NPR Song of The Day: "Backwards Down the Number Line" by Phish

When Trey Anastasio debuted "Backwards Down The Number Line" solo at Rothbury last year, many fans thought the song was just another corny Trey tune. The song was later played at the Phish reunion shows in March earlier this year, but didn't really impress.

On June 5th at Jones Beach Amphitheatre in Wantagh, NY, "Backwards Down The Number Line" had it's coming out party. Phish absolutely ripped through the song and Trey delivered one of his most memorable guitar solos of the summer in my opinion. It wasn't your typical Trey face melting guitar solo, but you could feel the emotion and passion in Trey's playing. It was refreshing. The song would be played nine times over the course of their two part summer tour. The song just got better after every time it was played.

"Backwards Down The Number Line" is just a great song. It is the lead track on Joy, which will be released on September 8. It is the bands first studio album in five years. Phish may have created their most accessible song in their twenty plus year career, but in all likelihood the song will fly under the radar much like Phish has their entire career.