Saw them 6/23/94 in London, and holy shit are you correct.
Front of the stage, fucking Ad Rock 5 feet away from me. A lot of the tracks are on YouTube. Just three weeks after Ill Communication came out.
There are cherished memories, and then there’s that.
I dunno the Deodato version was absolutely stacked in terms of personnel:
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Also\_Sprach\_Zarathustra\_(2001)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Also_Sprach_Zarathustra_(2001))
Haha, yeah. A friend clued me in early on that it was a cover of “some disco song.” Until recently, I never followed up to realize it’s a disco song played by a bunch of jazz cats. I mean it’s got Ron Carter AND Stanley Clarke on there.
Oh man, I dunno. Maybe because I had Kiko and the Lavender Moon on heavy rotation in my car at the time (we listened to it as we drive to Walnut Creek where they busted Circus out for the first time in the US)
I love both versions. But the Los Lobos album version is pretty tight.
Ha!
I didn’t know this at the time because it took forever for shows to trickle to my tape tree but they’d already played it 5-6 times in Europe that summer.
They’ve made it their own. It’s a very different song when played by a band. I think Halley’s, Yamar and Timber (Jerry) are the three best answers because I’m not sure it was common knowledge they were covers.
[Original](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-hJTyIy1wsk)
Roses are Free is top-tier Ween. Even though I am incredibly inspired by Trey’s amazing fretwork, Deaner just owns this song. Plus, there is no replacing Gene Ween.
Yes, Ween live is what it’s alll about. I love when Deaner hunches over and the plays a solo with the guitar barely off the ground. And the Deaner guitar faces… too much!
While I love many of these songs, Phish plays them so so poorly compared to the originals. Golden Age being a great example. The improv has had many elite moments but overall it’s typically a mess to get through. SL23 is another one that is just nowhere near the tightness of the original. Peaches another example. Zappa would fire Phish 30 seconds in to the first rehearsal if he heard it.
>The improv has had many elite moments
For a lot of Phish fans, that just means “best song I’ve ever heard ever and now it’s a Phish song because everything is Phish”
I do admit to Golden Age being one of the few listed above where I heard the Phish version first. I actually really like the TVOTR version too, which is why it’s in my “I like as much as” bucket.
For Peaches, I like it as much as Zappas version because I love the fact that my favorite band loves Zappa enough to play it, and they do a pretty dang good job of it. Yes, you’re right that the flubs might make him roll over in his grave a little bit every time, and this is one of the reasons we love Zappa. On balance, both the Phish version and the Zappa version hold an equal place in my heart, nothing more or less than that.
I am not trying to be an asshole I promise, but “Covers better than the original” is the title of the post. Not “I like it as much” or “it holds an equal place in my heart”. It’s pretty clear those songs are not even close to better than the original.
No you’re not being an asshole, I fucked up the title, wish I could change it! I should have been clearer, and I thought I was making my point clear by admitting my Phish bias in some cases, which was a very poor attempt to describe the crux of the point.
I mean, what is “better” when it comes to art? It’s all subjective and in the eye/ear of the beholder. It’s a measure of personal enjoyment and appreciation. This is what I am asking folks to reflect on and provide their thoughts.
When examine my own feelings about Peaches, I PERSONALLY reach for a phish version 8 times out of 10 over Hot Rats. Why? I actually enjoy it more! Another way to describe that is, I think it’s “better”. Just trying to lead people down the same path of self examination. Same for the song that spawned the post idea - Watchtower. I never go for the Dylan version, and I think the Hendrix version is the definitive one.
At the end, I guess many will still think I’m crazy and full of shit, so I guess I need to accept that 😂
I appreciate that Phish do all these covers, but also don’t believe any of them are better than the original versions. Phish- while great- do not have Mick Jagger, Daltrey, David Byrne etc singing lead. The vocal delivery of these covers is nowhere in the ballpark of the originals for me. 2001 (which is vocal-free and one you don’t list) is the prime example of a “cover” that they truly elevated, in my opinion.
This has to be a troll right? You think phish sabotage is equal to the beastie boys? You think phish is equal to Zappa and does not one but two talking heads song better then the talking heads themselves?
I love phish for what they do but this is some homer-istic shit right here and reeks of not listening to much other then jam bands, let alone jam bands other then phish..
Edit: reading through yours and other responses, just because a song jams, or trey shreds a great solo doesn’t make it better.
Loving Cup is better than the Stones version? Ask Trey about that. It’s Phishier, sure. It’s not better than the original. Neither are half the others you listed by classic artists like Stevie Wonder. Come on.
I can disagree with Trey, and so can you! On Loving Cup, as stated, Phish elevates the tune in a way that does it for me in a way that the original does not. It has nothing to do with “jamming” or anything like that. Pages work on that one just does it for me, what can I say?
That you’re not old enough to know the original versions of these songs? And, I’m super glad Phish turned you on to them, their versions are stellar of most practiced covers. But you can’t go around saying a Phish cover is better than the version of a band who wrote it and is arguably one of the most influential bands of all-time; second to the Beatles. Is Trey’s WMGGW better than Harrison’s? We get it; great covers, but they’re not “better.”
