9-28-99 -- Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Pelham, Alabama

review submisions dws@www.phish.net or dws@gadiel.com

Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 14:46:52 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
From: Ashley Holmes holmes@arches.uga.edu
Reply-To: jessdan@arches.uga.edu
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Pelham, Alabam-Oak Mountain Amp

        The drive to the show wasn't exactly great being that I had to
study for a bitch of an anthropology exam the next day.  (My friends,
who also had exams the next day, and I even joked about quitting school
for a semester an following Phish till NYE--strangely enough there was
a hint of seriousness in our comments)  Anyhow, we arrived in Pelham
after a sorta long drive from Athens in high spirits.  Lot scence
was...wet, yet laid back.  I didn't see a single cop the whole time.  I
also saw quite a few people jump the fence with no problems.
        To the show...
I've been reading a lot of these reviews and it seems the general
consensus is that the 1st set wasn't the greatest in many's eyes.  I
have to admit that it wasn't the best, yet many songs were played that
got me and my friends groovin'.
WOLFMAN'S:  In my opinion, it was a funky jam that got an anxious crowd
of fans in the groove mood.  Not a single soul around me wasn't
smiling srom ear to ear.
SALLY:  Saw it at Oswego but enjoyed more in Pelham.  Probably due to
the fact that I couldn't even see the band from where I was standing in
Volney.  Anyway, the funk was being laid on thick and nicely led into...
TUBE:  WOW!  This song made everyone bust a move.  Probably one of, if
not the best I've seen.  The first three songs of set one got me goin'.
GINSENG:  Probably a good place for this song, allowing the crowd to
chill a bit, but not one of my favorites.  I did my little
bluegrass/county diddy and enjoyed it.
ROGGAE:  One of my friends labels this a a beer-getting song, but I beg
to differ.  It may not cause you to want to stand up and boogie, but
the band was on it and probably on of the better Roggaes I've heard.
MAZE:  Good gravy!!  Who wasn't losing their shit to this song.  I
though it rocked in the ATL this summer, but Phish impressed the hell
out of me.  This is definately one song in the first set that cannot be
criticized by anyone.
VELVET SEA:  I'll spare you the sob story, but this one is tear-jerker
for me.  As somewhat new as this song is, it holds a lot of emotion for
me.  My friends and I started an arm-linking, shoulder swaying line of
love for this one...tears for me, yet still smiling.
HOOD:  Decent set closer, but it didn't seem as if the band was all
about this one.  Glow sticks almost wacking band members is not cool!
If one falls near you, my opinion is that you keep it for the memory or
give it to someone who wants it more than you.  Who wants one of the
band members to be out of commision due to a runaway glowstick!?
Set 2
FARMHOUSE:  Good opener, I almost expected it b/c I've seen it paired
with Velvet Sea more than once.  Another song replete with emotion for
me due to certain lyrics.  Does anyone share this view...?
HEAVY THINGS:  Hell yea.  Saw this in Asheville on the solo tour and
liked it a lot.  Doesn't really pick up too much but still evokes a
good feeling.
TUBE:  Again, I enjoyed it.
TWEEZER:  I also thing this is a song that I get tired of seeing due to
it being on so many tapes I own, yet I always eat my words when I see
it live.
MAKI:  Gotta love the funky grooves of this song.  Real long and
dreamy, but kept me lively.
CHALKDUST:  Holy shit!! I know everyone's reviews consist of the same
response, but I've got to add my 2 cents.  When the band busted into
the song, I wasn't too excited b/c once again it is a song i have seen
numerous times, but this time I rekindled a dying ember.  This song
raged from beginning to end.  My friend John and I would look at each
other every time theyy brought it back harder than the first and we
would lose our minds!  Also, the dude who was groovin with me and John
during the second set ruled.  The three of us hyped each other up with
smiles and laughter.
YEM:  Hadn't seen it in a while.  I was definately excited to hear the
beautiful opening notes.  Vocal jam rocked the joint.  It took me and
my pal Becca a second of ear-straining to pick it up, but as soon as we
did we were freakin out.
E: Halley's:  Very glad to hear it for the second time ever.  It
surprised the hell out of me though.
TWEREP:  Always a great show ender.  It builds you up to let you out in
the lot and keep the nigh rockin.

Peace to you al.  Can't wait to see you NYE.
ps; everyone needs to wear the most outrageous outfits for the show ;-)
----------------------
Ashley Holmes
holmes@arches.uga.edu              


Date: Sat, 02 Oct 1999 17:26:01 -0700 From: "HELTON, PATSY" STEVE@NETVA.COM To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 9-28-99 review for you Well, thanks first goes out to the rain gods for keeping the storm barely hovering, dryly, over the show. I think the minute that Tweezer Reprise ended, the rain started again. But now lets get down to business. The phab phour came valantly on stage and then they paused, and paused, and Trey drank from his electric cup and told Page that Wolfman was the opener. It wasn't nothing to rave about, but it still said to me that these guys have now perfected the song to a T. Sally was Sally and First Tube was a little funky, but Ginseng Sullivan was definatley what stood out to me in the first set. They always play this as a little country diddy' , but for some reason they added a little more of that bluegrass funk than usuall, you know, the kind like in My sweet One, the kind that makes you want to jump up and kick your heels together. Then Hood and the whole glow thing to end. then came a 45 minute intermission. Second set got down right funky during Sand (aka Pistol), trey was bouncin' and playing his hollowbody like a bad ass, complete with the windmill swings. It was what really stood out to that point, and then it happened. For the 4th show in a row, YEM takes off, complete with trampolines and a tease of Sweet Home Alabama in the insane vocal jam. Makisupa Policeman was nice too (keyword scccchhhhhwag) and I am just wondering if the boys called this one due to the excessive Pelham Policeman patroling with flashlight all over the place. The encore was a nice Halley's Comet (my first) and a predictable Tweezer Reprise. Overall, if this was your first show, well, rest in peace, because you probably died. I mean wolfman, sally, tube, tweezer, hood, chalkdust (which also jammed), roggae, velvet sea, trampolines, teases, glowwars, the list goes on. WOW! there were alot of songs that were played in this place that were played in a much bigger venue known as Oswego County Airport. If this was my first show I would have went nuts! It wasn't and I still almost did. It was the only show I could catch in the fall, but definately worth every cent. And speedy recovery to Page who was on crutches, were all behind you big guy;) And if anyone has this show on tape, i would love to hear it again. Steve Helton steve@netva.com
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 12:08:55 -0600 From: Bill Massey masseyb@mindspring.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Phishing in B'ham 9-28-99 at Oak Mountain was my 10th show and it was incredible. School and now a job has limited the number of shows I have seen, but I consider myself lucky, I have seen some great ones....Mud Island, Jazz Fest., Halloween @ The Omni, the Fox in Atlanta. And, it never ceases to amaze me how these guys are able to expand and improve their music. Not much of a review here, just a few comments: The first set was good, nothing out of the ordinary. Maze was super energized and I was a little disappointed with the Hood ending(but still loved it.) Roggae and Velvet Sea are two of the newer songs I like, especially after I read how Velvet Sea is about Trey getting kicked out of school. The sceond set was excellent. It was the first time for me to hear First Tube and this tune was so incredible, I thought I would lose it. All four of the guys seemed to be jamming as hard as they could. I haven't heard another version yet, but if you can, get a hold of this tape just to hear it, it blew me away. My first Halley's too and I thought they played it a little slower then what I've heard on tape, but it was still top notch. Anyway, I was glad to see the boys return to my hometown, and I hope everyone had a good time. And don't wait another 5 years to come back 8'b
