12-3-99 -- Firstar Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
review submisions [email protected]
or [email protected]
Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2000 00:43:14 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3/99
I'm a bit late on sending in this review, but I have recently become
motivated after reading so many phans bitter distate for a few negative
reviews about this show. I am a converted deadhead who has now seen eight
phish shows(including 12/3) and would just like to say a few things about the
show and the scene in general.
First , I hate to be the one to break it to everyone, but Phish will
occasionally have an off night. Get over it! Phish are not gods we must
worship, but merely human musicians who can (dare I say it) make mistakes.
Deadheads were able to accept this, (and understand it) why can't phish phans?
Which brings me to the show. This show was well below average for several
reasons. First, the sound. From where I was sitting, the band sounded
slightly muffled, with Trey being way ot high in the mix and Mike and Paige
ridiculously low.... Fish sounded alright. Possibly the worst sound of any of
the eight shows I've been to.
As to the show itself, I'll start by saying I regretably missed the First
Tube and the Wolfman's but got their intime for a predictably boring
"Bouncin", followed by a real flat "Billy Breathes". This was dissapointing
as this tune has become one of my favorite Phish ballds. I thought Trey blew
almost every lick in the predictable jam after word. I think next came "Get
Back on the Train", which I think the only good version I 've heard was at
Osweego last summer. The "Bag" was average at best, the band just couldn't
seem to get things going. This goes into "Possum", which is probably one of
Phish's worst songs. This version starts off alright, with Mike filling in
some real good slow blugrass bass line, but as usual the jam goes on
waaaaayyyyyy too long. Why does Phish feel the need to play this song twelve
minutes every time? This would be like the Dead playing "Big River" for
twelve minutes evrery time. And is anyone else sick of Phish using Mike as a
novelty bluegrass singer on Phish's even more novelesc blugrass songs? I just
think Mike has a real good voice and would like to hear him sing more..
Slave- Just OK. My first time hearing it, so it got me a little excited, but
this version just kind of meandered around. I felt like the band was just
filling up space.
The second set: Just average at best. Sand- real, real good new song. I
really enjoyed this at the outset, but the jam afterword got old quick.
Sooooooooooo predictable. There's only so many times you can hear Mike play a
funky bass line over and over, with Trey constantly forcing his "Ghost"
guitar fx(you all know what I'm talking about). This wasn't terrible, but it
just didn't sound like the band was challenging itself. Limb by Limb- An
average version of an average song, but what made the show for me was that
NUTZ ambient jam out of left field, and the even more spectacular light show.
I don't know if it was the psilocybin talking but it felt like the band took
me to an enirely different universe and back. Bug- not bad, wasn't really
sure what ot make of it, kind of went by me in a blur. Hood- pretty
outstanding definitey one of the of the night with agreat intor and a real
rock out ending. Rock 'n' Roll- Most of the reviews I've read just kind of
skip over this song whigh shows how ignorant some of you are. This was the
highlight of the night as far as I was concerned (Trey really kicks ass at
that little lick in the middle doesn't he?). The band really took it to
another level with an absolutely powerful, emotional ending, one of the few
times the band kicked into that extra gear. It also dissapoints that so many
phans had NO CLUE as to what song they were playing. They've covered this
song several times, including Halloween '98. Learn your band!
To sum up, I'd just like to say let's not get al upset when a few negative
reviews come in. A band like Phish really challenges itself by touring
constantly, playing multiple sets, playing a different show every time and
improvisational jams galore, are bound to have an off night now and again.
Like the Dead, it's what makes them special. It's what makes them human. Let'
s just relax and try not to get so offended next time, OK?
your pal,
Vaughn
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 18:21:28 -0500
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3/99 Cincy
I wasn't planning on submitting anything about these first December
Tour shows, and even that disclaimer is getting a little worn out, like
the beginning of a Penthouse Letters story, but a lot of people are
bringing a real shitty vibe and an uninvited attitude to shows these days.
This is really uncalled for and it makes you negative and cynically
critical hacks and neo-phans look like total assholes who should be
attending the Ricky Martin/Britney Spears/MTV teenie-bopper crap-fests
instead of polluting our scene with comments like, "This show sucked
because 'X' song didn't sound like the jams of Spring 92," or "I didn't
here my choices for the show, so I stopped paying attention and thought it
sucked."
In all sincerity, why are you here?!
Why do you go to the shows if you don't like the new direction and
sound? Phish is the tightest, most amazing group of undeniably talented
musicians touring today and the performances they provide for us are the
best and most positive experiences any fan of music and inspiration can
even hope to witness. Everyone likes some songs more than others, but if
you even attempt to deny the energy produced by the AC/DC Bag first set
centerpiece, then you were not in the Firstar Center watching the same
show as the rest of us. Jesus sweating christ, what the hell is wrong
with some people? I attend Phish concerts for a reason. What is the
point of shelling out hundreds of dollars for tickets, transportation,
food, etc. if you just leave the venue bitching and whining like little
spoiled grandchildren because the Wolfman's Jam was too short for you or
the new material doesn't click with your interpretation of whatever.
I've said it before: Go home and listen to your '92 tapes if that is what
you are looking for in a show. Give your space to someone who really wants
and deserves to be there. The author of the review submitted by
[email protected] knows what is going on and what can really happen at
any given show. (General aside comment to that person: I live in Athens
for the majority of the year and if I had any part in your connection to
the band, I am very glad. There are a lot of cool people in Athens who
"know what's up" for lack of a better phrase, and the best thing to do
with such knowledge is to share it. Rock and roll.)
If you are a cynical bastard who has ripped the Cincy shows because
of whatever personal things you have going on, do yourself and everyone
else a favor and lighten up! Do you people realize how silly and futile
some of the shit you say would be to the band if they ever had the
unpleasent opportunity to read it? They'd probably laugh at you...just
like the rest of us.
The second set of Detroit was one of the craziest, most awesome and
inspiring sets I have heard or seen in a while. How gigantic and amazing
is the Also Sprach during the New Year's shows going to be? With Page
dropping those laser beams and Cactus just laying it the funk down?!
Unbelievable. The Gin->Also Sprach->YEM was insane! Just a lot of fun,
plain and simple. Friday night Cincy was a terrific show with multiple
levels of outstanding energy that, IMO, defies negative review. Unless
you were experiencing physical pain or happened to get hit by a car
walking into the venue, you can't say that THAT show was "weak." It was
my 36th show and ranks up there as one of my favorites.
Anyway, this is longer than I intended and I really didn't comment on
the actual shows, but something needs to be said about the unnecesarily
negative reviews getting posted around here. Everyone is entitled to
their opinion, but you know what they say about opinions....just please
lighten up, alright? If that is too much to ask, STOP coming to the
shows. If you can't change your attitude, stay home and listen to the
Bomb Factory show over and over and over. Of course, that concert is
locked in stone, but in the meantime we'll be out there neck-deep in the
new, tighter, funkier, more inspiring, better, and EVOLVING experience of
TODAY'S Phish. Thanks and have a great remaining century and Winter Tour.
NYE in 3 weeks! Salut.
[email protected]
Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 15:32:33 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: cinci 12/3
Just a quick note about the most incredible Limb by Limb and Piper I've
ever witnessed. The power of Piper was just unbelievable. Trey had a
complete liftoff into the stratosphere. A great performance that compares
well with the Detroit show.
Mike Gags
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 04:47:31 -0800
From: "Norman, Chris" [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: 12/3/99 Show
After reading through the many reviews and comments on the 12/3/99 show I
felt the need to contribute to the discussion. I preface my comments by
saying this was my first show. While the show did not offer a mind
blowing experience there were a number of points to be made which loyal
phans should
note:
1) Both sets were very clean (although short) with some great interplay
between Trey and Page.
2) Page played his brains out on Fri night. Fishman is one of the best
drummers I've seen. He has great ability to know when to accent and to
know when to just lay down a basic rhythm. Seem that most reviewers focus
only on what Trey did. I think this was a fault of the Dead reviewers as
well - focusing on Garcia only. In many ways Phish has more to offer than
the Dead - tighter musically, much better vocals, stronger backup to the
lead guitar. In my opinion - based on this one show - what they are
lacking compared to the Dead, is playing with feeling - or soul. Again,
my personal opinion based on one data point.
3) As previously noted - these guys have a very difficult job, playing
nearly every night, playing different sets every night, and trying to
sound great all the time. Maybe the 12/3/99 show was not up to their
usual standard, but as an outsider looking in, it was pretty darn good.
