Someone's Coming And I'd Like A Review (by Charlie Horse)

Is this what I've become?  A Nostalgia Act?  Have I become a Caricature of myself?  

Seriously though, I think it's necessary to put out an email to all my kidzzz because it's exciting as all hell what's going on here.  I know a lot has changed for all of us in the last four years, and in many ways, I looked at Phish's break up as a chapter of my life that was over and done with.  I guess as the story progresses, it turns out they make a return.  

Rumors had been swirling, and in all honesty, I didn't believe a single one of them, only because it was getting so out of hand that it was getting annoying.  I ALMOST left PT (phish message board community) for good.  But sure enough, Wednesday, October 1st 2008, at 7:21 AM,  I was engulfed in the comfort of my Tempur Pedic bed, the windows were open, it was freezing cold and I was toasty warm under my blanket.  It was at that precise moment that the phone rang.  I look over and see on my caller ID Sonny Thadani.  I honestly knew at that very moment what he was going to say.  I picked up the phone and he told me the news.  I tried for about 30 seconds after the call to go back to sleep, but it just wasn't happening.

The feelings running through me were just insane.  They still are to this day.  I'm excited but nervous at the same time.  My biggest question is "how the hell am I getting into these shows?"  Of course I've hashed out every possible option at this point.  I've even asked Fatman Scoop, but he's not sure because phish isn't in his genre.  I've considered asking Adam where the door with the old lady guarding is that he busted through in 98?  Do you think that old lady still sits there?

But I've since calmed down.  I'm a much different person now than I was 4 years ago when I walked away from Coventry.  My life changed on that very day, you all may recall, I got home and got fired from my job.  Ultimately leading me to work in Television.  Paul said to me on that day "Justin, don't worry, it's a blessing in disguise" and I'll never forget that.  In the long run, Change is good.  Even though it can come with some anxiety, I always embrace it, as I will with Phish's return.  I am looking forward to hearing a fresh sound from them.

So for the last 3 days of commuting, I've listened to two shows.  The first show (6.11.94:  Gets me fired up every time)  I only got a few songs in, and then I synced my iPhone and it lost it's place.  But the second one I've listened all the way through.  It's 12.13.97.  A weekend where I think I found a big piece of who I am somewhere in the hallways of the Knickerbocker Arena.  

As I walked to work this morning, I realized that I should be sharing this show with you guys.  So with that said you can download it here:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/fpq7lt

I'm pretty sure the entire show is there.  The first set is relatively tame, but that doesn't mean just breeze through it.  The Ya Mar opener is probably some of the best rock improvisation from Phish that dwindles down into a tasty funk jam, with mike leading the way.  The Tube is pretty incredible as well.  The second set of this show is just the heat.  I really don't think it can get much smoother than this.  If you've never heard this Llama you're missing out.  It's so out there and like nothing they ever played.  Also this is the famous "Bring in the dude" show...check out Mike's song.  It's dark and dirty.  The PYITE has some of the best piano work I've heard from Page.  The man is just on.  

I could go on for days about this show.  Download it, listen to it, and let it flow through you.  Every time I've had a chance to listen to it I've smiled knowing we'll be able to feel it again.  It's been an awesome feeling these last few days knowing its happening.  I hold my experiences that surrounded Phish very near and dear.  Enjoy!

More shows to come..listen to this one first