There are no answers, only wonderment, I’ve concluded. But for growth all questions are continuously cast. I am addicted; that is what remains when all other explanation disintegrates. They medicate me. The positive energy, the movement of the songs, their progressive climb to this natural climactic crescendo never quits at leaving me fulfilled. Meager-minded find solace in other colors and adventurers cutting through the musical forest, and I just don’t see it. 

I think I thoroughly understand the music and can clearly see what their agenda is. And it too makes me laugh on the days animosity subsides, as these fans try to scour the country for shows and tapes in hopes of a forty second progression, riff, rise, bass line, that raises their heart-rate and justifies why they are in the audience that night. All scurrying squirrels find a nut sometime. Well, I can’t call the kettle black, for I like pot and for two I pay my money, conceding that I am there too, meeting and greeting these licks and emotions that they pour out. Yet I remain unmoved. 

I hate proximal examples since they have not passed any tests of time, but I was at an Ekoostik Hookah show on Tuesday night and they are just an earthy brown, (which is neither praise nor jab). From the get go through the get out of the box to the get gone, they are an earthy brown, as if they jammed one great riff that blew their minds and have spent all of their songs pointed toward recapturing that one moment, progression, or vibe. (Feel free to insert your favorite single colored band). They are distinct upon hearing any of their catalogue. 

Don’t get me wrong, I like that song, but, as I slide back to my point, Phish is a whole being. They are a mall and not just a liquor store or a hardware store. You can explore, walk around. Right back there and on the other side was and is my point. Phish is a color wheel in which you paint what you need. They get out of the way. And now they’ve gone away… to gather more colors. So, if I look at it from the artists’ perspective, I thank the boys for disbanding and finding new shades to add to their palate. 

Of course that is the next Jedi level, constantly growing and adding others’ perspective, to broaden the circle. But as the bridge comes back around and I remember what tune this rant sprung from, I re-realize my tears and can’t help but miss them. Yeah guys, you are making some shake ass music, but I want to talk to that old friend. I need a Halley’s Comet something fierce! You built a fire that felt so good to sit around. I was myself there. I play and yes I know of the joys of wordless communication, but the way you four talk to each other truly makes me smile. Please, I beg of you, tell that story again…

P.S.- Neophytes have no shame. It is not your fault it took this long for your ever-winding path to make it to the water. How long did it take Odysseus to grow home? I’m sure while you were away, you learned something to tell some of us. Grow and share y’all. 

Love, 

- Joe S.