4) Looked to me like most enjoyed the show. Everyone around me was
grooving.
5) I thought the bang for the buck was pretty good. How many large venue
concerts can you go to for $25? I appreciate that Phish has kept the
prices down and I'm sure you do too. I'm guessing those who go to Big
Cypress will get there moneys worth as well.
Thanks
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 21:17:57 -0500 (EST)
From: David N Wagner [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Cincy review
Two general comments:
1) I really can't understand why people continue to throw glowsticks at
all, let alone at the band members. It is just plain stupid. I think Phish
made the message quite clear at New Year's 98 and various reviews that
they don't like it. I really hope that at some point Phish stops playing
in the middle of some sick jam and says a big fuck you to the people who
are throwing shit at them. I'm sure that being pummeled with a glowstick
while trying to play is less than inspiring.
2) IMHO Phish has become extremely tight as a group. Their jams are not
always Trey-centric and really focus on conversational playing. For those
of you who are ignorant, improvisation is not solely based on one member
soloing over a repeated sequences of chords. Improvisation as a group
should be a collaborative effort.
As far as Friday night show is concerned, I can see why some people may
feel inclined to have negative feeling about it. I, however, feel as
though this show and the other two I've seen on this tour(Saturday and
Sunday) exemplify Phish's new sound. The jams are not as long and don't
have long winded Trey solos, but focus more on tight group playing. Also,
their three and four part choral singing is alot tighter. If you can't dig
the new groove get the hell out of the scence. There's too many assholes
on tour these days anyways(read the review where somebody's car got broken
into) So for you bashers of Friday night's show who have complained about
not hereing what was good about it, here it is:
First Tube: great funk, tight playing, although not much room for Leo in
this one
Wolfman's: tight group jam, short which is good because Wolfman's jams
tend to run out of steam after the ten minute mark.
Bouncin: standard, haven't heard it since Columbus
GBOTT: new arrangement, liked before, again tight sound
Billy Breathes: one of Phish's best slow songs, well played
Bag: Trey-centric at times ,but most of jam again focused on group jamming
Possum: nice country feel to the jam, not the best, but better than
anything I've ever heard at a DMB concert
Slave: absolutely mezmerizing, spacey, slow and tight
Sand,Limb by Limb: I don't think the people that bashed this show heard
these songs. Phish got their groove on with Sand and then spaced the hell
out of LxL
Bug: not sure i Like this song yet
Piper: perfect buildup not too slow, yet not too fast. Emotional high
every time
Harry Hood: really like what they did with the jam, however, experience
was ruined by seeing Mike and Fishman hit or nearly hit with glowsticks.
Rock + Roll: don't like the song although ilike to hear Leo sing.
So I quess the morale of the story is if you don't like slower, spacey,
introspective, group oriented jams, stay home.
Dave
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 00:04:53 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: In response to this show.....
Like several other shows, it was quite a trip even making it to this one,
taking a math test at 9 am and jetting to Champaign to catch up with a
good friend, it was a longer day than most. Every show and trip for that
matter has been worth something, meaning I come back to my small town with
something that i did not have when i left. That night in Ohio, in the
unusally crisp December air, there was something brewing and it all came
down when the lights went off.
For me First Tube was made to open a concert, pulling you into a
groove that takes your mind of whatever the hell was on it just sitting in
that chair. The music was surrounding me overloading the senses, one of
the things i love the most at a show. Let the record show that a fungi
was involved here, altough only slightly. Anyway the set was almost brief
and ended in what i would term as an explanation point. Sitting in my
seat blown away as usual I wondered what the next stone the band would
unturn.
The second set was it, something happened not only to me, but the band
to. It was the sand, of which my ears were virgin to, that clued me to
something occuring. Limb by limb attacked me in a way that music never
has. It was as if the band was explaining to me why i was supposed to be
there that night. All I can say is they did it again, and after 22 shows,
they have never let me down.
Phish is special, and they always will be. I really feel that I and
all the Phans are part of something special. Have a great holiday
everyone.
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 14:44:39 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3/99
Hey music lovers. I am a 32 year old deadhead who hated Phish for years just
because of all the shitty little whining bastards that I met on Spring Phish
tour in 1993. Having met some very kind Phish kids in Athens, OH I gave the
band a chance to move me instead of judging them by their audience. They
moved me and I have seen many shows since. This letter is about
Music/EGO/and Magic.
The relationship is simple. If you go see live music and drop/kill/forget
about yourself and your petty ego motivations then you will experience magic.
The peak musical events I have experienced have all involved band and
audience simultaneously letting go of their SELF and surrendering to a
greater flow together.
How does this relate to Friday's show? If you are complaining about what YOU
wanted then there is no way you could have grasped what was going on. If
Trey doesn't solo he is surrendering his ego to the music. The music is the
most important thing. Music heard and played without the constraints of EGO
connects us to the larger energy flowing around us at all times. The
universe is made of rhythm. In a way it is all music... but only if you can
get outside yourself and surrender to what is happening in the moment. Jerry
Garcia has been quoted as saying "the reason I think it is important to get
high is that when you are high you forget about yourself. And when you
forget about yourself you see everything else. When you see everything else
you can become a conscious tool for change in the universe." I am not
advocating that everyone be high on drugs at every show, but an understanding
of the limits one places on themselves and everyone else when ego dominates
should be understood. It separates us from the amazing one-ness of all life.
Including musical events.
Having said this I must state that the musical magic I took part in on Friday
night was nothing short of a cosmic lesson. I felt that Phish was
deliberately connecting up with the crazy death type energy that caused the
deaths of Who concertgoers twenty years ago. I heard many people say they
wished the band would play a Who song that night. What we got was infinitely
better, a real connection to that fateful event.
The music WAS a little off. Just enough to twist itself into eternity.
During the Sand, Limb,Bug sequence they took me to the abyss, the great void,
they took me to my own funeral and back again. It was confusing to be alive
and dead at the same time. The message I got while spending some time
underground was that I sure as shit better live NOW because our mortality is
constantly nipping at our heels. One out of one people dies you know.
Piper sort of brought me closer to the surface like a new shoot trying to
break the Earth's crust in spring. But I was still in eternal time so to
speak. Where do you go when the lights go out? Can anyone tell me this?
This is exactly what they were asking us.
There is a lot of very scarey energy directed at bands like Phish. I suggest
reading Tom Wolfe's Electric Koolaid Acid Test especially the part about the
Pranksters going to see the Beatles. It was fanatical, selfish shit that
killed those folks at the W
ho show kids.
In any event Friday's show was one of the finest psychedelic concerts I have
ever seen, like good music should it transported me and innoculated me with
the Truth of all Life....We will all die so we better get livin' right. Let
go, surrender to the Phlow, drop your ego! Life is One-ness with Everything
and Everyone. I feel sorry for those of you who just didn't get it.
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 10:05:27 -0500
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish 12/3/99 cincy chow
The only reviews that I have ever written have been for friends who
unfortunately were unable to make it to a show. I checked this site to see
how my fellow phish fans enjoyed the show. However, after reading the
reviews from this show it upset me enough that I felt I needed to make an
exception.
Just to give you a little background: I've been to 40 something shows
spanning from 12/92 to Dec. 3, 1999. Ranging from my first show at a bar
in Toronto, to an unannounced show at the Flynn Theater w/ GCH to the last
gamehenge show at great woods to a benefit concert for Gloria Steinem's
Pro Choice movement to 2 New Years runs (93' and 94') to Halloween in 96'
and eight shows this year including July 4th weekend, Oswego, the
Shoreline shows, Birmingham, and Friday night in Cincy, just to name a
few.... And at least for me every single show is special in its own way.
Usually its a combination of the friends that I haven't seen in a while,
the newly found friends that I've made before, during, and after a show
and of course the music, which most of us know is that great vibe that
brings everyone together.
Now I know that Phish isn't for everyone. Some people just don't get
it. They much rather hear a 3 minute song and be done with it and that's
okay b/c their first show will be their last and everyone is happy. What
upsets me are the people who continue to go to the shows and complain
about them. If you don't like it or you think a show sucks because you
didn't hear a tune or two, I think its about time you reevaluate & stop
going to the shows.
