Helping Friendly Podcast Episode Summary: "Mt. Rushmore: The MoMA Dance"

Release Date: April 16, 2025
Host/Author: Osiris Media

Introduction

In the April 16, 2025 episode of the Helping Friendly Podcast (HFPod), hosted by Osiris Media, the team delves deep into one of Phish’s most intriguing songs: "MoMA Dance." This episode, titled "Mt. Rushmore: The MoMA Dance," showcases the hosts’ passion for Phish’s live performances, offering a comprehensive analysis of various renditions of the song and engaging with fan perspectives to curate their definitive "Mount Rushmore" of "MoMA Dance" versions.

Analyzing the New Yorker Article and Live Bait Release

The episode kicks off with the hosts discussing the release of new content on Phish’s Live Bait blog. Megan shares her surprise at the unexpected release of new live moments, highlighting the anticipation among fans:

Megan [02:11]: "The moment that it came out, somehow the moment ends."

Brian reflects on his excitement and subsequent reflections on curation, expressing his appreciation for specific show releases despite some personal reservations:

Brian [02:46]: "I hope I appreciated that Reba in the moment because that Reba is awesome."

Critical Review of Phish Media Coverage

The hosts critique a recent New Yorker article on Phish, noting its repetitive narrative and lack of diverse perspectives. Megan points out the predictable storyline often found in mainstream articles:

Megan [04:03]: "Most articles about Fish have the same kind of backstory, a lot of the same anecdotes."

They express appreciation for Kevin Shapiro's rare and unbiased contributions to Phish literature, emphasizing the need for more in-depth and varied media coverage:

RJ [05:03]: "He is not just going to like gush over Trey melting his face. He's going to give you a very detailed, non-biased, colorful, insightful perspective on this band."

Listener Engagement: Voicemail from Dan from Canada

Dan from Canada shares his experiences and realizations about Phish’s song "Light," providing a personal perspective that resonates with many fans. He reflects on how specific performances influenced his appreciation of newer material:

Dan [09:54]: "I just realized after listening to some of those, you know, it leads to great jams, but I just cannot get into that song."

Deep Dive into "MoMA Dance"

The core of the episode centers on "MoMA Dance," with the hosts dissecting its various live renditions and their significance in Phish’s repertoire. Megan introduces the topic by highlighting the song's evolution and its role in different tours:

Megan [19:51]: "This song is fish at its sexiest, its funkiest, it's most sultry."

Brian recounts the song's history, noting its debut and transformation over time:

Brian [19:50]: "This song was written by the band and Tom and has what I think are some of the most evocative lyrics that this band has ever written."

Mount Rushmore Selection: Top "MoMA Dance" Versions

The hosts embark on selecting their top four versions of "MoMA Dance," affectionately referred to as their "Mount Rushmore." They analyze each version's unique qualities, discussing aspects like groove, improvisation, and emotional impact.

1. February 26, 2003, Worcester, Massachusetts ([32:53]):
   Brian nominates this version for its textured, abstract funk and danceable groove:

   Brian [32:53]: "It's supremely danceable. It almost hits like a disco vibe."

   Megan concurs, appreciating the curated jam charted versions:

   Megan [32:54]: "Megan: We won't have a chance to talk about the best versions of more on this series, unfortunately."

2. June 17, 2004, Brooklyn ([38:52]):
   RJ praises this rendition for its energetic and commanding jam:

   RJ [38:52]: "It's so sticky and just absolutely commanding."

   Megan highlights the show's ambiance and the song's execution:

   Megan [39:07]: "It's right. I mean, the space noise, dissonance. It's really good. It's a good jam."

3. July 3, 2016, Spack ([35:07]):
   Brian discusses this standout performance for its dynamic journey and Trey’s impactful effects usage:

   Brian [35:07]: "It's so incredible. And I also had this in my head for many days this week, and I love it."

   Megan praises the tension-building and patient transition back to the song's structure:

   Megan [45:32]: "It's very patient and really cool."

4. August 12, 2022, Alpine Valley ([51:07]):
   Brian selects this version for its melodic intro and contemplative jam, balancing drama and lightness:

   Brian [56:17]: "It balances drama and lightness in a really special way. It's really pretty and shimmery, but it also has weight to it."

   RJ emphasizes the thematic depth and the band’s rediscovery of multi-section jamming:

   RJ [60:45]: "A lot of really cool sections. It's chill, but it... it seems to hang out in the MoMA space while slightly adjusting..."

Honorable Mentions and Listener Voicemails

The hosts acknowledge other noteworthy performances that didn't make the final selection but are still celebrated within the community. Dan's voicemail advocates for the September 29, 2000, Vegas show, emphasizing its infectious energy:

Bryce [68:36]: "If we're going to carve MoMA Dance into stone upon the face of Mount Rushmore, I think you've got to have something there representing the infectious energy that the song brings..."

Brian and Megan reflect on their personal connections and experiences with various performances, adding depth to their selections.

Upcoming Episodes and Events

Concluding the episode, the hosts announce forthcoming content and live events. They tease their next Mount Rushmore selection, focusing on a newer Phish song, and invite listeners to join their live event in May:

Brian [67:25]: "We're going to do a live HFPOD live with Mike Greenhouse from Relics, and it's going to be at Garcia's in Port Chester..."

Megan [68:36]: "Come hang out and see Megan and see Reprise, too. We have one voicemail about the MoMA Dance."

Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing gratitude towards their listeners and encouraging engagement through voicemails and upcoming live sessions. They emphasize the collaborative nature of the podcast, ensuring that fan voices remain central to their discussions and selections.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Megan [02:11]: "The moment that it came out, somehow the moment ends."
• Brian [04:33]: "Do you not read the other profiles and are like, oh, this is going to end up being the exact same or not?"
• RJ [05:03]: "He is not just going to like gush over Trey melting his face. He's going to give you a very detailed, non-biased, colorful, insightful perspective on this band."
• Megan [19:51]: "This song is fish at its sexiest, its funkiest, it's most sultry."
• Brian [35:07]: "It's so incredible. And I also had this in my head for many days this week, and I love it."
• RJ [60:45]: "A lot of really cool sections. It's chill, but it... it seems to hang out in the MoMA space while slightly adjusting..."

This episode of Helping Friendly Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of "MoMA Dance," blending technical analysis with personal anecdotes and fan interactions. Whether you're a long-time Phish enthusiast or a casual listener, this episode provides valuable insights into one of the band's most beloved songs and the vibrant community that celebrates it.