12-4-99 -- Firstar Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 23:45:01 -0600
From: Jon lake [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Cincinnati December 4th
I previously wrote a review about this show immediatly upon arrival
at home the next day. I feel I was in a very negative mood and frankly
I was downright too critical of the way they played. Many people wrote
angry responses to me and others would tell me in person how they felt.
The more I began to think back upon that show, and the more live
versions of those songs I hear, I have realized that the 2nd night of
cincy was an outrageously good show. I went into it like a dumbass
hoping to hear cool songs I hadn't heard before and thus didn't just
soak in what they gave us. The first set was definantly good with Heavy
Things opening, a song that I definantly like more and more. Simple-an
old school fav for me Ya Mar-quite solid Guyute-pretty good version,
not the best I've heard but it got me movin Tweezer-the best version of
this song I've ever heard. I've always prefered the shorter, phunkier
versions as opposed to the spacey ones, and that's precisely what they
gave us. Dirt-cool song, somewhat rare as well Loving Cup-phat cover,
I've always enjoyed this song since I got my first tape of the Dallas
Tweezerfest from '94.
Thought the first set was short, the second was awesome so it really
didn't matter. DWD-I really enjoyed the bass reverb noises prior to the
start of it, and a solid version Split Open & Melt-simply fantastic
Moma Dance-phunky as hell, great dance tune Farmhouse-a modern day fav
TMWSIY-with hannekah upon us this song was cool Circus-this tune is so
so for me Bowie-the more I thought about it, I realized this was a
spectacular rendition, and made the show for me. The encore was
average, but still cool. As for the band's antics after they were done,
that was cool. I feel bad for previously saying this was unwarranted,
but upon further review it certainly was. I was in a pissy mood all day
because of the sloths I went to the show with, and this sort of took
away from my enjoying the experience. I am man enough to admit that I
was wrong. I still still feel strongly about this forum being open to
criticisms of the band, but I know my criticisms were not warranted and
that I should feel lucky to have attended such a good show.
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 20:23:16 -0500 (EST)
From: John Paul Gorretta [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish Saturday, 4th@ Cincinnati
This is my first review to the Phish.net.review page. I always enjoy
reading other phans comments after I go to a show to see what people
think. Some are valid, some are absolutely ignorant, and that's the way
it is. I am a music major and I think I have a pretty good idea of the
intricacies of music. I think that is why I like Phish so much. Finally
a band comes along and challenges music the way it should be challenged,
(not like the fagstreet boys or any other popular crap that comes out
today). People should go to Phish shows to challenge their musical
intellect, to let Phish take you on a spiritual journey. People shouldn't
go to shows to hear certain songs, and when they don't hear the songs they
want, they call the shows a let down or even boring. A lot of the people
that have written reviews are right, Trey-Mike-Page-and Fishman are
musical juggernauts. They stretch the capacity of music to new heights
and give us something to to reach for with our hearts and with our minds.
Enough bitching, onto the review of the show!
Set one:
Heavy Things- pretty good first opener. I had yet to hear this song
before so I enjoyed myself.
Simple- my girlfriend was dying to hear this one. THe vocals were damn
tight on this song.
Ya Mar- They played a rocking version of this song in Columbus '99 so I
was expecting something big, but it never really surfaced like I thought
it would. Hell of a song to dance to , the crowd was moving like crazy
and you could really feel a great vibe throughout the arena.
Guyute- I reallly dig this song, it has some great musical moments in it.
Not as good as the Dayton '97 version, but the lights at cinci were
outstanding!
Twezeer- I was kind of hoping for a Tube after Guyute to get the crowd
phunked up, but Tweezer was nice, but expected.
Dirt- I really love when Phish shows off their musical prowess by playing
a slow song after a hard rocker like Tweezer. Dirt is an absolute
favorite of mine, great flowing melody to sit down to and really listen.
Loving Cup- Kind of sick of this song, but damn, they pumped the crowd up
with this version!
Set Two:
Down with Disease- my marching band at OU did this song a couple of years
ago and it was great! This song was carried by Mike, (he has really come
a long way-I always knew there was some soul in this extremely white guy!)
SOAM- holy s**t, this song blew my mind. The last time I heard this song
was at deer creek '96 and it was very flat. I just hope that the jam in
the middle of this song is a sign of things to come. This song was a
perfect example of stretching music to new limits.
Moma Dance- not much to say about this song. It was very phunky the way
it should be.
Farmhouse- another favorite of mine, really liked the new ending.
TMWSIY-Avenu-TMWSIY- Knew this was coming at some point. Great song again
just to listen to and experience it.
When the Circus- I was pretty disapointed in the placement of this song at
the time, I couldn't figure out why they would play another slow song
again to a crowd that was obviously wanting to get crazy.
David Bowie- Ahh! Now I know why they played circus, because bitchin
bowie was to follow. Great closer to an absolutely unbelieveable musical
journey.
Encore: Not the greatest encore I have heard but the crowd really seemed
to enjoy themselves. Twezeer reprise gave Page some time to show off
which he didn't do at all in the whole show.
Overall this show was- who cares, it was a Phish show! I rather be at a
Phish show than any place on earth. These guys always give me what I am
looking for in a rockshow- a rock band that can play every different genre
of music, a band that can make me happy for four or five hours of my day,
and it sure is a great place to get messed up at and meet the best phans
in the business!
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 18:58:37 -0500
From: Nick DeGrazia [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: second night at firstar
ok, so I have sat here the past few days and read these reviews completely
bashing the band. it is a nice thing to see people standing up against the
bashing. I hate it. the band puts on a rocking show no matter what they
do. I mean what other band is doing this now? now, I have only been to
three phish shows not even close to the number of some, but I have been
impressed more and more with each show. this second night in the natti was
no different. on to the show:
heavy things- a great song to start with. an upbeat got me into it
simple- great jam in this, a little wierd placement but itn didn't hurt the
song at all.
ya mar- one of my favorites of phish, got me grovin' and page's solo was
solid
guyute- chris was going sick with the lights and trey really did well at
the end of the song
tweezer-third time seeing it, but one of my favorite versions
dirt- a nice breather, very tight in my opinion
lovin' cup- a great way to end the set I feel. a lot of energy
dwd-awesome, that is all I can say about this. a short jam but trey still
managed to rip it up and mike was right on
soam-first time seeing this one. I was very into the techno jam. I've
heard it on boots before and the jam was very different
momma-I love this song for the phunk, nuff said
farmhouse-standard but good
tmwsiy>avenue>tmwsiy-very nice, avenue got me dancing again
circus-I have always been happy to see them cover. lights seemed
exceptional on this
bowie-outstanding, a great way to close definite intensity leading into
the encore
julius-short but rockin'
tweezer reprise-I left with a smile on my face and jump in my step even
though it was expected
let me end with this. one of the best parts of this evening was seeing
trey so into it. pumping his fist at the end and giving a thumbs up. it
made me more into the show to see him jumping and going all over the stage.
they played exceptional and I can't wait for the next time I get the
privalege of seeing them.
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 14:32:11 -0500
From: Mitch Galvin [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Cincinnati, Dec 4
Saturday night at the Firstar Center reminded me why I never have become
enraptured by Phish. Don't get me wrong I view the band as being extremely
talented and visionary, however, they have always lacked the inner soul
withing their music. I used to see phish a lot back in the early 90's but
hadn't been to a show for the last 2.5 years. I'm from Cincy so I decided to
catch the boys on Saturday.
Phish used to blow me away when I would see them, but this night was
definitely an exception. There is just too much new music that they play
these days and lack a of old classics. I know I sound like a traditionalist,
but I miss sets that included a trip to Gamehenge.
Heavy Things was not the right way to open the show. Too much of a slow
song...why not just open with Cities? Anyway, my spirits rose when they
played Simple, never heard it live before. But after that an extremely boring
Yamar and Guyute....no.....I can't stand this song. I don't see Phish all the
time but it seems I hear Guyute at every show. Tweezer was standard as well.
As for Dirt, I did enjoy it and Lovin' Cup really rocked. But that was it,
the only song that jammed was the closer.
I went to get a beverage during set break and ran into the main reason why I
cannot really get behind phish. That reason is "clueless fan." Now I may be
way off, but it seems like phish concerts are comprised of about 70% of
"clueless fan." These are the people who go to phish shows and get into the
scene because it is "cool" but they have no idea what is going on because they
really aren't on the same wavelength as the band. I'm standing in line and
these two guys behind me are yelling about how the first set was the "best set
they have ever seen." I had to turn around and ask them what they were
talking about. One of them replied, "man I've been to like 40 shows and I've
never seen a set as good as that one." You've got to be kidding me? They went
on to say that the first set blew the first night away. I did not see
Friday's show so I asked them what was played. It was at this point that I
got the standard answer that sickens me more and more every time I hear it,
"man I don't know, I was too f--ed up." I cringe when I hear this, and the
sad thing is it is the most constant answer that I get from most people
attending phish concerts. Look if you don't know what the band is playing, if
you don't listen to the band, if you don't know the songs, get the hell out of
the venue. The reason the scene at Phish shows has become so damned uncool is
because it is overpopulated with people who just don't get it. The main
reason phish exists is because of the band, the songs....not because it is an
easy place to score buds and get wasted.
Happily, however, when I returned to my seat I began a conversation with the
people next to me. They obviously represented the minority of people who
really were into the band, people that were sharp and in tune. I was relieved
that they could tell me what was played the night before, Thank God.
The second set started off smokin hot, but really cooled down. DWD--Split
Open--Moma Dance was fab. I was estatic to hear Moma Dance, it's got that
same phunky feel of My Soul and really allows Fishman to use his vocal talents
in a cool manner. The rest of the show was slow and unexciting, although I
did enjoy Farmhouse and Julius (though overplayed) always gets me movin.
I do like phish a lot, but I continue to see them and am unimpressed by the
show and disgusted by many of the people. But I'll be back in a few years to
see them again.
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 18:46:08 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-4-99
I've been listing to Phish for a while now, and attended my fair share of
shows, and I'd like to comment on how Cincy, not Phish, ruined my whole
experience. I hadn't had much time/money to attend any phall shows, so when I
got these tickets for my birthday I was obviously pumped.(2 day show!!) The
first night was a treat, and I had a great time.(AC/DC bag>Possum; tight as
hell) It was the second night that pissed me off. My friends had floor, so I
stubbed down to chill w/ them for the second set. I was next to my friend
(during SOAM) , when a Firstar Center asshole approaches me, and askes for my
stub, I sort of ignored him(I was minding my own buisness, and was chillin in
my friends seat.) then he askes me again, so I pull out my stub, and I'm
thinking hes gonna put me back up to the top, but the fucker grabbes me and
literally throws me out the back enterance.( I heard they threw out upwards
to 200 people that night.) I go back up to the enterance, and "kindly"
explain my story to the Firstar worker, and she tells me to leave, and
signals for security. I'm not pissed I missed the show, hell I can see Phish
whenever, but this venue fucking sucked. I can see why The Dead were not
allowed to come back, and my message for Phish is the same. Stick to
Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, even fucking Toledo. Don't come back here, it's
not about the music here, it's about making a damn profit.
Good 1.5 shows anyway
Keep the Groove,
Joe
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 09:05:13 -0500
From: Alan Seal [email protected]
To: [email protected]
I think that the 2nd night at Cinci was amazing. I dont see how people
can slam it. All I can say is SPLIT OPEN AND MELT. It kicked ass. The
whole show was the best that I have ever seen Gordon. Guyute was the
best I heard it too. Overall it was a tight show
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 14:59:21 -0500
From: "PORTER, MICHAEL" [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: cinci 12-4-99
I just want to start this review by urging everyone in the lots to please
behave yourselves. When leaving saturday night I found out that beer bottles
were being thrown at cops and that one was in the hospital. I don't like cops
either but this is not what we should be doing. This kind of behavior is
really giving phish a bad name. The scene can be saved we just all have to
band together and stop acting like this just because you didn't get a ticket.
This show has been getting terrible reviews just like last nights, but I felt
that they're heading in a new direction with their jams. Even more different
than they've been heading since summer99, and I like it. I can't wait to see
how their style of jamming changes over the next few years and will accept
whatever they decide to do because I am a real Phan, not just someone looking
for perfectly executed trey solos on every song.
Set I
Heavy Things-This is a good tune as an opener. It has a good head-bobbin feel
to it.
Simple-Kind of an odd placement I thought, but a good version nonetheless. I
really liked the "simbop and beebaphone" part. The jam was a little shorter
and different than I have heard and I liked that.
Yamar- This was a pretty standard Yamar. I love to dance to this song. I
haven't heard a "Play it Leo" since deercreek 2nd night 99.
Guyute-Everybody bitches that they play this song too much, but I love it.
This version almost blew the roof off of this place. When they finally got
towards the end where Trey does a succession of three note guitar lines the
vibe in the room was amazing- good work by Chris K on this one.
Tweezer- I always love a good tweezer. The jam wasn't as long as I expected,
but it was a good version nonetheless. Again good work by Chris K
Dirt- I've only heard this song once before this and I really enjoyed hearing
it tonight. My seats were right at a corner in the front so I sat down during
this song to rest my dogs and could still see the stage perfectly-cool!
Lovin' Cup- This version raged. I think this was the best lovin'cup I have
ever heard. (MY 3rd) This song did blow the roof off of the place. The jam
was good and when they busted back into "OH WHat a beautiful buzz..." It was
awesome.
Set II
DWD- This took a while to start. Mike rocked in this song. The jam was
rockin.
SOAM- I went nuts when I heard fishman start that beat and then Gordon in
classic style with his opening line. I loved this version. It had a cool
techno jam kind of thing in the middle.
Moma dance- This started differently than I have heard. Fishmans vocals were
cool. I'd like to hear him sing lead more often I like his voice. This was a
very funky version that got the crowd going good.
Farmhouse- This is one of my girlfriends favorites and she was really psyched
to hear this one. Trey kept repeating "in the farmhouse it will be alright"
at the end which I thought was cool.
TMWSIY>Avenu Malkenu>TMWSIY- I always love hearing these. TMWSIY was simply
beautiful as always. Avenu raged. During the chorus Chris threw on the
brightest lights I have ever seen at a phish show. I think Avenu was the
highlight
When the circus comes-Standard version, but good
David bowie- YEah!!! I always love a good bowie. This song follows me around
(4 of last 5 shows)
Encore
Julius- good version, good funk
Tweezer reprise- I knew it was coming but I always love hearing this at the
end of a show
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 21:34:40 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish 12-4-99
This was my first Phish show. And it was one of the best damn concerts
I've seen in a long time, but there were two problems:
1) Hippies. Too damn many of them. Flannel ponchos for miles on the
guys, and bandanas in the hair and clothes bought out of the "Old Glory"
catalog for the ladies. Eugh. I read a review wherein a guy didn't like
the sound, so he moved to a different spot in the theater. STAY IN YOUR
OWN SEATS, PEOPLE. During the first set, some asshole kept freak-dancing
his skanky girlfriend in the aisle right next to me and the guy up from me
had to push 'em away a couple times.
2) And this is one I haven't seen anybody mention yet - THEY DIDNT SAY A
WORD. The guys sang, but that's it. No "Hello Cincinnatti," no "Thank
you goodnight," NOTHING. it didn't bother me at first, but the more i
thought about it, the more it pissed me off. I thought "Maybe I'm just
used to Jethro Tull" - cause Ian Anderson talk a LOT onstage - but then I
think of all the other concerts I've been to, and it just angered me. But
anyway.
Since I only knew half the songs, I'm gonna have to be vague about stuff
that happened. There were ballooons flying around the entire show (being
propelled by all the pot smoke in the air, i'm sure), and one Oversized
balloon with the word "PEACHES" landed on the stage behind Mike. "Peaches"
of course, referring to "Peaches en Regalia," the song they DIDN'T play on
the six-year anniversary of the death of the late great Frank Zappa.
Contrary to one of the reviews on the page, Trey did not "angrily pop it."
Mike eventually threw the balloon into the crowd, and during a break
between songs, it came back onstage, and landed on Page's piano - Trey
THEN popped it, with a big grin on his face. (He popped it with the
headstock of his guitar).
Then, of course, there was The Shirtless Guy who ran onstage, and got
booed. During one song, as if on cue, EVERYBODY starts throwin the
glowsticks down to the floor - it was great. Then all the sudden I glance
over my shoulder only to see Naked Guy. He was stoned off his ass,
probably on something heavier than pot (I didn't smoke any, but got a
slight contact buzz). He was holding is clothes in his hand, and wore
only some vertically-striped thong underwear. After about 10 minutes, two
security guards led him away, and I got a bunch of the people around us to
boo the security guards - he wasn't hurting anybody! Yet they allow all
the bastards to crowd the aisles, and the large proliferation of drugs
(illegal, yes, immoral? not in my opinion).
Anyway, that's about it. Much love to the Phishees out there, and "Story
of the Ghost" is one of the best albums ever recorded.
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 10:51:35 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: CINCINNATI RIOT
I thought the shows in cinn were great BUT this beer bottle throwing at cops
is really lame ! this is the way i heard it 4 cops were trying to arrest a
guy and hippies started throwing beer bottles at them and one cop is in the
hospital. Now im not crazy about cops but the scene was cool before this
happened and after everything was broke up and cinn is really anal about this
sort of thing-they quit letting the dead play and there was NO violence just
TOO much drugs in town after they left ! So i hope its not another case of
people that didnt go into the show getting fucked up in the lot and starting
trouble and ruining it for everyone \\\\ later eddie
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 23:02:38 -0600
From: Jon lake [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Cincinnati Dec. 4th
Tonights show was really a disappointment for me. I'd driven the 8
and a half hours from Geneseo, IL and expected a solid preformance from
the boys, but I feel we got something less. The lot was outstanding,
quite active and entertaining. As for the city of Cincy, I can't say
enough. To walk around the lot in 55 degree weather in December was
really a treat. The skyline on one side of Firstar Center was awesome,
not to mention the plethera of bridges and other colorful architecture
spanning the Ohio River on the other side. Firstar Center as a venue
was by far the most clean and comfortable venue I've ever seen Phish
at. It offered padded seats in the whole facility and the steepness of
the bowl made our seats in the corner a lot better. My only wish was
for them to turn the house lights off in the tunnels leading into the
lobby areas.
As for the show, I had some high hopes, a Mike's Groove or a Reba
headed my wishlist. Heavy Things- a poor opener indeed, offering no
intesity and wass downright boring. Simple- real odd placement for this
song, not a bad jam. Ya Mar- average version, still no rythym in the
show yet, however. Guyute-god no, I've heard this song 3 out of the
last 4 shows I've been to, really no improv whatsoever. Tweezer- Not
exactly the jam song I wanted, to be more honest I'd said if there was
any song I didn't want to hear it was this one. However, this was
really the high point of the first set and I loved the bit of Phunk
included in the jam. I don't think I've ever heard a Tweezer that I
could compare it too, quite good, yet short. This really renewed my
passion for this song. Dirt- solid tune, fairly standard. Loving Cup-
this song really rocked, but I was pissed that they ended the set with
this one. I look at my watch to find out that this set only lasted
about 50 minutes. Reba or something of that like would have left me
more satisfied. I can handle a short set, but it really felt like there
was no flow to the set at all.
After perhaps one of the most frustrating set breaks ever for me,
they finally came back out. I could figure out what I was feeling, but
boredom was a word that came to mind. DWD- never heard this song live
before so I enjoyed it. Split Open & Melt-Wow! I thought this was a
fantastic version, I'd never thought of this song a great jam song, but
tonight they changed my mind. I liked the techno feel to the jam,
perhaps a look into the future to where Phish may start going. Was it
just me or did Trey stop playing guitar and go over and start mixing
something on a board next to Fish?? Unfortunately, some moron ran onto
the stage, but was promptly booed and muscled off the stage. Moma
Dance- YESSS! The highlight of the show for me. They always seem to
play at least one song that I'm really into at the time. In a show with
a minimal amount of Phunk this was one of the few bright spots.
Farmhouse- I was surprised to hear this one considering they played it
at Auburn Hills. TMWSIY/Avenu Malkenu/TMWSIY- I've heard this sequence
3 out of the last 4 as well. The Circus Comes to Town- Poor selection.
Just when the show was getting good with the first three songs of the
set they decided to stick a fork in it and apparently wanted us to
basically sit down for the next half hour. I turn to my friend and said
they're going to need to play something of a Bowie magnitude to wake up
this crowd. Low and behold.... Bowie- jammed pretty hard, not as phat
as the Rosemont '99 version I heard. The encore was very, very standard
with a good Julius and Tweeprise.
My main complaint was there seemed to be no flow to the night.
Whenever, I'd start to get into the show, they'd play a really flat,
slow sequence and we'd have to start all over again. Call me overly
critical but it just seemed that the guys didn't seem to go out of their
way to make this night unique. With such a kickin' lot scene this was
surprising. At the end of the show I was slightly puzzled with Trey's
overly emotional "celebration", complete with pointing to the crowd,
Tiger Woods-style fist pumps, and thumbs up gyrations. IMHO, I didn't
feel this reaction was warranted by the band's preformance tonight.
Since I won't get the opportunity to see them again until next summer,
(assuming there is a summer tour) tonight left a little bit of a bad
taste in my mouth. Maybe it has been a case of me being spoiled by
recent phat shows, (Alpine, Ames, Rosemont) but as much as I anticipated
tonight, I'd say I was disappointed with the show.
Jon Lake
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 12:00:19 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: cinci 12/4
Just a short note on this show. From the time some idiot ran out on the
stage (Split Open) until the end of the show, Trey and Page did not want
to be there. They were totally disinterested. And judging by the major
fuck up on Moma Dance and the slew of slow songs that followed, perhaps
Phish was trying to send a message that they won't tolerate such Bullshit.
I thought after Split Open the show sucked and I have seen about 50 shows.
Just my opinion.
Mike Gags
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:52:46 -0800
From: Adam Weinberg [email protected]
To: [email protected]
ok now!!!
In response to what I feel is the generak opinon of this weekend -- grow
up! For those of you who have seen 2, 12 or 70 shows, (myselef closing in on
50) Phish is still Phish, and doin what they do best, playing music. OK, so
no Fluffhead ro Reba (which I was hoping for) but they gave us what they
always do, experimenrs. Granted some shows push the boundaries more than
others, but if you really want to absh this weekend just think about the
Wolfman's, Limb by Limb, Simple Tweezer, and Split Open and Melt. All of
these songs tried (most succeeded) in trying something new with the tune.
The Wolfman's had so much going on rythmically, I was so impressed when trey
started playing a 2 to 4 note groove, and kept chopping off a beat, while
page played a clivnet groove doing the exact opposite (adding a note every
time trey subtracted one) and then mikes slap groove began getting thinker,
while fish change teh focus of the beat every just about every to additional
notes, they are stretching teh grouds of jams so much ,and people get pissed
b/c it didnt happen in Fluffhead!!
Also the Limb by Limb was a beautiful display of smapling techniques, and
Fish kept the beat so well while page and trey just textured the whole arena
with slendor, I was amazed by this version and consider myself blessed to
have experienced it. The Split also demonstrated a very similar feel
alothough it kept the dark funk going all the way through, and after moving
so far from the tune itself they did a wonderous job getting back to the
ending riff.
Now a highlight for myself was TMWSIY, b/c personally I was hoping for a
col. forbin's but being that it was hanukkah I had a feeling that they would
play Avenu, and I just love the melodies that shift in and out of TMWSIY, it
was beautiful and after a super intense MOMA DANCE, AVENU had me flying it so
uplifting -- the chorus "GIVEs US LOVING KINDNESS" which is what phish gives
us every night they play! And for all those fans who have seen a zillion and
one shows stop complianing about hwat songs you wanted to hear (b/c I sure
you've seen them) and try to focus on teh creative approach phish takes to
every song they DO play.
peace
adam
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 23:18:40 -0500
From: Stitzlein [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish 12-4-99
Hey you have my sympathy for what happened that night...I was there and
it was only my second show.
I may not have much experience yet but I thought the second night's
second show was the best of the weekend. I had a great time and wished
well for all.
I've heard a lot about the whole "scene" being degraded by people who
are only there for drugs and I agree. I saw a few people there who had
no business being there. But I did meet a fantastic girl named Michelle
from OU who talked to me the set you were gone and she embodied the
wonderful kindness of the whole scene I had read about and had yet to
experience. So I guess this letter is pointless except to extend to you
also a little of the heart-felt kindness and happiness Phish and their
really great fans give me...
Here's hoping your next show goes much better!
Peace,
Joel/warpigg
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Review Submission, yo!
First I must say....I LOVE Phish! But I was actually slightly
disappointed by this show, and it was my first. Don't get me
wrong.....the music was great....but the band NEVER spoke!! They sang the
songs, but the never said one word to the audience! Not even a "Thank
you." But what really upset me was this. December 4th was the sixth
anniversary of Frank Zappa's death. Everybody knows that Phish is heavily
influenced by FZ. Yet.....they didn't even MENTION that it was his death
anniversary! And when a fan threw a balloon that said
"PEACHES"(requesting the Zappa song 'Peaches En Regalia') on stage, Trey
popped it with his guitar neck! Overall, the music was fantastic....but
it would have been nice to hear at least one member of the band SPEAK!
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 20:57:22 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12.3/4.99
I am so sick of all of you selfish people. I've seen 6 shows now. I have
never seen a "bad" show. If you all don't like the shows anymore quit coming
and let people like my two friends that had to sit in the lot go in.
I personally thought that both of these shows rocked.
Highlights12.3
~Get Back on the Train... first time for me very beautiful.
~wolfman's - mike was turned down, but the song is unbelievable!
Slave to the traffic light- for all of the fucking lights in cinci that i had
to wait at!
Limb by limb- these guys turned to page for the awesome piano that took over
in the limb jam.
Highlights 12.4
Simple- 3rd time but always a fun song,,,,,skyballs
Piper!!!!- how fast can you sing this song? way to go guys
Ya Mar- Oh man always great.
Loving Cup!- the ecstacy kicked in on the guy behind me in this song very
hardcore song.
Moma Dance- perfect puffing tune- the phunk is there.
Bowie- the lights were spinning so fast around the stage i thought i was
going to fall down.
I just hope that everyone that submits a review remembers all of the people
in the parking lot with there finger up and if you keep giving bad reviews,
you can give someone a miracle.
Tyler
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 23:38:32 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/4/99 cincy
Let me just say that even a "so-called" bad phish show is still better
than a good day in college or a good day working at Sears for me. This
weekend's shows in Cincy were fantastic in my opinion, (my 5th and 6th
shows). I read one guy's review and he said that Friday's show was flat
and that Trey was just simply strumming all night. So what! Are the
grooves not still phat anyway. I don't think the band was necessarily off
this weekend, but if they were to some of you, who cares? It's perfectly
acceptable to have an off night now and then, it shows you're still
human!!!! For anyone who feels the need to bash the boys for their work
this weekend, I have one thing to say, YOU get up there and do it. YOU try
and make thousands of people dance and sing and cheer their heads off.
When YOU do that, I'll stop and listen to what you have to say! Anyway,
just a word about the setlists both nights, Sand, Limb by Limb, Ya Mar,
Guyute, Dirt, Melt, and Bowie, need I say more. The encores both nights
were a bit dissappointing. I've heard Julius 5 of the 6 shows I've seen,
but they can play whatever they want for all I care!!! They could play
more repeats than the Dave Matthews Band and I'd still go see them every
chance I got regardless!!!!!! Good setlists, great weekend, and the
greatest band in the world, thanks again guys.
KJ
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 17:54:14 -0500
From: David & Regina Pennington [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/04/99
Just a few more comments about saturday nights show.
The show was tight and the sound was good period, nothing too wild or too
tame. As for all the people who keep talking about the good old days I
would like to have seen you - most of the crowd seemed to be teenieboppers
(where have all the old people, 20+, gone) Anyway the show rocked - not the
best - but a far cry from approaching their worst. Just enjoy the shows and
when you can't go see phish support your local music scene and go see some
live music in your hometown - no telling what kind of kick ass jams your
missing and it will make you appreciate the boys more when you do get to see
them (those of you old enough to get in a bar to see local bands)
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 10:36:31 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: 12-4-99 review
First things first, if you don't have a good show, for any kind of reason,
don't feel obligated to rant on your review about how phish sucks now, or
Trey's fucked up ,or Phish has sold out, just keep it to yourself. A lot of
us haven't had a good time at a show, but was the actual show why you didn't
like, or circumstances surrounding it.? A lot of those bad reviews are from
the same people that always write them. There's plenty of bands in the
world, find a new one.
now to the review. Set 1 Heavy Things- Good version, short and sweet.
This song isn't going away Simple- Almost the forgotten song, it was tight and
had the "slow jam" at the end. Well played Ya Mar- Always great, nice bass
work from Mike, & a sweet "Play it Leo" jam Guyute- I know people have been
getting overkill w/ Guyute lately, but this was the quintesential version.
Perfect. Even topped the Guyute from the Crown last year Tweezer- Hell yes.
Can't beat a 1st set Tweezer. Very tight w/ a funky jam. Mike was dropping
bombs. Dirt- I guess you could say this came out of tweezer, but Trey just
started playing the dirt chords. I really got into this song after hearing
Trey's solo acoustic version. The new Dirt brings a couple parts from that
version; The whistling intro, the jam Trey does before "Shout your name..",
and Mike & Fish harmonizing @the end over trey's high lead licks. Well played
by trey Lovin' Cup- BIG lovin' cup. The band was on. The jam was totally
raging and they nailed the segue back into the chorus. They were getting very
hot, nope, sets over. Set 1 -Well played, but short, coming in under 60
minutes. Me being a glass 1/2 full guy, this just meant the Boys were going
to play a big second set
Set 2 DWD- Great opener. Very tight. Trey was really jammin into the the big
lick. Never lost the groove. Great version, crowd was going crazy. Melt -
Yes. Just listened to the Split open & "Mess" from Homdel, & this was right
up there. Beginning was flawless, and the jam! They got that groove going
well, then trey went to the keys. He didn't make sound effects, he started
jammin' a little bit! Page was playing & Trey was laying down jazz chords
over it. It sounded like Miles Davis "Bitches Brew". Killer. Then they
bounced into another jam, then right back into the Melt groove. Best Melt
I've seen since the Clifford ball. Moma- Right before, some DoucheBag ran on
stage, from the back all the way around from the back to Pages piano. Then
the whole crowd started booing really loud. Then they started moma. They
seemed to laugh it off. really good version. The end jam just keeps getting
better w/ every show. Farmhouse- Perfect placement. Everyone needed a
breather after three insane jams that never stopped ragin'. Good version, w/
a slightly new ending w/ more harmony. Defintely gives the song a better
feel. Ends w/ "This is a Farmhouse" over trey lead. Good. TMWSIY- Nice.
Perfect version, as far as Trey was concerned. no flubs. Avenu- Really sweet.
Crowd loved it TMWSIY- I love it when they go back into it. Circus Comes To
Town- I've read a lot of bad reviews of this. Come on! This was the most
emotional version of this song ever. Trey was really into it. When you
consider that Los Lobos's lead singer's wife has been missing for weeks, and
they are friends of the Los Lobos, you had to be moved. My girlfriend was
almost in tears. Very emotional. Im sure that until she is found, Trey will
continue to sing these song. Let's all pray she is safe & will be found.
Bowie- What else can you say. Right on the money. The end was flawless.
E: Julius ,Tweeprise- Great rockin end to an awesome show. If this show
didn't get you fired up for New Years, or hampton, You are beyond help. Set 2-
One of the best second sets I've seen in awhile. Ive been to 34 shows since
94, And this band is still getting better. See y'all @ New Years.
Alex Williams
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 01:58:21 -0800
From: R. Jay Davis [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Review of 12-4-99
Saw the two shows in Cincinnati this weekend, and I don't know what
all the gripes are about. I thought both were fine, and I especially enjoyed
the second set of Saturday (12-4-99).
No, Friday's show wasn't the kind that makes you keep coming back, but
I didn't think it was lackluster. For me, the highlight was probably the jam
after Wolfman's, second song of the night. And I like Limb by Limb, even
though it's commonly played. The encore, Rock and Roll, is a song I've always
liked and hadn't heard Phish do in person, so that was a treat for me.
On Saturday, the sound seemed somewhat muddy in the first set. We
moved to a different spot and thought the sound was much better during the
second set, but sometimes it's hard to tell if it was the place, the sound, or
just my perception that caused it. Either way, the second set cooked.
Farmhouse was just plain beautiful, and the vocals sparkled on Moma Dance too.
TMWSIY > Aveenu Malkenu was tight. I must be the only Phish fan who actually
likes Circus Comes to Town. It's a great song, and they do it well. Yeah,
it's a Trey showcase, but what's wrong with that? And it's slow. Well, I'm
an old Deadhead, and slow songs are the least of my complaints. Bitch your
quitchin'.
Also talked to a guy near me who complained about Julius as being an
anticlimactic encore. Said he felt the same after Deer Creek tour-ending
show this past summer. I, however, liked it then and last night as well.
It's a good song, not surprising but dependable.
If what happened this weekend was not fun for these critics (and BTW,
the weather was great for December in Ohio too, and security was relatively
lax), then maybe the dark is from their eyes.
Looking forward to NYE.
=============================================================
[email protected] Jay Davis
DeVry Institute Of Technology Senior Professor
1350 Alum Creek Drive Computer Information Systems
Columbus, Ohio 43209-2705 (614)253-7291, ext 2849
fax (614)252-4108
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 00:07:42 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Saturday Cinci Show
First off, I am a huge headie and thoroughly love Phish...beyond any other
band in my 23 years on this planet. In all fairness, I had a great time in
Cinci and the boys were kicking it at times. It was a mellow show though, not
the crowd, but the band seemed mellow. Heavy Things was a great opener and
Simple (not inside a Mike's for once) was cool. Yamar as always never a
disappointment. Dirt is a pretty little ditty. And Loving Cup was an
energentic closer. But, then things fell apart the second set....Moma and
TMWSIY> Avenu were the biggest highlights. DwD was DwD, nothing out of the
ordinary. Split Open is probably my favorite song and I've seen it a million
times, but with exception to trippy tweeking sounds in the end jam, the song
was flat (as low key as I've ever heard it). The big hits and angular bounce
were absent. Maybe it was the volume of the place which didn't seem all that
loud. Farmhouse and Circus were again mellow...although Farmhouse's lyrics at
the end....where they switched it up a bit was really cool. Bowie was cool,
as usual. The Julius was decent. I generally dislike the feeling that the
concert has two end with Tweez Rep., just because they played it earlier in
the show. They should never feel required to play any song. Now, I know that
a lot of people don't like the negativity. I am not into sending out bad
vibes by any means. I am into good music that we can think critically and
with as much open-mindedness as possible. Phish themselves say that they
appreciate the fact that phans can peer into and examine their shows with a
critical eye. It helps them to evolve and keep on pushing themselves to
create more and more material. It has been my experiance lately that I am am
hearing a lot of the same songs. I'm sure that it is just the luck of the
draw and that after 60 or so shows I'm bound to hear the same songs, but I
simply would love to hear songs that I rarely hear. Call it being picky or
what ever, it would just make that particular show even more special. All
Phish shows are special to me. There is no place that I'd rather be for three
hours of any given day, any given time. No matter what, I still have nothing
but love and respect for the boys and appreciate everything they have done
for me. ANd that goes for all the fans. I don't like the "Phish sucked last
night" attitude and wish that people would be more analytical, less angry
with their disapproval. I hope we all can be open in our forums and about
discussing music to continually push the creative energies of both Phish and
us, the phans.
Keeping on grooving and Keep it real,
Matt Reiter
Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2003 21:43:11 -0500
From: Chris Hadley [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 2nd cincy
one million times better than last night's show. i thought split
open and melt was unreal. i loved simple -> ya mar. that got the
crowd going and it didn't slow down from there. also, no matter how
many times i hear it, tweezer reprise is one of my favorite live
songs. it's so energetic. farmhouse is probably my favorite song,
so that made my night, especially considering they played it thursday
too. it was unexpected. overall, i was thoroughly impressed
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 01:36:12 -0500
From: Robert Botnick [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-4-99
I caught both tonight and Friday night with my brother, making our 21st
and 22nd shows. We make going to Phish shows a family thang. It's a
real nice way for the 2 of us to bond. What a phun weekend! The lot
was jumpin' both nights, the cops were cool, the kids were alright. My
only depression was second set Friday night. It just felt like
something was missing, but that happens from time to time. You've got
to learn to expect it. Sorta like Alpine this summer. But let me tell
ya how happy I was to hear Avenu Malkeinu. For some of you phans out
there, Friday night kicked of the Jewish holiday, Chanukah. Avenu
Malkeinu is a Hebrew song and was the band's way of wishing their Jewish
phans a Happy Chanukah. So I just wanted to say "Thanks, guys!" and
Happy Chanukah to Mike and Fish!
Beatnick
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 09:53:37 -0500
From: Glenn Namian [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phinally
After years of listening to CD's and DAT's, I saw the band live in
Cincinnati on 12/4. The lords of mail order tickets smiled on us with
6th row seats, so my phirst live sample was not too shabby. I thought
the band was excellent, much more than what I had pictured in my mind.
My phriend has seen them 8 times and did see the phriday night show as
well, which he said was good but a little phlat. He said Saturday
night was much better, and to me it was just an awesome show. They
appeared to be very relaxed and in control.
Fish really drove things well and was amazingly subtle at bringing
things back to Earth when it was time to regroup and move on or close
things out. Very cool. Mike was very solid, Trey was on top of his
game and Page was the cornerstone I had expected to ses and hear. Just
a great perphormance.
The other thing that impressed me was the crowd. As a phisrt-timer I
did not know what to expect. I had an idea having seen some Dead
shows, but this is another place and time. I'm not much of a dancer,
I'd rather play. But it aphected me and it was a matter of time. I
enjoyed watching people, how happy they were, how they were expressing
their reactions to the music, but very controlled and aware of other
people's space. I'm 43 and was not in the majority at all, but it
didn't matter. Maturity was not an issue, this crowd had clues and I
was very impressed with how in tune the loyal were with the subtle
changes and when things kicked back in.
I was also very happy to see people helping out those who were having
trouble with their chemicals. Been there and was lucky enough to have
been around people that cared. I had a chance to pass on that caring
and helped out a young man that was really conphused and seriously
lacking oxygen. It ended up OK, but phor a moment it looked pretty bad
for him. The group around me was also helpful. Good people in
general, very rephreshing.
So to those that are trashing, maybe you've seen them so many times that
you are losing your objectivity. All too often people try to "impose
their expertise" by being overly critical. All I can say, having
played phor years, is do what they do night in and night out and then
talk to me. They played like champs phrom where I stood.
Peace all,
Glenn
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 20:47:44 -0500
From: Joseph Grimes [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Firstar Center, Cincinnati 12/4/99
Coming on the heels of an "experimental" show on Friday, we were hoping
for a "rock" show Saturday night, and we were not disappointed. Awesome
seats near the floor at half court didn't hurt, either. This was my
favorite show out of 14.
Trey was stoked for the entire night, constantly egging on the crowd,
pumping his fists and grinning like a madman. Heavy Things was a nice
opener, good way to get things started and not stretched for too long.
My first Simple was next, got the crowd going. After Ya Mar was yet
another Guyute, my 5th. My friend Ric always points out how I bitch
about it being an exercise in playing all the notes Just Exactly Perfect
, but this time I knew they'd nail it and they did. Tweezer - I love
this song. This one didn't beat 12/6/97 (my reference point, which is a
little unfair) but was still nicely jammed out. A mellow Dirt was
followed by Loving Cup, which always drives the crowd nuts. Short set
but high quality.
Two awesome jams to start the second set, DWD and SOAM. SOAM turned
ambient for a little bit, with Trey actually playing some keyboards
instead of just making noise with them. Kuroda's lights were perfectly
in tune. They dropped right back into the tune with perfect timing.
Loud boos greeted a guy jumping on the stage between songs. At least he
stayed away from the band and didn't interrupt the show. Didn't look
like it bothered the band at all. A few miscues in Moma but overall a
solid version. Farmhouse - gets better every time I hear it. Ric
called Avenu Malkenu (but didn't get his Peaches). Circus - nice solo,
set the stage for a great Bowie to end a very high energy set. The
crowd was the loudest I've ever heard when they came out for the
encore. The guys looked real happy, very animated and interacting with
the crowd more than usual. Julius led into the Reprise, a great bookend
for an awesome show, my last for the millennium. Maybe Saturday was a
release after a less successful show on Friday.
No massive funk jams in this show, just Trey going off and the whole
band (and crowd) having a great time. Soak it up while we still have
the chance.
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 22:30:36 -0500
From: Todd Stanley [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Cinci Review w/ Palace comments
First off, I have to say that [email protected] has obviously "lost" the
idea about a Phish show...
I'll begin by saying the last three days were some of the best, and
WORST, of my life, but overall I had a SICK time.
The Palace was a treat since I go to the U of M and it was only an 1
hour away (plus mail order hooked me up with 3 floor tix for tour
opener!), and the boys were ON. 1st set was standard-meaning still
better than most concerts out there- just the
Antelope, Jim, and Free were all excellent and everything else was just
good. They were feeling each other out at the beginning of tour, but
that's cool with me. BUT, 2nd set was clearly the best set out of the 6
sets I just saw, and it's not even close. This set is why I've seen 63
(kinda 62.5-I'll get to that later) shows and am catching both Hamptons
and NYE. Bathtub was absolutely wonderful and every way possible and
about 10 mins into the song Trey and everyone was literally bringing
their music to that special place they talk about always trying to go
to! 2001-> YEM was basically perfect after Bathtub' I couldn't have
asked for better songs, and the jams were excellent (with one of the
best YEM vocal jams I've ever seen).
On to Cinci (sorry this review is running long) but this town is kind of
weird. It's right across the river from Kentucky and all I can say is
it's a different Ohio city than normal. 1st night Cinci was a good
show, nothing stellar, but still happy that I went inside for another
night o' Phish. I had floor seats (about 15 rows back dead center in
between Mike and Trey, my favorite spot:) and thought the first tube,
wolfman's, and AC/DC were the highlights of the first set. Especially
tight AC/DC. 2nd set was very interesting, and I thought (unlike
[email protected]) that the Sand and Limb by Limb were both very good,
albeit different than normal old school Phish. In case people haven't
figured out, this is the future of Phish. If this is shocking to people
reading this review, than start taking a look at setlists and recent hot
sets and these 2 will prob. be in them. These songs are good platforms
for the groove and ambient jams they keep moving towards. I actually
like Bug as well (my 1st time), and Trey's right-> it doesn't matter
(headies and tour rats are getting WAY too negative and worked up about
little trite shit and what the scene is evolving into), the MUSIC is
still the best, and that's why we keep going back to more shows (I know
I'm addicted). Piper was much better than average, and I was calling
Hood all the way. Rock and Roll was rocking as an encore, and as
always, the chairman of the boards put a smile on my face...
Finally (if you've made it this far you are as insane a fan as me), the
2nd night in Cinci. After a fun night out on the town in Cinci the
night before, I was ready for a great show, and me and my tour buddy Dan
were already thinking that this show just might blow the roof off of the
Crown, but who knows. I'll quickly state that we went to the Westin
Hotel where at 4:30, we got to quickly meet everyone in the band except
for Page (he went onto the bus first, we got there 5 minutes too late)
and it was really a lot of fun. There was only about 15 heads who were
chilling in the hotel lobby (funny enough, Ricky Martin and the whole SF
49ers were all staying on the 8th floor with Phish) and the band didn't
mind saying hello to a few phans and shaking hands, etc. I've met the
whole band except for Trey on numerous occasions and I was a little
nervous about meeting Trey for the first time. The moment came and I
shook his hand and told him thanks a lot, and basically he seemed very
quiet and cool. Dan told Mike he wanted to hear HIS song at the show,
and Mike replied, "maybe," and that was enough fuel for expectations for
the show.
And then the actual show... This was possibly my worst/best Phish show
I've ever attended, but the worst is surely in front. I was on the
floor 18 rows back dead center again, and basically having a great
time. 1st set was awesome and had me dancing my ass off. Highlights
was the whole set(yes, even Dirt was appropriately placed), but Simple,
Guyute, Tweezer, and Loving Cup were all excellent versions. Tweezer
and Simple were especially fun tonight. When Loving Cup ended the
energy level in the Crown was exploding and I KNEW 2nd set would be one
to remember (if I only knew how it was going to be...). Both Dan and I
were praying for a Mike's for the obvious reasons and more importantly,
the Mike run in at the hotel, and at setbreak we told ourselves we felt
like it was a lock. The energy was great in the venue, we met the boys
before the show, and 1st set was THAT good that a Mike's was feasible.
