Helping Friendly Podcast Episode Summary: "2/15/91 — Keene, NH"

Release Date: February 1, 2025
Hosts: Megan, Brian, and RJ
Episode Focus: A comprehensive analysis of Phish’s February 15, 1991, concert in Keene, New Hampshire, alongside discussions on personal memories, new projects, and listener interactions.

1. Reflecting on Personal Memories and Listener Feedback (02:02 - 08:14)

The episode kicks off with the hosts reminiscing about past Phish concerts during their college years. Megan and RJ share their regrets about not attending more shows while in college, a sentiment echoed by listener Beth from Chicago.

• Beth’s Story [07:15]:
  “I was just, I don't know, sitting on campus, just not at the show. So I totally feel that many regrets.” – Beth

Brian adds his own memory from March 16th, recounting an encounter at a dive bar with his six-month-old son, highlighting the personal connections fans have with Phish concerts.

• Brian on Personal Growth [04:49]:
  “But I do want to agree with him. I think that RJ was a little bit off with the worst New Year's Eve show the last 20 years.” – Brian

2. Announcing the “Mount Rushmore of Fish Songs” Project (12:08 - 15:54)

The hosts unveil an exciting new project aimed at identifying the top four versions of iconic Phish songs, inviting listener participation.

• Megan on the Project [12:15]:
  “We have compiled a list of songs that we want to dive deep into, and we're going to actually require a lot of listener help because we want to hear from you.” – Megan

They initiate the project with "Bathtub Gin," encouraging listeners to submit their top four versions via a Google form on their website.

• RJ on Listener Engagement [12:53]:
  “We are going to take your lists, we're going to look at them, and then we're going to choose our own. But, you know, it'll be interesting to see how yours compares with our list.” – RJ

Brian humorously suggests Megan might "wear a beret" during the series, adding a light-hearted tone to the announcement.

3. In-Depth Analysis of the 2/15/91 Keene, NH Show (16:17 - 58:39)

The core of the episode delves into the February 15, 1991, Phish concert in Keene, NH, examining the band's performance, song selection, and the historical context of the tour.

• Megan on the Tour's Significance [17:55]:
  “This is such a huge, huge year for the Fish. You know, this is the year they started recording every show too.” – Megan

Touring in 1991:
Phish was in a prolific touring phase, performing approximately 133 shows that year. They often revisited the same venues, including Keene, NH, which hosted seven shows over two years. This strategy aimed to build a dedicated fanbase in key locations before expanding to larger markets in subsequent years.

• Brian on Touring Strategy [20:08]:
  “They make such a dramatic shift coming out of 88, where the goal seems to be let's get to every market around the country.” – Brian

Performance Highlights:
The hosts analyze specific performances from the Keene show, highlighting songs like "Split Open and Melt," "Hood," and "Divided Sky."

• Megan on "Split Open and Melt" [29:09]:
  “There's a two-minute period of Split open and melt where it, like, kind of sounds like it could become something that's not related to the song.” – Megan

Musical Evolution:
They discuss how songs performed during this period showed early signs of Phish's evolving improvisational style, foreshadowing future developments in their music. The interplay between structured compositions and spontaneous jams is emphasized as a defining characteristic of the band's live performances.

• Brian on Musical Dynamics [35:14]:
  “There's a riffing that's so fast and so creative and so emotional.” – Brian

Song Analysis:
Detailed discussions about "Hood" reveal how Trey's aggressive playing and experimental riffs contributed to the song's emotional depth, hinting at the band's future direction in ballad writing and more profound emotional expression.

• Megan on "Hood" [47:14]:
  “They have huge peaks at the end of this hood, and they do some really amazing, like, swirling and crescendoing riffs at the end.” – Megan

Set Structure and Audience Interaction:
The hosts commend the flow and momentum of the concert, noting the seamless transitions between songs and the band's tight performance. They also reflect on the fan atmosphere and the significance of the Keene venue in shaping Phish's live reputation.

4. Listener Voicemails and Future Projects (58:33 - 72:20)

The podcast transitions to engaging with listeners through voicemails, featuring suggestions and feedback that inspire future content.

• Listener Suggestion [64:27]:
  Brendan McLean from Marshfield, VT, proposes an “album draft” series, pairing deep dives into Phish’s albums with their ongoing draft project. The hosts enthusiastically agree, incorporating this idea into their upcoming schedule.

Upcoming Content:
The hosts announce plans to continue their in-depth analyses with the Mount Rushmore series, beginning with "Bathtub Gin" and moving on to other iconic songs like "Choctaw's Torture." They also hint at a dedicated album draft series, promising thorough discussions and competitive drafts between the hosts.

• Brian on Album Draft [66:32]:
  “We are going to do this in a slightly different format. We are not assigning albums at the start, but all albums are essentially qualified for any section.” – Brian

Future Episodes:
Plans are revealed for subsequent episodes focusing on Mexico 2025, a Mexico 2019 recap with guest Ryan Storm, and a lively conversation about "Clara and the Sun."

• RJ on Future Shows [69:08]:
  “We're going to be back next Wednesday with a Mexico recap of all four Mexico shows and then we're going to be back the following Wednesday with this very draft.” – RJ

5. Closing Remarks and Final Announcements (72:20 - End)

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter among the hosts, teasing future collaborations and maintaining their signature humorous tone. They express gratitude to listeners and encourage continued engagement through upcoming projects and episodes.

• Megan on Future Content [70:35]:
  “Once again, thanks a lot for all your work. Really enjoying the program lately.” – Brendan McLean (Listener)

• RJ on Episode Wrap-Up [72:20]:
  “Thank you for listening. Thanks, Megan. Thanks, Brian.” – RJ

Key Takeaways

• Personal Connections: Hosts share heartfelt memories of attending Phish concerts with their families, emphasizing the deep personal ties fans have with the band.

• New Initiatives: Introduction of the "Mount Rushmore of Fish Songs" project and an upcoming "album draft" series aimed at engaging listeners in the analytical process.

• Historical Insights: Detailed exploration of the 2/15/91 Keene, NH show provides listeners with a rich understanding of Phish's early 90s era, highlighting the band's musical evolution and live performance dynamics.

• Listener Engagement: Active incorporation of listener feedback and suggestions shapes the podcast's future direction, fostering a community-driven approach.

Notable Quotes:

• Beth on Regrets [07:15]:
  “I was just, I don't know, sitting on campus, just not at the show. So I totally feel that many regrets.”

• Megan on the New Project [12:15]:
  “We have compiled a list of songs that we want to dive deep into, and we're going to actually require a lot of listener help because we want to hear from you.”

• Brian on Musical Creativity [35:14]:
  “There's a riffing that's so fast and so creative and so emotional.”

• Megan on "Hood" [47:14]:
  “They have huge peaks at the end of this hood, and they do some really amazing, like, swirling and crescendoing riffs at the end.”

Stay Connected:
For participation in the "Mount Rushmore of Fish Songs" project, listeners are encouraged to visit osirispod.com/Rushmore and submit their top four versions of "Bathtub Gin" using the designated Google form.

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