Released 1992 (1992) | Format CD single Length 4:35 | |
Recorded June–August 1991, White Crow Studios, Burlington, Vermont | ||
"Chalk Dust Torture" is a 1992 song by the American band Phish. It is the thirteenth track from their 1992 album A Picture of Nectar and was also released as their first promotional single by Elektra Records. The song is a riff-based, fast-paced rock song written by Phish guitarist and lead vocalist Trey Anastasio and lyricist Tom Marshall. The studio recording features a lowered pitch effect on Anastasio's lead vocal.
Contents
One of the most often-played songs since its debut in 1991, "Chalk Dust Torture" has been a frequent set opener because of its ability to whip a crowd into a frenzy. The lyrics speak of teen angst and rebellion, as the narrator seeks to forgo the mind-numbing trappings of adulthood while he still has a few spry years left. While most versions of the song feature Type-I jamming (musical improvisation while staying within the regular chord progression of the song) and screaming guitar work from Trey, it has also served as a large Type-II jam (improvisation without staying within the chord progression of the song) vehicle on more than a few occasions.
Track listing
- "Chalk Dust Torture" (Trey Anastasio, Tom Marshall) - 4:35
Personnel
Phish
Trey Anastasio – guitars, vocalsPage McConnell – keyboards, vocalsMike Gordon – bass guitar, vocalsJon Fishman – drums, vocals