I know that I had an incredible time at the show in Cincy. From the
time that I got to Cincy to the time I left. From the moment the lights
went down & my friend called the show opener (first tube...love that new
tune) to the cover rock and roll,,,for lack of a better word Rocks!!! To
the Wolfman's brother, which even w/out Phil or GCH still got me going b/c
it was so tight and grooving to the bouncin' (which i hadn't heard in
years) to the Get back on the train ( which is up and fun) to the
highlight of the show for me which was the BAG>Possum, Slave. Absolutely
blew me away!!!! I felt like I was at a show from 93' or 94' when I used
to see them a lot more often. I knew they were going to bust out into a
great tune and right before they started playing it I turned to my friend
and said BAG!!! BAG!!! and when trey hit those first few cords (A,C,D,C,F
(for those who like to play along)) I jumped sky high & let out a huge
WAHOO!!!!!!!! I belted out every word b/c i was so excited b/c I knew
that incredible jam was coming, which they didn't have in 93'-94, where
trey just goes on and on w/ the large build ups and the killer crescendos
where you can't help yourself but let out a huge YEAH TREY!!!!! and then
to follow that by a possum (which i was hoping for all week) And then
after the possum i couldn't believe that they closed with slave. (not that
this is why it was my highlight but did you know that Phish has never ever
played those three tunes together i believe that they closed with slave.
(not that this is why it was my highlight but did you know that Phish has
never ever played those three tunes together in any order and have only
played those three songs in the same set 5 times...last time played
12/7/95 and then before that 1987) And btw the sand (soooo good and
funky), the piper - so nice to hear again and they are really speeding up
the tempo ( i really liked it a lot, but i think the best piper is the one
i heard out in shoreline...its pretty unreal (like at least 15 min. & up
up up & if you like piper its definitely worth a listen), the limb by limb
(loved the jam) and the harry hood (well it doesn't much better than that)
all didn't suck either, love those tunes.
Now I'm not going to lie and say I love every Phish tune (like the
Billy Chokes (I think well named by a friend) and Roggae just to name a
couple, don't get me fired up b/c I go to see Phish jam long and hard.
But everyone has their tunes that they don't especially like, but that's
why everyone's experience at a show is different. But if you think a
whole show is "dog shit" (scroll down to the beginning of the reviews) or
just sucked then your missing it.
We are seeing, arguably, the most talented musicians of our time. Who
get on stage & put together a 2 1/2 hour show for us. From the rock jams
to jazz, to blues, to bluegrass, to funk. They can play each other's
instruments pretty well too. And what I love about them the most is that
on any given night they can play any tune they want and i mean
anything...And I will continue to see Phish shows until that magic dies.
See you in Hampton where i'll be sharing in the groove....
Til then -
Raf
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 23:32:35 -0700
From: Christopher Robinson [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12.3.99- Clarification
I think the biggest problem that is resulting in conflict over the
performance level of the band, is that people are forgetting the the band
dictates the show, and this band is phemonenal for a variety of reasons,
no matter how many times you say "phish sucks". While certain nights may
not strike you perfect shows, you must view each show as a masterpiece
itself and imagine that the only way for that show to be put together is
the way it was. That's dealing with the reality of it and that will no
doubt give you the highest degree of satisfaction from evey show.
Everyone has felt a little bit of dissappointment not getting to hear a
particular song that they wanted to, but you look over that and enjoy the
goods you got instead. It really should not be a judgement of how good
or how bad, but an examination of actual music itself, and the feelings
you get from the particular arrangements of songs. The examination is
what should be most important, and so many selfish people are getting
greedy about what they want and how they want it to sound. The band
gives you what you deserve, and if you have an understanding of these
things, you will get the most from the show. If you don't enjoy the
show, don't go on preaching about it and cursing others that did. Ask
yourself why you didn't enjoy the show, what you could do to enjoy the
next one more, and get your self in order. If you're going to see more
shows, you might as well enjoy them. :-)
-christopher
robin
Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
~ Red Auerbach
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 13:42:23 -0500
From: "PORTER, MICHAEL" [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: cinci 12-3-99
I'd like to start this review by saying that I do not normally write reviews
but after reading all of the idiot's reviews that bashed this show, it
couldn't be avoided. This was, in my opinion, one of the best shows I have
ever seen simply for the reason that it wasn't mostly trey doing amazing
solos all night. Phish-jamming isn't just trey, it's the whole band getting
locked into a song and letting the music wherever it wants. I felt that the
boys broke some new ground with this show (expecially the sand and LxL jams
which really took me to a new level). In response to another review on this
page in which the guy said something like "phish isn't about the ambience or
the audience's vibes, it is simply a musical performance" WHaT? Yeah phish is
a musical performance, but more importantly it is about the way the band and
the audience feel during the show. I've been seeing phish regularly since 97
and have seen them play better musically but have not felt as much of a
connection to the music as I did tonight. Anyway to sum this up- All of you
crybabys who didn't get to hear every song you wanted to hear need to show a
little respect to the boys, they are the hardest working and best playing
band out today and, in my opinion, of all time. And to the guy who called
this show dogshit-fuck you.
Set I
First Tube- I really like this song as an opener. This was my second first
tube and it really got the groove going.
Wolfman's- This was my third and best wolfman's. They really had a good funk
going and did a nice extended jam.
Bouncin'- What can you say, it's bouncin. My girlfriend and I smoked a joint
during this tune, but it sounded good.
Get back on the train-Yeah!! I love the vocals to this song. We had been
talking about wanting to hear this song on the drive over and I was really
excited when they played it. I love gordon's bass line to this.
Billy Breathes-AWW!! This is one of my girlfriend's favorites so I was glad
they played it. I like a good slow song to give my body a little rest from
boogieing.
AC/DC Bag- awesome, simply awesome. This was one of the songs those dorks
bashed because Trey didn't do an amazing solo. I thought the increasing
volume in the jam really heightened the energy in the room.
Possum-Yeah!! This is one of my favorite tunes. I love the way this song
makes me dance. This was yet another song bashed by the simpletons who know
nothing about phish. I liked where they went with this jam.
Slave-Beautiful as always. I especially liked watching trey during this song
and Bag- He was jumping up and down and was really getting into it.Good
version.
Set II
Sand- This was my first Sand and I loved it. This and the LxL jams were IMO
the best jams of the night. I loved the way they got spacey in this. It
evolved really well.
LxL- Awesome-diggity dank-amazing. The intensity of this jam blew my mind. I
closed my eyes and followed the music through my soul- they went really far
out on this one. There is no way of describing this jam-you'll have to get
the tapes.
Bug- This was my first time hearing this tune. I don't remember it too well
but I remember liking the jam.
Piper-THis waw the best piper I have ever heard. They didn't build it for too
long but that made it better. I danced my ass off to this one. I think this
may have been the best piper of all time.
Harry- I always love a good harry and this was no exception. Beautiful as
always. Really enjoyed the "THank you Mr miner" parts.
Encore
Rock and roll-Not the highlight of the night, but a good song to end the show
with and get me ready for another night.
In conclusion I want to say that this was my first show since Rosemont in the
fall and I thought it was awesome. I think the highlights of the night were
Sand and LxL. They were somewhere around 30 min (From looking at my watch) I
want to add one more time that all of you geeks who bashed this show are
totally missing the whole point of phish.these guys are busting their asses
everynight for us and their jams are really starting to head into a cool
direction. Chris K was on all night-excellent work guys
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 15:51:51 -0500
From: Tony Halmos & Jennifer Weiss [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: another note about 12-03-99 - although my first one wasn't posted
since tourhead credentials seem really important to you folks...i am
also a 32 year old deadhead. i've seen 18 phish shows since my first
show at the riviera theatre in 1992. the friday night in cincinnati was
definitely top four. another old-timer i was at the show with feels
that it was the best he's ever seen.
uh, there you have it...another opinion...everyone's got one.
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 17:21:56 -0600
From: Howell00 [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3/99
Hi all.
I just wanted to respond to all of the show bashers by giving a
review of my own and also voicing my opinion. First off, i like the
worst Dead songs infinitely more then I would any Phish song played at
its best. The reason is simple: Phish songs have lacked musical depth
until recently...HOWEVER the Cincinati shows showed a much more mature
group of musiciens. Just because the music is slowed down and there
aren't any cutting distortion guitar licks does NOT mean the music has
no energy. These two shows were some of the most energetic i have seen;
the energy was put into the quality of the music and not the speed or
"heavy metalness" of it. If you guys want energy, go see Metallica, if
you want deep musical jams, stay on tour. Either way stop complaining.
Now on to my review...
Set I
First Tube- Not much jamming here, but the song was still phat just
because that riff blows my mind.
Wolfmans- Not as great as other versions I've heard, but they still
did some pretty cool funked out jamming...nice set placement too
Bouncin- This was my first Bouncin in 7 shows...always welcome as
long as they dont play it every 2 shows
Train- I think this is where they started grooving hardcore, they
had some mellow grooves here.
