general december tour comments

review submisions to dan schar at dws@www.phish.net or dws@gadiel.com

Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 21:22:11 -0500
From: Amanda Deneca DenecaAL@clark.cc.oh.us
To: Dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: December Tour

     I have read many of the reviews about the December Tour, and find
many of them confusing.  Some people seem to not care at all for the
direction the band is heading in, and to them I ask Why are you still
going to shows?  It isn't 1997 or '95 or '93 or '87 anymore.  The sound
has changed, the band has grown up, and so have we.
    I was only able to attend the Cincy shows this past tour, and though
the first night was not exactly stellar, I did enjoy myself and the many
dancing around me seemed to be enjoying the show as well.  The second
night, I think, improved.
    I'm not going to try and justify my thoughts and give you the stats on
how many shows I've seen, if I've "met" the band, or how long I've been
going to shows. That seems silly.
    Really, its all about having fun. Its about feeding off the band's
energy, and allowing them to feed off your's, and if there are too many
negative vibes out there, I would guess that the shows would only get
worse.  That's all.

See you next time,


Date: Thu, 30 Dec 1999 18:01:20 EST From: Asmallsc@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: (no subject) Anyone that has anything bad to say about Phish has to reevaluate the reason they see Phish in the first place. Being a musician touring with my own band and being a non-conformist revolutionary, I view music as a spiritual guide. Talented bands are one of the few true "magicians", creating the invisible and using energy to tie everyone together. Phish is a band that holds their own unique sound. Though the sounds have changed and setlists have evolved, the same energy is created. Many people who write reviews say that certain shows suck because of the setlists. I have gone to Hampton for the last four years to see Phish and hope to play their with my band in the near future. Hampton seems to be a vortex for energy. Many people that said that Phish sucked on the first night of Hampton are confused. Though it seemed like they were off, the truth is...the crowd was off. Their were to many expectations going into the show. The energy was not flowing as one. Everytime they did not play a great song or hint the energy of a gamehendge, negative and misdirected vibrations emerged from the crowd. As a musician, I know that the energy the crowd creates plays just as big of a role as the band. Moving right along. The first night was good. In my mind it was good to relax to well jammed. low energy songs. Many people were very critical and I don't blame them. When I go to a Phish show I hope to be blown away as well. Though the first night didn't blow me away, I heard some great songs and slow yet awsome, complicated jams. The second night of hampton was amazing. I have seen gamehendges and antelopes, have mercy's and makisupa's, big ball jams and rotating jams and I must say that, though when a crowd hear a gamehendge they scream louder. The energy at the second night was godly. Last years Hampton held a demonic feeling that held just as powerful of an energy but on an evil scale. This year, the energy was heavenly. By the second set, the crowd as well as the band had reached same cosmic plane that I saw the Dead reach at Hampton in 88. I am not going to review the songs but just want wrap up by saying. Trey, Were you using a talkbox for do you feel or was it an effect created by your board? Any way, keep on rockin. And I hope to jam with you guys sometime in the near future. The spirits will let you know if it is meant to be. Phamily Phan, A.C. P.S. Support you local forests and donate to the redwoods. They need your help.
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 01:02:33 -0500 From: C Simmons Palmer cspalme@roanoke.infi.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12/3 - 12/4 After being in ohio this past weekend and reading the many negative reviews it began to irritate me. If you don't like what you see stay home because there are plenty of poeple that would be more than happy to use your TICKETS. If you decide to keep writing negative reviews and jocking phish than quit taking up space on this page with your slack jawwed bullshit! see you in philly
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 09:14:18 -0500 From: Casey Kim caseyk@c2is.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 12/3 and 12/4 Cincinnati How do you think the band would feel if they read this page? Inspired? Encouraged? Or insulted and hurt? I bet they wouldn't feel like tearing it up at any more shows for you ingrateful bastards. I don't know why I read these reviews anymore. It makes me fuckin sick that Phish plays for us and people have the nerve to criticize and complain like THEY are the musicians or something. Stay the fuck home and give the good fans room to groove. If Phish sucks that bad then why don't you guys follow someone else? Like Ricki Martin or the Backstreet Boys? Why do you feel like you can only voice your opinion if you have something shitty to say about the band? Do you think it makes you look cool? You'll be sorry when you don't have Phish to kick around anymore. Maybe during that year off you guys will realize your real calling is following the Backstreet Boys and the good fans can make a clean start without you wet blankets. Fuck all of you twice. The good fans will continue to rock on without you.
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 01:27:56 EST From: KJ222j@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: About 12/2,3,4 After reading several of the reviews from the past 2 shows in Cincy and having attended the first three shows of the tour, I felt that I had to add my 2 cents. First of all about Friday 12/3. Anyone who didn't thoroughly enjoy AC/DC Bag, Possum, Slave, or Sand needs to reevaluate the reasons that they listen to Phish. Bag and Possum were both full of good, fun, mind blowing craziness. Sand had me shaking my head wondering if these guys were for real or not, and the rest of the show while I would be hard pressed to describe it as mind blowing certainly was done well and up to my normal standards for Phish. I enjoyed Friday's show better than Saturday's because of the songs listed above, but Saturday still had it's top notch moments--DwD, SOAM, a rockin Bowie, and a short but nice Tweezer. Now to those who think that Phish has lost it, I think you're all fuckin nuts, the shows in Cincy were definitely average to above average shows while the show from the Palace was extraordinary. Nuff said I need some sleep. Take care all, Kris
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:11:45 EST From: LeeW1234@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: REVIEW, 12-3-99.12-4-99 For those of you who can't seem to enjoy a good enough Phish show, please stay home and get the tapes and listen to them in your living room. Let those of us who always have a good time take your seats! I really enjoyed Cincy. It had been about a year since I had seen Phish and I don't think I could have waited another day. These shows were my 22 and 23 shows. Next time you start throwing around terms like "worst ever" and "I'd rather be doing something else," please take a year off and then come back. I guarantee those songs that you were bashing will be the sweetest you ever heard. These guys are not here to play to the critics, they play for the phans that go and absorb their energy and have a great time. Please everyone loosen up, dance a little, ingest what you please, and most of all have the time of your life. If you can't, please go do something else. Leave Phish to those you will love them even though they didn't play our favorite song. Lee
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 15:29:50 -0500 From: Todd Stanley stanleyt@umich.edu To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Review-Cinci and the Palace... First off, I have to say that piper190@aol.com has obviously "lost" the idea about a Phish show... I'll begin by saying the last three days were some of the best, and WORST, of my life, but overall I had a SICK time. The Palace was a treat since I go to the U of M and it was only an 1 hour away (plus mail order hooked me up with 3 floor tix for tour opener!), and the boys were ON. 1st set was standard-meaning still better than most concerts out there- just the Antelope, Jim, and Free were all excellent and everything else was just good. They were feeling each other out at the beginning of tour, but that's cool with me. BUT, 2nd set was clearly the best set out of the 6 sets I just saw, and it's not even close. This set is why I've seen 63 (kinda 62.5-I'll get to that later) shows and am catching both Hamptons and NYE. Bathtub was absolutely wondeful and every way possible and about 10 mins into the song Trey and everyone was literally bringing their music to that special place they talk about always trying to go to! 2001-> YEM was basically perfect aftre Bathtub' I couldn't have asked for better songs, and the jams were excellent (with one of the best YEM vocal jams I've ever seen). On to Cinci (sorry this review is running long) but this town is kindof weird. It's right across the river from Kentucky and all I can say is it's a different ohio city than normal. 1st night Cinci was a good show, nothing stellar, but still happy that I went inside for another night o' phish. I had floor seats (about 15 rows back dead center in between Mike and Trey, my favorite spot:) and thought the first tube, wolfman's, and AC/DC were the highlights of the first set. Especially tight AC/DC. 2nd set was very interesting, and I thought (unlike Piper190@aol.com) that the Sand and Limb by Limb were both very good, albeit different than normal old school phish. In case people haven't figurted out, this is the future of Phish. If this is shocking to people reading this review, than start taking a look at setlists and recent hot sets and these 2 will prob. be in them. These songs are good platforms for the groove and ambient jams they keep moving towards. I actually like Bug as well (my 1st time), and Trey's right-> it doesn't matter (headies and tour rats are getting WAY too negative and worked up about little trite shit and what the scene is evolving into), the MUSIC is still the best, and that's why we keep going back to more shows (I know I'm addicted). Piper was much better than average, and I was calling Hood all the way. Rock and Roll was rocking as an encore, and as always, the chairman of the boards put a smile on my face... Finally (if you've made it this far you are as insame a fan as me), the 2nd night in Cinci. After a fun night out on the town in Cinci the night before, I was ready for a great show, and me and my tour buddy Dan were already thinking that this show just might blow the roof off of the Crown, but who knows. I'll quickly state that we went to the Westin Hotel where at 4:30, we got to quickly meet everyone in the band except for Page (he went onto the bus first, we got there 5 minutes too late) and it was really a lot of fun. Ther was only about 15 heads who were chilling in the hotel lobby (funny enough, Ricky Martin and the whole SF 49ers were all staying on the 8th floor with Phish) and the band didn't mind saying hello to a few phans and shaking hands, etc. I've met the whole band except for Trey on numerous occassions and I wa a little nervous about meeting Trey for the first time. The moment came and I shook his hand and told him thanks a lot, and basically he seemed very quiet and cool. Dan told Mike he wanted to hear HIS song at the show, and Mike replied, "maybe," and that was enought fuel for expectations for the show. And then the actual show... This was possibly my worst/best Phish show I've ever attended, but the worst is surely in front. I was on the floor 18 rows back dead center again, and basically having a great time. 1st set was awesome and had me dancing my ass off. Highlights was the whole set(yes, even Dirst was appropriately placed), but Simple, Guyute, Tweezer, and Loving Cup were all excellent versions. Tweezer and Simple were especially fun tonight. When Loving CUp ended the energy level in the Crown was exploding and I KNEW 2nd set would be one to remember (if I only knew how it was going to be...). Both Dan and I were praying for a Mike's for the obvious reasons and more importantly, the Mike run in at the hotel, and at setbreak we told ourselves we felt like it was a lock. The energy was great in the venue, we met the boys before the show, and 1st set was THAT good that a Mike's was feasible. But then I had to leave the floor to go to the bathroom and get water, which was not a problem, but being on the floor for the 2nd set was NOT a good idea for me. About 5 mins into DWD, I felt a security guard grabbing my shirt and telling me to show him my stub, repeating, and using unnecessary force. My actual seat was 10 rows off the florr facing the stage, but after seeing the last 5 sets on the floor, Dan and I decided to go for #6. BOY, DID I GAMBLE AND LOSE!!! Instead of kicking me off the floor, the security ACTUALLY KICKED ME OUT OF THE VENUE FOR BEING ON THE FLOOR!! I was in an absolute state of shock as I wasn't even smoking, or doing anything worng except be on the floor (which I was unaware was a ejectable offense), so the cold air outside of the back of the venue after literally being tossed was a little uncomfortable. My bad dream turned into a nightmare as I attempted every way possible to get back in the show (cops and head of building security didn't care about my sad story), but it was to no avail. At the same time I got kicked out, a taper who has seen 128 shows had been kicked out for the same reason, and we were both really pissed, but VERY positive. It was my fault for being on the floor, but is that a reason to have to leave the venue? I would have been more than happy to go to my actual seat, but I was never asked what I wanted to do... I ended up listening to the show through a door with my ear pressed tightly against it, and even though it was insulting, I STILL HEARD THE MUSIC and was dancing outside. I did not, and would not, let this shitty situation bring me down. It had nothing to do with the band, it was just really stubborn and mean security that fucked me, and I accepted that. So, my message is this: BE POSITIVE, because I got kicked out of a Phish show (I never thought I'd say this) and STILL HAD A GOOD TIME!! It just goes to show life is what YOU make of it, and if you chose to be negative, then life will be neagtive in return. Being kicked out was a very humbling experience, as I have been backstage at numerous shows and had just met Trey for the first time about 5 hours before. Just when I thought I was on top of the whole Phish scene, the security gave ma a harsh, but important slap in the face to make me realize THEY have the power inside the show, not a phan (it sucks to say this). On the other hand, they didn't take my pride as I continued to smile and dance away outside the venue as I heard the MUSIC faintly through a fan duct. So, if you thought the Sat. show at Cinci was "Ok, or too boring (Piper190@aol.com)", just imagine being OUTSIDE during second set. REMEMBER-> go to Phish shows to 1) have a great time with your friends, and 2) ENJOY THE MUSIC. Please e-mail me back at tbstanley@hotmail.com if you have any comments on prob. the longest review ever posted... Still smilin and havin' a good time, Todd Stanley P.S. See you at Hampton and sunny FLORIDA!!
Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 00:37:41 -0500 From: Rodney Lackey jrlackey@bellsouth.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Right on, r bossert She/he (r bossert) said it perfectly. I occassionally check reviews and try to bypass the idiots who crticize, looking only for positive people and good experiences. Yeah, sure, we all have heard screw-ups b/f or songs played too many times on tour. But who are we to crticize? I know my life would not be as fun w/o those guys & I sure as hell am not going to trash what they do. I look forward to each and every song and show, and, sure I may be disappointed when I don't hear what I was hoping for or a song doesn't quite get there, but...come on, get a life, don't over-analyze!! Enjoy this tour and the upcoming sick NYE shows for what they are worth. We are privileged in the sense that we know and understand gooood music (most of us anyway, not meant to mean other music sucks, but...well, most of it does), but let's all enjoy it more rather than analyzing it.
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 22:18:49 EST From: Doug Vogel chezrolez@hotmail.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: a general review of sorts OK - if you are reading this, chances are you have a clue about music. We all know that Phish is one of the many things that have helped create feelings and experiences and emotions that will forever rage in our minds. Some of my most memorable moments were during jams, in lots, or at setbreaks. I'm astounded that not only are there reviews of shows, but phans are submitting 'reviews of reviews', commenting on how negative some are, and implying that negative reviews should cease to exist. I'm a rare review-reader, and a non-existent review-writer. However, tonight I actually feel like submitting something. Think back to when you first learned of Phish. Where were you? Was it a party, someone's car, Nectar's? What was the first song you ever heard? Cavern on A Picture of Nectar, a 25 minute Gumbo, or Prep School Hippie live? What was going on in your mind that day? What kinds of things were you concerned with in life? What was your biggest worry? Finding a prom date, telling your parents you got straight C's in the dorm, or your wedding day? The things I cared about, worried about, liked, disliked, etc. are completely different tonight, 2 days after Hampton, then they were years ago after my first Phish show. We are all changing. It's inevitable. It's about the only thing we can guarantee will happen in this world. Phish's music is no exception. But hasn't it always been changing? If you don't think so, I think you're wrong. Maybe you didn't notice it in your early days as a phan, or maybe you didn't care. The thought of a band changing over time most likely never entered your mind. But now it is. And what's the big deal? Today is December 20, 1999. Phish's first "show" was October 30, 1983. What were you doing 16 years ago? Most of us could sit here and analyze Phish in hundreds of ways. Shows, weekends, certain legs of tours, full tours, years, whatever. Kids, lots, cops, rides, security, venues. None of it is the same. Of course certain aspects and groupings will have similarities. The whole idea of change is that it is gradual. If today's Phish isn't as enjoyable to you as Phish of the past, maybe you need to think about yourself. Is it really only the band that is different than before? If you haven't figured it out yet, this world has everything. If you can think of it, chances are someone's already done it. If they haven't, you make a lot of money on the idea. There are phans out there who think the band is playing great. Right now they are having the times of their lives going to shows. There are others who think the band can't get it together. They're wondering what the ---- is going on. Some can't name half the songs each set, and some don't need paper and a pen to keep setlists. Some need to see the band; some need to hear the music. Some stay in the same spot the whole show for fear of losing it, others wander from tunnel to tunnel, or side to side and visit friends and meet new people. Some stand and stare; some get down. Some are as sober as my parents, and some are, well, fill in the blank here. There is no right or wrong opinion of a show, the band, the scene. It's all just your perception. Like anything else, we all will have our favorites and least favorites. We've had favorite teachers, favorite relatives, etc. Can't we have favorite shows and leave it at that? We all express ourselves every single day in many different ways. When Phish takes the stage, they express themselves musically. There's no way we can expect them to do it the same as they did during Summer 91, Fall 96, or Summer 98, or whenever. It's impossible. If you play an instrument, you know that performance can be very mood-driven. In fact, everything affects performance. Sleep, hunger, etc. All you athletes, ever played a big game with the flu? How do we know all 4 band members are in tip-top shape? We're not getting backstage reports from Leslie Visser, so I guess we don't. Ever tried to study after fighting with a boyfriend/girlfriend? Phish is no exception. They are people with lives and feelings and they are affected, positively and negatively, by everything that's going on around them. How do you perform when your boss is watching over your shoulder? Their bosses are always watching, and they range from 4000 to 65,000, and they seem highly critical lately. Phish is changing, we are changing, blah blah blah. And it's all happening simultaneously. I used to hate Taste and Guyute. What was that all about? If shows aren't as appealing to you as before, maybe its time to think about yourself to figure out why, instead of focusing only on them. Everything comes and goes, and unfortunately, Phish is no exception. Look at the big picture - think about how much fun you've had, the people you've met, the jams you've heard, and the places you've been to. Most of us have seen more of this country than our parents. That's cool. Why can't we focus on what we see as positive change? Like, anyone else notice the evolution of Black Eyed Katy/Moma Dance from 11/13/97 through, let's say, Lemonwheel? I say, go and have a good time. If its just not happening, then stop going. Take a break, stop forever, do something. A while back, I figured out what may be the only important thing I've done. I taught myself to quit expecting things. All expectation does is open the door for disappointment. We build up such high demands in our minds, and then the event doesn't live up to them, and we're disappointed. And it's always the event's fault (i.e. "they played like crap"). Quit waiting for "the phattest show" (my most hated phrase), and seek pleasure, wherever it may be hiding. Try new things. I've offered little to no personal opinion of the band and their music. That was my purpose. You'd like them even less if they didn't change. ~ Doug ~ chezrolez@hotmail.com
Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 13:12:53 -0500 From: "Joseloff, Larry" Larry.Joseloff@enews.com To: "'dws@www.phish.net'" dws@archive.phish.net Subject: General Tour Comments I really wish everyone would just relax, have fun, and realize that Phish is a jam band. A jam band takes risks and does not play the same song the same way every night. Isn't that why we go see Phish in the first place? It's an adventure and for me a great escape from everyday life. Phish is to me where I can take a few weekends a year and go meet up with my friends and see my favorite band in the world. They have been there in my life for 10 years and it is all about ritual. Not being a religious person I do however see the importance of ritual -- and Phish is it. I always have a great time and as my friend Jeff always says before each show, " I know it's going to be good" -- and it always is. Sure I have my favorite songs and nights, but even a show that is not one of my favorites I thank Phish for what they do and the opportunity they give me to visit with old friends and have fun. Finally, we ask so much of the band and the band asks so little. The two things they say constantly is please do not do nitrous in the lots and please do not bring your pets to these shows. They ask you to do that for a reason...so out of respect let's listen! Larry
Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 12:34:42 -0500 (EST) From: WAT-Jason Wesson wessonj@newriv.newriver.org To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Smelly Phish I have just read the Raleigh reviews and I am choosing not to read the Hampton reviews because I don't want my opinion influenced. Let me start by saying that I was and still am very disappointed in the quality of music Phish is casting out at its live shows. This year I have caught Phish in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Hampton. My show numbers have deminished due to the lack of energy flowing from the band. And as for these "newbies" I don't know if they have any idea what energy is. POSITIVE ENERGY! that is. I can't remember the exact date, but I know it was in 1990 when I heard of and saw this little band called Phish. The first show I attended with roughly 100 to 150 other people. The other people were usually frat boys from the local college where ever Phish was playin'. These early '90's show were the shit. Little kids -I say little because most of the current phans seem to range in age from 12 to 18- think they are seeing such a great band now in 1999, but Phish has gone down hill. In my opinion Phish reached their peak in the years of 1994-1997 (and I'm streching...more like it ended in 1996). Since this time, Phish has become popular and more of a be-bop group of performers than I'd care to listen to. These last three shows of their 1999 December Tour sucked! They (Phish) were weak, unorganized, full of flawwed mangled up material, and some of the poorest song selection, pairing, and grouping that I've ever heard. I understand that Phish has to progress to remain in the light, but their progression has no creativity and is quickly turning into regression. Yes, I was there when the Dead introduced "Liberity" and "Eternity" to there tour, but these guys (Dead) had reached their peak years and years ago. Even though Phish has been around since '83, their creative juices have dried up. The phans I meet in the parking lot are more concerned about gettin' fucked up than caring if they could get in to see the show. Show? Uhh? What show? You mean there is a concert here tonight. These ssame kids are what started ruining the Dead Family. These SKIDS (Skhetchy Kids) came on the Dead scene in 1993 and by 1995, all you heard about the Dead was this Herion overdose and that Herion overdose. With the way these phans are looking now, Herion is all over Phish's tour. Maybe in the band too. Maybe that's the band's cop-out:Herion. Maybe not though. There will always be rumors, but when your lead singer (Trey, whom does not nor ever will equal Jerry Garcia) is rumored to love crack-cocaine and the other band members are on different paiges, it make it difficult to creative a good vibe, positive energy, or any kind of inviting experience. My point to all this is that Phish is not a $30-$35 a ticket band. they once could have been, but then school always has a summer break, doesn't it little kiddies? When Phish was a tight band, I would stand when they entered stage and the only time to sit was durring the set break (which are now reaching almost an hour). Phish used to keep you dancing, sweating, grooving, and craving more. Now, I think to myself, this is not the Phish I use to love and wait in anticipation of their next return. I think this is a band that is making mad money off frenzied little kids that have school in the morning. Maybe when they schedule their next tour, they can work aroud "it's a school night." Maybe the next time they play, the band will remember its roots and what brought them to the spot they are currently. What brought them to this place was hard work, intensive touring, and creativity. Is the creativity gone? It is not apparent with the addition of these new songs that all sound like they could make Top 40 Radio any day now. Is this the goal? Maybe so, maybe not, but the Phish starts to rot. I miss the old Phish. I miss the Phish that would jam song after song after song until subconsciously you were begging for a break. Now with the energy they have, more people sit at a show than I've ever seen before. These last three shows were pitiful and I sold my NYE2000 tix because I can't take anymore from this band. They are tired, drugged, and not on the same paige. Not only are they on separate paiges in the band, there is little connection to their phans any longer. Maybe they need an age limit...suchas, oh! you're 20, you're way too OLD for a Phish show. In their day they were an amazing band that always left me jonesin' for more. Now I'm thankful that it's over whenever Trey decides it's over. This serves as closure to me because it will be a long time before I subject myself again to paying ridiculous ticket prices to see something that is not. I want Phish to return to the place they were, but that's not likely, so I will move on. Smell you later (much later) Phish! th
Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 17:21:21 -0500 From: Kaye Darren J A1C 83 CS/SCYS darren.kaye@langley.af.mil To: "'dws@www.phish.net'" dws@archive.phish.net Subject: December Tour Comments As a Hampton Head I would like to first of all thank the band for coming to my area@least 3X a year and putting on a steller show!!! I unfortunately signed on the dotted line for the United States Air Farce 3.5 years ago to take care of my new wife and new son w/little alternative.......prior to the military I was in it man and you guys don't know what you still have..a kick @ss band who is willing to tour until they drop for us and all this negative crap has to go...consider yourselves lucky that you even have the freedom at this point in your young lives to follow a band around while most of your parents keep sporting the college bills and more than likely your car payments as well!!!!! Like a few others have commented on musicians have to evolve in thier careers and as people/artists....From what I saw at the 2 nights in here in Hampton the guys are still on and I will look forward to next Summer when they get back to the beach.....lets just hope the cops aren't back on thier f*ckin' horses in the Va. Beach Amp. parking lot again!!!! Peace Out, @least your not in the f#ckin military!!!!
Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 19:45:11 EST From: Mahlerone@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net, dws@gadiel.com Subject: general comment(s) Well, I was going to go off for a while about this and that and how people should and shouldn't react in regards to to the present scene...but I figured I'd save us all some time and just say this: Everyone has an opinion, mind your business (read: do your own thing and be happy), and lastly, they're only human...Phish is four of the most extremely musically intelligent human beings I have ever heard or seen. For that and that alone we should all be thankful. -Tracey Domser Clinton, NY
Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 00:27:07 EST From: Mitthraw@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: general fall tour comments ive seen 10 shows that wows most people who are into popular music and arent into touring bands. to you, another phan reading this, that is probably nothing compared to what you have seen. i just demonstrated how two different people can take the exact same thing and take it completely the opposite way. its just points of view. same thing with people taking completely different views on the same show, song, or part of a jam. now on to the shows i only got to see one show 10/3 and it was easily the best ive seen, it was just plain nuts. to give you a feel of my experience at shows others i have seen are in order: 11/8/96, 8/8/97, 8/9/97, 12/6/97, 4/4/98, 8/9/98, 10/2/98(farm aid, not a real show, but i went for and saw phish), 11/7/98, 11/8/98, and 10/3/99. personally i love the direction the band is taking. very cool and aimed but seems limitless. everyone says the scenes goin down the shitter. i dont agree...i personally feel were going through and (lord have mercy on my soul for saying this (im not religious)) Deadification. its true...i (now) find the grateful dead to be very boring but what i am seeing seems to remind me of the Dead. its like the fanbase is just growing exponentially and the "oldies" complain the newbies dont really like the band and understand and blah blah blah. maybe its true...maybe its not...but does it take away from what four men do on the stage, playing the most perfectly written and improvised music for modern rock? Nah plus i have to tell everyone: hate breeds hate, division is mental. if everyone just was nice to each other, and didnt complain about new people, then gradually the scene would be more wholesome again. sounds like bullshit...but its true. try wearing a smile...it makes you happy for no reason. or smile at another person...theyll be friendly or laugh...its just the way people are. just have fun!
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 15:32:59 EST From: Slipknot9@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: general tour review As I was reading some of the general thoughts of december tour, it became appearant to me that many people are very negative towards the band, the scene and the music. This is straight stupid. Everything i have seen on the past couple of tours has always been positive. My only suggestion is that these "negative heads" stop going to shows and leave more room for me to get down and dance. thats the bottom line. The band and their music is evolving. It has happened before in history and they are no exception. One must be open to change and embrace all that phish has to offer us with open arms. It is still the greatest "experience" of my life and I know many phans share my sentiment. It should stay that way. If you are not there for the love of the music, don't go. Hope to see all of you who are in the same boat down in Florida for the greatest celebration ever. Have a safe trip.
Date: 20 Dec 1999 17:22:02 Z From: Peter B Conway Peter.B.Conway@marshmc.com To: dws dws@gadiel.com Subject: reviews A letter to those upset about negative reviews: Everyone is enititled to their opinion, despite how rediculous some of them are. If we, the logical thinking and happy fans, go and see Phish and enjoy it, then read a review cursing the show, we should be reflective and keep things in perspective. Look at a review CLOSELY before you get angry about it. Usually the totally negative reviews are written by people who either can't stand change or feel it is their obligation to be overly critical. And usually, not always, their comments are obviously random and unintelligible. If you heard a show and liked it, whatever anyone else thinks is entirely inconsequential. Unless you let it bother you. But trust your instincs. If you liked the show - then it was probably good. And you know what - listening to one band over and over, following them and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars following them each year should say something about that person's jaded and random view of that band. Don't get me wrong, I have gone on tour, but usually four about a five show string at a time. That way, you see basically four of five totally different shows and don't hear too many repeats. But these people begin to think of Phish like a drug, judging the type of fix they get - kind buds(good shows) verses schwag(bad shows). I'm sorry, it was just too irresistible to write the word "schwag". But why must they post their opinions? Because they want to say something, anything that anyone will listen to. And maybe, if they are negative, they feel that they have some authorty about the situation, like they know what makes a great Phish show, and so, maybe someone will value their opinion. I would love to see one of those people come up with even a set list that every one would really agree uppon, let alone which songs would contain jams and how those jams proceed. Sorry. Anyway- I bet that Phish, would hope that you like other types of music too. I would think that Trey doesn't go to THAT many jam band shows - he is busy creating his own music and exploring other types of music to EXPAND his musical knowledge. I also have to take issue with people not liking slow songs. Almost every(not all) review I read of a song like "Circus" is negative saying "it killed the vibe of the show". Why? Are you listening to the music or just dancing to it? If that's the case, just go to a dance club and enjoy all night long. Oh, you're proably too young to get into a dance club. OK - youre youthful exuberance it welcomed then as long as it is positive and not ignorant. Got off point - Apparently, these "slow song bashers" don't ever care for the lyrics in songs unless they refer to the cult following / scene in some way. Any personal introspection sucks, according to these people. I love "Roggae" and "Dirt", these are quality songs. I know that many of you agree but many don't like them because they are slow. Life has several moods, my friends, and Phish tries to emulate all of them at some point. Or the pop songs. People hate the "pop" Phish songs. So you only like music with intense musical changes and wild instrumentation. Sounds like pre-pubescent male music, ie: Rush, Yes, ELP. We'll, just maybe, Phish wants people other than just dorky musician types(I am one so dont get upset - I can just handle the truth) to like their music. and was every song written with a nice melody a crappy pop song? I guess the Beatles really sucked, huh? Oh, and Bob Dylan blew for writing simple, lyrical based songs. Please! Phish hasn't explored the lyrical side of their music enough and are just now becomeing well rounded enough about music to realize that they have been lacking in that department. Lyrical expression can and should be embraced, as it was with the Dead. Maybe Phish is a bit to blame for this since it took them some time to really focus on lyrics, so maybe they created an audience with a sense of music theory but with little cultural/historyical/human significance as a piece of expressive art in the 20th century. They are learning that there is more than intstrumentation to great music - it is about attitude and simplicity as well. Do you actually think that they are getting worse? Unless they are a heavy metal or punk or rap band whose genre has passed and they can't satisfy those specific fans anymore, they can change and grow into more that what they were on "Junta". Its called growth intellectually and musically. Its called expanding your horizons. So to all of those people who say, " why do they write a song like 'Heavy Things' when they could do another YEM?" - well, they have ALREADY done YEM and have not yet done "Heavy Things". Got I would get bored if I had to hear the same songs out of this band over and over. Love and embrace the new stuff. It will grow and expand in unbelievable ways. So keep heart, and realize that the honest majority of Phish fans are people who never even look at these reviews. There are thousands of Phish fans who dont utilize the internet - trust me - the Grateful Dead did just fine for many a year without an online community. They are regular people who like good music and lke to have a good time and aren't obsessed by just ONE band. Hey, I'll admit that I'm here, writing, obviously obsessed myself, but my friends and acuantiances, for the most part own Rift and Lawn Boy and try a new Phish album when It comes out and they go see them when they come to town. Not all that unusual. They know good music but they also know that they have to live their own lives, not vicariously live through some band. Don't worry about negative reviews - they are really just representative of negative attitudes. And keep sharin in the groove - we have no idea how lucky we are to have this band. According to a recent interview, Trey said the band came dangerously close to breaking up these last few years. Do you think those negative people would have preferred that? PHISH - KEEP UP THE CHANGE!!! PS - I remeber people saying back in '93 that Phsih was changing for the worse - that in '94 Hoist was a total sellout and had no good songs - that Billy Breathes wasn't "real" Phish. There have always been negative fans. But apparently, not as many negative as positive because Phish just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Peace.
Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 06:01:39 EST From: David73796@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: (no subject) What few people realize is that phish HAD potetial to be a great jam band. The shows now adays are lacking in a few things, feeling is one of them. Anyone who thinks phish has played a "great" show should listen to a tape from before 1993 and then understand that that was a band with feeling. When I saw phish for the new years run in 97 I had a feeling that maybe they were coming out of their "digital delay loop" coma; the spectrum shows of this december run reminded me that the best news I've heard in a long time is the boys are going to take some time off to reinvent themselves, to give themselves a break. It's what they need, they've played the same show for the past 4 years, with 2 years of slowing down priar to that, they need to focus and write songs like they used to; from the soul, not the tour bus. Trust me, I love phish, the scene is getting a little ridiculus with tour rats, heroin (yes folks heroin will kill you and yes it's a major problem on the scene, wise up!!!!) and ecstacy ( if i hear the words rolls or molly one more time...), but i love phish. Farmhouse, birds, twist all ok songs; no way set carries like maze or yem or mood lifters like yamar or halley's. they need time off. that's why i'm going to new orleans for new years this year. Besides who wants to be part of leaving 800 tons of trash in the everglades?
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 22:11:45 -0500 From: jza "braunadonna" jbraun66@hotmail.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: tour comments Excuse me, I would like you guys not to post any reviews that diss phish. we do not need to hear from these people that are not contributing to the postive scene. Please do not post any reviws that talk about the use of drugs. Phish shows are not about the drugs they are about the music. I would like to know who is writting these reviews because they obviously no nothing.
Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 04:06:42 EST From: KURTS4X4@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Please, their GREAT I look at the reviews after most shows, "go see a movie" - they blow the house down. It's so easy to be a judge? Try to find anything close. $27.50. Tell me the good, not bad, it happens at most concerts (dumb people, the lot). We are a Family, and we are lucky. lifes2goodhere@hotmail.com See you in FLA, Scott Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 04:20:44 EST From: KURTS4X4@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Please their GREAT Why all the negative reviews this tour? Every show I"ve seen has been HOT. Some more than others. We should feel lucky to have the chance to see a JAM BAND, (the best in my eyes). We are family = and we will see greatness in FLA. CK5 Scott lifes2goodhere@hotmail.com
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 17:20:45 -0500 From: Tim Conway tjconway@home.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Can we just enjoy? There comes a point when we all must relax. It is music. It is good music. Take it for what it is. Not every "Funky Bitch" is going to make you wet your pants. Relax and enjoy; because some (if not most) of these reviews are quite idiotic and lame.
Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 19:37:58 EST From: JVM433@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: re: hampton Ok....this isnt exactly a review of Hampton, but I feel I really need to offer my two cents. I've been reading reviews over the course of the December tour and I must say that alot of us become very real spoiled. Personally Ive only been able to check out Hartford and Providence this tour, and while they werent my favorite shows, they still rocked. I've been reading alot of people criticizing the band for this or for that, for song selection, momentum break, etc. Let me just say that we all need to take a step back: Phish is four of the most hard-working, dedicated men in the music business, and every show is a reward. We are starting to lose sight of what really matters. I was thinking during the Providence show about alot of things. One thing I concluded is that it really doesn't matterr what they're playing up there. For example, so what if they follow a "Piper" with a "Roggae" that halts the energy, or play a "Slave" that doesnt reach the peaks that it has in the past. The point is that they are still laying down the groove for us, they keep us dancing into the next millenium. These guys up there are very fortunate to have fans like us that have carried them on throughout the years. But we are so very lucky to have them keeping their commitment to Phish and pushing forward. We can create beautiful things together. So keep this in mind as we head to Florida: we are all so lucky to have our health and our sanity, we are living in good times. So please, stay positive and take the shows for what they are worth. Its entertainment, and these guys work hard to please us. See ya, Jim
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 09:56:45 PST From: Jeff Epstein demarden@hotmail.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: response to reviews and reviewers Reviewers: Please do not stop posting your short-sighted, unfounded, opinionated, idiotic reviews of shows--They are too funny! I would like to see more things like "Wading in the Velvet Sea sucked because my mother abandoned me" or "Slave sucked tonight because my Daddy won't buy me a car" or "Tweezer was too long because I wanted to get home and start bagging on it"......Keep 'em coming!!!!
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 18:21:16 -0500 (EST) From: Jon Murphy heymurph@usa.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Thank God for intelligent reviews I just thought I would comment by saying how thankful those of us not on tour should be for these reviews, especially the thoughtful, intellignetly written ones. Keep 'em coming! (Thanks especially to Mr. Bart Tantillo. If you haven't been reading his reviews, do yourself a favor and search them out. They're a great read). And to those of you who think that the band is beyond criticism, I must ask the question, what is the point of writing a review, then? We all love Phish, but surely everyone knows that the band is not capable of turning in flawless performances every night. Good, honest reviews offer insight and perspective on how certain performances compare to others in the band's history. Sometimes, the current shows compare favorably, sometimes they don't. I really appreciate when a reviewer offers his or her honest opinion, even when they feel let down by the band. When we first become fans, we all tend to think every show we see is great. But as you see more shows, you gain more points of reference, and can refer to more in your own personal Phish history when writing reviews. No longer is every show "the best ever." Some are great, and some are forgettable. Certain shows stay with you, and others don't. The point here is that we should listen to the comments of the so-called "jaded" veterans, because they offer great insight into the music. (If they didn't enjoy the music anymore, I doubt they would continue to spend so much time and energy -- not to mention money -- trying to get to every show). So my advice to new fans is this: don't get down on reviewers when they criticize a show you loved. Chances are, the more shows you go to, the more you'll understand their valuable perspective. Just the opinion of a 25-show veteran, who hopes that someday he'll be called a "jaded" veteran. Later, Jon
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 21:40:00 GMT From: John Borchert rlantelope@hotmail.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Recent negativity Here's my 2 cents: the reviews on this page have gotten so negative because it has been -AGES- since phish did anything truly bizzare, fantastic, or out of the ordinary at a show . . . from the perspective of the people who see LOTS of shows. Sure, no other band has quite the same bag of tricks (trampolines, vocal jams, vacuum cleaners, Barbershop-style quartet, switching instruments, fishman's covers, Kuroda's light show, etc.) but NOTHING has been added to this bag of tricks in the last couple of tours. And even MUSICALLY there's not much new in the bag of tricks (i.e. Guyute sounds EXACTLY the same today as it did 2 years ago) -- and when there are "newer" songs (i.e. Get Back on the Train, First Tube) they are so underplayed (or overplayed like Heavy Things) that fans get restless. And for those of you who say "if you're not having fun, don't go to the show" -- I say "EXACTLY." Want my tix for Hampton?
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 15:39:52 -0600 (CST) From: Bob Walicki rwalicki@rainbow.uchicago.edu To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: reviews and general thoughts In the continuuing saga that is 'gadiel's review page' it seems that very few people have very clear heads. I apologize for not remembering your name but someone wrote recently that honest reviews are much appreciated. I have come full circle in my reading of reviews, it used to make me very mad when people would bash shows that I went to for various reasons. Frankly, it still does, if those reasons have to do with Phish not turning "insert _any_ song" into a "phatty-phunky-shake-your-booty-ass-til-it-explodes-rockin'" version. Not all of their songs are meant to do that. That said, music is a matter of taste. However it is possible to critique a band based on their performance of that music (see my never written review of Alpine Valley this summer). Not every night is the best show ever. I don't go to see Phish because I think that every night is going to be the greatest experience of my life because, thank god, it isn't. As much as I love this band, and I do, Phish will not even come close to the truly great moments of life. And I don't ask them to. I go because they're one of (if not _the_) best band touring right now. I go because the scene used to be one of the only places in the world where everybody was welcome. I go because when the band is on, their connection with the audience is as tight as their connection with each other. The band and what happens on that stage, good or ill is of interest to me. However, as much as I love the band, I must cling to some sort of objectivity. 10/31/95 is no longer the best show I have ever seen if every night is the best show ever. My favorite moments during shows lose their meaning if they happen every night, all night. If something truly incredible happens I want to hear about it, but how I am to know if something awesome happened if it happens everynight. If you had a great time at a show, sweet! Tell me about it. Maybe through the rose-colored shades of nostalgia you can win me over. Don't call me names though when one of your 'good shows' is one of my 'so-so shows.' It is childish. And don't insist that true fans must enjoy every note at every show at the risk of being told to get off the bus. The band makes mistakes. If Trey flubs the lyrics to YEM I want to know about it. If Gordon is playing the bass like he has 10 thumbs, tell me. I'm interested in hearing about it. I am very much disheartened by the sheer negativity exhibited this tour on the reviews page, and am also becoming more and more angry at the slews of "reviews of reviews." But I admit that I read them for kicks - because I get some sick enjoyment out of people being illogical. I am amazed at how one person can be so angered by criticism and negativity, then add that he hopes to see the reviewer "in hell." ?!?!? Thats very noncritical. Similar responses to those that are glad that they won't be seeing the "self-absorbed, egotistical, punk-ass" reviewer in Florida. Being critical of the band (if it is your honest opinion) is one thing, but to fire such flames at people is ridiculous. This is what is wrong with the scene right now. Do I really want to see someone who just called me or anybody else a "self-absorbed, egotistical, punk-ass" in Florida? Is that what everybody is going to be like in Florida? Try to be intelligent, lets talk about the band and its music. Try to stop insisting that every fan who gives a bad review should "get a job," but if you only get to see one Phish show a year because you work, explain that in your review. Facts like that make reviews interesting and complete. They often explain why two people at the same show can have such different opinions about what went down. It helps those of us that read reviews to flesh out setlists, because we can't go to too many shows. Most importantly keep the reviews coming... Happy Holidays 6Bob
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 12:37:17 -0500 (EST) From: JACOB COHEN jcohen08@emerald.tufts.edu To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Re: other people's reviews Here's the deal with reviews, They're all in perspective!! We shouldn't get mad if someone blasts a show that we loved or vice versa. Everyone has a different reason for going to shows, a different way of listening to the music. We write our opinions down here and that's because they're OUR OPINIONS. These are not the definitive facts about a show, they're just how one person out of 20,000 perceived it. When you've been to every show on this tour, I'll agree that hearing Farmhouse or Heavy Things again can get monotonous. On the other hand, if it's your first show since '97, and you've NEVER heard these songs, you're pissed when all you get are older stuff like Reba and Divided. Personally, I go to the shows for the unpredictability of the set - I love seeing what combinations of songs will come, and those 3 or 4 seconds between each song are one of the best parts of the show. I go for the music...sure, Sunday night's Divided Sky may not have been the best version ever...hell, for some it could'v been the worst version ever. But I don't care, it's still my favorite song, and no matter how long they wait during the solo, I'll still go nuts when I hear the opening chords. Some people like going to the shows to hear Trey flub a note, to compare this song to 11/22/97, or to pick apart every little detail of YEM or Mike's or Reba. Good for them. We all choose to enjoy the show in a different way, but I think that the bottom line is that we do enjoy the show. Think about it...we might be a little too pampered. We walk out of a FANTASTIC rock concert filled with great songs, beautiful lyrics, funky and spacey jams and downhome rockin' tunes. The energy of the band and the crowd is usually up. And even though comparatively, you couldn't get that experience at any other show (well, almost any...), we still say "eh, it was mediocre." If you want to think that, then go ahead. Even write about it and post it on the internet. Just don't get bugged when someone else writes a bad review, or a good review. I wasn't on then, but I figure that those early 90s shows which everyone seems to be heralding as the golden age of Phish these days had their fair share of abusive reviews. In ten years, we might be looking back on these shows, saying "I was there when..." even though we critisize it now. I guess this is nothing more than a rambling flow of thoughts right now, but my point is this: you get out of a Phish show what you get out of it. And we need to accept the fact that everyone gets something different out of each show. That's what makes them so special. Your best set ever could me my worst. But it doesn't matter. So keep goin to see them, keep trashing them or exalting them in reviews, and keep groovin on.
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 05:41:30 -0800 (PST) From: john marshall johnnybob00@yahoo.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Reviews? Why is it that everytime I come into the "review boards" there are all these people who always put down anything off of Hoist and Live One. How many times do I have to read about someone putting down Bouncin' or Down with Disease? ENJOY THE SHOW! Don't go in there with the mind of a critic and nitpick every tune, that is no fun. Maybe that is why half of the post in the Reviews are all negative, the people reviewing them are being too articulate and just waiting for something negative to happen or for the songs that they hate to be played. Just appreciate the fact that you get to go to so many shows while I have to sit my butt here at work. If I had the opportunity to go to as many shows as most of the reviewers, I wouldn't complain one bit. It's about the music, enjoy it, don't analyze it. Got Jibbo?
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 18:47:44 EST From: Matt11180@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Cc: Matt11180@aol.com Subject: Who the hell are the tools who write some of the reviews First off what the hell are some of these people talkingabout when they write these things. They sound like the 13 year old kid who is puking in front of me throughout the whole last show. For Instance, "I hate tube, nicu and jaboo." What the hell are they talking about. I am sick of hearing these reviews where people are like "I got sooo fucked up I don't even remember parts of the jams." That is not what it is about. It is about the music, not the drugs. Another example is when people are like "this is my first show and from what I heard on tapes the show sucked." Then stay at home the concert would be alot more fun without all you whiny nags. I am sorry to sound so harsh but what some people say on these things is ridiculous. Keep the music alive Peace, Matt
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 18:35:52 EST From: Crosseydpainless@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: review: you should probably put this in the overall tour thoughts (inhale) i loved the providence show. ive heard some bad comments (too mellow) but after sunday what do you expect. hartford was mostly old school, balls to the walls phish, nuts for the whole evening, best show ive seen since 11-27-98, maybe the most intense show ive ever seen. in that regard it is almost a given providence was going to be mellow . even though the show was on a monday, i thought of the philly>hartford>providence run as a 4 night Thurs>Sunday run. sunday shows/last shows of a run, tend to be pretty mellow. now, mellow does not mean a bad thing at all. i even hesitate to use the word mellow, because it was very intense. a fantastic, RAGING, longer than normal MOMA capped off a 4 song funk intro. a very intense piper came next. it built to a super, super fast peak. on my setlist i wrote piper>raging piper jam>spacey ambiance>slower maze/llama type jam (i thought both songs were frontrunners for a segue)>ambience groove jam w/trey keys. this jam was nuts, it had a bit of everything (a shorter version of the harford jam out of drowned). it clocked in at about 20/25 minutes. i absolutely love the work trey does with his keyboard. it adds so much to the mix, and makes the band sound new and refreshing again. once the jam worked its way down, trey went to the mug and told leo to fire up theme. great to hear. i really love everything about this song, lyrics, vocals, arrangement, jam. it brought back memories of that huge first set on 4-5-98. im not sure how it stacks up, its a great jam but it seemed a little short. although it may have been the somewhat distracting crowd in my section. great first set. here is one for all the "repeat bitches" (yeah you know who you are). im pretty sure except for tube and piper, these were all first timers. i certainly wasnt expecting ctb, i havent seen it since nye 96. when's the last time they played that one? anyone notice how empty the place was when they started. they came on right at 7:45 and the place was almost half empty. i was shocked when the lights went down. traffic around prov. was brutal, so a lot of people didnt make it on time. there was unlimited dancing space and in my naivete i thought it would stay like that. i was sitting page side, per usual, and around gumbo the place filled up almost completely. towards the end of the lyrics, there was huge crowd eruption. the place was so fucking loud, it was a signal that everyone was in and grooving. after that though, it got ridiculous, the isles were so crowded, people just started pouring into rows, as a result, there was not an inch to move. it became somewhat of a distraction. we rememdied that problem by moving above and behind fish. no overcrowding there. room to move and breathe. ill be brief for the second set. good set, what to expect from a "sunday" second set. very groovy. i enjoyed the jiboo opener, and i loved the sand. first time live. i must say at some points it pained/frustrated me to hear mike just going "bum bum bum babum babum bum bum" over and over, but i know that he and fish are the strong, sunken 25 feet deep in the sand, backbone for that song. trey and page steal the show. the "layering" technique is so cool. they create these amazing soundscapes. this jam was very intense, while also being spacey/ambient. its been since 97, but during hartford/providence, i had the exrememe pleasure to hear music the band HAS NEVER BEFORE PLAYED. ive never heard anything like it ever, from anyone. the drowned>jam especially. this is phish like ive never heard them. its just so damn exciting and i cant come close to describing it. the drowned>jam is by far and away (and its not even that close) the most exciting 30+ minute jam ive heard. it had four or five distinct sections, including the spacey,ambient groove that had me drooling. anyway back to providence. im didnt know that acoustic piece was faht.(im still not sure) i knew i recognized it, i thought it may have been ministrone but i guess not. the rest of the show is average stellar phish. lxl was fantastic, although i see it a lot. i thought golgi would close it and i was delightfully surprised when i heard the opening chords of slave. slave is a really special song to me.my two favorite versions are 11-21-97 and 7-4-99. those versions evoke emotions like no other phish song. . i had a feeling last night's wouldnt be monumental, (it looked as if they were up against an 11:00 curfew) but it was a fine slave nonetheless. slave works best when flowing with a set. i knew this one would be a little rushed, and it was imo. but typically beautiful. (exhale) anyway, that is my long ass review of providence, ive never written a review before, but ive always wanted to (60 shows since 95, and seen some doozy's) well, thank you for reading this long commentary. oh, one last thing, new years is gonna be fucking nuts.
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 12:02:19 -0500 From: Virginia Cronin vcronin@ptpleasantbch.k12.nj.us To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: my thoughts on Friday at the Spectrum Alright, I am the first to admit it-- I am not the HUGEST phish fan ever, but I appreciate good live music and I must say that after reading some of the other reviews, I am very disappointed. First of all, Bouncin' round the Room was AMAZING! I have never heard such a wonderful, breathtaking, completetly hypnotizing rendition of this song in all the shows I have been to. I was complettely awe-struck by this song, and I think that anyone who doesn't realize this has serious problems. The rest of the first set was very "electric", a bit harder that usual, and I loved it. The ins and outs were amazing, and I have never had a bigger smile on my face. As for the second set, I felt like I was in a completetly different world from the first. The band was bugging everyone out by making ghoulish noises with their voices and the instruments. Everyone around me was scared almost-- it was really freaky. When they went into Rosie I was so shocked at the contrast of the second set, but everone was jammin, so I guess it was all good. However, i must maintain that the first set was the best set of Phish i have ever heard-- BY FAR!!! (except for when they played Born to Run at PNC) In conclusion I would like to say to all the people who keep critiquing phish shows in a negative way-- STOP! so what if someone messes up? so what if they were a little flat for a song or two? so what if they were getting tired? JUST ENJOY THE SHOW and stop being so friggin' negative! Thank You Very Much! Peace.
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 19:57:51 EST From: Whitey7000@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: why phish is good. I am fed up with people dissin on Phish. Why bitch? Does it make you feel better? Phish is a great band, and they are the only ones that do what they do. They put on great concerts and there is no reason to pick them apart note by note. If you don't like the music anymore then don't go to the concerts. It leaves a whole lot of extra tickets for people who do want to go to the concerts and enjoy the music. We know that is what it all about. Who cares about the scene. Just sit back, dance, or do whatever you have to do to enjoy the incrediblew music that is being played for your enjoyment by four guys that are there for you. If you agree with what I am saying then I am happy, but if you don't then don't go to the show if you are not going to have a great time. Someone else will gladly take your ticket. I'm sorry if this offended anyone.
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 15:19:34 -0800 From: Brandon Richards harryhood@ameritech.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: bashing of phans and/or shows I am not trying to make anyone mad by saying this but it has to be said. I love phish more then anything. I catch every show I can. Not meny people(maby 2) even like phish at my school. So it is very hard for me to even get live tapes. To find someone to go to shows with is even just a pain. When I am at shows people seem to look at me like "What is he doing here" I am not a "white-hat wearing jock" or even close to one but I am myself. I do not have dreads or patchwork. I am a kid who loves Phish and feel it is not right to be judged by people by the way I look. And as far as the reviews go, people need to remember that even one show is a blessing. even though you might not have heared the songs you wanted to or the placement of them it is still a phish show. people get to go to lots of shows a year, I am luckey if I can see three a year. So if you even think a show might be a little bit of a dissapointment. Send me your ticket instead of bitching about it the next day. I will go to any show I can. sorry if i pissed anyone off, but people need to look at things in more then one way. brando
Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 19:59:27 -0400 From: Jennifer Weaver-Whiting justinwhiting@hotmail.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: review correction... my address is justinwhiting@hotmail To hell with reviewing this fantastic weekend that i had. i would like to make a few comments about some of the idiots i see at the shows. i have been to my fair share(20, maybe more) of shows, and i am so sick of the ignorance. what kind of egomaniac gets satisfaction by jumping on stage with his shirt off and running around like a fool during what i consider a gift from my favorite band to me. i was really digging the split open and melt, and the show in general. and i did not give this teenie-bopper that wanted to impress someone the pleasure of ruining anything for me, but use your fucking head children. you are tainting what is one of the few pure experiences still available. the same goes for the glow-stick wars. don't get me wrong, i absolutely love seeing them soar by the thousands during a Harry or Run Like an Antelope, but they somehow always seem to make it on stage. Friday night, i could hear them hitting the top of Page's baby grand through the microphone. in fact, Gordon had to dodge a stick around the same time for it not to hit him in the head. i am sure that the band gets more pleasure out of seeing us enjoying the show than we get. those glow-sticks look awesome flying around. bring more! but, i get just as buzzed at a show as anybody, and i can always stop myself from throwing a stick at a band member. we should also try to protect our friends and only throw the stick that are the lightweight necklace type. the others may be brighter, but are also heavier and can cause injury. just use your heads. even when you are out of your mind, we all have a little voice keeping us vaguley grasping reality. i am not at all angered at the greatest fans in the world. i just want for us all to respect eachother and the band to create the most peaceful atmosphere on earth. i would rather be with you at a show than anywhere. PEACE!
Date: Sun, 12 Dec 1999 00:29:27 EST From: Tommy Baker thb3@hotmail.com To: DWS@Gadiel.com Subject: Stop Complaining! Why must all you people complain about the shows??? Obvioulsy you are all phans just get over it. Not everyone is going to like certain songs that are played. So what! Just get into the groove and have a good time. THB
Date: Sun, 12 Dec 1999 04:12:11 -0500 From: Jonathan Andrew Martis Jonathan.Martis@mail.cc.trincoll.edu To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: tour review to the dolt who said he would be happy with the chumbawamba album: get real. Phish is bound to play bad shows and we should not be forced to like them. That's why I go to so many shows, to catch those epics, see the good ones (still better than anything else), but I expect to see some mediocre, boring shows. You would not be happy if they played a show with all Jennifer Dances-esque songs or chumbawamba for that matter. That song sucks. A lot of time the band is not in to it and the music suffers. This tour the jamming has been spacey, the songs have been repeated. Phish is slowly moving to a new style and it might take a while for them to get into it. Still pissed about Rochester (the meatstick jam was weak and ruined my night, sorry to bitch but it's my opinion) but dying to see Hartford later today. I still love Phish and enjoy them despite my one show bitching. Peace, and rat out nitrous salesman when you see them so that the scene may be saved.
Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 10:31:30 EST From: Dip1292@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: 1st time I've read reviews Ok phish phans, Take it easy on the band !!! I followed the Grateful Dead around for years and the one thing I learned was that ...there will good nights and there will be great nights thats just the way it is and will be with Phish as well. Phish is arguably the best live band ever ! Phish has been playing together for a long time now...they are going to experiment on stage and in the studio.....personally I think they are "maturing like a fine wine". So after my 30th show yesterday in Philly...I can't wait until tonight!!!!!!!!! They never did play tweezer reprise!!!!!!
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 17:11:04 EST From: Timothy St.Pierre timst101@hotmail.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: re: negative reviews This is to everyone who is bringing tons of negativity to the table by bashing reviewers that review shows negatively. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and should present it if they feel strongly about it. While I was not at the Portland shows, everyone knows that the boys can sometimes disappoint. I love them like brothers, but sometimes your mood or your seats or the notes they play don't quite get the job done in that "golden hose" kind of way that we've come to expect and long for. And its as much our fault as theirs cuz we contribute too. Stop bashing this dude for not liking the new stuff. I mean, it sucks for him that he doesn't like "Get Back On The Train" or "Sand" (or whatever the fuck else he didn't like). I love those songs. But if he doesn't like it, for whatever reasons, why not allow him express those reasons. I like reading all Phish reviews... I mean, I took one look at the 12/7 setlist and thought that, Gee, I might be glad I didn't trek all the way up to Maine for that one. (Actually, I'll take the boys any time I can get them). I've had shows that I would have reviewed negatively... the only ones that come to mind were the sorry Bryce Jordan shows from both 96 and 97... but certain portions of certain shows definitely don't grab you. And its not like this guy doesn't like Phish... check out his review of Phatty Antelope. And we all know that the anticipation is the phat most in Piper, and if they bring it up too quickly, then it could, conceivably be some sort of buzz kill. These are just my thoughts; people who spend all kinds of effort bashing negative reviewers are deconstructing themselves. Very excited for the rest of tour... see you all in philly, dc, hampton, and new years, Peace out SHOUT, Tim
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 99 14:12:24 -0500 From: Josh Barrett josh@swardlick.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: General Dec. Tour comment Both shows had their strengths and weaknesses. Each one had a totally different feel. One thing that totally caught my attention was the AMAZING job that CK did on lights. Really fantastic...
