so listened to Phish for the first time..

YLed2

BOOMERS!!!!!!!

momofglynn

thats too bad. I had the unique opportunity to see Phish before they were huge. They were just a goofy college band I got to see for $3 back in 1989 at Keene State College in NH. I liked them. The vibe was fun. I like jam bands. Saw them a bunch of times through out the 90's. The last show I went to was the Great Went up in Limestone, ME I believe that was 1998.

The first time I saw Pearl Jam was 1994 at the Orpheum. And I havent stopped yet. I have seen more PJ shows then Phish shows now.

I do not find these bands to be comparable. There are different on so many levels. I love them both because of that.

helplessdancer

tinz. wrote:

aweful

so u listened to 1 band 1 time and call them awful?

are u still in high school? serious question.

ever see a band, that on cd you think are less than perfect, but when u see them live u totally get it??
ever listen to a cd once and shelf it because you didn't connect with it, and then months/years later spin it 10 times and wonder why you even thought that way in the first place?
don't limit yourself. it's a mistake.

PorchRats

While PJ is by far my favorite band Phish is definitely in my top 10. Live they can be truly amazing and in terms of musical talent and ability I would put them up against anybody no question. The thing that keeps them from being an all time great band for me is that lyrically they just don't have it. PJ has great music and powerful lyrics Phish really is ALL about the music (which again I feel is great). The thing I love about Phish though is that they can absolutely cover ANYTHING and do it well.

If you haven't given them a listen def check them out. I guarantee there are at least 5-10 songs you will love. Listen to Tweezer Reprise and tell me that song isn't fucking awesome!

Backspacer_Backer

I don't like bands that turn a 5 minute song into a 15 minute song. Self indulgent. Just play another song already. Bores me to tears.

PJ_Soul

pearljam133 wrote:

PJ_Soul wrote:

pearljam133 wrote:

I love Mike but its true....anyone who has the slighest bit of musical knowledge knows Trey is in an entire different league than Mike. Trey can jam, maybe if PJ would let Mike loose more often but that'll never happen. Mike's definitely the best guitarist out of the whole 90s class though. Too many people on here strictly listen to PJ, SG, AiC and the other "grunge" bands. So they won't understand Phish or how a song can elapse 4 minutes lol.

I have a lot of musical knowledge and disagree. Trey is skilled, but doesn't have as much soul in his playing as Mike, and that makes Mike better. Soul is an important factor... Not that Trey has none, but I don't think he's in the same ballpark with mike as far as that goes.

Dude, Mike's solos rarely go over 1:30 minutes. You can't show too much "soul" in that amount of time. Trey has much more soul, and much more emotion in his playing style. Not bashing Mike, I love Mike but it's just not a good comparison. Black rips my heart out when Mike solos on it.....

Well all I know is that I've seen mike play up close, and I've seen trey play pretty close up, and mike gave me goosebumps and left me speechless with the feeling he emoted in his playing and I could barely tear my eyes off of him to watch EV rocking out, and trey left me mostly gazing off at the crowd, which felt a lot more inspiring than his playing, as skilled as it may be.

momofglynn

PorchRats wrote:

While PJ is by far my favorite band Phish is definitely in my top 10. Live they can be truly amazing and in terms of musical talent and ability I would put them up against anybody no question. The thing that keeps them from being an all time great band for me is that lyrically they just don't have it. PJ has great music and powerful lyrics Phish really is ALL about the music (which again I feel is great). The thing I love about Phish though is that they can absolutely cover ANYTHING and do it well.

If you haven't given them a listen def check them out. I guarantee there are at least 5-10 songs you will love. Listen to Tweezer Reprise and tell me that song isn't fucking awesome!

Exactly!!!!!!!

dr0ptheleash

I am bias, as Phish ties PJ as my favorite band, followed closely by the dead. Phish is the only band I've seen live more times than PJ (60+), but they are also way easier to catch. Phish is not everyone's cup of tea. You will rarely find meaningful lyrics that stay with you for decades like Eddie's. What you will find is endless energy, creativity, and talent. They are four AMAZING musicians. And I don't know if I'll ever get to see a musician like Trey again. Their shows are a great time. They have so many quirks and so much personality, and they are exceptional within their craft. As I said, I'm bias, but I don't think there is any reason for people to dismiss them so quickly without giving their actual music a listen.

Of The Aggie

A guy I worked with many years ago let me borrow a bunch of his Phish albums and I really did try. I listened to all of them and just couldn't get into them at all. None of the songs really stood out and were much too long and drawn out. I can't imagine how drawn out they are live.

PJ_Soul

dr0ptheleash wrote:

I am bias, as Phish ties PJ as my favorite band, followed closely by the dead. Phish is the only band I've seen live more times than PJ (60+), but they are also way easier to catch. Phish is not everyone's cup of tea. You will rarely find meaningful lyrics that stay with you for decades like Eddie's. What you will find is endless energy, creativity, and talent. They are four AMAZING musicians. And I don't know if I'll ever get to see a musician like Trey again. Their shows are a great time. They have so many quirks and so much personality, and they are exceptional within their craft. As I said, I'm bias, but I don't think there is any reason for people to dismiss them so quickly without giving their actual music a listen.

Icompletely agree that their show was a great time. Enough so that I'd happily go to another one.... But personality? I didn't see any of that (I only saw them once, although also noticed the same thing when I watched some live audience boots on YouTube before I saw them). They stand completely stationary on stage all the time and don't talk or really interact with the crowd. They just stand there and play. I am not put to bash them because it was still such a good vibe at the show thanks to their fans, but I get the feeling that maybe their fans are overestimating the power of the band because the fan base has managed to make the shows more than they actually are as far as the performance and personality of the band goes. :think: That said, kudos to Phish for gathering up such an enthusiastic fan base and playing for so long and so often. Goes to show what prolific touring can accomplish.
... And again I acknowledge that all.of my opinions are based on seeing only one show, so admittedly there is probably plenty that I don't know about them.... However, sometimes one show is enough to judge. In the end, it's all just a matter of taste and perception anyway.

dr0ptheleash

PJ_Soul wrote:

dr0ptheleash wrote:

I am bias, as Phish ties PJ as my favorite band, followed closely by the dead. Phish is the only band I've seen live more times than PJ (60+), but they are also way easier to catch. Phish is not everyone's cup of tea. You will rarely find meaningful lyrics that stay with you for decades like Eddie's. What you will find is endless energy, creativity, and talent. They are four AMAZING musicians. And I don't know if I'll ever get to see a musician like Trey again. Their shows are a great time. They have so many quirks and so much personality, and they are exceptional within their craft. As I said, I'm bias, but I don't think there is any reason for people to dismiss them so quickly without giving their actual music a listen.

Icompletely agree that their show was a great time. Enough so that I'd happily go to another one.... But personality? I didn't see any of that (I only saw them once, although also noticed the same thing when I watched some live audience boots on YouTube before I saw them). They stand completely stationary on stage all the time and don't talk or really interact with the crowd. They just stand there and play. I am not put to bash them because it was still such a good vibe at the show thanks to their fans, but I get the feeling that maybe their fans are overestimating the power of the band because the fan base has managed to make the shows more than they actually are as far as the performance and personality of the band goes. :think: That said, kudos to Phish for gathering up such an enthusiastic fan base and playing for so long and so often. Goes to show what prolific touring can accomplish.
... And again I acknowledge that all.of my opinions are based on seeing only one show, so admittedly there is probably plenty that I don't know about them.... However, sometimes one show is enough to judge. In the end, it's all just a matter of taste and perception anyway.

No personality?! Alright, you've got to watch their synchronized mini trampoline act during You Enjoy Myself. Or their run-away golf cart extravaganza they provided last new years!

Here's a decent one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6moRWGxkXY

PJ_Soul

dr0ptheleash wrote:

PJ_Soul wrote:

dr0ptheleash wrote:

I am bias, as Phish ties PJ as my favorite band, followed closely by the dead. Phish is the only band I've seen live more times than PJ (60+), but they are also way easier to catch. Phish is not everyone's cup of tea. You will rarely find meaningful lyrics that stay with you for decades like Eddie's. What you will find is endless energy, creativity, and talent. They are four AMAZING musicians. And I don't know if I'll ever get to see a musician like Trey again. Their shows are a great time. They have so many quirks and so much personality, and they are exceptional within their craft. As I said, I'm bias, but I don't think there is any reason for people to dismiss them so quickly without giving their actual music a listen.

