9 Comments
User's avatar
Andy S's avatar

I saw Bitchin Bajas a few years ago (great show!) and chatted with one of the dudes in the band at the merch table after their set. I told him they would fit really well as an opener for a jam band, since I had thoughts along the same lines as yours above in terms of how their building and layering and grooves would appeal to jam fans. He made some comment along the lines of “they don’t ask us, tell them!” Didn’t seem offended by the idea.

Expand full comment
Dave Marley's avatar

The particular brand of snob you're picturing might not appreciate this Tweezer climax, but a slightly different kind of snob -- maybe the kind who grew up on UK shoegaze and missed several years of Phish's peak because he heard they were uncool and ignored them -- might find it exhilarating and just about the closest they've ever come to sounding like Ride.

Expand full comment
David B's avatar

I feel like Stephen Malkmus seeing them in Seattle in spring '23 felt notable (he liked the show) and I wanna say it was the lead singer of Best Coast who saw the last summer show at MSG in '23 and posted about it. Was also surprised I think Trey told a story of Johnny Greenwood seeing a show at MSG. That first Phish piece in Pitchfork after the Atlantic City shows too was pretty good.

I don't see them ever fully being accepted into this world — there was definitely a big divide in high school between which music nerds accepted Phish as legit vs. a total joke — and that line has remained, even if it has faded. But yeah like the GD eventually it will disappear (but might take longer and not be as enormous a switch). I'm pretty bull'ish on Phish's musical legacy based on what they accomplished in the 90s, which I have a feeling you are too based on your posts.

Expand full comment
Greg Sasso's avatar

It's interesting, NIS just doesn't click for me (but I do love the Bajas and ETA IVet). There's apparently still a repetition/drone limit for me.

Expand full comment
Tyson's avatar

I remember hearing The Sea and Cake on the Big Cypress radio station down in the Glades and couldn't have been happier. Back then it was really strange for these two worlds to collide, but hearing a few tracks from The Biz on Phish radio confirmed to me the kinship between these two worlds. Also if you heads haven't listened to The Sea and Cake, it's never too late to start now!

Expand full comment
Jerry's avatar

You seem to have an issue with Heavy Things? Curious. It's not a heavy hitter but it's not bad.

Expand full comment
Caregiving Solitaire's avatar

but, it's a Hanson Brothers cover...

Expand full comment
Jerry's avatar

Slap Shot?

Expand full comment
Caregiving Solitaire's avatar

No, the Um-Bop dudes!

Expand full comment