JUNTA

To say that they are talented musicians and that the music on this album is expertly crafted and executed is entirely true, but misses much of the essense of it that compels me to listen to it again and again with enjoyment.

There is an element to Phish, not unlike Zappa or Steely Dan or even Pink Floyd that transcends most other music in my collection. A character that is unmistakable, an intelligence and humor that is both entertaining and often mood altering. Their music has both approachability and depth, something not easily or often achieved. Many of their songs seem silly on the surface, (such as "David Bowie, UB40", the entirety of the lyrics to "David Bowie" in honor of his 40th), but they are much more then they seem at first glance. To me this is certainly progressive music, in the sense that it melds so many genres into one unique sound.

For me, Phish lost touch with this quality after they signed with Elektra (after the demise of the Absolute-A- Go-Go label) following their also excellent album "Lawn Boy". "Junta" and "Lawn Boy" remain my favorites from this great band.

Highlights for me from this album include: "You Enjoy Myself" (featuring a much puzzled over lyrical interlude) "Golgi Apparatus" (A tribute to high school biology) "David Bowie" (This just soars)

About the only thing I can do without is the bonus tracks tacked on at the end (that were not on the pre- Elektra releases) but these are easily ignored.