DUDE OF LIFE
Under The Sound Umbrella (Phoenix Rising)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Phish fans know the Dude Of Life as an occassional co-conspirator of the Vermont quartet, contributing songs like "Fluffhead," "Antelope" and "Suzie Greenburg" to their setlists and sometimes some impromptu wackiness to their stage shows. Phish guitarist Jon Fishman knows him as Steve Pollak, a boyhood pal who helped him survive prep school and college and the years since. Under The Sound Umbrella, the Dude's second album, offers everyone a chance to get to know him a little better as the writer and performer of a collection of songs reflecting the joy he finds in music, which he declares to be "the finest means of transportation available on God's green earth."

Anastasio shows up to lend a hand on several tracks, as do fellow Phish Mark Gordon and Jon Fishman, along with a crew of players including members of Great Red Shark. There's some great playing on the disc, some great humor, and a few more somber moments to boot. Altogether, it's a wild ride well worth taking.

And just for the record, the Dude is right. It's time to put Pete Rose into the Hall Of Fame.

Track List:

Beware Of The Dog * Francella * Tow Truck Driver * Come On Up To My Room * Puppydog Named Madness * Paparazzi * Scuba Dive * Pete Rose * Sound Umbrella * What You Do To Me

© 1999 - Shaun Dale