@RovingReporter said:

The other night, I had to go write a story about Mihali and Zdenek of Twiddle. Mihali on acoustic, Zedd on electric bass, lots of loops. It was very meh in my opinion. But I told them I'd cover it and help them out because they are nice dudes. It was on a boat cruise thingy for three hours. So I spent three hours on a boat with 100 Twiddle-obsessed kids. That night made me want to relapse

However, Twiddle fans -- they're inFUCKINGsane. They're young, like 16-23 is the typical age range, so at 30, I felt like a geezer.

OK, to get to the point: These kids all think Mihali is a BETTER guitarist than Trey. Like, they really believe it. Naturally, I got involved and explained that Trey's playing encapsulates just about everything all the great guitarists have, and he's one of the best composers I have ever heard/seen. Can't really argue that Trey is one of the greatest ever.

I get it, I love Phish, I have a bias. I explained that Mihali, while a decent songwriter and a good guitar player, isn't even in the middle level in terms of guitar. He's a pentatonic and mixolydian guy who rarely variates from a script. Then he does his shredding thing, adds loops and effects and sure it sounds good, but it's pedestrian and elementary.

I almost got punched in the face for explaining this. These kids really think he's the best ever. Trey wrote the book for modern jam guitar, and Mihali is a C student in said class. I understand they want to defend their guy, but I am stunned that they feel this way. Am I missing something here? Are Twiddle fans dosed constantly drinking the Kool Aid?

Someone please explain to me this. I cannot wrap my head around it, and why these kids think this way. If they had said they LIKE Mihali's playing better, I wouldn't say a word. That's their preference. But to openly state, without prompting, that he's BETTER than Trey, no. Be warned. Twiddle kids are nuts.

TL;DR -- almost got beat up for defending Trey on a boat filled with k-rocked Twiddiots.

So I've got a question, and it's a genuine one that is not in any way meant to be critical. I agree with everything you say--and I've seen Twiddle!--and I admire with a bit of envy the writing and work you do. Kudos. My question is whether you feel the need to be "objective" as a reporter. Perhaps .net is a place where you can unload your personal opinions and interests, which of course is totally fine. But I guess I'm a bit surprised at a reporter covering a story and then nearly getting into a fight with the understandably partisan audience. Or perhaps you're not a reporter (which at least sounds like someone "reporting" what's happening ) and more of a music critic, in the Greil Marcus mold.

Again, this is coming from a place of curiosity and appreciation, not at all skepticism.