Just why? Phish Reaction - Reba

Welcome to Reaction Theory 2.0! On this channel, we explore some of the greatest rock bands and songs of all time. From Led Zeppelin to Queen to Rush, we react to and analyze classic rock tracks, sharing our thoughts and impressions with you along the way. Our goal is to provide a fresh perspective on these iconic tunes, and to introduce new fans to the rich history and musical craftsmanship of rock and roll. Join us as we dive into the world of classic rock and discover the magic that continues to inspire generations of music lovers. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up-to-date on our latest reactions and analyses!

[@patrickmehr3219]

That “what the hell was that” feeling is one phish’s best attractions. The first time I heard these atonal compositions It sounded like alien music and immediately wanted to shew it away. Now they’re one of my favorite things ever about music. Listen to the studio version of this with headphones on in a dark room and you’ll travel through different dimensions.

[@ihastosaycake]

The way I've always thought about phish is their intention is for you to "feel" the music.. feelings do not exist solely as warm and comfortable, there is also fear, anxiety, silly, confused, happy etc etc... They use chord structures, modalities and changes to make you feel differently as your listening to a song.. to me, it's genius all around, no other band I'm aware of can do that like they do.

[@toddshockley]

I also had the same reaction to early Phish classics. Now, they are my favorite band. Don’t let it happen to you.

[@nickswift253]

If you're listening to part of a Phish song and start thinking, "Should I take this seriously?" - don't. They're goofy dudes and have definitely written some goofy songs. But like others are saying, they've been around since 1983, writing new material the whole time. This is an earlier tune from their progressive rock-influenced days, while Ghost is from the mid/late 90's during their funk-influenced days. If you like Ghost, check out The Moma Dance and Birds of a Feather.

[@bradleyvarga6444]

Do you mean Black eyed Katy * 😂

[@PM-zu3cz]

Wait til he finds Uncle Pen

[@mutoneon]

Laughed my ass of at this, and I’m a huge phan. My gf loathes Reba, too. You have her full approval on this one. Thanks for the honesty, it was refreshing.

[@kevinbossick8374]

It's funny. One of my favorite songs. But try to show it to someone, and they look at you like your nuts. Although, they usually like the jam in the middle/end.

[@euphegenia]

Phish "fans" who don't like Reba. lol. Reba is one of the most quintessential Phish songs.

[@musicalvoyyeur]

I’m really enjoying watching your reactions to Phish. One thing you might not be aware of is these crowds you see are there solely for Phish. These aren’t music festivals with dozens of bands and there’s no opening act. It’s just the band and their fans. That’s a powerful thing.

[@WallyPDoyle111]

The beginning is made up of atonal fugues, which are mathematical equations in the musical world (mostly jazz). It's not surprising to hear you say you don't like that part. The melodic part is like the center of the Tootsie Pop. Keep going down the wormhole and we'll follow you along the way. It's so great to hear a reaction from someone with fresh ears

[@jakecohen5739]

no he liked the atonal fugue part. he didn't like the opening verses.

[@PM-zu3cz]

Phish is like Cancer. Everybody hates it at first, but then it takes over your whole body and you learn to accept it.

[@JimDandy69]

@@PM-zu3cz LMAO

[@TJHarley]

I heard Trey talk in an interview once about how the jam section in Reba is supposed to be sort of an exhale, in which everybody can release and let let loose after getting through the composed section at the beginning. It’s sort of like the payoff for listening to it as well, in a way. Another thing you need to understand about Phish is that they are constantly fucking with their audience. Enjoyed this review a lot! 😀

[@andyhill5427]

You like what you like...nothing wrong with that. One of the great things about Phish (although to the chagrin of some) is that throughout their entire career they have changed and evolved. And that is reflected in their various approaches to their music as you are noticing. Reba is from their earlier more progressive rock influenced days (as well as the guitarist, Trey being very into composing classical arrangements and infusing them into a rock band setting). Ghost came out after they embraced more of a funk/groove dynamic. So many flavors of Phish.

