Vote!
Tough one…
Esther.
I went with “Mike’s,” even though I can’t think of a single decent version played PH.
I can’t think of a decent version of “Esther” played PH, either.
So Mike’s wins.
mikes for sure…dont be rediculous.
ridiculous?
whatever.
Mike’s.
No questions asked.
I never got into Esther, it’s got some nice tunes, but I mean c’mon: Mike Wrote That.
I love Esther. It is my favorite song on Junta, but Mike’s Song is one of those things that made me realize how great this band is. I never knew a song with such a stupid title could be so great.
^I’m with you on this one totally. Esther is a beautiful song with a great story, but Mike’s can be absolutely devastating.
I guess this poll is simple then:
Do you prefer beautiful, complex compositions or songs that lend themselves to possibly high-energy, mind-bending improvisation?
How about the Mike’s>Esther from Alpine '98?
Best of both worlds.
I voted Mike’s…
Well, there’s the problem with the whole game right there.
They’re two different questions, aren’t they?
I’ve been guiding my choices by the songs’ content, not by their improv potetntial. It just makes more sense to me, because the improv potential doesn’t mean nearly as much to me as it does to other fans.
I’m w/ICC -> I’d be stoked if I wrote Esther.
The melody and chord progression, not to mention the incredible lyrics (young Trey strikes again!) just put this song in a whole other realm from Mike’s Song.
Mike’s is great, but Esther is really unique and accomplished and beautiful.
I really like Esther but it’s one of those tunes that’s just better on the studio. Mike’s is heavenly of course.
I don’t really think there’s any problem with the “game,” per se, but I can see how people think the set up is whacked based on only choosing 1 song between 2 different songs.
Hey, whatever criteria you want to use is fine.
That’s your given right as a fellow-OKPer and a Phish fan.
Yeah, you know, the more I think about it, the more I understand why some people prefer a song because it causes that anticipation of the impending unknown …
Since that anticipation of the improv potential is one of many factors that go into one’s opinion of a song, why should it be disqualified as a factor?
I stand corrected, and hereby cease to complain about live potential as a determining factor.
/change of mind
mike’s is the original jam vehicle.
you’re never courteous.
Mike’s wins this one, even though Esther deserves much praise.
DITTO! Esther all the way!
this matchup does suck for esther. it is one of the most beautifully written phish songs. plus the story is just so cool. almost stephan king like with the doll that comes to life to claim victims.