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 1999 00:32:52 -0400 From: John Milham jmilham@tiac.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: oak mtn...The Pelham, Al. Show Hello everyone, I have been reading some reviews from the Oak. Mt show in Pelham, Al. I have seen 57 shows since 1993 and I thought the show ROCKED!!! I live in Boston now, but i'm from Bama and I would have never guessed such a spectacular setlist. Yes, some have written that there were some people there that "did'nt know an AC/DC Bag from a Wedge or something like that , but SO FUCKING WHAT there was a time when you did'nt know that either. In my opinion every new person that joins the family is welcome w/ open arms in my book. Phish makes musically illiterate people actually learn to LISTEN to music and not stand around waiting for the chorus that they can sing along too. I thought the show was kick'in balls and if someone thinks they can write a review and have a clue about what they are talking about I would love to read it. My dissapointment is only in those people who critisize the music. I have been playing music professionally for 8 years and these guys (Phish) are taking music to a different level. I am a jazz performance major at Berklee School of Music I listen to each aspect just as you do also and being a musician I know some nights are on and some are'nt so my point is ,Don't spend so much time saying "this show sucked" "that one wasn't as good as this one" or "i'm sick of hearing that song" if you are going to dog the show.......DON'T GO!!!!!! Trey, Mike, Fish, and Page are people, just like us and if they were a little cold or not as jammin one night as they were another night.....so what!!!! or if the "jam" wasn't good enough for you, then go find a band that will apease you as much. I bet you won't find one. I think that giving a review is a good thing but know what your talking about, don't judge people at the show,you should never do that anyway and go and always expect a good performance, some better than others, but they are all worth your $25.00. I say the Pelham show was great and was proud to see a great show in my homestate. Thank You, John M
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 19:57:42 -0400 (EDT) From: Evan Brown PHISH99@webtv.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Pelham, Alabama review This was my 14th show and only one of the fall tour. Lot: Pretty laid back. I saw quite a few cops but not one actually doing anything. The rain provided for an interesting atmosphere. Amphitheatre: Decent, but would be a lot better without the panoramic view of the commercial center of Pelham complete with Arby's, Comfort Inn, etc. First set: Wolfman's, Sneakin Sally, Tube, Ginseng, Roggae, Maze, Velvet Sea, Hood Wolfman's: I've seen this tune 6 times, but I really enjoyed this one. Good choice for an opener. Short, but fulfilling jam. Sally: Hell yeah, first one of the tour! Well played with a wicked little groove in the middle. Tube: Wow! Instead of Page leading the jam initially, Fishman hit this pulsating groove that the band rode for a while. The most ambient and most innovative Tube I've ever heard. Ginseng: Well placed and well played. Roggae: I really like this tune. This jam seemed like it was starting to go places I've always wanted them to go with Roggae but stopped short. Oh well, still a beautiful song. Maze: Pretty insane, but I have to admit Page lost me for a while on this one. When I reconnected this Maze sent me reeling. One word: Kuroda! The man was so on all night! Velvet Sea: I feel some personal connection to this one, so I loved it. But I can understand people considering this song cheesy. Hood: You could tell Fishman called this one along with another tune you may have heard of in the second set. Up until this point I have had mixed feelings about the glowsticks, but here all it provided was an effective distraction from Mr. Hood. And I always cringe when I see some dickless piece of shit hurl one 90 miles per hour right over Gordon's head. Anyway, you gotta love a first set Hood no matter what. Mellow set break. Seemed a little longer than usual. Second set: Farmhouse, Heavy Things, First Tube, Tweezer > Makisupa, Chalkdust, YEM Farmhouse: I love this song. At first I was a little thrown by it's placement as a second set opener, but this version was impossible to dislike. Heavy Things: Great tune. Catchy progression. Trey was all smiles during this one, which has a lot of potential, imo. 1st Tube: Holy shit! I had never heard this tune before, but I knew what it was immediately due to the descriptions of it I had received in the lot. This song is fuckin incredible! Trey started jumpin, and then the crowd started jumpin, and man it was absolute bedlum! Tweezer: Niiiice! Very good version with a silky smooth jam. Towards the end people began to clap in unison with Fishman's snare. Gradually the drums fizzled out and all that remained were the claps providing the backbone for Trey's soloing. Great moment. This segued into... Makisupa: Keyword "Schwag". I think this refered to all the cops and the lack of diggity at this show. Good spacey version. Chalkdust: I knew we'd get this one tonight. Wasn't too excited at first but this absolutely raged! Lights and Music reached many peaks. Hoped it wouldn't close the set. YEM: Oh Yes! This was the other one Fishman called. Outstanding version with phat bass soloes. Trey almost fell of his tramp! An insane vocal jam with Sweet Home Alabama tease. Perfect closer. Encore: Halley's > Tweeprise Halley's: Good choice. Caught everyone off guard. The jam only lasted about 20 seconds before going into... Tweeprise: I guess they were understandibly tired. Aside from that, a great way to end the show. All in all this show was very, very good. Highlights were Tube, First Tube, and YEM. Oh yeah, I read a review of this show where some guy stated that Trey said to expect great things to come from Set 2 and implied that he was meant that as an apology for a poor first set. Sorry, but you failed to mention Trey saying that they had a lot of fun the last time they played in Alabama and are having EVEN MORE FUN THIS TIME! This show simply rocked.
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 1999 00:38:39 EDT From: JamesLife4@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Oak Mountain Review This is for anyone who may still be interested in the performance at Oak Mountain. The phirst set was just phine. I still don't get all of you that try and criticize a setlist for being no good. The band does get tired you know. Everything that phlowed through the amps was to the point and clear. They were having a great time. Who cares if Trey doesn't usually make verbal contact with the crowd. He probably saw a couple of dickheads slamming the set, so he felt he should pump them up. The roggae was so dreamlike. This is exactly what Mike considers Phish to be, so what the hell? I heard so many people killing the show. It's too bad that you expect the band to always lift you up off of your boring stools of life and booze. Nothing lacked in the show but a good Alabama "Possum", which didn't upset me in the least. The "Wolfman's" was great, "Sneakin Sally" isn't my favorite but I can't complain. "Velvet", "Tube", "Harry", "Delta Home", "Heavy Things" (great adventure jam), "Maze" ( wow! best I've ever heard), "Halley's", "Tweezer" , "YEM" ( BOY!), etc. It's just too bad it didn't quench some of your thirsts. I've been to 20+ shows and had no complaints. The "Makisupa" was even crowd oriented for crying out loud, and the "First Tube"( woa!). I hope that some of you will open your minds up a little more. They're only a rock and roll band. The circus is the place for me.
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 16:40:07 EDT From: Elliot Smith bakesaleboy@hotmail.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Review of 9/28/99 Oak Mountain Amphitheatre - Pelham, AL This was my 9th show since summer of '97, which isn't too many, but its enough to where I feel I can give a good review. Pre-Show Lot: What an extremely calm scene. I think the rain kept some people from comin out early but there was still some here and there. Security did absolutely nothing to stop the minimal amount of vending that was goin on. Overall, a fun but wet scene. Set I: Wolfman's: A truly unpredictable opener. Great opener with a thick funk jam that wasn't too long, but was just long enough. Nothing too amazing here as far as I can remember. Sneakin Sally: Oh yes! I've been waiting to hear this one since they brought it back on 12/30/97 (?) Anyway, I was not dissapointed buy any means at all. This only continued the sick, thick funk from Wolfman's and turned it up a few notches as well. Tube: There was a bit of discussion between the band before they started this one, but then the energy began. What a tremendous Tube! It was just funk mixed with soooo much raw power, I didn't know what to do with myself at this point. Ginseng: I figured they were gonna take it down a few notches after that Tube and this was a welcome song. I was surprised that this was the only bluegrassy/country/folkish song that was really played all night, being that we were in Alabama and all. ;-) Roggae: Such a beautiful song. I remember someone talking about brown and gold balloons flying during this song, but I didn't see any. The jam at the end was so sweet. MAZE: Everyone so far has said that this was the highlight of the first set, THEY AREN'T LYING. This was the greatest version of Maze that I think I've ever heard. I was wondering when Page would finally step it up and this was it. Speaking of Page, does anyone know what happened to him?? He was on crutches. :-( Towards the end Trey brought the song up and then back down atleast 5 times and Chris was right with him on the lights, it was pure madness. Wading: After the Maze things had to get cooled back down again. This song is lyrically one of my favorites. A fairly typical version. HARRY HOOD: Ok, I knew that Wading wouldn't close the set, but Hood? I just about soiled myself when I heard Fish's intro. The overall band intro to this one (ya know how they play that groove and then stop and play it again etc....) went on for a looooong time. They must've built it and stopped atleast 10 times and I'm not exaggerating. I always love to watch the glow rings fly, but I wish that less sticks would be thrown and more rings, because those sticks hurt when you get hit with 'em. What a great way to close a dank set. Trey mentioned before ending the song how they hadn't been in Alabama since '94 and that Oak Mountain was one of their favorite venues. He also mentioned that there was a lot of good stuff to come, and he wasn't joking. Set II: Farmhouse: What a surprise to open the set. I absolutely love this song, its so happy and carefree. The end was jammed out pretty good. Heavy Things: This was my first time hearing this song but I really really dig it. It seemed that they band couldn't take it anywhere though and the jam just kind of stayed in the same place, repeating itself over and over again, but I really like this song all the same. First Tube: Another first for me, but I am soooo down with this one. Trey was loving the crowd, jumping with the beat and then the crowd starting jumping with him. Being that this was my first of First Tube I can't really compare it as being a great version or not, but what a sweet ass song. Tweezer: Ohhhhhh yeah! What a great Tweezer! Really really funky and then really really spacy. Trey was using his keyboard a lot and him and Page were doin some wonderful things while Mike was layin down some phat grooves. Then, Mike suddenly started playing the familiar intro to..... Makisupa: I have wanted to hear this song for sooooooo long. Keyword bein "Schwag", I booed that at first because no one likes Schwag, but oh well. This was jammed out pretty good. CHALKDUST TORTURE: Can you say "greatest version ever"???? I have never heard a better version of this tune, I am positive of this one. Once again though, it would not have been nearly so great if it weren't for the amazing lights of Chris Kuroda. The energy was totally sick, you have to hear this one. YEM: I couldn't have guessed this to save my life. This was the greatest version of this song that I've ever seen (7/23/97,8/6/98,7/1/99) from purely musical content. This composed parts were completely flawless. The jam melted my brain and then the vocal jam... WOW! They were pretty much doin the groove acapella and then Trey started to sing the chorus to Sweet Home Alabama. Then he sang the first verse. Just get the tapes, period. Encore: Halley's: Gotta love the unpredictability, don't ya? This was a pretty standard version though, not much of a jam after the verses, Trey began playin up high on his fret board and suddenly we were in... Tweeprise: We knew it was comin, standard rocking version of the reprise, I always dig this one to close a show except the 11/22/97 version. (Bouncin, Tweeprise... just didn't fit the show at all, look at the setlist) On a scale of 1-10, I give this show an 8. Just get the tapes, period. Elliot Smith (BakeSaleBoy@hotmail.com)
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 19:10:09 EDT From: Garrettph@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Pelham review, (full this time) 38th show, 1st of Fall tour for me. Joined the masses for an evening of 100% humidity here at the Redneck Red Rocks, (due to the stunning panorama of fast-food joints and hotels behind the stage, btw). Anyway, I'm here to explain myself further to all of those that completely ripped me for dogging the first set. I'll begin by saying that at age 34, it takes a little more to get me off these days, and if the set didn't grab me, it didn't grab me! I would also suggest that, based on an informal poll during setbreak, most of the people there didn't know a Halley's from an AC/DC bag anyway. I'm led to believe these are the same people that gave the first set raves in their review. I found some tourheads that know their shit and totally agreed with me that the first set wasn't all that, one even said it literally put him to sleep. But I digress; on with the review... The boys emerged earlier than a half-hour late, which is always a bonus, with all but Fish dressed in black, (who died?). Wolfman's: Smokin' version---promised big things to come. Sneakin': Jacked to hear this, my first one. DID NOT rock balls as I expected it to. (I'm thinking maybe the bass was lower this set or something). Page got off, (and he was in the forefront a lot this set, btw), but it didn't make me see God or anything. Tube: Always good to hear, but again, it didn't grab me and make me go with it---seemed disjointed is all I can say. Ginseng: Nice, clear solo from Trey and just a cool feel, bein in 'Bama and all. Roggae: Usually bores me to death---add another one to that list Maze: Completely jacked for this because the opening tease has taken me to Bowie like eight straight times. Finally got another Maze and it was really smoking until about halfway through the jam when they lost direction and it just seemed like they never got back on the same page the whole rest of the set. Wading: Usually love this tune, the set wasn't rolling for me, so this one must've gotten dragged down with it. Hood: Glad to hear this pop up, assuming it would salvage a rough Set 1. not exactly. Clearly the worst Hood I've ever heard out of 10 or so. No real energy from the stage as far as I could tell. To sum up set one: Trey gives a (very rare) little speech at the end saying how he's glad to be back in AL, blah, blah and then promises big things for the second set. Why would he do such a thing? Because he knew the first set was off and he was basically apologizing to the people who could tell. Why the hell else would he do that? Ever seen him promise to do well in the second set after a smoking first? Hell no! Anyway, I digress again. Set II Farmhouse: Like this song despite, or maybe because of Trey's paper-thin vocals that make him seem like he's pouring his heart out. Worried that this show was careening into the toilet, but the solo at the end was top-notch and it seemed like the energy was coming back. Heavy Things, First Tube: GREAT NEW SONGS! I'm hereby reminded of why I follow these fuckers around! Very smooth, subdued yet phat as hell jams, akin to parts of PYITE. The boys are obviously stoked to be playing this fresh shit and must love 1st tube to be playing it back to back. Every other concert act, you kind of dread the new songs---how great is Phish when they're the fricking highlight! Amazing. Tweezer: Great call, great slot---taking this one to different places in a big way---keeping it fresh on the heels of the new ones! Makisupa: Only my second ever, 1st since 94. Sweet end to a way-too-long wait. Great change of pace and just a really cool tune. Chalkdust: so tired of this song i could scream but was rocking my ass of in spite of myself. Amazing energy for this as usual. (to those who thought the first set rocked, *this* is what rocking is!) YEM: another one I'm sick of, but another one that has been re-tooled and is such a showcase for Phish's remarkable imagination that you can't help but dig it. Wish I could've heard the alleged "Sweet Home Alabama" in the vocal jam, but for some reason people felt compelled to have a clap-along that made any in-depth listening impossible...(if we only could've cleared out the people that thought the first set rocked...) Halley's: probably my favorite song if I had to choose with a gun to my head. Amazing feeling with this break-out! Not sure how quality it was 'cuz I was too busy dancing my ass of and just plain ecstatic to hear it. Tweeprise: Always a totally perfect way to end a positively searing set. To summarize, I can't remember more of a contrast between two set's quality. Set one was probably the worst I've seen, despite the stellar look on paper. Set two was easily top ten---definitely snag this tape!