[@neilhefty2999]

LOL! "Selling something to that Bi*ch in the store..." nice. love it. (hint: it's actually the Butcher in the Store)

[@joeangiello9784]

That’s Phish for ya… it’s an emotional roller coaster ride lol it’s always great when you have 10s of thousands of happy people jamming out and dancing as the song slowly is picked apart and changes into something entirely different and one by one people start to realize they have no clue how to dance to what is happening. Theres a guy in the fetal position rocking back and forth having a dark trip just for them to bring it back to a beautiful bright sound and everyone cheers and starts dancing again as Trey melts our faces off. It’s a beautiful thing really… lol

[@treebeard8475]

Gotta admit it took me a considerable amount of studying phish to like some of their songs. Going on 3 years and still learning to phish. Love every moment

[@tbangert2584]

This made my day. I appreciate your thoughts on things I've taken for granted after decades of hearing these songs I hope you get to attend a show this year. It's a joyous experience. And if you go, I hope you get an unfinished Reba!

[@jonbrennan3486]

lol at trey hitting his head on the mic @11:58

[@lisawilliams8180]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@giarc0]

Hey man, you definitely don’t have to love (or even like) every thing you hear. I’m a huge Phish fan from the early 90’s, and there are several of their songs I prefer not to hear. Granted, Reba is not one of them, but it’s all good. You appreciate the music and give everything a fair shot. That’s why I keep watching!

[@gfuterfas]

A lot of Reba sounds like 70's Yes, with syncopated and atonal guitar parts. The trick here is it creates a contrast, from the sharp-sounding lines that then open up to the prettier parts. You can't experience the beautiful parts as well without having the tense and spicy parts. This is typical for Phish in this era... Tension builds and builds up to an emotional release. Songs like Run Like an Antelope and Maze are big tension-builders... if you're in the room with an audience when they play these songs, your body reacts to the pieces emotionally, your breathing gets tight, and when it releases the tension, the crowd goes wild.

[@yourmagnumopus]

The BEST! Top 10 Phish songs for me : )

[@johnthiele984]

I really appreciate the honesty but also want to encourage you to PLEASE keep going down this rabbit hole. It is SOOO worth it. As others have mentioned, this was a particularly sloppy Reba, but I'm not sure the tightest Reba would've sold you on the beginning of the song and that's all good, you are not alone. One of the things I appreciate about this band is that they are basically four incredibly talented nerds who aren't afraid to NOT take themselves too seriously. This is especially apparent in their earlier lyrics. But, you should also understand that at the time, this was such a breath of fresh air and served as a VERY welcome and needed counter balance to the brilliant yet neverendingly angst-ridden over-the-top serious peak of the grunge era of the 90's. I've tried to steer you to the earlier stuff before because it was so mind-blowing, every single night and I along with thousands of others have Phish making up 80% of the greatest concert moments I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot (Pink Floyd, Plant Page, Allman Brothers, etc..) Admittedly, I may be biased towards 93-95 because I'm old enough to have discovered them in person during that time. I love who they have become but I have still to this day never been so blown away by a band or a guitarist as I was by young and hungry Trey and the boys. They were a raging forest fire playing for love and food. From 1990-1995, they played 630 shows! 630! Before they EARNED the right to play a 2-night New Years Eve run at Madison Square Garden, a spot they now hold in perpetuity. PLEASE do yourself a favor and watch and see why Gen-Xers got hooked and now can't wait to take their grandkids to see this band. Divided sky 10-31-94 (second request for this ALL-TIMER) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXfXfJyubb6CmLM Slave to the Trafficlight 12-7-95 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ql6bqYKvdqqJaqM Stash 7-8-94 (also on the album A Live One) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWq9apyjfNOXpNE Split Open and Melt 7-24-94 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTPeHSao9WIhdk Bathtub Gin 8-17-97 (generally thought of as the greatest Gin ever played) kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3fMdahjp7ONqKs Harry Hood 10-23-94 no video but one of the greatest live performances of any song by any band ever (immortalized on the album A Live One) kzbin.info/www/bejne/f36Vpn-MqqqYpZY

[@scotdempsey3897]

I was there for the posted gin. I've been chasing it ever since.

[@johnthiele984]

I was there too! As a lifelong East-Coaster I never even thought about the end of the Appalachian Mountains until driving to that show. The fact that they ended in flat potato fields in northern Maine was so surreal it was like traveling to another planet, kind of like the journey they took us on during that BG jam. Otherworldly!

