Straight Outta Brooklyn

There were few more gratifying experiences then trading phish tapes in high school. It was tough to top the utter joy of getting that package in the mail with those bootleg tapes, the satisfaction of brokering that deal online, my MSG show for your Camden. Looking for that PNC show where they played Halley’s Comet>into a bitchin’ Bathtub Gin, and teased Rock N’ Roll and Stairway 8 minutes in. The gratification of forging that connection with someone seemingly so far away but equally passionate about the band.

A little time and technology, and the invention of a little thing called the IPOD, and now we’re downloading over the internet in real time as the shows end. Or, for better or worse, buying the shows straight from the band at lossless sound quality. I imagine there are some who find utter hypocrisy in purchasing these soundboard quality shows as opposed to doing it the good old fashion way. For my money, I’d just assume drop the 20 bucks and know I’m getting the best quality available. (Although I do miss those funky “fillers” on the ends of some tapes where the entrepreneurial taper would drop nuggets rarely found elsewhere. Can anyone say McGrupp>Gamehendge in its entirety??)

I intro with this prologue because the band who arguable drove these innovations in music distribution delivers once again with “ Live in Brooklyn,” a concert film that presents all that is great with the way music is delivered today. Epic, cinematic film from the show and super-crisp audio, “Live in Brooklyn” is a beautiful snapshot of a fleeting moment where the band rocked and the fact that it was all ending had not quite yet set again. Phish announced they were breaking up a few weeks earlier. The band held its final show two months later at Coventry in Vermon. Phish had earlier teased a breakup and then reunited, but most knew that this time, they were serious. While the hope that they reunite always looms, most knew that it would be a long while, and it would not be the same.

All this gave these Brooklyn shows, the first of the final tour, added importance. This show was simulcast across the U.S. (make it the logical choice for the DVD set). Highlights include an extraordinary, funked-out “Suzie G” in the second set, with Trey and the band picking up after the song concludes with what seemed to be an outro but morphed into full on jam with Trey and the boys straying far from the structure of Suzy. The first set popped with “The Curtain (With)” in its entirety, a solid Sample in a Jar and “Moma Dance” into “Free” combination. “Moma Dance” was at first quite tight, and fast, and then got very dark as the band segued into Free. They also were not shy about diving into “Undermind,” its then, just-released final album. A personal highlight was the band’s live interpretation of “Nothing,” which took on a slow, deliberate pace live versus its somewhat “Beatles-esque” quality on the record” Song I Heard The Ocean Sing,” which opened the night, exploded and grew in epic proportions over this tour. Its driving guitar and built-in exploration made it an instant hit and would have only grown overtime. “46 Days” opened the second set (perhaps a nod to Coventry, which was actually not precisely 46 days away but close.) A solid 2001 and the aforementioned Susie G highlighted the second set. The band was enjoying its final together as were the thousands in attendance.

The following night, also at Coney, saw a surprise (and bizarre) appearance by Jay-Z for 99 Problems>Big Pippin. The duo was excellent and presents an important moment for the band as they enjoyed their final moments together; all building up to the chaos of Coventry. “Live in Brooklyn” is a must-have for Phishheads looking to relish in the time that once was; and most likely will not be again…

Why Stamford Works

I get a bewildered when I'm out in New York and tell people that I live in (gasp) Stamford, Connecticut. They are confused....and almost offended that I could dare live above 96 Street. Eventually their shock and dismay turns to masked pity...and eventually sympathy. As a sort of defense, I explain I grew up in New York and spend lots of time here (39 minutes on Metro-North) but work and other obligations make it most feasible to occupy “The Town That Works.” Now they look at me as a traitor. It’s the ultimate disappointment when you meet someone in a bar in New York and then the inevitable, “where do you live” question comes up. Needless to say, trekking downtown is considered a hike up for some, never mind between exits 6 and 10 on 1-95. Quickly, it’s time to hit the bar for another drink.

A solid nightlife, shockingly trendy restaurants give the town a surprisingly charming and livable allure. A diverse population leads to an interesting downtown area with lots of great food and shopping. Throw in a few theaters that draw the likes of Kathy Griffin, Bill Cosby and Dennis Miller, and you’ve got yourself a borderline city. Hell, there’s even an Apple Store here now. I take pride in my town; it's hardly a booming metropolis but it's personality, good food and fun nightlife are top notch.

Hey, at least it’s not Milford.