Helping Friendly Podcast - Episode: "Mt. Rushmore: Carini"

Release Date: June 2, 2025
Host: Osiris Media
Description: The Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod) delves into the music and fan experience of Phish, featuring interviews and deep dives into shows and tours. Since 2013, HFPod has prioritized the fan voice in discussions about Phish, continually uncovering new perspectives on the band. During tours, the podcast provides daily show reviews with attendees, praised for its "impeccable analysis, stats, commentary and music."

Introduction

In the "Mt. Rushmore: Carini" episode, hosts Megan, Brian, and RJ embark on an extensive exploration of Phish’s iconic song "Carini." This episode serves as a pivotal point in the "Mount Rushmore" series, aiming to identify and honor the four most exemplary live renditions of "Carini." The discussion is enriched with listener feedback, detailed analyses of various performances, and spirited debates among the hosts about their personal favorites.

Listener Feedback and Voicemails

Early in the episode, listener Ben provides critical feedback regarding the selection of "Carini" versions. At [05:22], Ben states:

"I was about to go live to record, and I realized that I was out of seltzer...but I did get some seltzer that day. And I woke up this morning, my dog was freaking out. And I go outside and there's about 8, 10 cases of seltzer outside. I knew it was from you guys. So thanks. Thank you so much."

Brian acknowledges Ben’s points, appreciating the insight:

"Great, great critique. Great call in. There's really nothing I love more in a fish fan conversation than talking about great versions of something and then someone interjects with you didn't even mention."

Ben’s feedback emphasizes the importance of including diverse renditions, such as "Lemon Wheel," which initially weren’t part of the hosts’ selection.

Curating the "Mount Rushmore" List

The hosts discuss the challenges of curating a definitive list of the top "Carini" performances. Megan poses a crucial question to Brian:

"Was there a criteria when you looked at the jams? Like you're looking at jams?"

Brian explains his subjective yet methodical approach:

"I use the jam charts as an initial starting point without going too deep there... But I try to be really discerning though, because I think you can get into a challenging place with this, where there's a version that you really like that may not speak to the larger kind of importance of a jam vehicle or what a song has meant in Fish history."

He further elaborates on balancing personal biases with the historical significance of each version.

Exploring Notable "Carini" Versions

The core of the episode centers on dissecting various live renditions of "Carini." Each version is examined for its unique contributions to the song's legacy.

1. Amsterdam 1997 Debut ([27:01] - [28:35])

   • RJ praises the raw intensity and experimental nature of the debut performance:

     "It's so raw and slowed down and then it jams with just this intensity and this power."

2. Hampton 2013 Version ([55:32] - )

   • Megan highlights the version's exploratory and tightly packed structure:

     "It's so sick. It is so exploratory. It's such a huge journey."

3. Dick's 2021 Version ([30:35] - )

   • Brian describes the balance between quiet, introspective segments and aggressive energy:

     "It starts off, it has this big, like, bold stomping onto the stage, energy that leads into the jam."

4. Alpharetta 8:3:18 ([48:26] - )

   • RJ commends the rhythmic synchronization and powerful bass lines:

     "The rhythmic sync that the band is in during the show is just outrageous."

5. Mexico 2:20,22 ([68:23] - )

   • Megan appreciates the seamless blend of textured sounds and dynamic grooves:

     "It's so pretty at the end."

Hosts' Debate and Personal Preferences

A vibrant debate unfolds among the hosts as they share their personal favorites and grapple with attendance bias—preferring versions from shows they attended personally.

• Brian’s Perspective:

  "This is a rock jam. A very, very, very, very awesome rock jam. That's my only pushback here."

• Megan’s Take:

  "This jam just attendance biases."

• RJ’s Input:

  "I just think it's part of the catalog, you know, but it's an interesting question."

Their differing opinions highlight the subjective nature of music appreciation, especially with a song as versatile as "Carini."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben [05:22]:

  "You should always mention those versions that people suggest that these weren't even on your list initially."

• Megan [07:09]:

  "Sometimes you just want to pick the perfect version of that song that kind of encapsulates exactly what that song is..."

• Brian [07:30]:

  "The paperback edition of Mount Rushmore... put all those footnotes of things we forgot to mention."

• Brian [54:40]:

  "This is the best Phish song ever."

• Megan [69:26]:

  "It's so pretty at the end."

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Segments

As the episode progresses, the hosts acknowledge the complexity of selecting just four versions but agree on the importance of recognizing "Carini’s" multifaceted nature. They announce upcoming segments, including a summer tour preview and a new episode topic for their auxiliary podcast, "Library Card."

Brian expresses anticipation for future drafts, saying:

"Next week's draft is our summer tour preview. We are going to be drafting shows from New Hampshire, Western Pennsylvania, Texas, Colorado..."

Megan humorously notes her commitment to working on the draft on her birthday:

"I'm gonna spend my birthday working on the draft, and you guys will just show up and do it because it's so good for you."

Conclusion

The "Mt. Rushmore: Carini" episode offers a comprehensive and passionate exploration of one of Phish's most beloved songs. Through detailed analysis, listener engagement, and spirited host debates, the podcast illuminates the song's enduring appeal and its dynamic role in Phish’s live performances. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer, this episode provides valuable insights into the artistry and evolution of "Carini."

Connect with the Helping Friendly Podcast:

• Website: Osiris Media
• Social Media: Follow on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and community discussions.
• Subscribe: Available on all major podcast platforms.

Note: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to capture the essence and key points of the "Mt. Rushmore: Carini" episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast.