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Phish

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2.81 | 37 ratings

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Easy Livin
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Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin

Phun but phorgettable

Having regrouped in 2002 and released the hurriedly prepared 'Round room' album, Phish recommenced touring, although their activities were much less prolific than in their earlier days. Once again, this album would prove to be a closing chapter in the band's history, the members embarking on another hiatus after its release.

The lengthy jam founded tracks which dominated 'Round room' are absent this time, the tracks reverting to the tighter arrangements which are common to most of the band's studio (but not live!) albums. The track lengths range from a few brief link pieces to some more adventurous 6+ minute tracks. The opening "Scents and Subtle Sounds (Intro)" and the following title track feature the light pop rock and catchy melodies which the band thrive upon.

The first of the longer tracks is the Beatles-esque 'A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing', a pleasantly psychedelic song with spacey early Floyd guitar effects and retro echoed vocals. The Beatles feel continues on 'Army of one', a song which benefits from some fine organ playing supporting up front lead guitar. 'Nothing' probably offers the best summary of both the album and the band as a whole, being an enjoyable slice of light power pop with a strong melody. As with so many Phish songs, 'Nothing' is inoffensive, fun to listen to, and largely forgettable.

The final longer track is 'Secret smile', a rare song of genuine emotion from the band. The atmosphere of the piece is accentuated by some fine strings and a delicate vocal. This is probably not a song for the band's famed live shows, but on record it does stand apart from its peers.

Overall, a decent effort from Phish, worth hearing if only for 'Secret smile'.

Easy Livin | 3/5 | 2011-6-6

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