The Best of 2010 Pt. I
6.17.10 (A. Hill)
It was just months ago that we were awaiting summer tour with no idea what was in store for us. Now here we are months later with a pile of highlights and memories that will be ingrained in our minds for years. I figured it would be the perfect time to go back and revisit some of the many highlights from the summer in one fluid audio post. As there are simply too many highlights to include in a single two hour listening session, I have chosen jams with the most transcendent moments.
Most of the recordings the chosen are the best AUDs I could find, and really capture the experience of being at the show. I highly recommend throwing on a pair of good headphones and fully immersing yourself in the experience. Many of these jams are absolutely magical, and show the band playing with a level of musicianship we have not seen from them ever before. Thus far, 2010 has etched a worthy place in the history books. These are just a handful of the moments we’ve enjoyed…
“The Best of 2010 Pt. I“
The Best of 2010 [right click and choose save as to download]
Intro > DWD>What’s The Use (8.14) > BDTNL (6.12) > Light (8.7) > 2001 (6.25) > Mike’s Song > Simple (8.6) > Cities (8.6) > Chalkdust Torture (6.25)
[Picture courtesy of the great people at Glowstickwars.com]
Setlist: Jones Beach – Night 2
Wednesday, 2010.08.18
Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Wantagh, NY
Soundcheck: You Can Get It If You Really Want, Nellie Kane, Hey Joe
Set 1: Down with Disease > Sample in a Jar, Guelah Papyrus, Poor Heart, Ocelot, Chalk Dust Torture, Bathtub Gin, Tube, Destiny Unbound, Joy, Run Like an Antelope
Set 2: Axilla, Timber (Jerry) > Light -> 46 Days -> My Friend, My Friend, Harry Hood > Tweezer -> The Horse > Silent in the Morning, You Enjoy Myself
Encore: Suzy Greenberg > Tweezer Reprise
Notes: The soundcheck began with You Can Get It If You Really Want (Jimmy Cliff) and it included quotes from Trey of You Can’t Always Get What You Want. Rock On (David Essex) was briefly played after Hey Joe in the soundcheck. The Marco Esquandolas lyric in Antelope was changed to Mike-O Esquandolas, and was followed by a short bass solo by Mike-O.
[setlist via Phish.net]
DOWNLOAD: 2010.08.18 Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
SOURCE: Schoeps MK41>KC5>CMC6>sonosax SX-M2>apogee Mini-me(aes out 24bit/96khz)>COAX>Edirol R-44
The Midwestern Review
8.12.10 
Over the course of four nights in the Midwest Phish continued to display two different sides to their musical coin. One side showed a willingness to dive deep into psychedelic jams; the other, a more contained form of straight-rock. Phish displayed both styles of playing in Deer Creek and in Alpine creating a run of shows that stand up to any since the reunion.
After what many considered to be a fairly tame run of shows in Telluride, there was once again some uncertainty as to the direction the band was headed. Two of the three shows in Berekeley had contained some of the best jams of the year. However, the shows in Telluride failed to produce anything of that standard. It’s doubtful that the decision to play a straight-forward rocker is predetermined, but rather a matter of feeling that seems to largely come from Trey. What is clear is that the band still shows a willingness to explore their music even if it’s not taking place on a nightly basis.
On the first night in Deer Creek anticipation ran high as Phish returned to the corn fields for their 19th and 20th visits to the venue (a stat held by few venues other than Nectar’s). However, in the first set the band rarely hit the note, and flubbed their way through several lyrics and notes. Highlights came during the first “Runaway Jim” of the tour, “Roggae”, and a “Cars Trucks and Bus” that features some nice interplay between Trey and Page.
As if to make up for their lackluster outing in the first set, the band stormed the Creek in the second with an engaging set from start to finish. The set began with a guaranteed jam vehicle – “Drowned” – that featured close communication between all four members. Following a chunky rhythmic section, the jam unfolded into an ambient groove perched above Jon’s Tony Williams-esque drumming. A near perfect segue came between “Jibbo” > “Gin” adding a sense of fluidity that has been missing in many shows in the modern era. Mike seemed to be constantly attempting to take the song outside of its structure, which was achieved for a brief moment, before Trey managed to reel it back in – a theme that would occur several more times throughout the night and weekend. In addition to the welcome bust-outs of “Buffalo Bill” and “Dog Faced Boy”, the band delivered two more engaging jams in “Twist” and “SOAMelt”. The dream-like encore featured the first “Fee” with Trey on megaphone in many years as well as “NO2″, – a nod to the helicopter flying above -”Kung”, and “Fire”. A very engaging second set that includes more than one highlight worth a listen.
“Drowned” (8.12.10)
8.12.10
On night two, Phish flipped the coin turning out more of a straight-forward rock show. The show was well-played, and featured a more engaging first set than the night prior, but failed to reach the same level of exploration. The first “Walls of the Cave” since its opening position at Coventry, “Stash”, “Ocelot” and “Possum” were first set highlights.
In the second set, a brief section of psychedelia emerged during “Light” where you can actually hear Trey playing a lick similar to the intro of “The Mango Song”. However, it was not until later in the set that the band moved into “Mango”, with a brief “Dave’s Energy Guide” tease from Page during the segue. At setbreak I ran into the guy from Bittersweet Motel who is asked if Phish can only be seen on drugs. He asked me if I “go to that place too”.
“Light” (8.13.10)
Following the trend since the return in Hampton, as the tour progressed so did the band. In Alpine Valley, Phish once again raised the bar in a spectacle show that had all 40,000 fans hanging off the band’s every note. Night one was one of the most cohesive shows since the return and perhaps even much before that. The first set was packed with memorable moments, including a divine rendition of “Reba”, the extremely rare bust-out of “Fuck Your Face”, a fiery “Antelope” closer, and more.
But what occurred in the second set will be remembered by all who were in attendance as a moment of pure musical satori – a flowing set from start to finish where each song weaved through a web of psychedelic energy. Few moments since the return have achieved a level of transcendence comparable to that which occurred in the combination of “DWD” -> “What’s The Use”. “SOAM” featured one of the best mule-duels in years that saw Page and Trey gunning through phrygian riffs in classic Klezmer style. “Mike’s Groove” featured a welcome landing point in “Dirt” that brought the show back to reality before launching into a funked out version of “Sally”. This show was one to remember, and features one of the best jams of 3.0. A must-listen.
“DWD” -> “What’s The Use” (8.14.10)
8.13.10
The next night, Phish brought the heat again while keeping a rock-focus for most of the show. The first set opened with a surprising “Tweezer” – the first since Hampton ’03 -that remained true to form and acted as more of an energy-builder than a jam vehicle. The set closing “Bowie” featured machine gun guitar work from Trey on his new ‘doc – a theme that carried on throughout the second set.
The second began with the engaging combo of “Ghost” > “Theme”, both including jams that remained close to the songs’ respective structures. “Piper” provided the exception to the rock-based set with an extended section of ambient psychedelia that eventually segued into “2001″. The band closed the night with a four-song encore that included the first rendition of the Velvet Underground’s “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’” in 2010.
(audio to come…)
While I didn’t have the chance to attend the show in Jones Beach last night, what I’ve heard has been great. It seems we are averaging a highlight every other night or so at this point.
Setlist: Jones Beach – Night 1
Tuesday, 2010.08.17
Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Wantagh, NY
Soundcheck: Dog Log, Ginseng Sullivan, Burn That Bridge [Possibly incomplete]
Set 1: Fluffhead, Kill Devil Falls, Cities, Funky Bitch, Wilson, Reba[1], Walk Away, Wolfman’s Brother, Possum
Set 2: Lengthwise -> Maze, Halley’s Comet > Mike’s Song > Simple > Backwards Down the Number Line[2] > Prince Caspian > Rock and Roll > Weekapaug Groove, Loving Cup
Encore: Show of Life, Golgi Apparatus
[1] Without whistling ending.
[2] Norwegian Wood tease (Trey).Notes: Portions of Wilson were performed by Trey on a toy guitar. Reba did not have the whistling ending. BDTNL contained a Norwegian Wood tease, off-key, from Trey.
[Setlist via Phish.net]
DOWNLOAD: 2010.08.17 Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, Wantagh, NY
SOURCE: Schoeps CCM4V’S(din)>Lunatec V2>Benchmark AD2K>Sound Devices 722 (24/48)
Setlist: Alpine Valley – Night 2
Sunday, 2010.08.15
Alpine Valley Music Theatre
East Troy, WI
Soundcheck: Dog Log, new Trey ballad, Burn That Bridge, Liquid Time
Set 1: Tweezer, AC/DC Bag, On Your Way Down, The Divided Sky, Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan, Water in the Sky > The Moma Dance > Farmhouse, David Bowie
Set 2: Ghost > Theme From the Bottom > Big Black Furry Creature from Mars, You Enjoy Myself > Piper[1] > Also Sprach Zarathustra > While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Character Zero
Encore: Oh! Sweet Nuthin’ > Cavern > Joy > Tweezer Reprise
[1] Close Encounters tease (Trey).
Notes: Piper contained a Close Encounters of the Third Kind tease from Trey.
[Setlist via Phish.net]
DOWNLOAD: 2010.08.15 Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
SOURCE: Schoeps mk21 (ORTF wide/FOB) > kc5 > cmc6xt > Sonosax SX-M2 > Mytek Stereo 192 ADC > Tascam HD-P2 (24/96)
Setlist: Alpine Valley – Night 1
Saturday, 2010.08.14
Alpine Valley Music Theatre
East Troy, WI
Soundcheck: Dog Log
Set 1: Tube > The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony > Suzy Greenberg, Funky Bitch, Reba[1], Fuck Your Face, Alaska, Back on the Train, Taste > When the Circus Comes, Lawn Boy, Sparkle, Gumbo > Run Like an Antelope[2]
Set 2: The Sloth, Down with Disease -> What’s the Use? > Scent of a Mule, Mike’s Song > Dirt > Sneakin’ Sally through the Alley > Weekapaug Groove, Bug
Encore: Quinn the Eskimo
[1] No whistling.
