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

Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 14:46:52 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
From: Ashley Holmes [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pelham, Alabam-Oak Mountain Amp

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

Peace to you al.  Can't wait to see you NYE.
ps; everyone needs to wear the most outrageous outfits for the show ;-)
----------------------
Ashley Holmes
[email protected]              


Date: Sat, 02 Oct 1999 17:26:01 -0700
From: "HELTON, PATSY" [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 9-28-99 review for you
 
Well, thanks first goes out to the rain gods for keeping the storm
barely hovering, dryly, over the show. I think the minute that Tweezer
Reprise ended, the rain started again. But now lets get down to
business.
The phab phour came valantly on stage and then they paused, and paused,
and Trey drank from his electric cup and told Page that Wolfman was the
opener. It wasn't nothing to rave about, but it still said to me that
these guys have now perfected the song to a T. Sally was Sally and First
Tube was a little funky, but Ginseng Sullivan was definatley what stood
out to me in the first set. They always play this as a little country
diddy' , but for some reason they added a little more of that bluegrass
funk than usuall, you know, the kind like in My sweet One, the kind that
makes you want to jump up and kick your heels together. Then Hood and
the whole glow thing to end. then came a 45 minute intermission.
Second set got down right funky during Sand (aka Pistol), trey was
bouncin' and playing his hollowbody like a bad ass, complete with the
windmill swings. It was what really stood out to that point, and then it
happened. For the 4th show in a row, YEM takes off, complete with
trampolines and a tease of Sweet Home Alabama in the insane vocal jam.
Makisupa Policeman was nice too (keyword scccchhhhhwag) and I am just
wondering if the boys called this one due to the excessive Pelham
Policeman patroling with flashlight all over the place. The encore was a
nice Halley's Comet (my first) and a predictable Tweezer Reprise.
Overall, if this was your first show, well, rest in peace, because you
probably died. I mean wolfman, sally, tube, tweezer, hood, chalkdust
(which also jammed), roggae, velvet sea, trampolines, teases, glowwars,
the list goes on. WOW! there were alot of songs that were played in this
place that were played in a much bigger venue known as Oswego County
Airport. If this was my first show I would have went nuts! It wasn't and
I still almost did. It was the only show I could catch in the fall, but
definately worth every cent. And speedy recovery to Page who was on
crutches, were all behind you big guy;) And if anyone has this show on
tape, i would love to hear it again. Steve Helton [email protected]


Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 12:08:55 -0600
From: Bill Massey [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phishing in B'ham
 
9-28-99 at Oak Mountain was my 10th show and it was incredible.  School and
now a job has limited the number of shows I have seen, but I consider myself
lucky, I have seen some great ones....Mud Island, Jazz Fest., Halloween @
The Omni, the Fox in Atlanta.  And, it never ceases to amaze me how these
guys are able to expand and improve their music.
 
Not much of a review here, just a few comments:
The first set was good, nothing out of the ordinary.  Maze was super
energized and I was a little disappointed with the Hood ending(but still
loved it.)  Roggae and Velvet Sea are two of the newer songs I like,
especially after I read how Velvet Sea is about Trey getting kicked out of
school.
 
The sceond set was excellent.  It was the first time for me to hear First
Tube and this tune was so incredible, I thought I would lose it.  All four
of the guys seemed to be jamming as hard as they could.  I haven't heard
another version yet, but if you can, get a hold of this tape just to hear
it, it blew me away.  My first Halley's too and I thought they played it a
little slower then what I've heard on tape, but it was still top notch.
 
Anyway, I was glad to see the boys return to my hometown, and I hope
everyone had a good time.  And don't wait another 5 years to come back
8'b

Date: Fri, 8 Oct 1999 00:32:52 -0400
From: John Milham [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: oak mtn...The Pelham, Al. Show

 
Hello everyone, I have been reading some reviews from the Oak. Mt show in
Pelham, Al. I have seen 57 shows since 1993 and I thought the show ROCKED!!!
I live in Boston now, but i'm from Bama and I would have never guessed such
a spectacular setlist. Yes, some have written that there were some people
there that "did'nt know an AC/DC Bag from a Wedge or something like that ,
but SO FUCKING WHAT there was a time when you did'nt know that either. In my
opinion every new person that joins the family is welcome w/ open arms in my
book. Phish makes musically illiterate people actually learn to LISTEN to
music and not stand around waiting for the chorus that they can sing along
too. I thought the show was kick'in balls and if someone thinks they can
write a review and have a clue about what they are talking about I would
love to read it. My dissapointment is only in those people who critisize the
music. I have been playing music professionally for 8 years and these guys
(Phish) are taking music to a different level. I am a jazz performance major
at Berklee School of Music I listen to each aspect just as you do also and
being a musician I know some nights are on and some are'nt so my point is
,Don't spend so much time saying "this show sucked" "that one wasn't as good
as this one" or "i'm sick of hearing that song" if you are going to dog the
show.......DON'T GO!!!!!! Trey, Mike, Fish, and Page are people, just like
us and if they were a little cold or not as jammin one night as they were
another night.....so what!!!!  or if the "jam" wasn't good enough for you,
then go find a band that will apease you as much. I bet you won't find one.
I think that giving a review is a good thing but know what your talking
about, don't judge people at the show,you should never do that anyway and go
and always expect a good performance, some better than others, but they are
all worth your $25.00. I say the Pelham show was great and was proud to see
a great show in my homestate.

Thank You,  John M


Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 19:57:42 -0400 (EDT)
From: Evan Brown [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pelham, Alabama review
 
     This was my 14th show and only one of the fall tour.
Lot: Pretty laid back.  I saw quite a few cops but not one actually
doing anything.  The rain provided for an interesting atmosphere.
Amphitheatre: Decent, but would be a lot better without the panoramic
view of the commercial center of Pelham complete with Arby's, Comfort
Inn, etc.
 First set: Wolfman's, Sneakin Sally, Tube, Ginseng, Roggae, Maze,
Velvet Sea, Hood
 
Wolfman's: I've seen this tune 6 times, but I really enjoyed this one.
Good choice for an opener.  Short, but fulfilling jam.   Sally: Hell
yeah, first one of the tour!  Well played with a wicked little groove in
the middle. Tube:  Wow!  Instead of Page leading the jam initially,
Fishman hit this pulsating groove that the band rode for a while. The
most ambient and most innovative Tube I've ever heard. Ginseng: Well
placed and well played.
Roggae:  I really like this tune.  This jam seemed like it was starting
to go places I've always wanted them to go with Roggae but stopped
short.  Oh well, still a beautiful song. Maze:  Pretty insane, but I
have to admit Page lost me for a while on this one.  When I reconnected
this Maze sent me reeling. One word: Kuroda! The man was so on all
night! Velvet Sea: I feel some personal connection to this one, so I
loved it. But I can understand people considering this song cheesy.
Hood: You could tell Fishman called this one along with another tune you
may have heard of in the second set.  Up until this point I have had
mixed feelings about the glowsticks, but here all it provided was an
effective distraction from Mr. Hood.  And I always cringe when I see
some dickless piece of shit hurl one 90 miles per hour right over
Gordon's head.  Anyway, you gotta love a first set Hood no matter what.
Mellow set break.  Seemed a little longer than usual.
 
Second set:  Farmhouse, Heavy Things, First Tube, Tweezer > Makisupa,
Chalkdust, YEM
 
Farmhouse: I love this song. At first I was a little thrown by it's
placement as a second set opener, but this version was impossible to
dislike.
Heavy Things: Great tune. Catchy progression.  Trey was all smiles
during this one, which has a lot of potential, imo.
1st Tube: Holy shit!  I had never heard this tune before, but I knew
what it was immediately due to the descriptions of it I had received in
the lot. This song is fuckin incredible!  Trey started jumpin, and then
the crowd started jumpin, and man it was absolute bedlum!
Tweezer: Niiiice!  Very good version with a silky smooth jam. Towards
the end people began  to clap in unison with Fishman's snare.  Gradually
the drums fizzled out and all that remained were the claps providing the
backbone for Trey's soloing.  Great moment.  This segued into...
Makisupa: Keyword "Schwag". I think this refered to all the cops and the
lack of diggity at this show. Good spacey version.
Chalkdust: I knew we'd get this one tonight.  Wasn't too excited at
first but this absolutely raged!  Lights and Music reached many peaks.
Hoped it wouldn't close the set.
YEM: Oh Yes!   This was the other one Fishman called.  Outstanding
version with phat bass soloes.  Trey almost fell of his tramp!  An
insane vocal jam with Sweet Home Alabama tease.  Perfect closer.
 
Encore: Halley's > Tweeprise
 
Halley's: Good choice.  Caught everyone off guard.  The jam only lasted
about 20 seconds before going into...
Tweeprise: I guess they were understandibly tired. Aside from that, a
great way to end the show.
     All in all this show was very, very good.  Highlights were Tube,
First Tube, and YEM.
Oh yeah, I read a review of this show where some guy stated that Trey
said to expect great things to come from Set 2 and implied that he was
meant that as an apology for a poor first set.  Sorry, but you failed to
mention Trey saying that they had a lot of fun the last time they played
in Alabama and are having EVEN MORE FUN THIS TIME!
This show simply rocked.

Date: Fri, 8 Oct 1999 00:38:39 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oak Mountain Review
 
    This is for anyone who may still be interested in the performance at Oak
Mountain.  The phirst set was just phine.  I still don't get all of you that
try and criticize a setlist for being no good.  The band does get tired you
know.  Everything that phlowed through the amps was to the point and clear.
They were having a great time.  Who cares if Trey doesn't usually make
verbal
contact with the crowd.  He probably saw a couple of dickheads slamming the
set, so he felt he should pump them up.
    The roggae was so dreamlike.  This is exactly what Mike considers Phish
to be, so what the hell?  I heard so many people killing the show.  It's too
bad that you expect the band to always lift you up off of your boring stools
of life and booze.  Nothing lacked in the show but a good Alabama "Possum",
which didn't upset me in the least.  The "Wolfman's" was great, "Sneakin
Sally" isn't my favorite but I can't complain.  "Velvet", "Tube", "Harry",
"Delta Home", "Heavy Things" (great adventure jam), "Maze" ( wow! best I've
ever heard), "Halley's", "Tweezer" , "YEM" ( BOY!), etc.  It's just too bad
it didn't quench some of your thirsts.  I've been to 20+ shows and had no
complaints.  The "Makisupa" was even crowd oriented for crying out loud, and
the "First Tube"( woa!).  I hope that some of you will open your minds up a
little more.  They're only a rock and roll band.  The circus is the place
for
me.

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 16:40:07 EDT
From: Elliot Smith [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Review of 9/28/99 Oak Mountain Amphitheatre - Pelham, AL
 
This was my 9th show since summer of '97, which isn't too many, but its
enough to where I feel I can give a good review.
 
Pre-Show Lot:
  What an extremely calm scene.  I think the rain kept some people from
comin out early but there was still some here and there.  Security did
absolutely nothing to stop the minimal amount of vending that was goin on.
Overall, a fun but wet scene.
 
Set I:
Wolfman's: A truly unpredictable opener.  Great opener with a thick funk jam
that wasn't too long, but was just long enough.  Nothing too amazing here as
far as I can remember.
 
Sneakin Sally:  Oh yes!  I've been waiting to hear this one since they
brought it back on 12/30/97 (?)  Anyway, I was not dissapointed buy any
means at all.  This only continued the sick, thick funk from Wolfman's and
turned it up a few notches as well.
 
Tube: There was a bit of discussion between the band before they started
this one, but then the energy began.  What a tremendous Tube!  It was just
funk mixed with soooo much raw power, I didn't know what to do with myself
at this point.
 
Ginseng: I figured they were gonna take it down a few notches after that
Tube and this was a welcome song.  I was surprised that this was the only
bluegrassy/country/folkish song that was really played all night, being that
we were in Alabama and all.  ;-)
 
Roggae:  Such a beautiful song.  I remember someone talking about brown and
gold balloons flying during this song, but I didn't see any.  The jam at the
end was so sweet.
 
MAZE:  Everyone so far has said that this was the highlight of the first
set, THEY AREN'T LYING.  This was the greatest version of Maze that I think
I've ever heard.  I was wondering when Page would finally step it up and
this was it.  Speaking of Page, does anyone know what happened to him?? He
was on crutches. :-(  Towards the end Trey brought the song up and then back
down atleast 5 times and Chris was right with him on the lights, it was pure
madness.
 
Wading:  After the Maze things had to get cooled back down again.  This song
is lyrically one of my favorites.  A fairly typical version.
 
HARRY HOOD:  Ok, I knew that Wading wouldn't close the set, but Hood?  I
just about soiled myself when I heard Fish's intro.  The overall band intro
to this one (ya know how they play that groove and then stop and play it
again etc....) went on for a looooong time.  They must've built it and
stopped atleast 10 times and I'm not exaggerating.  I always love to watch
the glow rings fly, but I wish that less sticks would be thrown and more
rings, because those sticks hurt when you get hit with 'em.  What a great
way to close a dank set.  Trey mentioned before ending the song how they
hadn't been in Alabama since '94 and that Oak Mountain was one of their
favorite venues.  He also mentioned that there was a lot of good stuff to
come, and he wasn't joking.
 
Set II:
Farmhouse:  What a surprise to open the set.  I absolutely love this song,
its so happy and carefree.  The end was jammed out pretty good.
 
Heavy Things:  This was my first time hearing this song but I really really
dig it.  It seemed that they band couldn't take it anywhere though and the
jam just kind of stayed in the same place, repeating itself over and over
again, but I really like this song all the same.
 
First Tube:  Another first for me, but I am soooo down with this one.  Trey
was loving the crowd, jumping with the beat and then the crowd starting
jumping with him.  Being that this was my first of First Tube I can't really
compare it as being a great version or not, but what a sweet ass song.
 
Tweezer:  Ohhhhhh yeah!  What a great Tweezer!  Really really funky and then
really really spacy.  Trey was using his keyboard a lot and him and Page
were doin some wonderful things while Mike was layin down some phat grooves.
  Then, Mike suddenly started playing the familiar intro to.....
 
Makisupa:  I have wanted to hear this song for sooooooo long.  Keyword bein
"Schwag", I booed that at first because no one likes Schwag, but oh well.
This was jammed out pretty good.
 
CHALKDUST TORTURE:  Can you say "greatest version ever"????  I have never
heard a better version of this tune, I am positive of this one.  Once again
though, it would not have been nearly so great if it weren't for the amazing
lights of Chris Kuroda.  The energy was totally sick, you have to hear this
one.
 
YEM:  I couldn't have guessed this to save my life.  This was the greatest
version of this song that I've ever seen (7/23/97,8/6/98,7/1/99) from purely
musical content.  This composed parts were completely flawless.  The jam
melted my brain and then the vocal jam...  WOW!  They were pretty much doin
the groove acapella and then Trey started to sing the chorus to Sweet Home
Alabama.  Then he sang the first verse.  Just get the tapes, period.
 
Encore:
Halley's:  Gotta love the unpredictability, don't ya?  This was a pretty
standard version though, not much of a jam after the verses, Trey began
playin up high on his fret board and suddenly we were in...
 
Tweeprise:  We knew it was comin, standard rocking version of the reprise, I
always dig this one to close a show except the 11/22/97 version.  (Bouncin,
Tweeprise... just didn't fit the show at all, look at the setlist)
 
On a scale of 1-10, I give this show an 8.  Just get the tapes, period.
 
Elliot Smith ([email protected])

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 19:10:09 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pelham review, (full this time)
 
38th show, 1st of Fall tour for me.
Joined the masses for an evening of 100% humidity here at the Redneck Red
Rocks, (due to the stunning panorama of fast-food joints and hotels behind
the stage, btw).  Anyway, I'm here to explain myself further to all of those
that completely ripped me for dogging the first set.  I'll begin by saying
that at age 34, it takes a little more to get me off these days, and if the
set didn't grab me, it didn't grab me!  I would also suggest that, based on
an informal poll during setbreak, most of the people there didn't know a
Halley's from an AC/DC bag anyway.  I'm led to believe these are the same
people that gave the first set raves in their review.  I found some tourheads
that know their shit and totally agreed with me that the first set wasn't all
that, one even said it literally put him to sleep. But I digress; on with the
review...
The boys emerged earlier than a half-hour late, which is always a bonus, with
all but Fish dressed in black, (who died?).
Wolfman's:  Smokin' version---promised big things to come.
Sneakin':  Jacked to hear this, my first one.  DID NOT rock balls as I
expected it to.  (I'm thinking maybe the bass was lower this set or
something).  Page got off, (and he was in the forefront a lot this set, btw),
but it didn't make me see God or anything.
Tube:  Always good to hear, but again, it didn't grab me and make me go with
it---seemed disjointed is all I can say.
Ginseng:  Nice, clear solo from Trey and just a cool feel, bein in 'Bama and all.
Roggae:  Usually bores me to death---add another one to that list
Maze:  Completely jacked for this because the opening tease has taken me to
Bowie like eight straight times.  Finally got another Maze and it was really
smoking until about halfway through the jam when they lost direction and it
just seemed like they never got back on the same page the whole rest of the set.
Wading:  Usually love this tune, the set wasn't rolling for me, so this one
must've gotten dragged down with it.
Hood:  Glad to hear this pop up, assuming it would salvage a rough Set 1.
not exactly.  Clearly the worst Hood I've ever heard out of 10 or so.  No
real energy from the stage as far as I could tell.
To sum up set one:  Trey gives a (very rare) little speech at the end saying
how he's glad to be back in AL, blah, blah and then promises big things for
the second set.  Why would he do such a thing?  Because he knew the first set
was off and he was basically apologizing to the people who could tell.  Why
the hell else would he do that?  Ever seen him promise to do well in the
second set after a smoking first?  Hell no!  Anyway, I digress again.
Set II
Farmhouse:  Like this song despite, or maybe because of Trey's paper-thin
vocals that make him seem like he's pouring his heart out.  Worried that this
show was careening into the toilet, but the solo at the end was top-notch and
it seemed like the energy was coming back.
Heavy Things, First Tube:  GREAT NEW SONGS!  I'm hereby reminded of why I
follow these fuckers around!  Very smooth, subdued yet phat as hell jams,
akin to parts of PYITE.  The boys are obviously stoked to be playing this
fresh shit and must love 1st tube to be playing it back to back.  Every other
concert act, you kind of dread the new songs---how great is Phish when
they're the fricking highlight!  Amazing.
Tweezer:  Great call, great slot---taking this one to different places in a
big way---keeping it fresh on the heels of the new ones!
Makisupa:  Only my second ever, 1st since 94.  Sweet end to a way-too-long
wait.  Great change of pace and just a really cool tune.
Chalkdust:  so tired of this song i could scream but was rocking my ass of in
spite of myself.  Amazing energy for this as usual.  (to those who thought
the first set rocked, *this* is what rocking is!)
YEM: another one I'm sick of, but another one that has been re-tooled and is
such a showcase for Phish's remarkable imagination that you can't help but
dig it.  Wish I could've heard the alleged "Sweet Home Alabama" in the vocal
jam, but for some reason people felt compelled to have a clap-along that made
any in-depth listening impossible...(if we only could've cleared out the
people that thought the first set rocked...)
Halley's:  probably my favorite song if I had to choose with a gun to my
head.  Amazing feeling with this break-out!  Not sure how quality it was 'cuz
I was too busy dancing my ass of and just plain ecstatic to hear it.
Tweeprise:  Always a totally perfect way to end a positively searing set.
 
To summarize, I can't remember more of a contrast between two set's quality.
Set one was probably the worst I've seen, despite the stellar look on paper.
Set two was easily top ten---definitely snag this tape!

Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 12:49:00 +0000
From: Luke Bradshaw [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pelham show
 
        What a great place for a wonderful evening. This venue was the
perfect size and the sound was terrific. After reading most of the
reviews for this show, I'm disappointed in the fact that some
supposedly long time fans would critic a show that was so good. What
is the purpose of paying for the tickets and driving for hours, only
to write up a review stating that one of the sets suck. If you can't
enjoy the show, stay home. Otherwise show a little support for the
band that you once were totaly into.
        I'm not going to go through each song as so many have already done a
great job in describing. It was good to hear the new stuff, and Maze
was on fire. Hood was very nice but I wish that the people who think
it was the best could have heard it in Atlanta this year (Intense).
        Makisupa really made me smile, first time for me live and my wife's
favorite song. Who would have thoughtt YEM? Really enjoy this one
even if it is "common".
        The highlight of the evening for me was shaking Mike's hand in the
lot. I saw him in two different places in the lot. After I saw him
the first time, I went looking for some friends who were at the front
of the lot. When I got close to their car, they took off through the
lot. Overhearing someone saying that they were going to try and get
an autoghraph, I knew Mike must be around. The funny thing was while
Mike was sitting on his golfcart talking with the fans, One of the
ladies that was parking the cars said in a tacky voice, "Hey! How
about moving the golfcart out of the way!" He just smiled at us and
drove on. Evidentally, she didn't know Mike from anyone else in the
lot.
        This was a great show with the rain falling just enough to help
cool us off. I really look foward to seeing them play here again.
 
See you on the road.
 
LB
[email protected]

Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 23:27:51 -0700 (PDT)
From: Scottie [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oak Mtn. Review
 
We were among the first to arrive at the lot at 3 and the guys at the gate
didn't exactly have it together, which caused some minor problems.  The lot
scene was very laid back with a slight drizzle pretty much the whole time
leading up to the show.  The cops were uncharacteristically cool and
everyone seemed to be having a good time.  As an Alabama resident I must
apologize to all the out-of-towners who were expecting "skies so blue".  
We'll try to do better next time. This was my first time at Oak Mountain
since they killed the lawn.  Although I was initially saddened by the news
of the lawn's demise I still found the venue to be comfortable and very cozy
(and it sounded great!).
 
Wolfman- Suprise opener.  Deep funk exploration with mike laying down the
thick grooves.  By no means a long version but not too short, either.  Well
jammed out and concise.

Sally- Very excited to hear this tune; a first for me. Very tightly played;
an asteroid meandering through the same galaxy as the wolfmans jam then back
through the alley and crash!

Tube- this one burned.  It raged through the opening verses and melted into
a nice, spacy jam that seemed a bit longer than ususal.  Excellent version
and yes that's 1-2-3 phunk songs in a row!  I couldn't believe it.  Trey
wraps it up and mike steps to the mic.

Ginseng- still smokin'.  I can't get enough of Mike's vocals and Trey was
hitting some nice licks.  Having a hard time standing up by the end of this
tune...

Roggae- very well placed and we took a nice little breather.

Maze- Trey is a madman.  It's a good thing I took that breather because this
tune alone was enough to cause an aneurism!  Insane, sick.  The best maze I
have ever seen and without a doubt the highlight of the first set.

Velvet Sea- another much-needed breather.  I always wince at the opening
notes when I hear this song but it always gets hold of me before they're
through.

Hood- I never get tired of this tune.  Nicely done although not a standout
version or anything.  Still, it was good in a way consistent with the rest
of the first set.  I can't exactly put it into words.  Their sound has
evolved quite a bit since the summer tour and it seems as though they're
getting off on pushing the envelope again (like summer-fall 97).  During the
setbreak I couldn't help but wonder how on earth they could top the first
set.  Boy did I have it coming...
 
Second Set: (which commenced after a :55 minute intermission;  are they
getting longer?) Farmhouse- once again I didn't see the opener coming.
Definitely the best version I've heard out of something like 5.  I think it
was Trey's intense soloing that grabbed me...

Heavy Things- I knew that the new material was coming after going the entire
first set without any.  A nice groovy song but the jam seemed kind of
repetitive and drawn out.  Still in the experimental phase no doubt. First
Tube- WOW.  I didn't have a clue what they were playing but I was dying to
know. This tune rocks.  The best of the new material hands down.

Tweezer- Ironically I had just commented during the setbreak that it would
be nice to hear a tweezer.  I hadn't heard this tune in a good while and was
thankful for this funky funky tweez.  The jam was top-notch (as were so many
other jams that night) and the crowd began clapping along with the band as
the bass line slowly transformed into:

Makisupa Policeman- YES!  Finally!  I wore my Makisupa shirt to the show in
hopes of getting one (although not at all expecting to); very hyped to hear
this carefree, mellow version. [keyword=schwag]

Chalkdust- I always say this song follows me but I guess a lot of people
could say that.  However this version was easily the most ragin' I have ever
seen. Trey was just frenzied and chris' lights nearly caused an all out
cerebral meltdown for me.

YEM- I called this one and it was an excellent set closer.  They were on top
of this one, although Trey almost couldn't stay on top of his trampoline
during the jam.  Must have got a little water on that tramp... the vocal jam
was cool and I didn't even see where it was going until I heard the words
"sweet home alabama" bleeding through.  Nice touch.  Was hoping and praying
for a Halley's encore and once again the boys didn't disappoint.

Halley's- Fairly short, standard version.  It seemed like Trey cut the end
off rather abruptly when he began his solo.  I would have liked to have seen
a nice jam develop but instead they went into Tweezer Rep- Still, a nice way
to wrap up the most high-energy show I've ever seen.  They were turned way,
way up on this one.
	I was glad to hear Trey say that they liked Oak Mountain and I hope
that they will return again and again.  This was my first time seeing Phish
in my home state and they sure showed us all one hell of a good time.  What
a memorable night....
 
see you in FL!
scott

Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 12:59:05 -0700 (PDT)
From: Karla and Joe Papagni [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pelham show
 
	This was my 25th show and I have never written a review before.  
What compelled me to do so this time is the jack-ass who insists on ragging
not only on the first set but on the entire venue and state of Alabama.  
Yes, I am from Birmingham and I do happen to know a Halley's Comet from an
AC/DC Bag!  I have seen shows from Vegas to Maine and I would definately
rate this one in my top 5.  I thought the Wolfman's set a nice, groovy theme
that seemed to continue all night. in my opinion, the tube rocked fucking
balls and the maze was out of this world-possibly the best I've ever seen.  
I had 2nd row seats and anyone who thought the band seemed less than
energetic couldn't see Trey very clearly. He was smiling from ear to ear all
night long. I think if he were APOLOGIZING for anything before the set
break, it was for chosing to open for Dave Mathews at the last Oak Mountain
show 5 years ago.
	I do agree that the 2nd set was amazing.  The 2 new Trey songs blew
me away.  The tweezer was SO thick and funky.  I don't really care for
Chalkdust,either- I've probably seen it over a dozen times.  But if every
Chalkdust rocked this hard I would definately take it off of my "I hope they
don't play this tonight" list. The build-ups from Trey were HUGE!  I can't
believe Mr.I hate Pelham couldn't hear the Sweet Home Alabama in the vocal
jam.  Did you have shit in our ears? What a cool and classy way to
incorporate this ever so predictable tune into the evening.  I was also very
happy to hear Halley's Comet begin the encore but thought they cut it a
little too short.  I was hoping for a Comet that was Great Went calibur.  
Tweeprise was a fun way to end the show, as always.  So to all of you out
there who write reviews, keep in mind that stereotyping people is VERY
uncool.

signed,
a very offended southern woman

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:46:17 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish at Oak Mtn.

