After a 6-month hiatus, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath return with a packed episode covering Widespread Panic's western tour, a Goose show in Birmingham, and Harvey's surprise announcement: he's running for Midway, Kentucky city council.
Nick Johnson's Breakthrough:
Jeff declares Nick Johnson his 2nd favorite guitarist in band history (behind George McConnell) after the Red Rocks run. Both hosts note Nick has moved past "Jimmy copycat" tone into his own sound - compared to Mike Houser's early experimentation with pedals/effects. Harvey: Mike also wasn't perfect, and that unpredictability is part of what's exciting now.
Red Rocks Highlights:
- Postcard after Colorado Music Hall of Fame induction - "grungy and dirty"
- Maggot Brain as a "guitar player showcase song" - Nick "killed it"
- Heroes returned after 105 shows (first since April 2023)
- Stop Go played for first time in ages
- Band inducted into Colorado Music Hall of Fame; jazz tribute set discussed
Jackson Hole (Snow King Amphitheater) - First time in 20 years:
- Dwayne Betts (local resident) sat in for Mountain Jam and Bowlegged Woman
- Rebirtha discussion: Harvey traces the song's lyric origin to October 2nd, 1994 at Red Mile Racetrack, tied to the MLB strike/lost World Series
Missoula (2 nights):
- Classic set construction returning: Please opener, mid-set Hatfield, Me and the Devil > Heaven encore
- Second night: rare "I'm So Glad" opener, strong Holden/Impossible run into Rockin' Red > Impossible > Drums > Nobody's Fault > BMD > Chilly Water
Tour Momentum:
Both hosts express excitement about an actual multi-week tour format returning (vs. weekend residencies), creating better flow and unpredictability in setlists. Upcoming: Bend, 3 nights Oakland (Fox Theater), 3 nights LA, a sold-out midweek club show in Sacramento, Atlantic City, Wilmington, 2 nights Mempho, 3 nights Milwaukee (likely Halloween).
1996 Retrospective:
The guys have been revisiting summer '96 shows including Tipitina's (6/25-6/26) with no AC, and Cincinnati Zoo, which "crushes everything."
Goose in Birmingham:
Jeff and Harvey caught Goose at Coca-Cola Amphitheater the week before Panic's shows there. Highlights: Dripfield, Arrow, State of the Art (Jim James cover), big Madhuvan, Jed Stone. Discussion of Goose's family-friendly crowd compared to Panic/Phish shows, and their strong video production quality.
Big Modern Album Discussion:
Harvey defends Goose's new record's 80s pop-influenced direction after a conversation with a younger fan who preferred their Dripfield-era sound: "I want to see them evolve, try new things... they might not all work, but why not?"
BREAKING NEWS - Harvey Runs for Office:
Harvey announced his candidacy for Midway, Kentucky city council (population 1,600). Key details:
- 8 candidates running for 6 open spots (5 incumbents, 1 open seat)
- Nonpartisan race; election in November
- Campaign site: couchformidway.com
- Ballot position #2
- Hot local issue: whether to allow golf carts on city streets
- Jeff jokingly offers unsolicited campaign advice (union print shops for yard signs)
Recommendations:
Harvey (on a reading kick after a Project Hail Mary audiobook):
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- Challenger by Adam Higginbotham (author of Midnight in Chernobyl) - "flushes out" the characters behind NASA's slow march toward disaster
Jeff:
- Star City (Apple TV+) - For All Mankind spinoff following the Soviet space program in an alternate history; no direct crossover needed with the original series
Notable Quotes:
- "I like hearing that they're not a Widespread Panic featuring Jimmy Herring cover band." - Jeff
- "Number 2 on the ballot, number one in your heart." - Harvey on his campaign
Personal Notes:
Harvey briefly started and ended a board gaming podcast during the hiatus. Harvey will miss Mempho this year due to a 50th birthday trip to Europe with his wife. Both pledge (again) to record more frequently with the band's return to regular touring.
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