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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Phish

Phish is probably the most popular jam band. Its groovy stoner rock has inspired a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor and spawned an archetype, the drug-rug-wearing Phish bro. Fans live for the shows, around which communities coalesce to play hacky sack, do mushrooms, and vibe out to psychedelic tunes. To Phish novices, the band and its devoted base may seem alien, but they come in peace and they just want to party with you. So Phish’s current best offerings are its live streams on social media. Phish isn’t about the albums, it’s about being present with the band, blissing out to improvised guitar solos among Phish heads. —C.J.F.