Vida Blue

Cheesy and Boring

If you like disco beats and goofy lyrics sung by an even goofier singer, then you'll love this cd. Otherwise, you should check out 'The illustrated band', which is the same band, plus some, but Page is obviously not driving the bus, and that's a very good thing. The grooves on 'Vida Blue' are weak and don't even begin to demonstrate the monstrous talent of Otiel Burbridge and Russell Batiste, and even Page for that matter.
Overall it's not terrible, but it is very dissapointing. A waste of talent indeed, and a waste of money for me. November 19, 2006

Tremendous waste of talent

I listened to Phish for years, often digging Page McConnell's chops during live shows. The past ten years have soured me on Phish's songwriting abilities, however, since the band seemed (in the past tense -- they've mercifully broken up now) wholly unable to write songs that actually meant anything. I'm not sure if it was the drugs, emotionally stunted childhoods, or just a collective inability to get sad or pissed off about anything, but Phish's music remains a beacon of emotionless twaddle, a geeky escape for teenagers seeking refuge from the harsh realities of the world, and a drug-enhanced excercise in style over substance. But then again, there's obviously still a market for this music.

With "Vida Blue," I was truly hoping Page McConnell would put aside his inner child and write some funky, meaningful tunes. The band on this CD -- bassist Oteil Burbridge and ex-Meters drummer Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste -- form a backup band that James Brown in his heyday would've been proud to front. The funky beats of Modeliste (and not 'Russell Batiste,' as it says on this site) alone could funkify even the whitest person's outlook on life, so I was hoping McConnell would take advantage of such a stellar supporting cast.

Alas, he didn't. The result is more silly, emotionless twaddle that Oteil and Zigaboo must held their noses to play with any degree of seriousness. Listening to this CD, for me, was like listening to Brittany Spears sing and dance to the John Coltrane Trio. It's that bad.

McConnell is so totally outclassed writing-wise, singing-wise, and playing-wise, I wonder why he even bothered recording any of the tunes on this CD. Others may disagree, but I found this music silly, lifeless, and insultingly stupid.

Also, McConnell called this group "Vida Blue," which, in my opinion, is a completely non-sensical name. The real Vida Blue was an all-star baseball pitcher who played from 1969-1986 for the A's, Royals, and Giants. Why not just call the group "Roger Clemens" or "Lance Armstrong"? How about "Karl Malone," or even "Brett Favre"? Naming the group "Vida Blue" for no apparent reason other than McConnell's geeky pleasure is just wack. I can think of about fifty names off the top of my head that would've been more creative and suitable than "Vida Blue." Give me a break.

As much as I wanted to dig this CD, I thought it was a silly, wasted effort.


September 6, 2005

Page Steals the Show

Vida Blue is a dance club/jammy/pop spiked album with a little bit of every thing. Page does all of the vocals except for the studio noises during "Popeyes". He is also the dominant ingrediant to vida blue and since i love phish i have no problem with him hogging the show. However, the jam songs also have a big bass sound that reminds me of how Mike Gordon plays with simple catches funked up differently each and every time. Because of the bass on the jam songs, I have to say that those are the ones that make me wanna give this disk five stars...Where's Popeyes, CJ3, Fresh Tube and i guess despite the vocals, Most Events Aren't Planned. The Electric Glide is also a very nise song with sci-fi lyrics and a good catch.

The final two tracks on the record are the only ones that i really can do without. Especialy Who's Laughing Now. This song is alot like a Mike Gordon tune but without the good bass. It really never gets off and once you add in the [bad] lyrics it quite frankly stinks. The last tune is one of the more accessible tunes on the record and really lacks structure and reminds me a lot of the End Of Session tune on The Story Of The Ghost. It isn't bad but is nothing great.

So, I really like this cd and despite the six minute WLN, I recommend it to all who like good funk jamming with sick keys and good bass lines. July 6, 2003

Great Stuff

As a long time Phish fan, I tend to purchase just about every side project Phish members put out. Vida Blue is far from another side project, it probably ranks right up there with Oysterhead in terms of musicianship. Personally, I enjoy the Vida blue material more than the last Phish release.

Otiel Burbidge is a phenomenal base player, I highly recommend picking up his solo work and ARU stuff. I was not familiar with Russell Bastiste's playing, but after listening to this album I decided to pick up some of his work. Overall, Vida Blue's first release a must have for anyone who likes jambands. December 3, 2002

Cool, damn cool.

After hearing Page McConnell's accompanying keyboarding on Gov't Mule's "The Deep End" (as well as Mike Gordon's basswork), I knew that I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of Vida Blue's first release. I was always hearing about them playing live in the area, but never went down to see them. After hearing this release, I am going to make sure to get some tickets next time they are in town. Vida Blue's songs can only really fall into a genre that isn't really defined- jam. Page's keying is beyond his usual standards as he is forced to take on a more versatile role in a three piece band where he provides the main melody. Instead of stepping up occasionally for a solo in between Trey's work, he headlines the whole album, making his talent even more visible. This album also would serve as a great companion to the Disco Biscuit's "They Missed The Perfume."

Any Phish side projects are bound to be good (see Trey's self-titled release), and Vida Blue definitely does not dissapoint. Highly recommended for Phish lovers and general jam lovers. September 6, 2002

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