Lawn Boy

Amazon.com essential recording
Originally recorded in 1989, Phish's second record is a brilliant blend of whimsy and wisdom that served notice to the world: these boys are tough to peg. "The Squirming Coil" is arena-rock bluster, "Reba" is winding art rock, "My Sweet One" is quick bluegrass, "Split Open and Melt" is a funky workout, "Oh Kee Pa Ceremony" is jazzed-up country boogie, "Lawn Boy" is lounge jazz, and "Bouncing Around the Room" is irresistible pop. Add to that "Run Like an Antelope," one of their most successful twisting-and-turning instrumental jams, and you have an eclectic yet digestible smorgasbord of styles. What saves Phish from crumbling under their own weight? A palpable sense of playfulness and sarcasm and musicianship that is both loose and demanding. --Marc Greilsamer

Lawn Boy,Phish,Elektra / Wea,Alternative Pop/Rock,American Trad Rock,Fusion,Jam Bands,Neo-Psychedelia,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Lawn Boy

Average customer rating:

Joey Likes It
Gentle Giant meets Frank Zappa and the Grateful Dead
Phish shows the promise of what is to come
PHiSH is amazing
It got away....

Lawn Boy
Phish
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

A Picture of Nectar
Rift
Hoist
Junta
Billy Breathes

ASIN: B000002HAB
Release Date: 1992-06-30

Tracks:

The Squirming Coil
Reba
My Sweet One
Split Open And Melt
The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony
Bathtub Gin
Run Like An Antelope
Lawn Boy
Bouncing Around The Room

Amazon.com essential recording

Originally recorded in 1989, Phish's second record is a brilliant blend of whimsy and wisdom that served notice to the world: these boys are tough to peg. "The Squirming Coil" is arena-rock bluster, "Reba" is winding art rock, "My Sweet One" is quick bluegrass, "Split Open and Melt" is a funky workout, "Oh Kee Pa Ceremony" is jazzed-up country boogie, "Lawn Boy" is lounge jazz, and "Bouncing Around the Room" is irresistible pop. Add to that "Run Like an Antelope," one of their most successful twisting-and-turning instrumental jams, and you have an eclectic yet digestible smorgasbord of styles. What saves Phish from crumbling under their own weight? A palpable sense of playfulness and sarcasm and musicianship that is both loose and demanding. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Joey Likes It.......2007-01-21

My friend Joey likes this album, especially the chorus to "Reba". And he likes Bathtub Gin, though he'd re-name it Bathtub Whiskey, if given the chance.

We went and saw them at TRAX in Charlottesville in `91, and Joey liked it. He was trippin' on shrooms, and had to go out to the car to get it together. I finally came out and talked him back into the show. We walked in and they were playing "Cracklin' Rosie" by Neil Diamond, and Joey felt better about things. He's from Jersey, Hungarian, and loves Neil Diamond. It's a Jersey/Hungarian thing. You wouldn't understand...

Anyhow, Joey is down with this. It's cool, since Trey is also from Jersey. You see what I'm sayin'?

Gentle Giant meets Frank Zappa and the Grateful Dead.......2006-12-02

Released in 1990, this was Phish's first "official" release. It was their first CD and their first on a major label. Their real first album was Junta, but it was only sold on cassettes at concerts at the time (it later got an expanded CD release). Lawn Boy is about 46 minutes long and the sound quality is very good.

It sounds a lot like what it is. The first major release by an up and coming band. It is a little looser than later releases, and the bands sound isn't quite set yet.

This CD features much more piano than later CD's will. It gives the whole album somewhat of a British Progressive Rock texture. Many of the openings to the songs sound like they could be from Gentle Giant.

There appears to be other influences mixed into the sound. Some of the guitar playing is reminiscent of Frank Zappa. And being a jam band, the seem to mix some Jerry Garica guitar style here and there.

This is a nice collection of songs, with a few exceptions. Phish was still playing most of these songs in concert up until they time they disbanded. You can't say that about most of Phish's albums, where only a few songs would make it to their concert play lists.

But, most of the songs do have the same problems that most of Phish's work, silly, or ridiculous lyrics. The lyrics sometimes are just something that the group can later jam off of.

There are some problems with the production values on some of the songs, especially with the vocals. It is gets really bad when the band tries to harmonize. Some songs are a little disjointed. On Reba, which is 12 minutes long, the first 4 minutes are just a waste, with bad vocals, disjointed music and some of the worst Phish lyrics of all time.

