Helping Friendly Podcast - Episode: Mexico 2025 Release Date: February 5, 2025 | Host/Authors: Brian, RJ, Megan

Overview

In this engaging episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod), hosts Brian, RJ, and Megan delve deep into Phish's Mexico 2025 tour. They provide comprehensive analyses of each show, discuss upcoming events, share insights on setlists, and explore fan interactions. The conversation is enriched with notable quotes and timestamps, offering both seasoned Phish enthusiasts and newcomers a thorough understanding of the band's current trajectory.

Mexico 2025 Tour Recap

The hosts begin by reflecting on Phish's performance during the Mexico 2025 tour. They commend the band's tightness and the leadership displayed by Mike during the shows.

• Megan highlights the band's ability to stretch out jams without deviating from the song's essence:
  "I think a lot of it's going to hold up on Relisten because we have about, I'd say four or five to six, like, really good jams." [12:14]

• Brian praises the consistency and musical evolution since the mid-90s:
  "I don't think we've had this kind of consistent greatness since the mid-90s, to be honest." [13:02]

• RJ echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the high energy and seamless flow of the performances:
  "There wasn't really any down time in these shows. Like, every set was pretty high energy and had some highlights." [14:33]

Upcoming Reprise Shows and Events

The discussion transitions to the announcement of new Reprise shows and the potential involvement of band members in upcoming events.

• RJ announces new Reprise dates in Rhode Island, Worcester, Saratoga, and New Hope, with additional shows in April across Connecticut and Northampton:
  "We just announced three new shows. April 17th at Nectar's, April 18th at Broadbrook, Connecticut, and then April 19th back at the Iron Horse in Northampton." [04:15]

• There's also a mention of a possible collaboration with a band member leading up to these shows, contingent on Brian's approval:
  "We'll probably do something maybe with one of the band members leading up to those shows, if Brian approves." [04:15]

Mount Rushmore Series & Bathtub Gin Voting

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Mount Rushmore series and the community-driven voting on favorite versions of Phish's "Bathtub Gin."

• Brian outlines the Mount Rushmore series slated for the week of March 3rd, emphasizing the importance of fan votes:
  "It'll be the week of March 3rd, so keep an eye out. We need to do some scheduling." [06:23]

• RJ encourages listeners to vote for their top four versions of "Bathtub Gin" to shape the series:
  "People, we need more. We want to. We need to get your input so we can make fun of the things that you guys vote for." [06:42]

• Megan shares her enthusiasm for the Mount Rushmore series and her commitment to attending upcoming shows:
  "I love a great Reprise show, and I'm definitely going to be in the Brooklyn bowl show, and I'm going to try to make it up to Northampton because that venue is awesome." [05:15]

Detailed Analysis of Specific Songs and Jams

The hosts provide in-depth critiques of several Phish songs performed during the Mexico 2025 tour, focusing on their execution, improvisational elements, and overall impact.

"Plasma"

• RJ expresses dissatisfaction with how "Plasma" was played as a standalone song rather than being part of a seamless segue:
  "I think it should always be part of some kind of segue transition. It's just such a cool song." [26:46]

• Brian discusses the band's ongoing experimentation with "Plasma" and its placement within setlists:
  "I'm trying to figure out, doing a lot of work right now. I'm getting prepped for our FISH albums draft." [07:56]

"Piper"

• Megan praises "Piper" for its extended jam sections and seamless transitions:
  "This is my favorite jam of the run." [41:10]

• Brian highlights the evolution of "Piper" over the years and its current execution:
  "It's just a perfect boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. Just done. Get out. Awesome." [75:47]

"20 Years Later"

• RJ appreciates the melodic build and organic progression of "20 Years Later":
  "It's a good example of the combo of Tom and Scott Herman." [73:12]

• Brian emphasizes the song's lyrical depth and the band's ability to maintain engagement:
  "The melody within the chorus is one of the more heart-wrenching ones that we've heard from Fish." [70:00]

Band Members' Performances and Musicianship

The hosts commend individual band members for their performances and contributions to the band's evolving sound.

• Mike Gordon receives accolades for his prominent role and innovative bass lines:
  "Mike's doing incredible. Just MVP for me, showing so much leadership." [12:14]
  "Mike did it. Mike is the reason." [38:22]

• Paige is lauded for adding texture and depth with his synth contributions:
  "Paige just absolutely brings so much texture and layer to them." [22:16]

• Trey Anastasio is praised for his setlisting and creative transitions:
  "Trey really played some, like, really great sets of the shows. Just calling some really good songs." [15:53]

Future Plans and Upcoming Episodes

Looking ahead, the hosts discuss their plans for future podcast episodes, including an upcoming album draft.

• Brian announces the next episode will focus on a draft of Phish's studio albums:
  "Next week we are doing the FISH studio album draft." [79:28]

• Megan and RJ express excitement and readiness to engage with the new content:
  "Let's go." [81:05]
  "We have our work cut out for us." [80:39]

• Mount Rushmore Voting Reminder:
  "Remember to vote osirispod.com/rushmore Vote on your Tell us your top four versions of Bathtub Gin." [80:33]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing optimism for Phish's current era, commending the band's consistent performance quality, and anticipating future musical developments. They encourage listeners to participate in the Mount Rushmore voting and stay tuned for upcoming detailed analyses and album drafts.

• Megan concludes with enthusiasm for the band's future:
  "It's a great run. What a start to the year. Really promising for this year." [77:02]

• Brian reflects on the band's evolution and upcoming content:
  "This is why we're just kind of in that realm... It's incredible." [56:32]

Notable Quotes

• "I think a lot of it's going to hold up on Relisten because we have about, I'd say four or five to six, like, really good jams." — Megan [12:14]

• "I don't think we've had this kind of consistent greatness since the mid-90s, to be honest." — Brian [13:02]

• "There wasn't really any down time in these shows. Like, every set was pretty high energy and had some highlights." — RJ [14:33]

• "Mike's doing incredible. Just MVP for me, showing so much leadership." — Megan [12:14]

• "We're in that type of excellent, perfect set territory. That's how you open a set." — Brian [75:47]

Final Thoughts

This episode of HFPod offers a thorough and passionate examination of Phish's Mexico 2025 tour, showcasing the hosts' deep knowledge and appreciation for the band's artistry. Through detailed song analyses, discussions on setlists, and reflections on band dynamics, Brian, RJ, and Megan provide listeners with valuable insights and foster a stronger connection within the Phish fan community.