5 Essential Phish Songs Every Fan Should Know

It's a big catalog but here's a starter list.

credit: The Rock Revival

If you're new to Phish or simply want to explore the depth of their catalog, you're in for a unique musical adventure. Phish's mix of jam band improvisation, quirky lyrics, and genre-blending creates an immersive listening experience. With so many live performances, albums, and decades of music to dive into, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are five Phish songs that give a solid introduction to Phish's magic.

1. You Enjoy Myself

No Phish starter pack is complete without You Enjoy Myself (YEM). Often regarded as their masterpiece, this song showcases everything from complex composition to the band’s playful spirit. YEM is a live show staple and features the iconic trampoline choreography, intricate jams, and even a vocal jam at the end. The song's fluid structure allows it to transform with each performance, so no two versions are alike.

Essential Live Version: Listen to the 12/9/1995 version from Albany, NY, which is often cited as one of the best renditions.

2. Tweezer

If Phish is known for anything, they can take a song into deep, exploratory jams. Tweezer is the perfect example of this. Typically spanning 20 minutes or more during live performances, it’s where Phish fans appreciate the band’s improvisational prowess. The song's infectious groove has sparked countless legendary versions, each one venturing into new musical territory.

Essential Live Version: The 5/7/1994 Dallas show’s Tweezer is a must-hear, often referred to as Tweezerfest due to its unique exploration.

3. Bathtub Gin

With a playful riff, Bathtub Gin quickly becomes a jam vehicle that lets Phish tap into their jazzy side. The song has grown since its debut in the early '90s, with its improvisational sections getting longer and more creative as the years passed. Its sing-along chorus and room for exploration make it a fan favorite, and it often acts as a live show highlight.

Essential Live Version: The 7/29/1998 version from the Riverport Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, MO, is a transcendent jam that blends funky, psychedelic, and ambient textures.

4. Divided Sky

Divided Sky captures Phish’s more classical influences and highlights their ability to build intense, emotional moments through music. It’s an instrumental composition with soaring guitar lines from Trey Anastasio and intricate sections that ebb and flow beautifully. This is a song that fans can immerse themselves in, feeling the energy rise as it crescendos to a powerful climax.

Essential Live Version: The 8/20/1993 performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a prime example of the power and emotion Divided Sky can evoke.

5. Ghost

Introduced in 1997, Ghost quickly became a jam juggernaut. With its funky basslines and danceable groove, it epitomizes Phish’s "cow funk" era. The song has evolved over the years, and each version is an opportunity for the band to take the audience on a rhythmic journey filled with twists and turns. Ghost is a staple in Phish's live sets, and the band often uses it to explore extended improvisations.

Essential Live Version: Check out the 11/17/1997 Denver, CO performance, where Ghost stretches out into a smooth, funky jam that defines the sound of '97 Phish.

Honorable Mentions

- Reba: for its intricate, whimsical melody and long jams.

- Harry Hood: for its feel-good ending and intense build-ups.

- David Bowie: for its chaotic and jazzy structure.

Phish's catalog is vast and varied, but these five songs will give you a well-rounded taste of what the band is all about. Whether you're in it for the jams, the playful energy, or the musical complexity, Phish offers something special for everyone. Dive in, listen live, and enjoy the ride!

Surrender to the flow!

What are your top 5 songs?