Customer Reviews

Inside in

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I just wanted to give my two and a half cents about this CD. I have been waiting a lonnnnngggggg time for Mike to come out with a solo work. Besides loving what he brings to Phish, I think he is an absolute genius. Yes - eccentric to put it mildly - but he is all about quality when he puts his mind to something. I have only listened to this CD a couple of times, but I know it will be one I listen to often. It has (as all other posts have said) a little of everything, but there are definitely strong bluegrass undertones in a lot of it (which would expected from Mike, as that is his true love). He has brought on board for this project some major heavy hitters, who just add to the depth and uniqueness of this great CD. It is clean, tight, funky, groovy, twangy, funny and silly. As I said in the title, if you have "read" (I don't even know if that is the right word....."dabbled in" may be better) his "book", Mike's Corner, this would be the soundtrack. Definitely worth checking out though.

An album a long time in the making, 'Inside In' is Mike Gordon's aptly titled, revised and re-invented soundtrack to his award-winning film "Outside Out." The relevance of the two projects end there, however, as Mr. Gordon creates a movie-going experience for the ears that does not require any sort of familiarity with its inspiration.

After all the solo efforts released by other members of Phish prior to Inside In, you'd begin to think you've heard all the talent and creativity you'd come to expect from the Vermont group; however, Mike Gordon, in his quirky genius, finds a way to not only revitalize aspects of classic Phish studio efforts, but invent and pioneer genres of music that do indeed exist, but seem as though you've heard them for the first time.

The album is full of everything, from jazzy jams to rockabilly-meets-hip-jop romps, to acoustic bluegrass and beyond. The instrumentation is impressive, as to be expected of a member of Phish, but even the vocals jump a par from Trey Anastasio's fore-fronted showcasing on Phish efforts.

Basically, to wrap things up, 'Inside In' is the evolution of Phish we hoped for, but didn't get in albums like 'Farmhouse' and 'Round Room.' Of course, it's all Mike Gordon, but you can feel his roots; which invariably form a foundation of a very large, very unique tree. Kudos to Mr. Gordon for breaking the mold and giving Phish fans a level of familiarity, yet something completely new that everyone might enjoy.

I just got this album and can't say enough good things about it. It'll help if you're a Phish fan and are attuned to Mike's sensibility. It'll also help if you're a fan of Medeski Martin and Wood and/or have a high regard for Galactic drummer Stanton Moore.

A lot of the songs have the stripped down bass and drum feel of MMW but are complemented with country music instrumentation, with a great line-up of guests, from Bela Fleck on banjo to Gordon Stone on pedal steel guitar.

Some of the highlights include "Bone Delay," "Outside Out," "Soulfood Man," and "Major Minor." My favorite song is "Couch Lady," which begins and ends with dissonance but in between features a gorgeous melody about an old woman who travels to the moon at "negative speed" and becomes an expert guitar player, learning the instrument in "seven minutes flat."

I've always liked the album versions of "Train Song" and "Scent of a Mule." My appreciation for Gordon as a song writer/arranger has shot way up.

An album a long time in the making, 'Inside In' is Mike Gordon's aptly titled, revised and re-invented soundtrack to his award-winning film "Outside Out." The relevance of the two projects end there, however, as Mr. Gordon creates a movie-going experience for the ears that does not require any sort of familiarity with its inspiration.

After all the solo efforts released by other members of Phish prior to Inside In, you'd begin to think you've heard all the talent and creativity you'd come to expect from the Vermont group; however, Mike Gordon, in his quirky genius, finds a way to not only revitalize aspects of classic Phish studio efforts, but invent and pioneer genres of music that do indeed exist, but seem as though you've heard them for the first time.

The album is full of everything, from jazzy jams to rockabilly-meets-hip-jop romps, to acoustic bluegrass and beyond. The instrumentation is impressive, as to be expected of a member of Phish, but even the vocals jump a par from Trey Anastasio's fore-fronted showcasing on Phish efforts.

Basically, to wrap things up, 'Inside In' is the evolution of Phish we hoped for, but didn't get in albums like 'Farmhouse' and 'Round Room.' Of course, it's all Mike Gordon, but you can feel his roots; which invariably form a foundation of a very large, very unique tree. Kudos to Mr. Gordon for breaking the mold and giving Phish fans a level of familiarity, yet something completely new that everyone might enjoy.

I finally got around to buying this cd, not quite sure what to expect. What I got was a very pleasant suprise. Russ Lawton and Mike Gordon hook up on some extremely sick grooves. Bela Fleck and Gordon Stone add some really cool textures. The overall sound on this disc is extremely unique, somewhat of a cross between The Flaming Lips, Ween, and Phish, Mike's songwriting and harmonic structure is very strong on this disc. If you are a fan of his recent writing efforts (Clone, The Collin's Missile, Car Carrier Blues, Round Room, Mock Song) you will really be impressed with this cd. It is his best solo work on record.

I bought this album this past tuesday when it came out after calling several stores to see if anyone had it (not many did), but it was well worth the effort. In my mind this is the best solo album by any of the members of Phish. There is a lot of great pedal steel playing on this album and some great bass playing, as would be expected. My favorite tracks are Outside Out, Soul Food Man, The Teacher, and The Lesson. The lesson features some great drumming by phish's own Jon Fishman. If you are a fan of the songs Mike Gordon wrote with phish or of the album he made with Leo Kottke I would highly reccomend Inside In. Also, if you're a fan of Mr gordon's writing style check out his book of short stories, Mikes Corner.

this album is a total labor of love. what i like most is that it's a complete album, not just a collection of songs. as for the music itself, it's not really like anything i've heard before. it's beautiful and simple enough to really enjoy, and at the same time complex enough to study over and over as a real work of art. the only mistake i made in buying this album is that i hesitated for a while wondering if it would be a great album. to me, this is a great album and i think very few albums are ever really great. i can't say how glad i am that mike put this out and that i got it.

Great CD! A true artist! Can't wait for Mike's elementary school tour with Pete Townshend!

I hope he lets me ride IT

-mpd entertainment