Wednesday 07/04/2012 by ericwyman

JONES BEACH 1 RECAP

We take a decent amount of heat, here at "Ye Olde Phish Blog," for our unbridled honesty when it comes to providing opinions on a night's worth of music. Our detractors usually are most offended by our inability to see the forest for the trees and levy spurs usually beginning and ending with some form of "fuck you jaded vet." But here's the thing. Rarely, if ever, do I feel our opinions venture into the unfair or unwarranted categories. Nearly every criticism you'll read comes from this place of undying love and the hope that someday we'll all have that personal pinnacle of a show experience eclipsed. It's greed, plain and simple. Before the popularity of twitter and blogging, the tapers took all this shit. The most stalworth of reviewers, they saw the most shows and had the greatest of opinions. These days tapers don't even get spoken of (which is a shame...go download an AUD of this show right now) and bloggers take all the heat. Putting your opinion out there for everyone to consume is dangerous and not for the meek.

But a funny thing happened at the beach/water-treatment-plant last night. Phish played the show that everyone who ever made some bullshit claim about how they picked the wrong song or fucked up the composed part has been waiting for. They played a near perfect show. Period.

If you were at the show or watched live from the comfort of your home, you don't need a song by song recap to reaffirm how awesome it was. You certainly (for once) don't need a list of reasons why it actually wasn't. What transpired was an inspired performance that found all of the honey holes that Phish has hidden away in their collective capabilities.

From the opening "Skin It Back," a song that hasn't been played by all four members, together, since 1987. It was the bustout of nearly all bustouts. And the best part is that song sounds remarkably similar to "Spanish Moon", so when the lyrics to that song never started it was as if there was a surprise within the surprise. Couple that with the first rendition of "Happiness Is A Warm Gun" since Halloween of 1994 and the first set shot out of the cannon. The first set was unlikely to top these moments of history, but carried on with a perfect mix of old and new keeping the entire feel fresh and never trite.

While the first set was driven by surprise, the second was fueled by majesty. Beginning the crescendo with "Chalk Dust Torture", Trey led the band into "Sand," a particularly strong song on this tour. Highlighted by some classic teases of Jimi Hendrix's "Izabella" the surprises continued as the jam took shape. Firey and melodic "Sand" gave way to "Golden Age" and a jam that pushed through several distinct segments, and drove through and beyond the typical points where Trey usually pivots into a new song. Ambient and beautiful this jam rivals only the Worcester "Carini" in its success. It was well timed and interesting throughout, proving the theory that in this day and age the band (specifically Trey) is becoming very adept at knowing when to press on and when to pull up.

Not ones to take a break and rest on their laurels tonight, the four pressed into what turned out to be a rather compact version of "Wolfman's Brother," but exploded into a version of "Walk Away" that showcased just how rock and roll they can be and provided the ultimate contrast with the style displayed previously. From TV On The Radio to the James Gang. That takes a special breed. With such a spectacular beginning of the set, I began to recognize just how special this show could potentially be. During the "Walk Away," I tweeted "4th Quarter." This phrase has been volleyed around the back office here at Phish.net with nearly every show. This concept that the band somehow loses steam after a pinnacle moment at mid-way point of Set 2, Trey even commented "we're catching our breath" after "Walk Away." My comment was intended as one of inspiration, playing the role of the imaginary waterboy who wants so badly to feel like he's helped the hero quarterback during the timeout.

As they retook their positions they ground out that "4th quarter" performance that so many felt was sitting right on the edge of reality over the past week. Skipping the litany of jukebox favorites for a run of "Bug", "Fluffhead" and a shockingly placed "Wedge," the songs contained soul and purpose at every step. "Fluffhead," in particular, has a beautiful interlude which cemented in my mind what I would inevitably write about the show. And then, In a "fuck you" gesture aimed at the anyone who's ever written some bullshit criticism of the band, Phish ripped off an absolute killer version of "Run Like An Antelope." Devoid of gimmickry, the version will undoubtedly garner "best of" discussions mainly because it was just so classic. The perfect dismount, if you will, to a show that was already receiving high marks from the toughest of judges.

Regrettably, I watched this all transpire via technology. The technology that has made this band a lightning rod for criticism but also provides opportunity for participation that would have been unimaginable in the previous century. Just over three years since they took the road once more, Phish has produced a show that throwing abject criticism towards should warrant public humiliation. It was, in many ways, the most perfect show they've played since Hampton. But, I wouldn't remain true to myself if I didn't think they could do even better tonight.

