Ventura cover

Ventura

Phish · 2013

344 min · 40 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant tapestry of jam-infused rock, blending tight musicianship with playful experimentation and improvisational flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    NICU Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Chalk Dust Torture — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of intricate musicianship and improvisational exploration, creating an engaging atmosphere that evolves throughout the performance.
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    David Bowie — This extended version showcases Phish's ability to transform a beloved classic into a sprawling jam that demonstrates their technical skill and collective synergy.
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    Bathtub Gin — Known for its dynamic shifts and intricate solos, this rendition captures the essence of Phish's improvisational magic and crowd-pleasing energy.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • improvisational exploration and surprises
  • long-form tracks for deep dives
  • playful lyrical storytelling moments
  • wave-like pacing and shifts

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Released after their reunion, it showcases Phish's continued vitality and improvisational skills.
Themes
California coastlines· improvisational jams· playful storytelling
Career context
Released in 2013, Ventura marked a significant point in Phish's career as it came after their reunion in 2009 and subsequent resurgence. This album showcases their mastery of live improvisation while paying homage to their extensive back catalog. It also illustrates their ability to blend original compositions with classic jams, highlighting their continued evolution as a band.
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Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 NICU Start here 6:07
  • 2 Wolfman’s Brother 12:00
  • 3 Chalk Dust Torture 11:07
  • 4 Water in the Sky 4:11
  • 5 Stash 15:24
  • 6 Weigh 5:09
  • 7 Piper 5:07
  • 8 Cars Trucks Buses 4:50
  • 9 Character Zero 9:21

Disc 2

  • 1 Punch You in the Eye 8:57
  • 2 Free 11:16
  • 3 David Bowie 21:30
  • 4 Cities 5:30
  • 5 David Bowie 6:09

Disc 3

  • 1 Bouncing Around the Room 3:54
  • 2 Uncle Pen 4:15
  • 3 Prince Caspian 8:56
  • 4 Fire 6:52
  • 5 My Soul 6:03
  • 6 Ventura ’97 Soundcheck Jam 9:19

Disc 4

  • 1 Bathtub Gin 21:56
  • 2 Dirt 4:02
  • 3 Poor Heart 3:51
  • 4 Lawn Boy 3:05
  • 5 My Sweet One 3:05
  • 6 Birds of a Feather 6:20
  • 7 Theme From the Bottom 9:29
  • 8 Water in the Sky 2:47
  • 9 The Moma Dance 9:56
  • 10 Split Open and Melt 14:00

Disc 5

  • 1 Drowned 14:52
  • 2 Makisupa Policeman 8:09
  • 3 Maze 12:11
  • 4 Sea and Sand 3:11
  • 5 Prince Caspian 12:11
  • 6 Harry Hood 15:31

Disc 6

  • 1 Sexual Healing 7:49
  • 2 Hold Your Head Up 1:42
  • 3 Halley’s Comet 10:59
  • 4 Ventura ’98 Soundcheck Jam 13:38

What to play next

Fuego
Listen next

Fuego

2014

Continues the vibrant jam rock sound with fresh energy and exploration.
Niagara Falls
Go back to

Niagara Falls

2013

Sets a similar tone with its blend of improvisation and rich musicality.
Full Phish discography Where to start with Phish Artists like Phish
alternative rock funk rock progressive rock

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata