Phish on SNL

[Gabriel E.]

Anybody else see Phish on SNL? Still don’t know what their appeal is. While the first song had an interesting propulsiveness to it, it didn’t go anywhere. The second song was just boring. Trey Anastasio is a brilliant guitar player and he has a really great tone. But his soloing was pointless. It was verse-chorus-verse-chorus-masturbate. They study Motown and learn how to write a 3-minute pop song. They were perfectly matched to Al Gore – both are wet noodles who are really smart but don’t know how to apply it in an engaging way.

[Addix Metzatricity]

Dude! I got run over by Chuck Norris!

[fantasticsound]

I have to agree with most of what Gabriel said. I've been told to listen to Phish since before anyone really knew who they were. Believe it or not, SNL was the first time I saw them. Considering how many people I know who enjoy them, I have to believe there is something more than what they displayed on SNL. Wasn't bad... just wasn't nearly as good as I expected. I did enjoy the jam aspect of it. (ie. I'd enjoy playing with them, even if the songs were hardly my favorites.)

[Wewus432]

I didn't catch SNL but they must have had an off night. It's kind of the nature of that type music, sometimes it just doesn't work. I assure you they are all talented musicians, and if you caught them at the right time you would likely be impressed.

[vintagevibe]

If you like jam bands Phish is probably the best. I'm not a huge jam band fan and I'm not really into the Dead that much but Phish always impresses me. Didn't see the SNL show though.

[Gtoledo3]

[quote]Originally posted by Gabriel E.: [b]Anybody else see Phish on SNL? Still don’t know what their appeal is. While the first song had an interesting propulsiveness to it, it didn’t go anywhere. The second song was just boring. Trey Anastasio is a brilliant guitar player and he has a really great tone. But his soloing was pointless. It was verse-chorus-verse-chorus-masturbate. They study Motown and learn how to write a 3-minute pop song. They were perfectly matched to Al Gore – both are wet noodles who are really smart but don’t know how to apply it in an engaging way.[/b][/quote]I think the problem was that they had to fit those songs into three minutes. That realy gave the wrong impression. For instance, the second song usually goes into the stratosphear right where they had to cut it off. They are big on the "slow build." They should have just "gotten to the point" a little sooner.

[Frost]

I saw it. First, Im a huge phish fan. I was at the last show and will be at the shows in hampton comming up. As for SNL, Its not the place to get really good phish. They thrive off the building energy of the crowd. Snl gives you 4 minutes. As for the first song played, its a new one and lots of people like it. I dont. I think its boring. I did like the second song as a decent version fora 4 minute chalkdust torture. I also loved the YEM they played live during the charlie brown section which was hilarious. If you havent seen it "Bitter Sweet Motel" is a great movie/documentary on phish which will give you a better idea of who they are. Cheers Frost

[patrick_dont_fret]

Right on Frost. Yeah, Chalkdust Torture is by no means a 4 minute song, more like 40 if I could have my way. I was still tappin me foot, though. As for 46 Days, I didn't really like it too much. I've heard the new album is REAL MELLOW, though. Anywho, Phish rules. Also, for a real good time, check out Widespread Panic. To me, they are better at jamming. I mean, they do a 10 minute drum solo with yer regular drums and percussion. It's freaking amazing. And their new guitarist (well, he's an oldie...George McConnell, but I'm not sure where they found him) brings a new aspect to the song. And in the concerts that I saw, they had a guy on sax and acoustic guitar. Really interesting hearing it with a jazz flava. Anywho, WSP rules. Check em all out.

[Wow]

When did phish get together. One of my old college roommates used to play one of their songs I loved but I cant remember the name of it. This was back in 95. Does anybody remember "phish bones"? I saw the 92 lalapalooza, and they played then.

[Gtoledo3]

[quote]Originally posted by C.M.: [b]When did phish get together. One of my old college roommates used to play one of their songs I loved but I cant remember the name of it. This was back in 95. Does anybody remember "phish bones"? I saw the 92 lalapalooza, and they played then.[/b][/quote]You're thinking of Fishbone, the band that did "Everyday Sunshine." Good band, but more of a neo- Sly and The Family Stone.

[Magpel]

Yeah, Fishbone Phish are fish of very different schools... I like Phish. Funny, I don't really like their songs, and I don't really like their jams...what I love about them, esp. on their early albums were the long *composed* instrumental sections, which were very elaborate and sophisticated, on the level of some Zappa and Gentle Giant stuff. A classic example would be the song Reba (from Lawn Boy?). Typically silly song that launches into an amazing specimen of pomp-free prog rock.

[Yuri T.]

It's rare a band puts on a great show on SNL. They come on cold, play one tune and who knows what the mix and acoustics are like. Saw a rerun of Soundgarden on SNL the other night, absolutly horrid, out of tune singing, no groove etc. It's part of that gig I think.

[Dogfur]

Phish's reputation for sucking on TV appearances is well-deserved, and once again reinforced after SNL. They really do need the crowd energy to get a good lift-off going. Really a great band though, I am partial to their earlier stuff ( Junta, Nectar, Rift )with more long-form compositions. For people interested in checking it out furthur "A Live One" is a good place to start, better than the current "live" releases for the uninitiated.

[Brakka]

[b]It's rare a band puts on a great show on SNL[/b] I disagree- there have been some great SNL performances. Norah Jones last week was GREAT (I thought). The sound was way better than any of the shows she's been on recently (although I think she could use a better guitarist :o ). Tom Petty has had some good performances. I remember a lot about the time Faith No More was on. I also liked the Pretenders Ladysmith Black Mombazo Michael Penn (in the 80's when Sean Penn hosted) Keith Richards (oh he can sing? oops- I guess not :D ) Elvis Costello (with bassist T-Bone trying to hit the high harmonies on "Alison") Tracy Chapman Cypress Hill :) Smashing Pumpkins (1st time, with the whole band) Midnight Oil :thu: I could go on. --- I agree that Phish is okay, but doesn't fit well into the SNL format. And I turned it off afret the first song because AL GORE WAS EMBARASSING!!

[Kris]

[quote]Originally posted by Magpel: [b]...what I love about them, esp. on their early albums were the long *composed* instrumental sections, which were very elaborate and sophisticated, on the level of some Zappa and Gentle Giant stuff. A classic example would be the song Reba (from Lawn Boy?). Typically silly song that launches into an amazing specimen of pomp-free prog rock.[/b][/quote]Yes... gotta love that stuff. You know you got it when they start playing it on the Weather Channel!

[patrick_dont_fret]

Yep, earlier stuff is definitely better. But some of the live releases are pretty tight. On one of the ones I have, they do Freebird with all voice. Even the solo is done with their voices. Pretty tight stuff. They are also well known for their covers, and one of the sets on the same show I have is all covered, but done with different words. I also have a set of them covering Dark Side of the Moon. Definitely worth checking out. I hope they swing by Memphis sometime soon. I'd really like to see them.

[Lee Tyler]

I strongly disagree. The Bowie, Billy Joel appearances, for one thing, were absoulutely riviting, not only for the performances themselves, but for the clean, even, balanced live "sound" that was coming out of my speakers. The sound and stage crew know what they are doing there at NBC, and sure....inconsistant acts are most probably going to have a shitty go at it once in a while, especially if their talent is "studio based".(love to see them suck live...let em' see what they "really" sound like with their balls hanging out, not "created" in a studio....heh...heh...heh) I have heard some mostly great shit come out of SNL since it's inception. I disagree that it is a "rare" experience, but I guess performances are a subjective phenomenon, like performers. KnowhatImean??? ----LEE :D [quote]Originally posted by Yuri T.: [b]It's rare a band puts on a great show on SNL. They come on cold, play one tune and who knows what the mix and acoustics are like. Saw a rerun of Soundgarden on SNL the other night, absolutly horrid, out of tune singing, no groove etc. It's part of that gig I think.[/b][/quote]

[Wewus432]

Did anybody catch that Phish concert on AOL Broadband. It was good. I wonder if Bralalalalala saw it? [b]The Bass Player Wore A Dress.[/b] He really did. He's a fairly masculine guy but for some unknown reason he was wearing a dress. I don't follow that group much but the guys are talented.

[Dogfur]

Actually the drummer, Jon Fishman wears the tunic. The recent Live in Vegas DVD ( great sound, so so video, I was at the show and it rocked ) showed me just how ratty that thing is. Fishman has also exposed himself to the audience on occasion - I don't know why, but there is more than meets the eye with that guy. GREAT drummer,though.