Phish: Live in Brooklyn cover

Released 20 years ago

Phish: Live in Brooklyn

Phish · 2006

184 min · 21 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant tapestry of improvisation and eclectic rhythms, showcasing the band’s signature blend of rock and funk in a live setting.

Top tracks — play these first

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    A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    The Curtain With — This track opens with a serene introduction that transitions into intricate jam segments, embodying the band's dynamic range and improvisational prowess.
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    Moma Dance — The energetic groove and rhythmic complexity make this track a standout; its playful lyrics and infectious melodies highlight Phish's unique blend of funk and rock.
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    Mike’s Song — Featuring a powerful buildup and seamless transition into 'I Am Hydrogen', this track exemplifies Phish's ability to create tension and release within their live performances.
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    46 Days — This song showcases extensive improvisation, displaying the band's skillful interplay and ability to explore various musical themes in real time during their concerts.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

72 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album captures Phish's live energy and improvisational skill, making it a strong representation of their sound during this period.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections, with several tracks exceeding ten minutes and blending seamlessly into one another.
  • Transitions between songs often include ambient soundscapes or thematic motifs that create a cohesive flow throughout the performance.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 journey with improvisational peaks
  • extended jams for deep exploration
  • for late-night listening
  • wave-like pacing encourages immersion

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking concise, standalone tracks
  • prefer instant gratification over patience

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Captures the energy of Phish's live performances, cherished by dedicated fans.
Themes
Brooklyn concert energy· improvisational journeys· funk-infused grooves
Career context
In 2006, Phish was reestablishing themselves after a hiatus that began in 2004. 'Live in Brooklyn' captures the band during their reunion phase, highlighting their return to touring and live performance after a two-year break. This album features extended jams and showcases their tight musical interplay, characteristic of their live shows.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Dinner and a Movie

    The narrative shifts from mundane dinner plans to whimsical daydreams about cinematic escapism.

    This juxtaposition creates a vivid contrast between reality and imagination, reflecting the album's overall theme of transcending everyday life through music.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing Start here 6:34
  • 2 Dinner and a Movie 3:55
  • 3 The Curtain With 13:44
  • 4 Sample in a Jar 4:57
  • 5 Moma Dance 15:01
  • 6 Free 10:26
  • 7 Nothing 5:34
  • 8 Maze 10:22
  • 9 Frankenstein 4:59

Disc 2

  • 1 46 Days 17:24
  • 2 Possum 8:16
  • 3 The Oh Kee Pah Ceremony 1:47
  • 4 Suzy Greenberg 18:23
  • 5 Axilla I 3:25
  • 6 2001 8:59
  • 7 Birds of a Feather 7:05
  • 8 Kung 3:01

Disc 3

  • 1 Mike’s Song 9:05
  • 2 I Am Hydrogen 2:42
  • 3 Weekapaug Groove 12:43
  • 4 The Divided Sky 15:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata