*** 1/2 Phish

THE STORY OF THE GHOST

(Elektra)

For most of Phish's 15-year career, their marathon jam-filled live shows have been the big draw; their albums, despite many engaging moments, tended to be spotty. But two years ago, with Billy Breathes (Elektra), the Vermont-based foursome finally succeeded in crafting a satisfying studio album.

The Story of the Ghost keeps that artistic momentum going. Most of its 14 tracks were compiled from spontaneous in-studio improvisations, and though that may sound like a recipe for endless noodling, the resulting songs are actually among the most focused and exciting Phish have recorded. The hopped-up funk of "Birds of a Feather" bears strong resemblance to Remain in Light-era Talking Heads; the mesmerizing "Frankie Sez" points out one of the band's less obvious strengths: vocal harmonies. Yet perhaps the most appealing thing about this album is its sense of quiet intimacy, which is maintained even during Trey Anastasio's blazing guitar solo on the eight-minute-plus "Guyute."

-- Mac Randall