Joy [Digipak]

Performer: Phish
Engineer: C.J Eiriksson
Producer: Steve Lillywhite
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Trey Anastasio (vocals, guitar); Page McConnell (vocals, keyboards); Jonathan Fishman (vocals, drums); Mike Gordon (vocals). Audio Mixers: Steve Lillywhite; CJ Eiriksson. Illustrator: Matt Taylor Band. Photographer: Danny Clinch. After listening to JOY, one has to wonder whether hardcore Phish-heads, who've stuck with the band through thick and thin and bought literally millions of concert tickets, will be impressed by their 11th studio album. It is the group's first studio outing in five years--a reunion album. Joy was produced by Steve Lillywhite, who also helmed 1996's BILLY BREATHES. He's familiar enough with Phish to be able to get inside their sound, and to try to challenge their preconceptions without tinkering too much with the process of creation. In the end, JOY sounds like Phish are thrilled to have a second chance and feel no pressure to do anything but make music on their own terms. They sound more focused than on any of their ten previous studio offerings. So, as reunion sets go, this one is a winner.

Rolling Stone (p.96) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[W]hat's most impressive here is how much they seem to be enjoying themselves -- truly, deeply, gratefully. It's nice to have them back." Entertainment Weekly (p.65) - "[T]he band sticks to their strengths, making for a welcome return." -- Grade: B

Of all the jam bands to emerge in the late-1980s and early-'90s, Phish were widely regarded as the inheritors to the Grateful Dead's throne. While the group's jazzy, mercurial sound was more progressive and light-hearted than the Dead's, Phish's massive, adoring following modeled themselves after the vagabond Dead Heads, calling themselves "Phish Heads." After letting off steam through various side projects (Oysterhead, Vida Blue) and sabbaticals, Phish finally called it quits in 2004.

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