One of Phish‘s more popular songs is the saga of the lumpy-headed “Carini”, an outspoken purveyor of the band’s darker side. Today marks exactly 27 years since the song made its debut—in the middle of a second set at the Paradiso in Amsterdam—on February 17th, 1997.
When it first started appearing on circulating tapes, the band’s loyal fan group didn’t quite know what to make of the new song. The tune was played in a raw and energetic form, so tapers had a hard time even figuring out what to call it. Names ranged from “Lucy with a Lumpy Head” to “Song for Carini,” as the band would ultimately trot out the song five times throughout its Europe winter tour of 1997. Phish kept the mystery train rolling by not playing the song again for most of 1997, only to bring the song’s namesake, drum tech Pete Carini, out on stage at Madison Square Garden on December 30th, 1997.
From that point on, “Carini” would be a fixture in the band’s repertoire. Whether it’s a first-set scorcher or a second-set dark jam vehicle, “Carini” has never failed to rouse the crowds with its energetic opening riff, hilariously absurd lyrics, and potent improvisation. Take a listen to the song’s debut below.
Phish – “Carini” – Amsterdam, Netherland –2/17/97
You can also hear the full 2/17/97 performance, which includes the band’s debut of Bob Marley‘s “Soul Shakedown Party” and a number of classics from the Phish catalog, on the 2015 archival release, Amsterdam. The playlist below contains the 2/17 concert along with 7/1/97 and 7/2/97.
Phish – Paradiso – Amsterdam, Netherlands – 2/17/97
Setlist: Phish | Paradiso | Amsterdam, Netherlands | 2/17/97
Set One: Soul Shakedown Party [1], Divided Sky, Wilson > My Soul, Guyute, Timber (Jerry) > Billy Breathes, Llama, Bathtub Gin > Golgi Apparatus
Set Two: The Squirming Coil -> Down with Disease -> Carini [2] -> Taste -> Down with Disease > Suzy Greenberg > Prince Caspian
Encore: Sleeping Monkey > Rocky Top
[1] Phish debut.
[2] Debut.
This show marked the debut of Carini and the Phish debut of Soul Shakedown Party. Page teased Tequila in Bathtub Gin. Carini contained a YEM tease. This show was officially released as part of the Amsterdam box set.
[Originally published 2/17/20]