Postcards From Page Side: The Holy Trinity

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?