Phish — Prague, Czech Republic (7/5/1998)
January 22, 2009
Set II: Bathtub Gin> The Moma Dance, McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters> Axilla> Harry Hood, Rocky Top
Encore: Funky Bitch
Download (Second Set and Encore Only)
Moma Dance from 7/5/98:
Phish — The Victor Disc
January 22, 2009
Two tracks featured here from 2002′s studio session that spawned the Victor Disc. Improvisational and very, very loose.NY Times Review of Umph’s Mantis
January 22, 2009
By virtue of its intense and ever-changing shows, its obsessive fan base and the premium it places on spontaneity, Umphrey’s McGee can be understood as a jam band, and one of the best. The evidence extends to countless live recordings, both sanctioned and tolerated, in time-honored tradition. By comparison, the group’s studio albums can feel optional, almost beside the point.
But “Mantis,” the new Umphrey’s McGee release, reflects some different priorities for the band. It’s a meticulous product, assembled over more than two years, consisting entirely of material never before heard onstage. Anticipation around its release was fueled by an innovative promotion: fans who preordered the album could access nine successive tiers of online bonus material.
If complexity is the standard by which it should be judged, “Mantis” warranted the buildup. Most of its songs combine sharp riffs with unexpected twists, injections of odd meter, modulations in key. As a whole, the effort harks back not to the Grateful Dead but rather the heyday of a prog-rock juggernaut like King Crimson.
The band’s lead singer, Brendan Bayliss, projects an earnest vagueness, and a fondness for aphorism. “We believe there’s something here worth dying for,” he declares in the album’s 12-minute, multisection title track, without specifying what that something is.
Maybe it’s the cohesive strength of the band, which rarely falters. There aren’t as many sparks here as in performance — Jake Cinninger, the band’s charismatic lead guitarist, rations his outpourings carefully — but the trade-off feels worthwhile. “My conviction’s slow but steady,” Mr. Bayliss repeats near the end of the song “Red Tape.” It’s a decent motto for this album, with its sturdy if workmanlike results.
They Said What??
January 22, 2009
The ever classy and incredibly talented Kanye West is talking again…
“I’m open to doing porn. Hell, I’ll even do bisexual scenes – myself, another man and a woman, or just me and two women. I know people will find that as some weird shit, but I am who I am.“
-Kanye West
moe. — Spring ’09 dates announced
January 22, 2009
The hiatus that wasn’t is over and moe. has announced more dates for 2009.
03/27/2009 Rams Head Live, Baltimore, MD, USA
03/28/2009 Rams Head Live, Baltimore, MD, USA
03/29/2009 Calvin Theatre, Northampton, MA, USA
04/01/2009 Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT, USA
04/02/2009 Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT, USA
04/03/2009 House of Blues, Boston, MA, USA
04/04/2009 House of Blues, Boston, MA, USA
Animal Collective — Merriweather Post Pavillion review
January 22, 2009
From the AP:
Animal Collective’s ninth album is a straight-up pop record.
Shedding the guitars and experimental tendencies found on earlier releases for a more sample based-production, “Merriweather Post Pavilion” is a classic summer record brimming with vibrant anthems about finding joy in the routine.
Now down to Panda Bear, Avey Tare and Geologist, the trio at once refine and expand their multihued sound to the point of developing a distinct musical language.
The result is like listening to music through the ears of a child.
“Pavilion’s” lyrical landscape is one of blooming flowers, dancing kids and happy sirens. Aquatic bass splashes go hand-in-hand with questions like “Do you want to go stroll down and find a stream?” Swirling melodies either float toward an infinite blue sky or mate in the clouds. Drum machines mimic communal handclaps.
Through digital trickery, electronics wizard Geologist backs hooks with translucent drones and airy electronic flourishes for an aural prism.
In the same way, Tare and Panda Bear’s florid harmonies lend new meaning to familiar phrases. The album even features at least one straightforward ballad, “Bluish,” on which Tare sings in a half-falsetto. Doe-eyed meditations like “If I could just leave my body for a night” perfectly frame the record’s tint.
The album is appropriately named after the Maryland concert venue designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. With “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” the Collective have constructed a masterpiece of sonic architecture.
CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: A whipping beat, almost dirty South bassline and fluttering synths ground Panda Bear’s material aspirations on “My Girls,” as he sends a kaleidoscopic love letter to the ladies in his life.
43 Years Ago Today…
January 22, 2009
The Beach Boys recorded their legendary song “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, which would be included on Pet Sounds. Here’s a promo video the band shot for the song:
Phish — Add Knoxville to summer tour dates
January 22, 2009
A great under the radar show? I can only hope. From Phish.com
We’re pleased to announce an additional date to Phish’s 2009 Summer Tour. The band will play Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN on Wednesday, June 10, 2009.
A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system for this show only at http://phish.portals.musictoday.com. The ticketing request period is currently underway and will end on Sunday, January 25th at 11:59AM EST.
Tickets for the Knoxville, TN show will go on sale to the public with the rest of the Summer Tour beginning Friday, January 30th at 10AM EST. For full show and ticketing information, please visit the Tourdates page at Phish.com. [Phish.com]