Billy Breathes- Stopped the groove they had going, however i simply
love this song. Played beautifully
ACDC Bag- also like wolfmans this was not a version for the
ages...but it definately put the energy back into the crowd after two
slow songs
Possum- Wow...didnt figure this one would come here. Not very fast,
but the jam quality was high and i thoroughly enjoyed it
Slave- great ender. Very spacey "out there" jam that ended the set
on a slow note...made me go into the second expecting mucho jamming,
which is what i got.
Set II
Sand- only my second time hearing it...thought it was 2001 at first
until Trey busted out with the funk licks. Amazing songs with lots of
great jamming in the middle... Mike was en fuego
Limb By Limb- This was also jammed out hardcore, prob ended up being
close to 20 minutes if not more, by now i was definately feeling the
groove.
Bug- Not as hard a jam as the Limb or Sand, but they still nailed
this and definately had the crowd going
Piper- They peaked really early here and then went into another long
jam...ending consisted of several stop and starts which drove the crowd
nuts...we timed this at around 22 mins.
Hood- Intro was very cool with more of a slowed down groove feel.
Fishman got bored on the intro and started playing with one hand...The
spotlight shone on just him as he faked falling asleep on top of his
set. If you are looking for a hardcore Hood this isnt for you. It
consisted of lots of slow solos that were great to just close your eyes
and listen to.
E: Rock n' Roll- This is the only song that i didn't feel fit into
the set..It was a decent version, but i was thinking something more
jammable wouldve been placed here better with the way the boys were
playing tonight, but i still love to hear Pages voice on this.
All in all a good show. Nothing absolutely spectacular, but the second
set had some great jams..
Peace out
Matty
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 17:09:36 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99 Review
The scene before the show was erie to say the least, with talk of the Who
concert and what not. As soon as they opened though, I realized that my
guesses had been right and that tonight was deffinitely the night to meet
with Mr. Leary or Mr. Owsley. First Tube rocked me with the raw, mind-bending
energy, that I thought was only posessed by the Grateful Dead in the late
sixties. Wolfman's was awesome, but not stellar, still a personal fave.
G.B.O.T.T. This song clearly kicks ass, but is suprisingly traditional
sounding, it definitely got the crowd moving. Billy Breathes was a much
needed respite to collect my concsiousness and zone out a little bit, a great
interlude. AC/DC-Possum-Slave WOW!! Boogie fest if you ask me. AC/DC ended
with orgasm-like intensity, only to give way to a tight Possum which very
much could have ended the set, but no, Slave closed the set out perfectly.
Sand was another foreign tune to me, which was just fine, the crazy jam
on it too was good, because I was in no mood for songs under ten minutes.
This led to what is at least the best Limb by Limb I've ever heard. Although
it seems that at one point, their synchronization was off, the jam was the
best and it segued perfectly back into Fishman's mantra-like singing. It was
good to finally hear Bug, although it reminds me a little of I Saw It Again,
it is alot easier to handle and is quite melodic. Piper kicked ass as usual
and I was glad to see them doing it the first night. Hood was a great closer,
especially since it was only my buddy's second show and he really wanted to
see Harry. In all, the set was a little short, but it was jam-packed. The
encore, Rock 'n Roll was great. I've always loved the Velvets and it was a
personal gift to get to hear that tune. Plus, it tied a lot of things
together about how Rock music dosen't kill (Who concert), it actually gives
life, as Phish has proven (her life was saved by rock 'n roll). Furthermore,
the song set the stage for the almost pure Rock 'n Roll show the following
night.
In all, people like to complain. I consider myself fairly critical of the
boys. But Friday was a night to let them be in charge, and let them fuck with
your head a little bit. Part of being a true prankster is giving people what
they don't expect. The Phish world does not revolve around the songs "we"
want to hear. We should really enjoy what we get. And hey, we can always quit
going to shows, yea right. Peace out!!
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 11:48:58 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-cinci review
12-3-cinci
After the first night at Cincinatti on Friday my friends and I headed down to
the tour buses behind the arena in order to hopefully catch a glimpse of the
band. There were only a handful of people there...maybe seven others besides
myself and my friends Gerry and Mark. I was really amazed to see the tour
buses parked on the street and not down in some secluded loading dock. There
was minimal security and a few roadies running around. My friends and I hung
out by this door that had a sign on it with big bright red letters that read
AUTHORIZED PERSONEL ONLY...which of course basically told us to stick around!!
Anyway the lone security guy got wind of what we were doing and told us to
wait across the street. Ok fair enough. The street was void of traffic and
across the way was the Ohio River with a perferct view of the AUTHORIZED
PERSONEL ONLY door. Anyway we hung around with a few other people for about 10
minutes and some dude came over from across the street to talk to us. He said
"alright guys...I've got good news and I've got bad news. The bad news is that
I am going to have to ask you to leave...but the good news is that i have been
authorized to tell you where the band is staying. They are staying at the
Weston downtown and will be there in about 45 minutes." So everyone slowly
started walking away and as soon as the guy was out of sight everyone was back
in position. I mean...if they were going to be at the Weston in 45
minutes...and the guy was trying to clear us out, that meant that they would
be coming through the AUTHORIZED PERSONEL ONLY doors...right? At least that
was what i was thinking. So we all stood around for 10 minutes and watched
different people walk in and out of the doors. Finally at one point the door
opened and out walked a short guy all by himself with a suitcase without any
body guards. I squinted and it looked like Trey. I couldn't tell though
because I was across the street. Then my friend said it was Trey and then the
guy who we thought was Trey waved at us. Anyway all 10 of us who were waiting
proceeded to head his way very fast. The security guy started going balistic
yelling at us ( our mellow mob of 10) to stay back and then Trey told the guy
not to worry. It was Trey and I walked right up to him. He was so cool!! He
totally took the time to talk to everyone. I had to ask a question...I have
read tons of interviews with Phish and Trey and I wanted to ask him something
that I wanted to know that I had never heard him asked before. I didn't want
to ask what he thought of Europe 72 or if he would play Stash tomorrow night
or how he liked being famous. So I thought I would ask him about my other
favorite guitar player that he has never once mentioned. I said as he was
signing my ticket stub..."Trey I have always wanted to ask you what you
thought of Johnny Marr". He looked at me and paused for a split second as if
having to summon his mental rolodex to pull out the Johnny Marr card. I could
seee him reading the card in his head...//Johnny Marr, Guitar player for famed
80's brit-pop group the Smiths. Also worked on Landmark albums by The The and
albums by Electronic and the Pretenders. Last seen or heard of...a while
ago//. He then passionately blurted out..."GREAT Guitar player...GREAT guitar
player I haven't heard much that he has done recently but I really think he
is..." then he got distracted by other people who wanted a little of his time.
My friend's Mark and Gerry shook his hand got his autograph and then he
stepped on the bus and was super cool about it. He was so nice and took the
time to talk to everyone. It totally made for a great nightcap on the night.
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 02:35:52 -0500
From: Scott Benson [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3/99 Review
I feel so sorry for most of you people. Friday night was my 49th show
in 7 years, and it was one of the best Phish shows I have ever seen in
my life. For all of you who really appreciate Phish's diversity, you
will love this show because of the number of risks and chances Phish
took throughout the night. The flubs that occurred happened because the
band was taking part in an ultimate improvisational show.
A lot of you snotty ass, statistically minded dorks who don't have
many real friends anyway keep saying that "Trey didn't solo", or "there
was no climax so Phish sucks" are totally missing the point. Trey has
stated many times that he is utilizing a new technique called "layering"
in which the jams and climaxes are lead by the entire band and not just
Trey. Possum, Slave, AC/DC, and Hood were all cases in point. Totally
different jams than usual, very interesting and I felt they broke some
real ground tonight or at least experimented with new styles of jamming.
Trey didn't not suck it up, he chose to jam that way on purpose, and I
thought the wall of sound he helped developed in those jams were very
impressive and enjoyable.
This show is a mellow one, but if you like really spacey, ambient
jamming and way out there versions of usually basic sounding Phish
songs, you will absolutely love this show. True, this was a wierd show
that left a lot of questions unanswered, but that is what made it so
unique. A show like this will never happen again. Strange shows like
this need to happen in order for the band to find more room to grow.
