BILLY BREATHES

Phish have always been a difficult band to categorise. They tend to get lumped in with the American Jam band scene with the likes of The Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic and The Dave Mathews Band although they don't really sound like any of them. They draw their influences from many styles of music including Rock, Country, Funk and Jazz. Live they are known for their extended Jams but although not always the case, are generally more concise on their studio releases.

"Billy Breathes", their 1996 studio offering is the most commercial of their albums and concentrates on strong melodies and well executed backing vocals whilst not forgetting their excellent musicianship.

An album full of strong material, particularly notable being opener "Free", "Waste", "Theme from the Bottom", "Prince Caspian" and not forgetting the sublime title track.

Anyone wanting to dip their toes in the Phish back catalogue could do no better than start here with this excellent release.