L.A. Scene 2009-01-25
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If there has been a band that has had the most success of being an "underground" band, it would have to be Phish This is a band that produces some of the most innovative music anywhere on the music scene.. Phish has long had the reputation of being a band with an "open audio taping" policy and as a result they built up a great following - especially as a live act. But their reputation as a live act goes well beyond the "open audio taping" policy - this band can completely back things up by putting on some of the most incredible live performances anywhere. As a result, many people consider Phish to be a stronger live act than a studio act. My feeling is that in order to become a powerful live act, the music performed has to come from somewhere. In this case, much of the music comes from Phish's outstanding library of music they released. In 2000, Phish would release "Farmhouse". While much of this music was already played on the road, it did not take away from this release - as this album ranks among the strongest studio releases by Phish.
Phish is commonly called a "jam" band. However I tend to subscribe to the theory that "jam music" is one component of what Phish is all about. My feeling is that Phish is really an improvisational band - and they might just be one of the greatest improvisational bands of all time. They put a mix of Folk, Rock, Jazz, Funk, and Country into their music. In other words, improvisational music allows them to do whatever they want. "Farmhouse" also subscribes to allowing Phish to do whatever they want. Typically Phish lyrics are simple - and "Farmhouse" is no exception. You can easily see how Phish can take many of these songs and build extended instrumental "jams" off of them. While all of the band members shine, ultimately keyboardist Page McConnell probably has some of his best career moments on this collection.
Phish is famous for doing folk songs - whether on studio albums or in a live setting. With the title "Farmhouse", I originally thought much of this album would be chock full of folk songs, however once again, it was full of the Folk, Rock, Jazz, Funk, and Country that is their trademark sound.
Here is a track by track breakdown:
"Farmhouse": This track is certainly worthy of a title track. While the song starts out with a Country feel, this song quickly takes on a Rock feel. Great keyboards by McConnell and outstanding guitar and vocals by Trey Anastasio. This guitar also features some outstanding background vocals by the band that almost provide a mantra effect.
"Twist": This song has a lot of improvisation - especially a the beginning and the end. Jon Fishman's percussion work is outstanding. Ultimately, this song is going to have a Blues feel to it. While Anastasio's guitar drives a lot of the Blues feel, don't discount some of McConnell's keyboard work.
"Bug": Another great example of guitars and keyboards working in harmony. McConnell's piano work kicks off the song, then there is some heavy guitar work by Anastasio at the chorus. This is another song where you can easily imagine how Phish can build some innovative live extended jams off of.
"Back on the Train": The melody backs up the title as you can easily see this song having a feel from riding cross-country on a train. Anastasio's guitar combined with Fishman's drumming provide for this feel. Don't underestimate Mike Gordon's bass on this either as it plays a key role in the tempo. This is another track where the possibilities are endless for an extended jam.
"Heavy Things": This song was the most successful charting song by Phish as it hit the Top 25. Like "Back on the Train", Anastasio's guitar and Fishman's drumming set the tempo - and provide for the radio friendly feel of this song. Anastasio's vocals also are very radio-friendly. And like the other songs, there exists endless possibilities for extended live jams in a live setting.
"Gotta Jibboo": This song is a perfect example of Phish constructing a great song from simple lyrics. There are three lines in the entire song. There really isn't any rhyme or reason in regards to the lyrics. Listen to the great keyboard lyrics by McConnell as well as some outstanding horns work. More great chances for extended jam as well.
"Dirt": There is a Rock feel to this song as well as great instrumentals by Anastasio (guitar) and McConnell (keyboards). However, ultimately this work is supplemented by an orchestral sound. Listen to the 1960s harmonies by the band. The end result is a unique song.
"Piper": This song has become a favorite by the band in concert. In a lot of ways, this sounds like a studio jam. Gordon's bass work shouldn't overlooked either. The "gibberish" vocals work beautifully here - thus showcasing more great improvisational work by the band.
"Sleep": This is a short, acoustic track with near a cappella vocals. Not the strongest Phish track, but not a bad track. This track has a vintage Phish sound.
"The Inlaw Josie Wales": This is the first of two instrumentals on this collection. This one is highlighted with a lot of great acoustic guitar work.
"Sand": Great improvisational work creates a sand sound. This song has a great mix of Jazz and Funk in it. One of the underrated tracks on this album.
"First Tube": This is second instrumental of the collection. This one has more of a Jazz feel to it. Every band member gets a chance to shine on this track. Ultimately this also sounds like a studio jam by Phish - great stuff.
This is truly one of the strongest studio albums by Phish. This is one collection I'd recommend for all Phish fans -as well as newbie Phish fans.
