In Episode 108 we discuss the atmospheric and oceanic take on Crosseyed & Painless from Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon on October 17, 2014, the Fall Tour Opener. Coming late in a tepid tour opener, the Crosseyed & Painless leaves the song’s main theme for A Major and a hazy jam which both matches the locale & autumnal vibe of the west coast Fall Tour. It’s one of the most underrated jams of the entire 3.0 era, and a precursor to the nuanced jamming styles of the Fall 2014 Tou...
Sep 29, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 108
In Episode 107 we dive deep into the brief & brilliant peak of 1990’s Britpop, exploring the foundations of the genre, the firework of a peak, the bands that defined it, and the post-Britpop era in popular rock. A true moment in time, we focus primarily on the 1993–1997 peak era to discuss five of the most important bands of the genre, and what led to its evolutionary downfall. In addition, we discuss what it means a quarter century on from its peak. Songs featured in this episode are: Blur:...
Sep 15, 2020•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 107
In Episode 106 we pay tribute to Phish’s 2010’s Tradition of closing each summer at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO, highlighting two incredible runs & jams, the Sand from September 2, 2012, and No Men In No Man’s Land from September 2, 2016. The former capped off the best run we’ve ever seen at Dick’s, jamming within the grooves of Sand for 12min before diving off the deep-end into a gummy-induced spacious exploration which predicted some of the best jams of the last 3 years...
Sep 03, 2020•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 106
In Episode 105 we’re joined by Mike’s Song Second Jam Ambassador, Andrew Hitz ( @drewphish ) and composer Don Hart ( @hartmus ) to discuss the wild, excessive, and maniacal take on David Bowie from June 24, 1995 at The Mann Music Theater in Philadelphia, PA. Using the jam as a leaping off point we highlight three composers who provide thematic insights into the music Phish was experimenting with in the Summer of 1995. In addition, we hear from Don Hart, who has worked with Trey to transcribe pie...
Aug 25, 2020•2 hr 22 min•Ep. 105
In Episode 104 we’re joined by Matt Dwyer to discuss the history of Genesis & their lasting impact on the origins of Phish across two episodes. In Part II we deep dive Genesis, charting their entire career in four phases — Gabriel, 4 Then 3, Prog-Pop Transition, and Pop Band w/ Prog Sensibilities — and exploring the various influences which guided their ongoing evolution from prog innovators to one of the more successful pop-rock bands of all time. Songs featured in this episode are: Genesis...
Aug 13, 2020•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 104
In Episode 104 we’re joined by Matt Dwyer & Tom Marshall to discuss the history of Genesis & their lasting impact on the origins of Phish across two episodes. In Part I, we draw the line between Genesis & Phish using specific examples to showcase the influence Genesis had on Phish, particularly in the songwriting partnership of Anastasio/Marshall. In addition, Matt shares a conversation he had with Tom which tracks his own Genesis fandom. Songs featured in this episode are: Phish: “T...
Aug 11, 2020•57 min•Ep. 104
In Episode 103 we discuss the wide-ranging, forward-thinking, infectious take on Bathtub Gin from the University of Kentucky on November 7, 1996. One week removed from their performance of the Talking Heads Remain In Light , Phish was already applying the lessons of the album to one of their longest-serving jam vehicles. The hints of 1997’s reinvention are hard to avoid now as nearly every BIG jam over the next four weeks would further push the band towards their Linear Musical Communication reb...
Jul 28, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 103
In Episode 102 we chat about the effortless funk that emerged from Kill Devil Falls on July 31, 2015 in Atlanta, GA. One of the original debuts of 3.0, Kill Devil Falls never indicated its ability to jam with such ease and expansiveness ahead of its 22min Set II opening masterpiece midway through Summer 2015. Celebrating its fifth anniversary in just a little over a week, we invite you to take a step back in time to a tour that is unanimously praised within the community, and a year that feels l...
Jul 21, 2020•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 102
In Episode 101 we’re joined by a fantastic DJ and massive music collector, Wade Wilby for a lively discussion on the drumming of Jon Fishman, the larger breakbeat history & culture, and how Phish has incorporated breakbeats into their sound. According to Wikipedia, “The most likely origin of the word “breakbeat” is the fact that the drum loops that were sampled occurred during a “break” in the music, as in the Amen break, which is a drum solo from “Amen, Brother” by The Winstons. However, it...
Jul 07, 2020•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 101
In EPISODE 100 we’re joined by our friend, one of our biggest supporters, and one of our musical heroes, Tom Marshall, to celebrate 100 Episodes of Beyond The Pond, and take listener questions to dive into our musical past & honest musical takes. It’s a fun episode that summarizes everything we’ve been working towards these past three years. We hope you enjoy & thank you all for your love and support over the first 100 episodes of BTP. See you for the next 100! — — — We encourage all BTP...
