General oswego thoughts
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Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 23:23:59 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: july 99 at Oswego
I cruised up to Oswego last year in july of 99 to see my first Phish show,
with a bunch of my friends. Excited? Hell yeah!! I was an average phan
but definately appreciated some of the recent boots that i heard on disc from
friends. After the first night I wasn't really impressed and have to say
that there was way to many e heads there all at once and i think it took away
from the vibe. I'll bet you those cats on stage weren't on the same level as
most of you the 17th, and bet it was the reason for there misfiring that
night. Anyway i didn't have all that much fun the first night and went into
the next day thinkin that i had better see some shit or else this whole
phish thing is a pharce and i had wasted some serious cash on this journey
from philly. Well see some shit i sure did. Amped and ready, i strolled in
to the left side(facing the stage) with some really really hot girlfriends of
mine. About 50yds out we got relaxed and then next thing we knew the boys
were on stage, absolutley blowin the joint out with Punch You In The Eye. I
had never in my life heard this song and couldn't believe my ears. I was in
awe of not just the sound, or quality of musicianship, but the amazing
feeling that came over all of us. I flipped every time trey threw his fist
in the air. It's safe to assume i was feeling a little cumfy in my
disposition, mosly because the whole atmosphere was just so beautiful. Did
anyone else see what i saw in the sky that day. If you had shades on you
might have caught a better glimpse of it. Some of you know what i am talkin
about.
Well, the first set was amazing, i was having the time of my life. I didn't
know this band called phish was gonna make me dance like that. Anyway the
set ended and the second came and we were all just havin the best time. By
the way, to the person who wrote in about the balloons being let go during
Free. You thanked the dude who did it but i thank you because you reminded
me of that and it was one of the most beautiful, and dynamic simplicities i
have ever seen, the way they just slowly drifted into the sky as if the
balloons were controlled by the music and weren't in any hurry to leave.
Awesome!! However, the end of the song wasn't as beautiful as the beginning.
Why is that? Well, near the end i started to see things in the sky, due to
a certain type of fungai that i accidently swallowed a whole lot of that fine
day. I started to feel like we were all on camera and maybe some beings
from somewhere else were watching us as if we were in a movie or something.
I was sure of it when i bent down to talk to my girlfriends and they were
trying to decide if "Amy" had pissed her pants or not. Seriously, she sat
there laughing, trying to figure out if she pissed her pants or not. Anyway
they were talking to me and something really strange had happened. I couldn't
hear them. I couldn't hear a thing. All i could hear was trey rippin
through free, and nothing else. I had basically lost my hearing. So the
show was great up until that point when i lost my hearing. Well put it this
way, i got so far into the music that it took over my body, mind and ears. I
could hear the music but i couldn't hear anybody's voice when they were
talkin to me. So when all of you thought you were making history with the
meatstick dance, i was the cat storming out of there with my hands covering
my ears, lookin really concerned. Thought i was going deaf for good. Did you
see me? Yeah that sucked!!! But when i got away from it all i was able to
listen to the third set from the campgrounds, near those nasty ass toilets.
I loved that trey dropped some knowledge on the crowd. Loved it, absolutely
loved it.! Ears are better now, and since that day i have slowly become what
some people call a hardcore phish head. Went to see them at the ecenter on
7/03/00. Got pissed on, and if you were there you know what i'm talkin
about. 2nd set was funkier than a bulldog's ass. The atolope and bathtub
gin were a godsend. Well that's my story. If you read this far i thank you
for listening. Cheers!
george
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 14:46:10 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: re: concern from a phan
Remember the Days
As I watch time go by
there are many things on my mind
Good times and bad
don't ever be sad
days will come and go
But for now just remember Oswego
hot summer days under the sky
inside the tent or up all night high
who could've guessed
the long journey was great
you and I know it was something we ate
chuckles and giggles and laughing much more
I can't explain how it felt
but you must go on tour
necklaces, drugs, dresses galoure
everything here will make you want more
So good luck to the phish heads
you see along the way
We will see you again on New Years Eve day.