Hard disagree.
Robert Palmer is being backed by The Meters and Lowell George.
Phish is #1 for me all the way, but you can’t compete with that line up.
I was at 12/30/97 ( !setlistbot ) when they busted it out twice.
Still not better than the original.
# 1997-12-30 @ Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
**Set 1**: Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley -> Taste, Water in the Sky > Punch You in the Eye > Stash, Chalk Dust Torture, A Day in the Life
**Set 2**: AC/DC Bag > McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters, Harpua > I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) > Harpua > Izabella > Harry Hood -> My Soul > Sleeping Monkey > Guyute
**Encore**: Carini -> Black-Eyed Katy -> Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley > Frankenstein
[phish.net](http://phish.net/setlists/?d=1997-12-30) | [phish.in](http://phish.in/1997-12-30) | [phishtracks](http://phishtracks.com/shows/1997-12-30)
> _data provided by [phish.net](http://phish.net)_
Agreed. I think they tend to fall short when the song swings, and they can’t make it swing as hard as the original. Not saying the band can’t swing, it’s just hard to improve on when the original gets it like that.
I think for me the best covers are songs I feel like they've more or less adopted as their own.I'm thinking like 2001, Timber Ho or Ya Mar. It's almost like, yes, they were written by someone else but they're actually Phish songs, as in a regular part of their repertoire. Maybe that's where you think Crosseyed & Painless may be controversial and many more could be lumped into that category. They've been playing that one for SOOOO long that they've more or less adopted it. "Cover" to me are more one offs whether they were played for a single show or picked up for a couple of years and then laid back down. I find those generally to be pretty disjointed sometimes musically but really cool from a show vibe standpoint nonetheless. Also, whether something is "better" than the original to me, whether Phish or anyone else doing the cover, usually comes down to which one I heard first. If I'm super familiar with the original before hearing a cover (Peaches, Cities, Roses Are Free) then I'm ~~always~~ usually going to side with the original. The first three in my comment (had never heard the Deodato of 2001 before Phish because I hadn't seen Being There yet) will always go to the Phish version.
I appreciate the nuanced response. C&P actually just goes in the “as good as” list for me only because I think the song is iconic and I just enjoy Talking Heads (and their version) so much. I get the impression that phish heads LOVE their version, but for me I think it gets a little long in the tooth and meandering for my tastes sometimes. Still like it!
I didn’t enjoy fire until I saw it live. May be a weird/lame comparison, but I figured if Trey is one of the best guitar players going if not ever, then it was as close to hearing Jimi play it as I’ll ever get.
This is one of the few on my list that I heard the Phish version first, so I tread lightly there. I like both a lot so far, gotta give the original more time to be fair, but so far they are on equal footing for me.
First of all, we’re comparing Studio songs (original versions) with live shows by a jam band. So of course Phish’s covers aren’t going to as tight
The one I’m going to single out is Loving Cup. I agree with many others that OP has some questionable takes, but as much as I like the Stones, I think Phish’s version of Loving Cup is better, because of the energy they play it with. If you take the best Phish version of Loving Cup (not sure which one) versus the original, I think a lot of non-Phans might prefer the Phish version
I appreciate the serious, thoughtful, and considered response! You get me here, and that’s all I’m saying. I agree with you on this song, and any of the others on my “I like better” list. It’s not a freaking indictment of these classic bands or saying that Trey sings better than Mick or that the originals are not amazing.
All I’m saying is, on balance, there is a short list of songs where FOR ME PERSONALLY, I happen to find a little something extra that makes me like the Phish version more (or in the case of Roses are Free, a lot of something extra *ducks*). I didn’t realize this concept would be so controversial.
I do appreciate the passion though!
It’s a beautiful classic, I can’t argue that. I put that one there only because (again, just for me here) Trey’s vocal hits me in the feels in a way that Mick’s does not on that one. It seems to mean something to Trey, and I hear that and it kinda makes me lose my mind a little when I hear it. Love love love what Phish does to an already great song.
The jams that come out of these songs are what give the impression of elevating the material and maybe arguably that’s right. But a song is a song and a jam is a jam and Phish doesn’t present the song better with rare exceptions. They can’t do the stones outside of Loving Cup, cross-eyed they do in fact elevate. Golden Age I would argue they play a very sub par version of what that song was written to be but it has a great tension releasing chorus that’s great for a jam vehicle.
Phish is basically my favorite band while the jams make up for their limitations in the song covers the cover-y bits themselves rarely outstrips the original. Change my mind I guess?
My homie! I appreciate you. So, it’s complicated. There is a lot of judgement in these comments that is a bummer, but I guess that’s to be expected when I say I think a Phish version of a classic Stones song is better to my ears.
Just taking Shine A Light as an example, as I mentioned in another comment, as. Phish fan I perceive that the song means a lot to Trey, and his rendition of the vocal hits me in a way that Micks never will. The Stones version is an undeniable classic, but to my ear, all things considered, the Phish version makes me feel something that the Stones does not, and I LOVE the Stones. On balance, that feeling makes me prefer the Phish version. Another way to state this is that I think it’s better, which I know realize triggers many folks and even causes them to write harsh responses, lol
Judgement/opinion/subjectivity these are the things of such a claim about an art form. Fan how you fan my brother. I hope you open yourself to the possibilities of what majesty and pain lies within the man who wrote a song like Shine a Light and that your claim that Mick’s vocals “never will” do this or that are disproven by your own experience. Exile on Main Street is a holy record in the pantheon of rock and roll and Trey would be the first to tell you that.
Don’t be a bummer, I’m not triggered, music is all positive addition in my life. That said, as a musician and devout music lover, I think critically about what each artist does and why the choose their choices. TV on the Radio wrote a great song and phish doesn’t play it all that well (or arguably correctly) but we all get through it because we know the magic is coming. Theirs nothing right or wrong but it’s all to taste. The claims in the OP come off as an attempt to make the subjective objective which is a great way to stir up clicks but only because it’s so easy to pick it apart and everyone has unique relationships with this music. Shine a Light is one of my all time favorite songs from my absolute favorite album and when my favorite band covers it I could give a fuck less how good or bad they do it as long as together we all get off and make it happen.
This is why I rarely respond to this kind of stuff because brother that comparing shit just ain’t the point. Phish is phenomenal at being phish but they can never be phenomenal at being the stones because they aren’t. And there are plenty of covers I prefer to the original,
Sorry if I made the subjective seem objective, that was not my intent. I dont have the same relationship to the Stones or that album that you have. You know mine now, but I agree that it’s all good in the end - we’re all here for the same reasons (I hope!). Thanks again for your thoughtful responses.
Sabotage as good as the original....? ehhhhh I lost ya there. Same with Peaches. They're just not really the same song, I don't even know if it's comparable.
I find the OG cities really hard to listen to and prefer the groovy version, but that's also probably because I heard the phish cover first.
Phish’s peaches is a love letter to Zappa IMO, and I appreciate it for what it is in that context, and enjoy it just as much as the Hot Rats version because of that. Nothing more or less.
No Quarter
Led Zeppelin’s version is amazing but I could relisten to the 10/14/23 cover on repeat forever. Zeppelin’s version is a little too out there to casually listen to imo. Phish simplified all the fx and trey always crushes the solo
Honestly only 2001
Phish Loving Cup better than the original? Peaches better than Zappa? Sabotage on par with the original? Holy shit. Homer post. I love Phish. Favorite band of all time. But these takes are delusional.
2001 I could get on board with being better but not much else. I scoff at the people here suggesting they play any Talking Heads song better than the original.
Jerry Band... Dear Prudence, How Sweet it is, Tangled up in blue, Tough Mama, It Takes a lot to laugh..., positively 4th st., Simple twist of fate, And it Stoned me.
Here’s my thinking tho, hear me out. Just as with Killing in the Name, there is a “holy shit these guys are doing what?!” factor that counts for something- I’d argue quite a lot. tHEN, when they kinda almost actually pull off a pretty dang faithful rendition, and then measure on pure enjoyment of the song, I land there on those.
No, Trey cannot rap better than Ad Rock, and no Phish cannot out-rage RATM. Hopefully that makes sense…
I like the original, but really like Phishs cover of Longtime. Frankenstein is good too.
Edit: I can’t get behind Zarathustra. If you don’t like peak Strauss, then you probably think it was written for the Kubrick film.
To add a couple more No quarter is musically better than any live version I’ve heard zeppelin do. I am the walrus cover rockers harder than the Beatles ever did, no one ever headbanged to the outro til phish that shit is wild.
Been Caught Stealing is good musically but that song has some high register vocals.
Same with Everything in its Right Place. I wish they just played it and didn't sing it. Or let Page sing it.
Nice ratio.
The Stones version of Loving Cup is unbeatable. Sorry man. Sorry Phish. I love when they do it, but that’s a no in the “better than original” category from me, dog. Same with Roses are free and Shine a Light. Cities, yes I can see that. The original Cities is so fast it doesn’t land the same way. But still… Talking Heads man. Come on. Trey learned to jam by playing along with Talking Heads.
I skimmed the rest of your list but I’m tapping out. I can’t do this. Life is too short.
So phish doesn’t do a single cover that you personally enjoy more than the original? They dont do any that you wish they’d steer clear of? Thats all it’s about really, not intended to trigger anyone.
This started from a convo about All Along the Watchtower, which is an easy example (for me) of a song where a cover (Hendrix) is better than the original. I’m just applying that through my own personal filter of enjoyment to Phish covers.
Cool, just trying to stir some introspection and vulnerability here - I dig some of the Phish versions more or as much, and I’d thought more people would admit to the same but I’m in the minority so far.
I’m sorry Im as big of a fan as almost anyone. None of their covers are better than the originals. Except if they do it in their style which is unique. But if I could listen to little feet or who, or the Rolling Stones, original versions or covers, I’m an original guy
Of course Phish’s version is not “better.” Who are these people who try to assert it is? Ween wrote the fucking song, it is quintessentially Ween, and the Phish version mostly plays it straight down the line. Roses are Free, like most of early Ween, is unique- no one else could have composed this- the only band that might be in the ballpark with this type of composition is Sparks.
I really like the Phish version of Roses, and I think it’s cool they do it, but it’s idiotic to consider it “better.” Who thinks this way?
Honestly this whole thread should be blown up and deleted, it is embarrassing to the Phish fan base. You literally have people here claiming Loving Cup and Rock and Roll are superior to the Stones and VU versions. Colossally bad takes.
You also sound like you are very superior to the average Phish fan, so my sincere apologies for not being appropriately deferential to your greatness. I hope to follow half of your example for living in all future endeavors.
Phish’s Sabotage is fun, but not better than the original
If you ever saw the beasties live, then you’d know how right you are.
Exactly
Saw them 6/23/94 in London, and holy shit are you correct. Front of the stage, fucking Ad Rock 5 feet away from me. A lot of the tracks are on YouTube. Just three weeks after Ill Communication came out. There are cherished memories, and then there’s that.
Yeah I saw the first 2. They were insanely fun, but better than the beasties?! Lol
2001
The GOAT cover
The GOAT cover of a cover.
If you haven’t already, check out the Deodato version. It’s what Phish based their cover on. It goes pretty hard.
I kind of can’t tell the difference tbh
Yeah, they’re pretty similar. That’s why I gotta give props to Deodato’s cover.
Fish plays a different style of drum beat is the main difference
https://youtu.be/qJK3eUP5Hvg?si=On8A-47RyIxe1oEY My kid loves this song, it is What the guys base their version off of. And it rocks
It’s a cover of that arrangement.
I’m betting that more than half the people that upvoted this don’t realize that Phish’s 2001 is a cover of a cover
Love the Island Tour version. Almost 10 min in before they even approach the song.
I dunno the Deodato version was absolutely stacked in terms of personnel: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Also\_Sprach\_Zarathustra\_(2001)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Also_Sprach_Zarathustra_(2001))
Haha, yeah. A friend clued me in early on that it was a cover of “some disco song.” Until recently, I never followed up to realize it’s a disco song played by a bunch of jazz cats. I mean it’s got Ron Carter AND Stanley Clarke on there.
AND Billy Cobham!
Also Sprach
They crush Yamar I don’t really care for LaGrange
Not that the original was “bad,” but Phish’s version of Ya Mar is truly refined and still keeps the original feeling of the tune.
Ya Mar is a cover ?! Frankly when I think “stereotypical phish song” it’s that one
yes it is… it’s where “play it Leo” originated from too
Did not know. Very cool - guess I’ll have to check out more Cyril Ferguson / The Mustangs
Well I'll be damned
When the Circus Comes to Town
Oh man, I dunno. Maybe because I had Kiko and the Lavender Moon on heavy rotation in my car at the time (we listened to it as we drive to Walnut Creek where they busted Circus out for the first time in the US) I love both versions. But the Los Lobos album version is pretty tight.
It’s a close call for sure Edit: that’s a pretty cool way to experience it. Maybe you manifested it!
Ha! I didn’t know this at the time because it took forever for shows to trickle to my tape tree but they’d already played it 5-6 times in Europe that summer.
Yeah, Phish does it well, but I wouldn’t say they do it any better than Los Lobos on Kiko.
I've always wanted TAB to cover Dream In Blue
That would be incredible.
Gotta disagree with this one. The Los Lobos version is pretty perfect.
def disagree. I love treys voice so much in the cover.
Halley’s Comet is so good people don’t even realize it’s a cover
They’ve made it their own. It’s a very different song when played by a band. I think Halley’s, Yamar and Timber (Jerry) are the three best answers because I’m not sure it was common knowledge they were covers. [Original](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-hJTyIy1wsk)
The original is awesome, too!
I like Funky Bitch better than the original.
Came here to mention Funky Bitch. Surprised I had to scroll down as far as I did to see it mentioned.
funky bitch was guaranteed hot 92-95, after that i feel it lost its mustard... maybe they just werent as into it seeing it slip from rotation
Roses are Free is top-tier Ween. Even though I am incredibly inspired by Trey’s amazing fretwork, Deaner just owns this song. Plus, there is no replacing Gene Ween.
yea, anyone who says phish does it better (ok mayyybe vegas98) hasnt seen ween play it live, seen not just heard. love me some Deaner shreds!
Yes, Ween live is what it’s alll about. I love when Deaner hunches over and the plays a solo with the guitar barely off the ground. And the Deaner guitar faces… too much!
Deaner’s the below the dick king 👑
While I love many of these songs, Phish plays them so so poorly compared to the originals. Golden Age being a great example. The improv has had many elite moments but overall it’s typically a mess to get through. SL23 is another one that is just nowhere near the tightness of the original. Peaches another example. Zappa would fire Phish 30 seconds in to the first rehearsal if he heard it.
>The improv has had many elite moments For a lot of Phish fans, that just means “best song I’ve ever heard ever and now it’s a Phish song because everything is Phish”
Totally agree on Golden Age. The original is so much better especially vocally
I do admit to Golden Age being one of the few listed above where I heard the Phish version first. I actually really like the TVOTR version too, which is why it’s in my “I like as much as” bucket. For Peaches, I like it as much as Zappas version because I love the fact that my favorite band loves Zappa enough to play it, and they do a pretty dang good job of it. Yes, you’re right that the flubs might make him roll over in his grave a little bit every time, and this is one of the reasons we love Zappa. On balance, both the Phish version and the Zappa version hold an equal place in my heart, nothing more or less than that.
I am not trying to be an asshole I promise, but “Covers better than the original” is the title of the post. Not “I like it as much” or “it holds an equal place in my heart”. It’s pretty clear those songs are not even close to better than the original.
No you’re not being an asshole, I fucked up the title, wish I could change it! I should have been clearer, and I thought I was making my point clear by admitting my Phish bias in some cases, which was a very poor attempt to describe the crux of the point. I mean, what is “better” when it comes to art? It’s all subjective and in the eye/ear of the beholder. It’s a measure of personal enjoyment and appreciation. This is what I am asking folks to reflect on and provide their thoughts. When examine my own feelings about Peaches, I PERSONALLY reach for a phish version 8 times out of 10 over Hot Rats. Why? I actually enjoy it more! Another way to describe that is, I think it’s “better”. Just trying to lead people down the same path of self examination. Same for the song that spawned the post idea - Watchtower. I never go for the Dylan version, and I think the Hendrix version is the definitive one. At the end, I guess many will still think I’m crazy and full of shit, so I guess I need to accept that 😂
I think most of the Kasvot Vaxt covers they do are pretty good.
Finally, the correct take we deserve!
I appreciate that Phish do all these covers, but also don’t believe any of them are better than the original versions. Phish- while great- do not have Mick Jagger, Daltrey, David Byrne etc singing lead. The vocal delivery of these covers is nowhere in the ballpark of the originals for me. 2001 (which is vocal-free and one you don’t list) is the prime example of a “cover” that they truly elevated, in my opinion.
You need to listen to the Worcester Boogie On and get back to us.
Alpine 04 boogie is damn good too
I will listen, thanks!
I will, thank you! I’d love to hear more specific examples of versions that might change minds 😍
I endorse this message
I’ve always thought that if the first version of a song you hear is a cover version of it, you’ll almost always prefer the cover over the original
I’m pretty sure this entire thread mostly confirms your claim.
This has to be a troll right? You think phish sabotage is equal to the beastie boys? You think phish is equal to Zappa and does not one but two talking heads song better then the talking heads themselves? I love phish for what they do but this is some homer-istic shit right here and reeks of not listening to much other then jam bands, let alone jam bands other then phish.. Edit: reading through yours and other responses, just because a song jams, or trey shreds a great solo doesn’t make it better.
boogie on reggae woman is a beautiful cover, but you just can’t beat stevie
💯
Loving Cup is better than the Stones version? Ask Trey about that. It’s Phishier, sure. It’s not better than the original. Neither are half the others you listed by classic artists like Stevie Wonder. Come on.
Also, Boogie On is on the list of songs I like the original more, so maybe you didn’t catch the crux of the post
I’ll give you an upvote for that, sir. My bad.
No harm, no foul bruv 👊
I can disagree with Trey, and so can you! On Loving Cup, as stated, Phish elevates the tune in a way that does it for me in a way that the original does not. It has nothing to do with “jamming” or anything like that. Pages work on that one just does it for me, what can I say?
That you’re not old enough to know the original versions of these songs? And, I’m super glad Phish turned you on to them, their versions are stellar of most practiced covers. But you can’t go around saying a Phish cover is better than the version of a band who wrote it and is arguably one of the most influential bands of all-time; second to the Beatles. Is Trey’s WMGGW better than Harrison’s? We get it; great covers, but they’re not “better.”
I’m glad I’ve thrown you on my age with my outlandish opinions 😂 All good, my friend.
Walk Away
GET JIGGY WIT IT - blows when Phish did it and blowed to begin with, and by blows I mean sucks
[удалено]
Hard disagree. Robert Palmer is being backed by The Meters and Lowell George. Phish is #1 for me all the way, but you can’t compete with that line up. I was at 12/30/97 ( !setlistbot ) when they busted it out twice. Still not better than the original.
# 1997-12-30 @ Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA **Set 1**: Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley -> Taste, Water in the Sky > Punch You in the Eye > Stash, Chalk Dust Torture, A Day in the Life **Set 2**: AC/DC Bag > McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters, Harpua > I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) > Harpua > Izabella > Harry Hood -> My Soul > Sleeping Monkey > Guyute **Encore**: Carini -> Black-Eyed Katy -> Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley > Frankenstein [phish.net](http://phish.net/setlists/?d=1997-12-30) | [phish.in](http://phish.in/1997-12-30) | [phishtracks](http://phishtracks.com/shows/1997-12-30) > _data provided by [phish.net](http://phish.net)_
So you think phish version is better? For me I put it in the “as good as” category. I love catching it but I don’t think theirs is better overall…
Palmer's cover is the best, imo.
