Whatever You Do, Take Care Of Your Shoes

A lot of people always ask me what I’m listening to, so I thought I’d start a new section of the blog appropriately titled Heavy Rotation (thanks Page), where I provide some insight into what’s playing in my world.  I’ll try to make this a weekly segment that includes at least one Phish-related show or project.

So without further ado, here’s what’s been in rotation this week:

1. Phish - 2/13/93 Bob Carpenter Center, University of Delaware, Newark, DE

Much can be said about Phish in 1993.  Arguably one of their most exploratory tours, this show tends to get drowned out by some of the other stops on the Spring tour (see the preceding evening in Poughkeepsie and the smoking hot UNH show in May).  Nonetheless, this show stands up on its own with two sets of classic Phish.  Highlights include “Lawn Boy” (with a rare Trey solo) and a solid “Tweezer > Lizards” combo.

2. Warren Zevon - Excitable Boy

This is Zevon’s third album, and most commercially successful.  In classic Zevon fashion, the album is chock full of humor and tongue-in-cheek references.  It’s also a masterpiece that can be enjoyed from start to finish.  Highlights include “Excitable Boy,” “Werewolves Of London,” and “Lawyers, Guns & Money.”

3. Eric Clapton - 461 Ocean Boulevard

Clapton’s second solo release also marked a departure from the straight blues he had become famous for.  EC had been listening to Burnin’ by Bob Marley, and began to take a strong interest in the reggae sound.  This is demonstrated best on his cover of Marley’s “I Shot The Sheriff.”  Still, the blues is far from removed, and one of my favorite aspects of the album is Clapton’s dobro playing.  Highlights include “Motherless Children,” “Get Ready,” and “I Shot The Sheriff.”

4. Elton John - Tumbleweed Connection

This is Elton’s masterpiece right here.  The album is a gorgeous blend of country-rock tunes that strongly echo The Band.  In my opinion, the Elton John Band lineup on this album is John’s finest, and it’s all completed by Bernie Taupin’s incredible lyrics.  Highlights include “Ballad Of A Well-Known-Gun,” “My Father’s Gun,” and “Amorena.”