One of the most exciting things about the idea of a three-day Phish festival this fall is the fact that one of the dates of that weekend is Halloween. All Hallow's Eve is a special date for Phish and their fans, as the band traditionally covers a full classic album — which they call a "musical costume" — in concert on that night. In 1994, Phish began the tradition of playing three-set shows on Halloween night, with the second set devoted entirely to a classic album. The first attempt was the Beatles' "White Album," which won a fan voting poll. Subsequent years saw the band tackle the Who's Quadrophenia, Talking Heads' Remain in Light and the Velvet Underground's Loaded.
Phish are not the sort of band to buck tradition, so it should be assumed that they'll be playing through a classic this Halloween. But what record should they tackle? Here are a few suggestions.
Led Zeppelin, IV
Phish have dabbled in Zeppelin before ("Moby Dick" cropped up a bunch during the turn of the millennium), but the epic quality of IV suits the band well. After all, doesn't every Phish fan desire to hear a 25-minute version of "Stairway to Heaven"?
Michael Jackson, Thriller
Considering the recent passing of the legend, it seems like Phish might be interested in doing a tribute. What better tribute than the singer's crowning achievement? "Beat It" and "P.Y.T." are the perfect blend of rock and funk that draw Phish like bees to honey.
Rush, 2112
They've dabbled in concept records before (like 1993's Rift), but Phish should really take on the mother of all concept albums. It'd probably be quite a bear on Trey Anastasio to sing like Geddy Lee for an hour (those notes on "The Twilight Zone" are not easy), but "2112" is a jam fan's dream.
Pavement, Slanted and Enchanted
Anastasio has professed his love for Pavement in the past, and Slanted and Enchanted's brand of shambling indie rock is a perfect jump-off point for Phish. Plus, Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus has spent his solo career slowly morphing into a jam guy, so the seeds of noodling are clearly sewn in "Fame Throwa."
Steely Dan, Countdown to Ecstasy
If Steely Dan started up today, they'd probably be a jam band (perhaps they'd be Moe). "The Boston Rag" is built for experimentation.
Justin Timberlake, Justified
Phish are into dance music (and dancing), so why wouldn't they embrace the 21st century's booty-twitching king? The band loves to challenge themselves rhythmically, so the complicated beats of "Cry Me a River" and "Like I Love You" would certainly get the boys excited.
Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run
The collaboration with Bruce at Bonnaroo suggests that perhaps they'll be diving headlong into the Boss' back catalog. Springsteen turns "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" into an epic, so why shouldn't Phish? Alternately, the band could tackle some latter-day Springsteen, like Born in the U.S.A. (imagine the "Dancing in the Dark" jam) or Human Touch ("Roll of the Dice," anybody?).
Guns N' Roses, Use Your Illusion I & II
Chinese Democracy finally came out, so it's time to revisit the Gunners' two-disc epic that spawned hits like "Don't Cry." Phish love an epic, and what is more epic than "November Rain"?
Rolling Stones, Beggars Banquet
They've already tackled a classic Beatles album, so it's time to put the Stones notch on their belt. Beggars Banquet hits all the right notes, from the mania of "Sympathy for the Devil" to the punch of "Street Fighting Man" to the slow blues of "Parachute Woman."
Slayer, Reign in Blood
This would probably be horrible, but would certainly freak out any too-stoned people.
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