For over a decade now, the four boys in Phish have reigned as the ultimate Kings of the jam band world. But that claim was not because of their studio work. For years they have been a band that has excelled on the road and fizzled in the studio. Their latest album Joy (first in five years because of a "hiatus") follows in the same vein as their previous albums. All the regulars are here: tight muscianship, goofy non-sense lyrics ("Sugar Shack" "Ocelot"), a country boogie ("Kill Devil Falls") as well as a ballad ("Joy"), and a solo or two (heh) are thrown in along the way. But one noticeable difference here is the acceptance by the boys in the band that they are getting old. The opening two tracks both touch of the aspect of time in a genuine (considering the source) way. Even the closer (the excellent "Twenty Years Later"), beyond it's hookey "70's-band-we-can-still-rock-kind-of-anthem," is a catchy, well written song that hits from beginning to end. The final product here with Joy is yet another fun listen that does little to show just how excellent a band these guys are (see them live to adhere to this, trust me (only problem is the inevitable interaction with hippies)) yet still possesses the ability to allow you to sit back, listen, and just enjoy the music.
3.3/5.0
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