[2] Lyrics changed to Marco Benevento.Notes: Reba did not have the whistling ending. The Marco Esquandolas lyric in Antelope was changed to Marco Benevento.
[Setlist via Phish.net]
DOWNLOAD: 2010.08.14 Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
SOURCE: schoeps mk4v(nos)> CMR> Naiant PFA> Sonosax SX-M2> SD 722
Setlist: Deer Creek – Night 2
Friday, 2010.08.13
Verizon Wireless Music Center
Noblesville, IN
Set 1: Chalk Dust Torture, Guelah Papyrus, My Sweet One, Axilla, I Didn’t Know, Walls of the Cave, Stash, Train Song > Backwards Down the Number Line, Ocelot, The Ballad of Curtis Loew, Wilson > Possum
Set 2: Halley’s Comet > Light > 46 Days > Maze, Meatstick[1] -> The Mango Song > Fluffhead > Julius
Encore: Contact > Slave to the Traffic Light
[1] Dave’s Energy Guide tease from Page during segue into Mango.
Notes: The segue from Meatstick into Mango contained a tease of Dave’s Energy Guide from Page.
[Setlist via Phish.net]
DOWNLOAD: 2010.08.13 Verizon Wireless Music Theatre, Noblesville, IN
SOURCE: schoeps mk4v> CMR> Naiant PFA> Sonosax SX-M2> SD 722
Setlist: Deer Creek – Night 1
Thursday, 2010.08.12
Verizon Wireless Music Center
Noblesville, IN
Set 1: Runaway Jim > Punch You In the Eye, Roggae, Cars Trucks Buses > Sample in a Jar, NICU, Horn, Sugar Shack, Wolfman’s Brother > Time Turns Elastic
Set 2: Drowned > Gotta Jibboo -> Bathtub Gin, My Friend, My Friend, Buffalo Bill > Twist > The Horse > Silent in the Morning > Split Open and Melt[1] > Dog Faced Boy, Harry Hood > Golgi Apparatus
Encore: Fee[2] > NO2 -> Kung[2] > Fire[3]
[1] Unfinished.
[2] Trey on megaphone.
[3] Lyrics changed to “Move over and let Cactus take over.”Notes: Melt was unfinished. Trey used the megaphone during both Fee and Kung. The lyrics to Fire were changed to “Move over and let Cactus take over.”
[Setlist via Phish.net]
DOWNLOAD: 2010.08.12 Verizon Wireless Music Center, Noblesville, IN
SOURCE: Schoeps mk41 (DINa)> KCY> vms5u + mk21 (NOS) > CMR>naiant
Setlist: Telluride Town Park – Night 2
Tuesday, 2010.08.10
Telluride Town Park
Telluride, CO
Soundcheck: Nellie Kane, You Better Believe It Baby [Unconfirmed and possibly incomplete]
Set 1: The Squirming Coil, Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan, Ya Mar, Timber (Jerry), Let Me Lie, The Divided Sky, Walk Away, Roses Are Free > Limb By Limb, Bouncing Around the Room, Run Like an Antelope
Set 2: Party Time, Mike’s Song > Crosseyed and Painless > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, Destiny Unbound, Carini > Free > Heavy Things, You Enjoy Myself
Encore: Shine a Light[setlist via Phish.net]
DOWNLOAD: 2010.8.10 Telluride Town Park, Telluride, CO [Torrent]
Source: (FOB) Schoeps mk22> KC5> CMC6xt> Aeta PSP-3 + Schoeps mk4v> KC5> M222> NT222> EAA PSP-2> SD 744t (@24bit/48kHz)
8.10.10 (@evatography)
8.10.10 (@evatography)
8.10.10 (@evatography)
8.10.10 (@evatography)
8.10.10 (@evatography)
Setlist: Telluride Town Park – Night 1
Monday, 2010.08.09
Telluride Town Park
Telluride, CO
Set 1: Down with Disease, Camel Walk, Ocelot, Light Up Or Leave Me Alone, Summer of ‘89, Stash, Cavern, The Wedge, Possum, Julius
Set 2: Sand > Backwards Down the Number Line > Prince Caspian > Tweezer > Boogie On Reggae Woman > Piper > Mountains in the Mist, David Bowie, A Day in the Life
Encore: Quinn The Eskimo, Tweezer Reprise
[setlist via Phish.net]
DOWNLOAD: 2010.08.09 Telluride Town Park Telluride, CO [Torrent]
SOURCE: Sennheiser MD441U > Edirol R4Pro ( Oade preamp mod ) @ 24/88.2
Telluride Town Park (@Tweeprise)
Tour Report: Greek Theatre Review
(@Tweeprise)
Amidst the backdrop of the traditional Greek columns, Phish performed a three night run that unfolded as if it was meant to become a live album. Each night, the band seemed to evolve from the night before; and in all three shows Phish displayed a different side of their diverse musical abilities. Over the course of the three nights in Berkeley, the band continued to develop a new improvisational style that has woven itself through the peak jams of 2010.
