- Artists: Phish
Artist Spotlight: Phish
Community Rating:4 / 5.00
Phish
Phish: The Virtuosos of Jam Rock
Phish, an iconic American rock band hailing from Burlington, Vermont, has spent decades mastering the art of live improvisation and genre-blending that transcends simple categorization. Formed in 1983, the band features Trey Anastasio (guitar, lead vocals), Mike Gordon (bass, vocals), Jon Fishman (drums, vocals), and Page McConnell (keyboards, vocals). Renowned for their extraordinary live performances, Phish has cultivated a devoted fanbase known as “Phishheads,” who follow the band religiously across the country. Their concerts often feature extended jams, where the band navigates smoothly through rock, jazz, funk, blues, and bluegrass.
From performing their first show in a university cafeteria to selling out Madison Square Garden for multiple-night runs, Phish has never shied away from experimentation and evolution. Their extensive discography includes studio albums like “Junta” (1989), “Lawn Boy” (1990), and “Hoist” (1994), each exploring diverse sonic landscapes while pushing the boundaries of rock music. They’re not just a band; they’re an experience, skillfully weaving musical complexity with lyrical whimsy and often theatrical stage antics.
Life Saving Gun: An Odyssey in Melody and Message
One standout example of Phish’s sonic inventiveness and lyrical prowess is their track “Life Saving Gun.” A relatively understated gem, this song encapsulates the band’s ability to convey deep, introspective narratives within the framework of lush instrumental arrangements. The song’s composition is a testament to Phish’s intricate musicianship: Anastasio’s deft guitar work interlaces seamlessly with McConnell’s atmospheric keys, underpinned by Gordon’s fluid basslines and Fishman’s rhythmic precision.
The lyrics delve into themes of existential struggle and redemption, narrated through the metaphor of a gun that paradoxically embodies both destruction and salvation. Anastasio’s vocal delivery oscillates between haunting contemplation and fervent urgency, adding an evocative layer of emotional depth. Live versions of “Life Saving Gun” elevate the complexity, as the band typically explores expansive, improvisational detours that turn each performance into an utterly unique experience.
Phish’s influence on the music scene is undeniable, serving as the spiritual successors to the Grateful Dead in the jam-band universe while carving out their own distinct, eclectic niche. They have inspired countless artists and remain a vital, ever-evolving force in contemporary music. With their unparalleled live shows and a discography that defies stagnation, Phish continues to captivate, challenge, and redefine what a rock band can be.
Birthday: 1983
Phish's Top Tracks
Phish Discography
Evolve
Release: 2024-07-12
Label: Jemp Records
1. Hey Stranger
2. Oblivion
3. Evolve
4. A Wave Of Hope
5. Pillow Jets
6. Lonely Trip
7. Life Saving Gun
8. Monsters
9. Ether Edge
10. Human Nature
11. Valdese
12. Mercy
Tracklist
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2. Oblivion
3. Evolve
4. A Wave Of Hope
5. Pillow Jets
6. Lonely Trip
7. Life Saving Gun
8. Monsters
9. Ether Edge
10. Human Nature
11. Valdese
12. Mercy
The Gorge '98
Release: 2023-01-27
Label: Jemp Records
Popularity: 👏
1. The Squirming Coil – Live
2. NICU – Live
3. Stash – Live
4. Reba – Live
5. Fast Enough For You – Live
6. When The Circus Comes – Live
7. Run Like An Antelope – Live
8. Julius – Live
9. The Moma Dance – Live
10. Piper – Live
11. Axilla (Part II) – Live
12. David Bowie – Live
13. Tube – Live
14. Slave To The Traffic Light – Live
15. Sample In A Jar – Live
16. Gorge ’98 Soundcheck Jam – Live
17. Dog Log – Live
18. Makisupa Policeman – Live
19. Ya Mar – Live
20. Gumbo – Live
21. Divided Sky – Live
22. Waste – Live
23. My Mind’s Got A Mind Of Its Own – Live
24. My Soul – Live
25. 2001 – Live
26. Mike’s Song – Live
27. Weekapaug Groove – Live
28. Character Zero – Live
29. Punch You In The Eye – Live
30. Rocky Top – Live
Tracklist
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2. NICU – Live
3. Stash – Live
4. Reba – Live
5. Fast Enough For You – Live
6. When The Circus Comes – Live
7. Run Like An Antelope – Live
8. Julius – Live
9. The Moma Dance – Live
10. Piper – Live
11. Axilla (Part II) – Live
12. David Bowie – Live
13. Tube – Live
14. Slave To The Traffic Light – Live
15. Sample In A Jar – Live
16. Gorge ’98 Soundcheck Jam – Live
17. Dog Log – Live
18. Makisupa Policeman – Live
19. Ya Mar – Live
20. Gumbo – Live
21. Divided Sky – Live
22. Waste – Live
23. My Mind’s Got A Mind Of Its Own – Live
24. My Soul – Live
25. 2001 – Live
26. Mike’s Song – Live
27. Weekapaug Groove – Live
28. Character Zero – Live
29. Punch You In The Eye – Live
30. Rocky Top – Live
The Clifford Ball (Live, August 16 & 17, 1996)
Release: 2022-03-04
Label: JEMP Records
Popularity: 👏
1. Chalk Dust Torture – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
2. Bathtub Gin – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
3. Ya Mar – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
4. AC/DC Bag – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
5. Esther – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
6. Divided Sky – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
7. Halley’s Comet – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
8. David Bowie – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
9. Split Open And Melt – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
10. Sparkle – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
11. Free – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
12. The Squirming Coil – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
13. Waste – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
14. Talk – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
15. Train Song – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