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Comments

, comment by kyediggs
kyediggs Dude you couldnt be more correct I am one of those jaded vets even though i rarely say anything negative about the band (thanks to SOP) unless they totally phone it in with a 1st set possum moma dance, nicu, wolfmans, and Halleys which seemed to pop up every other show last year. They are saying FUCK YOU to US in a huge way by doing what they do best. I commented on SOP last night that wow they are human they need to catch their breath and and got huge laughs. And when I heard that golden age I was like they havent jammed like that since woosta's 2nd set carini opener and the ghost and Boogie on. I for one appreciate the honesty in the show reviews bc lets face it they are human they are not 25 or even 35 anymore and when they play a bad show or a band run (ala msg 2011) the newbs that never saw phish in 1994, 95, 96 or 97 or 98 or 99 or 2000 think that every show is "epic"Well there were only a few summer shows from 2011 that i relisten to these days but this tour I can stop. Every set list i see i say wow gotta hear that (name that tune) and its tight well placed. This summer has been the tale of 2 bands. Im my mind and ears the 2 sets are like 2 different shows. the first being a crank em out of bustouts mixed with some rotaion favorites that warms you right up out the gate ala burried alive night 1. Then the 2nd set is straight jam filth for the most part. I was so worried after msg it wasnt nearly as bad as vegas 04 but it gave me that same sick feeling like they didnt care about phish anymore. With trey doing a musical and a solo album i was worried considering trey said phish would be in the studio this winter and it never happened just gave me bad feelings. BUT they seem to be playing some of their best shows since fall 2010. I much like you wouldnt be me if I didnt say I hope they still have something in the tank for SPAC and it not a greatest hits of tour closers.
, comment by CanadianPhan
CanadianPhan I hope they save a few bust outs for SPAC. My Phish buddy has named his dog Lowell because of his love for Little Feat. He would have lost his shit if he was there to see Skin it Back. Huge Beatles fan as well so that first set would have been epic.

Nice review bud. Sounds like they are building steam for the end of the tour which bodes well. Can't wait to get my dose on the last three.
, comment by runawaydro
runawaydro Spot on, Spot on. Everything was played so well. Although "Mikes groove" wasn't as long as i hoped it would be, they played it very thoroughly. Ya Mar simply was placed at such a good time, as well as Jesus Left Chicago. And even though possum may be overplayed, it just such a fun song to have early on in the show to set a nice tempo, always welcomed. If you weren't there and haven't listened to the Sand and Golden Age, you're in for a treat. The bust-outs speak for themselves, truly a pleasure. Overall, excellent song choices, what a treat. I still can't walk correctly to be honest.
, comment by lumpblockclod
lumpblockclod Nice recap. Pretty much agree with all of it, although the critical Phish nerd in me can't help but note that, Skin it Back and HIAWG aside, the first set was pretty average by the standards set this tour (Yes, I know: Other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?). Set II was fantastic start-to-finish though, right up there w/ Star Lake and DC2 for best of tour IMO. Sand > GA was fantastic. Sand moved through a couple of themes and The end of GA was simply beautiful (Floyd-like in some respects). And the Antelope is the best I've heard in YEARS. On first listen it simply crushes every other 3.0 (and 2.0, I think) version I can remember.
, comment by waxbanks
waxbanks And then, In a "fuck you" gesture aimed at the anyone who's ever written some bullshit criticism of the band, Phish ripped off an absolute killer version of "Run Like An Antelope."

I hate to be the bubble-burster here but in all likelihood last night's version of 'Antelope' was not in fact part of a conversation with Phish bloggers, who after all number somewhere between 'rounding error' and 'will fit inside a reasonably large bus.'
, comment by Nastiphish
Nastiphish I guess I just go to Phish shows for different reasons/songs than most people. I tend to like first sets better than second because of the range and rareness of some of the songs (or maybe they tend to play the songs i dig in the first). I thought this show was strong(I webcasted), but it did not have the appeal of Deer Creek 1 to me, which I see as the true gem of tour thus far. Skin it Back, Happiness is a Warm Gun and Sand> Golden Age really stood out, other than that I thought it was average (which is still awesome). Just an opinion from a "jaded" vet. Gonna be interesting to see which way the SPAC run goes.
, comment by lenuto46
lenuto46 Being there was total bliss. The energy was insane right out of the gate. It had been so long since I listened to Skin it Back, I was scratching my head a first and then... holy shit, what a bust out. The whole 3rd quarter jam fest was so needed and so beautiful. I made the same comment to my buddy about this being a special band that can cover TV on the Radio and James Gang with the same conviction, power, and aplomb. What a show! What a run!
, comment by tmwsiy
tmwsiy @waxbanks said:

I hate to be the bubble-burster here but in all likelihood last night's version of 'Antelope' was not in fact part of a conversation with Phish bloggers...
Really? You think?

Odd, because when a sport announcer says something akin to, "And he just hit a grand-slam in the bottom of the ninth despite his recent slump to silence all of his detractors...", I really though the athlete was speaking, metaphorically, directly to me?

I'll have to re-evaluate my importance to my favorite athletes AND band members now.

, comment by huntmich
huntmich As a long time phish fan but a newcomer to .net let me say what a breath of fresh air this website is. I thought all internet related phish discussion was like pt. You people are fans. And I love it.

And let me say what an amazing show last night was. So many highlights. Skin it back, happiness, weekapaug, ya mar, jjlc, and THE ENTIRE SECOND SET! During that antelope the band was being played by the music. Pure magic. I get Goosebumps just recalling the moment. Truly amazing.
, comment by jmediavi
jmediavi Just registered for the first time here, had to chime in and say how pleased I was to see a review that jibed almost perfectly with what I saw. Granted, I've only got 10 shows under my belt since 1/1/11, so I'm a 3.0 noob by any definition. But I've read enough reviews, and seen enough other concerts in my life, to recognize both "cannon" and "majesty" when I see them. And if there are any Antelopes out there running more out of control than this one, then I definitely need to stick around. That was one of the most amazing bits of live music I have ever personally witnessed. That's all I'm going to say for now, lest I dig myself in deeper. The only question I have is, did anyone else think Trey seemed a bit "off" during the first set, kind of "fluffy" compared to his usual self?
, comment by bertoletdown
bertoletdown Don't think I'll download the 1st set, but 2nd set last night was the goods.

Holy smokes that Golden Age was fantastic.

4th QUARTER!

, comment by Dressed_In_Gray
Dressed_In_Gray @jmediavi said:
And if there are any Antelopes out there running more out of control than this one, then I definitely need to stick around.
Just check out the Antelope from 4-3-98 on youtube, then download the AUD and crank that whole second set.

--

As for the show, I agree with most of the above points including that the Antelope was absolutly ripping. The Jaded Vet in me still thinks Trey ripcorded the hell out of Gin for Walk Away and the set didn't really recover except for sticking the Antelope dismount. That doesn't mean I don't think that it was a stellar show, for it was certainly that.

After witnessing the disaster that was Toyota Park in 2009, I didn't really hold much hope for 3.0. The Fall 2010 tour and 2010 MSG webcasts changed that, and now I have fantastic shows like Clarkston and Blossom 2011 and Star Lake and Deer Creek of this year under my belt. I'm back to downloading the newest show every day, and finally, finally after so very very long, I have my band back.

Nothing I see can be taken from me, indeed.

, comment by Klo1975
Klo1975 Agreed. On almost everbody's setiments about last night. BUT as amazing as the Antelope was, it in no way even comes close to the best version ever. No more than the Fee being the best version ever. I am a vet, but not jaded. I am just not prisoner of the moment. This Leg as been inspiring. I can not wait for Leg 2 & enter Gamehedge. It is the Dirty South :)
, comment by nichobert
nichobert So funny how some people are all 'omg this tour has come so far since woostah' and others are waiting for them to top Worcester still.

IMO, this tour is spectacular. A few duddish shows, but generally super impressed.

I've liked this bands music since 1995 or so, and despite my preferences leaning towards Worcester Jim and the Island Tour, I've somehow never been this into phish. It's like the passion, concision and overload of ideas of 1993 crossed with the patient cohesive interplay of 97 through 2.0. Leading to some constantly mutating improv that seems to live And breathe as its own entity.

Cant wait to hear this show, each new show is an embarrassment of riches these days. Noobs, oldbs, don't take it for granted. Bring your kids, bring your parents, bring a friend.