Icompletely agree that their show was a great time. Enough so that I'd happily go to another one.... But personality? I didn't see any of that (I only saw them once, although also noticed the same thing when I watched some live audience boots on YouTube before I saw them). They stand completely stationary on stage all the time and don't talk or really interact with the crowd. They just stand there and play. I am not put to bash them because it was still such a good vibe at the show thanks to their fans, but I get the feeling that maybe their fans are overestimating the power of the band because the fan base has managed to make the shows more than they actually are as far as the performance and personality of the band goes. :think: That said, kudos to Phish for gathering up such an enthusiastic fan base and playing for so long and so often. Goes to show what prolific touring can accomplish.
... And again I acknowledge that all.of my opinions are based on seeing only one show, so admittedly there is probably plenty that I don't know about them.... However, sometimes one show is enough to judge. In the end, it's all just a matter of taste and perception anyway.

No personality?! Alright, you've got to watch their synchronized mini trampoline act during You Enjoy Myself. Or their run-away golf cart extravaganza they provided last new years!

Here's a decent one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6moRWGxkXY

Okay, that's a bit better (and kind of bizarrely entertaining). Maybe they just need to be more consistent in bringing their personality to the stage.

63schoefflin

Personally I think Mike is playing better now than at any point in his career.

sawyerjam

Mike isn't even the best guitarist in his own band. Stone never gets the credit he deserves. Trey> Mike and Stone. Mike is souless compared to trey. You can tell who has never listened to Phish for more than 5 mins. Lyrically they have some great moments too, even though that is not their strong suit. At least Phish practices for a tour. Not like they used to but much more than PJ. PJ works the kinks out onstage. The first couple shows of every tour are a flubfest.

63schoefflin

sawyerjam wrote:

Mike isn't even the best guitarist in his own band. Stone never gets the credit he deserves. Trey> Mike and Stone. Mike is souless compared to trey. You can tell who has never listened to Phish for more than 5 mins. Lyrically they have some great moments too, even though that is not their strong suit. At least Phish practices for a tour. Not like they used to but much more than PJ. PJ works the kinks out onstage. The first couple shows of every tour are a flubfest.

While I wouldn't say a flubfest or soulless, you are right with the fact that people listen to half a song and just brush them off. I was guilty of this for years as I had no interest but once I actually listened it was on an entire different level. Their transition is seamless. Again... They aren't for everyone but when people say they aren't talented I just shake my head. My only gripe with them is I wish that Trey sung more but I am just nit picking. Here's hoping I score tix to Halloween but since most people here won't go do you mind entering the lottery for me

Mamasan Bren

Backspacer_Backer wrote:

I don't like bands that turn a 5 minute song into a 15 minute song. Self indulgent. Just play another song already. Bores me to tears.

I'm sorry and don't mean to be mean or disrespectful in any way but this is just plain ignorant. It's called jamming, and it's brilliant improvisation. It's true music, playing. They take turns at what's called leads and runs. They listen closely to one another. One leads and can take the music in any pace or direction they want. They can go up and down the musical scales. As one leads, the others support until another steps up to lead. The intricacies on long musical playing are so sophisticated you'd have no idea. It's really no different than the highest form of all music: orchestra. The most talented musicians in the world do the same with their playing, they improvise and play. All the jazz masters did it and still do. The blues masters the same. It's about taking the music to new places inspired by the soul and the moment. It has nothing to do with being self-indulgent. A ton of Pearl Jam's musical influences have always done it. What you have to get out of your mind, is that Phish play all sorts of different styles. Pearl Jam is whole-heartedly a rock band. Phish plays rock at times, but is not a truly rock band only. Pearl Jam like to do it during rearviewmirror, Daughter, Even Flow and others. Search out the Dead's interview on 60 Minutes a while back and you'll hear them explain the true meaning and reasons behind playing songs out into greater lengths. Too often fans say what you're, oh just get to the next song. That is usually because they favor the one instrument, the voice and lyrics, and want it to return. But the music is made up of so much more than just the voice, of course. But of course anyone is entitled to their own opinion and tastes, so if they want the voice to return earlier or more often, well then that's their taste and who's to knock it. But just realize that long playing is a great improvisational art form. Phish opened their second set at Tahoe the other day with a 36 minute long Tweezer. Throw it on, close your eyes and listen to the interplay! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIHR5XFJadw

And you can read a fan's attempt to break down the musical theory and themes inherent in the Tweezer 7/31 jam. http://phish.net/

pearljam133

Mamasan Bren wrote:

Backspacer_Backer wrote:

I don't like bands that turn a 5 minute song into a 15 minute song. Self indulgent. Just play another song already. Bores me to tears.