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 12:49:00 +0000 From: Luke Bradshaw lbrad00@mail.fc.peachnet.edu To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Pelham show What a great place for a wonderful evening. This venue was the perfect size and the sound was terrific. After reading most of the reviews for this show, I'm disappointed in the fact that some supposedly long time fans would critic a show that was so good. What is the purpose of paying for the tickets and driving for hours, only to write up a review stating that one of the sets suck. If you can't enjoy the show, stay home. Otherwise show a little support for the band that you once were totaly into. I'm not going to go through each song as so many have already done a great job in describing. It was good to hear the new stuff, and Maze was on fire. Hood was very nice but I wish that the people who think it was the best could have heard it in Atlanta this year (Intense). Makisupa really made me smile, first time for me live and my wife's favorite song. Who would have thoughtt YEM? Really enjoy this one even if it is "common". The highlight of the evening for me was shaking Mike's hand in the lot. I saw him in two different places in the lot. After I saw him the first time, I went looking for some friends who were at the front of the lot. When I got close to their car, they took off through the lot. Overhearing someone saying that they were going to try and get an autoghraph, I knew Mike must be around. The funny thing was while Mike was sitting on his golfcart talking with the fans, One of the ladies that was parking the cars said in a tacky voice, "Hey! How about moving the golfcart out of the way!" He just smiled at us and drove on. Evidentally, she didn't know Mike from anyone else in the lot. This was a great show with the rain falling just enough to help cool us off. I really look foward to seeing them play here again. See you on the road. LB lbrad00@mail.fc.peachnet.edu
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 23:27:51 -0700 (PDT) From: Scottie fukerpants@yahoo.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Oak Mtn. Review We were among the first to arrive at the lot at 3 and the guys at the gate didn't exactly have it together, which caused some minor problems. The lot scene was very laid back with a slight drizzle pretty much the whole time leading up to the show. The cops were uncharacteristically cool and everyone seemed to be having a good time. As an Alabama resident I must apologize to all the out-of-towners who were expecting "skies so blue". We'll try to do better next time. This was my first time at Oak Mountain since they killed the lawn. Although I was initially saddened by the news of the lawn's demise I still found the venue to be comfortable and very cozy (and it sounded great!). Wolfman- Suprise opener. Deep funk exploration with mike laying down the thick grooves. By no means a long version but not too short, either. Well jammed out and concise. Sally- Very excited to hear this tune; a first for me. Very tightly played; an asteroid meandering through the same galaxy as the wolfmans jam then back through the alley and crash! Tube- this one burned. It raged through the opening verses and melted into a nice, spacy jam that seemed a bit longer than ususal. Excellent version and yes that's 1-2-3 phunk songs in a row! I couldn't believe it. Trey wraps it up and mike steps to the mic. Ginseng- still smokin'. I can't get enough of Mike's vocals and Trey was hitting some nice licks. Having a hard time standing up by the end of this tune... Roggae- very well placed and we took a nice little breather. Maze- Trey is a madman. It's a good thing I took that breather because this tune alone was enough to cause an aneurism! Insane, sick. The best maze I have ever seen and without a doubt the highlight of the first set. Velvet Sea- another much-needed breather. I always wince at the opening notes when I hear this song but it always gets hold of me before they're through. Hood- I never get tired of this tune. Nicely done although not a standout version or anything. Still, it was good in a way consistent with the rest of the first set. I can't exactly put it into words. Their sound has evolved quite a bit since the summer tour and it seems as though they're getting off on pushing the envelope again (like summer-fall 97). During the setbreak I couldn't help but wonder how on earth they could top the first set. Boy did I have it coming... Second Set: (which commenced after a :55 minute intermission; are they getting longer?) Farmhouse- once again I didn't see the opener coming. Definitely the best version I've heard out of something like 5. I think it was Trey's intense soloing that grabbed me... Heavy Things- I knew that the new material was coming after going the entire first set without any. A nice groovy song but the jam seemed kind of repetitive and drawn out. Still in the experimental phase no doubt. First Tube- WOW. I didn't have a clue what they were playing but I was dying to know. This tune rocks. The best of the new material hands down. Tweezer- Ironically I had just commented during the setbreak that it would be nice to hear a tweezer. I hadn't heard this tune in a good while and was thankful for this funky funky tweez. The jam was top-notch (as were so many other jams that night) and the crowd began clapping along with the band as the bass line slowly transformed into: Makisupa Policeman- YES! Finally! I wore my Makisupa shirt to the show in hopes of getting one (although not at all expecting to); very hyped to hear this carefree, mellow version. [keyword=schwag] Chalkdust- I always say this song follows me but I guess a lot of people could say that. However this version was easily the most ragin' I have ever seen. Trey was just frenzied and chris' lights nearly caused an all out cerebral meltdown for me. YEM- I called this one and it was an excellent set closer. They were on top of this one, although Trey almost couldn't stay on top of his trampoline during the jam. Must have got a little water on that tramp... the vocal jam was cool and I didn't even see where it was going until I heard the words "sweet home alabama" bleeding through. Nice touch. Was hoping and praying for a Halley's encore and once again the boys didn't disappoint. Halley's- Fairly short, standard version. It seemed like Trey cut the end off rather abruptly when he began his solo. I would have liked to have seen a nice jam develop but instead they went into Tweezer Rep- Still, a nice way to wrap up the most high-energy show I've ever seen. They were turned way, way up on this one. I was glad to hear Trey say that they liked Oak Mountain and I hope that they will return again and again. This was my first time seeing Phish in my home state and they sure showed us all one hell of a good time. What a memorable night.... see you in FL! scott
