Phish: Ginseng Sullivan 2/16/97

[legalpossum]

Ok, so how did Phish "ruin" the song? Vocals, change of tempo, guitarmanship? Trey isn't a bluegrass guitarist (thank god). But this band likes to cover songs and artists that have influenced them as musicians. It's a pretty cool thing in my opinion. To say they "ruined" it is a bit of hyperbole don't you think?

[detective166]

ruined a classic norman blake song...

[Hunsanity]

so assuming you like Norman Blake, i find it odd that you are more so impressed that a band of this magnitude took the time to appreciate it, and do a version of it. i bet "Norman" is honored, but what does that matter when some guy on youtube didn't like it. you should be glad that this band is turning people on to obscure stuff.. pull your head out of your ass.

[edgluhrs]

Happens I wouldn't have known about Norman Blake were it not for Phish, so I'm grateful they introduced me. That's what good covers do - they point you to the original artists. Jimmy Page introduced me to Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, and Davy Graham, for example. I like writing about I like better than poking at what I don't. I like Phish, and I definitely like Norman Blake... one of the flatpicking greats, no doubt!

[Rhet0rik]

You were the one to originally say you hated them after ignoring the other comments noting that Phish is the greatest rock band out there.

Haha welcome to the internet buddy, you deserve the argument.

[garygallo]

I Really enjoy this song and hope they add it to their future settlist. Their cover of "Rocky Top" should also be heard.

[Druss1586]

I just heard the original by Norman Blake. Very nice and precise. I must say, I love how Phish speeds it up and makes it sound "slap-happy." It's just not even the same element. This original version is laid back and thoughtful. Phish's version is upbeat and dance-worthy.

What I just said should end the feud between you people.... The versions are completely different and can't you just accept what your ears are hearing instead of judging? Guess not....

[Tsugaheterophylla]

Well, these guys would sound pretty good playing the corner bar on a Tuesday night. What, they're international superstars? Sweet Jesus, what a travesty. I will say this, they certainly have good taste picking out songs written by others; too bad they can't do it justice.

[evankerry]

every phish song reminds me of the fraggle rock theme song.

[gasshuffer]

1 star. i can't believe how shitty this is compared to the original.

[tangerinedream17]

why is there so much hating on such an amazing song!

[sateliteoflove202]

Ginsengs back bitches!

[bangwhistle69]

This is so lame. Norman Blake probably enjoys the Royalty Checks, but I know Norman, and this version sounds like Norman's idea of what being in Hell would be like. This is a band full of people who can ALMOST play and sing, but just can't get there. Oh well, they are raking in the money, so more power to them I guess.

[STILLLTS]

youre insane, can almost play and sing? have you ever watched any of these guys, their probably some of the most skilled "rock stars" alive. Check out some more videos dude, these guys tear it up. I'm a professional musician and these guys are all widely respected as musicians among others.

[bangwhistle69]

I am also a professional musician (Grammy Nominated for work with Doc Watson, Merle, and Sam Bush.) I guess these guys sound GREAT after several joints, several lines of cocaine, some extasy, some oxy, some nitrous oxide, etc. Listen to them all you want. I'm not stopping you. My observation about Phish is my opinion, which I am entitled to, just like you are entitled to yours. Peace . . . .

[cormacgraham1]

your both right, they are amazing musicians, just not the level of most conservative bluegrass players that could totally out play them in this genre...

on the other hand i can't get enough grassy phish, partly because i love this band and partly because i am a bluegrass fiend

[shears1after909]

Hard to believe if your such a well seasoned and cultured musician that you'd hate on a band that cover a song that you like. Don't associate wastoid fans with how the band plays. Tootin' your own horn and dissing hard on a band like Phish really let's everyone know how arrogant and lame you are.

Cheers

[Harryhoodz]

@shears1after909 Amen 

[rrtierney]

@bangwhistle69 that's sweet that you don't get it but i see/listen to this band sober 99% of the time. drugs are the only thing that can make it better than it is. No one gives a fuck if your a professional musician either, i love when people say that thinking that it makes their opinion more right. It doesn't

[bangwhistle69]

@rrtierney phuck phish & phuck you!