[@ericaviking958]

Hilarious...your FACE! LOL. You know you love it!

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

Part of a lot of Phish's approach is to really challenge the listener- it can take a lot of time to understand the writing. They (well, Trey, the main writer) made it a point to compose extremely difficult, complex music that has so many melodic changes and different structures that are like puzzles- it takes time to understand what's going on but once you "get it", you're really hooked. In one interview, he said his goal was to "take it as far out there as I could and still make people dance". But then they'll write more simple, accessible stuff like Ghost, Down With Disease, Chalk Dust Torture, or ballads like Waste. They wanted to be the band that could play anything well- which means that you'll find things you love and things you really don't like. They're extremely advanced in their playing and writing and want to play things that keep themselves interested and challenged as well. Glad you liked the middle jam section! Phish is an extremely deep well that rewards patience and repeated listenings. Another part of their appeal to fans is the humour- silly, goofy, charming, childlike- "surrender to the flow" and enjoy the fun! A lot of their old lyrics were meant more as a "fifth instrument" than as stories or deep meaning- lyrics that are more there for the sound and melody to hold the songs together. Trying to read anything into a lot of Phish lyrics is not possible because they are SUPPOSED to be meaningless- again, it's part of the fun! The lyrics take on meaning over time to the fans- kind of like a secret language (which you'll hear more about if you get into the band). They also love to play jokes and troll their fans, so there are a LOT of levels to what they do. Welcome!

[@blairjjohnson]

One of the legs of Phish's stool is rooted in tension and release, or, the reward that comes from persevering through a clunky, uncomfortable journey. You smiled. You bobbed your head. You said, "That's *nice*." That's kinda the idea. And while it's almost never the case ("Reba" being an exception), the return to the goofy/absurd serves as a reminder of where we've come considering from where we started. Anyway: Thanks for doing this. Please consider doing the studio version of "You Enjoy Myself."

[@zincpodsquamble]

I think the whole point of Reba is to take you through somewhat of a chaotic incomprehensible fever dream, so that once it gets to the serene, feel good jam it's almost like a sense of relief that makes the jam even more enjoyable.

[@michaelbruin8972]

Magic.

[@nickthebold]

I used to feel the same way about Reba. I didn't even know there was the instrumental part of the jam for a while because I couldn't get past the song part. Now I love it. Phish has a way of serving up something you think you hate, but then after a minute you realize it's actually fucking delicious.

[@jsrjsr6105]

Dude: build tension, release tension.

[@jakecohen5739]

That was me and my crew yelling at the beginning of this video! We were yelling for a different Phish song, "Tela," but Trey misheard us and thought we were chanting "Reba! Reba!" So he played Reba. We cracked up so hard because we inadvertently requested this song. And yes, this is definitely one of the goofier sides of Phish, but also, the jam at the end is one of the most beautiful things they do. It's one of their weirder songs, because it has this absurd bluegrass part at the beginning, then a complex composed section in the middle, and then a two-chord jam to end. I laughed out loud when you said "please don't play the beginning at the end!" Knowing this version so well, I knew you'd get the beginning at the end. But you'll be happy to know that about 1/2 of the time when they play this song, they leave it "unfinished" and don't do the whistling at the end. And just so you know, it's "bag it, tag it, sell it to the butcher in the store" :). Most of us love the jam more than anything else (my license plate used to be REBAJAM). And to your question at the end, you're entirely onto something there. They are great musicians, but they're also total dorks, and that quirky crazy dorkiness is all over their early material. You hit the nail on the head there.

[@WallyPDoyle111]

What show is this from?

[@jakecohen5739]

@@WallyPDoyle111 7/13/14 Randall's Island

[@andrewderr5971]

2nd set of this show was Bananas.

[@filldrummin42]

You have to understand that one exercise Phish does on the regular is tension/release. Reba is a good illustration of that because they open with plain silliness then spend that whole middle section creating all this tension (and using a classical composition element called a fugue) and then a beautiful (dare I say blissful) release. These guys like to run you through a whole gambit of emotions and do it all in the span of 20 minutes. Bitch of it all is, they're really good at it too. Upon further listenings to different versions of this tune, you'll find your space with it. Also understand they aren't at all afraid to exercise your patience too. Another great reaction. Thanks for being real about what you do and don't like! Edited to say YOU CALLED IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH! I'm crying so hard at "I know they're gonna do something fuckin stoiopid..." Seriously laughed so hard I got a head rush!