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 12:59:05 -0700 (PDT) From: Karla and Joe Papagni papagnis@yahoo.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Pelham show This was my 25th show and I have never written a review before. What compelled me to do so this time is the jack-ass who insists on ragging not only on the first set but on the entire venue and state of Alabama. Yes, I am from Birmingham and I do happen to know a Halley's Comet from an AC/DC Bag! I have seen shows from Vegas to Maine and I would definately rate this one in my top 5. I thought the Wolfman's set a nice, groovy theme that seemed to continue all night. in my opinion, the tube rocked fucking balls and the maze was out of this world-possibly the best I've ever seen. I had 2nd row seats and anyone who thought the band seemed less than energetic couldn't see Trey very clearly. He was smiling from ear to ear all night long. I think if he were APOLOGIZING for anything before the set break, it was for chosing to open for Dave Mathews at the last Oak Mountain show 5 years ago. I do agree that the 2nd set was amazing. The 2 new Trey songs blew me away. The tweezer was SO thick and funky. I don't really care for Chalkdust,either- I've probably seen it over a dozen times. But if every Chalkdust rocked this hard I would definately take it off of my "I hope they don't play this tonight" list. The build-ups from Trey were HUGE! I can't believe Mr.I hate Pelham couldn't hear the Sweet Home Alabama in the vocal jam. Did you have shit in our ears? What a cool and classy way to incorporate this ever so predictable tune into the evening. I was also very happy to hear Halley's Comet begin the encore but thought they cut it a little too short. I was hoping for a Comet that was Great Went calibur. Tweeprise was a fun way to end the show, as always. So to all of you out there who write reviews, keep in mind that stereotyping people is VERY uncool. signed, a very offended southern woman
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:46:17 EDT From: SKTEAM@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Phish at Oak Mtn. Well, this was my 25th show and what a show it was. The lot had absolutely no security and everyone seemed to be having a great time as usual. Anyway, on to the music. 1st set: Wolfmans: Very nice to hear them open the show with this. The jam was mellow, but had a nice deep groove to it. Wasn't all that long (less than 15min.) but it was tight and well played. Sneakin' Sally: Hadn't heard this since Merriweather 98, so it was a nice treat. Had another nice funk groove to it that was very smooth. Tube: Oh yeah! The jam was spacey, not like the ones I heard during the summer. Trey did a delay loop like in Ghost while Mike layed down the funk underneath it. Great long version. Ginseng: Kind of oddly placed given the first 3 songs. Standard Ginseng. Roggae: Beautiful version. Harmonies were sweet and the jam phlowed nicely. Maze: HOLY SHIT! The definite highlight of the first set. Just a completely sick version with Page going off on his part and Trey just building and building the ending up liike crazy. One of the best versions I've ever heard. Velvet Sea: Well played and a nice breath a fresh air after the AMAZING Maze. Hood: Almost every show I go to now, I hear this song. Nothing really special about this version. The jam at the end seemed kind of short, but all in all your typical well played Hood. Trey coments at the end that they were glad to be back in Alabama and were having a better time then they did last time thewere there. (94?) The first set was tight, funky and just very well played in every song. The Maze was the definite high point, but Wolfmans, Sally, Tube, and Roggae were also great versions. 2nd Set: Farmhouse: Definite surprise to open up the set. I was expecting Ghost, but this was the best Farmhouse I've heard out of the 6 I've heard live. Trey added that little something extra to his solo tonight which was just mesmerizing. I knew after this that the rest of the set was going to be good. Heavy Things: My first time hearing this one and I must say that I was very impressed. I love the chorus to it and the groove is just so smooth. Crowd seemed to get into this one. First Tube: Another first and this just blew me away. What a song! This really got the crowd fired up and Trey was just jumping up and down, just really getting into it, which everyone there fed off on. There was some feedback at the end of the jam that gave way to.... Tweezer: Hell yes! Hadn't heard this in a while and what a tight version this was. The jam was pure phunk with Mike just going off. After 15 min of just an amazing jam, it finally went into..... Makisupa: Another song that I hadn't heard in quite awhile. Keyword was "schwag". Nice long mellow jam with Trey messing around on the keyboard some. Just wonderful. Chalkdust: This version just simply ripped the place apart with trey building it up at the end about 6 times and Chris just going berserk with the lights. Completely crazy. YEM: I called this one, being they haven't played it since Shoreline. This version was just ......well, perfect. Composed part was flawless. Trey almost fell off the trampoline after the first jump to the right, but managed to hang on. The jam was THA SHIT! Just phunking it up all over the place, especially Mike who took 2 start- stop solos and Trey 1 in the middle of the jam. Then came the vocal jam which was completely crazy. You could kind of hear them sing the chorus to Sweet Home Alabama, but it wasn't really clear through all the other noises they were making. Best version out of the 9 I've seen live Encore: Halleys: Complete surprise. The vocals seemed kind of messed up alittle, but I could be wrong. The jam was really short but thats ok because it lead into..... Tweezer Rep.: Typically blazing rendition. What a show! Defenitily one of the best that I've ever seen. From top to bottom almost every song was On and Tight. Defenitily get this tape tp see what I'm talking about. See you at Hampton and Florida.