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 15:26:58 -0800 (PST) From: Bart Tantillo btantillo@yahoo.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: General Thoughts Something's not right. After reading some of the most deplorable "fan" reviews I have ever seen, reviews written by people too caught-up in their own imaginary phish worlds to leave their inhibitions and doubt behind and just listen to the music, I decided the only remedy was for me to walk directly into the eye of the storm and draw my own conclusions. I offer these thoughts as a precursor to what will be two short reviews of the first shows I have seen this tour, December 7th and 8th at the Cumberland County Civic Center, in Portland, Maine. After seeing these shows, ones that seemingly had all the promise in the world, I am convinced that something is most definitely not right. Or maybe everything is just fine, and I have let the immaturity displayed in the reviews I have read infiltrate my mind. Regardless, I've compiled a list of some of the thoughts that crossed my mind during the six hours of music I experienced on Tuesday and Wednesday. I sometimes have trouble translating thoughts into words, and often have even more trouble transferring them to paper, so in the grand fashion of the Letterman/Walicki Top 10 lists, here, in no particular order, are some of those thoughts. I've used random numbers so that there is no confusion regarding any order or structure. Many of these will contradict one another, but they don't call me the "Walking Contradiction" for nothing. 03. This is the best fucking band playing music in the world right now. 41. This scene really sucks. 42. I am a part of this scene, so do I subsequently suck? 43. I don't suck. 11. Is that sweat, or did Trey pee his pants? (During YEM trampolines on 12/8) 28. Why does it seem like the band is just going through the motions? 15. I really like "Jennifer Dances". 08. Portland is the coolest city I have ever visited. 91. Do I smell? Or am I the only one here who doesn't smell? 67. Tonight (12/7), this band is a tight as I have ever seen them. 82. This is the smallest arena I have ever seen Phish play, and they are wasting it. 02. After 73 shows, have I hit a wall? 34. I'd pay 30 bucks a night to watch this band fart into microphones for 3 hours. 55. These sets are lacking any sort of continuity. 76. Why the fuck am I upset? I'm here aren't I? 77. Sometimes just being there isn't enough. 13. This is a deliberate attempt on the part of the band to really highlight certain songs this tour. 49. I know that Phish.Net is going to label this as an a capella Tweezer, even though it is just the lyric "Won't you step into the freezer" sung six times in a row. (They did, and have since changed it)(YEM vocal jam on 12/8) 04. This is one of the best single song performances/jams I have ever heard. (Halley's Comet on 12/7) 27. Where the hell is Lee? 59. Sand is First Tube with lyrics. (12/8) 57. How the hell could Trey forget the music to Dog Faced Boy? (12/8) 20. This Piper is a nightmare. (12/8) 17. Too many show/set opening songs in one set. (Set 1 on 12/7) 83. I'm glad George got to hear his Suzie. (12/7) 71. Stop playing like you can't wait to get offstage. (Set 2 on 12/8) 30. Even a rarity can't save us now. (Lizards on 12/8) 99. All things considered, this is still the best fucking band in the world. O.K., I'll stop there. I hope you get the point, and as soon as I get it, I'll let you know. Let me just say this in summary...I didn't like the Turkey sandwich I had on Sunday as much as the one I had on Monday. Now that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy each sandwich equally while they were being eaten, I have just eaten enough Turkey to know the difference between a good and bad sandwich. However, the bad isn't ever that "bad", just not as "good" as the good. Just the fact that I am eating a Turkey sandwich, good or bad, is usually enough to satisfy me, but when the Turkey is really good, there is nothing better. I have also had good Turkey sandwiches disguised as bad Turkey sandwiches, and vice-versa. Sometimes, what appears to be an incredible Turkey sandwich to my eye, doesn't live up to expectations once eaten. In the end however, it is still Turkey, and I keep on eating it, through the good and bad sandwiches, knowing that when it's all said and done, I am going to have many more good sandwiches than bad ones. David Gans just slit his wrists. Reviews to come.
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 13:09:27 -0800 (PST) From: grubby bean grubbybean@yahoo.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: General comments: December Tour, entry My review comments. Those of you who aren't getting much out of Phish shows are missing the point. It isn't Phish's responsibility to get you off every night. You gotta get yourself off. If you can't find a way to work the music into who you are now, it means you haven't evolved much in your 85+ shows, or whatever. Don't you get it? Phish can't play the same stuff forever. Every night is unique, finding a new side road off the main drag every single evening ain't easy. For them or FOR YOU. It gets harder as you get older too. So when you get to be my age, 45, and you find a band that can do it, you dig it, you don't dump it. Got it? Bean grubbybean@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 15:55:18 -0800 (PST) From: john rutan rutan9999@yahoo.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: reviews This is for all the "critics" who submit reviews. I am an accountant who has seen 33 Dead shows and 12 Phish shows. I can't follow the band from venue to venue because I am not in college anymore and I work for a living. I catch a show or two per tour if it is near me and on or near a weekend. Whatever the band plays is fine with me and I would not mind hearing the exact same show again if that's what they decided to play. The dope face punk who said the play PYITE too much can go strait to hell cause I've only seen it once and it was great. Chill out and remember, you only live once, try to enjoy it while you are still here. We are ALL only here for a little while. Peace
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 13:40:12 -0500 From: "Zahm, Darus" Darus_Zahm@exchangeny.deutschinc.com To: "'dws@www.phish.net'" dws@archive.phish.net Subject: NYE There exists a wide spectrum of opinions on recent performances; people have a wide spectrum of experiences when they attend a show--everybody is different and these are all true facts. But is the band actually playing poorly for a reason? My one opinion, after reading some other peoples, is that the boys better come through for us on New Years. I don't want to see any sloppy play. Personally, I have heard many rumors about how certain members of the band are overusing certain substances. This upsets me, and I don't know why. Everyone is certainly free to do their own thing, but in my opinion, a band cannot progress musically when they have a weak link(s). It is common sense, and first hand knowledge for many, that drugs will eventually beat the man. I hope that my favorite band is not going to become victim to (a) ridiculous habit(s). Learn from history: Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison(?) and who ever else could have progressed to be an even more accomplished musician. These guys better play their hearts out in Florida.
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 04:25:19 -0500 From: HSIHd phishman@ime.net To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: general december tour comments I think a lot is being said on this page regarding negative reviews, and although mine (for 12/8) wasn't the cheeriest, I think everyone is making the same point. Phish is an amazing band first of all. No one would have sat at their computers and composed any kind of email for all to see on any of these pages if we hadn't spent money on tickets over the years, sport the logo on our cars and clothing, and generally get psyched out of our minds to see our favorite band play. There's no question in anyone's mind that people giving the reviews, good or bad, could go up on stage and do half the shit that this band does almost nightly, all in the name of music and expression. But I think these reviews are a cool, unique way of expressing our totally subjective experiences of the shows and atmosphere, and when there's a platform like the web to stand on, people will speak their asses off (sometimes out of their asses). None of us are professional music critiques, and no one should be taken as such. I personally wrote what I felt about a show that wasn't as great as I thought it could be, but that doesn't mean I haven't to another 30-40 shows that blew away my expectations, and changed my entire musical thinking. I don't think anyone here really leaves a show feeling down or pissed or full of resentment toward the band, because of course they'd take all your advice and simply stay home. Even though 12/8 wasn't my favorite show, I still got to see my favorite band in the world just 300 feet away, play musical compositions that you literally have to be a genius to come up with. I guess it's the same as criticizing your favorite sports team...once you've seen amazing performances, its easy to jump on the one you didn't think was the best. But it's a review page. It's not going to be 100% praise, and you can still be thankful and love Phish even if you didn't get blown away. Take it easy everyone, and maybe a little less seriously ;-) Jeremy
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 18:38:10 EST From: LifeOPhish@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Reply to reviews in general Hey everybody out there, what's happening to some of you phans out there? Lately I have seen so much negativity comin from reviews that it worries me. This is the first time I've written in, but I just couldn't sit back and now say anything. I've only been to 5 shows unfortunately but I know a good thing when i see it. Phish is one the best bands I've ever heard and I hate to see their recent shows picked apart and lamented by it's followers. Personally, I'd like to see a little more variety in their last few shows (Phish only has about a hundred good songs) but I still give the boys credit for such great effort they put forth. Phish is definitely one of the hardest working bands in music, touring constantly and trying to give the phans plenty of good shows to attend. We should be more grateful for having such a talented band to listen to and not be so disappointed that each show isn't the best thing you've ever seen. Of course you may not want to hear certain songs or the way they played them that night, but there are others out there who may like that and appreciate the improvisation that Phish pulls off. If you are really having such a problem with the band, go buy some Dave Matthews Band CD's and join the herd of millions that subject themselves to that unoriginal, repetative music they think "jams." There are plenty of phans left who can appreciate Phish for what they are. I'd do anything to see this band when i could, even if they were having an off night. I went to the recent Cincy shows (said by some to be the worst shows they'd ever seen) and though they weren't the best I'd seen I still enjoyed being there and hearing Mike, Trey, Page, and Fish play for us. That's why there still out there and always touring, for us the phans. So please appreciate this and stop showing so much hate towards them. Thank you.
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 13:26:58 -0600 From: "Yach, Jason" Jason.Yach@plexus.com To: "'dws@gadiel.com'" dws@gadiel.com Subject: phish reviews i used to get upset when i read some of the reviews to phish shows in the past. now i just laugh it off. i don't know what some of this dung is that people are sending in. and now everybody is arguing back and forth to each other in a separate section from reviews. what has this review page turned into. i don't see much about the music anymore. say like the way it is reviewed in the deadhead's taping compendium. now i realize that in that the reviewers are probably going over tape and then reviewing the shows. but come on, you people can do better than this. i swear if i didn't know phish, and i just happened to stumble onto this page i'd have thought it would reviews for Bush or something. i just want to read about the music whether it's good or bad. i haven't read very many reviews like that.
Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 12:02:49 -0500 From: R bossert rbossert@brockport.edu To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: stop the negativity I would like to comment on all of the reviews I have been reading since the December tour started. Why do you people take the time to go to shows, and then take time to review the shows when all you do is BITCH about what Phish played, or didn't play? Not only that, but you then have the gall to criticize the band when they make a mistake or two. Hey jackasses, why don't you try getting on stage with 15,000 people watching and listening to your every move. Do you think you can remember EVERY note to EVERY chord in EVERY single song EVERY time you play? I doubt it. I used to pass off people who wrote reviews of their 1st show or even tenth show for that matter. "Oh, what do these newbies know?" I would say. Having been to over 60 shows myself, I can say these newbies know a lot. They know not to piss and moan about the tour's third "Farmhouse" or "how Trey screwed up the middle of Fluffhead". You know what...they played FLUFFHEAD!!. That should be enough to put a smile on any 'heads face, regardless of the fact that the band misqued in the "Bundle of Joy" part. Here's some advice to all you seasoned veterans and newbies alike: Just go and enjoy the moment! Where else would any of us rather be at any given time than in a room with tens of thousands of our closest friends and or gracious hosts and entertainers?
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 11:23:35 EST From: AOCO116@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: (no subject) i only went to cinci this tour , but why are these setlists starting to look the same ?? artur
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 22:51:29 EST From: Felnphishy@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: what the fuck is up with all these reviews i don't claim to be one of the old tour guys, my first show was hampton 97, but i do know one thing. if you didn't have a good time that a phish show, than the next time they come to town, do some kid a favor and don't buy fuckin tickets. let someone who still gets the smile on their face when the blue lights come down at 8 oclock have them, because they won't come and spout bullshit about how the show sucked. if they cover the entire chumbawumba album this december 17 and 18, i will still have a good time, because the boys know how to rock anything.
