The Story of the Ghost cover

The Story of the Ghost

Phish · 1998

49 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock · progressive rock · funk rock

A vibrant tapestry of funk grooves and progressive rock explorations intertwining with whimsical storytelling.

Why this album works

The album is significant for its exploration of new musical territories, featuring complex arrangements and lyrical depth that appealed to both longtime fans and newcomers. It debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200, reflecting Phish's growing mainstream appeal during this era, and has since been regarded as an influential release within the jam band genre.
Best for
dynamic emotional journeys long, immersive listening sessions layered, dense sonic textures
Context
By the time 'The Story of the Ghost' was released in January 1998, Phish had established themselves as a leading force in the jam band scene with previous albums like 'Billy Breathes' (1996) solidifying their status. This album marked a period of creative expansion for the band as they incorporated more structured songwriting while maintaining their improvisational roots. It followed their successful summer tours and showcased their ability to blend genres seamlessly.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Ghost Standout 3:52
  • 2 Birds of a Feather 4:14
  • 3 Meat 2:39
  • 4 Guyute 8:26
  • 5 Fikus 2:20
  • 6 Shafty 2:21
  • 7 Limb by Limb Standout 3:31
  • 8 Frankie Says 3:06
  • 9 Brian and Robert 3:02
  • 10 Water in the Sky 2:29
  • 11 Roggae 2:59
  • 12 Wading in the Velvet Sea Standout 4:29
  • 13 The Moma Dance 4:28
  • 14 End of Session 1:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata