Billy Breathes [Import]

Phish: Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, Page McConnell. Recorded at Bearsville Studios, Bearsville, New York between February and June 1996. Personnel: Trey Anastasio (vocals, guitar); Page McConnell (vocals, keyboards); Mike Gordon (vocals, bass guitar). Audio Mixers: John Siket; Steve Lillywhite. Liner Note Author: Bruce Burgess. Recording information: Bearsville Sound Studios, Bearsville, NY (02/1996-06/1996); Bearsville Studios, NY (02/1996-06/1996). Photographer: Danny Clinch. Unknown Contributor Roles: Page McConnell; Trey Anastasio. The songs on Phish's 7th album range from gentle acoustic ballads like "Waste," which resembles early Pink Floyd's quieter moments, to the anthemic rush of the opening "Free," to the funky, organ-based instrumental "Cars Trucks Buses." This is thinking-man's classic rock, with a generous and broad concept of what classic rock might be. The stamp of the Phish is laid upon all the tracks by the deft musicianship of guitarist Trey Anastasio and keyboardist Page McConnell. While the band boasts an impressive amount of collective chops, it never veers into crass showmanship or self-indulgent solos. Even the most upbeat tunes possess a light touch and appealing subtlety that let Phish's compositional and instrumental prowess shine in a natural, unpretentious way. Happily unhip, the band exists entirely outside the alterna-pop mill that defines much of the contemporary pop scene. It's likely that Phish's stubborn individuality is the very quality that has endeared the band to a vast, devoted fan base. On BILLY BREATHES, Phish gives those fans another reason to keep the faith.