2012.0 is a hell of a ride
, comment by phoenixphish
phoenixphish Word
, comment by CadillacRainbows42812
CadillacRainbows42812 I'll have to second the leg two statement, "the dirty south"...it's gonna get DIIIRRRTTYYY!
, comment by phootyjon
phootyjon can someone please hold a Spock's Brain sign at SPAC night one? Please! I can't be there in person (will see via hoodstrm) and I really think it's a fitting bust-out considering what's been going down since Worcester....anyone help me out?

oh and btw - both Jones Beach shows blew my skirt up big time; no more need to complain about anything really; good clean face melting music with a dash of good decision making and veteran patience thrown in...J3rd highlights; SkinItBack and HISAWM (der); good clean Mike's Groove; Ya Mar (personal highlight; average version), and the entire second set. J4th highlights; whole first set honestly and the T> T> T are worth a re-listen. Can't wait to hear what happens at SPAC; bring it home boys!
, comment by ramperscamper
ramperscamper @waxbanks said:
And then, In a "fuck you" gesture aimed at the anyone who's ever written some bullshit criticism of the band, Phish ripped off an absolute killer version of "Run Like An Antelope."

I hate to be the bubble-burster here but in all likelihood last night's version of 'Antelope' was not in fact part of a conversation with Phish bloggers, who after all number somewhere between 'rounding error' and 'will fit inside a reasonably large bus.'
Waxbanks, thank you for putting things into context. so true.
, comment by The_Optimistic_Vet
The_Optimistic_Vet A perfect show, period? Huh? Perfect relative to what?

Jones beach was a good run, but perfect? Like 12/30/03? 7/16/94? 11/16/96? 10/31/96? 11/2/98? 5/7/94? 7/8/94, I mean and so on...

To me these reviews sound like a 17 year old who cannot get laid. Your horny as hell, you want it so bad, but it's just not there. Every weekend that rolls around, you think about getting laid, you try, but it never happens; or least not as often as youd like and cant accept the truth. And you can't stand being honest for what it is: a great show, but not even close to being in the top tier of Phish shows all time and maybe in the top tier of Phish 3.0...

Outside of 4 or 5 unpredictable bust outs, the shows rocked like most of the Summer Tour. Worcester Carini > If I Could still wallops. And Bust outs are big! Good for the attendees and fans! Some good songs. But far from "perfect," in my opinion...

Call me a Jaded Vet if it makes you feel better. But I have hope for you. You'll get laid soon enough. The good news is Tour missed fortunes now, with patience and persistence, will be rewarded down the line. And, all the anticipation will make it feel jut that much more mind blowing when it happens!
, comment by ericwyman
ericwyman @ramperscamper said:
@waxbanks , thank you for putting things into context. so true.
Ok. One comment was enough to just ignore, but seriously?? That should have been more than obvious as self-depricating humor. I'm not so fucking daft as to think the band gives one fucking turtle turd about what I, specifically, have to say. They do however have a history of listening to what fans think on the whole. They pay homage to all those fucking signs don't they?

I say something nice about the band and I get as much shit as when I ridicule them. Get a clue.
, comment by ericwyman
ericwyman @The_Optimistic_Vet said:
A perfect show, period? Huh? Perfect relative to what?

Jones beach was a good run, but perfect? Like 12/30/03? 7/16/94? 11/16/96? 10/31/96? 11/2/98? 5/7/94? 7/8/94, I mean and so on...

To me these reviews sound like a 17 year old who cannot get laid. Your horny as hell, you want it so bad, but it's just not there. Every weekend that rolls around, you think about getting laid, you try, but it never happens; or least not as often as youd like and cant accept the truth. And you can't stand being honest for what it is: a great show, but not even close to being in the top tier of Phish shows all time and maybe in the top tier of Phish 3.0...

Outside of 4 or 5 unpredictable bust outs, the shows rocked like most of the Summer Tour. Worcester Carini > If I Could still wallops. And Bust outs are big! Good for the attendees and fans! Some good songs. But far from "perfect," in my opinion...

Call me a Jaded Vet if it makes you feel better. But I have hope for you. You'll get laid soon enough. The good news is Tour missed fortunes now, with patience and persistence, will be rewarded down the line. And, all the anticipation will make it feel jut that much more mind blowing when it happens!
You are not a jaded vet, not even close. Thank you for your thoughtful insight once again, highlighted by a failing analogy between losing one's virginity and seeing a show. Don't hope for me, don't even worry your pretty little head about me.
, comment by InsectEffect
InsectEffect
YES.
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