. “Lifeboy” was another break out treat but it was the “Train” that followed where Phish really took the bull by the horns. “Train” was 17+ minutes Phish taking chances and succeeding wildly. This “Train” started out rocking in a bluesy way, then went into some spacey weirdness and came out on the other side rocking even harder before it trailed off into “Wading.”
Next up was the antics of Fish letting Rich take his vacuum solo during Syd Barrett’s “Love You” and then handing Rich his Electrolux at the conclusion of the song. After the frivolities were over a short but rocking “Free” reignited the arena. Then Mike started the bass bumps from “Boogie On” and the party was in full swing once again. Mr. Gordon just killed this tune taking the first solo before handing it off to Trey. Mr. Anastasio then took the reins and steered the band into the opening licks of “Antelope.” This weird transition led to some more fun as Trey teased “Boogie On” multiple time during “Antelope” creating the song “Boogie like a Reggae Antelope” or whatever combo you prefer.
The encore of Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein” was a perfect capper to a night that featured TEN songs that had yet to be played in 2009. For a setlist geek like me this was nirvana, but I can understand if this type of show isn’t your cup of tea. The thing about this magical night though is there was plenty of jam and musical exploration to go around too.
The recipient of this year’s coveted NBA-Jam band on the rise award is Kalamazoo, Michigan’s own Greensky Bluegrass.
posted by D$ at 2:59 PM
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