Mike’s >Hydrogen > Weekapaug
While Help on the Way may be viewed as the impending storm, its counterpart in this match-up, Mike’s Song, can be viewed as the all-out apocalypse. Just watch the version we’ve embedded below from Big Cypress, or any number of red-light, fog-induced maniacal versions from the mid-or-late ’90s to see my point hammered home beyond argument. One of Phish’s most razor sharp numbers, Mike’s packs more than just a powerful punch: it can get straight nasty or scare even the most hardcore fan to the brink. In short, it’s not for the faint of heart – and one of the reasons so many Phishheads consider it to be a huge staple in the repertoire.
Unlike Slipknot!, which carries and thrives on the energy of Help on the Way, I am Hydrogen is stylistically, melodically and instrumentally one of Phish’s most beautiful pieces of music. Period. It also serves a a quick break of sorts where one can float along, while catching their breath, before slamming back down into the funky, bass-driven dance party of Weekapaug Groove.
Unlike Franklin’s Tower, who has some lyrics of huge significance and meaning to fans, Weekapaug is simply a tune based on one of Phish’s many inside jokes that defines their practical-joker mentality and tongue-in-cheek humor. More of a physical release at the end of this musical ride than Franklin’s is at the end of its journey, Weekapaug makes for a great set/show closer that allows you to shake it all loose one more time. Weekapaug’s rolling guitar licks also make it a playground for lead guitarist Trey Anastasio and company to tease and quote other songs within its framework, or simply blow the lid off the joint all together at a breakneck pace.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff98aRC8zJE[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Stbe8VTl0U[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejoKjy0-BAM[/youtube]
At the end of the day, whether you love The Dead or Phish, there are no losers in this matchup. So, I ask you loyal readers, what holy trinity do you prefer or think reigns supreme in this battle?
5 Responses
I voted for mikes groove only bc Ive seen it and was at big cypress. The Dead only bc I am only 31 and never saw it great tunes all around tho
Great American Music Hall Bill Graham intro (Ladies and Gentlemen…) to Help Slip Frank is quite possibly the greatest opening to any show ever, regardless of band.
I voted for “Too Close To Call”, but I do have to agree with yea! on the opening to One From The Vault.
Band intros>”Ladies and gentlemen, the Grateful Dead”>Help gives me goosebumps every time.
I third the one from the vault opening…unreal.
As simply a trio I think H>S!>F is the better choice, the best M>H>W usually had something else tossed in.
Obviously both fantastic though.
Oh I forgot to mention lyrics should also play a part in this…