MUSIC ON TV

If you survived the fallout of the LeBronocalypse last night, it was a good evening to channel surf, and possibly spot some of the Boombox's favorite bands performing live.  All week on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon bands were performing Rolling Stones' songs, celebrating the reissue of Exile on Main Street.  Last night, Phish showed up to perform their live staple "Loving Cup", and even got a surprise wobbly introduction from Keith Richards.  Meanwhile, America's greatest bar band The Hold Steady visited The Cobert Report to perform "Hurricane J" from their new gem Heaven is Whenever. Check it out.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Hold Steady - Hurricane J
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Fox News

Oh and P.S.  The National visited Sir David Letterman last night, with brilliant buddy Sufjan Stevens in tow to provide backing vocals on "Afraid of Everyone".  Dig it.

Gypsy Boombox's LIVE SHOWS of the YEAR

5. ALBERTA CROSS - Electric Factory / Philly / 11-5

4. FREELANCE WHALES / Fanfarlo - TT the Bear's / Boston / 12-17

3. PHISH - Wachovia Center Philly 11-24 & MSG 12-4

2. PHOENIX - Electric Factory / Philly / 0-28

1. TV on the RADIO/Grizzly Bear - Tabernacle / Atlanta / 6-13

Back from Manhattan

I'm back, and fully recovered from Phish's three night run at Madison Square Garden last week.  The shows were fantastic, but as usual the city stole the show.  Highlights of the "weekend" included the first cover of Zappa's "Peaches en Regalia" since '99 on the first night, a ridiculous run in the second set of night two to that included "Fluffhead", "Cities" into "Free", and "Halley's Comet" into "2001".  The final show included rarities "Glide" and "Dinner and a Movie", while the second set featured a fierce "Mike's Song" and gigantic "You Enjoy Myself".  The quartet closed out the run with an encore of The Rolling Stone's "Shine A Light", ending the week on a note of bliss.

Phish begin their New Years Eve run at Miami's American Airlines Arena on Dec 28th.

A shout out to the employees at The Local for taking such good care of us, as well as Lisa for the Harlem accommodations,  Vlad for the security detail, Jim from Georgia for the entertainment and Johnny Walker, and Erin for, well, everything.  What a band.. What a venue.. What a city.... Street Food for Life!

Philly Phish

Nothing better than Fall Phish in the Northeast.  This may as well be submitted as fact for the Encyclopedias of tomorrow. It's funny and amazing what 9 years away from the table can make you forget, and what half an hour back can make you remember.   

Phish playing at the Wachovia was like finding a phone number under the pillow, too tempting not to call back.  10 miles from my desk.  I had to go.  And I went in blind, expecting nothing more than the slight buzz I made sure swirled in my Broad Street appropriate plastic cup.  Foolish. 

"Chalkdust Torture" kicked off the evening, the band all-smiles and Trey sporting a Flyers jersey, and soloed it's way to a "Bathtub Gin" that had the effect of both parts, warming and intoxicating the crowd.  Then, bananas.  In response to an upfront fan wielding a giant sign, Phish dropped into "Cities", the rare Talking Heads gem, that included altered lyrics "Do I smell home cooking... it's only Thanksgiving."  "Camel Walk" stunned the already stunned, and issued the 'buckle up' statement to the entire room, all of whom were having way too much fun to heed.  The band was visibly enjoying themselves, riding the wave of simple swagger that perfection of these seldom played tunes offered. 

Full Review After the Jump.... Get Some

Halloween Show Picks

EAST
Pearl Jam at Wachovia Center - Philly
Gov't Mule at Tower Theatre - Philly
Thievery Corporation at Terminal 5 - NYC

WEST
Phish at Festival 8 - Indio, CA (streaming live on Jam_ON 17 on Sirius Radio)
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros at Park Plaza Hotel in LA
Built to Spill at The Fillmore in San Francisco

MOUNTAINS
Ghostface Killah at Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO
DeVotchka at Boulder Theater in Boulder, CO
Swollen Members at The Marquis in Denver, CO

SOUTH
Pretty Lights at The Music Farm in Charleston, SC
The Roots at The Handlebar in Greenville, SC
Today We Escape at Chicora Alley - Greenville, SC
Heartbeater at The 5 Spot in Nashville, TN (10/30)

Widespread Panic at Austin Music Hall - Austin, TX
VooDoo Festival - New Orleans, LA