On a beautiful, early Summer, evening across the river from Philadelphia, Phish set out to demonstrate its rebirth. Well, perhaps that’s laying on the hyperbole a little thick but the show was a decided improvement over Hampton and showed distinct signs of growth for what has come to be known as Phish 3.0.
Here’s the Setlist:
2009-06-07 Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ 1: Chalk Dust Torture, Fee -> Jam, Wolfman's Brother, Guyute, My Sweet One, 46 Days, Lizards, The Wedge, Strange Design, Tube, First Tube 2: Sand, Suzy Greenberg, Limb By Limb, The Horse > Silent in the Morning, Sugar Shack, Character Zero > Tweezer E: Joy, Bouncing Around the Room, Run Like an Antelope > Tweezer Reprise
Opening with a rock & roll infusion, the band charged through “Chalkdust Torture” into the first ‘bust-out’ of the night, “Fee”. An old classic that has been on the shelf just after the first hiatus, “Fee” was a delight to see but it was not without a glaring lyrical gaff. Trey apologized mid verse, noting that he had no trouble with the words backstage, finished out the verses and led the band into a delightful, a-typical, five minute outro jam. This served as out first clue that Phish hoped to do more than “play” the songs; improvisation figured prominently on the menu. With this promising prelude, “Wolfman’s Brother” came to visit bringing high expectations. This version is no twenty minute epic but it is very much a strong example of the concise jamming that has, so far, been trademark of Phish 3.0. Anyone who hadn’t come to re show in dancing shoes surely began to feel inadequately equipped during this little jam.
“Guyute” is a workout for players and dancers at the same time. This version is not perfect but it is earnest and strong. Hopefully, its next appearance will be stronger. They didn’t give us much time to dwell on minor flubs, however. Next came a quick a satisfying “My Sweet One” (bust-out number two) followed by a short but ripping version of “46 Days”. Bust-out number three came next on the form of “The Lizards”. Here too the band had reached well back into their catalog for a fan favorite. It doesn’t come of perfectly, unfortunately, but Page turns in a lovely solo about which no one can complain. But that’s not the end of the bust-outs. Next came “The Wedge” whose quirky groove almost left Trey behind a time or two but we were very psyched to hear them play it. Yet another first timer for the year followed as Page ticks he piano keys to introduce “Strange Design”. I’ve seen disparaging comments made about this song and I really must stand up and say that I absolutely adore it.
Speaking of concise jamming and songs that I love to hear, how about a “Tube”? Played in response to an audience chant, this version does not go too far out but it does rock. Afterwards, Trey shrugged and, after saying, “Well, we might as well play this one now,” led the band into a rich “First Tube” to close the first set.
Set Two kicked off with “Sand” and we quickly picked up on something different about this version. a common complaint for this song is that the steady, unchanging bass groove is a wasted of Mike Gordon’s talents. This time, however, we find Mike changing things up, subtly, while still respecting the groove. Opening things up for really the first time of the night, they break out of the groove and begin shaping all new jams infused with rock and cowfunk. Tension is built and dissipated and much sweaty dancing was inspired. As the band continues to fight to reclaim it’s past glory, this jam is an indication that it is a battle they can win.
“Suzy Greenberg” pops up to rock the house for a bit with Trey even referencing the “Sand” jam before Page’s funky clavinet solo. This gives way to “Limb By Limb”. I love this song. Not only is the guitar part soaring and ripping, the drum pattern is mind-blowing. This version is pretty good. I won’t venture to say perfect but definitely satisfying. “Horse > Silent In the Morning” follows and is a sparkling gem.
Mike debuted a new song, “Sugar Shack”, next. This came off as fairly typical Mike; slightly awkward (mostly at the beginning) with numerous parts. This is no simple throwaway, but it doesn’t quite come off. Like most debuts, however, given a few more attempts, this could grow some legs. “Character Zero” however, would probably benefit from a few less performances. This one rocks, though, and if you’re gonna listen to this song, you could do worse than the Camden ’09 performance. Besides… It roll right into “Tweezer”. How bad could it be? After the basic intro section, Trey takes the groove way up the neck and Page stands up to lay some funk down. As throughout the night, Mike was delivering the goods deep and swampy. Long story short; this “Tweezer” morphs into a rock jam which rides a high energy groove from peak to peak for a good while before breaking down for a spacey end to the set.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL1x5_uSo10[/youtube]
When they returned for the encore, Trey asked the crowd if they were in a hurry and acknowledged what fun they’d had on the preceding run of shows in the Northeast. They then debuted a new ballad, “Joy”. While some fans will likely hate on this one, as far as I’m concerned this is a great song (as long as they don’t play it every night.) Next came another tune best not played every night: “Bouncing Around The Room”. After this, we were certain that we’d get a “Tweezer Reprise” and be done but, no. “Run Like An Antelope” came as a surprise to everyone. The introductory jig was played beautifully and then they proceeded to move through each gear with a fair amount of agility until it teeters on the edge of a train wreck and shifts down for the vocal segment. This leads into a ripping “Tweezer Reprise” with Mike simply pounding on the bass. maybe it was just our seats but he was a stand-out all night long.
This show was a lot of fun. Mike and Page are absolutely on fire. Trey and Fish are holding steady but still need to tighten up. I think they’re getting there. Will this show stand up to Phish at their peak in the 90s? Perhaps, not. But they came back and delivered a stronger show than Hampton and better, even, than most of the preceding shows of the tour. Phish appears to be on an upward swing, getting better and better as they go along. Go out and see them if you can.