The first night began with a lukewarm display of standards. While the band was consistently hitting the note, they chose not to embark on any extended journeys. Instead, each song was played with precision charging the energy for the next two nights. On night one, Phish proved they too can play a great rock ‘n’ roll show. The highlight of the night came in a moment of stage banter honoring guitar luthier and former Phish soundman Paul Langeudoc. Trey introduced his newest guitar “Ocelot”, claiming Paul had crafted it from a piece of “magical wood”.
(@Tweeprise)
Like any magic device, it sometimes takes the user some time to become accustomed to its arcane ways. On the second night at The Greek, Trey and his magical axe led the band through a start to finish onslaught of psychedelic exploration. A rare event occurred when a ‘named jam’ appeared in the first set, following a delightfully funked out version of “Cities”. As the “Berkeley Jam #1″ kicked in, Page stepped forward allowing an organic form of funk to grow. Each member appears to be riffing of the next member’s notes – incredible stuff. The band took their heavily syncopated groove for an extended jam that featured some of the tightest group playing since the reunion. In the second set, Red’s solos were painted with grace and fire, allowing him to craft melodies atop the band’s layered psychedelia. The highlight of the night, and one of the top highlights of 2010, came when the band took “Simple” for a journey to the cosmos, allowing us yet another glimpse into their continually evolving spacey-ambient jamming style.
(@Tweeprise)
Night three was perhaps the most fluid of the three shows, combining both compositions with heavy jams. The first set contained standout versions of both “Reba” and “46 Days”. The second set contained yet another highlight of 2010 in a cosmically infused version of “Light”. The band’s ability to weave together sections of dark and dangerous energy with expressions of joyful triumph is simply beyond in this rendition. The second set also included a masterfully executed “Hood” that features Red prancing around the neck of “Ocelot” (the guitar). Placing a capstone on the three night run, the band busted out “Lizards” in the encore spot(!) followed by a rock solid rendition of “First Tube”.
Phish returns to Telluride tonight (on the anniversary of Jerry Garcia’s death) for the first time since 10.27.91. Stay tuned for updates…
The Greek Mythology
The Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA
This Thursday Phish will return to the Greek Theatre in Berkeley for only the second time in their career. The band’s only previous visit was in August of ’93, when they played the venue to close out their summer tour. This time, Phish will open the second leg of summer tour 2010 with three shows at the storied venue.
While Phish has minimal history at The Greek, the Dead have certainly etched their mark in the venue’s stone walls. Since 1967, the Dead have played 29 shows at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley (most of which took place during the 80′s). Much like Phish and Camden, there is an undeniable connection between the Dead and The Greek. In the past, the Dead have tapped into a divine energy when playing the venue, creating moments that were seemingly unimaginable. In just two days, we’ll see if Phish can tap into this same source, as they did back in ’93. Today I want to look back at some of the highlight moments from The Greek Theatre, taking us all the way back to the late 60′s.
The Dead’s second visit to the Greek came on 10.20.68 (the first being in ’67). This show is a top-notch performance from start to finish, showing the magic present in the confines of the traditional Greek bowl. This would be the band’s final visit until the 80′s, and showed them in a very different time. At this point, Pigpen was still the leader of the band, and the Dead were only beginning to embark on their lifelong psychedelic adventure. This SBD from The Greek in ’68 captures the band in fine form, and is a staple in any tape collection. Below we have the “St. Stephen” > “Eleven” that features blazing lead work from Jerry – one of the finest versions from a year full of them.
“St. Stephen” > “The Eleven” (1968.10.20)
The Greek 9.13.81
In 1981 the Dead returned to The Greek delivering three memorable shows that rekindled the band’s connection with the venue. From 1981 to 1989, the band played an annual multiple night run at The Greek, each time delivering at least one show to remember. In ’83 on the first night of a three night run, the band performed one of their finest, and most intimate, shows of the entire year. The highlight comes during the 20 minute version of “Eyes of the World” that emerges from a charging “Estimated” jam. The entire setlist appears to be out of a dream, and bursts with energy from the outset.
“Eyes of the World” (1983.5.13)
The Greek 1984
When the Dead returned in 1984 for another three night run, something quite special took place, once again on the first night. Apparently, right before the encore the entire band witnessed a shooting star sail across the night sky. Phil asks the crowd to be patient because they want to try something – just this once. Just then, the opening notes to “Darkstar” ring out for the first time in four years, and the last time for another five. A truly magical moment that could only take place in a place such as The Greek.
“Darkstar” (1984.7.13)
In 1993, Phish finally made their way into Berkeley to close out their summer tour. When the band arrived in Berkeley they were firing on all cylinders. The show at The Greek acted as the finale to a tour that saw the band drop a highlight each and every night, without exception. On August 28th at The Greek the band explored a lengthy “YEM”, even tacking on an all-out jam on Santana’s “Oye Como Va”.
“You Enjoy Myself” (1993.8.28)
Here’s a video from the ‘Comes a Time: Tribute to Jerry Garcia’ concert at The Greek feat. Warren Haynes and Trey among others.
“Darkstar” (9.24.05)
Deeper Expression
6.12.10 (M. Stein)
One of the changes that has taken place since the reunion has been Phish’s ability to transcend simple songs into deeper expression. It seems this was a goal that Trey brought to his own band, but has since carried over into Phish’s style. In an interview with Parke Puterbaugh Trey made a statement on the band’s jamming style since the reunion:
“The first thing I noticed at Hampton, and especially as the tour went on, was a little bit more of an emotional weight based on life coming into the picture. Anybody our age, once you’ve had divorces and deaths and arrests…It’s part of rock and roll…I hear an element of humility, an extra added element of humility, in our music now.”
I hear it too. Last year, I wrote an article entitled ‘Bar 18‘ (a song with an intro often has two bars of eight, followed by the actual song which begins on the 17th bar. Trey’s solo album had taken the Bar 17 title, and so I suggested the 18th bar was where Phish would pick up). I compared the evolution of the band’s songwriting to that of the Beatles after meeting Dylan – a deeper, more expressive form.
6.13.10 (Glowstickwars.com)
Inevitably, this evolution has not only influenced the band’s songwriting, but their jamming as well. Many of the new songs debuted on the first leg carry a strong element of humility, similar to many of the songs off Joy. The days of writing goofy songs with meaningless lyrics are seemingly over, a new style has emerged in its place. Several of the covers seem to follow in this transition, with the most obvious being the cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Free Man in Paris”.
Here are some examples from the first leg of tour (analysis to come…):
“Limb By Limb” (6.11.10)
“Slave To The Traffic Light” (6.15.10)
“Idea” (6.15.10)
“Reba” (6.18.10)
“Show Of Life” (6.19.10)
“Roggae” (6.20.10)
“Free Man In Paris” (6.25.10)
“Summer of ’89” (6.25.10)
Thoughts and Moments You’ve Enjoyed
6.25.10 (Glowstickwars.com) 
Over the past few weeks, Phish built a tidal wave of energy rarely seen on the musical stage. Riding an overwhelming momentum the band delivered each night with a tightness not seen in years. Throughout June, Phish recreated their improvisational direction stepping into 2010 with a defined purpose.
As the dust from tour settles, and we prepare for the next run of shows, we have a chance to look back on the highlights from the first leg. While some shows indicated a hesitance to explore extended jams there were many exploratory jaunts that brought us to that place. These moments not only foreshadowed the great possibilities for August, but left us with memories that will stand out in our minds for many years.
Starting today the site will be returning to the regular flow of things – articles, reviews and such. We begin by looking back at some of the most transcendent moments from the first leg, analyzing each jam in detail. At the bottom you can vote on your favorite jam from the first leg.
“Light” (6.11.10)
Dropping two highlights in the first show of the tour it was clear the band intended to make 2010 special. From the outset Phish indicated a readiness to step out and explore their new sound, guided by Trey’s new style. This second set “Light” opener answered many of the questions that had been looming since NYE. A wide-open jam ensued that became part of the memorable segment of “Light”>”Maze”>”Ghost”.
“Ghost” (6.11.10)
A heavy bass-driven groove with Trey whaling above the melody line. The jam reaches a point of all-out rock before entering a section of syncopated space.
“BDTNL” (6.12.10)
Arguably still the jam of the tour. This version reached way beyond any past rendition of the band’s new single, taking everyone in Cuyahoga through a vortex of psychedelic exploration. The jam begins as with a standard solo, similar to the album version, but then departs into a lush groove of ambient soundscapes. Each member helps to build the jam, piece by piece, as the music departs for a dark industrial segment. Page adds psychedelic sheets of sound, while Trey rides a droning riff that glides below. As Mike turns on his meatball, the jam reaches a point similar to the flatbed jam where each element builds toward a combined climax. This is the real stuff folks.
“Bathtub Gin” (6.15.10)
As the tour progressed, Trey became increasingly familiar with his whale-solos. This “Gin” saw Trey really find his place with his new style, and featured a soaring jam with numerous peaks.
“Down With Disease” > “Sand” (6.17.10)
I have mixed feelings about this combo. After a funk-rock jam on “DWD” Mike seamlessly connected the bassline of “Sand” producing one of the finest segues of tour. The jam that followed, however, showed Trey lagging behind the groove, failing to hit the note. Instead of allowing the band to take over, Trey stepped forward cutting the song short in favor of “The Horse”. Everyone, including Trey, knows how bad this segue was. Let’s hope Mike gave him shit.
“Tweezer” (6.18.10)
A very tight syncopated jam emerges guided by Mike’s bassline. Both Trey and Page riff off Mike’s grooves. Several major/minor modulations take place. Trey latches on to a melodic theme throughout the latter part of the jam.
“Rock and Roll” > “Free” (6.19.10)
Throughout the entire tour Jon has reemerged as the drummer we all used to know and love. Fish shines throughout this entire jam, grasping onto the other member’s notes using them to launch the jam into several charging collective grooves. Trey and Fishman riff off each other like Jerry and Bill in this one.