But, get rid of the first 4 minutes of Reba, and lose the two short tracks, My Sweet One and Oh Kee Pa Ceremony, and you have a pretty good CD with almost 40 minutes of nice music and singing.

The song Lawn Boy is a nice little bluesy number. I wonder why Phish couldn't have done more like this.

Phish shows the promise of what is to come.......2006-10-28

If there has been a band that has had the most success of being an "underground" band, it would have to be Phish This is a band that produces some of the most innovative music anywhere on the music scene.. Phish has long had the reputation of being a band with an "open audio taping" policy and as a result they built up a great following - especially as a live act. But their reputation as a live act goes well beyond the "open audio taping" policy - this band can completely back things up by putting on some of the most incredible live performances anywhere. As a result, many people consider Phish to be a stronger live act than a studio act. My feeling is that in order to become a powerful live act, the music performed has to come from somewhere. In this case, much of the music comes from Phish's outstanding library of music they released. One of the roots of this great live music is the studio album, "Lawn Boy". This was Phish's second album and for the most part sets up the foundation for a very successful career.

Phish is commonly called a "jam" band. In the live setting for many of their songs, Phish seems to follow a very simple formula. The songs have simple lyrics - most of the lyrics toward the beginning of the song. Many of their songs are then extended with some beautiful and intricate instrumental pieces - "or jam" pieces. These pieces can be long - including one 12 minute song ("Reba;. If you want to know why Phish isn't played on conventional radio - that is the reason). It's a shame because conventional radio's loss becomes the fans gain. What I like best about many of the long numbers is that it will often take you on a music journey to parts unknown. Phish also isn't afraid to do a short song - as there is a 1:41 track on this collection ("The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony"). Whatever the song length, it's important to know that Phish will grow on you. Some of the songs will catch on right away - other songs will slowly grow on you.

I wouldn't categorize "Lawn Boy" as their strongest Phish album. This album was still made early in their careers and definitely shows that the band was on the road to promise. Here is a track by track review:

"The Squirming Coil": This song is a Phish classic. It is 6:04 in length on this collection, but it is done much longer in live sets. However I think the length is perfect for this song on this album. Page McConnell's piano work sets the tone throughout this entire song. The great thing about this song is how the tempo evolves and changes.

"Reba": Another Phish classic. Phish seems to have fun doing this song. As mentioned above this is the longest track of the collection. The song opens with a folksy-like feel. The chorus of "Bag it; Tag it; Sell it to the butcher in the store" is extremely catchy. This is classic Phish because it follows the simple lyrics that lead into the intricate instrumental. I like the "reprise" at the end.

"My Sweet One": Bluegrass isn't really my cup of tea. This shows Phish explores different avenues and genres. While this wasn't my favorite song, this one hooks you.

"Split Open and Melt": This song is outstanding and proves why Phish is one of the most innovative bands. It has a Jazz feel throughout with a touch of psychedelica. While it is bassist Mike Gordon who is the star of this song, kudos must go to guest vocalist Christine Lynch - who does an outstanding job The horns used in this song also adds to the experience. The near a capella part about 2/3 of the way of the song provides the perfect "relief" before segueing into more vocals by Lynch.

"Oh Kee Pa Ceremony": As mentioned, this is the shortest song on the collection. It is also a pure instrumental feel to it. Not bad, but it also has the bluegrass/folksy feel to it - and this isn't where Phish is their strongest.

"Bathtub Gin": This song follows the classic formula of the simplistic lyrics followed by an intricate jam. I can't say this is as strong as other Phish songs cut in this mold, but it still isn't bad. Once again Page McConnell shines on the keyboards.

"Run Like An Antelope": This song deviates from the classic Phish formula. The instrumental kicks off this song. Trey Anastasio provides some outstanding guitar work throughout this song and once again McConnell gets kudos on keyboards. The two really seem to jam hard on this number. It is the instrumental where Phish really shines. It is over 8 minutes before the vocals kick in! This proves Phish doesn't "follow the script".

"Lawn Boy": This song was accused of being "boring", but I liked this. It combines a "supper club" type feel with some of the fun and simplistic lyrics that Phish is famous for. You can also hear the strongs of Anastasio's guitar.

"Bouncing Around the Room": Great song. This one isn't a jam song by Phish, but it is a "fun song". I'm surprised their record company didn't promote this - because this could have easily been a mainstream hit. Jon Fishman and Mike Gordon kick off this song on drums and bass very well - setting the "bouncing" tone for this song. The song slowly builds up as well. McConnell's keyboard also comes in at the right moments.

