(1) Madhuvan - 02/15/2025 vs. (2) Everything Must Go - 02/08/2025

Was really hoping this would get to 500 votes, maybe those are Final Four numbers but damn, Torero could have been in this matchup and we might have gotten there! 😂🪿📈

RIP Madhuvan

Who knows 37 people that we can ask to vote for Mad?

I dig the 2/13 EMG just as much (if not slightly more than the 2/8 one), but either are completely JOTY worthy. Should be a thorough beatdown of the two bliss heavy jams that 2/8 EMG will go against in the final four matchup!

Mat for math, it makes sense because MKE EMG is one of the best jams the band has ever played to my ear it’s one of the best tension jams they have ever done as well.

wow make this make any sense

this emg didnt even make my bracket - the version in GR is way better at tension release than this headache

HOWWWWW????

Oh the Mighty February. 50% of the Elite 8, 33% of the overall field...

Two power houses here. Either could win it all. I will say, the day after I heard this Mad the first time, I texted a llink to a guitar playing friend of mine and said "this is what happens when a 4 piece with 2 lead guitarists throw caution to the wind, dial in, listen, and HEAR each other." Pure magic.

That's not to take away from the EMG. The sonic layers that they construct during this gem are top-notch and completely engulfing.

Both are worthy.

So last night, I created a playlist of the final 8 and shut everything down. Plugged the headphones in, turned the lights out, and just listened. 8 incredible jams (and songs). Each with its own story and journey. Who wins? I'm not sure, but there is definetely something about February...it's like a Great Awakening.

Most voted match-up since 1st half of round 1!

Love to see EMG move on here!

I’ve been trying to not let video/lights affect my decisions, and vote purely for the music.

If Geodde was a factor, then I’d prob give the nod to Mad here.

Schrödinger is the real JOTY

These are both Muy bueno
1 beats 2

How do you decide between these two? I may have to just flip a coin.

Schrödinger - has anyone told you today how much of a legend you are? If not, let me be the first.

Re vote count: its true, I voted most every single round before this within a few hours if not immediately, but for this one I intentionally gave some listens before I engaged.. I hope we'll see more show in the next 12 hours!

This is Goose’s version of the 1992 NCAA tournament #1 Duke vs #2 Kentucky Elite Eight matchup…

My vote and hope is that Laettner misses the shot this time around and EMG moves on

This EMG is more satisfying but the Mad felt like a new accomplishment for the band. They reached new levels here. Not my fav JOTY but I think the most important

teddeadjed -

There are still 13 hours left, but there may be some JOTY fatigue and there was also a saboteur whose weapon of choice was collective punishment - isn't it ironic? don't ya think?

I think each year the administration of the JOTY will get better and better.

Phish JOTY you literally reply to a .net thread and some person goes through and hand counts. LOLOL

Like using an abacus vs. a fresh new Casio calculator watch

Came To Play/Don't Go Back To Rockdale /Matt Ross/lolbsky

N.B. - Be Kind. No Bullying, No Pile-Ons, No Canceling.

You never know what someone might be going through or where their headspace is at.

Judge people by their conduct at shows, not your personal profile of their politics or worldview. Anyone is capable of SA or Harassment.
Inclusivity means ALL are welcome.

And don't yuck anyone's yum. Have a sense of awareness of your space and whether you're blocking people or chomping or being a general d-bag.

When you're at a show or an adjacent event, introduce yourself to someone who is by themselves and chat for a couple.

If we want to tout the awesomeness of our fanbase we have to walk the walk.

- This message is sponsored by Pete Shapiro, Astroturf, and Wilton High School A.V. Club.

The most shocking thing about the results so far is only 380 votes so far 13 hours in.

1st round Torero 6/19 vs One In, One Out 2/14 got 491 votes. Wat

An overhyped Raleigh copycat or the JOTY? Easy pick.

Yall, can you believe we have to choose between these songs??? My goodness.. When the options are so varied and so universally fantastic, the nuances of taste and attachment take over. If you’re familiar with my Instagram I did a huge project to dive into the meaning of Madhuvan and used the world of Twin Peaks to contextualize both that song and Jed Stone.. but I digress. I gave them both a few listens again today and ultimately went with Madhuvan, but for all the EMG fans, let me share my EMG story:

This year I fell in love with EMG. The last and only time I heard it before 2025 was in Carnation. A hometown show, and I had just spent the whole first set breaking it down with my buddy Annie (who also came to Goosemas this year!) When EMG came on after a sick Borne jam and Turned Clouds, I took a piss.. bc that’s how I felt about EMG, everyone must go to the toilet… fast forward to Feb 2025 they bust out these insane jam versions in MKE and GR. Holy shit, what a tune!! So I went from avoiding to looking for it.. and I wouldn’t you know I got it in my next and only planned show for 2025 at the time in Spokane. Thx to this search, the immaculate vibes, and a little chemical assistance — my heart was open and they crushed this 16min version that hit me in just the right way.