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 16:48:27 -0500 From: jonathan lenares j.lenares@worldnet.att.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: reviewing the reviews: what's up with all the negativity? just a few quick thoughts on all these, what have you done for ME reviews. try going to a show with a open mind, and try to appreciate how lucky we are to have a band that cares about their phans like phish does. so maybee you didn't hear your favorite tune at the show last night, and maybee the boys didn't blow your mind like they usually do. they're still the best band on the map! Hartford will be my 39th show,and regardless if one show was better than another, I've always walked out with a spring in my step and a smile on my face. How many other bands do that to you every single year.... surrender to the flow ,and don't forget to have phun!!! jon
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 17:01:44 -0500 (EST) From: Anthony M DeLugan amdl@cisunix.unh.edu To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: cult status EM, Your idea of Phish being upgraded to cult status is interesting. I think that Phish truly has inspired its own culture, but what I find difficult to believe is how the cult status blinds people from differentiating "good" and "bad" musical performances. After all, doesn't everybody have their own way of listening to Phish? I seriously doubt that many phans overpraise the band or deny that a show was subpar. I defense of these people, I would say that these people expect a different degree of musical stimulation than you. It's not in these person's best interest to differentiate good or bad musical performances, because it's relative and music is abstract. You read all the reviews, didn't you see the diversity of opinions regarding, say, Piper? The fact that Phish is so musically different from other bands gives rise to the fact that their music, if appreciated in its context, is perceived differently from "conventional perception." That's why I find it difficult to approach Phish from a Siskel and Ebert perspective. Whether or not Phish should be put into a different context is a matter of opinion. The important issue is the enjoyment of the music. I agree that a review is subject to criticism. I just don't understand how people can say that the band sucks if they simply realize the method behind their madness and what they are trying to accomplish. Saying that Phish is off one night from a provisational standpoint is honesty, saying that they suck is ignorance.
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 18:20:49 EST From: Eggemeier@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: December Tour General Comments I appreciate your response to my review. Although I do have some points of contention with your analysis of my position. First, you say "I find it difficult to believe how the cult status blinds people from differentiating 'good' and 'bad' musical performances." Inherent in the very conception of cult or cult status is the inability of the followers to distinguish reality from illusion. Obviously this is perennial problem for all people at all times, however it is more prononced in followers of cults. Therefore, implicit in the acknowledgement of Phish's cult status, is a recognition of the followers inability to see reality as it really is. This quite simply is the nature of a cult. Second, you contend that analysis of music is entirely subjective and relative. This post-modernist construct in my eyes is not a viable option, I do not ascribe to this ideology. To say that a jazz trained musician/scholar cannot assess the musical quality of a Phish better than a seventeen year old kid at his/her first show is ridiculous. Music is not entirely relative, there is an objective standard by which it should be judged. I would assent to the idea that experience is subjective and relative at times, however whether you are experiencing things how they really are is another question. If you logically follow your relativistic premise what results is that nothing means nothing anymore. There is no truth, because everything is relative. So what I am saying is that Phish can be judged objectively from the perspective of a musical critique. I cannot judge how you experienced the show. However, there is an objective standard by which it can be judged, and I think that in this case musicians, especially trained ones can assess the situation best. In your viewpoint you are a espousing the widespread trend of relativism pervasive in our culture. You are right when you say that the "important issue is the enjoyment of the music." However, for the purpose of this page there should be a musical analysis. That is great if you had a good time, however I don't really care to hear about unless you tell me what is going on in the music. And, furthermore, I think that some people can assess the musical situation of a band better than others. Therefore the experiential is more subjective than the musical; but I think that on these reviews there is to high a degree of analysis from an experiential viewpoint than a musical.-----ME
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 02:19:14 EST From: Fsesstlhd@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Ease up Phans!!!!! Whadup? Criticism has become our worst enemy. When shall we be happy; when Phish is no longer and people look back and say, "man, what a time I had following the best and most creative band in the world." I think the problem is that people know that Phish is the best thing going right now, but they feel it is necessary to play the "liberal" and search for other bands which they feel are just miles ahead of phish and blah blah blah. C'mon people. This band is transforming with time as each and every one of us should. Just because Jennifer Dances and Bug are poppy does not necessarily mean that the band is selling out and that the fans deserve better and this is my 260th show and I can not believe they would do this to us, etc. Appreciate the creativity of the band, the energy, the variety. I think that the new Phish correlates tightly with the attitudes and emotions that each band member is experiencing. Remember when Phish was born and they hit us with the comple arrangements. There was no poppy style tunes and there would not be for a while. They are just doing something that they have not done yet and are so successful at it because they did it backwards. Started complex and became simple. It is what we are not used to so people call it abnormal and shady and many other names. Hope I did not ramble on that much. Peace, and enjoy yourselves! Frank Sessa
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 18:45:27 EST From: OKu2335594@aol.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Enough with the criticism I'm very reluctant to respond to the negative reviews, not only as of late, but in general. I've been poking into the review pages for years now and used to think it was so cool how people were so critical about "song placement" and tightness of jams, and wether the band was on or off. Then..... I grew up and learned to kinda just have fun with the whole damn experience. I'm not asking you folks to give the band a break, believe me they could care less if you were unhappy with Lawn boy coming at the wrong time, but please give everyone else a break. Not to say that you shouldnt review on the review pages, but just keep in mind.. these guys play night after night for us....they're not always gonna play " their best show ever" but we're all gonna have a good time wether they opened with Amoreena ( member that one) or Punch. So just relax guys.. they are.
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 16:36:35 -0600 From: scott kaplan sakaplan@uiuc.edu To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: dont be pessimistic about Phish I would just like to attempt to put an end to the pessimism that has been expreesed about these phish shows.. Keep in mind that this is a group of HUMANS and they are not perfect. Howver, they are very entertaining and make great music. They cant please evryone on every night. Dont be picky just to be music critics. Were all creitics but there is a point to let up. New Years is coming and if that isnt going to be enough for you, then dont go to shows. Peace until then Scott Kaplan
Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 13:22:32 PST From: Frederick Schilling slanty1@hotmail.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: poor style of reviews thus far Who are these people that write reviews these days??? Yo, yo, yo????!!! I don't care what you were wearing at the show or what the band wore or how many hits of acid you took or if your shrooms made it through the pat down unscathed. Please keep it to the music people and anyting exceptional about the scene but that's about all I wanna' hear about. Sometimes I have a hard time believing the reviewers were at the same show. I grimaced upon reading the first couple of Dec. Tour reviews. "I'm so glad they played ______, it's my favorite song." Ughh...Is it possible to truly have a favorite Phish song? And the use of the adjective phat must be immensely reduced. Apologies to the few reviewers that stuck to the important things and sorry if I sound bitter- that's just the taste I have in my mouth right now after reading these. One man's opinion. See ya'll at Raleigh>Hampton. Fred P.S. Where's Dirksen or Eisen when you need them?
Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 12:26:30 -0500 From: Matthew C. Benson bens1164@studnt.cc.plattsburgh.EDU To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Review Complaints Hello everybody, I know that everyone has their own opinion on what a good phish show is, but if think that their is a possibility if having a bad phish show then you really shouldn't go. Phish is by far the best live ticket out there and just because you didn't like what they played doesn't mean everyone else didn't like it. If you are so worried on getting the same songs show after show then don't come. Phish survived before you liked them and they'll survive after you stop liking them. Phish doesn't need any negative energy right now. There is going to be a day where there is no more phish. Who knows this day could come very soon. When phish is gone and not touring any more or even broken up, i know that I will to do anything to hear them live. Lets not be too critical of them because one day there is not going to be there to criticize. I have herd character zero at 60% of the shows I have gone to but am I complaining when they play that as an encore song. The Rochester show was amazing, the second set almost tore down the arena. I thought fluffhead was going to end it but hell no, chalkdust and then Frankenstien. That second set had so much energy it was sick. Who are you to tell phish what to play and when to play it. Did you go to UVM and then Goddard for musical talent. Probably not. Phish plays day in and day out as hard as they can play. If that's not good enough for you then don't come to the shows or waste your time writing bad reviews. Last time I checked Phish heads weren't journalists. If you have seen them hundreds of times and think they suck now then too bad, phish doesn't doesn't need to be evaluated you do! thanks
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 11:42:22 -0500 From: Jerome Mabb jmabb@us.ibm.com To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Scott Carnder's last show You seemed to have a lot of positive things to say about your last show(the poorest one you have attended). First of all, noone cares when your first show was, or how many shows you have seen, or if you will ever see them again. People only care about when their first show was, how many times they have seen them, and whether or not they will see them again. So keep that crap to yourself and review the freakin' show. I am not fortunate enough to make it to all of these shows (sidenote: only seeing 3 or 4 shows a year seems to make the experience more a treat, and I think some of you out there should give it a try. OK this is turning into more than a sidenote. If you follow a band around the country you are going to see the same song more than once. Hell, the Dead would open with Alabama Getaway every night for a whole tour. It comes with the territory. Try critiquing the subtle differences between the versions of the song instead of complaining about just seeing it the other night) Anyway, not seeing all of these shows makes me dependant on people's reviews to get an idea of how they are playing. If your review only contains the adjectives: standard, funky, trippy, groovy, or ambient(worst of all), put your review in your diary and leave it the hell off the internet. You are only embarrassing yourself, and belittling what I like to think is a musically intellegent crowd. Keep it about the music. I do not want to hear about what you listened to on your way to the show, how many joints you smoked, or what t-shirt you bought in the "lot". Keep it real. Peace Jerry
Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 10:40:32 -0600 From: Greg James ccg@ais.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: [Fwd: Cinci Shows] Let me start by saying it really is sad that so many of you submitting reviews have so many terrible things to say about this weekend, or any other show for that matter. All you are doing is putting out negative energy that no one wants. I know that everyone is different and that we all see and hear and percieve things in our own way, but if you don't have anything nice or good to say, please keep it to yourself. You should be grateful that Phish is willing to get on stage and play LIVE on an almost constant basis. That is hard work and I bet NONE of you could do the same. So please, put your ego aside and treat every show as it was your first, it will enable you to appreciate the music that much more. As far as the shows go, I had a great time. I sang, I danced, I ran into friends that I hadn't seen in a while, which is what going to shows is all about. The interaction between the band and its audience is crucial to the overall experience of the show, so if you're putting out bad vibes, don't expect anything nice in return. I go to the shows cause I love the music. And that is why everyone else should be there, for the love of the music. Good music is everywhere, you just need to make yourself a part of it. Anyway, Gotta Jiboo. See ya in Hampton. Peace, Greg
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 19:34:31 -0500 From: Chris Cochran cochran.123@osu.edu To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Tour Comments I want to begin this by saying that Friday and Saturday shows at Cincy were my 20th and 21st. I know that to many phans this does not seem alot but to a 19 year old with limited funds and no car most of the time I feel that I have been lucky. Also these were my first shows since New Years Eve at MSG as I worked in Yosemite all summer and missed all of Summer Tour. I went into Friday's show expecting to be blown away. That I think was my first mistake. At my first couple of shows I didn't expect anything from Phish and I was usually rewarded with amazing setlists and killer times. But Fridays show did have it's moments AC/DC bag certainly is one that I will never forget. I just had to keep reminding myself that Phish is human and you can't put expectations on them. Saturday was much better in my opinion. FirStar was sold out and the place was rocking from the get-go. I loved the sets, could of heard a Fluffhead but overall went away pleased, I could hear Guyute a million times and still get excited. Also a first set Tweezer are you kidding me? My next show is at MCI and I am taking my fourteen year old sister to her first show. I know that she will want to hear Bouncin' of course and a couple other newbie songs that I would rather not hear. But for her I hope that she gets to hear them. Because I will love to watch that smile creep over her face that has crept over all of ours when we hear the first couple of chords to our favorite songs, or watch her eyes sparkle as she stares in amazement at CK5 magic. This is what Phish is all about sharing the groove. Maybe these aren't stellar or remarkable shows but remember everynight it is someone's first show and their first time hearing the magic that we all love and crave. Later down the path, Cochran
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 15:53:48 -0600 From: Josh Rosen josh_rosen@cambridgecap.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: how to review a Phish show After reading all of the negative reviews to the shows this past weekend, and then after reading the even nastier respones they got, I've decided to post the 7 commandments in how to review a a Phish show: 1. What you write is YOUR opinion. If you didn't like the show, you have every right to say exactly that. Just remember that for every fan who hated the show, there was someone else getting hosed for the very first time. To call Phish "dogshit" is ridiculous and whoever wrote that should not be taken seriously. 2. There IS such a thing as a bad Phish show. I have seen 57 shows ranging over a 4-year span. Now there are people who would think I have earned the right to speak out on the matter, yet there are others (and I go to shows with several of these jaded bastards) who would consider me a newbie, as they have been around the scene a lot longer and have seen far more shows. With that aside, I can tell you that I have seen Phish concerts which left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Does that mean I should bitch and scream and make sure everyone in my dancing area feels my pain? Of course not. There's nothing worse that hearing the first notes of Guyute ring out and some asshole screams "Oh no, not this shit again!". It ruins your mood, and it ruins the buzz of the general area. Now I can empathise with someone not wanting to hear a specific song at a specific time. I don't remember the last time I actually stood up during Fuckerpants (Caspian). But I keep my feelings to MYSELF (Or at least my friends who I'm with at a very quiet volume). That way, I won't disturb the extreme jubilation that another person may be feeling at that time. 3. (This is really an addition to #2) Those of you who have seen a number of shows will understand this. The first time you heard Bouncin' at a show, what did you think? Yeah, yeah, bull shit. You loved it. So did I. Now what happened the 5th time? I can picture it now. "This is O.K., but I'd really much rather hear something else." And the 15th time? "I'd rather be watching the Shopping Channel". So, you know what I mean by not getting to "that" point as often. It's just human nature, the more you experience something, the less special it becomes and the harder it is for you to hit the musical hose. But what if, during your first time seeing Bouncin', some guy started screaming how much it sucked?! Would you still have loved it? Probably not. And that, my friends (or those of you who are still reading) is the point. Whether or not you like something, that's no reason to share in the negative groove. 4. Case in point. I drove 8 hours to catch the tour opener in Kansas this past summer. Now, based on how unreal 98's show was, I knew (or at least I thought) I was in for a treat. What did I get? The single worst Phish show I have ever seen. (barring 6/13/95). There was no energy, the song selection and fluidity was terrible, AND they played Swept Away, Sample, Bouncin, etc. But you know what? This kid next to me,who incidentally was at his 1st show, was having the time of his life. Here I was, pissed about having made the drive, thinking about how shitty it was gonna be tomorrow after having to drive back home in the middle of the night, and here was this kid who ACTUALLY thought this was as good as it gets. Who am I to tell him it's not? 5. Phish are human beings. They do not put on great shows every night. If someone feels that the shows in Cincy weren't good, I want to hear about it. Why does every review have to be positive? If you disagree, so be it. But each person has a right to voice their own opinions. 6. I go into every Phish show hoping to get the hose. I often tell people that 12/11/95 changed my life. And I really think it did. That was the first time I got "there." And that happened a lot between 95-97 (particularly the fall 97 Midwest run, and even more particularly 12/6 and 12/7.) But this past year had left me feeling a little short. I mean, I just didn't get the same feling I used to get walking out of the venue. I have had several discussions about this with people, and ultimately the reasons boil down to what I was talking about before. The more you see, the harder it is. So, when I read the Cincy shows weren't all that, I can relate, I know that not every show is a world-changing experience for all people. 7. Bottom line: There are good reviews. There are bad reviews. There are Great Tweezers (11/30/95 immediately comes to mind) and there are not-so-great Tweezers (12/31/97 immediately comes to mind). Everyone sees things differently. So please, let people express their opinions and if you have something to say, do it nicely. Because remember, these guys won't be around forever. And then there will be no more reviews period. Thanks for listening, I hope I made some sense. "Waiting for the time when I can finally say, that this has all been wonderful but now I'm on my way." Josh Rosen Director of Originations Cambridge Realty Capital Companies 35 East Wacker Drive -- 33rd Floor Chicago, Illinois 60601 Telephone: 312-357-1601 Ext. 114 Fax: 312-357-1611 E-Mail: josh_rosen@cambridgecap.com Web Site: http://www.cambridgecap.com
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 17:25:04 -0500 (EST) From: John Fallon Lamb To: Josh Rosen Subject: Re: how to review a Phish show Josh, Thank you for saying what needed to be said. I tried to say it after reading the horrible reviews of the Cincy shows, but may have come off as cruel in doing so. "When I think it's time to leave it all behind, I try a way till there's nothing I can say to make it stop, stop, stop, stop..." keep passing the open windows, John Lamb
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 14:53:30 -0600 From: Greg James ccg@ais.net To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Cinci Shows Let me start by saying it really is sad that so many of you submitting reviews have so many terrible things to say about this weekend, or any other show for that matter. All you are doing is putting out negative energy that no one wants. I know that everyone is different and that we all see and hear and percieve things in our own way, but if you don't have anything nice or good to say, please keep it to yourself. You should be grateful that Phish is willing to get on stage and play LIVE on an almost constant basis. That is hard work and I bet NONE of you could do the same. So please, put your ego aside and treat every show as it was your first, it will enable you to appreciate the music that much more. As far as the shows go, I had a great time. I sang, I danced, I ran into friends that I hadn't seen in a while, which is what going to shows is all about. The interaction between the band and its audience is crucial to the overall experience of the show, so if you're putting out bad vibes, don't expect anything nice in return. I go to the shows cause I love the music. And that is why everyone else should be there, for the love of the music. Good music is everywhere, you just need to make yourself a part of it. Anyway, Gotta Jiboo. See ya in Hampton. Peace, Greg
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 14:37:07 -0500 From: Glenn Namian glenn.namian@fmr.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Karma/Kharma Not trying to overstay my welcome, but I checked in after sending off a review this morning. Glad to see people getting on those who were trashing the shows in Cincinnati this past weekend. Bummed to hear there were episodes with the authorities, more on that later. Trashing this band is not cool at all. They are the closest thing to having friends in the business as it gets. They dare to be normal, to be themselves and to not mask inconsequential flaws with over-rehearsed "corporate playing" and calculated set lists. It's their loose, natural approach toward playing that captured me in the first place. So what if someone blows a queue or misses, or ignores, an audible hint to move out of a jam back/forward into the structure. Deal with it, why are you there to begin with, are you trying to polish this band? For God's sake enjoy them as they are. Too much of life is forced into patterns and modes of operation. Take a deep breath and resync ... At this stage in my life, I'm mired in the main stream corporate working world. It happens, much as I said I'd never go that route. Responsibilites and life do force some adjustments, and there's nothing I wouldn't do for my kids. So we change. I enjoyed being around the Phish loyal, youth is a wonderful thing and overall you are very cool people. Friends, get every inch of freedom you can out of life while you're young, you can't go back. To some I lost ten years of "career direction and income production" being involved in the music world. Maybe so (maybe not), but I'm better for the wear, I have a much more rounded and grounded view of the world and my kids and I are in tune. I'll trade having a Lexus for their daily hugs without reservation. Don't be so wrapped up in "being in the know" that you lose your ability to enjoy normal things. And to me, Phish is a very normal thing. If you're laying down that negative vibe, drop out now and get with the rest of the main stream, they're waiting for you. You'll be crawling back and begging for a less than perfect show within a week. The vibe Saturday was refereshing, the (I dare say) kids were very cool and I almost forgot I was in Cincinnati. Coming from NYC, living in Cincy for 9 years has been trying. Overall they don't handle diversity well, and Phish phans are very diverse. I applaud it. But for most in this town, one of the reviews termed them anal, this weekend was a freak show. Let your freak flags fly people, but remember you can't educate the ignorant. So read the signs and avoid the hassles when you see them coming. I'm sensing that those who threw bottles were not a representative slice of this fan base. They probably drove in with the yahoo that ran up on stage. I'm rambling, still buzzing from Saturday I guess. It affected me, but the nay-sayers are bugging me a lot. Do the loyal a favor, don't go, your tickets will be quickly absorbed by someone who really wants to be there. Peace all, Glenn
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 13:58:14 -0800 From: yonil555@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: general comments For all of those people ripping the shows, They have a nearly impossible job. They're as close to perfect as can be considering that they play close to 100 shows a year. It's very hard to play your best and be totally creative every time you get out there- it's also impossible to play everyone's favorite's at every show so it's ridiculous to critsize a show based on whether you have gotten your favorite songs played or not. It just so happens that I hadn't heard a Tweezer in a while and really wanted to hear one- that was definitely my high point of the show so next time show some respect before you open up your mouth and critisize the band. Yoni (yal10@columbia.edu)
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 13:08:45 EST From: PYITEhey@aol.com To: dws@archive.phish.net Subject: thanx For those of you ranting about two Cincinnati concerts, I understand...only if you are ranting about the phans who didn't receive tix and threw a fit ( a small riot ) outside. I have been to many shows, Phish and others, and 50% of the show is the phans responsibility. The band was great and it is hard to play for years and years and impress the "all too critical." They are still enjoying playing for us and for themselves and we, in return, owe them a good response. There is no reason to bash them if you didn't have a good time...for those of you I propose: go see another band for once and relearn your appreciation or lower you far too high standards. Now onto those who ruined the after-show lot party and scene...i am sorry you were brought up that way. It is one thing if you didn't have a ticket...whose fault is that...I have been there before...and it is enjoyable (maybe not as) too respect everyone else and sit outside and meet strangers and hang out. I have sat the lot a few times and i never threw a fit nor do the majority of real fans...to throw beer bottles, etc. and act like little babies who don't get their toy at a store...I recommend never doing that again. The boys work very hard to impress everyone and themselves...and you guys ruin that. Please do that in your own home...I don't like what some cops do either...but who will you call when someone is robbing your house...it is there job to keep control... as well as yours...please don't ruin it for everyone else...learn respect
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 19:22:46 -0500 From: cavernwolf@home.com To: dws dws@archive.phish.net Subject: Sick and tired Hey, guess what! If your tired of hearing or experiencing bad shows, than stop going!! Look, we all love Phish, and they're not gonna be on every night. So suck it up and deal w/it. I've been to 21 shows and still consider myself somewhat of a rookie. Sure, I've seen a couple of not so good shows, but thats no reason to complain or criticize. Please, for me and all of the other loyal phans, stop the negative press. Let's enjoy this last tour of the so called millenium before NY2000. I just hope that NY2000 is good enough for all those negative thinkers. Regardless, NY2000 will be the greatest party of my life. Keep the positive attitude, and we'll all have the best time of the century... cavernwolf
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 02:33:42 -0500 (EST) From: John Fallon Lamb lambj@umich.edu To: dws@gadiel.com Subject: Reviews I have in my lifetime as a phan bitched after some shows or tours when I thought the boys were playing guyute too much or something or the other and I have read people's reviews and laughed as they range from someone's best show to someone's worst. I am tired of reading the reviews of people that have nothing to contribute but complaints and whining. Get over it, see another show. Give some respect to the band. I have a tough time accepting it as well, but they are humans just like us. Let's not forget that the men that are Phish are the answer to our musical desire not our Divine desire. Phish will keep on playing. I will keep on touring to see them. People will keep on bitching. My advice is to find another band to criticize to death. keep passing the open windows, John Lamb
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