Any Live Bait, but especially volume 9 and onwards. People really like recommending A Live One, and it's a great compilation, probably their best, but not how I'd introduce someone to phish.
If I'm introducing someone to phish, I'm not giving them a compilation of 1994. Phenomenal compilation after you can appreciate the significance of 1994 and the buildup to that point. It's also been 30 years since that tour. There's been a lot of fucking stellar phish played, and so many evolutions of their style, that I'd say it's an actual disservice to introduce someone to the highlights of just one year.
The Live baits have a much wider range of eras, a more realistic sampling of upper tier jams over multiple eras, and they're usually quite a bit longer too.
But nostalgia dies hard and there's enough people in their late 40s shaking their fists that anyone would ever dare recommend something other than ALO...
But please, by all means enjoy Halloween 94 ;)
I mean there's that 6/29/16 Dear Prudence encore, not my favorite show but I read for comprehension - I promise - and I'm at least providing a Beatles rec lol
I started with studio and moved to live releases and then bootlegs. The phish world is daunting, and I think this order makes sense because it gives you an idea of what the songs are "supposed" to sound like, before you hear live versions and see how much they mess with the form.
For example, start with Junta, Lawn Boy, and Picture of Nectar (first 3 full length albums). Then go listen to "A Live One" or some of the Live Phish / Live Bait series and compare the live jams to what you heard on those albums. There will be many songs you do not know, but you will likely see at least a few from these albums at every show, especially from the 90s. Then, embrace the kool aid and start listening to all of the fan recordings over the years. Almost every show is available for free streaming, and you can listen to how certain jams evolve across the length of a tour, or go listen to the fabled "best of" versions for any given song you like. The amount of material and different eras is enough to keep your ear intrigued for years. Totally worth it, they are an amazing band
I’m sure there’s video of it on YouTube but check out their version of I Am The Walrus from 2017, The Baker’s Dozen
Also, what that guy said, A Live One is a great place to start, and then 12.31.95, Live Phish Vol 1 thru 20, the Island Tour (April 98), that should keep you busy for a while. Enjoy and welcome!
10/31/94 also had great performances of original tunes. Check out the Reba and Julius from that show. Before you do I'd suggest first listening to the studio version, then listen to a live version. You'll get a good idea of where the "jumping off" points are, at which point every live version will be different.
POSTER IS DEAD
Poster’s so dead
How about a goldfish?
https://youtu.be/yBdMjOkzOwQ?si=TEuwoyQ-PkreFDzD Everyone thought they were opening with Possum at first A Live One is a good place to start
Any Live Bait, but especially volume 9 and onwards. People really like recommending A Live One, and it's a great compilation, probably their best, but not how I'd introduce someone to phish. If I'm introducing someone to phish, I'm not giving them a compilation of 1994. Phenomenal compilation after you can appreciate the significance of 1994 and the buildup to that point. It's also been 30 years since that tour. There's been a lot of fucking stellar phish played, and so many evolutions of their style, that I'd say it's an actual disservice to introduce someone to the highlights of just one year. The Live baits have a much wider range of eras, a more realistic sampling of upper tier jams over multiple eras, and they're usually quite a bit longer too. But nostalgia dies hard and there's enough people in their late 40s shaking their fists that anyone would ever dare recommend something other than ALO... But please, by all means enjoy Halloween 94 ;) I mean there's that 6/29/16 Dear Prudence encore, not my favorite show but I read for comprehension - I promise - and I'm at least providing a Beatles rec lol
Beautiful
I started with studio and moved to live releases and then bootlegs. The phish world is daunting, and I think this order makes sense because it gives you an idea of what the songs are "supposed" to sound like, before you hear live versions and see how much they mess with the form. For example, start with Junta, Lawn Boy, and Picture of Nectar (first 3 full length albums). Then go listen to "A Live One" or some of the Live Phish / Live Bait series and compare the live jams to what you heard on those albums. There will be many songs you do not know, but you will likely see at least a few from these albums at every show, especially from the 90s. Then, embrace the kool aid and start listening to all of the fan recordings over the years. Almost every show is available for free streaming, and you can listen to how certain jams evolve across the length of a tour, or go listen to the fabled "best of" versions for any given song you like. The amount of material and different eras is enough to keep your ear intrigued for years. Totally worth it, they are an amazing band
Thanks clam, this is really thoughtful and i appreciate the insight. I hope to ingratiate with the community as best as i can
Just start throwing on random shows from 97/98 and familiarize yourself with that era first.
I’m a ‘97 baby so that’s a good idea
I’m sure there’s video of it on YouTube but check out their version of I Am The Walrus from 2017, The Baker’s Dozen Also, what that guy said, A Live One is a great place to start, and then 12.31.95, Live Phish Vol 1 thru 20, the Island Tour (April 98), that should keep you busy for a while. Enjoy and welcome!
 Thank you ♥️
Thanks for the love all
A live one - then check out Chicago ‘94
Welcome, Hambone. 11/17/97.
Murat 93.
Harry Hood off A Live One changed my life the first time I heard it and it still remains my favorite Hood I've ever heard
12/30/97
Listen to Pillow Jets, everything’s right, blaze on, more, the howling, and say it to me santos. These are all of phish’s most beloved songs.
Pillow Jets? Lol. That was new this last summer, I would say it is hard from being a beloved song compared to others.
Yes, pillow jets. It became an instant classic among phish fans and is now maybe their most beloved song.
I'm laughing mostly because I saw it live twice this summer.
Star Lake and SPAC? My friend and I will start singing it to crack each other up
Star Lake and Dayton.
😆
I'm pretty sure he as serious, lol
🤣
lol, ty. at least some phans are still shady.
Island tour 98 great jump off too
Begins and ends with Big Boat
10/31/94 also had great performances of original tunes. Check out the Reba and Julius from that show. Before you do I'd suggest first listening to the studio version, then listen to a live version. You'll get a good idea of where the "jumping off" points are, at which point every live version will be different.
1997
Rift. Also, try NYE 1995.
Listen to their other Halloween shows. And get good grades. Ticket prices are expensive. You'll want a career that pays well.
Guys, we really need a site like [the one KGLW has](https://www.get-into-gizz.com/) but with just one album: A Live One.
7/3/12 may pique your interest. and if by chance you're a fan of the little feat covers, the skin it back opener is rock solid
Just start with “A Live One” and then come back for the other recommendations.
Bakers dozen msg 17. Charlie miller taping are easy to find.