I’ve now listened to the first European tour from @phish.com in 1997. The major observation I have is how light these shows are on jams, especially longer jams. I have always felt phish was at their best improvising and this set of shows did not showcase that.
Phish 2/14/97 Brussels
Show is solid but not great. YEM and Ya Mar are really good. And second show in a row with Walfredo and Rock A William.
So I’m going to make it a goal to listen to @phish.com shows from 1997 this year. Started with the first in London on 2/13/97. I really enjoyed the Taste, Waste, David Bowie, Slave to the Traffic Light, and Harry Hood.
Not sure how much I’ll be on here in the future.
Slowdive - I Saw the Sun
One of my client’s turned me onto this album. This was supposed to be Slowdive’s 3rd record but they scrapped it. Most of the songs are mostly finished or sketched out. I personally love the song I Believe. It’s ambient and hypnotic, a great song to fade into.
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon
My son and I drove to Sweetwater today and listened to DSOM on the way. A magnificent album with absolutely stunning guitar and keyboard work. Drums and bass drive the album. I recommend syncing the Wizard of Oz up and playing it. Start on the 3rd roar.
Weezer - Pinkerton
This is like Weezer’s forgotten album. They do not play the songs live, no box sets, just like it never existed. But it does exist and it is the best of Weezer. There are bangers (as my kids say) here and oddball songs like El Scorcho (which is my fave on the record).
Stavesacre - Absolutes
I watched a short documentary on Tooth and Nail records this week. Tooth and Nail were an alternative to the mainstream in Xtian music. I still have fond memories of listening and seeing these bands, despite my divergence with many over faith and politics.
Phish - 7/27/2024
As Phish tour ends tonight, I thought I’d revisit a show I took my son to see (his 1st). The show was anchored by an over 40 minute Simple in the second set. It meandered at times but was still a highlight. Moonage Daydream and David Bowie were great in the first.
Tauk - Somewhere between Here and There
Tauk is a cool band. They come from the “jam” scene but also construct tight songs using solid bass, funky / rock/ electronic drums, effects-laden guitar (in a good way), tight keyboards/ synths. All without vocals. And it works beautifully together.
Jason Isbell - Southeastern
I believe this is Isbell’s best set of songs. Elephant is not only a great song, but also tells a heartbreaking story. I love Live Oak as it questions who one is in light of the past and doing so over a beautiful melody. And Super 8 is a straight up rock song.
Slowdive - Just For A Day
At this point in my journey into Slowdive, I am impressed by how much I really love what they do. Their music often sounds like the music in my head. And this album?! It’s a double album that never lets up. It just continues to lead you deeper into Slowdive’s world.
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
I had kind of forgotten about this album but decided to check it out again. I love the vibe and groove of this album. Daft Punk continues to display their mastery of electronic music. Get Lucky exhibits this, having strong grooves with tight vocals and electronica
Umphrey’s McGee - 9/12/2025
I have seen UM a number of times, actually dating back to their early days at Notre Dame. They are always solid. My brother was at this show and told me to check it out. I’m glad and I did because this is the UM that is taking chances, heavy on improv, and face-melting
Tame Impala - Currents
This album is one of the best “psychedelic” records of the 21st century. While the 70s and around there had longer solos laden with guitars, the 21st century brought new technology (like synths and drum machines and effects/ pedals/ recording equipment).
Deftones - private music
This is a cool album. Deftones have always intrigued me. Their album White Pony is really good and an album I still play today. This album does some different stuff. The ambient parts of the music sets up the louder, aggressive moments. Typical Deftones executed well
Foo Fighters - The Color and the Shape
I remember when I first got into Foos. The songs off of this album were still fresh and inventive and all of that. But all of the songs here are not only good but do not warrant being skipped. The videos to these songs are also pure art.
Slowdive - Pygmalion
I love Soulvaki so much, I thought I would checkout some more Slowdive. I began with Pygmalion. There is real, lush beauty in this collection. I think of Crazy for You. They use a delay and reverb which gives a real ambient feel. It’s this velvety that runs throughout.
Sadness - No. 4
One of my clients turned me onto sadness. One listen grabbed me and toyed with my emotional state. Songs like Routine Colors and Elisa in Summer Night showcase Sadness’ ability to play on the heavy/ soft/ heavy dynamic important for this genre, a well-crafted emo record.
Appleseed Cast - Low Level Owl, Vol 1&2
This was originally 2 albums, both released in 2001. Both, though, follow a similar vibe and musical approach: glorious post-rock drenched in some ambience. Really the two together are a marvel in there consistency and in opening the listener.
Yeah. I tried to keep it within reason but definitely did not. I’d probably lose Bowie. And maybe AC/DC Bag.
I put together a setlist for Phish show that I’d like to be at. What am I missing?
Mike’s song>Hydrogen>Weekapaug Groove
AC/DC Bag
Divided Sky
Joy
Bathtub Gin
Kill Devil Falls
Character Zero
David Bowie
Tweezer
Prince Caspian
Wave of Hope
Simple
Carini
Harry Hood
Suzy Greenberg
Tweezer Reprise
Grateful Dead - 8/27/72 (Sunshine Daydream at Venetta Oregon)
This is one of my favorite GD shows. Listening to the show gives off an energy that I love. My fave song is Dark Star because it goes deep, way deep. The first set is also a lot of fun with a nice Promised Land kicking thins off.
The Get Up Kids - Something to Write Home About
I love this album…I really do. This album is in every list (or seems like it) for top emo albums. Out of Reach is my fave song, but I also dig 10 Minutes. Holiday is force to start the album. For me this is a perfect emo album.
World Suicide Awareness
Oasis - (What’s the Story) Morning Glory
I do not get the Oasis hype. I mean they are a fine band and wrote a couple of good songs (I especially enjoy Champagne Supernova). However, their “deal” was the sideshow that accompanied them. This album is not bad, but I’m not sure it lives up to the hype.
Chico Buarque - Construcao
This is a Portuguese jazz album. A friend opened me up to this album and I’m glad that he did. I do not speak Portuguese and so miss out on some of the meaning. However, I do know this is a protest album against a fascist dictator. It is beautiful in this protest.
Japandroids - Post-Nothing
The first time I heard this band (Carson Daly) I knew I loved them. Their wall of guitar, pulsing drums, and vocals that are usually shouted and sung at times. This album I really love because it has an urgency and, yet, playful vibe. Fave Track: Young Hearts Spark Fire
Rage Against the Machine - Evil Empire
I remember when this album dropped. A number of the “preppy” students went out and bought the shirt, obviously not knowing the message critiqued them. Bulls on Parade is my fave track here as everything works together to create this monster sound.
Black Pumas - Black Pumas
I was driving around town today while listening to this album. It was sunny and crisp and the Black Pumas set the vibe. And this album has a vibe, a groove to it that is difficult to find now. The guitar sits perfectly over the rhythm and the vocals enrapture.
