Welcome back to a regular ol’ edition of Grousing The Aisles — we’re back to our normal format after a week off and Ace’s terrific July 4th special. Picking four entries was tough this week, as so many incredible shows have made the rounds on the torrent sites since we last posted GTA. This week we’ll look at some of our favorites, while next week we’ll get a little more under the radar for y’all. We’ve got three tasty shows for your iPod, and a Phish DVD that you need to have.

Apollo Sunshine 06/17/2007 DAUD (FLAC, MP3, STREAM):

It’s been nearly six weeks since we’ve talked about Apollo Sunshine, and I’m starting to get the shakes. The Sunshine dudes are currently in the studio recording an album that could break them into the big time. As nice as it would be to keep Apollo Sunshine a secret, my parents taught me to share. One of the only shows the band played this summer was a plum spot at Bonnaroo, and recently, a kind-hearted taper uploaded AS’s set to the Live Music Archive.

As per usual, Apollo Sunshine opened the set with Better Change Your Mind, which quickly melted into a tasty orgy of noise and melody. They followed it up by playing Magnolia, their most accessible tune. Two classics, 666 and Flip!, kept the momentum goin’. Your Advice, a song I don’t think I’ve heard before, calms things down a bit before Bach and Lord bring back the frenetic energy.

All told, Sunshine played a terrific set and seemed to be augmented by the percussion player banging on the bongos. Here’s hoping the new album brings us plenty of tour dates, because when these guys add a new batch of songs to the mix, you better hide the children. Read on for much more GTA…

Phish 11/30/1991 AUD-SHOT (DVD):

A few years ago I had the pleasure of checking out some footage of the popular rock band Phish playing the famed Capitol Theater in 1991. I was sworn to secrecy about the existence of said footage, but luckily, somehow, it’s finally made it onto the ‘nets. I’m glad someone else’s parents taught them about the virtues of sharing as well. This crispy sounding and looking DVD is a 33-minute time capsule of an extremely important period for the band.

The DVD starts off with a shot of a young lookin’ CK5, as Harry Hood starts to take off. One of the first things you’ll notice is how close the members of the band stood to each other on the stage. There is a level of tightness and unspoken communication that seemed to evaporate towards the end of their run. This footage was shot by a friend of the band from the pit, providing amazing shots of each member including Trey Anastasio’s short lived crew-cut. Someone spent a lot of time syncing the pristine soundboard recording to the video, making this an incredible DVD for even the most casual Phish fan.

Grateful Dead 2/3/68 SBD (FLAC, STREAM):

There is nothing like some primal Dead to get the heart racing. One of my favorite concerts from ‘68 is this loose show from the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, OR. The boys’ unique version of That’s It For The Other One always makes the rotation on my iPod during long trips. Born Cross-Eyed is a song that was scrapped too quickly by the band: The version of the tune on this recording is stellar, making me question why we had to wait until 2002 for members of the Dead to finally bust this song out.

2/3/68 features one of the shortest Dark Stars of all time, but there is something to be said for short and sweet. Towards the end Phil says “leave a light on, will ya?” before the band busts in China Cat. I can’t think of a band that went through as many phases as the Dead. 1968 is one of my favorite time periods, so check out this show to see why. Fans of Pigpen will enjoy the nasty Good Morning Little Schoolgirl, while Phil fans will flip over the New Potato Caboose.

Warren Haynes Band 11/14/1991 SBD (FLAC):

It’s not too often pre-Gov’t Mule Warren Haynes shows make the rounds, so this show from the Wetlands in 1991 immediately piqued my interest. The short-lived Warren Haynes Band consisted of Lincoln Schliefer on bass, Ronnie Lawson on Keys, Steve Holley on drums and, of course, Warren himself. Warren plays a batch of originals with some heady covers filling out the setlist. Just Before The Bullets Fly, I’ll Be The One and Yonder Wall are the standouts. The sound quality of this soundboard recording is ridiculously good.

It wouldn’t be a Warren show without some sit-ins, and John Popper answered the call on this night. Popper adds some dynamite harp playing to Spanish Moon, Ain’t No Sunshine, Yonder Wall, Shaky Ground, Mustang Sally and Gambler’s Roll. Popper’s Blues Traveler band mate Chan Kinchla adds some tasty licks to the Mustang Sally. Download this show to check out the roots of the Mule.

What have you been listening to lately? Share with the rest of the class by leaving a comment below…