The Man Who Stepped into Yesterday
Phish · 1987
59 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A tapestry of whimsical narratives and intricate musicianship blending rock, funk, and progressive sounds into a cohesive journey.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wilson Prelude / The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Lizards — This track showcases the band's signature blend of intricate musical arrangements and playful lyrics, encapsulating their experimental spirit.
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Colonel Forbin's Ascent — A cornerstone of the album, this song introduces a narrative that becomes central to Phish's mythology, engaging listeners with its storytelling.
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AC/DC Bag — With its catchy hooks and complex composition, this track exemplifies the band's ability to merge funk influences with progressive rock sensibilities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's narrative and intricate musicianship establish a unique sound, though it shows early signs of the band's development.
What we noticed
- The album features a continuous narrative structure, with spoken interludes that connect the musical pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 narrative journey unfolds
- whimsical storytelling with twists
- wave-like pacing invites immersion
- for adventurous listening
- engaging lyrical explorations throughout
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut album establishing Phish's unique sound and narrative style.
- Themes
- University of Vermont experimentation· theatrical storytelling· whimsical journeys
- Career context
- Released in 1987, The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday was Phish's debut album, establishing their unique sound that would define their career. At this point, the band was still honing their craft, having formed just a few years prior while attending the University of Vermont. This album served as an introduction to their eclectic style and storytelling approach, setting the stage for future projects.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Umphrey's McGee· Grateful Dead· Widespread Panic
Tracklist
- 1 Wilson Prelude / The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday Start here 4:12
- 2 The Lizards 10:40
- 3 Tela 7:20
- 4 Travelling Narration 2:54
- 5 Wilson 4:19
- 6 AC/DC Bag 3:53
- 7 Betrayal Narration 3:18
- 8 Colonel Forbin's Ascent 5:08
- 9 Fly Famous Mockingbird 7:59
- 10 Errand Wolfe's Narration 1:29
- 11 The Sloth 2:21
- 12 Forbin in the Dungeon Narration 1:05
- 13 Possum 4:58
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
De-Loused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
Shares complex compositions and theatrical storytelling with vibrant instrumentation.
Apostrophe (')
Frank Zappa
Combines whimsical narratives and experimental rock with a playful, progressive edge.
Fragile
Yes
Features intricate arrangements and a blend of storytelling within a progressive rock framework.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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