“Chalkdust Torture” (6.25.10)
Many fans know of Trey’s advocated love for the 7.10.99 “Chalkdust” from Camden. Thus, there is little doubt that when Big Red chose to open the second set of Camden 2 with the song, he had his favorite version in mind. The song departed from its typical frame (as it did briefly at Festival 8), into what is arguably the other jam of the tour. The jam explores several sections of deep psychedelia in an onslaught of musical intensity. Weeks later, the energy is still jumping off the tape.
“Light” (6.25.10)
Phish carried a tidal wave of energy into their newest jam vehicle late in the second set of Camden night two. The jam erupted into a flurry of whaling leads before reaching an ambient section of percussive syncopated grooves.
“Piper” > “Ghost” > “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” > “Saw It Again” (6.27.10)
While strong jams often bring the most transcendent moments, liquid segues as we saw on the second night at Merriweather can also reach such places. Similar to the legendary Bomb Factory show, Phish wove a single song throughout the majority of the second set. This combination of energetic improvisation not only showed the band exploring their music, but also connecting their songs with hypnotizing fluidity. A fierce “Piper” acted as the improvisational centerpiece of this rare segment.
“Reba” (6.29.10)
As oppose to 2009, which saw Trey stepping to the front in many jams, 2010 has brought a noticeable sense of patience. This has allowed the band members to listen more carefully to one another, using each other’s ideas to fuel their own. This divine “Reba” showed Trey sitting back as the jam slowly built toward a hypnotic climax. The whale has begun to lend itself particularly well to melodic songs such as these.
“Light” (7.1.10)
The band continued to push their newest jam vehicle throughout the tour, laying several memorable versions behind. This version enters a section of deep space that seems as though the music is playing the band, rather than the other way around. A rippling wave of energy from an alternate dimension.
“Weekapaug Groove” (6.29.10)
Throughout the entire tour “Weekapaug” consistently stood out as a highlight each time it was played. In the post-hiatus years, the band showed a willingness to explore “Weekapaug” (i.e. 2.22.03). This has carried into the 3.0 era, with the band regularly taking the song outside of its basic structure. In CMAC, the band began to take the song outside, before cutting their excursion short. After a section of rockin’ funk, the jam takes a turn toward a “Free” like theme. Music is being written from thin air…
“Piper” > “Ghost” (7.4.10)
This promising combination reappeared in Alpharetta on the 4th of July. While failing to reach the heights seen in Merriweather, this combination offered one of the highlights from the south. By the final shows of the tour, Trey had seemingly mastered his new style, using the whale with far greater comfort than in Chicago. In this jam, Trey can be heard exploring phrygian licks reminiscent of Miles’ playing in “Sketches of Spain”.
Phish @ Alpharetta Night 1: Setlist & Download
Saturday, 2010.07.03
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
Alpharetta, GA
Set 1: Character Zero, Destiny Unbound, Rift, McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters, Bathtub Gin, Mountains in the Mist, NICU, Gumbo, My Sweet One, Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan, Strange Design, Sanity, Run Like an Antelope
Set 2: Rock and Roll, Prince Caspian, Tweezer > Slave to the Traffic Light, Bouncing Around the Room, Possum, Backwards Down the Number Line > Harry Hood > Loving Cup
Encore: Sleeping Monkey > Tweezer Reprise
Notes: Character Zero opened a show for the first time ever. McGrupp was played by request with Trey taking the sign from the crowd and holding it up before starting the song. Trey forgot the second verse to Sanity, asking “How the hell does the second verse go again?”
DOWNLOAD: 2010.07.03 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Alpharetta, GA
SOURCE: schoeps mk41(DINa)>KCY>vms5u>SD722 (24/48)
Phish @ Verizon Charlotte: Setlist & Download
Friday, 2010.07.02
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Charlotte, NC
Set 1: Buried Alive > AC/DC Bag, Vultures, Wolfman’s Brother, Back on the Train, The Wedge, Mexican Cousin, Stash, Sparkle, Chalk Dust Torture
Set 2: Drowned > 46 Days > Twenty Years Later, The Lizards, Carini > Fuck Your Face > Also Sprach Zarathustra > You Enjoy Myself[1] -> Proud Mary[2] -> Get Back[3]
Encore: A Day in the Life
[1] Fuck Your Face and Moving in Stereo teases.
[2] a cappella.
[3] Phish debut; a cappella.Notes: This show featured the first Fuck Your Face since April 29, 1987 (1,413 shows) and the first Proud Mary since March 1, 2003 (113 shows). YEM contained Fuck Your Face and Moving in Stereo (The Cars) teases. Proud Mary and Get Back were performed a cappella during the YEM vocal jam and were interspersed with Dong Work for Yuda (Frank Zappa) and Slow Ride quotes. Get Back was a Phish debut.
