Helping Friendly Podcast Episode Summary: Mt. Rushmore: Bathtub Gin

Release Date: March 3, 2025 Host/Author: Osiris Media

Introduction to the Mount Rushmore Series

In this episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod), hosts RJ, Brian Brinkman, and Megan embark on an exciting new series titled "Mount Rushmore". This series aims to identify and celebrate the four most defining versions of iconic Phish songs, starting with "Bathtub Gin". The concept draws inspiration from the grandeur of the presidential Mount Rushmore, seeking to honor the preeminent renditions that have left an indelible mark on the band's history and their fans.

RJ introduces the series with enthusiasm:

[00:48] RJ: "We are all winners because we're starting a new series and there are no losers in the series. It's called Mount Rushmore."

Overview of Bathtub Gin

Megan provides a comprehensive background on "Bathtub Gin", highlighting its historical significance and evolution over the years:

[22:54] Megan: "The music is by Trey, but the lyrics are by his friend Susannah Goodman, and the opening piano echoes Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. This song is on Lawn Boy, debuting live on May 26th, 1989."

She emphasizes the song's versatility and its role as a staple in Phish's repertoire, having been performed 315 times and featured on the jam chart 103 times.

Selecting the Mount Rushmore Versions

The core of the episode revolves around selecting the top four versions of "Bathtub Gin" that will comprise its Mount Rushmore. Brian meticulously curates his choices, considering factors like the song's impact, the band's evolution, and fan reception.

Version 1: August 13, 1993 – The Marat Gin

Brian nominates the August 13, 1993, version, dubbing it "Marat Gin", as the most formative Phish jam of all time. He lauds its foundational role in shaping the band's jamming style:

[36:04] Brian: "This is what I believe is the most formative fish jam of all time. It showcases everything that Bath Gin could be and remains foundational in Phish history."

Megan concurs, praising its playful and energetic execution:

[39:16] Megan: "It's such a fun jam. The way it weaves in and out with melody is so careening and fun. The segues into Yamar are perfect."

RJ adds his perspective, acknowledging the version's significance despite some reservations about its originality:

[40:32] RJ: "This has to be there because no matter what, without this version of Bathtub Gin, where is Phish?"

Version 2: August 17, 1997 – The Wenchen

Next, Brian selects the August 17, 1997, rendition, known as "Wenchen", praising its emotional depth and melodic perfection:

[45:40] Brian: "This is Fish channeling Beethoven. It's romantic and epic, with the greatest riffing I've ever heard in their catalog."

Megan echoes his admiration for its optimistic and romantic vibe:

[50:45] Megan: "It's one of the most optimistic, hopeful, romantic pieces the band has ever played. The piano work is jaw-dropping."

RJ highlights its enduring impact and intricate construction:

[49:04] Brian: "This version can cure diseases. It has that joyful and blissy impact that brightens anyone's day."

Version 3: September 29, 1997 – Riverport Gin

Brian introduces the September 29, 1997, version from Nassau Coliseum, "Riverport Gin", as a pinnacle of funk grooves and melodic exploration:

[61:17] Brian: "This is where the impact of the Talking Heads is best heard in Phish. The relentless funk and groove make it one of my favorite jams."

Megan describes it as hypnotic and tight, praising its dynamic flow:

[64:54] Megan: "It's so hypnotic and has the sickest funk grooves. It's completely mesmerizing."

RJ acknowledges its adventurous nature and memorable riffs:

[75:28] RJ: "Brian, this version is an unbelievable adventure every time. The descending chord riff before the groove is burned into my brain."

Version 4: February 28, 2003 – Nassau Coliseum Gin

The final selection is the February 28, 2003, performance from Nassau Coliseum, often hailed as a "Bathtub Gin" pinnacle:

[67:35] Brian: "This version combines type two jamming, infectious grooves, and a holy vibe, making it one of the greatest Phish shows ever."

Megan emphasizes its fluidity and dynamic interplay between instruments:

[74:19] Megan: "This version has incredible fluidity and dynamic interplay, making it phenomenal."

RJ underscores the mark this version leaves on listeners:

[75:41] Brian: "This gin is like a romantic crescendo that leaves listeners in awe."

Listener Interaction and Feedback

The podcast incorporates listener voicemails and feedback, fostering an interactive community. Tim from Rhode Island commends the quality of the Reprise shows and requests setlists be read at the beginning of reviews for ease of information access:

[05:23] Brian: "To my listener Tim, we appreciate your request and will consider reading the set list at the start of our reviews to aid listeners on the go."

Additionally, fans contributed their own Mount Rushmore selections via the podcast’s website, with Riverport Gin tying for the most votes, followed by Magna Ball and others. Brian addresses fan preferences, acknowledging the diversity in opinions while defending his selections.

Announcements and Future Episodes

Towards the episode's conclusion, the hosts announce the next topic in the Mount Rushmore series: "Harry Hood", promising an in-depth exploration of its most iconic performances. They encourage listeners to visit their website to vote on future episodes and engage with the ongoing series.

Brian expresses his excitement for the new series:

[92:33] Brian: "This is our most fun series ever. We're diving deep into Phish's greatest jams, and 'Bathtub Gin' is just the beginning."

Conclusion

The episode masterfully blends in-depth analysis with vibrant discussions, enriched by listener interactions and thoughtful debates among the hosts. By establishing the Mount Rushmore series, HFPod not only honors Phish's musical legacy but also actively engages its community in celebrating the band's most defining moments.

Notable Quotes:

• [22:54] Megan: "This song has been played 315 times and was on the jam chart 103 times—a third of the time, which is pretty crazy."
• [36:04] Brian: "This is what I believe is the most formative fish jam of all time."
• [45:40] Brian: "This is Fish channeling Beethoven. It's romantic and epic."
• [61:17] Brian: "This is where the impact of the Talking Heads is best heard in Phish."
• [67:35] Brian: "This version combines type two jamming, infectious grooves, and a holy vibe."

For more detailed analyses and to participate in voting for future Mount Rushmore episodes, visit osirispod.com/Rushmore.