[@TheOttercreek]

Great video! The hilarious thing is they only go back to the beginning like 50/50 when they play this live. I was in suspense with you thinking will they play the whistle/reprise. You had me rolling. Very entertaining.

[@JimDandy69]

that was funny af... I wasnt sure either

[@lindaanne8188]

In line with and following the lyrics, I picture in my minds eye, Reba manically mixing her potion then what it feels like after experiencing a sip…all the ups and downs of the high or trio from her potion. Then everyone in the end agrees it’s good - bag it tag it sell it…I imagine Reba lives in Gamehendge.

[@certinho76]

Many sections in Reba are highly composed. Trey wrote this with Bach's atonal fugues in mind and the lyrics are like Zen Koans/Frank Zappa's goobly goop!!! They only make sense to children and Phish!!! Which is kind of ironic...since they are very childish in many ways and that is part of their attraction for many of their fans. The genius of the musical composition and the whimsical, child-like lyrics of Trey and Tom Marshall's lyric-poetry. Also the middle of the song, during "the jam" is perhaps one of the greatest examples of Tension and Release in music that I've ever heard and leaves you with a feeling that you are sailing and a big, breath of fresh air!!

[@jeffcollier5400]

The composed portions of the songs can be goofy lyric wise but IMO they are launching pads for the innovative, free flowing jams that happen in between. Great stuff.

[@RyanGahagan]

More often than not, they don't return to the whistling/chorus at the end. But it's quintessential phish: a bit silly, intricately composed, and blissfully improvised.

[@kevinbossick8374]

Of all the versions he did, had the whistle ending. Too funny.

[@buckwheat5715]

Reba is a sick song. Top 5 phish song for sure.

[@phishdmb]

Reba is my favorite Phish song, and I can understand where he’s coming from and not liking the beginning. It is a bit odd, but the music makes up for it.

[@RyanGahagan]

Just to be clear, the lyric is "Bag it, tag it, sell it to the BUTCHER in the store." I think you thought they said "bitch" and that could easily turn someone right off.

[@JimDandy69]

LMAO... or make it better i dunno

[@drewc771]

Ha, one of my favorite reactions to a phish song ever. Love the honesty, and the truth is it's completely understandable. Reba is definitely a song a person just has to completely have embraced the whole of phish to really love. And i get it and agree. The beginning part is absolutely silly, it's like some creepy weird music from a kids show or something. It doesnt sound "good" by any stretch. If it was on it's own, I'd skip it every time. But Ive come to accept it as part of the whole really only knowing what comes next. It's silly, stupid, but you just kind of embrace it for what it is...but again only knowing what's next. They do often play it WITHOUT the ending, and I 100% agree with you. I like it better without. I don't think there's any reason to come back to it. All in all tho, I love phish, but they are definitely very odd, and i completely understand why some people just can't get in to them, or at least these kind of songs. It's weird, it's all over the place. But It's music, there's no right or wrong. It's all good. Thanks for the videos!

[@MrSpankee02]

I also like it better without the whistle ending . I think it takes away from the intensity of the song

[@samlindquist9582]

Hahahaha omg knowing that the whistle is coming while you beg them not to do something goofy is too funny

[@psychicmelt9993]

reba is my all time fav song. i can appreciate the opinion as the tension building part is hard to listen to, but that jazzy lofi release is what makes the song historic

[@Not.Satoshi]

I just watched all you phish reaction videos. I have enjoyed them all. You should check out a live version of Moma Dance. I think you’ll dig it. It’s nice and funky. Cheers!

[@gregpartch361]

One of my favorites! Lol, I laughed so hard at this reaction, like so hard! Great stuff, so so true and honest. Phish rules man, feel it!

[@davidthomaschwclmt5925]

Your eye roll at 17:09 is classic. Thanks for being brutally honest

[@charlesquinn8860]

You love that BBC don't you

[@kevinbossick8374]

What Phish fan has not seen that look, trying to get someone else to like them?