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 17:27:10 +0200 From: jeddmarcus@hotmail.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 9-28-99 Well, I was not at this show, as I am in Spain at the moment studying. I got on the computer today and I saw the review posted by Garret. I respect the fact that you posted another review to back up your view of the first set. After seing 32 shows myself, I also believe that sometimes a set just will not grab me. By looking at the setlists of this show, it definately looks incredible. One of the best of the tour so far, they took the energy of that show on to the Pyramid, where it looks like they RAGED BALLS. I just find it a little bit harsh to call the first set from OAk MOuntain to be the worst first set ever. Come on now man, excellent song selection. MAybe you had some exrtaneous thoughts going through your head or maybe you were not in a good section during the first set. Trey did not give that little speech because it was a bad set, he was feeling good about the hood to close and I bet you that the overwhelming majority fo the people there were also lovin it. soemtimes it just happens that something will grap you that otherīs are not turned on by. Iīm glad that you got down to the second set, because if you didnīt you would have wasted your money and your time. I just had to post my opinion on this one. This past summer and in my shows, I have seen some flat first sets and wolf mountain does not belong in that category. For example, the first set at the second night at PNC was very boring, but in the second set they went nuts. That is my best example of a show in which the first and secodn sets were complete opposites. E0mail me at jeddmarcus@hotmail.com if you want to drop me some lines. 2 cents, Jedd
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 08:30:37 -0400 From: Glenn McGregor kozmoe@bellsouth.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Pelham Show was intense!!! HIGH energy from beggining to end. Musically tight not to mention the dazzle Kuroda gave us with the lights. It was like a thousand snapshots (very VISUAL). Haven't had a caring, sharing show in a while- people were just passing pipes (very considerate for our less fortunate brothers and sisters) The lot was wet but a cool buzz and some tasty tunes were all anyone needed! Besides isn't the SHOW why we all came? Rain,wind, sleet or snow!!!! By the way- that garrett guy SUCKS!!!!! Man he must be the anti-christ of great shows! Could you have done better? Come on genious, tell us ALL how it should have really went down! What's the problem, low serotonin levels-problems at the home front? Lighten up!!!!!! Kuroda can help! GET THE TAPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 21:35:44 EDT From: SUBLIME57@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 9/28/99 Review All I have to say is "Wow." I drove with some friends to Alabama from Emory University in hopes of a good show, and I got more than I expected. Every song was sick as all hell, from the wolfman's opener to the halleys encore, the four men from vermont were on the ball and never dropped it down a notch one bit. Wolfman's-Tight funk, awesome opener, nothing spectacular, but fun all around, great to get the juices flowing. Sneakin-Holy shit, wanted to hear this and got to, progressed with the tight funk that was seen in wolfmans, and got the whole crowd jumping and having a good time, what placement! Tube-My god, could this set be any better? Three phat ass songs to open the show, this tube being much like the first two, funky and spacey, getting the crowd swaying in a funk pace. Very good. Ginseng Sullivan-Great song to sit down and burn. Needed this sit down break and felt mighty fine when they busted out with Roggae-Always fun to hear, its so sweet and serene, as Trey took this song and ripped it up, from top to bottom, as the crowd watched in pure astonishment while the band moved our souls like they always do. We were not ready for Maze-The sickest version i have EVER heard. My lord, this version was pure spacey funk, with more energy than I have ever seen the band put on. Damn! Wading-Love it. So nice, trey also tore this one apart and I was so happy to hear Hood-Holy god. The best i've ever heard, trey and the band took this to another height, as they fooled around with the opening sequence for what seemed like a half hour, and then a fun glowstick war ensued. Always fun to hear. Great way to end the second set, as Trey talked to the crowd more than I have ever heard him talk, saying that they were going to tear it up second set. And boy did they. Farmhouse-Unusual opener, but incredible nonetheless. Best I've heard. Heavy Things-A first for me, wow, i loved it, and was dancing my ass off to this song I had never heard before. Another first followed, First Tube-Awesome. What can I say, Kuroda working the lights to perfection as Trey jumped up and down with pure excitement, as the crowd joined in as well. Tweezer-I don't care what people say, i love this song. Its pure funk! How can you not like funk?? It was sick as shit, I loved it, and the crowd started clapping as the band segued into Makisupa-Damn. Never heard it this funky. Mike took this one. It was sick. Schwag. Ha! Chalkdust-For those who were there, they will agree, this was the most power packed chalkdust i have ever heard. Trey was totally into it, as the rest of the band was, and the crowd was literally above the ground jumping the whole time. I found myself screaming to the sky during this one, its true, can't we live while we're young??? YEM-What can you say? Bad as shit, mike tore it up, trey tore it up, page tore it up, and fishman tore it up. All four of them made this song an incredible closer, with a out of control vocal jam that included sweet home alabama, wow!!!! Halleys-Ha! I just laughed. I thought to myself, how could they make that show any better? This is how. Not the longest version, but always a treat since they play it all but twice a millenium! I was so happy, first halleys and a great one, leading into what we were all expecting Tweezer Reprise-I'll tell you that I would have rather heard the band jam out halleys somewhat more, but this song does close shows pretty well. Trey was once again jumping around and pumping the crowd up, and it was the perfect end to a perfect night. Please get a tape of this show. You will love it, i promise. It was a sight to see, and I can't wait to see their magic again!!
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 10:37:16 +0000 From: John Hillhouse tmhjlh@mindspring.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 9/28/99 My 3rd Phish show in 7 years. I do not, obviously, know much about Phish and it took a free ticket to get me to Oak Mountain. However, I do a little something about music and I can say the show was rock and roll. There was a slow bit towards the end of the first set but the rest was fun, fun, fun! Maybe it was because it was all new to me, I could sing along with a few lines, but.... Just for those wondering, I will be back
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:22:47 From: Craig Beezley cbee@mindspring.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: alabamer review yes! i liked this show much better than the summer shows i saw. and the first set sucked ONLY if you don't like Phish"super white boy 90s funk band stylee". i can understand, but i really do dig the psycho-funk. so first set: wolfman's sally tube ???? oh myyyyyy. can you start a show any better? well of course, but this is close. probably the best tube i've heard, and definately the best i've seen. roggae: had some weird shit goin on that i will not try and describe. not normal, folks. but good. hood: the intro had one measure of complete and utter insanity. i said something to russell like, "that's the coolest thing they've ever done in a hood" very evil. after the intro section the hood was very normal. then i went insane. second set was one of those: the kind where you say it's the best shit EVER, but the next day(today) realize it wasn't better than 11.23.97 or 11.21.97 or 11.20.97. but either way, it was freakin makin my dotz take full effect. even farmhouse rocked. i'm not shitting. and i DON'T like chalkdust. BUT-- BUT-- it was SOOOOO on and good i shit golden plutonium rubberbands. and the tweezer was phenomenal. went many places. but the whole night belonged to FIRST TUBE!!!!!!!! FIRST TUBE!!!!!!!! FIRST TUBE!!!!!!!! love ya and viva las disco biscuits!!! beez cbee@mindspring.com
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 23:47:33 -0400 From: Barrett Goodman barrett.goodman@worldnet.att.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Pelham Phish Show Reading these reviews just confirms my suspicions that many phans take too many drugs. Before I begin my brief review, let me make one last request. If all you care about is the drugs, please don't come see my band. I have nothing against personal freedom, and I certainly don't mind people getting high at the shows, but if you aren't there for the music please stay home or go somewhere else to escape your personal problems. We true fans would appreciate it. I really liked the first set. It was actually very much like your typical second set in jam structure. Tube was the highlight; it has been growing very nicely since it's revival. Maze was also nice. Maze is honestly one of my least favorite Phish songs, but the musical mastery the band demonstrated impressed even me! I am compelled to complain, however, that Sneakin' is not a very good cover song. I know the guys have a great time playing it, but, even with the extensions, I just don't buy it. When I listen to a Ya Mar or an Also Sprach, I forget that I'm listening to a cover because Phish has managed to create a whole new identity for those songs. I just don't get the same feeling with Sneakin'. Set Two was insane! I'm all about the new songs...Trey has done it again! I am still suffering some confusion about 1st Tube and Last Tube. I have some tapes from Trey's spring tour labeling the Pelham song as Last Tube. Perhaps my stuff is wrong, but when they busted out last night I thought I was listening to Last Tube. Regardless, that song RAGED! And Markisupa was a lot of fun. The low point of the show was Chalkdust. I often find myself dreaming about the day they stop playing Chalkdust every other show. But those who are not sick of that song got a special treat because of the energy that song creates. I remember my first show, I was all up on Chalkdust's tip. Overall an above average show.
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:43:24 EDT From: Loco420@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: phish in pelham!! All I have to say is that whoever missed this show, is damn sucks for you. By far the best phish show i have ever seen, not to mention the fact that it was better than any mmw show, any dmb show, any panic show, well any show period. It was cooler than any party I've been to, it was cooler than any rave I've been to, it was cooler than the first time I saw the circus when I was too, or the first I went to disney world when I was four. Last nights show was the most awesome shit I have ever experienced. It was honestly the best night of my life. Who would have thought, that in alabama, Phish would even much less, bust out with harry hood or with the versions of tube, or vocal jam that they did. Fucken halley's comet, what the hell? I can't comprehend what I experienced, I don't understand why that shit's legal, I just can't find the words to describe!!! All I can say is that I'll be on tour and that I love Trey, I love Mike, I love Paige, and I love Phishman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO WOULD HAVE FUCKEN THOUGHT, HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!! chelsea
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 19:27:06 EDT From: Folkroots@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Alabamy As me, Mac, Shadd and Emily all walked in to the ampitheatre that over looked the city we heard the opening piano chords to Wolfman's....one of my favorites cause you know your goin to hear a great jam....its also pretty damn funky...after a nice wolfmans they paused, regrouped and broke into more funk...sneakin sally....are you kiddin me....sally as a second song....the feelin in the air was a great show was about to unravel our brains....then "Astroid Crashed nothing burned, makes me wonder"...Tube...another funk classic....but this one was really chilled out with Trey on his keys makin some funky ass noises....they also put the loop on....what next.... Ginseng, hey were in alabama and theirs a bunch on yocals there.....everyone stopin around gettin down...its was a really nice venue with alot of room to dance, then the breather song....Roggae, i like the song and it gives you a chance to catch your breath....then bam fishman kicks the high-hat beat to either maze or bowie but soon after that you hear mike drop in with the base....one of the best mazes i have ever heard....trey again fooled around on his keys....and the build ups were amazin...at this time i felt that i was goin to explode cause i had to pee so bad...perfect timing for Wading...i like the song but you cant really groove to it....the bathroom were only about 40 yds aways so i could still hear them clearly....i made it back before the song was over...man, what could be next......the drums....are you kiddin me...a first set hood....usually a show stopper...this song is one of the greatest ever written....it can really move you....and as the saying goes..."ive never heard a hood i didnt like"....so the first set ends with a huge closer....what the hell were the boys thinking throwin all that stuff out the first set....how are they goin to top that?...never question phish....second set....were callin for a mikes groove....well the open with farmhouse...a great song...then....HEAVY THINGS....the new jam my friends....i love this song...i loved when trey did it on his tour and phish always makes songs better....trey dances around the fretboard reminicing of jerry on El Paso.....then they break out more funk....First Tube...another new song to get down to....then....Tweezer....what are these guys thinking....it was a weird funky tweezer....everyone just dancin their ass off....asses everywhere on the ground...then at a chilled part of Tweezer the clapping pops up again(in the car ride over to the venue, we all talked about how people clap during the weirdest times...like when they did it durin the beatiful part of hood) well the band decided to play off the clapping....i thought i heard a mound coming cause i heard fishman kickin the drums....but then nope....makisoopa....i havnt heard one since my first show....always a treat....the phrase was "schwag"....so your now nice a chill, tired and ready for anything....the blazing opening riff to chalkdust...what are they tryin to do, kill me?....it was definatly the closer...such a great build up, lights everywhere....the crowd just letting it all hang out (especially the one kid groovin near me, he needed a belt)....so im thinkin man....i hope i was right with my encore, but wait...YEM...i dont know if i can handle it....i mean...come on...this show is definatly a classic....well the funk breakdown by mike was on as usual....that guy owns the bass... and trey had a nice little waw waw solo...a good time was had by all...and page was just goin off all night....well its time for the closer....me and shadd a prayin for a halleys....its also emilys favorite song and her bday was the day before.....mac figured a axis-bold as love... well they walk back out and there it was....in plain jibberish....halleys comet....it was nice and laid back....perfect ending...but then you got tweeprise to give you a nice kick in the ass just provin that phish can come out on any given night and bring down the house...well im sorry for all who couldnt be there...but hey i enjoyed it for you... enjoyourself and be safe, berryman ps thanks for readin this far....i appreciate it
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 18:00:56 -0500 From: Fletcher Abele fabele@bellsouth.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Oak Mountain Saw Phish last night for the second time in Birmingham last night. What a great show. I consider myself a casual fan, but what a great performance last night. The show was full of energy and Phish is as tight as any band, at any time. I was pleased to see the band talking among themselves critiquing each song, and paying special attention to the crowd to see that they were having a good time. Also, thumbs up to the crowd. I just saw Widespread for two nights at Oak Mountain and told everybody I saw that the crowd was terrible, they were arrogant, rude, and total asses. Phish fans should be proud of themselves, everyone seemed to be polite and easy to deal with. Phish fans seem to understand that the seat number on their ticket is the seat they should sit in.They all wanted everyone to enjoy the show not just themselves. Hope everyone, band included had fun in Birmingham, and please come back soon Fletch
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 15:51:29 EDT From: GrtScott13@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Phish 9/28/99 My first Phish show was last night. The rain didn't help much, and certain sections of the lot were cleared off for God knows what (which left me parking on the side of the road about a half-mile from the ampitheater), but hey, Phish was playing tonight, so nothing was gonna dampen my spirits. The rain stopped just before the boys hit the stage at 7:55 with a nice Wolfman's opener. This song helped to set the groove for the whole evening. Sneakin' Sally was next. I had never heard this song before (including others from the show), but I did enjoy it. The crowd was dancing like crazy on this one. The next song was Tube. I don't remember much from this one since I'd never heard it before, but I do remember it being very funk-oriented. Ginseng was a good bluegrass tune that the crowd loved. Roggae, a tune off the new album, was done really well. I've grown to like this song a lot over time, and the short jam that followed was real nice. After that, Mike hit the opening bass for Maze, and the crowd went nuts. A monster jam ensued. Page's solo was close to perfection, and Trey's guitar work was phenomenal. The beautiful Wading in the Velvet Sea was next. Trey's solo could've brought a tear to my eye if it had been played longer. But next was Harry Hood, which had everyone going wild. The glowstick war during this one was such fun to watch, too. Trey then closed the set by saying how happy he was to be back in B'ham after such a long absence. Set two started off with Farmhouse, a really nice number, but not one that I would've selected to open the set. Heavy Things was next -- another first time hearing -- and it seemed to be really good. Just a little jamming in both of these tunes, but not much. First Tube was great!! Trey and the band were totally in synch during this one, and the momentum slowly built things up to a magnificent standpoint. The boys then cut into Tweezer, not one of my favorite songs, but I knew it was good for exploratory jamming, which the band did gracefully. The jam lasted about 15 minutes before seguing into Makisupa, a cool reggae tune, where the keyword ("schwag") made the crowd go nuts. Chalkdust was next, and this was probably the most rocking song I've ever heard. The solo went on for awhile and Trey kept building and building it up --- thought it'd never end (too bad it DID). A long overdue YEM closed out the set, and it was just flawless. During Page's solo, Trey and Mike had some fun on the trampolines, although afterwards, Trey's solo seemed a little lacking -- not really going places like he did during Chalkdust and Maze. The vocal jam was awesome! Sweet Home Alabama tease was kinda expected, and Kuroda's lightwork during this was incredible! The encore was Halley's Comet. I was sorta half-listening to this one and kinda hanging out by the exit door so I could be ready to be the first out of the lot once the show ended so I don't have much to say about this song. Tweezer Reprise followed -- another given, played in its old-fashioned glory. Well, after leaving my first show, I can say that I'm thoroughly impressed and hungry for more. The highlights were Harry Hood, Maze, Chalkdust, and YEM. But one last thing, guys -- don't wait another 5 years before coming back.