Well, this was my 25th show and what a show it was. The lot had absolutely
no security and everyone seemed to be having a great time as usual.
Anyway, on to the music. 1st set: Wolfmans: Very nice to hear them open
the show with this. The jam was mellow, but had a nice deep groove to it.
Wasn't all that long (less than 15min.) but it was tight and well played.

Sneakin' Sally: Hadn't heard this since Merriweather 98, so it was a nice
treat. Had another nice funk groove to it that was very smooth.

Tube: Oh yeah! The jam was spacey, not like the ones I heard during the
summer. Trey did a delay loop like in Ghost while Mike layed down the funk
underneath it. Great long version.

Ginseng: Kind of oddly placed given the first 3 songs. Standard Ginseng.

Roggae: Beautiful version. Harmonies were sweet and the jam phlowed
nicely.

Maze: HOLY SHIT! The definite highlight of the first set. Just a
completely sick version with Page going off on his part and Trey just
building and building the ending up liike crazy. One of the best versions
I've ever heard.

Velvet Sea: Well played and a nice breath a fresh air after the AMAZING
Maze.

Hood: Almost every show I go to now, I hear this song. Nothing really
special about this version. The jam at the end seemed kind of short, but
all in all your typical well played Hood. Trey coments at the end that
they were glad to be back in Alabama and were having a better time then
they did last time thewere there. (94?)

The first set was tight, funky and just very well played in every song.
The Maze was the definite high point, but Wolfmans, Sally, Tube, and
Roggae were also great versions.

2nd Set: Farmhouse: Definite surprise to open up the set. I was expecting
Ghost, but this was the best Farmhouse I've heard out of the 6 I've heard
live. Trey added that little something extra to his solo tonight which was
just mesmerizing. I knew after this that the rest of the set was going to
be good.

Heavy Things: My first time hearing this one and I must say that I was
very impressed. I love the chorus to it and the groove is just so smooth.
Crowd seemed to get into this one.

First Tube: Another first and this just blew me away. What a song! This
really got the crowd fired up and Trey was just jumping up and down, just
really getting into it, which everyone there fed off on. There was some
feedback at the end of the jam that gave way to....

Tweezer: Hell yes! Hadn't heard this in a while and what a tight version
this was. The jam was pure phunk with Mike just going off. After 15 min of
just an amazing jam, it finally went into.....

Makisupa: Another song that I hadn't heard in quite awhile. Keyword was
"schwag". Nice long mellow jam with Trey messing around on the keyboard
some. Just wonderful.

Chalkdust: This version just simply ripped the place apart with trey
building it up at the end about 6 times and Chris just going berserk with
the lights. Completely crazy.

YEM: I called this one, being they haven't played it since Shoreline. This
version was just ......well, perfect. Composed part was flawless. Trey
almost fell off the trampoline after the first jump to the right, but
managed to hang on. The jam was THA SHIT! Just phunking it up all over the
place, especially Mike who took 2 start- stop solos and Trey 1 in the
middle of the jam. Then came the vocal jam which was completely crazy. You
could kind of hear them sing the chorus to Sweet Home Alabama, but it
wasn't really clear through all the other noises they were making. Best
version out of the 9 I've seen live

Encore: Halleys: Complete surprise. The vocals seemed kind of messed up
alittle, but I could be wrong. The jam was really short but thats ok
because it lead into.....

Tweezer Rep.: Typically blazing rendition.

What a show! Defenitily one of the best that I've ever seen. From top to
bottom almost every song was On and Tight. Defenitily get this tape tp see
what I'm talking about. See you at Hampton and Florida.


Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 17:27:10 +0200
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 9-28-99
 
        Well, I was not at this show, as I am in Spain at the moment
studying.
I got on the computer today and I saw the review posted by Garret.  I
respect the fact that you posted another review to back up your view of
the first set.  After seing 32 shows myself, I also believe that
sometimes a set just will not grab me.  By looking at the setlists of
this show, it definately looks incredible.  One of the best of the tour
so far, they took the energy of that show on to the Pyramid, where it
looks like they RAGED BALLS.  I just find it a little bit harsh to call
the first set from OAk MOuntain to be the worst first set ever.  Come on
now man, excellent song selection.  MAybe you had some exrtaneous
thoughts going through your head or maybe you were not in a good section
during the first set.  Trey did not give that little speech  because it
was a bad set, he was feeling good about the hood to close and I bet you
that the overwhelming majority fo the people there were also lovin it.
soemtimes it just happens that something will grap you that other�s are
not turned on by.  I�m glad that you got down to the second set, because
if you didn�t you would have wasted your money and your time.  I just
had to post my opinion on this one.  This past summer and in my shows,
I have seen some flat first sets and wolf mountain does not belong in
that category.  For example, the first set at the second night at PNC
was very boring, but in the second set they went nuts.  That is my best
example of a show in which the first and secodn sets were complete
opposites.  E0mail me at [email protected] if you want to drop me
some lines.  2 cents, Jedd

 
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 08:30:37 -0400
From: Glenn McGregor [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pelham
 
Show was intense!!! HIGH energy from beggining to end. Musically tight
not to mention the dazzle Kuroda gave us with the lights. It was like a
thousand snapshots (very VISUAL).
Haven't had a caring, sharing show in a while- people were just passing
pipes (very considerate for our less fortunate brothers and sisters) The
lot was wet but a cool buzz and some tasty tunes were all anyone needed!
Besides isn't the SHOW why we all came? Rain,wind, sleet or snow!!!!
By the way- that garrett guy SUCKS!!!!! Man he must be the anti-christ
of great shows! Could you have done better? Come on genious, tell us ALL
how it should have really went down! What's the problem, low serotonin
levels-problems at the home front? Lighten up!!!!!! Kuroda can help! GET
THE TAPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 21:35:44 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 9/28/99 Review
 