16. Strange Design – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
17. Hello My Baby – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
18. Mike’s Song – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
19. Simple – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
20. Contact – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
21. Weekapaug Groove – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
22. Makisupa Policeman – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
23. 2001 – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
24. Down With Disease – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
25. NICU – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
26. Life On Mars? – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
27. Harry Hood – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
28. Amazing Grace – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
29. The Old Home Place – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
30. Punch You In The Eye – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
31. Reba – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
32. Cars Trucks Buses – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
33. The Lizards – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
34. Sample In A Jar – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
35. Taste – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
36. Fee – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
37. Maze – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
38. Suzy Greenberg – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
39. The Curtain – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
40. Runaway Jim – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
41. It’s Ice – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
42. Brother – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
43. Fluffhead – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
44. Run Like An Antelope – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
45. Golgi Apparatus – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
46. Slave To The Traffic Light – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
47. Wilson – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
48. Frankenstein – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
49. Scent Of A Mule – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
50. Tweezer – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Bathtub Gin – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
3. Ya Mar – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
4. AC/DC Bag – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
5. Esther – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
6. Divided Sky – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
7. Halley’s Comet – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
8. David Bowie – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
9. Split Open And Melt – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
10. Sparkle – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
11. Free – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
12. The Squirming Coil – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
13. Waste – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
14. Talk – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
15. Train Song – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
16. Strange Design – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
17. Hello My Baby – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
18. Mike’s Song – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
19. Simple – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
20. Contact – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
21. Weekapaug Groove – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
22. Makisupa Policeman – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
23. 2001 – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
24. Down With Disease – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
25. NICU – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
26. Life On Mars? – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
27. Harry Hood – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
28. Amazing Grace – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 16, 1996
29. The Old Home Place – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
30. Punch You In The Eye – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
31. Reba – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
32. Cars Trucks Buses – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
33. The Lizards – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
34. Sample In A Jar – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
35. Taste – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
36. Fee – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
37. Maze – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
38. Suzy Greenberg – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
39. The Curtain – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
40. Runaway Jim – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
41. It’s Ice – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
42. Brother – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
43. Fluffhead – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
44. Run Like An Antelope – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
45. Golgi Apparatus – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
46. Slave To The Traffic Light – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
47. Wilson – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
48. Frankenstein – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
49. Scent Of A Mule – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996
50. Tweezer – Live at The Clifford Ball, August 17, 1996