Return of the Blog....Phish at JB Review

As per the few requests I have received, I have decided to bring back the old blog from the grave. As many of you know, I am a die hard Phish fan and just recently completed a two-night run at Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY. Let me start by saying this venue is amazing and if they lifted the 5 year old ban on selling booze, this could easily be the best venue in the country to see a show. That being said...I got way too drunk for the tuesday nights show and cant do much in terms of a review, but I will tell you that the 2nd set kicked ass. The first set kicked ass as well, but I couldnt give you any real specifics. You can stream the shows at www.yawningdrone.com and take a listen for yourself.

Last nights show (8/19) was a very special one for me. This marked my 25th Phish show in the the 8 years that I have been following this incredible band. Considering that during that 8 year span the band went on a 4 year hiatus, I consider my 25th show a special achievement. Lets move on to the show.

The band hit the stage at about 8:15pm and hit the ground running with the crowd pleasing Down with Disease. I always love me some bass and slapped a little in high school....BIG TIME! So to get the Mike driven DWD to open a show is always great. The boys spent no time launching right into another fan favorite in Sample in a Jar. Although not one of my favorites, its always more welcome than Time Turns Elastic. Here is where things started to get real interesting as the 3rd song up was Guelah Papyrus, a personal favorite of mine and a song I have been chasing along with fellow fan Karin Hoesl. As you could imagine, it was a special moment for the both of us to finally hear this song live...and with an extra funky intro to boot! Trey let loose some real nice solo's during this guelah and he and Mike added in the intro and outro dances, which is what makes Phish special. Poor Heart came up next, which is always a fun upbeat tune and kept the energy rolling along. As I mentioned previously, I love me some good bass and the bass solo in this tune always gets me goin...especially when followed by some magic on the keys by Page. The set took a step back when launching into Ocelot. Although one of the better songs off the new album, it seemed to slow down the set just a bit, maybe just enough for some people to rest their tired feet. The rest didnt last long as the quarter from Vermont launched into the always enticing Chalkdust and followed it up with Bathtub Gin and then Tube. This trifecta had the crowd up and dancing for at least 20 minutes straight. Then came the rare tune that is Destiny Unbound. Although I love this tune, it appeared that Trey forgot the intro and didnt play it. It was a weaker version of the tune and didnt touch the version I caught at Fenway last summer. Trey then led the band into Joy, a great but slow tune. There was one more tune left before the set would end and the boys launched into yet another epic version of Antelope. Every version of this song in 3.0 has been rock rock solid and last nights did not disappoint by ANY means. A great end to the first set of the summer tour closer.

Unfortunately, set break was not as relaxing as I was hoping for...all I wanted was to sit in my seats and rest my weary legs. Well, that did NOT happen. Some kid who was completely spun out decided to jump from the top tier of the rafters down onto the section next to mine. Let me reiterate that he JUMPED and did not fall from the top. The kid landed on his head and all of set break was spent trying to get medical personnel to the scene. They eventually were able to get stretched him out and I really hope the kid ends up okay. The moral of the story here is a) you cant fly. b) learn to handle your drugs. c) always look out for your friends at shows and make sure they are aiiight.

The band hit the stage for its second set to the guitar driven Axilla I. Another high energy crowd pleaser. They kept the set alive with Timber Ho! a personal favorite of mine and they played it last year at Jones Beach as well. They really stretched out the jam for this one and it got a little spacey for me, but enjoyable non the less. Timber then segued into my personal favorite jam off the new album, Light. It appears they guys have really gravitated most to this song and use it as a great vehicle to segue into other songs and keep a great synergy and flow to sets. The perfect example is how they used Light in this show to segue into 46 Days, which was my highlight of the show. If someone asks me why do I go to Phish shows, this is one of the songs I would play for them. The music, energy, and jamming in this 46 days was bar none the best I have ever heard and the highlight of the show for me. Trey really took this jam to new heights and peaks, a theme that has seem to be evident through out this whole summer tour. They rocked this 46 days right into another person favorite of mine in My Friend, My Friend. It was good to finally here the structured sections nailed. Then came one of the more unique Harry Hood's that I have ever heard. There was a great glow stick war for Hood and the band was really patient with the jam. Then came the song of summer tour and a song that everyone loves....the funkalicious Tweezer. This segued into the special combo that is the horse/silent in the morning. Really just 2 beautiful songs and another reason I love the Phish from Vermont. These arent "Hippie-Jam" songs, but rather just beautiful ballads. This is the uniqueness that is Phish....they go from the funk in tweezer to the slow/mellow ballads in the horse/silent and then into the epic symphony that is YEM to end the set. This YEM was very very very patient to start and Trey really let the other 3 pour it on before he took off on the structured sections. This was a great great version and also a tune that never ever disappoints and THE song that made me fall in love with Phish. The vocal outro to this jam was the best Ive ever heard, really fun and quirky.

After a quick encore break, the boys came back out to the crowd pleasing Suzy Greenberg and rolled straight into Tweezer Reprise to take the show and summer tour to a close. This has been a great summer and I was able to catch the tour opener, closer, and 4 others in between. This is the Phish I have been waiting to hear for years...the phish of the 90's. I am so grateful to have great live music in my life and not have to hear only about lady gaga, justin bieber, and the jonas brothers. I hope you enjoyed the return of the blog...stay tuned for the next entry!

Once in a Lifetime

I’ve often heard people describe a concert experience as a "Once in a Lifetime Experience." I never really understood what they meant. Now I’ve been to more concerts than the average joe...wayyyyy more concerts than the average joe, but I've never described a show as a once in a lifetime experience. Yea, I have said some shows were amazing and ranted and raved about them, but never had that feeling in my gut that I would never experience something by that artist again.

Last night, for the first time in my life, I truly believe I witnessed and experienced a concert that was Once in a Lifetime. Last night, I watched my idols (or the majority of them anyways) share the same stage and perform together for one night only at The Worlds Most Famous Arena and boy was it something special. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame gig at MSG kicked off at around 7pm with a speech from a favorite actor of mine, Mr. Tom Hanks. Mr. Gump made his speech short and sweet, focusing on the power that rock music has had in the lives of everyone in both the good times and the bad times. He left the stage to great applause and cheering as the lights dimmed and Rock and Roll HOF original inductee Mr. Jerry Lee Lewis Hit the stage. Jerry jammed out "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On" on his sleek white baby grand. He left the stage to great applause and we were on our way.

Crosby, Stills, and Nash took the stage next. They are a personal favorite of mine and I saw them play on their Deja Vu tour with Neil Young and on their own at Central Park Summerstage. These guys may be old, but boy can they still play. They opened up with the classic tune, "Woodstock," which got the mostly older crowd up and dancing. (I would say the average age at this show was 48) Then came a personal favorite of mine as a Moroccan, "Marrakesh Express." This was my first time hearing this tune and it sent chills down my spine. It is truly an unreal feeling to hear a song youve been waiting to hear for years, some of you may know what I’m talking about...like waiting to hear Fluffhead and you finally catch it after 30 shows. The 3 amigos then went into another classic in David Crosbys "Almost Cut My Hair." Crosby then introduced Rock and Roll HOF'er Bonnie Raitt to join the stage with them, calling her the "best voice he has ever heard." CSN and Bonnie played "Love Has No Pride" and a very folky/country version of the Allman Brothers "Midnight Rider." Bonnie left the stage to great applause before the next legend came out, Mr. Jackson Browne. They jammed out an incredible version of "The Pretender." The guitar for this just blew me away, Stills has still got it and so does Jackson. Then came another one of my heroes...James Taylor. The crowd gave a thunderous applause as James joined CSN on stage. The boys launched into an extremely impressive version of everyone’s Taylor favorite, "Mexico." This was yet another extremely special moment for me, watching two of my icons on stage for an incredible version of an incredible song. Oh and for the record, James Taylor hasn’t lost a beat...he is still the man and for all you haters out there, all I can say is I feel bad for you. Taylor stayed out for one more tune, playing CSN's "Love the One Your With." The doo doo do do dooo dooo dad do part was awesome, the entire stadium was abuzz with doo's. Taylor left the stage and CSN played "Rock and Roll Woman." After that, they invited all their guests back on stage for a special sing along version of "Teach Your Children." All in all, Crosby, Stills, and Nash have still got it and can rock out with the best of em. A great set from a great group.

The night was already off to an incredible start, but like a snowball rolling down a hill, it only gained more momentum as the night wore on. Paul Simon hit the stage to thunderous applause, clapping, and whistles from all around. Paul wasted no time, launching right into "She’s a rich girl...she don’t try and hide it....She’s got diamonds on the souls of her shoes." He also sounds exactly the same and it was a great version of a song I thought I would never hear live. Simon then went into a classic tune, "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard." The crowd went absolutely bonkers for the next song, "You can call me al." Simon then brought out HOFer and guitar legend Dion Dimucci who happens to be my friends neighbor and was at their bar-mitzvah. Simon and Dion played a solid version of "The Wanderer." Dion left the stage and Simon brought out his next guests, Crosby and Nash. Simon dedicated the next song to a dear friend of his, George Harrison, and the threesome of Crosby, Nash, and Simon belted out one of the most impressive vocal versions of "Here Comes the Sun." You could feel the arena shrink a bit in that moment...leaving the audience queit and in complete awe. Crosby and Nash left the stage and Simon played "Late in the Evening." After the song, Simon invited up HOFers, Little Anthony and the Imperials. Simone left the stage and the group did an acapella of "Two kinds of People." Simon then re-appears with his longtime partner Art Garfunkel. The arena bursted into cheers and for a moment it felt like 1994 in the Garden again...a very special year for us New York sports fans...Im sure some of you know what I’m talking about. The duo launched into "The Sound of Silence," the crowds cheers echoing through out MSG. After the song, the crowd bursts into applause as Simon and Garfunkel hug and take their respective bows. They then went into a medley of "Mrs. Robinson/Not Fade Away," which had the crowd singing along. They slowed things down a bit, going into "The Boxer" and closing their set with "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The both of these guys sounded incredible and at the end of Bridge Over Troubled Water, Garfunkel let loose incredibly powerful vocals that brought the crowd to its feet. The duo left the stage as the crowd chanted for one more song...and they got their request. Simon and Garfunkel came out and encored with the classic tune, "Cecilia." This set was incredibly special to me, being a big fan of this great American songwriting duo...it was great to finally hear live what I’ve listened to for so many years on cd. The Goosebumps came alive once again. I hope these guys do another tour together as they have a magical presence together onstage and can really grab hold of an audience.

While the stage hands prepared for Stevie Wonder, I went to the bar and got myself a drink. If you want to talk about perfect timing...I get my drink and then turn to the TV to watch Matsui hit a solo shot to right field for a 2-1 lead over the Phils. The bar went nuts as people began the lets go Yankees chant and high fives were flying all around...and then some guy fell off his bar stool...another highlight of the night and I knew that was my cue to return to my seat.

Stevie Wonder took to the stage to some technical difficulties. It took them about 15 minutes to get the poor guy a working mic. When the techies finally get everything going, Stevie was nothing short of spectacular. He opened up with "Blowing in the Wind," a song he dedicated to all the Rock and Roll HOFers. Then the horns hit and you knew it was time to rock with the great Stevie W as he knocked "Uptight (Everything’s Alright)," possibly referring to his mic problems here? Everything was definitely alright when those mics were fixed. Stevie then went into my favorite song of his, "I was made to Love her," which was beyond incredible...he hit everyone note with ease. I know my baby lovvvves me, my babby needs meeee, thats why me made it through the yearssss. Love that song. Anyways, Mr. Wonder went into the wedding classic "For Once in My Life" followed by "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours." Then the bass hit and you knew what was coming...I likeeee to regggae, but your much to fast for meeee. I had grew up listening to Stevie Wonder in camp as my counselor would play him in the bunk all the time and even wrote our march for Sing to this song. Even more special was that it is one of my favorite covers by my favorite band, Phish, so it was great to finally hear this tune live. Stevie then brought out Mo-Town legend Smokey Robinson for "The Tracks Of My Tears." Smokey left the stage and then Stevie brought out John Legend and they performed "Mercy Mercy Me" and then they followed that up with Michael Jacksons "The Way You Make Me Feel." This had the whole stadium up and singing and even moved Stevie to tears at one point, as he struggled to continue singing. John Legend left the stage and Stevie brought out the king of blues...BB King and they played BB's classic tune "The Thrill is Gone," which I actually saw him play at my first Phish show. King left the stage and Stevie went into another favorite of mine, "Living for the City." Then out of nowhere, Sting comes on stage to slap a little bass for Stevie as they played medley of "Higher Ground/Roxanne." This was AWESOME. What a medley. Sting left to applause and Stevie Wonder brought out Rolling Stones 14th most influential guitar player of all time, Mr. Jeff Beck who absolutely shredded "Superstition" to pieces. This guy can PLAY, damn. All I can really say is damn...another beyond incredible set of collaborative hits.

It must been around 11:30 or so when Bruuuuuuuce hit the stage. The King of my home state of New Jersey brought the crowd to its feet. Bruce and the E-Street Band launched right into "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out," one of my favorite Bruce jams. Bruce then talked a bit about the influence Sam Moore had on him in New Jersey and he invited the HOFer out to play with him and the E Street Band as they tore through blistering renditions of "Hold On, Im Comin" and "Soul Man." Moore left the stage and then Bruce brought out an interesting and unexpected guest in Tom Morello, guitarist from Rage Against the Machines. They absolutely rocked out "The Ghost of Tom Joad," as Morello and Bruce exchanged licks in what was one of the most impressive guitar work I’ve ever seen...and I’ve seen a lot. Morello left the stage and then another idol of mine came out, John Fogerty. Fogerty sat in for three songs, tearing through "Fortunate Son," "Proud Mary," and then closed it out with Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman," which was insane. Fogerty left the stage and Max Weinberg wasted no time launching into "Jungleland." Bruce then invited out Phil Spector's singing beauty Darlene Love. Love sat in the Bruce and E-Street for "A Fine, Fine Boy," and "Da Doo Ron Ron." Love left the stage and Bruce invited Morello back out. They rocked out The Clash's "London Calling," which was fucking awesome. They then played "Badlands." Springsteen kept asking the crowd if anyone was fucking aliveee out there, to which the crowd would respond with cheers. It was about 1am and everyone seemed to think this show was over...and then came the shocker. Springsteen started rambling about continental drift and how long island was once part of New Jersey, I jumped out of my seat because I knew what was coming..."Long Island is about to meet New Jersey on the neutral ground of New York City." The baby grand was set up and The King of New Jersey introduced the King of Long Island, Mr. Billy Joel. The crowd went absolutely crazy, people jumping up and down and screaming at the top of their lungs. Billy sat down at his Baby grand and said hello to the crowd. Bruce, the E street Band, and Billy went into "You May be Right."
Billy stayed on and they rocked out "Only the Good Die Young." The Garden was shaking and Bruce and Billy exchanged barbs about New York City, the greatest city, and the worlds greatest people, and then went into "New York State of Mind." Billy stayed as Bruce brought in the closer, "Born to Run." This was an absolute jam, which had Bruce rocking out on top of Billys Baby Grand, a truly amazing sight. Bruce then invited all of his guests on stage and ended the night with "Higher and Higher." It was 1:30 and the show had ended and I dont think I could have been any higher, what a perfect song to end a perfect night. Bruce rocked out the last set and closed out the night properly. He is a true entertainer.

This night didn’t lag for a minute. All these artists brought the hot hot heat from start to finish and I don’t think I will ever be able to compare or experience another 6 hour concert bash like this in my lifetime. It was truly a Once in a lifetime Experience.

Soulive Review...BrInGiN the HEAT

Wow....If you have never seen the trio that is soulive, then I feel bad for ya. I especially feel bad if you missed this past show at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC, which was an absolute scorcher. The suit trio is back and they are rocking harder than ever. The show lasted about 2 hours and was nonstop fire from start to finish with a little Sax at the end of the regular set. The show then ended with Jimmy Hendrix's classic Manic Depression, which put a great end to an incredible night. I HIGHLY suggest checking these guys out...they bring the Funk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zM-ApRQGlo&feature=related

NYC Shocker...Subway Misery this Weekend

Well this just in from the post...the subways this weekend will be a mess! SHOCKER! Thats sarcasm incase you couldnt tell. Read the article below...and avoid the subways this weekend, do some walking.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/subways_are_hell_on_rails_AjKecUA7XghirLFW54Q0vM

Phish Tour...take me to the Gaaaahden

Well its that time again....Phish is back! Coming off the heels of a sold out and very successful summer tour, the boys are ready to hit the road for a fall tour. Trey and the gang will be playing their first halloween in California at the Empire Polo Grounds for 8 sets of music, including the famed halloween set, where the band dresses up as another band and covers one of their albums. The band will take to the road shortly after their stint in Cali and start off their tour in West Virginia at the WVU Coliseum in Morgantown. The band will continue their stretch in the northeast and make what I am sure will be a very memorable 3 night stand at the Worlds Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden. The tour will wrap at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Phish will then ring in the New Year with their annual 4 nights New Years Celebration at American Airlines Arena in Miami.

See you at the Garden…

The Jane Hotel is Getting Pissed...on

Well, it appears the residents that surround the Jane Hotel are officially pissed off. In the past couple of months there have been complaints from neighbors in regards to the amount of noise and debauchery that eminates from the Jane Hotel night life scene. One of the residents in the area has sounded the horn for all dogs and their owners to piss on the Jane Hotel ...litteraly. See the flyer that was posted above. Any thoughts? Anyone? Bueller?

One More Saturday Night...

Readers,
Most of you are probably my age and like to go out on the weekends. Let me remind you that getting wasted with your friends is okay... actually its more than okay, we all do it, but college is over. You cant get hammered drunk and do stupid things that can harm your future. I mean you can if you want to, but I dont suggest it. Anyways, the reason I bring this up is because of the absolute craziness I saw go down on saturday night outside of Spitzers.

I went outside to talk with some friends and saw this girl walking around on the corner. She was so wasted that she could barely stand. As she wobbled from one end of the sidewalk to the other, she ended up pushing some girls that I knew and getting into an altercation with them. At this point, drunk girls friend realizes what is going on and tries to stop her friend from making a fool out of herself, so she tries to pull her away. Drunk girl...as I shall now call her decides to push her own friend and curse her out, in which case the friend leaves her to be on her own. Now rolling solo, drunk girl decides to continue this fight with the girls on the corner, causing whats already a large scene to become even larger...and then the cops arrive.

This is when the real great shit goes down. The cops get out and ofcourse single out Drunk Girl. They bring her over to their cop car where she proceeds to yell at them and tries to walk away. One of the cops pulls her back to the car and continues to speak with her. Drunk Girl continues her ridiculous antics, yelling and screaming, andddd being a complete and utter fool. Then the highlight of my night, she stops yelling and cursing at the cop and looks as if she is going to projectile all over this cop....instead Drunk Girl flips the cops tie into his face, oh yes...she did. The real beauty is she did it not once, but TWICE. The cop then starts to go for the cuffs and thats when I got into my cab. Supposedly she gave the cop a nice 5 finger to the face, but I cant confirm this. I guess its just one more saturday night in the city that never sleeps.

The moral of the story here kiddies...be nice to your friends when your blacked out...or they will leave you to do embaressing shit on your own or in this case, get arrested. DONT BE THAT GUY...or girl.