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:12:56 -0500 From: Nuclear Ned nned@mindspring.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Phish at Oak Mountian 99 Man this show was unbelievable. How anyone could say the first set lacked energy must have been in the bathroom during Tube. The way the band jammed from one tune to the next with mind boggling efficiency left me with a melodic overload that I have not had since my last phish show, last year in Atlanta. Trey has a mastery of the guitar that others must dream over. Mikes phat bass lines are the stuff of legend. Not to mention the amazing drumming of Jon and piano work my Page. Harry Hood and Maze kicked ass.. especially considering the flying glow sticks made one hell of an image. Chalkdust Torture totally kicked my ass and left me wanting more and Tweezer reprise satisfied me fully. The only regret is that the parking lot scene is not nearly as good as its been at other shows. Wheres the damn Sammies!! nned@mindspring.com
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:47:05 EDT From: BREWKILLER@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 9-28-99 review This was a very phatty show, especially the 2nd set which was very mind blowing compared to a not as stellar but still nice 1st set. It was Phish's first show in Alabama in almost 5 years and it rained for most of the 2nd set Wolfman's and Sneakin' Sally started off set 1. They weren't too long but were excellent appetizers. Then came Tube. Tube started with a slow and very heady low key funk and then evolved into an excellent groove. Ginseng was pretty much average and Roggae was very smooth. Maze was the best song in the 1st set. It was very long and ohh so jammy. It was excellent. Wading is one of my least favorites so it was kind of a let down after the bitchin' Maze. A average Hood closed out the set Farmhouse and Heavy Things were definitely on point. 1st Tube was groovin as it always does. Then came one of the best Tweezers I've heard. It was ultra long and full of thick jams which were candy to the ear.Makisupa with shwag being the keyword set the crowd off and it was a very fun tune to say the least. Chalkdust followed and it was super long and super phatty. By this point in the show I didn't think it could get any better but man did they prove me wrong. YEM was absolutely great. Mike really shined on this one as he played not one but two excellent start/stop solos. The vocal jam was the icing on the cake. A totally insane "Sweet Home Alabama" was the most memorable part. I can't wait to hear ot on tape. The rain continued to come down and the crowd was going crazy. For the encore Haley's and the Tweezer reprise was excellent and the band really seemed to be enjoying the crowd. This was great and one of the best shows i've seen in a while. Only downer was I had a fever and was sick(the rain didn't help) but Phish is probably the closest thing to cure sickness.
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 00:35:24 PDT From: Peter Harrison fatwaves@hotmail.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: 9/28/99 Review Just got home from the show at Oak Mountain. I think everyone there was in agreeance that this show was a monster in every facet. Wolfman's (not too long, but great nonetheless), Sneakin' Sally (Oh yea, baby!), and Tube (super smooth and low key funk which lasted probably 10 min), the heaviest of funk to start? What more do you want? Roggae was a total beauty, and Maze was totally rippin'- long and a wild ass jam. Farmhouse really doesn't bother me (I hated it and thought it was a joke when I first saw it on Conan, but I love it now, no matter how many times I see it). 1st Tube-always greeeaaaat, ultra sick Tweez-slow and smooth, Makisupa w/ schwag keyword, ultra long and super broken down with phatty bass and Trey on keys and guitar making the space. Chalkdust was totally ragin' tonight, and totally kicked my ass before the YEM. YEM was perfect, and then came the funk with a phased-to-the-max bass rips by mike, this funk got dirty to the bone!!! Two start/stop style solos for Mike to lay it dawn, and one for Trey made for a good conclusion. The vocal jam featured a very obscure singing of the chorus to Sweet Home Alabama, the perfect way to include this all too predictable song into the show, the rest of the vocal jam was nutz! Halley's was a total treat for the Encore. What more can I say. This is the best show I've ever seen, and I've been saying that for three nights now. I don't see what could have made this show any better (barring that they ever play Destiney or something again). I have never heard a crowd this loud or this into it, despite the large frat population there. OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 12:02:41 EDT From: Tapinhead@cs.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 9/28/99 Review This show smoked from top to bottom. Sally?? Tube?? Maze was SICK...leaving you thinking "OK, that's it for the 1st set"..then comes Velvet Sea (ahh what a pretty song) followed by a very intense Hood w/ glowsticks. 2nd set was great. Loved hearing another Heavy Things, First Tube. Trey was going nuts all night. Call Birmingham what you will...I'm proud to say I'm from Alabama. Though I've been to shows all over, the energy in Oak Mountain this night was not to be bottled up & blew New Orleans (another reunion for the boys since Jazz Fest) off the map. The crowd last night was far more into it than I've seen in a fews shows. B-ham can get down like the rest of them. Obviously Trey thought so, giving his lengthy appreciation to end the 1st set.
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 12:09:52 EDT From: Mojojomo@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: PHISHININTHEPARK I didn't think Phish would out do the 2-night Panic run at Joke Mountain, but JESUS!!!!!! That was a treat to everyone, even if there was a large frat population, as the impish gentleman just mentioned in the preceeding review.
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 03:06:37 EDT From: Garrettph@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Pelham, AL Redneck Red Rocks produced a soggy show in which the first set pretty much sucked and the second set completely kicked ass.
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 13:17:45 -0400 From: Robert Francis robertfrancis@homelocaters.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Redneck Red Rocks (Pelham, AL) I agree with Garrettph@aol.com. First set was slow. Seemed like there was very little energy. Second set was FFFFFFFFFFIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE! Need I say more! robertfrancis@homelocaters.com
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:38:20 -0400 From: kasey kovalcik kkovalc@uoft02.utoledo.edu To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: oak mountain review? what kind of idiot is garretph to say that the first set sucked? and then the 2nd set completely kicked ass? . how can you like a band so much but say that one of their sets sucked? come on. kasey
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 15:33:15 -0700 From: Ryan Martin ryanmartin@scottmadden.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Oak Mtn. 1st set sucked??? One of the stronger 1st sets I've seen in quite awhile. What was there not to like? Hood?, Tube?, Maze?... I mean shit. What were you hoping for- Living La Vida Loca?
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 16:46:42 -0700 From: Gerald O'Neil ONEILG@bellsouth.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: oak mountain this show was the shit! for anyone that said 1st set was slow I think your nuts. What was lacking? tell me the last time you heard all those incredible songs in one night. people got a topnotch show from start to finish Thanks guys for a great time p.s. whoever that asshole was with the boy scout hat on. DONT PUSH GIRLS.
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