Jun 30, 2020•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 100
In Episode 099, we look back on the first half of 2020 and discuss our favorite albums of the year so far. In addition to our Top Ten Albums of 2020 so far, we’ve compiled a list of our Honorable Mentions. It’s been an insane year so far, but the music produced has been excellent, and many of the musical breakthroughs we both had last year have spilled over in 2020’s first half. Dave’s Top Ten Albums of 2020 (So Far) 10. Stephen Malkmus: Traditional Techniques 9. Pacific Range: High Up On The Mo...
Jun 16, 2020•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 99
With everything happening in America in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, we felt it necessary to step back and discuss our thoughts, as well as how we're communicating racism and the constant pursuit of equality in our country to our kids. We also felt it important to acknowledge that we haven't done enough as podcasters to highlight the music of black artists, especially those who are up and coming, and we commit to do better. We've also included information about a few organizations we'...
Jun 09, 2020•1 hr 23 min
In Episode 098 we chat about the languid and mysterious version of Ghost from May 22, 2000, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, NY. To do so, we’re joined by Robert Ker (@bobbker /@phish2000at2020) to chat about the larger themes around the jam & run, plus dive deep into the worlds of krautrock & early-aughts NYC. An almost entirely Mike-led jam, it extends onward through minimal changes, for nearly 30min. Throughout much of it, Trey avoids taking leads, allowing all the lessons o...
May 26, 2020•2 hr 9 min•Ep. 98
In Episode 097 we deep-dive one of our favorite bands of all time: Pavement. To do so, we bring on one of our close friends & returning guest, PJ Rudolph ( @axillapt3 ) to chat about the band’s lasting legacy, our favorite records, the fantastic solo work of Stephen Malkmus, and their connections to Phish. PJ joined us in Episode 074: Remembering David Berman , and we were stoked to have him back on the pod to talk about the larger world of the Pavement/Jicks/Silver Jews world, albeit under ...
May 12, 2020•2 hr 43 min•Ep. 97
In Episode 096 we discuss the longest and wildest take on Backwards Down The Number Line from Phish’s Summer 2009 Tour Finale at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY. We’re joined at the top by Dr. Kevin Finkel ( Episode 088: Broadway Phish ), anesthesiologist at Hartford Hospital, to discuss his experiences on the front lines of COVID-19, before letting him forget about work for a bit to dive into Summer 2009 Phish with us. We discuss the challenges the band faced in thei...
Apr 28, 2020•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 96
In Episode 095 we discuss the infectious and groove-driven jam off Gotta Jibboo from February 20, 2003 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. A relentless example in hooked-up candy jamming, this Jibboo feels plucked out of Summer 1998, or an example of the joy that emitted from Fall 2013, dropped here, unexpectedly, in the dimly lit era of 2.0 Phish. Try all you might, I dare you to forego a massive dance party in your house to this jam. Songs featured in this episode are: LCD Soundsystem...
Apr 21, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 95
In Episode 094 we discus the blissful & ethereal jam off Led Zeppelin’s Ramble On from August 12, 1998 at Vernon Downs, NY. A classic example of the Brian Eno Ambient Style of jamming that had infused Phish’s sound throughout Summer 1998, this is a gorgeous, late-Set I summertime jam that we cannot get enough of right now. Songs featured in this episode are: Quiet Sun: “Trot” Them Crooked Vultures: “Scumbag Blues” Chuck Johnson: “Riga Black” Vacant Gardens: “Shorebirds” In addition, we discu...
Apr 07, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 94
In Episode 093 we discuss the wild and experimental jam off Funky Bitch on November 22, 1994 from Columbia, MO. Deep in the heart of November 1994, the band leapt off a Jon Fishman mistake into a 25 minute jam that helped to define the larger goals of the era. Songs featured in this episode are: Mosses: “TV Sun” Tortoise: “TNT” Steve Mason: “Lonely” — — — In addition, we discuss two new 2020 records we highly recommend: Matt Lajoie: “Everlasting Spring” and Steven Malkmus: “Traditional Technique...
Mar 24, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 93
In Episode 092 we are joined by Washington Nationals Closer & World Series Champion, Sean Doolittle to chat about Phish, Baseball, and much more in a wide-ranging, two-part interview. Sean is a huge music fan who found Phish over the last few years and has become a great ambassador for the band throughout the majors. In addition, he’s also incredibly thoughtful athlete who champions a number of progressive causes we’re both passionate about. We were excited to chat with him a bit about all t...
Mar 12, 2020•48 min•Ep. 92
In Episode 092 we are joined by Washington Nationals Closer & World Series Champion, Sean Doolittle to chat about Phish, Baseball, and much more in a wide-ranging, two-part interview. Sean is a huge music fan who found Phish over the last few years and has become a great ambassador for the band throughout the majors. In addition, he’s also incredibly thoughtful athlete who champions a number of progressive causes we’re both passionate about. We were excited to chat with him a bit about all t...
Mar 10, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 92
In Episode 091 we assess Phish’s fourth run in Mexico, focusing on what very well may be the best version of Waves we’ve ever heard. Following last year’s high quality run, the band returned with what felt like a vengeance, throwing down rarities, jams, and excellent sets throughout the entire weekend. Songs featured in this episode are: John Moreland: “I’m Learning How To Tell Myself The Truth” Kvelertak: “Bratebrann” Neil Young: “When Your Lonely Heart Breaks” The Fiery Furnaces: “Chris Michae...
