We are calling for a duel of the Brothers. For this fight, we have chosen the years 1998 and 2012 to go head to head. You don't get much different in terms of Phish eras. On the one hand you have a Phish soaking with funky grooves, coming off of a pivotal turning point in their career with the fall / winter tour of 1997. On the other hand, you have a Phish that is just 3 years out from their return to the stage after calling it quits in 2004. A band who only recently at Dick's in Colorado made a serious statement that said we are not only back, but we are back and better then ever. Their jamming style being far more intertwined then in any years past, where once they were loose and letting the groove take over, they are now precise and destroying every note that leaves their instruments.

Take your mark, get set, go!

First up is a long, funky Wolfman's from 7-24-98 that goes deep in Woodland, Texas. Texas has gotten the shaft since Phish's return in 2009. All told they have played the state 20 times in their career, with a few classics stemming from the trip south (see: Bomb Factory). But they've only played Texas once since returning in 2009, and the one show doesn't quite fully count either since it was only one set at the Austin City Music Festival in 2010.

This jam shows off the 98 style of jamming to a tee - starts out a bit ambient, gets laid back and funky then some heavy rocking to bounce out of the lazy funk and in to a close. The last few minutes are really just a build up to the 2001 segue. So while the clock may read 23 minutes it's really a 20 minute funk rocker.   

The competition - Wolfman's from 12.28.98. While the jam isn't as long, it packs enough into the 15 minutes to be worthy of a head to head with a monster.

This is signature Phish now a days where the jam may not extend beyond the far reaches of the universe but what they do play in the time carved out is often a no nonsense groove. Throw in some classic Phish teasing - "Little Drummer Boy" - with crowd fully in tow and you have yourself one of the best Wolfman's of 2012 if not maybe the best of this time period.