I must remind you folks that one day this phenomenon will all be
over. At Christmas, do you say to your Mom,"Hey, I like this present,
but it doesn't compare to last year's"? There is always something to
compare it to. How about observing what the band is doing and then
writing an intelligent response, not just bashing shows because you
didn't get the songs you wanted to hear. Frankly, nobody gives a shit
what you want to hear, especially the band. Phish plays for themselves
and they're glad we want to be a part of it. You fuckin' geeks need to
get your own lives in order. Ever notice how most of the negative
reviewers talk too much in real life? There usually ugly, too. Maybe
that has a lot to do with it. If you want the same shit every night, go
see Widespread Panic: they'll give it to you. But if you want to be
taken offguard everynight, Phish is for you.
A lot of you negative pussies need to realize that most people don't
want you here. We don't like you. The band definitely doesn't like you
(read Tom Marhsall's interview), and you're getting in the way of
progress. I understand that most of you don't have much else to do, plus
what else are you going to do with all that unearned money? How about
buying a plane ticket and never coming anywhere near a Phish show again.
Those of us who truly care about the band themselves and not some stupid
setlist will be glad to see you go. So fuck off.
If you are truly moved by Phish in one way or another, seek this show
out. The best part will be knowing how good it really is, and also
getting a kick out of how pissy it made all the loudmouth geeks. It will
also make you feel better that most of the people I talked to AT the
show thought it was excellent. In other words, if you really enjoy a
show, never read about it the next day on the net. Some depressed,
dysfunctional cock will ruin it for you.
Scott Benson
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 15:30:43 -0500
From: JIM JOHNSON [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99
I've seen complaints in the reviews. Shame on you people.
I wasn't there, but I read the setlist and I am in a serious state of
depression because I didn't go. I live in Detroit and should have went. I
went to the palace show but for some reason I didn't go to the Ohio shows
like usual, and I am living in some major regret right now.
All I have to say is
AC/DC bag
possum
slave
piper
hood.
enough said. anyone that complains about a show where those five songs were
played in the same night just really doesn't understand at all. and sure
slave, hood and piper get played constantly, but for you people who bitch
when you don't get an entire set of off the wall, rare songs, all I can say
is...grow up. I will never take phish for granted and complain when they
don't give me exactly what I want. Sure It'd be cool to hear "I didn't
know" or "camel walk", but if they give me bouncin' then I'll smile and be
happy with my bouncin'
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 19:18:13 -0600
From: Tory [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99 Review
Cincinnati December the Third 1999
First Tube-first time I've heard this one. I liked it much.
Wolfman's Brother-pretty good version
Bouncing Around The Room-my first bouncing. I loved it.
Get Back On The Train-good groove
Billy Breathes-nice version,SOFT, SWEET
AC/DC Bag-good AC/DC Bag; who am I kidding, it was very good
Possum-my first;very nice
Slave To The Traffic Light-quite fine
Sand-My first;It made me wonder then it made me smile.
Limb By Limb-BEST version I've ever heard. L O N G .
Bug-first for me.so-so.
Piper-very energetic; go Fishman
Harry Hood-my first, I feel good about this Hood
Rock and Roll-my first; had me ready for 2nd night
This was my 7th Phish show. The 1st set was one of the best sets I've seen.
CK5 deserves the most credit of the bunch. He had the lights doing wonders
all night. Many first time songs for me. I had a wonderful time.
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 12:22:11 -0500
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3/99 Firststar Center
This show was great. Bottom line. Did anybody happen to see how much fun the
band was having on this night? This translated into a night full of new and
vital directions for the band's music. How about the second set? Sand was
unreal - this was my first one in 23 shows and it did not disappoint. That
groove is outrageous. Limb by Limb was full of energy and melted into such a
surreal jam none like I've heard before. The Piper was by far the best I have
ever heard anywhere - live, c.d., tape - anywhere. After reading a lot of
these reviews, I think people are taking this music for granted and getting
way to critical. If you can do better, start up your band and prove it.
Remember, Phish's worst night on stage is better than anybody elses best
night.
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 15:20:14 -0800
From: donna thacker [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3/99
Everyone who this really matters to,
Due to my prorities at school on Friday night and it being sold-out on
Friday, I was unable to attend Phish in my hometown of Cincinatti...but
I am reading the reviews and I am getting upset...A lot of stuff can
factor in to a bad show....PHISH IS THE HARDEST WORKING BAND OUT
THERE....they've had limited time off, and when they are, Trey and the
boys are working to make this wonderful group even better...These guys
don't get a Christmas break, birthdays, anniversaries...so to day it was
a bad show...bad compared to WHAT?? A lot can factor in to a bad show,
these guys need more time off than anyone I can think of...I pray Trey
isn't getting a JGD (Jerry Garcia Disease) which is a popular rumour I
think is garbage their tired and the newbies getting into their music
scares me...to quote Matt who sent an e-mail "Bouncin' was the best I've
heard it since a Live One.." HEY DIPSHIT THAT SONG NEVER CHANGES!!!!
Maybe, you go and you want to hear a Mike's Groove, or Antelope, or Prep
School Hippie...whatever...enjoy yourself because I am sure its hard
coming up with fresh jams every night...if you want one standard set
list, then you'd bitch about "They always play Guyute..." or "I am
getting really sick of "Mike's>??????>Weekapaug" If your so good at
breaking down shows and thinking of setlist, why hasn't Trey or Page
called you yet?? I was pissed a missed both nights and pissed that
people where they're not wanting to be or wanting to hear a Live One or
Hampton Comes Alive in its entirety...these guys aren't everyday..rock
stars.....THEY'RE PHISH
I would love to hear positive and negative feedback...you can email me
at [email protected]
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 05:33:36 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: be Nice
I was not expecting FRIDAY to be the strongest of the three shows this
weekend. Whatever little thing friday night's show was lacking, i dont know
what, but after the AWESOME FUCKING TIME I had tonight Ill forgive them
anything.
zshanna, for now
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 08:51:57 PST
From: Cort Smith [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Review for 12-3-99
12-3-99
This was my 12th show, and even though it was not my favorite, I"m
not gonna say this show sucked. Some people just must not realize what we
are witnessing here. This is one of the greatest rock bands of all time,
and people are knocking them because they didn't have a amazing night. SO
WHAT!!!!!!! You got to see the show, thats more than a lot of people can
say, that probably would of loved to go regardless of what they played or
how it sounded. These guys are great and special at that. I hate to hear
people knock them just because they didn't play what you wanted to hear.
Grow up. Now that I'm done complaining I thought the show was decent and
I'm not gonna stop touring just because they didn't have a great night.
First tube was good, solid jam.
Wolfman was pretty tight
Bouncin' kind of a suprise but welcomed
Back on the train don't remember much about it
Billy breathes always good
AC/DC bag awesome, love this song
Possum one of my favs, didn't jam as hard as they could have
SLave was great, I knew there was a Hood coming after I heard slave
set 2
Sand nice
Limb by Limb awesome space
bug 1st time ever heard pretty cool
Piper I love that song wasn't as long as expected
HOOD I knew it what did I tell ya
Rock N ROll good, I was hoping for something else after that but I was
satisfied
Overall good show!!!!!!
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 21:03:41 PST
From: Jon Welch [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review
What a show! This was number eleven for me and how great it was. I heard
complaints about the show but and must say that people just do not know
what they're missing, and should have waited for the Ricky Marting show on
the 5th. Bouncin and Wolfman's Brother allowed me to believe that the
show was going to be easy going. However, AC/DC Bag was the best I've
seen, and into Possum? Slave to the Traffic Light was also on and
amazing. I didn't think the second set would be able to reach the first,
but it was nice. Sand was there, and LxL was the best I've ever heard,
competing with the first set's AC/DC Bag. Bug impressed and oh my, they
jammed it out with a stellar Harry Hood. Rock and Roll was nice but the
encore was too short for my taste. They were on. I am a music student
and this is some of the best Phish jamming I've ever seen.
Jonathan Welch
[email protected]
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 22:40:08 -0600
From: Kent Roesslein [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: cincinatti, friday, 12-3-99
I've seen lots of shows, and I'm glad I saw Friday's show!!! Me and 3
friends drove from Chicago, and were not disappointed!! The FirstStar
Arena was nice, no huge lines, cool security... Musically, the show was
different from the usual soul trip, but sounded great!!! The band
played as a whole, and not just as a solo(Trey) act. The grooves were
always there, and overall it was super fun rockin' PARTY, which is what
a Phish show should be...!!!
See ya'll in Florida
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:25:00 -0500
From: Chris [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99 Phish review...
Second time at this venue w/ Phish. Was hopeing for a repeat of last years
Fall show here.....amazeing energy w/ the band that night!
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:38:32 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99
Here's all I have to say about this show...
That was the best PIPER ever played, period. If you don't think so, you are
wrong.
Just thought you'd like to know...
peace
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 23:48:49 -0500 (EST)
From: Paul Daniel Mccann [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Dec 3
Well, I must be honest, last night's show was one of the worst Phish shows
I have ever seen. Now don't get me wrong, the band started out with a
good First Tube, but stretched it out beyond limits.. boring. Wolfman's
Brother was nice and the rhythm jam was very cool. Then Bouncin' Around
the Room. Please, nice try. Let's just turn on a CD. A feeble attempt
to get the crowd into the show. The same with Billy Breathes. Lacked any
energy and the studio sounded much better.
Now AD/DC Bag was good. Definitely a highlight of the show. Next a very
poor Possum and Slave, absolutely no energy or climax.
Second Set: Limb by Limb was a cool jam. Nice to see improvisation.
Piper peaked quicker than any I have heard and really didn't do a whole
lot except get louder. Hood is one of my favorites, but not last night's.
Very weak and again anti-climactic.
Encore: Trying to express the band's opinion of the show with "It's
alright" lyrics was still boasting. I am not sure it even reached that
level.
Overall: Is there a lead guitar? From my previous 11 shows I was under
the impression that Phish really related with the crowd.....uh huh...yeah.
Well I can only wish you had a better experience than I.
Date: Sat, 04 Dec 1999 20:28:50 PST
From: Matt Hollo [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: firstarcenter12-03-99
This is my first time writing about a show (this is only
my second show I've seen live), but I have noticed a large
trend in the reviews i see here. Many people are very negative about what
they see at the shows sometimes. It seems like everyone compares the show
they were at to the best show that Phish has ever played, and it cant always
compare to it. My feeling is, if you go to the show, have a good time with
good friends, and share in the groove, then that is all that really matters.
IMO, if a certain song isn't as good as the one they played in a previous
show, no big deal. Does that make the entire show suck? My feeling is, any
Phish show beats the hell out of just about any other show, barring a double
act of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd in their heyday. That said, I had a great
time. This could be because they played the three songs I really wanted to
hear, that is Bouncin' around the room, Piper, and Harry Hood. All of
these, of course, I thought were excellent. I was 10 rows from the stage on
the left side, and I could see Trey very clearly during the whole show. I
felt Piper was awesome, and I could see the intensity on Trey's face. It
jammed. Bouncin' was good, just about the best version I've heard since A
Live One. I also liked Harry Hood alot, although I was very concerned about
the glowsticks being thrown at the stage. That was my only rub about the
show, other than that, I thought it was incredible and I cant wait to see
them again. They really looked like they were on tonight, I guess a month
off does a body good.
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 10:11:10 -0500
From: Dennis [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3/99
In response to Matt Hollo's review of his evening....
Matt, I think that perhaps you are missing the point of reviewing the
shows. When we read the reviews, we are interested in the calibre of
the band's performance, period. What you did that night, whether you
hit the zone, or if you and your friends had a good time is not what
shoudl be reviewed. We're not reviewing the ambiance, just the
performance. As shocking as a concept as this seems to be to many,
Phish is there to perform musically, not host a party. So given the
fact that the band is in fact human, there are bound to be great shows,
mediocre shows, and shows that simply suck. That needs to be accurately
communicated in the review, so that those that didn't go will know what
went on, know whether the tapes are worth getting, etc.
I'd much rather see a musically aware fan honestly say that a show
sucked, than have someone tell me that they had a great time and not
really comment in any depth on the performance. BTW, I'm glad you had a
great time at what others are summing up as a sub-par performance.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 20:14:52 -0500
From: David Keith [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99
That was one of the worst shows in my life. I cannot imagine what was wrong
with Trey, he strummed through most of the solos. This guy is the greatest
rock guitarist alive, but last night I had to wonder if he is contracting the
dreaded Jerry Garcia disease, I think most of you know what I mean. He kept
looking over at Page all night, as if to see if he would bail him out. Chris
even jumped in on the lights to try and save some of the moments where Trey
just seemed to vanish.
First Tube was cool, but then it doesn't require a lot, just a mean two chord
groove. After that it pretty much sucked; i hope Trey was just sick or
something. Possum had no guitar solo at all, Slave was lame, shit it was all
lame! I took a date for her first show and I was really embarrased for
the band. I have been giving this girl CDs of shows for over a year, then
she finally goes to a show to hear a big truckload of dogshit.
I had floor seats for tonight, 20th row center, but I gave them away to
friends and came on home. I was disgusted.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 19:49:06 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: (no subject)
I concur with the previous review that this show was definitely lacking in
anything spectacular. As one of the people I was with said " this is the
worst show I have ever seen, and I have seen Van Halen!" Maybe this is
overstated, but this was definitely the worst Phish show that I have seen,
and I have seen around 15. Musically it was a sub par rock show. Trey was
inactive and the best number of the night, AC/DC Bag was no more than a
pumped up rock'n'roll solo, which consisited of increasing the volume until
the crowd flipped out. I have come to the conclusion that most phish fans
are going to shows for the emotional highs that they recieve from them and
not the musical merit of the band. The band did nothing interesting from an
improvasitory viewpoint, essentially it was a poor rock show. I have come
to excpect more out of a Phish show then lights and an energetic crowd, and
unfortunately last evening that is all I recieved.---ME
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 15:15:37 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99 Review
This was the most medicore Phish show I have ever heard. I'm not normally a
critical fan and they could play whatever for all I care, but the level of
playing last night was terrible. AC DC Bag never went anywhere, Possum fell
flat and Slave lacked any energy whatsoever. Sand was cool followed by a
mellow Limb by Limb. Piper was the most rushed I'd ever heard. Hood was
pathetic. It didn't build up at all, just some weird effects and then the
ending. After a show like that, the encore seemed a waste. They just never
got anything going throughtout the show. Hopefully tonite will be a more
enjoyable experience.
-B.J.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 09:21:25 -0800 (PST)
From: Tim Rowland [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Firststar highlights
Here are the highlights of the 12/3/99 show at the
Firstar Center.
A really extended jam on Wolfman's. Really funky
groove.
Pretty fast GBOTT - you could tell the energy was
building.
SUPER INTENSE Bag!! Man, you need to get the tapes of
this show just for this song.
Towards the end, Trey was doing this Eddie Van
Halen-esque tap solo that just kept building
and building...and didn't stop. It was so sweet.
The end of slave where trey took off his guitar and
was pointing it at people and making it
sound like a light saber. It was pretty funny. At the
end he just held it high above his head
which made his look like LUke Skywalker in the Star
Wars posters.
Sand! Phat groove.
Most gradually building Piper I've ever heard. Very
cool.
LxL - The jam here has been called "spacey." Page was
playing a lot here with a lot of effects
from Trey on his small keyboard and stuff. 3 of the
people I was with thought Page was playing
"Icicle" by Tori Amos at this point. It didn't sound
like that to me, but you get the idea of what
was going on. A very good jam.
My first Bug, so I don't have much to compare it too.
Hood was precise. They had a lot of energy in this
one.
Overall a great show.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 13:22:09 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: PHiSH Review 12/03/99
The show last nite at Firstar Center in Cincinnati, Ohio was my first PHiSH
show. I have been waiting for over a year to see them live. I think they
had a great show, and they played my favorite song, Harry Hood. The whole
second half of the show, I was 3 rows to the left of Trey. It was so cool to
see him play the guitar. As I said before, Harry Hood was my favorite song,
and I loved how everyone was throwing the glow sticks around. I think one
person hit the drums, and another hit Mike Gordon in the head with a
glowstick. When Trey was waving the guitar around, it was really cool. I
also liked how everyone lit their lighters for the Encore. I think that Limb
By Limb was also well played and was a very good song. Slave to the Traffic
Light was very good as well. I was upset that they didn't play Wilson or
David Bowie. Well, I was there, I had so much fun, I bought 2 of the
December Tour '99 t-shirts, and I hope to see them this summer!
-Ryan Nill
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 10:49:13 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: firststarcrwnriverfront center
the show started out great......
then they palyed slave...........
thats when it all sort of went wrong...
good moments but the life was just sort of sucked out of it....should have
been great they were heading into that mythic territory there for a while,
but took the other route....
oh well,
wish I was going tonight......its gonna be great...they are playing awesome
(started seeing shows in 90)
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:29:54 -0500
From: Chris [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99 review
My friend and myself felt like it was an Ok show but nothing
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 18:07:14 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3 Cinci
This was my first show back since summer tour so I was pretty excited. First
Tube got things started right. The AC/DC Bag was jamming and Slave was
beautiful, as usual.
This was the first time I heard Sand. I think this is a great song, I
think it could really go places. OH my god Limb by Limb was soo wonderful.
I was mesmerized and then comes Piper. Beautiful!! Did anyone catch what
they were saying near the end. Hood was great as always. Then Rock n Roll
was cool but I like the Jane's Addiction version over the VU and Phish. This
show wasn't the best in the world but I had a rocking time and I danced my
ass off. What more could I ask for?
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:43:19 -0500
From: Chris [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99 Review
My friend and I have followed the boys for the last five years (catch about
4-6 shows a year) and we honestly felt the show was just mediocre...nothing
bad but yet nothing that really stood out. This is not a bad thing. It
guaranteed a better show the following night. We did feel that they played
well but that the song selection and layout of the sequence was
different...didn't feel right. Still very Happy to have been there!! ....hey
if anyone has a copy of last years Fall show (11-14-98) I'd love to work out
a trade!!! Thanks Chris...
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 18:00:10 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review of first nite in cinci
wow, phish has derailed. that was my 29th, i have never complained, but wow,
that performance stunk it up. boring and monotonous, with exceptions like
tube and ac./dc bag. thank god sat nite was great. you take the bad and the
good with phish. its just scary because i said to a friend i would only stop
seeing them if they ever sounded the same as a show before, or the jams got
boring, and they sure did. but oh well, sat nite made up for it. thats my
two cents.
art
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 01:39:42 -0500
From: ned gorges [email protected]
To: [email protected]
I have only seen one other Phish show (Oswego 99) but i have many bootlegs
and i think i can say sincerly that this was one of their worse shows ever
perfomed. ACDC bag was very good. Possum was also very good. The second
set however was rather pothetic, it seemed as if the guys just didn't even
care!! A very poor encore (Rock n' Roll). Hopefully new years in florida
will be much better.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 10:27:39 -0500
From: Chris Bruce [email protected]
To: [email protected]
I'm ashamed to say that last night was only the second time that I've ever
seen Phish. I'm hooked. These guys are really jamming! I'm a little past
all the parking lot stuff, 21 Dead Shows will do that if nothing else to you,
maybe I've moved on in life, but the music is still real and it is from the
heart, improvisional and creative. I wish that I had a ticket for tonight.
Phish is doing so much in a show, musically there is so much happening. I
was only really familiar with about half of the tunes last night, makes me
want to keep downloading shows I tell ya. Bouncing Around the Room a day
later....
cb
below are reviews of the above reviews, reviewers or the opinions
expressed by the authors
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 22:17:31 -0800 (PST)
From: Jillian Brandt [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3 cincy
hi there...i am an enthusiastic individual by nature...and reading the
reviews of this...one of my favorite shows...and seeing how critical
people are of the performances...FREAKS me out! hardcore. now i can
understand what a bad show could be like...but i can't quite relate
because i haven't had one yet. i am always so grateful to see
phish...usually i am peeing my pants i am so excited.
and i feel that i should personally apologize to everyone who had a shitty
time...like it is my fault or something whatever...that is how i feel. i
was with my good friend annie...who had her first show this night...if you
all could have seen the smile on her face and the light in her eyes!!
these 4 doods...plus chris and paul...really really touch people! it is
incredible how i feel during, before and after a show! i forget
everything...any problem and homework anything...and just feel the music
and the AWESOME crowd surrounding me! i don't analyze shows...i
mean...i'll say yes that was the phattest limb by limb that i have ever
seen...i felt like i was flying...but i won't say...damn...trey needs to
stop this or do this...or where was the bass tonight... because it is more
than that...right? right?
i don't know....i am so incredibly psyched for nye...i thought i would
share my overexuberance...i would do anything for a phish show..and for
the amazing people that i meet there.
i'll be the girl at nye giving out tons of free hugs and lovin'.
hehe
:-)
=====
Whatever you do...take care of your shoes.
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 15:51:01 -0500
From: David Smitherman [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: The Cincinatti Shows
Obviously, the Cincinatti fans just don't get it. Their must be something
about the midwest. Bottle throwing riots???? Sounds like the way things
fell apart in the Dead scene towards the end (if Jerry hadn't have died
Chicago would have ruined that for us). Looks like Ohio may get by-passed on
future tours. It not worth risking the reputation on the whole Phish scene
to play for a bunch of ingrates. We'll just keep the band over here on the
east coast where they belong. No problem with you guys in the West. We like
your vibe. Borrow the band anytime you wish....we'll come out and join you.
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 12:16:15 -0500
From: Danielle Smithwick [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Cincinnatti shows
I must say that this was one of the best weekends that I have had. I
walked out of the show with four good friends with the biggest grin on my
face and told them that was one of the best shows that I have ever had. Up
until Nassau in the Fall I had not seen Phish for a year. The second night
in Cinci reminded me of the old pish a little - the energy was just
amazing and Chris did an awesome job with the lights. The arena was a
great set up and the band was completely playing off the audience. Seeing
Guyute and LxL in the same weekend was a treat, that Limb was very spacey -
but seeing Slave and Harry (two very similar songs) in the same show was
incredible. I thought the Melt was the best I have ever heard. The Loving
Cup got the crowd pumped and driving up from North Carolina my boyfriend
would not shut up about how he wantedt o hear that song so...glad that he
got it. I must say that I had been hoping for a Reba and/or a Mango song -
but I still have Raleigh and Hampton. All in all, no complaints can be
heard from me. The Sand was an amazing song, and the same with bug - I
like that song more and more each time I hear it. Enjoy the shows y'all.
PEACE
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 15:03:45 -0500
From: Jun Zhang [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: cincinnati 12-3-99
What the hell are all these complaints about? I don't mean to drag this
on, but...what the hell do you complainers want from these four guys?
Can you do any better?, NO
I think this show was probably the best show i've ever seen,
period.
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 10:10:53 -0500
From: Jon Brysh [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99 show
phish fans-
i have read pretty much all of the reviews for this show that have been
posted thus far and i am pretty dissapointed. In just abuot everyone
somebody is complaining about how the show sucked and how it was the worst
one they have ever seen and this and that. well to start, i read in one of
them that some guy thought trey was all fucked up during one of the
sets..i am sorry but i sincerely doubt that, i have seen plenty of video
footage of them backstage from Bittersweet Motel, and Phish doesnt fuck
around with drugs..a lot..but they do take a couple shots, but thats it. i
for one loved the show. i dont get to see phish all that often cause i
have priorites to take care of that come first, but when i do get to see
them, i am grateful for it. i think what everybody was complainin abuot
was the spacey jams, and the actual jamming itself. what a lot of people
dont understand is jammin is NOT when trey goes off and solos, it is when
the band is in tune witheacother and just improv and get in the minds of
the other band members...that is NOT trey soloing which is what a lot of
people think. so phish did a lot of spacey jammin..escpecially in in LXL
which i loved. almost sounded like old school Floyd back in the late 60's.
just acid-funk-rock, it was great. i thought it was a great show..i didnt
like the crowd to much..saturday's crowd was much better. and for the
Phish boys, sorry bout some of the idiots that write in, they dont
understand that bands EVOLVE and CHANGE in time or else itd get boring as
shit. later jon
Phish Kicks Ass
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 21:46:35 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99
I have been sorely dissapointed by the responses on this forum. I am
sorry to say that Phish has been raised to cult status and consequently
the majority of their fans think that they can do no wrong. I don't
understand why it cannot be simply accepted that Phish is a human band and
will have off nights. Phish may very well be doing new things with their
music, however novelty does not imply success. They failed miserably on
Friday night in acheiving any sort of cohesive improvasitional playing.
It was really sad to see, and now even sadder to see that Phish fans
cannot bear the truth that the show lacked anything impressive or even
good.
Unfortunately when a band is raised to cult status, as Phish has
apparently been, the fans lose the objectivity needed to assess what is
good and bad. The band could get up their and play anything and there
would still be a following and still be people reviewing shows and saying
incorrectly, as done here, that the show was incredible. I think a point
of confusion that is arising is the distinction between how good of a time
you had and how good the band actually played. These are two seperate and
distinct entities not to be confused with one another. Case in point is
David Levine's failure to respond to the challenge posed by Wags to
articulate what exactly was so good about the show outside of the fact
that he had a good time at it. David simply replied with "the show
rocked." That is insightful, however it is not the point of a show
review.
