12-17-99 -- Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, Virginia

Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 19:10:29 -0500
From: Chris Frisby [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: late review

I definitely agree that Fridays show was the worst show at Hampton that
I've seen and I've been to all the shows there since 95. Saturday was my
24th show since UsAir 95. I try to see shows whenever i have time. I
actually liked MCI and Raleigh better than i did Friday night. It just
didn't seem like they were together especially in the 2nd set. I was in
the stands Page side right near the speaker. Didn't like Jennifer dances
but maybe my taste will change. Bug was okay first time hearing it. I
don't know but the shows on the 3rd and the 4th of july was kind of what i
was anticipating them to play. The 4th was definitely the best show ive
seen this year and 2nd nite of hampton coundlnt even compare. The buffalo
bill was cool ,at first i thought they were gonna play makisupa. Mike's
Simple wow evrey time I see a mikes now its mikes simple except for the
fourth. Raleigh 98 mikes simple lemonwheel mikes simple hampton 98 mikes
simple. Predictable 2001 and yem considering they have never played those
at hamption before. Reba ,Camel Walk, the phat ass Tweezer with a SLAVE
JAM that no one who has reviewed that show mentions except for David
Rosenberg. How in the hell did any of you miss that? They played it for
like five minutes befotre going into Jim. I don't know I probabl;y would
have missed it if I had only been to two shows. But befopre you start
reviewing shows and sayiong negfative things about them THINK. You got to
see Phish play and there are very few things that are that much fun.

Chris 

Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 22:20:12 -0500
From: charles g graf [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Im I working for PHISH?

I have this erge. An almost uncontrolable pulse or vibe if you will, to
network atleast one review somewhere out there for PHISH although I do
have a level of self control. Will this be posted at all? Here is my
beginning footnote, if you will, before I rip, tear, analize, whatever, it
doesn't matter, about atleast one setlist from this tour. Im keeping track
and the count for me is 32 shows. Dec. tour inclusive. I missed the 1st 2
shows and Raleigh.

So, there I was. Out in the audiance w/ my Green "Carini Hat" wondering if
Trey or any of them noticed me at all those shows. I call it the Carini
hat because the first show I went too was Rochester and they did a Carini
opener w/Trey wearing a funny tight knit black winter hat.  Many
"PHISHING" themes came to mind on my whole venture. But the two that stick
out in my mind were the hat and JDances. OH!! and one night I wore a "The
Cure" T- shirt in honor of Trey's qoute" If you can't heal the symptoms
and not effect the cause" I turned into t-shirt boy cuz of that one!
Page-duz the staredown to me at shows,(gets weird and even scary but I
back off, trying too tease as I draw my attention away) but I think I made
him laugh at the D.C show during Dirt. One show I did the Mick jagger
thang,w/lips and the whole act during loving cup. (hehe) I think I got a
reaction out of Page about it than glanced over too Trey who I think was
saying "Hey what about me??" Mike-I leave him alone but wait for a cue
from Trey to laugh because I think Mike cracks him up once Trey is playing
along just watching the goofy guy. I want to tell Trey "Look! it's
Carpuso, I love the guy"-Saving Private Ryan Fishman-He don't scare me. Im
an ex-drummer, and have been learning alot of PHISH on guitar. Yeah! Keep
that groove Fishman...keep that groove going! Trey-They all better watch
out what they think. All I did was wipe my nose in public. I can't help
thinking about Eric Claptons stage presence and Trey's in comparison. This
boy IS going for it, but what is that Trey? another slowhand? Up close,
Trey seems so Claptonistic to me. I think it's time too see a crazy Ska
guitarist or something. I love the guy though. he so dumb,I so dumb, me no
nice guy, he no nice guy.*lol* Okay, Let's get to the setlist!!! SET I
Harry Hood- Missed it!! Walked in during Chicken. Im sure it was
fantastic. Chicken Shack- Typical, I like PHISHES' country feel Dog Log-If
only i knew it better Tube- If only I could think of it Heavy Things-Great
song, how's it go again? Get Back-great song> Im a Lionel enthusist 1st
Tube- Im missing out on the whole tube theme... Minestrone-Now I was
getting it. Twas his house. launching that ole solo career. YEM-Always,
Always great to hear!! With a dash of spite.

I moved up front floor, within plain view

SET II
2001-I was standing between 2 dorks who didn't dance or plainly get down!
jesus frigging christ!
Do You-I was lost but still standing
2001-I thought Do You was a Jam into a continiuos 2001
Sand-They got simple and great melody, I fricking cherish this band
The Horse-Yeee Haaaa! I think I was a farmer in a past life
Silent-This is a depressingly geared song but i never got to that point
with this song.It sounds alot like They Might be Giants.  I had a cat
name silent. Swept away puts me there!
Possum-Only song that reminds me if my Ex. She used to crotch down...like
a possum. She was funny like that. and guess what, she was at this show
out there!! and gave me the X-tasy, trippy cold shoulder.
Mike's groove-Thank god but they tried for ownership during Simple. No
way! I grooved it and sang into my shoulder.
Buffalo Bill- C'mon...I never went on Outward Bound, or went to a camp
during summer. ya Know?
Week- At this ponit I realized jumping on stage and doing DS w/them was a 
complete failure this tour.

E:Ya Mar-Trey calls out "HE WAS MY NO GOOD PAH!!" I thought of Andy
Gadiel and dead fathers in general. I looked to the sound board people
for some reaction. MM-hmph. He bailed out though and was like, whatever
maan and kept going. Ya know? Andy, I don't know you of course, but I
realize you may y read this, and i wanted to say I was in shock and had
just started into the net thing w/ PHISH. Also, my sisters b-day is the
same date. Im just reminising. Good luck! Don't boot me!!!
Sleeping Monkey-I listened to this one in passing. Silly song! great end!

I wasn't intoxicated for this show. I had Two beers! Who needs it? Oh
well! NYE!!!!!!

AFTERSHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh yes indeed PHOLKS! One setlist review is all I really should, want,
and need to do,,,but I picked this one! 
1st, I snuck right the hell in!! I guess I was sober enough to use my
ways of persuasion and weasal past the security. They had the free
Rolling Rock. I plugged in my cell phone to recharge! Drank some beer to
cool off, all they had so I dehydrated even more...and Fishmaaaaaaan was
the only one there. I think Tom Marshall was there, but, who ever it was,
slipped in and right the heck out. I brought the phone but not the
camera, geez!!
I slipped in a quick talk which went something like this:" I painted my
shutters purple in honor of tour. have you talked to the Modern Drummer
magazine people?" he said they had approached him...blah blah blah...and
the angry mob flushed me out!
Done deal!!..........Thank you for reading this and I hope you all are
ready to Meatstick at Cypress!!!.....see you there...face in the crowd!!! 


Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 11:34:20 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 11/17/99 Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA

I love Hampton...the city itself pretty much sucks, but you cant beat the
coliseum itself. Perfect size, and you can see everything from any vantage
point. Its a moving experience, and I've never ever seen a bad show here,
saw my first in november of 95, havent missed one since. And also, ever
since 95, my girl has been shut out of Hampton all the time...once again
she came ticketless due to me selling her tickets by
accident...however...we scored a miracle at a rest area on the way to
Hampton for the first night. So I was stoked totally, so was she. ANother
note, we arrived at the parking lot on Saturday at approximately 3:21...at
around 3:45...she scored a ticket....so we were finally inside together
for the first time this weekend. Anyway...on to the review.

Lot scene is always a huge mass of people in Hampton...I'd say it's about
half and half...half who have and score tickets....half who dont, dont
plan to, or are just there too be there. The whole Hampton experience is
different than any Phish experience in my opinion. I guess it's in a class
with Worcester and Deer Creek...but it's definitely better. For anyone who
wants to experience everything at its peak for the first time
Phish-goer...Hampton is the place to take everything in, hands down.

Preshow...all day long and the night before...was thinking back to Nassau
a month and a half ago...felt it coming...sensed it....hours and hours
before the show...I called a Piper opener. Dont ask me why...but it
represents the power and intensity of a two night Phish run, great way to
begin a run. So I called a Piper opener...band walks onto the stage...Trey
slowly begins the ultimate unexplainable Phishjam....Piper. I was
ecstatic. All my friends just looked at me like I was a psycho, cause not
only did I call the opener, but the night before...I had also called what
would be the first set closer...Twist! But I was only one for two one they
dug into Piper...anyway...the rundown:

Piper...allready explained it. Its a sick jam always, whether long or
short..it has the ability to get any audience grooving with a purpose. It
speaks for itself...left me speechless...I was all smiles.

Meat...its always a fun little tune to hear live, dont care for it much on
the tapes...but I couldn't complain after the Piper onener I had just
heard and called. I loved every minute of Meat, took it in like fresh
oxygen...I owed it all to Piper.

Sparkle...another one I cant help but love hearing live, still owed itall
to Piper. Grooved like a madman...HOWEVER...I was beginning to think that
this show was entering a safemode...a little premature too assume such a
thing...but Meat and Sparkle dont have the ability to take a show too new
extremeties, but I was still going on the gas from Piper

JIBOO...I call this one, Piper II. Saw this three times on Treys tour,
really liked it, but after hearing the boys jam it out...It's a Phish
song. Really loved this one, knew it was a definite this weekend, and the
jam produced great intensity inside the coliseum...and I finally began to
feel the feeling I've felt for a good many years at Hampton...the
incredible amount of shaking in the stands...literally have thought at
times that the stands would literally collapse, but I was psyched...Jiboo
really created a lot of strength...this show was finally getting off to an
incredible start.

PYITE...thought this would surely be the next nights opener...came as a
suprise to me...always a great tune to hear live and anywhere for that
matter. Always get a good laugh during the Landlady dance, pure
intensity...keeps getting better.

When The Circus Comes...yeah, oh well. Was pretty much really satisfied
with Piper, Jiboo, and Punch...so we decided to sit this one out. Got a
little frustrated once Trey dug into this one, just cause I was feeling
the intensity very strongly, wanted to keep shakin, but Trey really had a
strong guitar solo in this one, I actually liked this one, fell in love
with it during the "Mudslide", 7/22/97, but since then...I usually think
of it as a song that is overplayed and misplaced. But I was satisfied.

