So, a few years ago, my absolute favorite band decided to hang it up. I was, needless to say, a bit heart broken though I did understand as their albums of late had gotten a bit (perish the thought), stale. As it seems, their live shows had begun to suffer as well, and that was the real crime since hearing Phish any other way than live is a crime. Oh sure, their albums are all wonderful in their own way. In fact, I'd highly recommend: JUNTA, LAWN BOY, A PICTURE OF NECTAR, RIFT, HOIST, and FARMHOUSE. Beyond that, well, they begin to slip a bit. Now, as I said, hearing them live and/or seeing them live is really the only way to enjoy this quartet at their absolute finest and, these days, it's easier than ever with their veritable library of live albums to do so. I have personally seen them six times and I have to say, as concerts go, few can hold a candle to Phish's jam-band prowess. They are amazing. Well, a few months ago, the band decided to reunite for a few Spring and Summer dates this year and the PHANS did rejoice. So, in honor of their new tour dates beginning in March, here's my personal 10 favorite versions of 10 great songs, a few of which do not appear on regular sets. Enjoy! Oh, and just so I don't have to go through and identify each set location, each song was purloined from YouTube and each has the name and date on it. Cool.
10) SPLIT OPEN AND MELT (MY WIFE'S PERSONAL FAVORITE THANKS TO THE HARMONY IN THE MIDDLE)
9) SAMPLE IN A JAR
8) IT'S ICE
7) CHALKDUST TORTURE
6) HEAVY THINGS
5) DIVIDED SKY
4) HALLEY'S COMET
3) FEE
2) GUMBO
1) NICU
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BONUS - GUYUTE