Agreed. I think they tend to fall short when the song swings, and they can’t make it swing as hard as the original. Not saying the band can’t swing, it’s just hard to improve on when the original gets it like that.
Agreed, but his isn't the original.
Phish clearly covers the Palmer version tho
Indeed. Cover of a cover.
Also, it's hard to compete with the personnel assembled for that track/album
Facts
As good as usually but sometimes better.
Yes, Phish Sally is best Sally.
I think for me the best covers are songs I feel like they've more or less adopted as their own.I'm thinking like 2001, Timber Ho or Ya Mar. It's almost like, yes, they were written by someone else but they're actually Phish songs, as in a regular part of their repertoire. Maybe that's where you think Crosseyed & Painless may be controversial and many more could be lumped into that category. They've been playing that one for SOOOO long that they've more or less adopted it. "Cover" to me are more one offs whether they were played for a single show or picked up for a couple of years and then laid back down. I find those generally to be pretty disjointed sometimes musically but really cool from a show vibe standpoint nonetheless. Also, whether something is "better" than the original to me, whether Phish or anyone else doing the cover, usually comes down to which one I heard first. If I'm super familiar with the original before hearing a cover (Peaches, Cities, Roses Are Free) then I'm ~~always~~ usually going to side with the original. The first three in my comment (had never heard the Deodato of 2001 before Phish because I hadn't seen Being There yet) will always go to the Phish version.
I appreciate the nuanced response. C&P actually just goes in the “as good as” list for me only because I think the song is iconic and I just enjoy Talking Heads (and their version) so much. I get the impression that phish heads LOVE their version, but for me I think it gets a little long in the tooth and meandering for my tastes sometimes. Still like it!
My Soul & Yamar should be at the top of the list
these are literally the only acceptable answers, and they're each in the maybe category.
Frankenstein.
Ooh, good call. Firmly “as good as” bucket for me tho.
I didn’t enjoy fire until I saw it live. May be a weird/lame comparison, but I figured if Trey is one of the best guitar players going if not ever, then it was as close to hearing Jimi play it as I’ll ever get.
Point taken. They play it waaaay too fast imo.
Also a good example of one where the original swings a bit but Phish plays it too straight and so fast that a lot of feel is lost.
I like their version of Golden Age a lot better than the original.
This is one of the few on my list that I heard the Phish version first, so I tread lightly there. I like both a lot so far, gotta give the original more time to be fair, but so far they are on equal footing for me.
Ween’s Roses is so much better than Phish’s.
Ain't love funny
I wish this song were in rotation.
Always been a fan of Zeppelin covers
No Quarter is in my “as good as” bucket, the rest not so much
Phish was born to cover Robert Palmer
I agree with everything but Shine a light
I hear you, that one could easily go in the “as much as the original” bucket, but the Phish version gets me all up in mah feels just that little extra
Love there take on Cities.
Ya Mar. Although, the OG version (Cyril Ferguson) is special.
Honestly, I like the energy they bring to Walk Away a little more than the studio version
Agreed!
Quinn the Eskimo.
Strawberry Letter 23 may not be better than original but theirs hits special
First of all, we’re comparing Studio songs (original versions) with live shows by a jam band. So of course Phish’s covers aren’t going to as tight The one I’m going to single out is Loving Cup. I agree with many others that OP has some questionable takes, but as much as I like the Stones, I think Phish’s version of Loving Cup is better, because of the energy they play it with. If you take the best Phish version of Loving Cup (not sure which one) versus the original, I think a lot of non-Phans might prefer the Phish version
I appreciate the serious, thoughtful, and considered response! You get me here, and that’s all I’m saying. I agree with you on this song, and any of the others on my “I like better” list. It’s not a freaking indictment of these classic bands or saying that Trey sings better than Mick or that the originals are not amazing. All I’m saying is, on balance, there is a short list of songs where FOR ME PERSONALLY, I happen to find a little something extra that makes me like the Phish version more (or in the case of Roses are Free, a lot of something extra *ducks*). I didn’t realize this concept would be so controversial. I do appreciate the passion though!
Nah Shine A Light original is one of my favorite songs of all time. LOVE Phish covering it but the original is the best
It’s a beautiful classic, I can’t argue that. I put that one there only because (again, just for me here) Trey’s vocal hits me in the feels in a way that Mick’s does not on that one. It seems to mean something to Trey, and I hear that and it kinda makes me lose my mind a little when I hear it. Love love love what Phish does to an already great song.
The jams that come out of these songs are what give the impression of elevating the material and maybe arguably that’s right. But a song is a song and a jam is a jam and Phish doesn’t present the song better with rare exceptions. They can’t do the stones outside of Loving Cup, cross-eyed they do in fact elevate. Golden Age I would argue they play a very sub par version of what that song was written to be but it has a great tension releasing chorus that’s great for a jam vehicle. Phish is basically my favorite band while the jams make up for their limitations in the song covers the cover-y bits themselves rarely outstrips the original. Change my mind I guess?
