OK, well here's my 2 cents for all those who have demanded it...
The attempts to win Scott over have been decent, but misguided. Scott needs to learn HOW to listen to Phish. This is even more crucial than the song choices. Here are some tips:
1. LEARN TO SAY YES! One of the most important things for people getting into Phish is to let go of the need to define oneself by preconceived notions of what they think is cool. Negative prejudices must be curbed. Sure, some of the lyrics are silly or blatantly simple (Halley's Comet, Dinner & A Movie, Free...) Sure, people spinning around at shows can look funny. Trey's vocals could be stronger as well. Frankly, none of that matters. Being critical of the music or scene in such a way is the equivalent of writing overly analytical reviews of a sunset, rather than just sitting back and appreciating one in the moment. The music of Phish is a vehicle meant to take you on a journey. If you're a passenger in a traveling car, you need to appreciate where you're going and the experience of the ride, more than the qualities of the car itself.
2. CULTIVATE PATIENCE. Everyone involved with this podcast needs to be more patient. That means playing ENTIRE songs, rather than just skipping around within jams. Jams out of context mean nothing. Also, reactions to the song can not take place immediately, while the song is still playing. You can't listen, think, and talk all at the same time. I know that doesn't lend itself to a podcast necessarily, but which is the main goal here: making good radio or trying to help someone get into a band? Comedians are professionals at thinking on their feet - attempting to be witty, smart and funny at any given moment that they think their audience is listening. In the case of Phish, you have to let go of these ego based strategies and just patiently listen instead.
3. INVOKE JAZZ. Sure, Phish is rock music. But it can't be listened to the same way that you listen to the average rock band. It has more in common with the structure of jazz music and it might help to approach it in the same way. Listening to how these very talented musicians communicate with each other through their playing is more important than looking for a catchy tune or a chorus hook.
4. THE LIVE SHOW EXPERIENCE. I'm glad that (at this point) that Scott made it to a show. I look forward to hearing how it went down. WHY this is necessary hasn't been fully discussed, though. The vibe of the crowd is a big part of it - the energy, passion and excitement is impossible to miss by anyone who is open to the positive experience. Certainly the drugs count for something as well. They are not necessary to enjoy the music, but certain ones (especially the psychedelics) will help to bust the ego and take self consciousness out of the equation - leaving just the energies and the musical journey to experience.
5. TURN THE SPOTLIGHT ON TO SCOTT. Ok, not everyone has to like everything. Not every band or genre is for everyone. BUT - a lot of Scott's objections to Phish seem to have to do with his judgment of the fans, his past experiences with people who like the band, and a subconscious need to maintain his self image in relation to these prejudices. I personally am not a religious person, but I do attempt to understand and participate in the spiritual customs of others without allowing any personal judgment to creep in. I know that certain paths work for certain people, and to be critical about such things says more about myself than it does about the validity of the practices. In order to understand Phish fans and the music that inspires them, you have to approach (most of them at least) as members of a spiritual movement - not just fans of a rock band.
Above all else, thanks for an entertaining podcast.
-Adam pike@alumni.usc.edu