Mar 03, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 91
In Episode 090 we are joined once again by Music Writer & Phish Ambassador, Steven Hyden ( @Steven_Hyden ), to discuss our five favorite sets of 2019. We dive deep into the nuances of the last year for Phish as well as showcase the impact of their overall songwriting explosion of the last few years. Top Sets of 2019 Brian: HM: Uncasville, CT — 07/09/19 I, 05. Charleston, SC — 12/06/19 II, 04. Columbia, MD — 06/23/19 II, 03. Providence, RI — 11/30/19 II, 02. Riviera Maya, MX — 2/22/19 II, 01....
Feb 18, 2020•2 hr 47 min•Ep. 90
In Episode 089 we discuss the advanced jam off David Bowie from April 8, 1992. At a time when the band was rarely flirting with deep improv, this shock jam off David Bowie hears them toying with a Tweezer Reprise jam before experimenting with Post-Peak Jamming in a calypso-ladened jam that feels four years ahead of its time. Songs featured in this episode are: Daniel Lanois: “Panorama,” Calexico: “The Black Heart,” The Kinks: “Do You Remember Walter?,” Pixies: “Bone Machine” In addition, we disc...
Feb 11, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 89
In Episode 088 we’re joined by Kevin Finkel, Dave Rossmer and Elizabeth Nestlerode to discuss the crossovers between Phish and the larger world of Broadway. Dave and Kevin grew up together and are both Broadway fanatics. Dave & Elizabeth are both seasoned vets of the scene, both acting in Rossmer’s The Other Josh Cohen , and Nestlerode performing in Once. In addition, both are massive Phish fans, with Nestlerode receiving bass lessons from Mike Gordon ahead of acting in Josh Cohen. A wide-ra...
Jan 28, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 88
In Episode 087 we assess Phish’s 2019 MSG New Year’s Eve Run, focusing on the 36 minute "Tweezer" from December 30. Overall, an excellent run and fantastic cap to an equally fascinating and challenging year of Phish, we discuss Trey’s renewed aggressiveness, creativity, and the seemingly endless jams that emerged from the run. Songs featured in this episode are: Ben Lamar Gay: “Pink, Green & Gators,” Kills Birds: “Worthy Girl,” Brian Eno: “The Big Ship,” Wax Machine: “Shade” — — — Check us o...
Jan 14, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 87
In Episode 086 we take a step back, drink some mulled wine, light a nightly candle, and soak in the vibes of the season. We focus on 12/30's through the years, highlighting the 1993 run in particular, and discuss the "Mike's Song" from that year's 12/30 show. We also discuss the major themes one can expect from the best night of the year for Phish, as well as the standout jams we've seen from them over the years. In addition, we discuss our slow-burn albums of 2019, our favorite Phish shows of t...
Dec 23, 2019•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 86
In Episode 085 we look back on 2019 and discuss our favorite albums of the year. In addition, we discuss our honorable mentions, share our favorite live shows of the year share our listeners top albums of the year, and count down our favorite 20 records of 2019. David’s Top Ten Albums of 2019: 10. Steve Gunn: "The Unseen In Between," 9. Cass McCombs: "Tip Of The Sphere," 8. Chris Forsyth: "All Time Present," 7. Rose City Band: "S/T," 6. Sturgil Simpson: "Sound & Fury," 5. Weyes Blood: "Titan...
Dec 17, 2019•2 hr 25 min•Ep. 85
In Episode 084 we assess the eight-show run Phish embarked upon immediately following Thanksgiving. Winding down the east coast, through five venues, the band played zero repeats, thus showcasing their vastly expanded song catalogue, while also displaying their ability to weave together quality sets without a single 20+min jam. We break down the tour (run) into a number of categories, offering our thoughts on the tour (run). Songs featured in this episode are: Nils Frahm: “Tailsman. Sudan Archiv...
Dec 12, 2019•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 84
In Episode 083 we sat down with two of our favorite musicians, Ryley Walker & Ryan Jewell for a wide-ranging interview and jam session following a fantastic Thanksgiving Dinner. In addition, we took in Ryley & Ryan’s wild & improvisational opening set on 11/29/2019 at the Bluebird Theater in Denver, CO, featuring Neil Hagerty. The guys were a great hang and played us some fantastic tunes and shed some light on some of our favorite music of the last few years. Time Stamps In Episode 0...
Dec 05, 2019•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 83
In Episode 082 we conclude our 20th Anniversary celebration of the Big Cypress Festival with a discussion of the massive pre-dawn jam off Roses Are Free in the early hours of January 1, 2000. A raw, minimalistic take on the rare cover, this equally sounds like an overtired band running on extended muscle memory from their closest attempt at the LG, and a proper welcoming to the first sunrise of the 21st Century. Songs featured in this episode are: Garcia Peoples: “One Step Behind,” The Microphon...
Nov 19, 2019•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 82