All I have to say is "Wow." I drove with some friends to Alabama from Emory
University in hopes of a good show, and I got more than I expected. Every
song was sick as all hell, from the wolfman's opener to the halleys encore,
the four men from vermont were on the ball and never dropped it down a notch
one bit.
Wolfman's-Tight funk, awesome opener, nothing spectacular, but fun all
around, great to get the juices flowing.
Sneakin-Holy shit, wanted to hear this and got to, progressed with the tight
funk that was seen in wolfmans, and got the whole crowd jumping and having a
good time, what placement!
Tube-My god, could this set be any better? Three phat ass songs to open the
show, this tube being much like the first two, funky and spacey, getting the
crowd swaying in a funk pace. Very good.
Ginseng Sullivan-Great song to sit down and burn. Needed this sit down break
and felt mighty fine when they busted out with
Roggae-Always fun to hear, its so sweet and serene, as Trey took this song
and ripped it up, from top to bottom, as the crowd watched in pure
astonishment while the band moved our souls like they always do. We were not
ready for
Maze-The sickest version i have EVER heard. My lord, this version was pure
spacey funk, with more energy than I have ever seen the band put on. Damn!
Wading-Love it. So nice, trey also tore this one apart and I was so happy to
hear
Hood-Holy god. The best i've ever heard, trey and the band took this to
another height, as they fooled around with the opening sequence for what
seemed like a half hour, and then a fun glowstick war ensued. Always fun to
hear. Great way to end the second set, as Trey talked to the crowd more than
I have ever heard him talk, saying that they were going to tear it up second
set. And boy did they.
Farmhouse-Unusual opener, but incredible nonetheless. Best I've heard.
Heavy Things-A first for me, wow, i loved it, and was dancing my ass off to
this song I had never heard before. Another first followed,
First Tube-Awesome. What can I say, Kuroda working the lights to perfection
as Trey jumped up and down with pure excitement, as the crowd joined in as
well.
Tweezer-I don't care what people say, i love this song. Its pure funk! How
can you not like funk?? It was sick as shit, I loved it, and the crowd
started clapping as the band segued into
Makisupa-Damn. Never heard it this funky. Mike took this one. It was sick.
Schwag. Ha!
Chalkdust-For those who were there, they will agree, this was the most power
packed chalkdust i have ever heard. Trey was totally into it, as the rest of
the band was, and the crowd was literally above the ground jumping the whole
time. I found myself screaming to the sky during this one, its true, can't
we
live while we're young???
YEM-What can you say? Bad as shit, mike tore it up, trey tore it up, page
tore it up, and fishman tore it up. All four of them made this song an
incredible closer, with a out of control vocal jam that included sweet home
alabama, wow!!!!
Halleys-Ha! I just laughed. I thought to myself, how could they make that
show any better? This is how. Not the longest version, but always a treat
since they play it all but twice a millenium! I was so happy, first halleys
and a great one, leading into what we were all expecting
Tweezer Reprise-I'll tell you that I would have rather heard the band jam
out
halleys somewhat more, but this song does close shows pretty well. Trey was
once again jumping around and pumping the crowd up, and it was the perfect
end to a perfect night.
Please get a tape of this show. You will love it, i promise. It was a sight
to see, and I can't wait to see their magic again!!

Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 10:37:16 +0000
From: John Hillhouse [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 9/28/99
 
My 3rd Phish show in 7 years. I do not, obviously, know much about Phish
and it took a free ticket to get me to Oak Mountain.
 
However, I do a little something about music and I can say the show was
rock and roll. There was a slow bit towards the end of the first set but
the rest was fun, fun, fun! Maybe it was because it was all new to me, I
could sing along with a few lines, but....
 
Just for those wondering, I will be back

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:22:47
From: Craig Beezley [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: alabamer review
 
yes!
i liked this show much better than the summer shows i saw.
and the first set sucked ONLY if you don't like Phish"super white boy 90s
funk band stylee".  i can understand, but i really do dig the psycho-funk.
so first set:
wolfman's
sally
tube
????
 
oh myyyyyy.  can you start a show any better?  well of course, but this is
close.
 
probably the best tube i've heard, and definately the best i've seen.
 
roggae: had some weird shit goin on that i will not try and describe.  not
normal, folks.  but good.
 
hood: the intro had one measure of complete and utter insanity.  i said
something to russell like, "that's the coolest thing they've ever done in a
hood"  very evil.  after the intro section the hood was very normal.
 
then i went insane.
 
second set was one of those:  the kind where you say it's the best shit
EVER, but the next day(today) realize it wasn't better than 11.23.97 or
11.21.97 or 11.20.97.  but either way, it was freakin makin my dotz take
full effect.
even farmhouse rocked.  i'm not shitting.
and i DON'T like chalkdust.
BUT--
BUT-- it was SOOOOO on and good i shit golden plutonium rubberbands.
 
and the tweezer was phenomenal.  went many places.
but the whole night belonged to
FIRST TUBE!!!!!!!!
 
FIRST TUBE!!!!!!!!
 
FIRST TUBE!!!!!!!!
 
love ya and viva las disco biscuits!!!
beez
[email protected]

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 23:47:33 -0400
From: Barrett Goodman [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pelham Phish Show
 
Reading these reviews just confirms my suspicions that many phans take too
many drugs.
 
Before I begin my brief review, let me make one last request.  If all you
care about is the drugs, please don't come see my band.  I have nothing
against personal freedom, and I certainly don't mind people getting high at
the shows, but if you aren't there for the music please stay home or go
somewhere else to escape your personal problems.  We true fans would
appreciate it.
 
I really liked the first set. It was actually very much like your typical
second set in jam structure. Tube was the highlight; it has been growing
very nicely since it's revival.  Maze was also nice. Maze is honestly one of
my least favorite Phish songs, but the musical mastery the band demonstrated
impressed even me!
 
I am compelled to complain, however, that Sneakin' is not a very good cover
song.  I know the guys have a great time playing it, but, even with the
extensions, I just don't buy it.  When I listen to a Ya Mar or an Also
Sprach, I forget that I'm listening to a cover because Phish has managed to
create a whole new identity for those songs.  I just don't get the same
feeling with Sneakin'.
 
Set Two was insane!  I'm all about the new songs...Trey has done it again!  
I am still suffering some confusion about 1st Tube and Last Tube.  I have
some tapes from Trey's spring tour labeling the Pelham song as Last Tube.  
Perhaps my stuff is wrong, but when they busted out last night I thought I
was listening to Last Tube.  Regardless, that song RAGED!  And Markisupa was
a lot of fun.
 
The low point of the show was Chalkdust.  I often find myself dreaming about
the day they stop playing Chalkdust every other show.  But those who are not
sick of that song got a special treat because of the energy that song
creates.  I remember my first show, I was all up on Chalkdust's tip.
 
Overall an above average show.


Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 22:43:24 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: phish in pelham!!
 
