Not impressed w/ TAB lately

Walker done done · October 07, 2011, 01:48:45 PM

Yeah, I'm just gonna put it out there. At first I was bummed that he wasn't coming to Maine or Mass. on this current tour, but I've listened to the Higher Ground show, seen the latest setlist, and to be honest I'm a little bored with the same old routine and song selection. It just seems more of the same, and I am wondering..."what's the point Trey?" Is it just a money make thing? Is it just a chance to play (for the most part) songs he doesn't play w/ Phish? I dunno...I guess I don't get it.

And the new songs that are coming out really don't strike me as anything spectacular. It's still early, so maybe I need to give them a few more attempts or wait until they are further tweaked, but they're all either straight forward stuff or ho-hum ballads. Where's the balls? Where's the bad ass-ness? Where's the wow factor? Where???

Oh, and that song "Hey Ya"? It sucks. It's not even cool. It was funny the first few times last year, but it's not anymore. I would be bummed to hear that as a set closer. Just sayin'.

:rant over:

sour d · October 07, 2011, 02:08:35 PM

If you want to see "balls" go see the project tonight at the big easy. they are opening for some shitty band.

picture_of_nectar · October 12, 2011, 02:45:52 AM

I concur.

Then again I've never been all that impressed. They have 'had me' a few times, some magic moments. And I always like to see Trey happy on stage having fun. I like Sand. And sometimes Jennifer Hartswick really wows me with her vocals and playing.

Aside from that...meh.

That said, IF he was coming out West I'd prolly go. Last year I was at Oakland Fox Theater and I had a good time. I'm glad he's not doing the 1st set 'singalong' again though. I was totally bored with that after like the 3rd old Phish classic. I just think I'd way rather hear him do TAB acoustic solo tunes rather then the old stuff we've all heard a million times and he could play in his sleep.

Walker done done · October 12, 2011, 01:46:01 PM

Quote from: picture_of_nectar on October 12, 2011, 02:45:52 AM
That said, IF he was coming out West I'd prolly go. Last year I was at Oakland Fox Theater and I had a good time. I'm glad he's not doing the 1st set 'singalong' again though. I was totally bored with that after like the 3rd old Phish classic. I just think I'd way rather hear him do TAB acoustic solo tunes rather then the old stuff we've all heard a million times and he could play in his sleep.

I concur to your concurrence.

phishlips · October 14, 2011, 01:30:15 PM

good news guys! I went to the Wellmont show on Wednesday and was blown away. That is one seriously tight, happening band. Energy was through the roof all night all. Trey's playing was phenomenal and he made sure everyone on stage got a chance to show off in all different types of ways.

Its was really interesting to watch Trey signal changes on the fly and gave me some ideas to work on with my band. That man has a vision and he see's it perfectly clear, what a band leader.

If I was gonna be picky at all I think the only thing I'd gripe about would be that he played Sand and then a song later he played First Tube, which is pretty close to the same groove....but like I said, if I was to be picky.

Overall fantastic show!!! I'd say if you feel that the band has gotten a little lack luster lately by reading setlists, it's time to go see them the first chance you get!!

picture_of_nectar · October 28, 2011, 04:15:29 PM

ya know I listened to the last TAB show of the tour and have to admit it sounded pretty freakin awesome. Though I would have liked them to explore some more deep improv.

Phabulous · December 16, 2011, 04:32:42 PM

I'm the exact opposite. I think some of the energy and execution on the 3.0 Phish side is lacking, while Trey seemed REALLY enthused and into it when I caught TAB at the Tabernacle in ATL last year.