[@souljang]

Definitely not upset. Reba is a tough pill to swallow for newcomers. It's a song that i believe is intended to break normal conventions of music. For me, i fell in love with this song in a wasted-wtf is going on? moment where you just give in and start laughing.

[@bmoc0867]

Check out Tweezer from 8/1/21. It's Phish where they are right now, and it's a long hot funky jam... admittedly it might test your resolve at first, but once the band takes it to "that place", I'm pretty confident you'll be glad for sticking it out. The lights are TOP level in this video, too 😎

[@rickywilliams9937]

OMG Reba is so good. You get the silly side of Phish to start, but if you can brave it through you get to that absolute gem of a jam / solo section.

[@rayscott678]

There was an era in the mid 90s known (by some) now as their “funk era” they had heavy funk influences in their jamming etc

[@ameadors11]

Love your vibe, man. Very honest and you seem to have an appreciation for the best moments. You’re already getting what it’s like to be a phan. We all have our bathroom break moments. And, there are definitely moments where the band “trolls” us although we’re all usually in on the joke. We go for the jams. And, we all want to hear Reba most especially for the JAM. Keep Phishin’…we’ll def support your channel! And yeah, agree with previous commenter-check out Moma Dance-there’s a good version from Brooklyn 2004 that’s up on KZbin. Another guy already did a reaction video to it, but you def have more musical sense than him! Would love to see the comparison. PEACE!!

[@Posterharpua]

I love Reba....because the jams Reba produces are often some of the most beautiful and blissful pieces of music phish creates. Yes, the composition is not something alot of people enjoy, but I actually do. I completely understand why people don't like that part, but the jam portion is like the payoff for the crazy anxiety inducing beginning. I think this is by design...pure rigid, follow the leader structure to start you down a psychedelic anxiety ridden path followed by wide open beautiful blissful jamming that peaks in absolute glory. i love phish.

[@IamIamView]

It was fun watching your response to this. IMHO, Phish is the best band in the world. Have been for 30 years. That being said, I get where you are coming from. Having listened to them for almost 30 years, there is definitely an appreciation one develops as a listener. Yes, there are segments to some songs where it "seems" like they are dazzling our ears with music theory, yet, my experience, having also seen them live, it is evident that most of the genres they cover, no other band is even attempting to do what they do. As well, there is a constant evolution to the songs and their style. It's OK to not like some songs, or segments of them, but given you followed through with the reaction on this, shows me you do your due diligence.

[@EJ-zk2gb]

I love his face! Lol! I don't know why, buddy, but I LOVE Phish!

[@nevik6671]

Respect for you telling the true. Just give the melody a chance. Reba is mixing up a special “sauce” in the tub that all you need to know the rest is the jam! (Plus I subscribed because you came out saying your honest feeling of not liking my favorite band. )

[@ReactionTheory20]

Thank you for subscribing nothing but the truth.

[@geoffadavis]

Phans like me that have heard the beginning a million times fast forward to the 6:00 minute mark and go straight to the jam on every version of this song.

[@drewc771]

Really? The beginning I understand and do often fast forward myself. But the middle section I've come to love, and I think the tension it builds is what makes the "chill" so fantastic. But all's good, to each their own always.

[@buttfingerblaster]

👆👆this

[@DrakusRecords]

The thing that makes this song great is the contrast between the goofy beginning section and the epic jam in the middle. It very gradually takes you on a journey from quirkiness to pure jam driven euphoria. This version actually isn't as good as some of the other versions I've heard where they really extend that middle section and take it to even great heights. You actually forget it's the same song after awhile. Then when it suddenly stops and goes back to the beginning it's so jarringly different that you can't understand how the band managed to get you from point A to point B without you noticing. It's brilliant, and the song needs both sections to have that effect.

[@TheOttercreek]

First section is a shocker to hear the 1st time. Like your 1st ever shot of hard liquor. Helps to be familiar with the lyrics.

[@jamesa6080]

3 years from now Reba is gonna be his favorite song lol

[@geoffednie9024]

Being familiar with this song... this is the funniest reaction vid I've ever watched.

[@johngrywalski1128]

pretty funny. The way they did it was touring basically right out of college in the 80's and they had enough of a syncopated jam that it really appealled to Grateful Dead/classic rock fans. They have grown their own fan base year by year themselves, i believe self producing most of their albums.So they were able to just get as weird and inanely goofy as they wanted, as their LSD addled fans loved evrything they threw at them. Whats it called a self reinforcing feedback loop?

[@RustyB22]

Please come back. This is amazing. I love Phish and this song but this video earned you a sub! I had a FAT laugh. Negative reactions make great reaction videos!

[@wharpua]

Reba is an early Phish song (before Ghost, but after Harry Hood, in comparison to the other two songs OP has reacted to) and is noted for its heavily composed "chase" sequence which then lands in a really laid back jam which many fans count among their favorite moments in any Phish song. Trey has talked about how the intricacy of the composition requires all four band members to be so closely locked in with each other which spills into their improvisation. Typing this mid-song and really hoping for your sake they don't come back with the whistling ending (although that'd make for a funny reaction video, to be honest)

[@D_sull93]

I started dying at 12:09 because i was already thinking just wait and then you paused it and called it. Ahhh the old song form

[@isseisherman4990]

I’m dead commenting while watching knowing there’s a chance of the whistle ending(this where they whistle the “reba put a stopper” part then sing the bag it’s)

[@user-fh6yh6jw4u]

Listen to it a lot more. There is a lot to hear. If you do, the beginning becomes very exciting as you understand the musical journey that is to come. They aren't trying to find something... this is an old song, and they find it all. Listen to Reba more. It is a masterpiece.

[@aybesea69]

I'm a huge Phish guy, and honestly between Reba and Fluffhead you've encountered two of their most difficult to understand/appreciate songs. These are what I'd consider "advanced Phish listening". You know how you like that studio Ghost? Put on the 20min one that you refer to and you will see what the fuss is about. This is Phish in their glory, taking a 4 minute song to 20+ mins. That's what they do so, so well! Also try on a really long Tweezer... incredible goodness in there. Then Stash, or Tube, or Golden Age. There are many of us who can "guide you" along your Phish path... we've been doing it for years!

[@brucecoleman1574]

This is from one of the band's first couple of albums. Some of their songs from that era feel the way you are reacting to this song. They start off weird, then get really good, and then finish up weird again. I have come to enjoy these songs now, because of the middle, but they grew on me after many times listening to it.

[@lisawilliams8180]

I tolerate the first part because I know the jam is coming later lol. Trey’s playing in the jam is always such a beautiful serenade to the phans, and I almost always cry. Really enjoying watching you go down the rabbit hole! I’d recommend First Tube, which is typically 🔥and fairly short.

[@mapiasal]

This is my favorite Phish song. listen to 10/31/1994

[@MichFedorchak]

as a Phish phan myself, who has been to many a phish show, never going to hate on a person's dislike to a song, or in your case, part of a song. There are a few songs that I don't care for, my friends have their own few songs that they don't care for that I like. As several people have pointed out, this song goes back to the earliest days of phish, and some of those were pulled from earlier music that Trey or Mike or Fish wrote, and anything earlier than '83 means it was written or conceived of back in high school or maybe even earlier, so that it why this some comes off as bit silly, lyrically.

[@tylersmitley1348]

I can never get people to react to the Reba performance I want. What a shame

[@ctbojar]

Dude that shit was hilarious:)

[@bhairav7]

Just watched a pair of your Phish reactions, and you seem primed to hear pinnacle moments like 12/29/1997 Run Like an Antelope - kzbin.info/www/bejne/naCckGVtbZiWppo Disposes of the quirky bits you've remarked on and goes straight for the jugular. Phish at their peak collective improvisational power. Not quite like it was at age 15 in Madison Square Garden with a head full of acid, but I can tell you'll appreciate it all the same. Enjoy, you're in for a ride!

[@philsorensen6268]

I really liked your reaction and review for your honesty, even though this is a song that I really like a lot. I have known for as long as I have been a phan that Phish was not for everyone, but I am very happy that you kept listening long enough to find part of the song to enjoy. Their lyrics are often silly and I would say to someone who has not heard much of them that their improvisation and instrumentation is probably the band's best selling point. So far, I have watched this video of yours and one Grateful Dead reaction. I have really enjoyed both. I hope that you continue to explore both, and I am just starting to look through your list of videos. I went to see Phish play three nights in a row in 2002 and they only repeated one song over those three shows. Reba was one that I was not as familiar with at the time, and it did not become one of my favorites until I downloaded those shows and listened to them more times. BTW, I also downloaded three other shows from that same run before and after the three shows that I saw, and there were very few repeated songs. They brought something new every night and I have had a great time every time I have seen them play live. I am really glad that you gave them a chance even though you didn't enjoy the first part. I will be looking for more of your videos. Have a great day!

[@JP_YES]

When I was new to listening to them, it took some patience. But the bong rips helped.

[@senordia]

Really surprised you didn't like this one as much. You may want to check out the lyrics. They're silly and fun and not quite what you were thinking. But I thought you would really appreciate the heavy jazz influences all over the first half of the song. The time changes and overlapping between the guitar and keys. This wasn't one of the better played versions I've heard. Trey was a bit sloppy. So you may want to give another version a listen some time. It's one that deserves multiple listens so you can dissect everything that is going on in the section following the lyrics. Brilliant songwriting imo. Especially coming back in at the end! That's what makes them so much fun for me. Humor and quirkiness was definitely a big part of their early songwriting and performances. Doesn't always translate to everyone though. They do have plenty of more normal structured songs with normal lyrics but what most people probably want you to listen to is how they can be different from that standard song structure. Also, I think it's really hard to fit normal lyric structure into their more intricate/composed pieces. Which is probably why those songs tend to have more nonsensical or limited lyrics. For something more standard, and a little different from the Phish you've heard so far, I'd suggest Waste. And for something more funky/groovy, check out their version of the theme to the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. It's a total dance party. It's typically listed as "2001" or "Also Sprach Zarathustra" which is the official name of the song written by the composer Strauss. It's very recognizable. Thanks for going down this path.

[@ReactionTheory20]

Thank you for watching I hope I can count on you to be a new subscriber. Keep watching more to come! Thx

[@kevinbossick8374]

Yeah, so many better versions with incredible peaks.

[@Futt.Buckerson]

My favorite Reba is the '93 Crest Theater show. That whole show is great, especially w/ a handful of mushrooms... 🤯 But yeah, some Phish songs are an acquired taste. The beginning of this song is a big tense lead up to that middle section where you paused the second time. It's an intentional contrast that pays off when they release into that chill funky section in the middle... we chill in that serene space for a bit, then someone pulls the plug and it all tumbles down into the outro. Oh, Phish has found their niche. They're doing exactly what they set out to do from the beginning of the band. If you want to see some quirky weird stuff, check out Tweezer->NO2->Tweezer from MPP 2015. Lol

[@tixximmi1]

Phish grows on you. Read the lyrics and listen to the beginning again. Kind of along the basis of Zappa's, Bamboozled by Love.

[@michelehardiman4926]

My favorite version of "Reba" is from Alpine Valley on 8/14/10. The build-up and release are incredible on that one! 👏🔥⭕❤

[@Sco3000]

I'm a big Phish fan, but not only would I not have suggested a recent version of this song.. They play it much slower and a bit sloppier than they used to. Not sure how many Phish reactions you've done but I'd suggest tighter songs that are less than 8 minutes. Is this video from the Magnaball festival?? I was there!

[@Babylon_Dave]

The first four minutes are kinda hokey, and it’s the nonsense that goes into the composition, that is absolutely a beautiful piece of music, and that’s the thing with Phish, when you hear the nonsense, but wait for jam it hit, that’s when it all shines through. The jam to Reba is awesome, you can always tell them tempo and mood of the show by where or which set the song appears, and how quickly they play through the nonsense section to get to it. Check out The Curtain With. A better beginning with the jam from Reba inserted into the song.

[@micahromig2241]

Phish isnt for everyone lol, some of their lyrics can be silly as well as the songs. Good honest reaction. Its more of a musical story than an everyday type song. Your opinion is great! Keep it real. The great thing about Phish is that there is always a different flavor to try if you dont like something.