[rrtierney]

@bangwhistle69 good comeback you fucking idiot

[bangwhistle69]

@rrtierney OK, whatever you say. I grow weary of your sophomoric attempts to turn this into a meaningless pissing contest. I don't give a damn if Phish decides to perform Beethoven's 9th Symphony--I don't have to listen to it. I may be an old man who has outlived my usefulness, but I must quote Oscar Wilde, "The young man thinks the old man is a fool--the old man knows the young man is a fool." Actually we are both fools to waste our time debating something so insignifigant. Just stop, OK?.

[UngratefulLiving420]

@bangwhistle69 Then dont listen to it. If u hate em so much, wtf are u doin watchin a phish video? And btw, its cuz of narrow-minded biased pricks like you that these guys dont get the recognition they deserve, and therefore are NOT gettin paid

[bangwhistle69]

@UngratefulLiving420 I DON'T listen to it--I only listened to it once and only return to this fiasco when you children harass me about it. I will say this--they get WAY MORE recognition than they deserve and they would have to PAY me to sit through even ONE of their attempts to perform a song. So. . . .leave me alone, get a life, and take a flying phuck at a rolling donut. Cheers!

[UngratefulLiving420]

@bangwhistle69 You are a phony. What instrument do you play? Cowbell?

[Druss1586]

@bangwhistle69 Someone who has probably never picked up an instrument in his life or bothered to delve into music theory is judging musicians? The more you comment, the more wise you become.... Oh great one. Phish, other than the alcoholic dummies that follow them, is a great band, in talent and merit. So put those words in your mouth old man.

[bangwhistle69]

@Druss1586 I have been picking up instruments for 45 years and have made a pretty good living at it. You,little boy, do not know SHIT from apple butter. Put your words up your stupid ass.

[Druss1586]

@bangwhistle69 Grouchy, it seems I have disturbed your slumber. Do not, and I say DO NOT, bring apple butter into this... that delicious substance needs no reference to that of fecal matter. Shame be on your doorstep sir. Be gone hater, and spawn, from the 1950's.

[bangwhistle69]

@Druss1586 Actually I am a "spawn" from the 1940's. I would LOVE to be gone from this column filled with HORSESHIT but you kiddies keep "PHUCKIN" with me. You have a right to like Phish--I have a right to dislike them. Just give it a rest. . . . .GOD DAMN IT! I clicked on this video initially to refresh myself on the lyrics before a gig. I had no idea that expressing my opinion would cause this much hatred. It's just a song! In what seems the "blink of an eye" you will be old yourself.

[Druss1586]

@bangwhistle69 1948 to be exact... I know where you live. :)

[bangwhistle69]

@Druss1586 So? Should I consider myself threatened? Your comment sounds like a threat to me. A person can get into deep Doo-doo for making what the Laws of Our Land call, "Actionable" (Threatening) comments to another person, especially in a public forum. All this over a stupid song! Who are you, John Freakin' Hinkley?

Incedentally, I fear you about as much as a gnat.

[rrtierney]

@bangwhistle69 I also guarantee that any of these guys can smoke your "professional musican" ass of the stage. bluegrass is just something they touched upon because they love crossing all genres. you could never touch the pure phish improv that they've brought to the table

[bangwhistle69]

@rrtierney I am not interested in touching SHIT anyway.

[gasshuffer]

agreed 100%

[speeedballl]

wonderful

[drewenstevenson11]

best song ever

[MarcoEsquand0las]

this is the worst version i've ever heard from phish. They do this song faarrrrrr better every other time i've heard it. This just seems slow and lifeless

[augiebeans]

mike looks pretty sexy in this

[FalconFan23]

well, not all of us are so blessed to have the norman blake complete anthology at our fingertips so we have to take what we can get. We have to learn from those whose stand on the shoulders of giants.

[metesky23]

an insult to the norman blake song. they play the song and miss the feeling

[metesky23]

an insult to the norman blake version. they play the song, and miss the meaning

[10orbitron01]

k talk 2 you online!

wooow im naked right now! Io

[aclockworkgnome]

This is an excellent version of this song. Thanks for posting!