The Story of the Ghost - Phish

The story of the Ghost is the ninth studio album by American jam band Phish. The album was released in October 1998. It is the funkiest album released by Phish. The main feature of this album large scale improvisations and blending of genres. Jam bands are usually famous for their live performances, but many times their studio releases becomes as big as their live releases. The story of the Ghost is such an album.

The album kicks of with the title track "Ghost", which is one of the best and the most popular tracks from the album. Long improvised guitar solos in the songs by guitarist Trey Anastasio plays a vital role in making this a great album. Page McConnel and Jon Fishman contributes largely with pianos and drums respectively. The main man who made this album unique and highly funk oriented is bass player Mike Gordon. The sound produced by Anastasio and Gordon consists of great variation and includes blending of different genres like funk, jazz, psychedelic rock, bluegrass, progressive rock etc. The lyrics of the songs mainly written by Anastasio and lyricist Tom Marshall. The songs are about ghosts and are very abstarct in nature. The song "Guyute", which is the longest track from this album(8:26) provides us a clear view of blending of genres, large scale impovisation and extended grooves. Elements of jazz, psychedelia, funk, bluegrass etc. are present in this album. Guyute, who is considered to be the main ghost character in the album is viewed on the cover of the album. The album provides a unique taste of sudden change in tempo, like slow songs like "Wading in the velvet sea" is followed by fast funky song "The Momma Dance".

Overall the album is very good. But its cannot be said the best album released by Phish. Album such as Farmhouse, A picture of a Nectar etc. are better compared to this. But the abstract lyrical concepts and high musical improvisations present in the album truely makes this a masterpiece. I hopes that many music lovers, who listen to different musical genres will like this album. It is also a must listen for all those who loves the sound of bass guitar and long improvised guitar solos.

Rating: 8.8/10

Best Songs: Wading in the velvet sea, Ghost, Guyute, Birds of a feather

Maktub - Motherjane

Motherjane is a progressive rock band from India formed in the mid 1990's.They recently were crowned the best Rock Act of Asia.They have a cult following in India and are the only Indian band to have their music played on the radio airwaves in USA, Japan and Mexico.'Maktub' is their second album to be released following their initial success 'Insane Biography'.

The album begins with the single 'Chasing the Sun' which starts off with a classical Indian theme.Right from the first "ta-ka-ta-ki-ta" of 'Chasing the Sun' the listener starts to tap their foot to the beats.They have successfully blended Indian themes with traditional rock riffs.The vocals and songwriting to some of the numbers have been truly exceptional.But the guitar pieces have not been left behind.Baiju continues to blend the Carnatic themes with shreddng, tapping and sweeping.

Overall this album is good.But I felt that at some places it would have been better if the drumming was a bit heavier.Its a must listen for all the rock fans from India who want to sample some rock music from our own country.

Rating: \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/ (4/5)

Listen to: Chasing the Sun, Field of Sounds, Maktub, Mindstreet.