What Phish album should I get?

I really have no idea what to buy. I'm a big fan of the Grateful Dead, and I've heard some of Phish's songs which I really liked, so that made me want to buy an album. So any suggestions? I know I should get a live album, so is there one in particular that stands above the other's?

 

A live one is a great album. Its a 2 disc's of some of the best live tracks from 1994? or 1995.

Madison square garden 1995 new years show is probably the best live disc they have released. Fantastic versions of all the songs. 3 discs, full new years show

Vegas 1996 which was just released is also excellent. Also great versions of songs 3 discs, full show.

Then there is the live phish series 1-20. they are all good depends who you ask. my favorites are #2 from Sugarbrush vermont 7-16-94 3 discs. #18 the bomb factory 1994 3 discs. Also #6 & #10 are also both fantastic shows. each is 3 discs.

Then there is slip stitch & pass a live album they recorded in germany 1997 or 1998. great versions of songs on this disc but it is only one disc. probably not the best bang for the buck.

The cheapest way to go is to go to www.livephish.com where they have alot of shows to download. 3 discs of music only $9.95. They have alot of great shows on there ranging from 1990 all the way through 2004. i personally think for the money that is the best way to go. some shows I love from that are the four shows from the islands tour in 1998. Burgettstown, Pa 7-29-03. Los Angelos 2-14-03. Nassau Ny 2-28-03. West Valley Utah 7-15-03. Shoreline Amp 7-9 & 7-10-03 & Dayton Ohio the Nutter Center 1997.

Also they have a 6 disc box set called Hampton Comes Live, which is two shows from their 1998 stop in virginia. those are really good too.

If you dont have any money at the moment there are also some free shows on www.nugs.net in the free section up in the corner. The sound isnt nearly as good as above mentioned shows but for free you cant complain.

I hope that is of help, of course everyones opinion differs but these are some of my favorite shows to listen to. Good luck! you will not regret spending money on phish!

 

Do not buy anything Post Hiatus (meaning the years of 02-04) until you are a fan. those years have many flaws.

get something live from 94-00 and you will flip out. then, move onto the later years and find those gem moments amongst the very rough edges...

 

as good as the live stuff is, you should check out there actual albums. they are often over looked because of the hype of the "live experience"...but they are master musicians and its great to here the songs in their original form and done perfectly.

check out the album

Rift

and

Billy Breathes

Rift for its concept and Billy Breathes for its studio perfection...

 

"junta" is amazing

 

Junta is by far my favorite of the studio albums. but dont buy it if you dont know if your gonna like them. use torrents.

 

I have to agree with Solla on the studio albums. Rift is by far my favorite & billy breathes is def. #2

 

my all time favorite Phish studio album is not very studio...its more live off the floor and more of a live feel....its called

Round Room


amazing album. there is a vibe from start to finish....its wonderful....

heavy hitters like-- Pebbles & Marbles, Seven Below, Waves and Walls of the Cave are forever greats....

then there are some softer, more somber songs like-- Anything But me or Thunderhead....

its an amazing album that i can always listen to...

 

My first and still favorite Phish studio album is A Picture of Nectar. Rift is a close second. Hoist is pretty awesome as well. For live. commercially available, as someone else mentioned, MSG NYE 1995 is an amazing show. My other faves are the 96 Vegas, the Sugarbush VT 7/16/94, any Halloween shows and the last 2 Shoreline shows in October 2000. I was there and it was the best time I ever had at a show until we found out that was it for Phish as we knew it. Didn't have a computer then(post hiatus not really counted).

Don't listen to any of Coventry until you are a total Phishhead!! That mess is not for the faint of heart. Reminded me of Michael Jordan's and Joe Gibbs' returns from retirement (i.e., leave well enough alone.)

 

Junta and Farmhouse are good studio albums.
A Live One is pretty tasty.

 

if you want to get a live-Phish-starter-kit....definitely get Alive One. that has a taste of what they do live. there is a 30+ minute Tweezer and a 2 minute Bouncin...you get it all in between.

there is an amazing, often heralded as best Harry Hood. good shit.

 

slip stich pass

 

i really like farmhouse. one of my favourites of there studio albums

 

i like Farmhouse because of the studio version of "First Tube". Its really the best way to hear that track. its all about the layers and multiple guitar lines.