Phish Monday July 1, 2000 - Music Monitor By G. Jason Davidson Album Review - Farmhouse With unbridled glee I tore open my copy of Phish's new opus, Farmhouse, anxious to hear the boys redeem themselves after the dreck that is Story of the Ghost. Vermont's finest did not disappoint me with their latest offering. Farmhouse will go down in the history of the band as one of their finest efforts. (I know I have said that before but this time I really mean it.) Phish has finally found a way to balance their more esoteric, tongue-in-cheek style of music with the straight ahead rock style that the mainstream adores. Will the band "cross over" a la Dave Matthews or Blues Traveler? God, I hope not because the last thing I want to hear on my car radio is "Heavy Things" 26 and a half times a day. I wish Phish all the success in the world, but on my terms. By now I'm sure most of you have heard "Heavy Things" a time or two. It is one of the standout cuts on the disc; the driving rhythm propels the song and the catchy melodies stick in your head for a while. If the band is ever going to have a radio hit, this has to be it. Then again, the title track could easily find a home at Americana stations without seeming forced. I heard it played in concert last fall and while it comes across better live, it is a nice piece of work. "Twist" has an infectious energy that livens the disc up. My favorite track--actually a difficult decision given the quality of many of the songs--is the instrumental closer, "First Tube." This one song sums up all the best things about Phish. It has an awesome groove that keeps on stretching itself until you expect it to erupt, but it never does. It just blows off a little steam and keeps on smokin'. Truly one of the most brilliant endings I have heard in quite some time. I always want bands to surpass their previous efforts and Phish has certainly succeeded in that area. I only hope that they haven't set the bar too high.