[@R2Carney]

I love your honest opinion! I have to admit, the first time I heard Phish I was kind of like.. wtf is this? There's not much in the way of consistency or things that normally grab you when you hear a catchy song but after listening to them for a bit they became one of my all time favorite bands. You can never go wrong with a good Reba, Fluffhead, David Bowie, Divided Sky, YEM, ETC. So many good and memorable songs to choose from and they're all so unique in their own way. These guys are incredible!

[@JackCerro]

That was entertaining.

[@unichusettsofmassadversity9705]

I apprecate your honesty! Phish i an aquired tatse, just like, well....fish!

[@FlowerSupply420]

Just 3 minutes is, but when you’re new to Phish you often should pick Professionally Shot video so you can see the intricacy of the musicianship! The keys and drum work, INSANE.

[@kevinbossick8374]

I wish we could get a drum cam for the whole song. Fishman is the best.

[@SeattleSpursFan1882]

This is one of the older tunes ( 1985ish ) when they were purposely breaking rules and creating songs that challenged conventional listening. It's also got that classic tension and release segment, with the beginning causing a lot of tension which then breaks through it's a massive release where one can float downstream. This segment, although staying within the context of Eb and F#, is improvised and flows differently from performance to performance. It's arguably my favorite area of Phish exploration. And as you found out, they do bring back the quirk; but that's Phish. They do what they want. To be fair, they don't write songs like this anymore. Good stuff, Sir. Subscribed.

[@lokijam]

Jam section of Reba is as good as it gets in music.

[@phishm1527]

Got to take it all in. Understand It in you. Make It your thing. Then let It out to those that don't know. Bag It. Tag It. Sell It to the butcher in the store.

[@2112CO]

The Phinest in the nation!

[@copndonut]

Hahah…. Your reaction is honest! I appreciate that… even if I don’t agree

[@JimDandy69]

Thank you lol. I love when people don't pretend everything is gold. It's ok to not like something. Refreshing even among this crew... Totally feel you on the bones of Reba. Just was always 'meh' for me, but I do love the instrumental section... The vs/ch sections are one of those that just never did it for me even to this day. and yet somehow I think I may know every word

[@muskratflats]

Your reaction is priceless! Love it.

[@alan-daniel]

not everyone in the community likes all parts of Phish. As I've said in your other videos, you're definitely getting hooked. Keep it coming. At this point, you know you can't stop.

[@brianboardman8736]

Just enjoy the journey.

[@RS-cm8gg]

This song makes so much sense when you are trippin

[@vexecutioner5907]

Listen to Frank Zappa and you will understand better why they are the way they are. “Inca Roads” particularly - this jam was basically lifted from that song.

[@kevinbraden7021]

The phuckin' shizznit @8:29. Yeaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh

[@bishoppschickenbiscuits8850]

Could repeat what others have said, but won’t, so just will add one thought I haven’t really seen below. In the early days of Phish, some songs, like this song, have some goofy lyrics, which could lead one to wonder “what is this about, or how the fuck did Trey come up with this?” It has been the practice of some of our greatest song writers, Dylan, Springsteen, Hunter and Trey, to name a few, to implement the art of concentrating on the sounds of words/phrases as much as I f not more than the actual meaning of what is being said. Whether it is alliteration, percussive aspects etc…the profile of the sounds being made and how they correspond to the accompanying instrumentation is sometimes the driving force of what is happening in some songs, like Reba, I would contend.

[@tombadil64]

Fait enough. Phish is not for everyone. But for those of us who do get it... man do we ever.

[@kevinbossick8374]

It's all about the Reba jam. Got to have patience.

[@Mr.Salty.]

I went to every show from 1996 to 2000. To me everything Phish is best heard from 2000 or before. That being said any phish show is good. I’m just a phish 2.0 man. Keep up your reviews bra. I enjoy them all not just the phish. 👍

[@healthhealingandhappinessw6060]

Phish has a secret language with their fans. When they do certain things on stage or with their instruments the fans know to react in certain ways. Keep it a secret or tell your friends, but when the average guy walks in, he’ll never know, the language!

[@frequenciescolliding2794]

Reba is intended to make you suffer...it is the tension that gets released by the final jam.