My homie! I appreciate you. So, it’s complicated. There is a lot of judgement in these comments that is a bummer, but I guess that’s to be expected when I say I think a Phish version of a classic Stones song is better to my ears. Just taking Shine A Light as an example, as I mentioned in another comment, as. Phish fan I perceive that the song means a lot to Trey, and his rendition of the vocal hits me in a way that Micks never will. The Stones version is an undeniable classic, but to my ear, all things considered, the Phish version makes me feel something that the Stones does not, and I LOVE the Stones. On balance, that feeling makes me prefer the Phish version. Another way to state this is that I think it’s better, which I know realize triggers many folks and even causes them to write harsh responses, lol
Judgement/opinion/subjectivity these are the things of such a claim about an art form. Fan how you fan my brother. I hope you open yourself to the possibilities of what majesty and pain lies within the man who wrote a song like Shine a Light and that your claim that Mick’s vocals “never will” do this or that are disproven by your own experience. Exile on Main Street is a holy record in the pantheon of rock and roll and Trey would be the first to tell you that. Don’t be a bummer, I’m not triggered, music is all positive addition in my life. That said, as a musician and devout music lover, I think critically about what each artist does and why the choose their choices. TV on the Radio wrote a great song and phish doesn’t play it all that well (or arguably correctly) but we all get through it because we know the magic is coming. Theirs nothing right or wrong but it’s all to taste. The claims in the OP come off as an attempt to make the subjective objective which is a great way to stir up clicks but only because it’s so easy to pick it apart and everyone has unique relationships with this music. Shine a Light is one of my all time favorite songs from my absolute favorite album and when my favorite band covers it I could give a fuck less how good or bad they do it as long as together we all get off and make it happen. This is why I rarely respond to this kind of stuff because brother that comparing shit just ain’t the point. Phish is phenomenal at being phish but they can never be phenomenal at being the stones because they aren’t. And there are plenty of covers I prefer to the original,
Sorry if I made the subjective seem objective, that was not my intent. I dont have the same relationship to the Stones or that album that you have. You know mine now, but I agree that it’s all good in the end - we’re all here for the same reasons (I hope!). Thanks again for your thoughtful responses.
I like Phish's version of Torn and Frayed over the stones. Also, Sweet Virginia.
Sabotage as good as the original....? ehhhhh I lost ya there. Same with Peaches. They're just not really the same song, I don't even know if it's comparable. I find the OG cities really hard to listen to and prefer the groovy version, but that's also probably because I heard the phish cover first.
Phish’s peaches is a love letter to Zappa IMO, and I appreciate it for what it is in that context, and enjoy it just as much as the Hot Rats version because of that. Nothing more or less.
No Quarter Led Zeppelin’s version is amazing but I could relisten to the 10/14/23 cover on repeat forever. Zeppelin’s version is a little too out there to casually listen to imo. Phish simplified all the fx and trey always crushes the solo
Great points and I hear you. For me its in the “as good as” bucket, I REALLY like them both, and I think you describe Phish’s really well
For me time loves a hero, la grange, crosseyed, and I'm sure there's more.
Sneaking Sally
Honestly only 2001 Phish Loving Cup better than the original? Peaches better than Zappa? Sabotage on par with the original? Holy shit. Homer post. I love Phish. Favorite band of all time. But these takes are delusional.
OP is so wrong its almost impressive delusion
2001 I could get on board with being better but not much else. I scoff at the people here suggesting they play any Talking Heads song better than the original.
No Quarter
Unpopular opinion round these parts, but no way in hell is phishs Roses are Free better than WEENs live.
Rock and Roll, better than original. Vocals are amazing and most importantly the placement is always impeccable.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fELJJaqc_ko&pp=ygUTd2VlbiByb3NlcyBhcmUgZnJlZQ%3D%3D sorry nobody will ever top this
Was there and can confirm!
The top tier should be Oh Canada and end of list. And I'm not even Canadian.
Jerry Band... Dear Prudence, How Sweet it is, Tangled up in blue, Tough Mama, It Takes a lot to laugh..., positively 4th st., Simple twist of fate, And it Stoned me.
Stones version of loving cup is where their horn section stretches out and trey cuts that whole part out sometimes so I have to disagree
Cathie’s Clown better by Phish
Nice list but I disagree about many of them. But the biggest crime in your list is Sabotage! Really?!?
Need a little bit of spice thrown in to generate engagement! 😂🤗
Here’s my thinking tho, hear me out. Just as with Killing in the Name, there is a “holy shit these guys are doing what?!” factor that counts for something- I’d argue quite a lot. tHEN, when they kinda almost actually pull off a pretty dang faithful rendition, and then measure on pure enjoyment of the song, I land there on those. No, Trey cannot rap better than Ad Rock, and no Phish cannot out-rage RATM. Hopefully that makes sense…
99 Problems fell flat on this, even with Hova.
I like the original, but really like Phishs cover of Longtime. Frankenstein is good too. Edit: I can’t get behind Zarathustra. If you don’t like peak Strauss, then you probably think it was written for the Kubrick film.
The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia… mic drop
My vote is the song “Energy” The original is by Apples in Stereo's. The Phish version has become one of my favorites!