The point of a review page is to assess how good the show was, not to
constantly praise and worship whatever Phish throws at us. My assessment,
and apparently many others, says that the show on Friday was horrible.
Therefore this viewpoint must not be readily dismissed. Some are trying
to truly explicate what the merit of the show was, and are being bashed
for it. What would be the point of a review page if there were not some
criticisms???
Should we change the name to "praise page"? The cult status of Phish has
blinded many to the true nature of the musical experience. Phish has the
potential to be good, but let us face the reality of the situation when it
is presented to us. Phish, musically, was really bad on Friday. This is
coming from an individual whose viewpoint is unclouded by the cult status.
Phish can do wrong, and they did on Friday evening.
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 18:27:04 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99
Well, I really do hate to add to all the negativity listed below,
however, I must vent a little (o.k. a lot) of frustration concerning our
experience on Friday night. First of all, I apologize that this isn't
more about the music. I'm not going to say how many shows I've been to,
as it does not make the least bit of difference. I thought the first set
was very enjoyable. I didn't get into the second set as much.
What happened after the show pretty much wipes out all of my feelings
about the show itself. We returned to our car to discover that it had
been broken into. All of our stuff was thrown around the car. They went
thru literally every nook and cranny, pulled out every piece of clothing,
and dumped it all everywhere. They took all of my money. They took our
nice fluffy sack. They took our tickets to Saturday's show. They took my
boyfriend's address book (we still can't figure out why) - which contained
names, addresses, and phone numbers of everyone he knew around the country
- and can NOT be replaced. They broke the driver's seat. Needless to
say, we hit the road and headed home, stopping along the way to cancel our
hotel reservations, our calling card, and my credit and bank card.
I take all of this very personally, and it literally makes my heart
physically hurt. I am tired of all the selfish little punk-ass kids
acting like the world somehow owes them something!!!! Believe me, it does
not!!! If you don't have money for tour, tickets, or pot - either get a
job, or go the fuck home! So, with all this said, I say goodbye. I am
not supporting anymore junkies or selfish little brats. There is no
feeling of family anymore, and for me, the love is gone.
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 12:54:02 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99 Firststar
David "Green" Levine, I appreciate your response to the previous reviews.
Your unsubstantiated bashing of other reviews was very articulate.
However, the point stands as is....why was the phish show so good????
You bash a previous reviewer for speaking of his girlfriend's first
show...however you, in turn, use your girlfriend as a substantiator of the
quality of the show. And this is her second show???? (By the way I am
glad she was sober...so was I) I am sure she enjoyed it experientially
from the perspective of its ambiance and energy. However, this does not
mean that musically the show had any merit at all. The previous reviewers
never stated that they were looking for particular tunes, such as Mike's,
DWD, etc. All they were asserting is that the songs that were played
lacked any kind of improvisational worth. Thus, rather than hearing your
angry bashing, I would instead enjoy hearing why you thought that this
show had such a high degree of musical quality. I think that most would
agree that Trey was out of it. And his playing was definitley below his
potential. This point is indisputable.
What I want to know is what tunes did you find him doing something unique
or exceptional on. And why??? I would simply appreciate a logical
explanation of why Phish was so good on Friday, rather than your senseless
emotional pleas to continue to worship their sub par performances. I am
analyzing Phish from a musical perspective (it is given that the music is
inextricably bound up in the ambiance) however when the music is seriously
lacking, consequently so to is the experience. Therefore, I would
appreciate and welcome a response that addresses the show from a musical
perspective.
Thank you. ---SW
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 12:40:44 -0500
From: Levine [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: response to response (why am I doing this?)-12-3-99
MR. Wags or SW, et all,
NO thanks, I think saying the show rocked is good enough for me.
Your response : sad, very sad. Why doesn't everyone realise how simple
the whole phish thing is by now? Go when you can, then , stand , stare,
drool, jump up and down, blow yer load, repeat, repeat, repeat, etc.
That's it. Whether the show is a 7/10 or an 11, to know phish is to
understand their cycle, not to deify them ( as you suggest I have done).
As for the newbie and his girl: I can pretty much assure you that his
reaction to the show had a lot to do with the lack of hers. And oh yeah I
forgot, I never said the show was good because my girlfriend thought so
(as you suggested as well). Thank you Wags, for the opportunity to
clarify. I will not be sandwiched out of context.
David "green" Levine, Toronto Angry Mob
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 04:35:09 -0500
From: Levine [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99
Alright I'm gonna make this quick because my blood is boiling. There is
overall, far too much ignorant bashing on this page. Who are these morons
who show the unsubstantiated audacity (if these retards retain the meaning
of the phrase) to call any phish show DOGSHIT ??!! You have got to be
kidding me. What were you doing in the building at all? The invalid making
this claim has seen 15 shows if my memory serves. Gee, I feel really bad
for you that you took your woman to a show and you were so badly praying
for you second or third Mike's Song ( or tweezer, or dwd or insert classic
tune name here) that you could not show her a good time. I've seen way
over 100 shows and last night was my girlfriend's second (Detroit was her
first - and both shows blew her sober mind). The show rocked. Anyone who
says differently has no clue what they're looking at when the boys take
the stage. You're just not gonna get one of Mike's, Yem, Disease, or
Tweezer every night anymore; it's that simple - there's way too much great
new stuff. If you snotty holier than thou newbies (- the idiots Know who
they are) can't handle the whole phish cannon and the waiting for the
truly glorious musical treats, then they should go huddle up with Hampton
Comes Alive (not to diss this masterpiece - I was there - but I have a
sneaking suspicion that these nimrods really enjoy it ) while I go put
another 80 000 miles on my old Jeep in pursuit of, at worst, the crappiest
piece of DOGSHIT Phish show that I have ever seen. Thank you for your
attention in these matters.
David "Green" Levine, Toronto Angry Mob
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 22:21:19 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99 Firststar Center
I have been reading these reviews and I have two comments to make:
1) David "Green" Levine is a fucking idiot.
2) Jerry's dead. Phish sucks. Get over it!
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 15:28:29 -0500
From: Levine [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: down and dirty
Feldmoney,
Well now, get a load of this fucking guy. Good morning little
schoolgirl. You're right Jerry has in fact passed on, and thinking back even
the eighties were fun. Let the Grand Wizard of all fucking idiots ask you
something, Why read the reviews if Phish sucks? I rarely review, and would
never call anyone's gig DOGSHIT. I attended the Rochester show with a friend
named Rory who attended over 280 Grateful Dead concerts. The Dead aswell were
my first love,. But what the fuck are you going to do about your most serious
problem. We've moved on. If you want Phish to suck - fine - they always will
in your eyes. However, do not even attempt to ever relive your youth ( and I'm
pretty sure I can speak for all of us ) at OUR party. Enjoy all of your most
precious memories.
David "Green" Levine
Date: Fri, 3 Dec 1999 23:42:18 -0600
From: Lesley Adamec [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: cinnci
get over it Phuck Fish
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 16:14:16 -0600
From: Matt Meehleder [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3/99 Show
I found a few of the reviews for this show a bit cruel. Some peoples need
for selfish fulfillment can cloud their judgement. Seeing Phish is a two way
street. I have seen many more shows than most (67), and think it was neither
great or shitty. Just an average show with some beautiful moments as usual.
Which equates to 100 times better than anything else out there. I was in the
3rd row (Trey side). I would also have liked to have seen a little more
squealing from Trey, but hey, thats how it goes. Sometime they try to
"spotlight" other band members a little more. It appeared to me that Trey
was looking at Page saying "rip it up brother, have fun," not "bail me out,
I'm drowning." Please refrain from personally attacking any of the boys.
Yes, they were more mellow than usual, but some of the comments made were
without thought or class. If they are that bad - please stay home. Save
yourself the pain and disappointment.
[email protected]
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 14:09:23 -0500
From: Tony Halmos & Jennifer Weiss [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-03-99 Firstar Centre
On a similar, though far less hostile note, I'd like to concur with
Michael Porter. Along with Toronto last summer, the Firstar Centre was
one of the best Phish shows I've had the opportunity to see since 1991.
Maybe I just think they burn brightest when they play short seconds
sets. Anyways, like the Molson Amphitheatre show, several fans have
slagged the show. All I can say in response to the idea that the first
night at Firstar was weak is that you are really missing something.
click here to return to the 1999 reviews page
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