Jam Central Station 01.07.12 : Phish - 12.31.11 - Couch Tour Review
Posted by Jeff Modzelewski on 01.07.2012
If you couldn't be at MSG for Phish on New Years, your computer was your next best option. But was it worth it?
Hey all. Not much to talk about this week. I'm having major laptop issues, with my laptop keyboard not wanting to function properly. Not sure if it's just taking a crap on me or if it's a temporary thing. I'm plugging in a USP keyboard for any major writing, but unfortunately my USB keyboard is old and the keys stick a bit. It also basically eliminates the benefit of a laptop, sadly. Anyways, here we go!
New Years Eve is one of the biggest "go out and do something" nights of the year, and a Phish show is always one of the most sought-after New Years Eve ticket. Luckily for Phish fans, even though only a few thousand were actually in Madison Sqare Garden for the Phish spectacle, any fan with a high-speed internet connection you could watch the show in the comfort of their own home. Or, if you were a little more ambitious, you could invite a few dozen of your closest friends, hook your computer up to a high-definition TV, hook up a PA and a couple of speakers, and have a real small-scale Phish show right in your living room. This was my first "couch tour" show, and the closest I've ever been to being at a Phish show, so I was excited for my big New Years Eve party.
The show itself was, at least in my opinion, a lot of fun. For some of the more hardcore Phish-heads at the party it was lacking in some jams and some breakouts, but for more novice Phish fans like myself, it was a good mix of easily recognizable songs, solid jams, and a pretty fun New Years gag. The first set kicked off with a solid (if short) "AC/DC Bag" right into "Wolfman's Brother." Nothing wrong there, and both songs have good parts for a small crowd to sing/dance along with, and "Wolfman's Brother" provided the first jam of the night. "Scent of a Mule" was a little longer, although still not very jammed out. The middle of the song did break down quite nicely with Trey and Page before things picked up to close out the song. After that they went into a pretty straightforward version of the newer "Stealing Time From The Faulty Plan." One of my personal favorite new tunes, and a good version.
The second half of the first set was certainly packed with more "classic" tunes, starting with the jazzy "Lawn Boy" followed by "Gotta Jibboo." I thought those two went well together, especially when followed by a very nice "Farmhouse" and the rare "Pebbles and Marbles." "Ocelot" was a bit of an choice at this point in the set, in my opinion, but the band is obviously very comfortable with their new material. "Fluffhead" was one of the songs I was really hoping for at the show, and it made for a very solid first set closer. It was by far the longest song of the set, and everyone got a chance to play around a little bit on the song. Trey even through an "Auld Lang Syne" tease to get the crowd ready for the rest of the night.
The second set opened with a very appropriate "Party Time," a song that worked much better live than I thought it might. There was definitely a good keyboard/guitar jam to start the song, and the feel for the second set was very different from the first. They went into a nice three-song run of "Light"->"Golden Age"->"Theme From The Bottom," which was probably their best multi-song run of the whole show. This nearly 30-minute run held together the second set with a lot of variety and some tight jamming. The Theramin even made an appearance during "Light," which wasn't something I was expecting. "Theme" was nice and moody, and it was really one of the few songs that you could get lost in during the show. The long, spacey jams were really missing for most of the set, in my opinion, but it was nice to see here.
The energy faded a bit for "Heavy Things" and "Ghost." Not that they were bad versions, just not as good as the earlier run. Both were solid, fun songs without any spectacular jams or moments. The closing run of "Sneaking Sally Through The Alley," "46 Days" and "Suzy Greenberg" ended things well, however, especially Trey and Page's dual solo on "Suzy Greenberg." When neither of them try to take over, they do a great job of soloing together. It goes to show how their familiarity can bring about some great things. It was a good run to close the set, although it would've been nice to see some real continuity in jamming from the early run to the end.
By the time the third set rolled around, the crowd was ready for New Years Eve and the infamous New Years Prank. The band got things started with good "Cavern" before getting the "show" started with "Steam." The visual gag was fun, starting with a steaming kettle, then having instruments being raised into the air before "random" members of the crowd get lifted out of the audience (along with some instruments) for some mid-air dancing and the New Years Eve countdown. Of course an instrumental "Auld Lang Syne" followed, which led directly into a great "Down With Disease." The shenanigans continued with Trey and Mike running around the stage and kicking balloons, and then being elevated 20 feet or so on raised pedestals. Mike really owned this song with the bass, which was probably his best work for the entire show.
"The Wedge" kept things going pretty nicely, although it was a little short. It was followed by an 8 minute "Alaska," which, in my opinion killed the good momentum going on. It was really the only weak part of the third set, since a spectacular "Wading In The Velvet Sea" followed. This has always been one of my favorite Phish songs, especially after watching the extremely powerful version at Coventry, Page did a great job on this version. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary for this song, but it was very well done. A loud, heav "First Tube" closed out the third set with a ton of energy. Lots of excitement from the band, and the crowd sent them off to some huge applause. The encore was "Slave To The Traffic Light," a good way to end the four-night run for the band. A huge end for the show and a great cap on the year for Phish.
Doing a stream like this ended up being more fun than I thought it might be. It certainly helped to have such a big group, the big TV, and the nice sound system. The feed itself was very high quality, and there were only two times when there was any lag at all. The sound quality was very good as well, which I was a little worried about. The video was done in DVD style, so there were a lot of switches between band members. Phish is obviously known for their massive light shows, but that didn't come across very well, since the feed spent much of the time focusing on band members.
Overall, there's not much negative I can say about this show. I know many fans didn't think it was the strongest show of the run, but it as certainly very good. The ability to watch the show in real time was very cool, and it was a great way to spend a New Years Eve. I don't think that I would pay for a stream off of iClips just to watch it myself, but if another opportunity to watch a show at a house party came up, I definitely would do it again. Technology + Phish = a great time for everyone.
Initial Wakarusa Lineup
Wakarusa announced their initial lineup this week. The festival will include Pretty Lights in a headlining spot, along with the Weir, Robinson & Greene Acoustic Trio, Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros, G. Love & Special Sauce, Railroad Earth, Beats Antique, ALO, Keller Williams, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many others. The next announcment is scheduled for January 12.
Dave Matthews Band working on new album
It was reported here about a month ago that there were strong indications that the Dave Matthews Band would be working with Steve Lillywhite on their new album starting in January. Well, it looks like all of those rumors are true, and the band is in Seattle with Lillywhite working on new material. Lillywhite produced the band's first three major releases, Under the Table and Dreaming, Crash, and Before These Crowded Streets. Lillywhite most recently worked with Phish on Joy.
Phish to release NYE 1991
Phish will be releasing one of their classic New Years Eve performances for digital download and on CD. Their 1991 New Years Eve performance from Worchester, MA is one of their most famous NYE shows of their career.
Bond-Fire Festival Cancelled
The Bond-Fire Festival, which was scheduled to run over New Years weekend, was cancelled the day the festival was supposed to start. No official reason was given other than logistical reasons and the fact that the festival was during the holiday season. Of course they knew it was going to be during the holidays when they originally scheduled it, so I don't know why that caused the cancellation. They had already announced that they were moving the event indoors, but apparently couldn't pull it off. Very disappointing for people who had made New Years plans to be at the festival.
The Allman Brothers set Beacon dates
The Allman Brothers Band set the dates for their 2012 Beacon run. They'll play the iconic theater on March 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, & 25. They could always add dates if the run sells out.
Final tour with Bela Fleck and the Original Flecktones
After reuniting with keyboardist Howard Levy while Jeff Coffin moved on to the Dave Matthews Band, the Flecktones have announced that their current tour will be the last with this lineup. They have dates scheduled through April around the country. No word if they'll be brining Jeff back into the fold, moving in a new direction, or taking an extended break.
3/1 – Madison, WI – Union Theater
3/2 – Skokie, IL – North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
3/3 – Naperville, IL – North Central College
3/6 – Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA – Sunset Center Theater
3/7 – Arcata, CA – Humboldt State University Van Duzer Theatre
3/8 – San Francisco, CA – Warfield Theatre
3/9 – Los Angeles, CA – Orpheum Theatre
3/10 – Sparks, NV – John Ascuaga's Nugget
3/12 – Las Vegas, NV – The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
3/13 – San Diego, CA – Anthology
3/21 – Tallahassee, FL – Florida State University Ruby Diamond Auditorium
3/23 – Frederick, MD – The Weinberg Center for the Arts
3/24 – Storrs, CT – University of Connecticut
3/25 – Reading, PA – 22nd Annual Berks Jazz Festival
3/26 – Munhall, PA – Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead
3/28 – Springfield, MO – Missouri State University
3/29 – St. Louis, MO – Sheldon Concert Hall
3/30 – Indianapolis, IN – Butler University
3/31 – Cedar Falls, IA – University of Northern Iowa
4/1 – Omaha, NE – Holland Performing Arts Center
4/3 – Laramie, WY – University of Wyoming
4/4 – Fort Collins, CO – Lincoln Center
4/5 – Aspen, CO – Wheeler Opera House
4/6 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center
4/7 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater
4/8 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theater
4/10 – Midwest City, OK – Rose State Performing Arts Theatre
4/11 – Tulsa, OK – Cain's Ballroom
4/12 – Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center
4/13 – Germantown, TN – Germantown Performing Arts Centre
4/14 – Nashville, TN – The Ryman
4/19 – Ann Arbor, MI – Michigan Theater
4/20 – Oxford, OH – Miami University
4/21 – Charleston, WV – The Clay Center
4/22 – Richmond, VA – University of Richmond
4/23 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
4/24 – Norfolk, VA – Virginia Arts Festival
4/25 – Chapel Hill, NC – UNC Chapel Hill
4/27 – Wilkesboro, NC – Merlefest
4/28 – Louisville, KY – W.L. Lyons Brown Theatre
Christmas Jam
December 10, 2011
Asheville Civic Center
Asheville, NC
Performers include: Gov't Mule, Phil Lesh & Friends, Los Lobos, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones and others.