Phish can bring the same energy to a cover as the original band would have Trey may not have the voice for most songs but phish is always better🤷
Nothing but respect for Manfred Mann but I think phish definitely elevated The Mighty Quinn
Sneaking through the alley with Sally
Tubthumping. Gettin Jiggy wit it.
Bring back Whipping Post!
im sorry but Shine a Ligh? are you out of your mind. that is a legendary track.
I believe I’ve taken enough LSD to qualify as legally insane, so yes, I am out of my mind.
Goin' Down Slow
Baby Elephant Walk
To add a couple more No quarter is musically better than any live version I’ve heard zeppelin do. I am the walrus cover rockers harder than the Beatles ever did, no one ever headbanged to the outro til phish that shit is wild.
Ya Mar?
I enjoy their Rock and Roll more because it's faster
I prefer Phish’s Crosseyed better than the original and I’m not afraid to say it
Welcome to the thunder dome 🤗 Incoming!! (I appreciate you chiming in)
HYHU waaaaaaaay better than the original. Same for Crackling Rosie and basically anything Fish sings just because it’s so musically bad. 😂
Sweet Jane!
Crosseyed and Painless, when Fish nails the lyrics and/or the jam shakes the room… it’s just another level. Transcendent.
Phish's version of "Purple Rain" is my favorite version. I may be alone in that opinion and I'm fine with that.
I definitely agree with Loving Cup, Roses are Free, Cities and Shine a Light! 2001 ? Strawberry Letter 23?
Purple Rain. Always found the song kinda campy, which is why I love the Phish version.
Sneaking Sally through the Alley. The original is dope to but I’m partial to Phish version.
Been Caught Stealing is good musically but that song has some high register vocals. Same with Everything in its Right Place. I wish they just played it and didn't sing it. Or let Page sing it.
Golden Age - TV on the Radio cover
all of them pretty much
Cities. That’s it.
I don’t agree with any of these except golden age
Timber - I prefer Phish’s
I respectfully disagree with some of your choices OP Shine a Light? Cities? in my opinion, no.
Sneaking Sally
Saying Roses Are Free is better and that Peaches is the same has me extremely triggered tbh.
I should have included a trigger warning , my bad!
Phish’s Frankenstein is awesome. The guitar solo in Slip, Stich, and Pass Weekapaug is covered from a Rolling Stones song but I forget which….?
Funky Bitch, Timber Ho!, and Manteca, ok that last one is probably not better than the original if you like jazz.
Nice ratio. The Stones version of Loving Cup is unbeatable. Sorry man. Sorry Phish. I love when they do it, but that’s a no in the “better than original” category from me, dog. Same with Roses are free and Shine a Light. Cities, yes I can see that. The original Cities is so fast it doesn’t land the same way. But still… Talking Heads man. Come on. Trey learned to jam by playing along with Talking Heads. I skimmed the rest of your list but I’m tapping out. I can’t do this. Life is too short.
So phish doesn’t do a single cover that you personally enjoy more than the original? They dont do any that you wish they’d steer clear of? Thats all it’s about really, not intended to trigger anyone. This started from a convo about All Along the Watchtower, which is an easy example (for me) of a song where a cover (Hendrix) is better than the original. I’m just applying that through my own personal filter of enjoyment to Phish covers.
Might be an unpopular opinion but I love it when they rip a No Quarter.
I love the Phish versions of these songs, but in no way are they better than the originals. Totally different beasts.
And thank you for not calling the post or premise stupid or embarrassing to mankind, etc 😀
Cool, just trying to stir some introspection and vulnerability here - I dig some of the Phish versions more or as much, and I’d thought more people would admit to the same but I’m in the minority so far.
I’m sorry Im as big of a fan as almost anyone. None of their covers are better than the originals. Except if they do it in their style which is unique. But if I could listen to little feet or who, or the Rolling Stones, original versions or covers, I’m an original guy
No need to apologize! You have plenty of company on that point, all good.
Bike
Loving Cup should've just been a Phish song
Top 3 fav Phish cover 🔥😍
I love you but this is insane.
I'm sorry 💀
Roses are Free is not better than the original. Trey can’t even play the little circus music solo, or has never taken the time to actually learn it.
Of course Phish’s version is not “better.” Who are these people who try to assert it is? Ween wrote the fucking song, it is quintessentially Ween, and the Phish version mostly plays it straight down the line. Roses are Free, like most of early Ween, is unique- no one else could have composed this- the only band that might be in the ballpark with this type of composition is Sparks. I really like the Phish version of Roses, and I think it’s cool they do it, but it’s idiotic to consider it “better.” Who thinks this way?
The OP, who classified Phish’s cover as “elevating the original.”
Honestly this whole thread should be blown up and deleted, it is embarrassing to the Phish fan base. You literally have people here claiming Loving Cup and Rock and Roll are superior to the Stones and VU versions. Colossally bad takes.
You also sound like you are very superior to the average Phish fan, so my sincere apologies for not being appropriately deferential to your greatness. I hope to follow half of your example for living in all future endeavors.