Celerity
Well-Known Member
There seem to be two kinds of musical genius discussed here.
One, is the popular notion. Those that break the rules, break the mold, and happen to compliment their style in an effort to elevate it to a higher art. This is Janis, Hendrix, Morrison, Tyler, etc.
Then there are musical geniuses who will forever be remember for their prowess on the instrument, composition, and arrangements that no one else can replicate. These are the "Musician's Musician". Wooten, Bettencourt, Jordan, Simon, and even the great "collosal" musicians, like Monk, Mingus, Diddley, Parker etc.
Phish has been one of the few bands to bridge the gap. With a strong sense of family and touring fun (Which is the Style part) to their strong band communication and smooth jam sessions (The Composition part) made them a friend to just about anyone's ears.
Listen to the complex structure of songs like "Fee", versus the fun-loving simple songs like "Poor Heart" and just about everything they have done with Dude of Life (Vocals on Chalkdust Torture). They have walked the paths of Grateful dead, yeah obviously. But they have also toured a world scene ala Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon.
The Grateful-dead-ism of the band ensures that fans of Phish will never be without something "new" to listen to. Live performances and obscure jams will whet the appetite of just about anyone in the mood.
Conversely, bands that you mention ("I know when Three 6 Mafia stop making music I will be upset") won't leave the world in this manner. Hell, I love Portishead, Hooverphonic, Chicane and Olive. But when they stop recording, that's it. It's over.
When King Crimson broke up, we saw more solo efforts from their members than the band ever put together. That's what's gonna happen to Phish. You'll see Anastasio listed in obscure liner notes, and Fishman doing duets with pop-stars on MTV. Now is not the end of Phish, only the beginning.
-> Steve
One, is the popular notion. Those that break the rules, break the mold, and happen to compliment their style in an effort to elevate it to a higher art. This is Janis, Hendrix, Morrison, Tyler, etc.
Then there are musical geniuses who will forever be remember for their prowess on the instrument, composition, and arrangements that no one else can replicate. These are the "Musician's Musician". Wooten, Bettencourt, Jordan, Simon, and even the great "collosal" musicians, like Monk, Mingus, Diddley, Parker etc.
Phish has been one of the few bands to bridge the gap. With a strong sense of family and touring fun (Which is the Style part) to their strong band communication and smooth jam sessions (The Composition part) made them a friend to just about anyone's ears.
Listen to the complex structure of songs like "Fee", versus the fun-loving simple songs like "Poor Heart" and just about everything they have done with Dude of Life (Vocals on Chalkdust Torture). They have walked the paths of Grateful dead, yeah obviously. But they have also toured a world scene ala Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon.
The Grateful-dead-ism of the band ensures that fans of Phish will never be without something "new" to listen to. Live performances and obscure jams will whet the appetite of just about anyone in the mood.
Conversely, bands that you mention ("I know when Three 6 Mafia stop making music I will be upset") won't leave the world in this manner. Hell, I love Portishead, Hooverphonic, Chicane and Olive. But when they stop recording, that's it. It's over.
When King Crimson broke up, we saw more solo efforts from their members than the band ever put together. That's what's gonna happen to Phish. You'll see Anastasio listed in obscure liner notes, and Fishman doing duets with pop-stars on MTV. Now is not the end of Phish, only the beginning.
-> Steve