Spokane got 0 love in JOTY, but trust there are no bad Goose shows and the best one is always the next one. I needed no convincing to go to Boise the next day, I just needed a ride. That is another story!

Madhuvan has nice dark jams. EMG has a great jam but doesn’t have the fire Madhuvan does.

2/15/25!
I did all three nights in GR, but this show was my 16-year-old son's first Goose concert. I watched him melt into pure bliss with the first chords of Give It Time to open, and he stayed right there throughout the show. I can't remember the last time I saw him move and sing so freely. The whole night was a freigt train. And then came the encore. 726 with perfect touch and beauty, right until it fell down a deep dark Madhuvan hole. This demented, yet disciplined jam, combined with the full force of the curtain lights, left our jaws on the ground. Walking out into two feet of snow and listening to all the other fans, it was clear we all felt we'd heard something special.

This EMG is great. If it clears today I hope it gets the JOTY. Since it looks like the end of the road for the GR Madhuvan, I just want to thank it for existing. It'll always be one of my favorite memories.

This EMG has all the qualities of a true JOTY- it tells a story, its creative, interesting and really showcases the bands vastly improving levels of communication.
The Madhuvan is good don’t get me wrong but it just doesn’t have the same umph, it’s goose dark jamming at its best no doubt but doesn’t have the peaks and valleys the EMG has. No attendance bias here as I was in the room for both of these, send this EMG to its rightful place in the Chip fr fr

Madhuvan is a beast. It gets heavy where it needs to. EMG is nice but if I'm in the audience, this thing sings

Wow finally 2 mamajamas met!

This is my first tuff call.

They both have the hectic parts.
They both had epic parts.
They both were tight.

I go with EMG. I really like how it built towards the last 5min. Felt the journey.

Boy this is fun. What will I do when this is over. 😏

this EMG is gorgeous.

If EMG pulls this off, it’s going all the way!

Easy EMG for me here. An absolutely fire jam that would definitely be a more than acceptable JOTY! Was number 3 on my list. This madhuvan was around 30 on my list. I understand that it gets out there and is whacky and unique, but I just do not enjoy listening to this jam very much. It makes me feel pretty shitty. I was insanely surprised it was the top seed after bracket submissions, especially after hearing talk of nothing but 2/7 madhuvan the whole year. I like jams that I enjoy listening to, and when it comes down to it I don’t enjoy listening to this jam very much at all. Sorry Ryan storm, may be the end of this one’s journey

Don't sweat the matchup too much.

Every year there will be flaws and some things that may need to be improved. Feedback is good. But no reason to get too worked up over it.

Thanks again YR and Hosewood and the dude from the west coast with a weird screen name, and anyone else who contributed, for killing it! despite a big wrench thrown in there.

Goose JOTY is leaps and bounds better than any JOTY out there. Profesh. Gold Standard.

I've observed over a sample size of 5 years that the Goose community takes a wrecking ball to every other fanbase.

There are many reasons for that, not the least of which is we're all-in on everything. No half-assing anything.

Which is part of why we're the GOAT fanbase

The hate from other fanbases is all envy because we're winners. winners win.

NB - we're also WAY better at music and life.

Came To Play/Matt Ross/Oppression lover/Equality hater

Gave these two another spin. The Madhuvan has sections that are truly mind blowing but to my ears this style of dissonant controlled chaos is a tough listen for an entire jam. Thrilling in the room I’m sure.

The EMG feels like a completed story with different acts. It has this beautiful eeriness that’s really hard to describe (particularly from around the 13:50 mark on).

Going EMG here but will probably still vote against if it faces my beloved AIN in a future round.

I voted Madh. Inventive and relentless

Love EMG too. It's more palatable and so elegant toward the end. with a sick reentry and outro.

this wasn't easy. looks like EMG might advance. Not sure what my fave is now?

Came to Play/Matt Ross/Lol Bsky

I agree with others who are saying that the bracket should be changed to be #1 jam vs #8 jam, I think it would encourage bracket making and make seeding more meaningful.

This Madhuvan is my favorite jam ever played by Goose, this jam has been #1 on my playlist from the final note, all the way to the end of the year. This is one of those moments where the band is truly locked in telepathically for the entire jam. The band seamlessly moves through this jam despite the insane chaos happening throughout it, the best way to describe it is that It feels rehearsed. Not a single second is wasted in this jam as Rick and Peter immediately settle on a guitar riff, in favor of the normal transitional phase that is normally just noise. Rick and Peter’s playing are so vivid and expressive while also being groundbreaking and wicked. Trevor’s thick and elemental bass beams as the band hits a cool down before their fiery ascension to the peak. The jam starts to unwind itself and Rick and Peter go nuts. They’re playing with such a raw and primal chaos that is somehow perfectly contained and complementary. The band proceeds to hit one of their strongest peaks ever where every member is playing with an electric confidence and passion. The perfect ending to a tour. Goeddes lights were so immersive and walking into the thick GR snow was the perfect cooldown after such an insane jam.

This EMG is some of the richest jamming all year but it lacks that wow moment that makes Madhuvan so special.

Reminds me of the 2005 ALCS

Feel like it's fairly consensus that Grand Rapids is the best run of the year but I think the Vegas odds right now would have a Milwaukee vs Milwaukee final as the top possibility. Interesting.

If EMG wins here I'm all in for GR Dripfield from the other side of the bracket.

GUYS. Please don't make me get wine drunk and ted talk my husband about this again. 2/15 Madhuvan IS the JOTY!!!!!

Guys to echo earlier comments, this is the true finals, championship, and Super Bowl of this bracket tournament. 😂😂😂. No need to vote anymore past today.

These two, along with my personal JOTY (GR half-step) are for me a major step better than all the other top jams of 2025. However slightly, I prefer the Madhuvan. It is wild yet cohesive, dissonant but free flowing and builds to an absolutely jaw-dropping peak. Was gratified to see that it is Peter’s favorite too (aat 16 review at 40:45 -45:00). And likewise for him, this EMG next. The EMG is also fabulous. So many themes, builds, ornaments and resolutions. Love them both but for me Madhuvan it is. It seems like a seeding snafu that the 5 seed is up against the 1 seed in the quarters (1 vs 8, 2 vs 7 etc). But that is what it is. Either way IMO the winner here should be the JOTY

Madhuvan fatigue has hit!

This is the true final right here. The top 2 jams head to head. I have gone back and forth all year but went with Madhuvan. Surprised to see the gap right now... I bet it closes and this ends closer than people think right now. Folks are just finishing their Wednesday morning beers in Michigan.

Ryan vs Neal, choose your character

Wow. And here i thought i was in the minority... EMG was a pretty easy vote for me.

who is picking this EMG over this mad? WHO who who?

KINGHUVAN

This is insane lol there’s no way

This Madhuvan is the only thing that's still alive and kicking in my bracket ... and it's already looking grim for my JOTY pick. Almost everything in my Elite Eight has been ravaged like a cow in a river full of Piranhas (Philly Myst, Toronto Pancakes, GR EMG, NH FITS, Bend Thatch, Boise Rosewood)... which has badically made my Final Four null and void as well.

Love all of what's left (SF Hoffman, Columbus Wysteria, GR Dripfield, Chicago Tumble, Milwaukee EMG and Madhuvan, New Haven All INeed), but feel a lot like Nancy from Step Brothers after the giant, front yard fight scene... standing in a state of disbelief and seriously asking "What the fucking fuck"?

In a just world, these jams would be split up with each matched up against one of the two from yesterday. But, alas, we live in a cruel world.

GR MADHUVAN SUPREMACY. WE WILL NOT BE DEFEATED, RISE UP.

My #1 vs. my #3 overall. Voting EMG. Make *my* JOTY *ours*.

The clash of the titans…gonna listen one last time whilst doing chores and will vote with my heart. That being said all of Feb will remain my Joty25. But likely to go with this EMG~ it beckons~

Funny, I actually dug the 2/13 EMG more than this one, but what do I know? Oh yea, I know I prefer this Madhuvan to the 2/7 one, so there ya go... Happy to cast another losing vote in good conscious...

✔️ Madhuvan 😁

its taken me a full year to appreciate this EMG but its finally clicked. But I know I'm in the minority in that neither of these were top ten jams for me. Always preferred GR EMG over MKE. This Mad is absolutely crazy, but only really liked it for the peak at the end and preferred other Mad jam sections. Alas, my JOTY pick at this point will end up being winner of Tumble/AIN in a few days

Voting for Madhuvan which is my #1 ranked jam, EMG is my #2. These probably should have been in different regions if these are two of the top 5 overall ranked jams, similar to how the NCAA tournament is put together. Judging by some of the comments/backlash on social media and this site, Madhuvan is likely going down. At least Peter got it right.

I voted with my heart.

I agree with Ghost, today feels like the JOTY Super Bowl. Similar to Rams and Seahawks. Two of the best jams of the year going up against each other In the elite 8.

I've had Madhuvan above EMG all year. Of course I relistened, and similar to every other time I have relistened, I think "This EMG is the JOTY." Agreed it sounds more composed than improv'd. But then the jam turns at 13:30. Similar to Bend Thatch, starts so amazing, starts 11/10, but I just don't get into the second half of the jam.
I'll vote Madhuvan, but only by the tiniest of Peter's mustache hairs.

I consistently had this EMG ranked ahead of this Madhuvan from the time they were played until now, so I'm sticking with that and going "upset" here. This is truly an epic vs. epic battle, so there are no losers here. But someone has to go. I'm going with the Goat EMG and it's endless start-to-finish relistenability. Sometimes, only sometimes, I fast forward this Madhuvan to its closing few minutes. Fair? Probably not, but something has to nudge me in a direction. This is a good problem to have.

If the Goose Bracket were the 2026 NFL Playoffs, this matchup would've been the NFC Championship Game (Seahawks versus Rams). Everyone felt like that game was the real Super Bowl because it featured what everyone saw as the two best teams.

I prefer the “other” madhuvan and its glorious peaks to the intentionally discordant version from GR which I find to be the most overseeded in the bracket. Attendance bias in full effect but mke Emg ftw

EMG for me. I prefer this EMG over 2/13 and the Madhuvan from Milwaukee over this one, even if this one is still fantastic and 2/15 is still my show if the year.

My #1 and my #2 going up against each other in the E8. This seeding sucks lol

I know a lot of others are in the same boat today

But I'm going with my #1, MKE EMG, which also happens to be the same #1 as Peter and Neal. We are so cool

May the best jam win!

No losers today (unless a loss blows your bracket)

EMG all day here - cool Madhuvan, especially the early part of the jam, but I’ll take 2/7 monster peak energy Madhuvan over 2/15, and fully expect this EMG to win JOTY when it’s all said and done.

This EMG is everything I love in a Goose jam. The first section sounds like it could be a written piece of music instead of improv, then the tension builds until you feel like you’re going to explode, followed by the biggest peak of the year that gives me goosebumps every time.

It’s incredible. This EMG is the JOTY.

My top two jams of the year and two of my favorite in-person Goose moments. The portal was fully open for both. AAT and the team who puts this contest together is goated, so don't get it twisted, but an error must have been made having these two in the same region. If EMG is the top #2 seed it should have been in the same region as the weakest #1 if we're using March Madness formatting.

Anyways this is the de facto championship with the only possible upset being the Reddit faction of the fanbase single handedly rallying behind the AIN in the final 4.

Wouldn't blame anyone for flipping a coin today. EMG has been my JOTY all year so sticking with that.

Number 1 for me (Mad) vs way down the board. The 2/13 EMG was the better version. Sorry not sorry. Good luck to all of you EMG stans

I think this Madhuvan jam is one of those that’s better in person… as far as relistening factor, EMG *should* easily win this match-up in my book.

This madhuvan is one of the most overrated jams on the board and I have no idea why it's being hyped up so much? The EMG is way more complex, varied, and interesting.

The matchup we have all been waiting for. Let’s see if this EMG will be triumphant in defeating the type 2 monster of a Madhuvan. We shall see but my vote is EMG.

My #1 and #2 overall. There's no wrong outcome for this matchup and no matter what wins, we lose a fantastic jam while a fantastic jam moves on to the Final Four

That said, only one of these is my JOTY 😎 Listen to Peter!

EMG winning this matchup would not be an upset. It would be a fan correction of the seeding process. Remember that when you vote today.

Am I saying that EMG is significantly better than the Madh? Nope. But it IS better and the deserving winner of the JOTY. EMG all the way to the championship!

Trying not to pre-grieve my JOTY going out to GLC Mad tomorrow. I love this EMG so much. Holding out hope for an upset. 🙈

Unreal matchup. I keep thinking attendance bias is influencing me, but it isn’t. Just watched this encore on Nugs again tonight and in a word…INCENDIARY! Gotta stick w/ GRadhuvan for JOTMFY!!

Whichever song wins the Royal region seems most likely to be crowned JOTY. Was that on purpose?