DOWNLOAD: 2010.07.02 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Charlotte, NC
SOURCE: Schoeps mk4v> KCY> Schoeps VMS02IB> SD 744t (@24bit/96kHz)
Phish @ Walnut Creek: Setlist & Download
Thursday, 2010.07.01
Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
Raleigh, NC
Set 1: Llama, Roses Are Free, Kill Devil Falls, Time Loves a Hero, Alaska, Water in the Sky, Runaway Jim > The Moma Dance > The Divided Sky, Cavern
Set 2: Backwards Down the Number Line > Halley’s Comet -> Light > Fluffhead > Have Mercy, Light Up Or Leave Me Alone -> Free > Wading in the Velvet Sea, The Squirming Coil > Suzy Greenberg[1]
Encore: Boogie On Reggae Woman
[1] Light Up Or Leave Me Alone teases.
Notes: This show featured the first Time Loves a Hero since December 31, 2002 (127 shows), the first Have Mercy since December 10, 1999 (189 shows), and the first Light Up Or Leave Me Alone since December 30, 1999 (181 shows), which was subsequently teased in Suzy.
DOWNLOAD: 2010.07.01 Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek, Raleigh, NC
SOURCE: Schoeps mk41> KC5> M222> NT222> EAA PSP-2> SD 722 (@24bit/96kHz)
Phish @ CMAC: Setlist & Download
Tuesday, 2010.06.29
CMAC Performing Arts Center
Canandaigua, NY
Set 1: The Connection, Down with Disease > Sample in a Jar, Ocelot, Reba, Horn, Funky Bitch, Undermind, The Ballad of Curtis Loew, David Bowie
Set 2: Possum, Mike’s Song > Simple > I Am the Walrus[1] > Weekapaug Groove[2] > Limb By Limb > Joy, Harry Hood > Golgi Apparatus
Encore: First Tube
[1] Phish debut.
[2] Unfinished.
Notes: This show featured the Phish debut of I Am The Walrus. Weekapaug was unfinished.
DOWNLOAD: 2010.06.29 CMAC, Canandaigua, NY
SOURCE: Schoeps MK41>KC5>CMC6>Sonosax SX-M2>Apogee Mini-me(aes out@24 bit/96khz)>COAX>Edirol R-44
Phish @ MPP Night 2: Setlist & Download
Sunday, 2010.06.27
Merriweather Post Pavillion
Columbia, MD
Set 1: Walfredo, Mellow Mood, Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan > The Divided Sky, Tela, My Soul, Ginseng Sullivan, Sample in a Jar, Bathtub Gin, Brian and Robert, Run Like an Antelope[1]
Set 2: Wilson > Meatstick[2] -> Saw It Again -> Piper[3] > Ghost[3] -> Jumpin’ Jack Flash[4] -> Saw It Again > Contact[3], You Enjoy Myself[5]
Encore: Fire[6]
[1] Brian and Robert teases; Lyrics changed to “Michael Esquandolas.”
[2] Japanese lyrics.
[3] Saw It Again quotes.
[4] Phish debut.
[5] Saw It Again quotes and Jumpin Jack Flash teases; Saw It Again and Surfin’ Bird quotes in vocal jam.
[6] Saw It Again quotes; Lyrics changed to “Let Jon Fishman take over.”Notes: This show featured the first Walfredo since September 30, 2000 (131 shows). Antelope contained Brian and Robert teases and an alternate “Michael Esquandolas” lyric. Meatstick contained Japanese lyrics. Jumpin’ Jack Flash was a Phish debut. Piper, Ghost, Contact, YEM and Fire all contained Saw it Again quotes. YEM also contained Jumpin’ Jack Flash teases and, in the vocal jam, quotes of Saw It Again and Surfin’ Bird (The Trashmen). The lyrics to Fire were changed to “Let Jon Fishman take over.”
DOWNLOAD: 2010.06.27 Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
SOURCE: Schoeps mk4v> KC5> M222> NT222> Aeta PSP-3> SD 722 (@24bit/96kHz)
Phish @ MPP Night 1: Setlist & Download
Saturday, 2010.06.26
Merriweather Post Pavillion
Columbia, MD
Set 1: Crowd Control, Kill Devil Falls, AC/DC Bag, Sugar Shack, Tube, In The Aeroplane Over The Sea[1], Stash, Backwards Down the Number Line, NICU > 46 Days, Suzy Greenberg
Set 2: Rock and Roll[2] > Free, Fast Enough for You, Sparkle > Tweezer, The Horse > Silent in the Morning > Wolfman’s Brother > Slave to the Traffic Light > Tweezer Reprise
Encore: Show of Life, Good Times Bad Times
[1] Phish debut.
[2] Moby Dick teases.Notes: Prior to the start of the first set, Mike teased Do You Feel Like We Do. This show featured the Phish debut of In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (Neutral Milk Hotel). Rock and Roll contained Moby Dick teases.
DOWNLOAD: 2010.06.26 Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
SOURCE: Schoeps mk4v> KC5> M222> NT222> Aeta PSP-3> SD 722 (@24bit/96kHz)
Tour Report: And the Heat Goes On…
6.25.10
Phish takes the stage in the Finger Lakes tonight for their last northeastern performance on the first leg. Before heading to the south, the band will make their return to the CMAC PAC, formerly known as the Finger Lakes PAC – the venue that hosted the legendary performance on 6.22.95, well-known for its 3-song second set of “Theme”>”Tweezer”>”Tweeprise”. As I’ve previously mentioned, this set took on a personality of all of its own…(listen to the “Theme” from 6.22.95 below). Logistically out of the way, throwing off the herds of vendors and wooks (who have to decide between gas money and lot sales), CMAC is likely to become an ultra-Phishy affair. And it doesn’t appear to be an accident.
After the second night in both Camden and Merriweather, Phish managed to fully restore the faith of its followers. Two incredible performances in three nights, each setting the musical bar higher. The first night in Camden echoed the message of the tour – “still waiting…”. But on the second, the waiting was done and we were watching one of the most exciting sets in years unfold before our eyes. Most fans never thought they’d get a chance to see “Alumni Blues” or “Letter to Jimmy Page” performed live – these were relics confined to the reels of our tape collections. But when the opening riff rang out, it became clear to all that anything was possible – even an early first set “BBFCFM”.
6.25.10 (Glowstickwars)
At this point, very few questions remain. It’s clear Phish has taken the next step, ready to incorporate a new style of jamming and loads of new covers into their repertoire. Once again, fans are reminded why we travel these unimaginable distances to see this band. Nailing everything from compositions to far-out jams, Phish has already made 2010 a year to remember.
We will be Tweeting the setlist live for YEMBlog, so make sure to follow along for updates!
“Theme“>”Jam” (6.22.95)
Phish @ Camden Night 2: Setlist & Download
Friday, 2010.06.25
Susquehanna Bank Center
Camden, NJ
Soundcheck: Halfway to the Moon
Set 1: Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues, Big Black Furry Creature from Mars, Runaway Jim, Army of One, Free Man in Paris[1], Summer of ’89, Split Open and Melt, The Sloth, Time Turns Elastic, Golgi Apparatus
Set 2: Chalk Dust Torture[2] > Prince Caspian[2] > Heavy Things > Alaska > Also Sprach Zarathustra[3] > Light > Possum > Character Zero
Encore: Shine a Light
[1] Phish debut.
[2] Unfinished.
[3] Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, Billy Jean and Thriller teases.Notes: This show featured the first Alumni Blues since 7/24/99 (222 shows) and the first Letter to Jimmy Page since 7/15/94 (587 shows). Free Man in Paris was a Phish debut. Both Chalk Dust and Caspian were unfinished. 2001 included a Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ tease from Trey and full-band Billy Jean and Thriller teases, on the first anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death.
DOWNLOAD: 2010.06.25 Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ
SOURCE: Schoeps mk4v> KC5> M222> NT222> Aeta PSP-3> SD 722 (@24bit/96kHz)
Phish @ Camden Night 1: Setlist & Download
Thursday, 2010.06.24
Susquehanna Bank Center
Camden, NJ
Set 1: David Bowie, Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan, Water in the Sky, Ocelot, Uncle Pen, Boogie On Reggae Woman, Gumbo > Timber (Jerry) > I Didn’t Know[1], Birds of a Feather, Bouncing Around the Room, Reba[2], The Rover[3]
Set 2: Down with Disease -> Crosseyed and Painless > Nothing > Twenty Years Later > Harry Hood > Fluffhead > Julius, You Enjoy Myself[4]
Encore: Bug
[1] “Let’s Go Flyers” chant from some fans during vacuum solo.
[2] No whistling.
[3] Phish debut.
[4] “Let’s Go Flyers” chant from some fans during vocal jam.Notes: During I Didn’t Know, Trey mentioned his prediction from the 6/7/09 Camden show that the Flyers would win the Stanley Cup and announced that Fish would perform a voodoo vacuum solo for next year’s Cup. Some fans in the audience then began chanting “Let’s Go Flyers.” Reba did not have the whistling ending. The Rover was a Phish debut. At the start of the YEM vocal jam, some fans again chanted “Let’s Go Flyers.”
DOWNLOAD: 2010.6.24 Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ
SOURCE: Schoeps mk4v> KCY> Sonosax SX-M2/LS> SD 744t (@24bit/96kHz)
Phish @ Great Woods: Setlist & Downlioad
Tuesday, 2010.06.22
Comcast Center,
Mansfield, MA
Soundcheck: Dr. Gabel [Unconfirmed]
Set 1: Lit O Bit[1], Camel Walk, Possum, The Divided Sky, Dirt, Sample in a Jar, Kill Devil Falls, Dr. Gabel[2], Run Like an Antelope[3]
Set 2: Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, Sneakin’ Sally through the Alley -> Light -> 46 Days, Limb By Limb, Golgi Apparatus, Slave to the Traffic Light, Loving Cup
Encore: First Tube
[1] Phish debut.
[2] Debut.
[3] “Leo Esquandolas” lyric; piano solo.Notes: This show featured the Phish debut of Lit O Bit and the debut of Dr. Gabel. In Antelope, “Marco Esquandolas” was changed to “Leo Esquandolas,” followed by a Page solo.
[setlist via Phish.net]
DOWNLOAD: 2010.06.22 Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA
