Phish broke up and Bonnaroo makes for an expensive trip.
What is a college-aged Deadhead to do?
For starters, take a shower. Then, listen to the Allman Brothers Band's At Fillmore East.
Nowadays, former guitarist Dickey Betts is in a new heap of legal troubles every year and Gov't Mule's Warren Haynes shoulders the load when the band tours.
But on one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, Duane Allman is alive and very well.
The chemistry between the greatest rock guitarist not named Jimi and his little brother with a voice that can make your knees buckle is nothing short of amazing.
Fillmore features the definitive performance of the band's greatest song, "Whipping Post." All the instrumentation comes together with truly heart-wrenching lyrics surrounding a chorus that makes you feel what it's like to be prosecuted for the sake of love.
After that 20-plus minute juggernaut of a song, you'd think the band would rest for a bit. But immediately following it is a 34-minute jazz-rock symphony called "Mountain Jam."
Not a single note is wasted -- every single one serves a purpose and moves the song along. It's hard to imagine getting a song that long stuck in your head, but it's entirely possible with this one.
The band ends the concert with the "Drunken Hearted Boy," prefaced by an announcement that the crowd would be on the record. "We ain't gonna send you a check," Duane says, "but thanks for your help."
Alas, no love for a poor college student.