Bond-fire Art and Music Festival
December 30 2011-January 1 2012
Lake County, FL
Performers include: George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Soulive, The New Mastersounds, Particle, and others.
Jam Cruise
January 9-14, 2012
Departing from Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Performers include: Umphrey's McGee, Galactic, Keller & The Keels, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Toots & The Maytals, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Soulive, Railroad Earth, The New Deal, EOTO, 7 Walkers, Shpongle, Toubab Krewe, The Heavy Pets, The Everyone Orchestra, and many, many others.
Mayan Holidaze
January 26-30, 2012
Now Sapphire Resort and Spa
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
STS9, Umphrey's McGee, and The Disco Biscuits will host this destination festival on the Mayan Riviera! Tickets (actually, rooms at the resort) are available now!
Panic en la Playa
January 31-February 4, 2012
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
This destination event be a part of Panic's final shows before their hiatus. They'll be performing a full set each night, and attendance is limited to 2,000. Rooms at both resorts are sold out!
Jam in the Dam
March 14-16, 2012
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Jam in the Dam returns! 2012's lineup includes moe., Mike Gordon, Dark Star Orchestra, Lotus, and Keller Williams. Each artist will play each a full set each night. Tickets are available!!
Suwannee Springfest
March 23-25, 2012
Suwannee Music Park
Live Oak, FL
Performers include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Peter Rowan & Tony Rice Duo, Emmitt-Nershi Band, Hot Buttered Rum, Infamous Stringdusters, Great American Taxi, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others. Tickets are available now!
Hangout Festival
May 18-20, 2012
Gulf Shores, AL
Summer Camp
May 25-27, 2012
Three Sisters Park
Chillicothe, IL
Performers include-Three sets each from event hosts moe. and Umphrey's McGee. Other artists announced include Primus, Gogol Bordello, The Bob Weir, Chris Robinson, Jackie Greene Acoustic Trio, Flogging Molly, Cornmeal, Victor Wooten, Greensky Bluegrass, and Hot Buttered Rum.
Sasquatch! Festival
May 25-28, 2012
The Gorge
George, WA
Lineup will be announced in February
Mountain Jam
May 31-June 3, 2012
Hunter Mountain, NY
Wakarusa
May 31-June 3, 2012
Mulberry Mountain
Ozark, AR
Performers include: Pretty Lights, Robinson & Greene Acoustic Trio, Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros, G. Love & Special Sauce, Railroad Earth, Beats Antique, ALO, Keller Williams, The Infamous Stringdusters and others.
Bonnaroo
June 7-10, 2012
Manchester, TN
No news on artists yet, and super-early-bird tickets are sold out.
Governor's Ball
June 23-24, 2011
Randall's Island
New York, NY
Electric Forest Festival
June 28-July 1, 2012
Double JJ Ranch and Resort
Rothbury, MI
High Sierra Music Festival
July 5-8, 2012
Quincy, CA
All Good
July 19-22, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Gathering of the Vibes
July 19-22, 2012
Seaside Park
Bridgeport, CT
Floyd Fest
July 26-29, 2012
Lover's Rock
Floyd, VA
Performers include: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Leftover Salmon, Matisyahu, Galactic, Punch Brothers, Toubab Krewe, Drew Emmitt Band, and many others.
Newport Folk Festival
July 28-29, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Newport Jazz Festival
August 3-5, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Lollapalooza
August 3-5, 2012
Grant Park
Chicago, IL
Thanks for sticking around again this week. As always, you can find more Jam Central Station on Facebook and Twitter. And don't forget to check out The MuckleBuck, since we'll be putting new music out shortly. Have a great week and Jam On!