The liner notes included the lyrics as well as production and musician credits. While Phish definitely has had stronger albums top to bottom, this is still a very good album. This will definitely keep Phish fans satisfied, but I'd still recommend it for new Phish fans as well

PHiSH is amazing.......2006-01-03

Their second big time album, this album is near musical perfection to my ears.
It's definitely one of their more free-form albums, but I think that's a lot of the attraction to Phish anyway.

My favorite songs are "Reba", an odd song semi-reminiscent of "Esther" from Junta, "Split Open and Melt" which is a slightly ominous funk song (great bass part here, courtesy of one of the world's best bass players. People for a louder Mike!) that really shows their versatility in musical form. "The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony" is a country/jazz inspired melodic jam with a happy crowd laughing in the background. I believe it refers to sessions where the band would lock themselves in a room with a pan of special brownies and let the inspiration flow freely.

It got away...........2005-04-30

This was the first phish CD i bought, and the main reason for this was because I saw it had bouncing round the room on it, and i had heard the "live one" version of this and liked it. However, not only was the studio version not quite as good but i was uninterested in the other songs, especially the jams (Reba, Run like an antelope) because at this point i didn't fully appeciate long songs. Dissatisfied, i went to buy picture of nectar, billy breathes, and junta (in that order). Now, after becoming more of a "phan", I went back and listened to this CD that I had so long called "mediocre". No that I appeciate Phish and jammin more, I found that I love this CD now! I like pretty much all the songs. Here they are in order from best to worst (in my opinion):

1. Bathtub Gin
2. Reba
3. Run like an Antelope
4. The Squirming Coil
6. Bouncin Around the Room
7. My Sweet One
8. split open and melt
9. Lawn Boy

Even though there obviously has to be songs low on the chart, the only 2 that i don't really like are the last 2. Tracks 1-7 are all great. My sweet one is incredibly fun to spin around in circles to, and sometimes grab two pens and bang them against something to the rhythm of the song (or just bang them rhythmless). I can get myself so tired dancing around to Bathtub Gin. Every song (almost) is priceless. I highly recommend buying this CD, but if you're just trying to get into phish start with "a live one" or pictue of nectar.

Average customer rating:

A Box Of Brilliance

A Box of Sousa

Manufacturer: Altissimo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005Y7U0
Release Date: 2001-10-16

Tracks:

Semper Fidelis
Presidential Polonaise
Manhattan Beach March
Comrades of the Legion March
Saber and Spurs March
Gridiron Club March
King Cotton March
Easter Monday on the White House Lawn
Who's Who in Navy Blue March
Invincible Eagle March
Excerpts from Mars and Venus
Washington Post March (1890)
Washington Post March (1988)
Stars and Stripes Forever [Live]
Man Behind the Gun
Selections from the Operetta, the Bride Elect
Reine de la Mer
Sound Off
Royal Welch Fusiliers
By the Light of the Polar Star
Beneath the Southern Cross
Mars and Venus
Gallant Seventh
Thunderer March [Historic 1896 Recording]
Fairest of the Fair
Hands Across the Sea
Diplomat
Rifle Regiment
Occidental
Riders for the Flag
Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
High School Cadets
Boy Scouts of America
Picador
Directorate
Black Horse Troop
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
Beau Ideal
Belle of Chicago
Corcoran Cadets
National Game
Loyal Legion
Liberty Bell
Liberty Bell [Historic 1894 Recording]
Century of Progress
Atlantic City Pageant
Free Lance
Glory of the Yankee Navy
March of the Mitten Men
Minnesota March
Northern Pines
Our Flirtations
Pride of the Wolverines
Solid Men to the Front
White Rose
Bullets and Bayonets
In the Land of the Golden Fleece
Pathfinder of Panama
Liberty Loan
Peaches and Cream
National Fencibles [Historic 1890 Recording]

Album Description

Box Set of 4 CDs by The United States Marine Band.

Customer Reviews:

A Box Of Brilliance.......2004-01-13

Brilliant is a good word for this set of must have band classics, all of these songs are as american as apple pie. Its a must have for any true patriot or band lover. Sousa is the Motzart of the marchign band world and truly this capture so much more than any other collection.

Average customer rating:

Shakespeare's Songbook, Vols. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Azica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Shakespeare's Songbook
Songs and Dances from Shakespeare
Shakespeare Songs
Shakespeare's Musick (Songs & Dances from Shakespeare's Plays) / Pickett, Musicians of the Globe
William Shakespeare's Hamlet (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B0002IQL08
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Tracks: