From NEUOK@uwplatt.edu Thu Apr 11 08:48:38 1996
Subject: reviews

10/24/95  Dane County Coliseum  Madison,WI

set I
My Friend, My Friend
Paul and Silas
The Fog That Surrounds
Fee>
Llama
The Horse>
Silent in the Morning
Demand>
Maze
Wolfman's Brother
Acoustic Army
Prince Caspian
Split Open and Melt

Set II
Julius
Theme From The Bottom
Bouncing Around the Room
You Enjoy Myself>
Sleeping Monkey
Run Like An Antelope
Contact
Cavern
E: A Day In The Life

It was damn cold this day. The parking lot scene was pretty lame. But we did
happen to run across some kind "Mad Town" goodies, if you know what I mean. So
after drinking a few brews and freezing our asses off, we went inside. I don't
think it was sold out, but I can never tell at general admission shows, 
everybody pack up front. Finally the lights went down.

My Friend, My Friend: Always a good opener, I love how it builds, and then
releases with the driving bass. I especially like the laugh at the end, it
gives me shivers on my spine!

Paul and Silas: The first time I heard this one live. Its great. Saddle up and
head for the ho-down!!!

The Fog That Surrounds: This was the debut of the Fishman lyrics, and probaly
the official change from "Taste" to "Fog" It was kind of choppy this time, and
I just couldn't catch the beat. But later versions have improved.

Fee: Always a treat! It was permagrin time. And of course, the megaphone came
out. Pretty standard, but I don't think theres much room for improvisation on
this song except for the end.....

Llama: The end of "Fee" had its usual fade out, but them continued into a
really spacey and short jam, which proceeded into Llama. This got us moving.
I think the jam was a little longer than usual. Depress, Depress!

The Horse>Silent in the Morning: We heard the first notes of "Horse" and
screamed with approval. I was hoping for something like "The Horse>Mike's Song" 
But we got the traditional "Silent", my first at that.I like the way Page and
Trey create the bouncy feeling in this song. Page sounded wonderful. As did the
rest of the band. Such a pretty song.

Demand: I was very suprised at this. But at the time I couldn't remember the
name, and everyone I asked during intermission didn't know it either. I was
suprised to find out that they only played it 4 times in '95."....throwing beer
cans at the stairs"

Maze: Right from "Demand" came "Maze". A great version! I really thought I was
in a maze. The place was going WILD!! Good Vibe! The pipe organ in the middle
sounded really good.

Wolfman's Brother: A good version, But I think this song lacks something when
it's played live without the horns. 

Acoustic Army: I like this portion of the show. The whole band on acoustic
guitars, KILLER! A lot of people cheering prematurely though. But its cool.

Prince Caspian: Im sorry to say, but I really don't care for this song. I mean,
it was played just fine, but something is missing. I don't know what, but it
just lacks something in my opinion.

Split Open and Melt: A kick ass version! A great way to close the set. The jam 
was neverending. I thought it was going to end, but they would just pound it
right back in your face. The jam had to last 15 minutes, at least! Then the 30 
minute long 15 minute intermission.       

O.K. now for set II of 10/24/95

Julius: An unusual set opener that just rocked the house! Very different from
traditional versions. Very energetic. I really enjoyed this one! We moved up to
the last row directly head on with the the stage so we could perform some extra
cirricular activities. We were jammin".

Theme From The Bottom: One of my favs of the new songs. This song IS Phish,
rather than "Caspian". The middle part is the best. The singing in the round
is great. And during that jam, the light show made me feel like i was actually
under water! Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bouncing Around The Room: This got it's usually screams. What more can I say,
short and sweet.

You Enjoy Myself: The epitimy of Phish.(in my opinion)A pretty good version.
Great part of the set. This song has evovled so much, from earlier versions. It
was nice and long, and I think we got the tramps, but I can't remember. I don't
know what it is but they play this song at every show I go to. The vocal jam
was evil as hell! They were chanting "balucifer" over and over. The lights for
this were amazing! It was totally mind boggling!

Sleeping Monkey: My first, and a nice letdown from the crazyness of YEM. Nice
smooth jam. The Fishman part is hilarious. "Hooommee on the Traaaaaiiiiinnnn"

Run Like an Antelope: A thorough work out this time aruond, but not even
comparable to Halloween. I guess I have a little bias on this one.

Contact: A nice goofy song. Mike sounded pretty good. Beautiful bass jam in the
middle. This was another rare '95 song. I like it!

Cavern: Typical set closer.

E: A Day in the Life: Perfect encore. nice sounding, but not as good as Red
Rocks, But a nice way to end the night, and send us home!

All in all this was a really good show. No major screw ups, and there it was a
really nice set list, and the crowd was cool. I give it an 8 out of 10. simply
because my next show was Halloween, what else can I say.
                                              Stoney