Live Bait Vol. 04 - Past Summers
Phish · 2011
224 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant tapestry of improvisational rock, blending funk grooves with progressive exploration and whimsical storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Scent of a Mule Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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You Enjoy Myself — As one of Phish's signature songs, this sprawling jam showcases the band's improvisational skills and playful energy, making it a highlight in any live set.
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Mike’s Song / Contact / Weekapaug Groove — This medley encapsulates the seamless transitions that define Phish's live shows, blending different musical styles while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout.
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Divided Sky — Known for its intricate composition and emotional depth, this track features soaring melodies that exemplify Phish's more profound musical explorations.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures Phish's improvisational strengths but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio release.
What we noticed
- Transitions between songs often blend seamlessly, creating a continuous flow that enhances the live performance feel.
- Multiple tracks include medleys where one song transitions into another, demonstrating the band's knack for thematic connections and spontaneity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- extended improvisational jams
- engaging live energy
- for group listening
- captivating late-night exploration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A compilation that showcases live performances, appreciated by dedicated fans.
- Themes
- summer festival vibes· improvisational energy· nostalgic live performances
- Career context
- By the release of Live Bait Vol. 04 - Past Summers in 2011, Phish had already solidified their status as a leading jam band, following their reunion in 2009 after a four-year hiatus. This album compiles live performances from the band’s earlier years, showcasing their extensive catalog and improvisational prowess during a period where they were re-establishing themselves in the music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Umphrey's McGee· Grateful Dead· Widespread Panic
Tracklist
- 1 Scent of a Mule Start here 12:04
- 2 You Enjoy Myself 24:59
- 3 The Landlady / Tweezer 16:26
- 4 Mike’s Song / Contact / Weekapaug Groove 36:46
- 5 Split Open and Melt 15:09
- 6 No2 5:36
- 7 My Friend My Friend / McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters 17:54
- 8 Twist / Slave to the Traffic Light 29:50
- 9 Free / What’s the Use 19:27
- 10 Axilla / My Sweet One / Run Like an Antelope 17:38
- 11 David Bowie / Catapult / David Bowie 13:11
- 12 Divided Sky 15:28
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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