Phish to Release First Studio Album in Five Years

If you asked the most fervent Phish fan how long he's waited for his beloved to release an 11th studio album, he might answer, "Forever," or "I've lost track," or even "I've given up hope altogether." It's been five years since Undermind debuted, and it appears Phish is rewarding its fans with an eclectic bundle of joy.

The band's latest studio album, Joy, is scheduled to come out Sept. 8 in three separate but equal forms, much like water and that whole gas/liquid/solid business. Fans have the option to purchase the CD, vinyl records or splurge on the Joy Box, containing an explosion of Phish paraphernalia, including a second album, Party Time, just in case Joy alone doesn't cut it.

According to the band, fans can count on the usual crisp concoctions of improvisation and tight composition, the very charisma that inspired the Phish faithful years ago. "In some ways," says bassist Mike Gordon in a statement, "I think this one is more for our fans than any of our other albums."

For this reason, Phish looks to show off its collective aptitude of just winging it, which will be savored in the record's opening track and lead single, "Backwards Down the Number Line," cut in one take and left untainted in its spontaneous whole. "Time Turns Elastic," an astronomic jam-band jumble running over 13 minutes, was inversely recorded bit by bit in over 260 excruciating takes.

Phish worked with Steve Lillywhite to produce the album, who also worked with the band's 1996 record, Billy Breathes, and assorted albums by U2, Dave Matthews Band and the Rolling Stones. Joy was recorded in Chung King Studios in New York City and will be released on JEMP Records as the company's first non-archival album with Phish.

Haste is a virtue for those deciding whether or not to pre-order the album. If done so through the band's online store, Phish Dry Goods, fans will be entered to win a travel package for two to Phish's Festival 8 on Oct. 30 through Nov. 1, complete with airfare, hotel and tickets. Not too shabby.

Joy's tracklisting: