The Band - Music from the Big Pink
I’m not sure if the world is ready for (or deserves) this musical costume. If I could choose any album for Phish to cover, it would be this one. The vocal harmonies alone make it a solid choice. Plus maybe Bob Dylan could join on Long Black Veil; maybe I could win the lottery too. One thing I know for sure is that this musical costume would be amazing.
Squeeze - Cool For Cats
I always forget Squeeze existed until Tempted plays over the supermarket speakers. Then I remember that there are much better songs from this band. I really like how this album has ridiculous songs like Slap & Tickle or Touching Me Touching You and more serious songs like Up a Junction. If Phish is putting on a new wave costume, this one just seems right.
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Willy & the Poor Boys
Truly any CCR album from the 60s would do. They all have four or five songs I am super familiar with and the rest I have never heard of. I chose this album because I like Fortunate Son and Down on the Corner. The two instrumental tracks on this album could be extended into type II territory. Just imagine a Fogerty song going that deep, it would be righteous.
Paul Simon - Graceland
This gem of an album would make an unforgettable party set. For some reason, I can’t get the image of Trey singing You Can Call Me Al out of my head. This album, which marked the return of Paul Simon, is perfect to mark the return of a musical costume.
The Presidents of the United States of America - Self Titled
This quirky classic would be so fun to hear covered. Of all the albums I have suggested so far, this one has the most for Mike to play with. Little Dune Buggy and Boll Weevil are prime songs to get a dose of Mike’s randomness. As an added bonus, this album contains a cover that would be covered by Phish, resulting in Phish covering The Presidents covering The Jam. Somehow that sounds peak 90s.
War on Drugs - A Deeper Understanding
I chose this album solely to hear a cover of Pain. There isn’t much I can say about this album that critics and bloggers haven’t already said. But if this band is “truly the last rock band” (hint: it’s not, critics overreact) then a Phish cover would cement it as the best rock album of the decade.