It's the age old debate (Or at least one that’s been fretted over for about the last 10 years or so): “Couch Touring” Vs. the “In Person” experience.

I have been privy to those who claim couch touring is not a valid way to see a performance; In fact, I’ve heard people say that those who have streamed shows in the comfort of their homes can’t really count that as officially “seeing the shows”. In other words, if I’d been to 30 shows, but 15 were on couch tour, I’ve technically only seen 15 shows.

Sometimes we don't realize just how good we have it these days.  High Definition video has given us unparalled clarity, especially when it comes to live concert recordings.  In recent years Phish have embraced current technology and have given fans not only super clean live web streams of their shows, but also crisp high-def DVD recordings such as recent releases Alpine Valley 2010 and Live at Utica.

Ahhh…the fall of 1997.  It was an interesting time for America. Bill Clinton was still fresh into his second term, Steve Jobs had just returned to managing Apple after a “hiatus”, people were flocking to the theaters to watch the Titanic sink, a woman in Iowa gave birth to seven children, internet companies were booming, and I was back at college in Minnesota for junior year studying sociology and tearing up the majestic lacrosse field at St. John’s University.

Page McConnell will perform on keyboards with The Meter Men on October 30th at The Sinclair in Cambridge, MA, follwoed by two nights at New York's BB King Blues Club on October 31st and November 1st. They will also perform November 2nd at The Howard Theatre in Washington, DC. The Meter Men features three original members of The Meters, including drummer Zigaboo Modeliste, guitarist Leo Nocentelli and bassist George Porter, Jr.--Tickets are on sale now for all shows.

Let me get the lede out of the way right at the top: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and The Avett Brothers are two of the hardest-working, hardest-rocking live bands you can see at any venue, any time.

This week Phish will release a brand new box set entitled Chicago '94, showcasing two complete shows recorded live on June 18, 1994 and November 25, 1994 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.

After Phish completes their 3 night run at Dick's Sporting Goods in lovely Commerce City, Colorado, you won’t see them again till the holidays.   However, Page McConnell has announced he will play the BB King Blues Club in New York City on Halloween.--  Full bill and ticket information:The Meterman

Tomorrow and Wednesday (July 3rd and 4th), Phish will play two sold out shows in Wantagh, NY. Both shows will be webcast live at LivePhish.com. The webcasts are available for pre-order now, along with a Jones Beach event t-shirt. The setbreak during this webcast will include a brand-new, two-part feature on Page's touring keyboard setup.Individual shows are available for $14.99 and a two-night pass is available for $25.99.

Every Phish fan has their favorite year of the band's long and storied career, and will argue to the death why they feel that specific year stands as the group's greatest.  For some it's the feisty year of 1993, or the energetic and explosive 1994 tour, and some will even argue that the tight yet loosely woven shows of 2011 rank as their all time high.  But for many, it was without a doubt the body of work heard during 1997.