Consumer Guide Album

Phish: Slip Stitch and Pass [Elektra, 1997]
Kinda restores your faith in humanity for these guys to make like they know the difference between intelligent and pretentious. Page McConnell plays blues, Trey Anastasio plays Jerry, and David Byrne, ZZ Top, and the 19th-century team of Joe Howard and Ida Emerson beef up the fey songwriting. Plus you have to love their long overdue Doors interpolation: "Mother . . . I want to cook you breakfast." B+