Tracks

Trey Anastasio: "Shine"

(2005)

By David M. Goldstein | 10 January 2008

Arriving about ten years too late for this reviewer to get truly excited about, Trey Anastasio’s first single from his upcoming album of same name essentially completes the former Phish frontman’s gradual transition from jam rock God to dull AOR family man. Wealthy beyond his wildest dreams, and happily married with two kids, Anastasio just ain’t sounding that hungry anymore, his relentless touring schedule notwithstanding.

Relying on a vocal melody seemingly inspired by Coldplay’s “Speed of Sound” and produced by Brendan “I produced The Boss to within an inch of his life” O’Brien, “Shine” is a pleasant enough slice of galloping pop that at the least has a very catchy chorus, and makes me nostalgic for the past Novembers of my high school life; where the run up to winter always guaranteed quality Phish shows on the East Coast (Hartford ‘97…hell yeah!).

But it remains that “Shine” veers a wee bit too close to Dave Matthews’ hacky sack circle for its own good, and highlights the fact that though he’s improved by leaps and bounds since Phish’s salad days, Anastasio still can’t sing. Even the girlfriend agrees that “Trey is lame now. I liked the old Trey better. Like when he was crazy and fooling around in the gun shop in (Phish biopic) Bittersweet Motel.” This is to say nothing of the man’s upcoming record, which I’ll probably purchase out of loyalty despite songs titled both “Love is Freedom” and “Love That Breaks All Lines.” Can a Rob Thomas duet be far behind?