All I have to say is that whoever missed this show, is damn sucks for you.
By far the best phish show i have ever seen, not to mention the fact that it
was better than any mmw show, any dmb show, any panic show, well any show
period. It was cooler than any party I've been to, it was cooler than any
rave I've been to, it was cooler than the first time I saw the circus when I
was too, or the first I went to disney world when I was four. Last nights
show was the most awesome shit I have ever experienced. It was honestly the
best night of my life. Who would have thought, that in alabama, Phish would
even much less, bust out with harry hood or with the versions of tube, or
vocal jam that they did. Fucken halley's comet, what the hell? I can't
comprehend what I experienced, I don't understand why that shit's legal, I
just can't find the words to describe!!! All I can say is that I'll be on
tour and that I love Trey, I love Mike, I love Paige, and I love
Phishman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
WHO WOULD HAVE FUCKEN THOUGHT, HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!

chelsea


Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 19:27:06 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Alabamy
 
 
As me, Mac, Shadd and Emily all walked in to the ampitheatre that over
looked the city we heard the opening piano chords to Wolfman's....one of my
favorites cause you know your goin to hear a great jam....its also pretty
damn funky...after a nice wolfmans they paused, regrouped and broke into
more funk...sneakin sally....are you kiddin me....sally as a second
song....the feelin in the air was a great show was about to unravel our
brains....then "Astroid Crashed nothing burned, makes me
wonder"...Tube...another funk classic....but this one was really chilled out
with Trey on his keys makin some funky ass noises....they also put the loop
on....what next.... Ginseng, hey were in alabama and theirs a bunch on
yocals there.....everyone stopin around gettin down...its was a really nice
venue with alot of room to dance, then the breather song....Roggae, i like
the song and it gives you a chance to catch your breath....then bam fishman
kicks the high-hat beat to either maze or bowie but soon after that you hear
mike drop in with the base....one of the best mazes i have ever
heard....trey again fooled around on his keys....and the build ups were
amazin...at this time i felt that i was goin to explode cause i had to pee
so bad...perfect timing for Wading...i like the song but you cant really
groove to it....the bathroom were only about 40 yds aways so i could still
hear them clearly....i made it back before the song was over...man, what
could be next......the drums....are you kiddin me...a first set
hood....usually a show stopper...this song is one of the greatest ever
written....it can really move you....and as the saying goes..."ive never
heard a hood i didnt like"....so the first set ends with a huge
closer....what the hell were the boys thinking throwin all that stuff out
the first set....how are they goin to top that?...never question
phish....second set....were callin for a mikes groove....well the open with
farmhouse...a great song...then....HEAVY THINGS....the new jam my
friends....i love this song...i loved when trey did it on his tour and phish
always makes songs better....trey dances around the fretboard reminicing of
jerry on El Paso.....then they break out more funk....First Tube...another
new song to get down to....then....Tweezer....what are these guys
thinking....it was a weird funky tweezer....everyone just dancin their ass
off....asses everywhere on the ground...then at a chilled part of Tweezer
the clapping pops up again(in the car ride over to the venue, we all talked
about how people clap during the weirdest times...like when they did it
durin the beatiful part of hood) well the band decided to play off the
clapping....i thought i heard a mound coming cause i heard fishman kickin
the drums....but then nope....makisoopa....i havnt heard one since my first
show....always a treat....the phrase was "schwag"....so your now nice a
chill, tired and ready for anything....the blazing opening riff to
chalkdust...what are they tryin to do, kill me?....it was definatly the
closer...such a great build up, lights everywhere....the crowd just letting
it all hang out (especially the one kid groovin near me, he needed a
belt)....so im thinkin man....i hope i was right with my encore, but
wait...YEM...i dont know if i can handle it....i mean...come on...this show
is definatly a classic....well the funk breakdown by mike was on as
usual....that guy owns the bass... and trey had a nice little waw waw
solo...a good time was had by all...and page was just goin off all
night....well its time for the closer....me and shadd a prayin for a
halleys....its also emilys favorite song and her bday was the day
before.....mac figured a axis-bold as love... well they walk back out and
there it was....in plain jibberish....halleys comet....it was nice and laid
back....perfect ending...but then you got tweeprise to give you a nice kick
in the ass just provin that phish can come out on any given night and bring
down the house...well im sorry for all who couldnt be there...but hey i
enjoyed it for you...

enjoyourself and be safe,
berryman
ps thanks for readin this far....i appreciate it


Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 18:00:56 -0500
From: Fletcher Abele [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oak Mountain
 
Saw Phish last night for the second time in Birmingham last night. What
a great show. I consider myself a casual fan, but what a great
performance last night. The show was full of energy and Phish is as
tight as any band, at any time. I was pleased to see the band talking
among themselves critiquing each song, and paying special attention to
the crowd to see that they were having a good time. Also, thumbs up to
the crowd. I just saw Widespread for two nights at Oak Mountain and told
everybody I saw that the crowd was terrible, they were arrogant, rude,
and total asses. Phish fans should be proud of themselves, everyone
seemed to be polite and easy to deal with. Phish fans seem to understand
that the seat number on their ticket is the seat they should sit in.They
all wanted everyone to enjoy the show not just themselves. Hope
everyone, band included had fun in Birmingham, and please come back soon
 
Fletch

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 15:51:29 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish 9/28/99
 
My first Phish show was last night.  The rain didn't help much, and certain
sections of the lot were cleared off for God knows what (which left me
parking on the side of the road about a half-mile from the ampitheater), but
hey, Phish was playing tonight, so nothing was gonna dampen my spirits. The
rain stopped just before the boys hit the stage at 7:55 with a nice
Wolfman's opener.  This song helped to set the groove for the whole evening.
Sneakin' Sally was next.  I had never heard this song before (including
others from the show), but I did enjoy it.  The crowd was dancing like crazy
on this one.  The next song was Tube.  I don't remember much from this one
since I'd never heard it before, but I do remember it being very
funk-oriented.  Ginseng was a good bluegrass tune that the crowd loved.
Roggae, a tune off the new album, was done really well.  I've grown to like
this song a lot over time, and the short jam that followed was real nice.
After that, Mike hit the opening bass for Maze, and the crowd went nuts.  A
monster jam ensued.  Page's solo was close to perfection, and Trey's guitar
work was phenomenal.  The beautiful Wading in the Velvet Sea was next.
Trey's solo could've brought a tear to my eye if it had been played longer.
But next was Harry Hood, which had everyone going wild.  The glowstick war
during this one was such fun to watch, too.  Trey then closed the set by
saying how happy he was to be back in B'ham after such a long absence. Set
two started off with Farmhouse, a really nice number, but not one that I
would've selected to open the set.  Heavy Things was next -- another first
time hearing -- and it seemed to be really good. Just a little jamming in
both of these tunes, but not much.  First Tube was great!!  Trey and the
band were totally in synch during this one, and the momentum slowly built
things up to a magnificent standpoint.  The boys then cut into Tweezer, not
one of my favorite songs, but I knew it was good for exploratory jamming,
which the band did gracefully.  The jam lasted about 15 minutes before
seguing into Makisupa, a cool reggae tune, where the keyword ("schwag") made
the crowd go nuts.  Chalkdust was next, and this was probably the most
rocking song I've ever heard.  The solo went on for awhile and Trey kept
building and building it up --- thought it'd never end (too bad it DID).  A
long overdue YEM closed out the set, and it was just flawless.  During
Page's solo, Trey and Mike had some fun on the trampolines, although
afterwards, Trey's solo seemed a little lacking -- not really going places
like he did during Chalkdust and Maze. The vocal jam was awesome!  Sweet
Home Alabama tease was kinda expected, and Kuroda's lightwork during this
was incredible! The encore was Halley's Comet.  I was sorta half-listening
to this one and kinda hanging out by the exit door so I could be ready to be
the first out of the lot once the show ended so I don't have much to say
about this song. Tweezer Reprise followed -- another given, played in its
old-fashioned glory.
 
Well, after leaving my first show, I can say that I'm thoroughly impressed
and hungry for more.  The highlights were Harry Hood, Maze, Chalkdust, and
YEM.  But one last thing, guys -- don't wait another 5 years before coming
back.

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:12:56 -0500
From: Nuclear Ned [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish at Oak Mountian 99

Man this show was unbelievable. How anyone could say the first set lacked
energy must have been in the bathroom during Tube. The way the band jammed
from one tune to the next with mind boggling efficiency left me with a
melodic overload that I have not had since my last phish show, last year
in Atlanta. Trey has a mastery of the guitar that others must dream over.
Mikes phat bass lines are the stuff of legend. Not to mention the amazing
drumming of Jon and piano work my Page. Harry Hood and Maze kicked ass..
especially considering the flying glow sticks made one hell of an image.
Chalkdust Torture totally kicked my ass and left me wanting more and
Tweezer reprise satisfied me fully. The only regret is that the parking
lot scene is not nearly as good as its been at other shows. Wheres the
damn Sammies!!


[email protected]

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:47:05 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 9-28-99 review

This was a very phatty show, especially the 2nd set which was very mind
blowing compared to a not as stellar but still nice 1st set. It was
Phish's first show in Alabama in almost 5 years and it rained for most of
the 2nd set
 Wolfman's and Sneakin' Sally started off set 1. They weren't too long but
were excellent appetizers. Then came Tube. Tube started with a slow and
very heady low key funk and then evolved into an excellent groove. Ginseng
was pretty much average and Roggae was very smooth. Maze was the best song
in the 1st set. It was very long and ohh so jammy. It was excellent.
Wading is one of my least favorites so it was kind of a let down after the
bitchin' Maze. A average Hood closed out the set
 Farmhouse and Heavy Things were definitely on point. 1st Tube was groovin
as it always does. Then came one of the best Tweezers I've heard. It was
ultra long and full of thick jams which were candy to the ear.Makisupa
with shwag being the keyword set the crowd off and it was a very fun tune
to say the least. Chalkdust followed and it was super long and super
phatty. By this point in the show I didn't think it could get any better
but man did they prove me wrong. YEM was absolutely great. Mike really
shined on this one as he played not one but two excellent start/stop
solos. The vocal jam was the icing on the cake. A totally insane "Sweet
Home Alabama" was the most memorable part. I can't wait to hear ot on
tape. The rain continued to come down and the crowd was going crazy. For
the encore Haley's and the Tweezer reprise was excellent and the band
really seemed to be enjoying the crowd. This was great and one of the best
shows i've seen in a while. Only downer was I had a fever and was sick(the
rain didn't help) but Phish is probably the closest thing to cure
sickness.


Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 00:35:24 PDT
From: Peter Harrison [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 9/28/99 Review
 
Just got home from the show at Oak Mountain.  I think everyone there was in
agreeance that this show was a monster in every facet.  Wolfman's (not too
long, but great nonetheless), Sneakin' Sally (Oh yea, baby!), and Tube
(super smooth and low key funk which lasted probably 10 min), the heaviest
of funk to start?  What more do you want?  Roggae was a total beauty, and
Maze was totally rippin'- long and a wild ass jam.  Farmhouse really doesn't
bother me (I hated it and thought it was a joke when I first saw it on
Conan, but I love it now, no matter how many times I see it).  1st
Tube-always greeeaaaat, ultra sick Tweez-slow and smooth, Makisupa w/ schwag
keyword, ultra long and super broken down with phatty bass and Trey on keys
and guitar making the space.  Chalkdust was totally ragin' tonight, and
totally kicked my ass before the YEM.  YEM was perfect, and then came the
funk with a phased-to-the-max bass rips by mike, this funk got dirty to the
bone!!!  Two start/stop style solos for Mike to lay it dawn, and one for
Trey made for a good conclusion.  The vocal jam featured a very obscure
singing of the chorus to Sweet Home Alabama, the perfect way to include this
all too predictable song into the show, the rest of the vocal jam was nutz!
Halley's was a total treat for the Encore.  What more can I say.  This is
the best show I've ever seen, and I've been saying that for three nights
now.  I don't see what could have made this show any better (barring that
they ever play Destiney or something again).  I have never heard a crowd
this loud or this into it, despite the large frat population there.  OUT OF
THIS WORLD!!!


Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 12:02:41 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 9/28/99 Review
 
This show smoked from top to bottom. Sally?? Tube?? Maze was SICK...leaving
you thinking "OK, that's it for the 1st set"..then comes Velvet Sea (ahh
what a pretty song) followed by a very intense Hood w/ glowsticks. 2nd set
was great. Loved hearing another Heavy Things, First Tube. Trey was going
nuts all night. 

Call Birmingham what you will...I'm proud to say I'm from Alabama. Though
I've been to shows all over, the energy in Oak Mountain this night was not
to be bottled up & blew New Orleans (another reunion for the boys since Jazz
Fest) off the map. The crowd last night was far more into it than I've seen
in a fews shows. B-ham can get down like the rest of them. Obviously Trey
thought so, giving his lengthy appreciation to end the 1st set.


Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 12:09:52 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: PHISHININTHEPARK
 
I didn't think Phish would out do the 2-night Panic run at Joke Mountain,
but JESUS!!!!!! That was a treat to everyone, even if there was a large frat
population, as the impish gentleman just mentioned in the preceeding review.


Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 03:06:37 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Pelham, AL
 
Redneck Red Rocks produced a soggy show in which the first set pretty much
sucked and the second set completely kicked ass.

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 13:17:45 -0400
From: Robert Francis [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Redneck Red Rocks (Pelham, AL)
 
I agree with [email protected]. First set was slow. Seemed like there was
very little energy. Second set was
FFFFFFFFFFIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE! Need I say more!
 
[email protected]

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 14:38:20 -0400
From: kasey kovalcik [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: oak mountain review?

what kind of idiot is garretph to say that the first set sucked?  and
then the 2nd set completely kicked ass?  .  how can you like a band so
much but say that one of their sets sucked?  come on.

kasey

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 15:33:15 -0700
From: Ryan Martin [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oak Mtn.

1st set sucked??? One of the stronger 1st sets I've seen in quite awhile.
What was there not to like?  Hood?, Tube?, Maze?... I mean shit. What
were you hoping for- Living La Vida Loca? 

Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 16:46:42 -0700
From: Gerald O'Neil [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: oak mountain
 
this show was the shit!  for anyone that said 1st set was slow I think your
nuts.  What was lacking?  tell me the last time you heard all those
incredible songs in one night.  people got a topnotch show from start to
finish Thanks guys for a great time p.s.  whoever that asshole was with the
boy scout hat on.  DONT PUSH GIRLS.


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