I'm sorry and don't mean to be mean or disrespectful in any way but this is just plain ignorant. It's called jamming, and it's brilliant improvisation. It's true music, playing. They take turns at what's called leads and runs. They listen closely to one another. One leads and can take the music in any pace or direction they want. They can go up and down the musical scales. As one leads, the others support until another steps up to lead. The intricacies on long musical playing are so sophisticated you'd have no idea. It's really no different than the highest form of all music: orchestra. The most talented musicians in the world do the same with their playing, they improvise and play. All the jazz masters did it and still do. The blues masters the same. It's about taking the music to new places inspired by the soul and the moment. It has nothing to do with being self-indulgent. A ton of Pearl Jam's musical influences have always done it. What you have to get out of your mind, is that Phish play all sorts of different styles. Pearl Jam is whole-heartedly a rock band. Phish plays rock at times, but is not a truly rock band only. Pearl Jam like to do it during rearviewmirror, Daughter, Even Flow and others. Search out the Dead's interview on 60 Minutes a while back and you'll hear them explain the true meaning and reasons behind playing songs out into greater lengths. Too often fans say what you're, oh just get to the next song. That is usually because they favor the one instrument, the voice and lyrics, and want it to return. But the music is made up of so much more than just the voice, of course. But of course anyone is entitled to their own opinion and tastes, so if they want the voice to return earlier or more often, well then that's their taste and who's to knock it. But just realize that long playing is a great improvisational art form. Phish opened their second set at Tahoe the other day with a 36 minute long Tweezer. Throw it on, close your eyes and listen to the interplay! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIHR5XFJadw

And you can read a fan's attempt to break down the musical theory and themes inherent in the Tweezer 7/31 jam. http://phish.net/

YES! Tell it like it is! I want to cyber high 5 you right now. I couldn't have said it better.

63schoefflin

Dude a guy I work with called me down to his office and made me listen to that 36 minute Tweezer today and it was mindblowing. Sounded like old school '90's Phish.

guacamolejoe

Mamasan Bren wrote:

Backspacer_Backer wrote:

I don't like bands that turn a 5 minute song into a 15 minute song. Self indulgent. Just play another song already. Bores me to tears.

I'm sorry and don't mean to be mean or disrespectful in any way but this is just plain ignorant. It's called jamming, and it's brilliant improvisation. It's true music, playing. They take turns at what's called leads and runs. They listen closely to one another. One leads and can take the music in any pace or direction they want. They can go up and down the musical scales. As one leads, the others support until another steps up to lead. The intricacies on long musical playing are so sophisticated you'd have no idea. It's really no different than the highest form of all music: orchestra. The most talented musicians in the world do the same with their playing, they improvise and play. All the jazz masters did it and still do. The blues masters the same. It's about taking the music to new places inspired by the soul and the moment. It has nothing to do with being self-indulgent. A ton of Pearl Jam's musical influences have always done it. What you have to get out of your mind, is that Phish play all sorts of different styles. Pearl Jam is whole-heartedly a rock band. Phish plays rock at times, but is not a truly rock band only. Pearl Jam like to do it during rearviewmirror, Daughter, Even Flow and others. Search out the Dead's interview on 60 Minutes a while back and you'll hear them explain the true meaning and reasons behind playing songs out irnto greater lengths. Too often fans say what you're, oh just get to the next song. That is usually because they favor the one instrument, the voice and lyrics, and want it to return. But the music is made up of so much more than just the voice, of course. But of course anyone is entitled to their own opinion and tastes, so if they want the voice to return earlier or more often, well then that's their taste and who's to knock it. But just realize that long playing is a great improvisational art form. Phish opened their second set at Tahoe the other day with a 36 minute long Tweezer. Throw it on, close your eyes and listen to the interplay! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIHR5XFJadw

And you can read a fan's attempt to break down the musical theory and themes inherent in the Tweezer 7/31 jam. http://phish.net/

Spoken like a true dead head

CAVSTARR313

I'd like to cut your head off so I could weigh it, what do ya say? 5 pounds. 6 pounds. 7 pounds..

Saw them do "Trampoline" in Auburn Hills on trampoline.. I was heavily drugged, but I thought it was super duper cool..

I dont own any albums, but I would see them again live..