One of the best unknown bands of the 90s is the Vermont based PHISH. The group, known for their progressive rock/jazz fusion style, had a remarkable twenty year career before a hiatus in 2004. Phish was known for their extensive improvisation solos and extended grooves which sometimes caused songs to run almost twenty minutes long!
After forming in 1988, the band quickly gained a cult following and by 1991 they were signed by Elektra and touring across the country. They were also one of the first bands to have a Usenet newsgroup on the internet which helped them spread their music across the world. Along with their thirteen studio albums, they have an extensive twenty-one volume series of live albums as well as dozens of their shows that can be downloaded off their website.
Not only was their music innovative, but they were constantly trying to find new ways to interact with their audience. During their fall tour in 1995, Phish challenged their fans to a game of chess. The band would make a move at the beginning of the show and the fans could vote on the next move during intermission and the move would be made at the end of the show. Then they would take the game to the next show on the tour and repeat the process. The audience lost a few month later, but would win the second game which ended on New Year's Eve, 1995.
This cover of the Jungle Book's I Wanna Be Like You is a great example of the fun they had during their shows. The song is sung by drummer John Fishman who didn't sing lead vocals very often, except on choice cover songs.
 | I Wanna Be Like You Phish ???   |
2 comments:
Unknown?????
They have a huge following. All of their shows for the upcoming summer tour are already sold out. How are they unknown???
chip, sure they have a following, always have, but they ARE unknown to the general public. when was the last time you heard them on hit radio station? do you ever see them on tv? rarely. its the sad truth.
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