Spooky

• Performances
• History
• Lyrics
• Jam Chart
• Artist
  • Phish
  • Fish
  • Mike
  • Page
  • Trey
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History

The original version of "Spooky" was an instrumental, written by Harry Middlebrooks, Jr. and saxophonist Mike Sharpe (aka Mike Shapiro), which reached #57 on the US pop charts in 1967. A second version, with lyrics added by guitarist James Cobb and producer Buddy Buie, was recorded by the Classics IV and reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. A third version, recorded by Atlanta Rhythm Section after Cobb joined and also produced by Buie, reached #17 in 1979.

Fans have noted dozens of examples where Trey seems to tease the tune - appropriate, given lyrics about an indecisive girl who won't commit. But a bit of “Spooky,” like a bit of “Mind Left Body,” is simple enough to be elusive if intentional (such as teases during the 11/19/94 “YEM” or the 7/9/99 “Twist”) or imagined if unintentional (such as in the noodling of the 6/30/98 “Ghost”).

Nonetheless, three examples are complete enough to warrant actually labeling “Spooky”: during “YEM” jams on 3/14/93 and 4/14/93, both with a verse by Page; and, the complete version, during set I of 10/31/10. Two others are worth noting: during the 12/31/95 "Weekapaug" and during the 8/13/96 soundcheck.

"Ghost" -> "Spooky" – 10/31/10, Atlantic City, NJ

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