Water...cant remember the feeling I felt when Page began plucking away at
the piano, but I was distressed, dont know why. I hate complaining and
being super critical of shows cause its snobbish, and you can never expect
perfection from a band like Phish, or any band for that matter. There is
never an absolute 100% perfectly played show, some have come really close
though. Anyway, I've actually grown to love this one. I like the way they
are now kinda jamming it out, they just look like they're having so much
fun when they're doing it. I was satisfied. I guess i just am critical of
some shows sometimes due to past performances at the same venue. I
mean...it's Hampton...history has been made countless times in that
place...the Warlocks shows of 89, Hampton 97 and 98...anyway...I was
expecting more due to the fact that the set was fairly short so far.

I called a Piper opener, and my girl had caught Rochester a week
before...I had never heard a Twist Around closer...so I asked her...how
did you like Twist Around as a first set closer? She said it was prety
good, didn't say much actually. But I went out on a limb and said...Twist
Around is gonna close the first set tonight....and I was right! Its my
staple song...have loved it since Day 1. Its unique and intelligent make
up is just beyond me. I also was a bit thrown off by the new way they have
it arranged at the beginning, kinda has a 50's style love song doo wop
thingee...dont ask me where the hell i thought of that, but its the only
thing that came too mind. Very powerful, and I actually wanted the set too
close after this one just so my friends would look at me like I was a
prophet or somethin like that. The jam was really nice, nice extension,
love this song soo much, faves of the first set...the ones I called, Twist
Around is just an insane song, no questions asked. Overall, Piper, Jiboo,
Twist were the highlights of the first set for me. Definitely better first
set than the night before, much more intensity, the beginning and the set,
AS A WHOLE...a tad sketchy, had some bumps along the way...but when the
lights brightened...I was stoked...I was expecting a brilliant three more
sets to close the tour.

Setbreak...balloons, and lots of them, the floor was where it was at,
still am concerned about glowsticks onstage, forget when or what song it
was, Im leaning toward Twist Around actually, possibly Birds...when I saw
Trey get popped in the ankle by one of them. I hate getting hit with them
period, so how do you think Trey feels, especially when he's performing.
Lots of distractions, but the second set balloon drop was very sick,
amazment all around.

Birds...called a First Tube opener...got BOAF...I had forgotten all about
this one. They played these at there best in the beginning...the Island
Tour debuts of Birds in both nassau and providence were stellar high paced
versions with a touch of Crosseyed Painless in them. I was a little
disheartened when Trey and Fish began the intro, but hell, I was stoked
just to see them onstage, so I couldnt complain, and I didn't. They jammed
it out nicely, really sick, the balloons had to have contributed in some
form or another, cause there were so many of them, thought at one point
that I was at MSG and the clock had stroked midnight, well, not that many,
but there were A LOT of balloons bouncing up and down.

MOMA...arrrgghhh, now I love this song, have gotten just a littlesick of
it in the past two years, really wish they'd drop the lyrics and thro in a
Black-Eyed Katy sometime as a suprise...but I thought to myself...Birds,
Moma...Ghost. This Moma was nothing special, and I was getting a tad
agrivated, not comkplaining though, just restless...still had not been a
part of anything epic YET. Ive heard too many Momas, but Ive heard a lot
of songs too many times...thats the price you pay for catching a lot of
shows...thus, I cant complain. Did get some smiles though when Trey was
teasing Birds in the jam, just because it is one of those things that adds
some flavor to the mix.

Bug...now I really like this song. Had been hopin for it since the night
before, finally got it, this one still has potential, dont ask me how, I
just listen and feel like they could do more to it, and they already have
done a bit more than what they did over the summer...but there is
something about it that makes me say...There is more to come with this
one. I loveBug

Jennifer Dances...my girl looked at me with a tiring expression, she had
told me about this one, and I had actually wanted to hear it considering I
was really curious. It is poppy though. I dont know about it, there isnt
room for jamming, and I wouldnt even wanna hear a Jennifer Dances -->
Jam...the entire song I kept listening to the lyrics and said to
myself..."I hope they dont do a DWD with this one." Listen to it and
visualize the lyrics as they are sung...I could see this one as a music
video, i doubt and I HOPE IT WONT BE...but ive said that before. It is
catchy however, i still have it in my head and I want it out of my head as
soon as possible. This one, IMHO, should just go on the album, maybe not
actually, but they should just do it if they are going to, and shelve it.
I can honestly say that I really dont like this song. And after looking
back afterwards and seeing...Birds, Moma, Bug, JD...it definitely was
nowhere close to being a sick and strong Phish set.....well.....yet that
is...still some time left to revamp.

SOAM...now we're talkin! And this SOAM will go down in my mind's history
as the wildest SOAM i've ever heard. Very sketchy, I went along with it
the whole time, but I didnt know if I could keep up, I couldnt follow it
at times. I was expecting a 7/12/99 style Melt...but I get something that
I would classify with the legendary Bathtub Gin from 11/23/97. Phish took
this Melt too totally new levels. Erie, spacey, pretty haunting, even
mindless at times, pretty long, I dug it though, and I wanna analyze it
much better and to the teeth once I get the tapes. Following SOAM I was
too spaced out to really remember what had just happened...I'd say this
should go down as one of the most epic SOAM's...simply due to all it
consisted of.

CharZero...I was praying that this would not be the closer, but I was
wrong. Not much to say about it, jam was pretty tight, yeah it got me
moving, but it didn't salvage the set IMHO. The encore would have to be
pretty much legendary in order to salvage this entire show.

Old Home Place...fitting due to the fact that Charlottesville rocks and
its fairly close to Hampton by a couple of hours. BUT...would this be the
end? Would have been pretty uncool and oddball to end with just that, I
was hoping really really bad that this wouldnt end the show.

Coil...NICE...finally...about time...always love a good Coil, and this was
tight...lights brightened up Page's solo...and Page transisted PERFECTLY
into Loving Cup. I felt it coming. Really sick version as well...They
really jammed this one too the max. And then that was that.

Ahhh, well...never thought I would say it, but I thought 12/16/99, IMHO
was a subpar performance. The first set was pretty damn good...but the
second set just...i dunno....there wasnt much there. Not a lot of
cohesion. I've never seen a "BAD" show IMHO....however, i've seen poor
performances, or shows that I thought were just not all that great...this
was one of them. I was really hoping that the second night would be
epic...just...the second set killed this one. These are all my opinions, i
respect everyone elses, so if you feel differently...Great, wonderful,
more power to you, but I just had bad vibes during the entire second set.
Something was definitely missing, most definitely

Al <><   

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 14:52:05 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-17-99 Hampton Colesium "Jennifer Dances?"

    I am a person who would never write a review about a show or a song
for the simple reason that I feel as though my opinion is just that, my
opinion. But I must draw the line somewhere. This new "pop-song" that
Phish has now played twice(you know the one I'm talking about) is an utter
outrage. After hearing this song twice now I feel almost embarrsed to tell
people that I'm a Phish head. What if these people I have told about phish
since I was in the 7th grade heard this song. They would never give this
band a chance, they would then procede to call me a liar because I told
these people that Phish was the most intense band around.
    I have now come up with the idea that Phish creates these songs (i.e.
Jennifer Dances, and Brian and Schwagert) to give people like me something
to whine about. But until they drop songs like this yall will here lots of
bitching on lot after the shows.


Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 23:20:45 -0800 (PST)
From: Bart Tantillo [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: It Doesn't Matter 12/17/99

  Along with Madison Square Garden and Deer Creek, it makes up the Holy
Trinity of Phish venues. Collectively, they are the three jewels in the
Phish venue Triple Crown.  A vibe so intense that you expect to see
Michael Buffer standing at the will-call window belting out his famous
"Let's get ready to rumble" line.  Say what you want about anywhere else,
this is the Hampton Fucking Coliseum.
  It was both a curse and a blessing when Phish released "Hampton Comes
Alive" a few weeks ago.  On the one hand, the album gave this glorious
arena the credit it has been long overdue for, and solidified it's
standing in the history of this band.  On the other hand however, it made
the Coliseum the perennial hottest ticket of the year.  On par with New
Year's Eve and Halloween shows forever.  I was afraid that I had over
hyped myself for the two tour ending shows held there over the weekend.  
I knew the bands track record there, yet I also knew that this December
tour had it's fair share of peaks and valleys.  As hard as I tried not to
expect a weekend of absolute musical bedlam, I couldn't quite do it, but I
did manage to go into the shows with a clear head, believing that the band
would in fact bring their "'A' Game", all the while knowing that there
would be no major changes in the set list variety.  I stripped my thoughts
down to the bare essentials, "You're in Hampton", "You have tickets", "You
have someone to bring along for the ride", "You have a hotel room within
inches of the arena", "You have cigarettes", you get the point.
  A parking lot "scene" as busy as I have known blocked our path to the
entrance as we made our way down "The street formerly known as Shakedown"
on Friday night.  As usual, anything and everything was for sale, from
"Phatty Ganja Butter" (as described by it's purveyor),to the usual array
of glass pipes, dirty lot food, hemp jewelery, and clothes I wouldn't wish
on my worst enemy.  Once inside, you are greeted by the most fan-friendly
arena in the Phish Universe. Cheap drinks and snacks, a terrace for
smoking and cooling off, and some of the most kind security folks I've
ever come across.  Not enough good tidings can be placed upon this arena,
so, knowing that, I'll get to the show.
I.Piper, Meat, Sparkle, Gotta Jiboo, PYITE, When the
Circus Comes to Town, Water in the Sky, Twist Around
II.Birds of a Feather, Moma Dance>Bug, Jennifer
Dances, Split Open and Melt, Character Zero
E:The Old Home Place, The Squirming Coil>Loving Cup
  My "call" of Sweet Virginia as the show opener, was, in retrospect, not
much more than wishful thinking, and will likely be the last time I
attempt such a feat. Piper was cool as a show opener the first time, not
this time.  Ditto the Hood you'll hear about in my next review.  Let's
just say that sound check apparently didn't end until after the third song
of the first set.  Trey, remember where you are pal.  So humor me if you
will, because this set officially started with Gotta Jiboo.  Well played,
not an insane jam, but enough to make up for the three song disaster that
began the set.  Punch You in the Eye was very, very good.  There isn't
really anywhere to go in this song, so it is rated on the sheer power and
precision of the composed parts (much like many of the bands songs).  
Water in the Sky provided the coolest moment of set one, after the "filter
out the Everglades" line.  The crowd erupted to the Florida reference,
much to the surprise of Trey, who chuckled through the next few lines.  A
song I never really gave a chance to (I preferred the first incarnation of
it, when it was slower), Water caught me by surprise that night,
especially the Trey solo in the middle.  Twist Around, easily one of my
favorite songs, and a bona fide set closer, did just that, in grand
fashion.  A jam that gave us an inkling of what was to come for the next
three sets of the weekend.
  Birds of a Feather, apparently the "sell-out" song to some "true heads",
opened set two with it's usual dose of power, allowing Trey to finally let
loose for the first time that night.  Sure it wasn't the Birds>Walk Away
from Deer Creek, or the Birds from Camden for that matter, but the message
was there, it was time.  Moma Dance, hell yes!  Gets better every time I
see it, the band really knows where to take this song, Trey especially.  
After some feedback that could have resulted in a number of songs, the
band took it's final turn towards two great shows, and perhaps to the
future, and never looked back.  Bug IS a show-maker, and even the 40% of
the crowd that took it's opening chords as a sign for a bathroom break
couldn't put a damper on this version of this song. Easily the highlight
of the evening, though you could make a case for Split Open and Melt.  
Jennifer Dances, another GREAT tune, followed Bug, just as I had been
secretly hoping.  This song is very good, and you will be hearing it for a
long time, so stop knocking it morons.  The aforementioned Split Open and
Melt was a song I was very much looking forward to hearing.  I remembered
the version from here in 1997, and had heard about the version played in
Cincinnati from a few reliable sources, and wanted to see what the fuss
was about.  Well now I know.  Holy shit!  By the time it ended, it truly
didn't matter what else, if anything was played, for it was that good.  
Character Zero, never one of my favorites, but a good show closer, did
just that, with it's rocking jam and chorus.  Encore was, minus a stale
Squirming Coil, very nice.  The Old Home Place, with it's Charlottesville
reference, and knack for being played at favorite older venues, was a good
choice.  I'll let you imagine how good Loving Cup was, suffice it to say,
we couldn't wait for Saturday night.


Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 16:07:49 -0500
From: Whitty [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Hampton review

My first attempt at a show review, so bear with me.

    I was pumped for Hampton pretty much as soon as I got my tix in
November.  I was certainly not disappointed by their performance, a good
balance of new stuff, classics, rarities, and healthy doses of space
funk throughout.
    The scene, as usual, was laid-back, cool security people and the
cops generally let the kids have their fun.  Not as much nitrous as past
years, which is a plus.  Great beer selections though (Guinness and
Newkies....mmmm!)  Got good seats both nights on Page side.  The crowd
was primed, random waves of cheers, and waves in the seats.  The buzz
was infectious, and the goosebumps kicked in around 8.  And finally, the
lights go down...

12/17/99
set I
Piper- Well, it took the boys all of a few seconds to bust out my
favorite song and this was a choice, and unexpected, opener.  Crowd fed
off the buildup, Trey and Page raged, lots of crazy loops by Trey.  They
came back to the lyrics two times before the deceleration.  What a way
to start!!
Meat- I dig this song, glad to hear it two years in a row at Hampton.
Powerful bass, and I always like the layered lyrics.  Trey hit the keys
for some spacey fun during the stop/start jam which had no less than 4
stops.
Sparkle- Same as usual.  Tried to keep up with my dancing, but the end
always gets me!
Jiboo- Holy Shite!  This is what I came to see, just nasty, blissed-out
jamming! First time I've seen it live and I'm hoping it'll crop up in
Florida.  Outstanding energy, the guys were as tight in this jam as any
I've seen at Hampton.  The standout of the first set.
PYITE- Longer intro than usual, Trey got a really driving, almost techno
beat going.  Rest of the song a pleasure as always, no big surprises.
Always cool to see the Landlady dance, too!
Circus- Mixed feelings on this song.  Nice soloing by Trey, but this
song really seemed to pacify the crowd.
Water in the Sky- Didn't expect to hear this one, only the second (maybe
third) time I've seen it. A little longer than I remember past versions
being, Page was smokin' on this one.  HUGE cheer for the Everglades
line.
Twist- I like the song, but I think it works better towards the
beginning of a set.  Good version, but the set seemed to end abruptly, I
was hoping to hear a Bowie or an Antelope to finish things off. Oh
well...
set II
Birds- Hell Yeah!! I like this tune the more I hear it.  The crowd got
right back in the groove, Trey just ripped it up with lightning speed,
running up and down scales effortlessly.  The best Birds I've ever
heard.
Moma- More funk for your money!!  Spacey, consciousness-altering group
jamming. Mike and Fish were ON during the song.  The crowd was seriously
gettin' down.  The jam wound up at...
Bug- I remembered this tune from summer tour.  I liked it then, I like
it now. It's got a good sound, but not typical Phish. More good playing
from everybody.
Jennifer Dances- Pretty song, but the pop feel will deter a lot of phans
I think.  I liked the lyrics and the simple chord progression.  I'll
have to hear it again before making any conclusions.
Melt- Not one of my favorites, but the jam was outrageously spacey,
ethereal would be a better description. I liked the experimentation,
though not everyone i talked to did.  To each his own...
Character Zero- Pretty standard. I didn't want this to close the set,
but the encore would make up for it
Encore
Home Place- Yes!! About my favorite bluegrass cover and the first time
I'd seen this tune in 2 years.  Great song!
Coil- Beautiful: all I can say.  I thought something was up when no one
left the stage to let Page do his thing. My suspicions were confirmed
when I heard the sweet opening chords to...
Loving Cup- Peaking energy, the crowd went nuts!! I wanted to hear this
song badly, and this was a stellar version.  Trey didn't hold back the
guitar solo and everyone just fed off that energy. I left the building
with a huge smile.

the Verdict- Jiboo, Birds, and Loving cup were the definite highlights.
Thought the set closers could be better. No jaw-dropping surprises, but
about on par with the '98 opening night.  Good energy and a PHAT encore.
6.5 out of 10 

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 21:19:37 -0500
From: Dave Rosenberg [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Hampton 12/17

Really good first set, and the second set BOAF > Moma opener was nice.
A couple minutes later the show kinda hit a brick wall.  Phish began a
build-up, a lot like the one they do into 2001.  The lights started-up,
and energy began to build and they jammed into.... Bug.  Bug?  A
low-energy song that noone around me (and including me) seemed to expect
or be excited about.  Still, though, one slower song was okay, even out
of the build-up they gave it.  And they followed it with Jennifer
Dances!  Oh, Gawd!  There are several Phish songs I don't really want to
see in concert, but only one really makes me cringe, and it's this one.
They tried to climb out of the hole with a good but not great Split Open
and Melt and then, surprise, a Character Zero set closer.  Followed by a
low-energy Old Home Place encore and Squirming Coil; it seemed like they
used Loving Cup to salvage the show.
I'm not negative about alot of Phish shows, but for my liking and many
others, it hit a wall mid-way thru the second set.  "It" was just not
there as it was in Raleigh.  (This was also the only show I saw where
Trey didn't wave his guitar all over the place at the end of the
show...)
The second night, at the start of the second set, they picked up where
they died off the first night with the same intro jam, then went into
2001 as they could have the nite before, and did a set how it shoulda
been done.....

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 21:10:37 -0500
From: Susan Blevins [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-17-99

First time on THE RAIL.  Front row Trey's side.
Piper:  One of my favs.  Three verses instead of the usual two.
Meat:  False ending after false ending.  Even Page, Mike and Fish
thought it was over.  Da,da,da,da....da,da.....da....da.  Trey wasn't
ready.
Sparkle:  Sparkle
Gotta Jibbo:  If I knew what a jibbo was...I'd get one.  And keep on
drinkin toooo.
PYITE:  I had a moment.  While Trey was doing the "A-drone" intro (we'll
call it), he started altering the rhythm to this funkified shit.  He
looked at me (ON THE RAIL) and I gave an approving grin and shook my
head "YES".  He lipped, "You like that?"
Nah.....not really.  How do you get out of this place??
Circus:  Great tune.  Thanks Los Lobos.
Water:  "Filter out the Everglades".......ROAR!!  Listen to the tapes.
Twist:  Good closer.  I wanted something else....something that would
set the gearshift a little higher.  But I'll take what I get.
Set one:   Three out of five.
Set two:
Birds:  Good solo, I guess.  I was wanting something a litlle
funkier....something like...I dunno......
Moma Dance:  Drowning in the funk.  Help.
Bug:  I wish they would have played this one in Raleigh, but it doesn't
matter.
Jennifer Dances:  I heard this on outtakes from TSOTG.  Great jam
considering the tune.
Melt:  They talked and talked and talked before they finally played this
one.  Fishman and Trey were laughinhg hard.   I thought they were gonna
do a Fishman tune.  Not that I was disappointed.
Zero:  Trey didn't step on one of his stomp boxes hard enough so the
second time he played the riff, it wasn't amplified.  You had to be ON
THE RAIL to hear it.  Not a favorite tune of mine.  I was hoping for
something that would set the gear.....you know.
Set two: Three again.
encores:
Old Home Place:  They are starting to love to hear them selves sing.   I
love this tune.
Coil:  Ah....what a closer.  Page starts his solo...wait a tick (love
that word).  Mike, Fish, and Trey are hanging around.  Wonder why.
>Lovin' Cup:  You know you play a bad bass, drums, and keyboards too.
What a beautiful buzz.
Encores: 4 of 5.
Overall:  3.3333333333333333
I may be a little lenient, but come on...it's just four guys playing us
some songs and jamming some out.   Plus....I was on THE RAIL.


Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 11:48:40 -0500
From: The Gendells [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review 12/17/99 Hampton VA

Overall I thought this show was about 90% badass.  Phish played some
great new songs as well as some jammed out old ones

Piper:  Kind of a weird opener, but still a great jam, it just kept
building and building, got really funky for a while, trey got on keys I
think, and they hit the chorus not once, not twice, but three times.  A
real treat for me, Piper's definitely one of my all time favorites

Meat:  Great transition from Piper, I was expecting maybe a Dogs Stole
Things, but Meat was nice, pretty standard funky version.  They played
the ending thingy about 3 or 4 times, with Mike playing some weird funky
bass lines in between that totally didn't sound like Meat, I kept
thinking they were going to play something different

Sparkle:  Before they sank in to Sparkle, there was a short Piper
reprise, where Trey teased the guitar part, and then Fishman entered with
the drumbeat, and I was ready for a good bluegrass tune, but it turned
out to be a great Sparkle, by the end they were going REALLY REALLY
fast.  I was grooving to it hard, which made Gotta Jiboo the perfect next
song

Gotta Jiboo:  First time I've heard this one, but I must say I ABSOLUTELY
LOVED this song, it's been stuck in my head ever since.  It was slow and
funky, and the lyrics and the following jam were great.  They finally
went back for a reprise at the end, which was just awesome.  This was one
of my favorites tonight

Punch You In The Eye:  Another all-time favorite for me, I was in shock
when they started playing it.  They extended the little techno-intro
thingy, and Trey was doing some real funky triplet thingy, and then after
that it was a pretty standard PYITE.

When The Circus Comes To Town:  I liked this song a lot, it was nice to
hear a chilled out song after I was getting down funky to PYITE.

Water In the Sky:  Good placement after WTCCTT, fairly standard version,
the crowd gave a huge cheer when Trey sang "Filter Out the Everglades"
which I found to be kinda funny

Twist:  Not bad, I kinda would've like to hear something else for a set
closer, but still this was a strong Twist, it had a good jam, but I still
think the lyrics are just too repetetive

SET II
Birds Of a Feather:  Real energy packed, just blasting version of BOAF,
the crowd got screaming

The Moma Dance:  I don't really remember this song much, I was getting
kinda sick at this point.  I did like the begining jam though, it was
funky and had the interlude that's not on the CD version

Bug:  Again, I don't really remember this one, but I do remember asking
my friend what the name of the song was and making a mental note of "the 
Phish song "Bug" is cool"

Jennifer Dances:  I was feeling better for this song, and I could really
groove to it, it's one of my new favorites along with Gotta Jiboo that I
hope to hear more of, it was really grooving

Split Open and Melt:  kind of a dissapointing selection, it was played
exactly the same as it was last year in Hampton, which I was there for,
got the bootleg for, and got Hampton Comes Alive for, so I wasn't really
excited to hear it yet again

Character Zero:  Again, they closed last year's second set with this
song, so I wasn't very happy to hear this either, it was a good jam
though

My Old Place Home:  I got sick again for this song, I don't even remember
anything being played

The Squirming Coil:  I sure thought this would be the closer, it was a
pretty cool version with kind of a half-assed piano solo at the end which
left me a bit dissapointed that that was what they were ending with
but then they played.......

Loving Cup:  HELL YEAH!!!  This was the perfect ending to the show, the
crowd loved it, it was energy filled, and just great.  At one point Trey
said to the crowd "and you know I play a mean guitar", at which point
thunderous applause were heard and Trey broke into a huge grin and I
could just tell he was enjoying this song as much as the crowd was


Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 16:55:06 -0500
From: Jason Powell [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review 12/17/99

Well i just got back from Hampton. It a shame i didnt get the second
night through mailorder, oh well. This show was great. They played alot
of their newer stuff(97 - ). Since the last time i saw these guys was in
ohilly in 97 i wasnt sure what to expect because of all the mixed
reviews of all the other shows. Well what i heard at this show was
amazing. The whole group was smokin. Except page didnt really go nuts
until the end especially during squirming coil. The some of the
highlights of the show were Gotta jiboo, which was my first time hearing
it. PYITE. that intro was sick. I believe they extended it which got the
crowd going! the rest of the song was exceptional as well. BOAF was
great. It was very tight and long! Im sure everyone noticed the
conference happening before SOAMelt. Did it seemed like Fish was pissed
before they started the song? He definetly pounded the opening beat
 The 3 encores were cool. I was glad to see old home place since the
song was stuck in my head all day anyway. the loving cup was the perfect
closer to a good night. The whole show sent me back to PA with a smile.
The scene was really cool too. Since im used to the ridiculous philly
scene, Hampton was a nice change of pace.
peace
[email protected]

Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 15:45:00 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: hampton friday night

Show was lack luster....they just couldn't quite find their niche, almost
but just couldn't. The stellar got jiboo and an absolutely amazing loving
cup is the only thing that is keeping me looking foward to tonight.  This
wasn't hampton caliber phish by any means.  Tonight better be.

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 11:50:12 -0500
From: chadd [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: hampton 12-17 review

well since this was my first show in over a year, I was pumped and
couldn't wait. I was not disapppointed-PYTIE absolutely rocked and Twist
was a great set closer. The second set highlight was the Split open and
Melt without a doubt the best one I've ever seen, although Ive only caught
that one maybe 5 times. The lights were brilliantly done, and the three
song encore was sweet. Loving Cup rocked! Hampton never fails to impress
with the laid back scene, great sound and

high energy.

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 10:55:20 CST
From: jason smith [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: hampton99pt1

Phish never sells out their artistic vision.  A few years ago Trey labeled
it as there favorite venue to play.  This is pretty easy to believe
considering the shows they have put on at the Coliseum.  Less than a month
previous to there 12/17, 12/18 performances Phish upped the expectations
for the shows by releasing the six cd boxed set of 98's shows from the
venue in total.  What could they have planned to blow peoples minds.  
They chose to stick to their artist vision of an always evolving band. The
performance kicked off with a Piper that offered up vocals relativly
quickly.  The groove was a little difficult to tune in to even once they
got going.  They seemed to focus on jamming the tail end of the song.  
Piper was a good way to pull the crowds energy into the show. Meat was
next.  Pretty groovy.  The crowd was having fun settling into the evening.
Sparkle is always fun.  It is a tight song if you know sparkle you know
this Sparkle.  I like this song.  The crowd liked it in Hampton. Gotta
Jiboo kicked but.  I love this song.  Fun to dance to.  People were
getting down.  This was, to me, the highlight of the first set. Punch You
in the Eye may have been the highlight for lots of other Phans. A venue
like Hampton really ups the power of a song that pushes the crowd around
in large outdoor venues. Phish took their foot off the gas a bit by
playing "When the Circus Comes to Town."  One of my favorite, dare I say,
ballads.  I was glad they played this.  It did scale the energy level back
on the show before things reached the out of hand intensity that youthful
Phish crowds seem to thrive on. Twist closed a first set, that was less
than an hour long.  I like this song.  The crowd was not that fired up
about twist.  At Great Woods this year everybody paticipated in the parts
where the audience yells "Woo!" This was not the case in Hampton.  They
seemed kind of half hearted about it. It seemed as though Phish felt the
same way as they walked off for the set break.

I didn't have a watch but the set break seemed long.  It wasn't as long as
the break in Austin this year but still pretty long, especially
considering how short the first set was.  A long set break is phine with
me because it gives us a chance to hang out together with cool people
sitting around us. Also the band should have the chance to get in a
creative mind set if they need to.

Birds of a Feather kicked off the second set.  This is a well written
song. I didn't feel much intensity from Trey during this one.  He really
carries this song for me.  It does best with a really smoking guitar solo
like on 10/31/98.

Moma Dance, the fourth Story of the Ghost song.  The crowd seemed to
welcome an opportunity to get their groove on.  This was a pretty strong
version but I was starting to crave somthing more.  I was having visions
of this years New Orleans show that lacked a deal closer for me.

Bug was a highlight of the evening for me in the mellow song department. I
think the lyrics are terrific.  I have to admit this song has grown on me
the more I see them play it.

I am sure that a band as talented as Phish will find a way to make
Jennifer Dances a good song some day.  not yet

Split Open and Melt kicks my but every time they play it.  For the second
year in a row Phish included it in Hampton's opening night.  I was glad to
hear it.  The fist night at PNC Arts Center is a favorite for me but this
one was really fun.

Character 0 is sounded like it sounds and that is good enough for me.  It
allways closes a set strong which is what it did in Hampton.

The second set was pretty short too.

The boys returned to the stage and cleansed our pallet with some blue
grass My Old Home Place.  Mike, sporting a nice pair of chinos, sang
beautifully.

The Squirming Coil saved this show for me.  It matched the sort of medium
intensity that characterized the show for me.  It also carried on the
flawless play that is Phish.  Page closed out the song with an amazing
piano solo that bled into the begining of the third song of the encore. .
. .

Loving cup one of my favorite standard cover songs.  This was a strong
version and it gave nice balance to the show.  Momentarily, it seemed they
might do a fourth song in the encore but Phish called it a night.

This was not a show Phish would have played last year.  They are really
trying to maintain their constant evolution.  I feel like 12/17/99 was a
success.  I also feel that a strong show on 12/18 will help people
remember it that way.

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 02:44:40 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: dec 17 1999-my review

This was my hometown show and i really thought PHISH could have done a lot
better. I went there with high expectations and I went home very
dissapointed ,they played a lot ofnew songs which are not nearly as great
as the epics written in the past ,I hope they dont keep this up!


Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 09:17:16 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-17-99 Review

First of all, let me just say that this was my first Phish show!  My
olderbrother had exams and couldn't make it in the last minute.  I really
haven't heard live Phish except The Live One and the new 8 disk set that
my brother just bought and some old bootlegs. I thought the show was
amazing.  It was a phantastic show.  If you can get it on tape, I suggest
that everyone does!  I really think that it will be remembered as a
classic show because it was so good!

I'm Hooked!


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