But then I had to leave the floor to go to the bathroom and get water,
which was not a problem, but being on the floor for the 2nd set was NOT
a good idea for me. About 5 mins into DWD, I felt a security guard
grabbing my shirt and telling me to show him my stub, repeating, and
using unnecessary force. My actual seat was 10 rows off the floor
facing the stage, but after seeing the last 5 sets on the floor, Dan and
I decided to go for #6. BOY, DID I GAMBLE AND LOSE!!! Instead of
kicking me off the floor, the security ACTUALLY KICKED ME OUT OF THE
VENUE FOR BEING ON THE FLOOR!! I was in an absolute state of shock as I
wasn't even smoking, or doing anything wrong except be on the floor
(which I was unaware was a ejectable offense), so the cold air outside
of the back of the venue after literally being tossed was a little
uncomfortable. My bad dream turned into a nightmare as I attempted
every way possible to get back in the show (cops and head of building
security didn't care about my sad story), but it was to no avail. At
the same time I got kicked out, a taper who has seen 128 shows had been
kicked out for the same reason, and we were both really pissed, but VERY
positive. It was my fault for being on the floor, but is that a reason
to have to leave the venue? I would have been more than happy to go to
my actual seat, but I was never asked what I wanted to do... I ended up
listening to the show through a door with my ear pressed tightly against
it, and even though it was insulting, I STILL HEARD THE MUSIC and was
dancing outside. I did not, and would not, let this shitty situation
bring me down. It had nothing to do with the band, it was just really
stubborn and mean security that fucked me, and I accepted that.
So, my message is this: BE POSITIVE, because I got kicked out of a Phish
show (I never thought I'd say this) and STILL HAD A GOOD TIME!! It just
goes to show life is what YOU make of it, and if you chose to be
negative, then life will be
negative in return. Being kicked out was a very humbling experience, as
I have been backstage at numerous shows and had just met Trey for the
first time about 5 hours before. Just when I thought I was on top of
the whole Phish scene, the security gave ma a harsh, but important slap
in the face to make me realize THEY have the power inside the show, not
a phan (it sucks to say this). On the other hand, they didn't take my
pride as I continued to smile and dance away outside the venue as I
heard the
MUSIC faintly through a fan duct. So, if you thought the Sat. show at
Cinci was "Ok, or too boring ([email protected])", just imagine being
OUTSIDE during second set.
REMEMBER-> go to Phish shows to 1) have a great time with your friends,
and 2) ENJOY THE MUSIC.
Please e-mail me back at [email protected] if you have any comments
on prob. the longest review ever posted...
Still smilin and havin' a good time,
Todd Stanley
P.S. See you at Hampton and sunny FLORIDA!!
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 16:28:48 -0600
From: Jim Lange [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/4/99 Cinci
Just a couple comments about lasts night show:
I missed Friday's show but thought last night rocked. I was right in front
of Trey and let me assure everyone the band was having a ball last night.
There were countless smiles and cues passed between Trey, Fish, and Page.
They wern't that rattled by the dumbass who jumped on stage. They were
laughing about it. Trey had a big smile on his face 90% of the time.
I've seen bad Phish shows; this one was not one of them. Just because the
band isn't in full funkadelic mode doesn't mean they sucked. I agree that a
funky jam out of SOAM would have been great but the spacy stuff is just as
great sometimes. Remember that they didn't really get funky at all
pre-1997.
Bottom line: Phish continues to kick ass.
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 16:16:56 -0600
From: Nathan Holm [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12.4.99
Unlike most people, it's not recent concerts that are making me
sick--it's the negative reviews that make me nauseous. I hear all these
phans talking about the "good ol' days" and about how great Phish "used to
be" and I truly wonder when, exactly, they were pleased by a show. My guess
is '95--but hey, it could even be earlier than that. Now, I'll be the first
to admit that the boys have changed a lot since then. Maybe it's simply this
change that these so-called phans are opposed to. If that's the case, quit
bitching about how wonderful the Tweezer was that you heard back in '91 that
could never possibly be topped. Accept the fact that Phish is
evolving--their sound has changed and their experimentation doesn't revolve
around Trey's high-pitched licks anymore.
Personally, this weekend was one of the phinest I've ever experienced.
First off, the scene was great. The lot was happenin' and I didn't see many
people being hassled--which is usually the case in Cincinnati. The first set
really got me going with a sweet segue from Simple into Ya Mar and a Tweezer
was pure funk. There was a lot of space between the boys and they played off
eachother perfectly. And a rocking Loving Cup ended a great first set. My
only complaint was the length of the set--only 50 or 60 minutes.
The second set didn't let me down. Melt was a personal favorite of
mine. It broke down into almost nothing. Page was banging the keys and Mike
was slapping the bass--it was almost to the point of falling apart (i.e.
Surrender to the Air, imho) when, out of nowhere, came the lead line we all
know so well. Absolute ecstasy! Farmhouse is one of my favorites and I love
what they've done with the ending. It gives it an almost mainstream sound,
but it works. Avenu Malenku was tight and great to hear. Bowie wrapped it
up with several climaxes that sent the crowd wild. As for the encore, it was
your typical Julius. Trey wailed and led the boys into a short, but tight,
Tweeprise. The crowd was amazing--one of the loudest I've ever heard--and
went nuts as the boys walked off the stage. Trey left with a huge grin,
pumping his fist and giving us a big "thumbs-up" as if to approve of our
perfomance just as we did of theirs. It was a fitting end to what I felt was
a great show.
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 10:14:35 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review: 12-4-99
well, i can see by the other reveiws that just about everyone feels how i
do about the last two shows. this weekend had probably the two worst
second sets i've ever seen, and i've seen about 70 shows. both first sets
were pretty good, but on friday night, trey was just so fucked up that i
(and they) didn't seem to know what was going on. i don't know what trey
takes before he comes on stage, but the band was just really off. sand
was very long and sounds exactly like first tube. then they finally
played another song which was limb by limb. i don't dislike this song, but
i honestly think that this was the worst limb by limb ever played. the
composed part was so sloppy i thought that they were honestly gonna stop,
and the jam was obscenely long and i'm not sure if they actually did stop.
during this song and split on saturday they phished out after promising
phunk into some very boring noodling. i hate to write this, kind of,
because i guess they kind of play for us, but i have never felt more like
i did not get my money's worth. during limb by limb, i thought about all
the other things i could be doing; gambling, drinking, seeing a movie...
and it was pretty disturbing. after limb by limb was bug which was okay
and they could at least play it, but when they played piper, which is i
would say my very favorite phish song, i knew it was going to be
interesting. the intro was much weaker than usual imo, than usual, but
eventually trey picked it up and they went through the lyrics again,
jammed a little, and then played a very interesting and totally phucked up
vocal segment at the end. this kind of vocal antics appeared again in
rock n' and the next night in farmhouse. hood after piper was just not
what i wanted, and the rock n' roll encore which is one of my favorite
songs was really sloppy. only page's singing kept me from being sick.
and then after the show we walked down the parking ramp onto the best lot
i think i've ever seen. the cops didn't give a shit what we were doing,
people were swinging all kinds of things and everyone was having an
awesome time. this is probably the only time i've thought a phish lot was
better than the show, and usually phish plays off this. not only that, the
staff at firstar was so chill i couldn't believe it. there was not pat
down or anything, and we could really do what we wanted there. always
nice
Saturday Night:
got to the lot pretty early to hang out since last night was so bomb.
lot was fun and before we knew it it was time to go in. security again
was totally awewsome again, brought sherlock in tonight, and the show
started with heavy things, which i like but is a repeat. then simple was
played very well, guyute was cool (i don't have the setlist in front of
me), and tweezer was totally awesome, mind blowing disco funk. sweet,
let's get it on!! then dirt, which wasn't too bad, and then an awesome
loving cup that trey was reallyt into. then i knew this would be the last
song for whatever reason, but there was plenty of time to play fluffhead
or cavern or anything else. so loving cup closed a 50 minute set at 8:45.
now for the dreaded set break- hate set break anyway cause they play music
that purposely makes you bored, and after a short set i did not really
have high hopes. wanted mike's song.
Set II:
Down With Disease: okay, pretty rockin and short, then Split: one of my
least favorite platforms, but i wasn't complaining. the disco funk was
deep with mike dropping bombs for awhile, but then it did degenerate into
almost nothing, as in near silence, and eventually found its way back to
the end segment. The Idiot Who Jumped On Stage: you're a fucking moron
for doing that, but i think it was phish's reaction that was so
interesting/ puzzling. they obviously didn't have a setlist planned ( i
suppose they almost never do anymore), and instead of saying anything or
playing carinni or makisupa or stash (i think we know what those songs
have in common) they played moma, which was played well, with phat
squishing from mike. but i wanted to hear carinni and wouldn't it have
been fun if they had? i saw nassau 98, and that had to be one of the
funnest shows ever, even though an idiot jumped on stage. then i think
was farmhouse which was a repeat and very unexciting, then tmwsiy which
was extremely random. toward the end of it, i literally said to my friend
"if they play circus after this i'm seriously gonna leave."
well they did, and i hate this song because of what trey is singing,
because its not there own song, because you can't dance to it, and because
they play it in terrible places. the end of the went??? David Bowie:
the only songs that could have redeemed this set were mike's or fluffhead,
but instead they played bowie and the disco funk wasn't really happening
during this set closer. at 10:40 they walked offstage, came back and
played julius> tweeprise and that was that. it seemed like they could
have just kept going a little even with tweeprise, but i didn't really
think they would.
i'm sorry this is so long, but i've just never felt so strange about phish
before. its an interesting sociological study to see what people do when
phish is really sucking.
so all in all, i went to see phish in ohio (sketchville, no offense to its
residence, a place where i've been hassled more than anywhere else) and
ended up hating the shows and loving cincinnati. chill place. i wanted
to hear roses are free, mike's song, cities, tube, makisupa and i got
piper and tweezer out of a two night run at a great venue. so i'm looking
to trade my first night philly for a second night philly or a hampton
ticket if anyone is interested. i'm gonna do something else friday night.
peace and love and sorry to be so down. but i do have faith in these guys
and i think they'll work the bugs out. they'll surprise ya, after all,
what the hell is a phish??
oh, and i'd love to get yelled at for writing such a nasty review, so if
anyone wants to bring me back to earth, i'm open. if anyone wants to talk
about these shows with me, i hope to hear from you.
bryan spatz
[email protected]
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 11:11:56 -0600
From: Greg James [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Cicni shows
Let me start by saying I was very mad at myself for missing the Palace.
However, the two shows in Cinci definitely made up for that. I'm a kid
who loves to dance, and I definitely got a workout Saturday night. We
ended up behing the stage, right in front of the upper level...a great
place to dance! First set was good, opened up with Heavy Things which is
one of my favorites from Trey's solo tour. Simple was cool, haven't hear
that since NYE 98. Then Ya Mar, a nice feel good song, and fun to dance
to. Guyute is always fun, they have been playing it a lot this year
though... I think I've heard it like six times. Tweezer was awesome! Not
that long, but the band played the shit out of it! Nice segue into Dirt,
a song I haven't heard in a long time so I was very happy. Loving Cup to
end the set...nice, full of energy, good way to end the first set.
Second set was rockin! DWD to open...I always enjoy hearing this song
cause Trey pays homage to the "1000 barefoot children outside, dancin on
my lawn!" and Mike's baseline is always phat! SOAM was a song we called
before the show, so you can probably guess how we reacted. The disco
funk dace party has begun! It was pretty awesome, not that funky, but
still made the second set for me. Then the idiot who jumped on
stage...what can you say about a person who is so stupid? Where do you
think you're going to go? Anyway, enough about the idiot and on
too....the Moma Dance. Also a song we had called before the show so now
the disco funk dace party behind the stage is in full force. Always
enjoy hearing this, a perfect example of how Phish has evolved.
Farmhouse was fine...but I have to admit it was a little slow after
hearing SOAM and Moma, but I still enjoyed it. TMWSIY>Avenu>TMWSIY...I
have heard this the last four times they have played it so it wasn't
that special, but I'm still dancing my ass off at this point. Circus was
good, but I feel like I've heard this song quite a bit also. But again,
I enjoyed this as well. Bowie was great, another pleaser in my book.
Curoda was going off with the lights, he even shed some light on the
kids behind the stage which was way cool!
Encore was also very good. My girl wanted to hear Julius, so it made me
happy watching her dance to it. Reprise was very fitting, since the show
was kinda short to begin with. All in all, I danced my ass off...and
when I dance my ass off I know it was a good show. Oh yeah, and to Kevin
and Steph, it was wonderful dancing with you guys...you have wonderful
energy and definitely made the show that much better. I feel it is so
crucial to have the right people around you at a show...it can make it
or break it!
And to the people who gave bad reviews about this weekend or any other
show for that matter, maybe you should re-evaluate why you're here. You
should be grateful that we have Phish in our lives to celebrate life
through music and dance. I know I am, and that's what keeps me coming
back for more...no matter how many shows I've seen. What a great time to
be alive!
Peace, Greg
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 01:48:50 -0500
From: Robert Trautner [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3,4-99
To all fairness of the truth, the 3rd was average at best. However,
average for this band reaches the highest standerds music can set. The 4th
was a different story.It takes a show or two for the boys to get the majic in
full effect. To the fellow travelers who wrote about there car getting broken
into, don't give up. There is a lot of love for good hearts on tour.
Unfortunatly, there are several bad apples. Just don't give up on the the
entire group of us. Now, unlike most, I am actually gonna give a review on
the shows, and not myself.
12/3/99 Set 1.
First Tube - Sounds a lot better w/Phish (no offence Russ & Tony)
Wolfmans - Well played
Bouncin' - Well played
Get Back On the Train - Nice funk thing goin.
Billy Breathes - Pretty (the band starts to come together).
AC/DC Bag - Rockin' , they really got this one!
Possum - Not really explored
Slave - Well played
Set 2.
Sand - First time I'd heard it.
Limb by Limb - Very cool! Unlike any I have ever heard.
Bug - Again, first time for me.
Piper - Well played
Hood - Well played. You people who are throwing glowsticks at the stage need
to MF'N stop. What, are you thinking? Why would you throw objects at the
band. Twice Pages piano was hit (listen to the tapes) and Mike was also
struck once. Do you ever see theme smile when that happens? The band and Paul
L. have already requested we throw glow rings. Are they that much tougher to
find? I have seen so many Hoods ruined because of glowsticks. Quit throwing
them at the stage! It dos'ent take a brain surgen to figure out that its not
cool.
E: Rock & Roll - They were smiling during this one. Now, through the city,
and back to the hotel for beers and, well, you make up the rest.
12/4/99 Set 1.
Heavy Things - Again, sounds better w/Phish.
Simple> - Not played all that much lately. They got into this one, it sounded
great.
Ya Mar - Always the sign of a good show to come. This was no exception.
Guyute - This song is a downright masterpiece. It gets better every time I
hear it. This one was flawless.
Tweezer > - Very well explored. Guess whats comin in the encore.
Dirt - Mellow out for a minute
Livin' Cup - Rockin' from beginning to end. Just like the whole set.
Set 2.
Down W/Disease - Get the place dancin of the get go.
S.O.A.M. - Trippy, the jam went pretty far out there and somehow found its
way back smooth.
Moma Dance - What... is a band... without funk? The Moma was grand!
Farmhouse - Well played. A little different arraingment on the end, than in
the past.
TMWSIY > Aveenu > TMWSIY - Unexpected, This little gem is always a treet.
Circus CTT - Wonderfully played note for note.
David Bowie - An exclamation point on a well played show.
Encore: Julies > Tweezer Reprise (memories of last year).
Till I see ya on NYE at Big Cypress, keep the peace, and keep it clean.
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 18:01:43 -0500
From: Chris [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-4-99 Review
Yes! last night was sweet!! We enjoyed it. Only goes to show things will get
better. We should all sit back and relax and enjoy the moments we have w/
our friends at these shows and the effort this band is making to take us
there. Don't forget to be Grateful.......later days chris
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 16:02:44 -0600 (Central Standard Time)
From: Chris Tenbarge [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Review 12/4/99
I guess I send these to you. I hope it is something that you are
interested in.
I walked away from this show with my friend and we couldn't say anything
about it. I read reviews all of the time, and sometimes they puzzle me-
Why people say what they say. I can understand why some may think this
show stunk, it wasn't really that fun to listen to. My last show was
Memphis 9/29/99, which was fun as hell, but this show was simply
beautiful. Sometimes phish playes tight or energetic, or whatever
adjectives you can come up with. What makes this show great to me was
seeing all of the faces afterward and how happy everyone was. If you
wanted to dance and fly off of the handle, this wasn't your show by any
means, but if you are into what those 4 guys can do, then you should of
been there. It's so incredible to live the experience.
Chris Tenbarge
.:/
\ ,,///;, ,;/
/\ o::::::::;;///
>=)'> ' >:::::::::;;\\\
\/ ''\\\\\ '' ';\
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 08:57:51 PST
From: Cort Smith [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review 12-4-99
12-4-99 Firstar Center
set 1
Heavy things good jam
simple song kicked ass
Yamar heard it a few times pretty good sound
Guyute always a good jam
tweezer haven't heard in a while good jam
dirt solid
loving cup always bad ass, jammed hard
set 2
Disease was tight
Melt wanted to hear it, heard it, loved it
Moma Dance solid funked out intro solid groove
farmhouse didn't think they'd play it since they did 2 nights ago but
still
loved it, with new vocals at end
tmwsiy>Avenu Malkenu>tmwsiy Oh man I love this, i think it's got such a
solid groove you have to dance to Avenu
Circus comes was good seemed short though
Bowie oh yeah i love a good bowie, Kuroda had that lights screaming
E: Julius is always good
Tweezer reprise was cool
GOod show I'll never stop touring as long as they keep jammin' a
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 03:59:15 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-4
I thought that this show was excellent, very intense and some tight and
funky jams. I was a little disturbed by some of the Firstar security.
They were running frantically to get all the people that jumped the rail,
i saw every bit of it because I was right next to the opening on the
opposite end of the stage a row up from the floor. I actually saw one of
the security guards headlock a phan a force him out when the fan was not
doing anythign to provoke him at all and the guy kept getting restless
with the phan because he was trying to escape his evil clutches, and this
happened maybe two or three more times. Anyways, on to the show. The
show opened up with Heavy Things, this is the first time in show for me, I
have heard it though. I thought it was okay for the opener but hoping to
get something better. Then Simple. I was hoping for this and it was
pretty descent. The rest of the first set I thought was incredible, a
nice funky Tweezer jam. The only little complaining I have is the Dirt
that followed, I figured the next tune would be slowed up but that was
kind of unexpected, but it is a good tune. The second set was flawless
except for one part. The DWD and SOAMelt were really good, especially the
melt, spacey with Trey on the boards for a bit, I thought this would have
been the highlight of the 2nd set, but then Moma Dance. It has been a
while since I have heard this and the phunk was phlowing, man it was good
to groove to that one. Farmhouse was great mainly because I love that
song, but it was weird for me because of personal reasons. But I like the
newer arrangements of it, i thought that it was great. I think the only
complaint would be When The Circus Comes, i mean I really love this song
and it has a lot of meaning to me but wrong placement, so I figured the
next tune would be insane. The Bowie was that. They started it off with
some effects while Fishman hit the high hat, so I instantly thought Maze
for a bit, then the effects died down and I saw Trey getting ready to jump
out and play before I heard bass lines(Maze) and I knew we were gettign a
Bowie. Sweet Bowie, really intense and just really tight. I figured the
Tweeprize for the encore but wasn;t expecting a Julius, I actually thought
this would be played in the 1st or 2nd set but not encore. The Tweeprize
was excellent as usual and very intense, with Trey jumping up and down.
I knew the boyz were digging their show as Trey was raising his fists
after the Tweeprize and that made more excited just to see him really
juiced. Overall highlights: Simple, Yamar, Guyute, Loving Cup, SOAMelt,
Moma Dance, Farmhouse, and Bowie. So overall the show was really phat
besides the security mishaps which really pissed me off.
Peace,
Justin
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 08:59:35 -0500
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review 12/4/99
These were my first two shows. I loved them both. Frankly, I was suprised to
see negative reviews for both Cincinnati performances. If these were bad,
then
I think my head would explode at a "good" show.
Mike
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 03:31:53 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: firststar review
Tonight can be summed up in one word....Tweezer. The Tweezer tonight may
have not been a huge 30 minute jam or anything huge, but it was tweezer
and any show that has that song in the first set is sure to be somethin
special. The show had an allstart cast of songs including SOAM, Simple,
Loving Cup, David Bowie, DWD, YaMar and then there was some song that they
seemed to be singing in some other langauge or somethin..i know the intro
and outro was TMWSIY, but the song in the middle some latin-funk song..i
liked. But one thing that pissed me off was the moron who ran on stage.
now if you are going to even think abuot runnin on stage youshould run on
and jump off, thats it. you shouldnt run up to mike and then run under the
keyboards...but the crowd booed the hell out of him and that was coo. this
was my 6th show and by far the best..the only song i wish they had played
as Horse-SITM, i was starin at the acoustic all show hopin hed pick it up.
but to no avail. but it was quite the show nonetheless. thank you phish
once again.
jon
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 01:50:48 -0500
From: GWILADA [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/4/99 Review
Well, I think I just saw my last Phish show. It's number 14 since 4/20/93,
and it was enough. Last night was probably the poorest show I've attended,
with little cohesion or direction in the jams (the exception was Bug), but
tonight was far superior.
Second set opened with a raging DWD, followed by a
spacey-but-not-meandering Split Open. Immediately after this ended a
shirtless idiot ran onto the stage behind the drums, then out front past
Trey. He ran over to Mike and stuck a finger in his face, then climbed under
the piano as security closed in. After they shuffled him offstage they guys
were standing around, looking a little rattled. Just then, a giant orange
balloon with "Peaches" printed on it landed next to Mike and an aggravated
Trey walked over and stabbed it with his guitar. They conferred for another
moment while the crowd cheered, then unloaded a deeply-grooving Moma, with
Mike really laying it down. From there on out the energy level was pretty
strong, and they all seemed to be listening to each other really well.
I also got to see my first Farmhouse, which was very nicely played, with
a new overlapping vocal reprise to end it. A great show to end my run on,
and SOOO much better than last night.
Scott Carnder
below are reviews of the above reviews, reviewers or the opinions
expressed by the authors
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:30:15 -0500
From: "COOK, TRAVIS" [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: Response/Review to 12/3 & 12/4
What is wrong with you people?! I began reading some of the reviews for
the Cincy shows today and it made me sick. It seems like all that I read
was negative. What do you want from these guys? How can a two night
stand with such classics like Bowie, AC/DC Bag, Possum, Slave, Hood,
Wolfman' s, Tweezer, Guyute, Spit Open & Melt, and Ya Mar be considered
lackluster and dull? I do not proclaim to be a seasoned veteran, these
were my 14th and 15th shows, but I was blown away by the energy and the
grooves. I don't know if all you people who submitted reviews were at the
show or what, but it seemed to me that the crowd was roaring and the band
continued to please. I think that Phish has been put on such a petestal
that people expect perfection, and speaking as a musician myself, when it
comes to improv, that's never going to be the case. I heard several
people people say in their reviews that the second sets were dull. Let's
look at these. 12/3's second set began with the churning spacy funk of
Sand(please put it on the new album guys!), which was followed by an
extremely ambient and experimental Limb By Limb. Bug followed, which I
think was probably the lowpoint of the set but still a good song. Phish
then picked it back up with a blistering and beautiful Piper(I love this
song!) and they topped that with the classic Hood for the closer. What's
wrong with that? The Rock N Roll encore wasn't exceptional, but good
nonetheless.
12/4's second set: Phish came out and immediately got down with an
energetic Down w/ Disease, and then followed this up with probably the
craziest and funkiest Melt I've ever heard. The funk didn't quit when
they broke into Moma Dance, which was a little sloppy at first, but it
ended triumphantly. Then the set slowed down a bit with Farmhouse and
TMWSIY, but the Alvenu Malkenu in between TMWSIY was typically rocking.
When The Circus Comes finished off the more mellow part of the set, not
one of my favorites, but a generally nice song. Bowie brought back the
crazy funk to end the set with a bang. The encore once again wasn't
great, but Julius was a good crowd sing along and Tweezer Reprise,
although completely predictable, was intense as always. Overall, I though
the shows were intense and great, and I wish that more critics would look
for good things rather than the bad. Stop being so picky! This is the
best band you will ever witness!
Peace,
Travis
Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 14:20:25 -0800
From: Scott E Crabtree [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/4/99
Greetings Earthlings, This is my first submitted review. I was in Cincy for
both nights, the first night was cool, but the second night ROCKED!! I mean
Split Open & what the hell is going on??? What really bothers me is all the
negative criticism from all of these so called "Phish fans." I realize that
there will always be critics on everything, but these disgruntled "Phish fans"
need to chill out just a little bit. I think they have way to much time on
their hands. It could be a whole helluva lot worse. Some of these people
believe that this great band is only here to cater to their needs & wants. So
come on people, take what you can get and be happy your not locked up or dead
or whatever.Life is way to short to be complaining about a Phish concert!
Maybe I'll see u on tour!!! LATER
Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 15:52:42 -0600
From: "[email protected]" [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: submitted review for 12/3 & 4 not posted
Hello, I have seen enough Phish shows in the last three years to know that
these two shows (12/3 and 12/4) were not the best shows Phish has done. (I
definitely have my favorites!) Admittedly, there were moments on both nights
that seemed quite ordinary and perfunctory. Yet many other moments **were**
transcendent, despite the claims of the reviewers who have posted heavily
negative remarks on both nights.
If I see a pattern myself in Phish's performances on these dates (since I've
read the reviews for 12/2-4 so far) is that the first set has been routine and
"pedestrian," a little lacking in fireworks (AC/DC on 12/3
notwithstanding!!!). Then, the second sets sizzle and explode. This strike me
that the band is holding back and building more momentum toward the second
set. (My recollection of Cincy in 98 was that they rocked out of the gate and
unleashed a Reba AND Tweezer in the first set, a sign that the entire show
would be spectacular, which IMO it was!!!) The reasons for this apparnent new
trend are not clear, but they do reflect a change in the band's energy or
intentions.
Another related pattern on 12/3-4 is that I noticed practically no segues on
either night. Nearly all of the songs had clean breaks rather than morphs.
(TMWSIY/Avenu/TMWSIY on 12/4 not counted, since that is always performed that
way.). I won't say that this is good or bad, but rather that I found it quite
surprising, as I've come to expect that myself and I've made a point of
listening for the signals and teasers of the directions the songs would go
into next. As with the change of set momentum, I can only speculate that the
band has perhaps made a conscious change about song placement and segues that
has something to do with a new approach. Good or bad? I don't know, just
merely observing it.
Not that it should matter, but I am an apsiring musician (of modest ability)
myself. And one thing I have to guard against when I go to any artist's shows
is to not get overly analytical about the performances. Interestingly, I had
no trouble with these Phish shows of getting into the spirit of the moment,
which was a very positive rapport between the audience and the band. At 12/3 &
4 I felt I succeeded in turning off my detached, observational mode and in
just feeling and being in the moment both nights. A couple of times my
analytical side sneaked in, like when I left for a bathroom break during
Wolfman on 12/3 (I listened and thought: hmmm-pretty basic here, think it's
safe to duck out for a quick one) or the first set on 12/4 seemed to run
noticeably shorter than usual.
I find it ironic many of the longtime fans (whom I presume are not all
musicians themselves) seem to be griping about Phish not outdoing their most
transcendental moments of past shows. Some of these fans even brag about
seeing 20-40 or more shows, and to me their complaining about these two recent
shows seems to transmit an exaggerated sense of entitlement that is
unjustified.
In other words, I think we've got some spoiled rotten brats here who've lost
the simple ability to appreciate objectively good performances. What are their
complaints? That the band didn't perform every song on their "personal set
lists," in the exact order they had "predicted"??? That the band didn't double
-- or triple -- the intensity level of the most intense previous performance
of the fan's personally favorite songs??? That the band didn't improvise on
the songs the fans thought they should or string a bunch of songs together in
continuous morphs or sandwiches, a la Dayton 12/7/97???
I can only ask: Is **this** the band's fault, or is the problem with these
fans for becoming overly dependent on the band to keep outdoing itself and
keeping the fans distracted from getting on with **living THEIR lives?** I
think the band can only be so clever, creative and spontaneous before it
naturally reaches the limits of its ability. And did any of these fans ever
stop to think that the band may feel bored with their usual routine, even
creatively smothered by the fans expectations? If any of these fans
complaining were musicians themselves, could they reasonably expect anything
different or better of themselves?
I don't have the answers to any of these questions, but after reading these
inordinantly negative reviews, I can't help but feel they deserve to be asked.
The band is obviously changing, and I think it would be interesting to learn
more about what is going on in their minds. Maybe they feel that fans have
become too possessive and it's time to shake things up a bit. Bands like the
Dead have reacted to the pressures of overly demanding fans by reshuffling the
deck. Maybe it's time for Phish to start dealing a new game, too.
Peace,
SAM
Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 01:36:28 -0500
From: Michael Israelson [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Dec. 4th- Cincy
I know this sounds like heaps aging vinyl, but the slamming of shows is
negative to the point of my wondering why the reviews page is here. Tell
us what you liked. Having seen Phish many times dating from 1993 at Red
Rocks, I have been thrilled with each and every set I've ever seen
played. The feeling is only really realized upon returning to life and
wishing that I could be back in the mayhem, looking for that one solo
that really drives my spirit (hello SOAM...) and takes control of my
vibe. Sure we'd all like to be the phan who's there when they bust out
Gamehendge 2000 from start to finish, but whatever they feel like
playing, I'm cool with. The bottom line is this- AS A BAND, Phish has
never sounded better. The balance is unreal, and the envelope of
musicality is being pushed far into the realm of magic. This is Phish's
golden age right now- we can only hope it lasts forever, but this band
is currently firing on all cylinders like none other. That's all I have
to say- keep supporting live music whenever you have the chance, and
brush at least once a day if possible.
Michael Israelson
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 23:37:14 -0800
From: TMWSIY [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish Reviews 12/4/99
This is it - I can't take it anymore. all these bozos writing in and
smashing the band - STAY THE HELL HOME! I only hope the boys don't read
this garbage and say - Fuck it! let all the losers in there mom & dad's
4-runners stay the hell home and listen to I don't know - lets just say
metallica or limp bizcuit - i hear korn is cool now-a-days - a lot of fun!
Don't write negativity - thats not what the community is all about - i
have heard the fab four off - once!!!! as far as i'm concerned - and i
still left the venue all smiles with that buzz you get from boogying down
!!!!! I'm so sick of it all - but the boys are bad! they kick ass - if
you are reading this guys - You're great! I love ya!! They work so hard
and put up with more shit than anyone can imagine - its so frustrating! I
wish I had the means to be at every show and just pour my heart out to the
boys every minute so they knew how much i appreciate them and what they do
for me! but i have what they call work and responsibilities. i want so
bad to be in florida - but i'll be working of course! And a final note -
all you ripping trey - F YOU! he is a god - they are all gods - and trey
rules - how can anyone say he doesn't! I live in a small little town in
PA - Williamsport, PA and we have nothing around us but dirty Phily and
Pitts OK - the shows Phish play in Pitts are outrageous IMO!
Anyway, Russ Lawton and the Gordon Stone band came down to Williamsport to
play - our local bar did nothing to advertise this and i wouldn't have
known about if it wouldn't have been that i ran into the owners one night
- anyway - there were no heads there - maybe old heads - maybe 30 people
in there at most at one time - i felt bad for the guys b'c they put on a
great show - but to get to my point - i talked to Lawton after the show -
(*If you don't know who Lawton is - he was the drummer on the Trey tour -
real nice guy) and he was telling me how hard Trey works, etc, etc and I
for one believe it! The man has two children and a wife that he doesn't
see and he is continully out on the road or in the studio or writing music
- he's a work aholic! Bless you Trey and Page and Mike and Fish - keep
doing what you are doing - the groove is just fine with me - I just enjoy
the riding of the wave! chris
if anybody wants to email me and harass me i'm at [email protected] -
I'll take the abuse - let the boys alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. lets start a club - fans against phish bashing! - just an idea
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 13:34:09 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-3-99 and 12-4-99
I wish I could afford to see more shows. That's the bottom line. I
have read nearly every review of this weekend's performances and they are
filled with a bunch of whiney people crying because they didn't get to see a
"classic" Phish show... Well let me tell you...If you truly understood the
purpose of this group - constant change, evolution, pushing themselves in new
(NEW) directions - then you would have loved this weekend. So the first set
on Friday was a bit lackluster...The second set MORE than made up for it!
Limb by Limb was seriously incredible... That's only the third time I've seen
this song and it has split my skull wide open every time! Fantastic Bug and
Piper, then a glorious Hood!
So then Saturday they come right back at it and do it again! I'm sorry
if you are too "down" to dig Saturday's show, but any phan can truly
appreciate this version of Split open and Melt. They took that song places I
couldn't have imagined!
Just a note to the negativity pushers out there...You are doing
absolutely no good for this scene. If you would just let the band take you
where they want to take you...not where you WANT to be taken, you might have
enjoyed these shows as much as I did. Peace+positivity - kev
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 16:04:07 -0800 (PST)
From: joe h [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 16:8:1 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Cincy- 12/4
Well, it simply continues to amaze me how people react to the live music
that is available for all open-minded individuals today. When I started
seeing the Dead in the mid-80's, they were all we had. There was no
Phish, Widespread, Allman's or moe. I saw the Dead about 100 times, and I
will admit there were times in my youth when I was upset they did not play
this song or that song. But, from 1990 on, I was able to understand that
I was the privileged one. The band didn't owe me anything...I look back
in awe that I got to see all the magic moments that I did (including
Warlocks shows in Hampton, Jerry at the Warfield, and MSG with Branford in
'91).
I began seeing Phish in '92 and was instantly turned on. Here was another
band with that magic something, and they were playing 500 seat venues.
They too have produced an infinite number of magical moments for me
including Saturday night's show in Cincy. Sure, they didn't play the
songs I fell in love with in '92. What they did play was incredible.
Last time I checked, Phish wasn't all about the high speed jam into
oblivion any more. The softer, sweet edge to songs like Dirt, Farmhouse
and Circus add so much to a show. When I first started seeing the Dead,
the subtleties of Stella Blue, Black Peter and Ship of Fools were lost on
me. Now I linger over every precious note in those songs! It sounds like
some of you were expecting Kid Rock to show up in Cincy???
Saturday nights show was great...Let's face it, just because you saw
Guyute 4 out of your last 5 shows doesn't mean it sucks. The version at
this show was outrageous. Wouldn't you be bummed if you could never hear
Phish play Guyute or even god forbid Bouncin' again. Appreciate what you
have..
The "jam band" scene today is incredibly diverse and has a little
something for everyone...If you really think any Phish show could "suck"
then you are missing out. It took me a while to understand this as well.
But, you are probably the same idiots who rip Phil for busting his ass at
age 55 to bring you a little bit of the magic that shined into my life....
Listen to TMWSIY>Avenu>TMWSIY and that Split Open and Melt and then you
will know why Trey was pumping his fist like Tiger Woods. There was magic
in that arena Sat. night (just like there was when the Dead played there
10 years ago). Guess you just missed it!
Jah
http://www.go.com
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 10:42:40 -0500
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: your review
I don't mean to criticize, and find every review I read more and more
interesting than the next...but I have 3 words for you...SEE LESS
SHOWS...and you will appreciate the ones you do see that much more. I am
curious how, for a band that we idolize, we find hating at some point? I
think it is ludicrous. Yes, we as phans, have a right to be the most
critical...but we need to appreciate the fact that this is the hardest
working band practically, since the Dead, EVER. Please try and reserve
that thought in your head when trashing a particular show. As a
professional musician...it's pretty hard doing what they do, day in and
day out. I've toured as a musician professionally, playing a 1/32 of the
shows they do...and believe me, it is not easy. So, please...be kind to
the most beloved band in our circle. That's all...see you in Hampton!
Jared L. Siegel
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 07:23:40 -0800 (PST)
From: Chuck Ronan [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Cinci
This is the first time I have ever felt the need to write a review, so
forgive me if I don't stick to the format. I am no expert on Phish or
their music, but I have been to enough shows to say that both these shows
rocked. I see a lot of shows on the two coasts, but this was the farthest
inland I had ventured. I love how the Gorge differs from the Garden,
Potland differs from Hampton, but I did not expect much from Ohio. I was
so surprised. The crowd at these shows easily rivaled Hampton from last
year. That is saying a lot. I don't know where all these people who hated
the shows were when I couldn't even hear the band, at times, because the
crowd was so into it. I really enjoy seeing Trey look around the stage
like he is in awe of the great band he is in. The band was also very
aware of how great the crowd was. Page purposely paused at the corner of
the stage, the second night, to look out and soak the whole thing in.
I do feel bad for Mike, the guy who sent in a review about how his
car got broken into. It is a growing problem and we all should be looking
out for, as he put it, "the punk asses". Every one I have brought to
their first Phish show is always amazed at how great every one is. Lets
work to keep it that way. The reason I see Phish as much as I can is
because they keep it fresh. I love to hear that they have pissed some one
off, because that means they are shaking it up. Even if it is me who is
disappointed. How many bands feel close enough to their fans to try and
change right in front of their eyes? This year the style is different,
but to say these 8 min. songs are not as good as the 25 min. versions is
crazy. They have packed it all into a tight little package. SOAM, MOMA,
Limb by Limb, Possum.... There were great versions of great songs. We all
want to be there for the show we can tell our grand children about, but in
the mean time don't loose sight of how lucky we are to see what we do.
I also want to take a second to say hi to Dan Dan the taper man
and thank him and all the Phish Net people, Andy Gadiel, Adam Foley and
all the others who take there time to keep us updated on everything when
we just can't be there.
NI can't wait until next weekend and NYE. The band has not lost a
thing.
A shout out to all the great people I met this weekend and my West
Coast homies in the big sky country, coffee central, and the city of
angles;-}
Peas
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:09:16 -0800 (PST)
From: Brian Hiatt [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/4 Cincy and ramblings
Geez people, what is with the bad vibes? I was at Detroit though Cincy
night two, and I have seen plenty of shows, the exact number doesn't
matter. Contrary to popular belief, the more shows you have seen doesn't
mean you deserve a better show, the consensus seems to be that the XX
number of shows people gripe the most. Well not I, I love every show.
Some are spectacular while others are just good, at worst. Lets not forget
the band plays what THEY want to,not what "Johnny 94 Shows" wants, or
thinks he deserves, to hear. Bottom line if you don't enjoy shows why go?
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 01:34:29 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12-4-99 Review
After Friday I still wanted more, as did most people. Also, I am tired
of people thinking that being hyper-critical of the band makes them "super
cool" or something. Maybe to someone who hasen't seen 100 shows, this
weekend's shows were great. Anyways, I digress. The point of the matter is
that the boys pulled out Simple, Guyute, Tweezer, and Loving Cup, all
worthy 2nd set songs, in the first set. Thes second set was no less
jam-laden, opening with a strong DWD, followed by Split Open. Still, I
wanted some funkiness, which was answered by an nicely extended Moma
Dance. Then, perhaps in celebration of Hannaukah, a phat Aveenu Malkenu,
preceded by Farmhouse. For a closer, I must admit I wanted Mike's, but
Bowie was very nice, ending in a stellar crescendo. The encore, Julius, I
could have done without, but I have always felt that the band likes this
song a lot more than the phans, but hey, they call the shots, right?
Tweeprise fit perfectly to close the shows out.
All in all, people can say what they will. But negativity gets us
nowhere. You would think that an experienced phish veteran would realize
that the band's agenda does not revolve around what they want to hear. And
that what was one person's 20th Tweezer could have been someone's 1st, and
that then it would be different. We've got to look at the big picture.
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 12:23:32 -0500
From: vonderahe [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/4/99 Review
I could not make 12/3/99, but from what I read it sounds like the
band had an off night. This brings me to my first point. I am outraged
by people that are giving up Phish shows because the band didn't live up
to their expectations on one night. In one review a "critic" has the
audacity to bash the band because the band didn't impress his date! What
is this crap? I get that not every single show is going to be
outstanding and I do feel it's ok to write a subpar review, but if your
coming to shows to impress a date or you feel that the band owes you a
money back guarantee, stay home! I've been to PLENTY of shows in my
day, some better than others, but I always leave with a smile on my face
and an extra snap in my step.
Anyway, 12/4 was a top notch show. Set one was ideal mix of new and
old. It was just the type of upbeat grooving set I was in the mood for.
Guyute and Tweezer were standouts. Set two started out hot! DWD and
SOAM were keepers, than some idiot decides to put a damper on the
evening. Not only did this non-phan run on stage, but then he tries to
hide? Onward to a groovy Moma Dance and a memorable Bowie. The Julius
encore was a little lackluster, but the Tweeprise sent me off with a
smile on my face.
MV
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 12:20:44 -0600
From: Scott Judd [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: it was 20 years ago today...
first off, let's all be glad we didn't trample a dozen or so of each other
to death like those poor rock-lovers at THE WHO's ill-fated Cinci show in
'79. part of me hoped the band would do a little tribute to that whole
thing (it was, after all, 20 years to the day on friday night, i'm told),
but in retrospect i think it was just as well they didn't even acknowledge
it - some people are a little too easily misled, i imagine, especially
those who aren't enjoying themselves... (more on this below).
i only saw sat. night in cinci, and i had a great time. while i'm quite
sure Tweezer wasn't necessarily one for the history books, me and my pals
really liked where it went, all slow and dark and nasty as it was, and had
a great row-wide groove going by the time the jam hit it's deepest
expanse. to be with out of town friends, who i rarely see, even for just
this one brief moment of truly freaked-out fun, was well-worth the trip
down from chicago (not to mention Paul's CHILI, but that's another story).
after reading the many disparate raves on this page (it rocked/it sucked),
all i can say is that i first saw phish in '87, in a tiny college living
room with only about 20 other people, and having seen the band at least a
few times a year since then, i can still only be amazed every time i see
them now in big soldout arena's of 10,000+, and later come to find certain
people didn't think the show was so great, or in fact, that it TOTALLY
SUCKED, DUDE.
they're just four guys, you know? they used to truck around in a cruddy
white van with their dog and their soundman, load their own gear in and
back out, and play their asses off to tiny party crowds who weren't quite
sure what to make of their weird, complex originals... (when a quick
BERTHA>GOOD LOVIN would have made the night just as easily for most of
those present), and now 12 years later, after they've made a million tiny
steps up the touring-band ladder to establish their own band identity, we
all show up expecting to have our heads handed to us every night, despite
the fact that underneath it all remains nothing short of the same four
loveably weird guys who started the whole mess, way back when the world
really needed a new band to blow some complacent minds, whether it knew it
or not - guys who i'm SURE were never perfect in the first place, despite
their many amazing talents.
so give us all a break with yr damn gripin', will ya? constructive
criticism is one thing (and well-appreciated by all in most cases, i'm
guessing), but to intimate that you were made to feel physically ill by
the song selection proves that some of us do indeed need a SERIOUS
perspective check (or, at the very least, an abrupt change in our main
drug(s) of choice).
i'm sure i'm not the only one who'd love to see just ONE of you
complaining phreaks pop a 3-hour musical boner in front of an arena full
of heads 15 or 20 nights out of a month, several times a year. if any of
you think you have it in ya, please write us all back with the name of
your band and the dates for your next tour - i guarantee we'll all pack
the place and count on a BIG night EVERY night, no matter whether you and
your bandmates are raucuously buzzed (as any good touring musician
deserves to be now and again), sick (as any previously raucously buzzed
touring guy is sure to eventually end up), not getting along (see SICK,
think LIVING IN VAN), or just had too much pad thai in the green room
before you came out (think LONG DAY IN VAN, OH LOOK! - CATERING!!!). You
get the point... give it up and go home to your tape collection if you
can't find something to enjoy in the present tense. there's plenty of us
who'd gladly take your seat and enjoy it in your place.
anyway, back at the good things about this stand, i absolutely agree with
the many of you who said the cinci crowd had it going on, and fed the band
a great vibe throughout, even when things weren't totally over the top.
me and my old friends left the place in very high spirits, and i'm still
feeling it in spades a few days later, even after a crappy flight home
into chicago's first real winter-weather of the year. i love this band
and the fog that surrounds, and i'll keep showing up when i can, even if
the reviews aren't always 10's. see all you smilers next time, and we'll
see all you gripers when YOUR bands hit the big time - we're rootin' for
ya'.
scott
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