Golden Pharmhouse

Farmhouse is phish's newest cd, released May 16. It is also the title of the first song on the cd, like Rift. The album was recorded in Trey's old barn in Vermont, from last October to late last winter, with alot of non-Phish musicians helpin' out.

Let me start out by saying this is not Phish's best studio Cd ever. I feel it is second to Billy Breathes, and is a notch above Lawn Boy. Just as all the other albums seem to have an overall theme, Farmhouse has a very title-like personality.

There is not a bad song on the disc, each is enjoyable and they fit together sequentially.

Just as most music, I wasn't immediately drooling over it as soon as I heard it. By the third time I had played it through, though, I could tell this was Phish excellence. Phish is so much deeper musically than most any bands out today, or ever, it blows my mind that people like Britney Spears and NSYNC and TLC can continuously sell millions of records.

OK, here is my breakdown of the songs:

Farmhouse: Strangely likeable, the live version is so much better, but Trey manages to throw in some magic on this one to give it appeal.

Twist: AWESOME! I love this song. Along with about half the others, this is a song that non-Phisheads should love, too.

Bug: Despite my dislike of the meaning of the lyrics, I like this song. "Concepts I'll ponder, and concepts I'll never see. God isn't one of those, former or latter, which did you think I meant, it doesn't matter to me." It just seems like Marshall is treating God as a trifling occurrence, I disagree with the feeling I get from these lyrics. Musically, it is a great tune.

Back on the Train: Oh, boy, did this song get butchered for the market. Live, this is one of my favorite Phish songs ever. On this cd, it isn't even in my top 5.

Heavy Things: This song works. I haven't heard it on the radio, so I don't know what the big deal is about it being the first single, but anyway. It definitely is a good representation of the innovative, fun, music on Farmhouse.

Gotta Jibboo: This is a glorious GEM. I can tell this is going to be a live phavorite for many years. The humalong OOOO!! I can't wait to hear it this summer.

Dirt: This is a meaningful, slow song that speaks volumes about the pointless rat race that life today has become for many people. I'd like to live beneath the dirt.

Piper: I have read some negative reviews of this song, and I don't know why. This is another anthem of the Phish Jubilee, and the boys nail it.

Sleep: Slowey JONES. But quality.

The Inlaw Josie Wales: Incredibly beautiful instrumental, with Bela Fleck pickin the banjo. Reminiscent of Billy Breathes(album).

Sand: I like this one more than the live version. Cool effects, a better hook, and mercilessly shorter. Standing through a 23 minute Sand in Raleigh last year was the low point of the show, even though I liked Mike more live. He was louder, and gave the song a definitive bump.

First Tube: This one is decent, enjoyable, but not the best song.


I don't know why Jennifer Dances wasn't included, Phish played it alot recently. Maybe they're saving it for the next album.

Pick up Farmhouse, even if you don't like Phish. You'll like this CD, I gare-on-tee!