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2000 20:15:31 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: oswego
It was great!!!!!!!!!!!! The hotness was a little disturbing but now that i
look back, i miss it. The 3 dollar bags of ice and water was bullshit. haha.
But i love phish so i dont care. This wasnt my first show, but one of my
best. peace
J.G.
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 21:51:10 -0800 (PST)
From: Erin O'Day [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review of oswego
Hey! This was my first Phish show ever, and what else can I say, but
WOW!!! I didn't listen to them much before I went to this concert, but
they definitely grew on me. It was kinda hectic at first, people telling
us we couldn't park here, we couldn't camp there, etc. Then we got an
awesome spot! Not too far from the shakedown and one of our friends
brought his turntables and a generator. That weekend was probably one of
the greatest weekends of my life. I'd have to say i'm definitely hooked on
phish. It was so cool to meet all these people who were there just to have
a good time, and make sure everyone else did along the way. We met up with
some people from Oregon-Drea, Heather and Seany....we took a pic with
them, but it didn't turn out, and we never got their addresses...so if you
guys are reading this...get a hold of me!!!!! (Erin and Ben) Anyways, i
drove all the way out to NY from Wisconsin, to see someone, but then we
drove to oswego. Honestly, this is the first time i'd ever really
experienced something this cool. Although the heat was almost unbearable,
i don't think anyone really cared. But it was crazy how they kept running
out of water. And on the second day, it was cool when they left the water
tank going and made mudslides into the ditch at the bottom of the hill,
and the fireworks were great. I definitely want to see more phish shows.
Anyways, just had to give you my input on one of the greatest experiences
of my life! These guys are awesome!
Erin
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 19:26:13 -0400
From: John M. Nichols [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: MALLEXPO'S Oswego Review
Mad props and snaps to Pete Hunsberger (whoever you are). Too bad a
good guy like you couldn't make it. When I first heard Phish in Summer
of 1992, I was in my buddy's car and "Wedge" came on the mix that was
playing. I had never heard music like this before, and so--my
curiousity spiked and tastes tempted--I bought "Picture of Nectar"
(didn't need "Rift" because my older brother owned it, just that I'd
never heard it before). I spent most of my sophomore year of high
school listening to "Tweezer Reprise" over and over and over. My Phish
collection expanded slowly, sampling one album at a time. Surprisingly,
the more I listened to Phish (live or studio) the more I found myself
falling in love with their music. In July of 1994 my best friend and I
drove 6 hours from home to Boston. We saw the second night of the Great
Woods stint. That place was like nothing I'd ever seen before. The
band came on and I noticed this warm, inspiring, flowing, beyond-words
feeling running through my body. Then the second set opened, and I'm
thinking "What the fuck?! [turned to my buddy] Is this the song from
that movie '2001'?" The smile on my face was miles long, as I realized
that Phish was more than just another band. These guys were doing
something that they loved, and loved doing it. All you had to do was
listen to the sound coming out of their instruments to know that Phish
was unique, original, enjoyable, inspiring, and special. Seven years
after being introduced to Phish, my love for their music has grown at an
exponential rate. They and their music remain special to me, and I know
that they and the music always will. So, MALLEXPO, if you don't like
the way "Treydog" does things, go ahead, hold it against the whole band,
hold it against the beautiful music they make. Bitch about it all you
want. Be "saddened" by it if you choose. Stay home and don't go to
shows, if you'd be happiest doing that. I'm not going to say that
people like you ruin the experience for people like me, because you
truly don't. It's not about this or that for me. For me it's about the
music. It has always been about the music,and it will always be about
the music. When I am at a Phish performance I am a very happy guy. Few
things in life make me happier. Does that mean my life is empty without
Phish? If Phish ceased to be (as we know them), or if they never
existed at all, I would be listening to some other band. I have seen
something truly special in this band, and I am glad that the rest of the
world has the opportunity to share it. Keeping this band to yourself,
as your own secret would be a crime. I have a great, burning passion
for the music that these four guys play. I love it. I will always love
listening to Phish. To the band: Thank you for what you have given to
us all. Keep doing what you love guys.
Date: Sun, 22 Aug 1999 16:56:35 PDT
From: Erin Delaney [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: the oswego review page
To everyone: I highly enjoyed every bit of this show from the ice lines,
to the 110 degree temperature, to the "$3" water bottles(all the one's I
bought were $1). And who really cares how many times Phish has played a
song in one tour...why can't you just enjoy it? I mean i really don't see
what you people have to b@tch about. The tunes were great and everyone
was peaceful for a weekend. All I'm sayin is: Just love it! IT'S PHISH!
One of the greatest bands that ever lived!!!
~erin~
Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 12:41:55 -0400
From: Thomas Hartnett [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: ny show 99
this was only my second time ive seen phish, and my first summer camp
out thing. it was so much fun, and they played a lot of songs i was
hoping for like dwd, wilson, gin, reba but when they played icculus it
was just amazing it made me feel great, and it was hilarious. trey was
talking about the book and then making fun of mtv which was great and
then he started signing "read it" then jam "rad the book" it was great.
and then there was the meatstick, one of the funniest things happened
during the break after trey said to get ready for it. i was with my
friend on the lawn area and there was this little man dressed in a tiger
outfit sitting on this 10 foot high fence and he says "are you guys
ready for the meatstick" or something like that, and then he asked if
anyone knew how and people got up and started doing the meatstick with
him, it was awesome, reminded me of chesire cat in Alice in Wonderland.
anyway, when they playing bathtub gin it was fun, when they were jamming
trey moved it up and octave and played it fast, it was a great sound.
lets see, i also saw this guy walking around dressed like
obie-won-canobie and he was carring around this glowing light saber, i
just had so much fun and it was a great experience, i cant wait till
fall tour.
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 1999 20:23:03 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Volney
I just got back from Oswego. I look back at the past two days and two lucid
thoughts appear in my head. First, about 75% of the songs that were played
in the last two days I had already heard 2-4 times this tour. Second, from
where I was standing both nights, which was right across from the Ben &
Jerry's, the crowd seemed "dead." Although most people were dancing, they
seemed like they were zombies coerced into moving their bodies with the
beat.
However, everything prior and after the both shows was a positive
experience I will remember for a while.
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 1999 19:35:31 -0500
From: David Delmonico [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego
Just a comment about the catapult, there was also a "underpressure"
tease tease/jam during the trey dialog.
Later
Chris
Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999 00:17:33 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: an oswego thought...
Been out of town for two weeks with this delayed thought, couldn't help but
re-review TMWSIY after icculus the second night. The parallels of
gamehendge and the oswego show are way too spooky this time. The "divided
sky" (the green and concert area), division of peace and harmony vs.
avarice and greed, yadda, yadda, yadda. We need to regain control of the
"book's" philosophy and restore the peace and harmony for which we seek at
these festivals and not fall prey to avarice, greed, theivery, trash...
Look at "rome-stock's" fiery outcome. The evolution of these gatherings
over the last four years and the TMWSIY seem close to a self-fulling
prophecy. time to gain control of "the book" and restore the beauty of the
music, the community, and the peace.
..But Icculus had warned Forbin, up there on the mountain, that "all
knowledge seeming innocent and pure
becomes a deadly weapon in the hands of avarice and greed..."
Something to ponder...
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 13:45:03 -0400
From: Greg Broxterman [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.music.phish
Subject: you DO need to read more OSWEGO thoughts :)...
hey everyone, just got back, yadda yadda yadda...
this is going to be long, but i'll try to stick to things i haven't
seen anyone else mention.
a good little old-school disclaimer.. this was my 20th show, jumped on
the wagon late 95, have a large collection. went with 6 friends, many
of them newbies, had a great time except for the heat. my first show
of this tour.
we arrived around 6am saturday.. the line to get in was a little long
as you'd expect, nothing unbearable. getting out was a breeze.. i was
amazed (we left around 11am mon)
the porta-potties were definitly more than adequate.. and i thought
the water was too, contrary to much of the complaining i've seen. it
was hard to get near the actual stagegrounds, but back by the camps it
was abundant. also, i think this was the first summer festival thingie
during which you were actually allowed to LEAVE the grounds and
return! i'm pretty sure this was unprecedented. we took advantage of
this opportunity sunday morning to stock up on ice, gas, and even get
cheap food that we didn't have to cook! so ice WAS cheap & available,
you just had to know where to look. :)
one final comment before getting to the music.. this WAS a festival. i
remember reading about how there were trying to scale this one down a
little to allow time for planning NYE, that's why they didn't name it,
etc. but there was an area called the green that had everything we've
come to expect from these summer festival gigs.. tons of crazy crap to
look at! some guy was carving wood in the middle- given the other art
around him and the safety people pretty much guarding the area, i
thought we were looking at something akin to the 'wheel's candles or
the went's wooden art pieces. WRONG! :)
so finally to the music: day one set one******************************
TUBE to open? you can't jump into the music much faster than that..
snare crack and it's all over! had a nice little jam on it to keep it
from falling into the only-nice-cause-it's-a-good-open category.
BOOGIE on was similar in that it was a nice song choice with a nice
little jam.
nice nice nice.. nice was to end, though, with the
BIRDS. i'd heard this song has begun to break out of its 98 slumpiness
this year, but i was a bit skeptical. that was all washed away,
though, with this good-sized jam that was pretty original to my ears..
definitly carried me a few places.
GUELAH was great.. haven't seen this one since 96! :) i was a little
bummed b/c i was pretty far back and couldn't see the stage, so i knew
i'd miss the dance :( i think the sound was actually better where i
was, though.. they all came through REALLY clearly.. even page & mike.
i was eating the mike up. (c: anyway, some overdosed? girl came
walking by vomitting everywhere right before the asse festival.. so i
had to listen hard and let the compostion carry me back into the
music.. thanks, guys.
MY SWEET ONE my first, i think. can never tire of ewe a you, can you?
ROGGAE someone let out around 100 purple and yellow balloons during
this one.. i think i read of something similar from- what was it- 98
halloween's roggae? anyway, it was wonderful, especially since i
couldn't really watch the stage much anyway.
during the jam, the band slipped into one of those tripped-out
patterns for a few bars.. don't think i've ever heard that in a roggae
before.. emily and i looked at each other like WTF, and saw it as a
foreshadowing of some composed-sounding, trippy-pattern-based jamming
to come. so when
TWEEZER started up, i thought we were in store for a sick, evil jam.
they took the jam a few places, seemingly searching for their magical
tangent. the music didn't really go to the "evil" place i expected it,
however, it was much more soothing-like. finally, trey caught onto one
soothing note to repeat and repeat until the whole band mellowed down
to
HAVE MERCY yes!!!!! this song shows up in the middle of so many of my
favorite jams (94 kent state disease, aug93's antelopefest).. i was
eating it up.
TASTE i thought there was a segue into this, but can't remember for
sure. a lot of taste's lose me, although i occasionally find one i can
really dig into. well, this is my favorite ever now. maybe it was b/c
everyone was so well mixed, but i thought all of the parts blended
together exceptionally well for this particular performance.
everyone's part seem to clash so much with each other, it's hard for
this song to meld well. but at oswego, it seemed like they were all
fighting for prominence in the overall sound, creating beautiful
tension and an outstanding version of the song.
the tension carried through into the jam, which featured a lot of what
i was expecting from tweezer after that bit in roggae. just when i was
starting to think of the best-ever category, i think there was a big
flub in the climax. maybe it was just supposed to be different..
anyway, it was a *tad* off. regardless, taste was easily the highlight
for me of the first day.. and remember, i'm not a taste person.
CHAR ZERO don't remember much of this, i was just coming down from
taste... :) :) :)
******************************
set 2- we moved up much closer, and were right below the right
speakers. a good move, as we really got the full effect of the blazing
aspect of what was to come.
FUNKY BITCH son seals was the only act i caught from the 2nd stage. we
walked through the green during their soundcheck, and when they
started, we thought the sax player, who was front and center stage,
was son. :) i was thinking, i *thought* was played guitar.. (c: image
how surprised we were when son came out after three songs. he would
lead the jams with that band by pointing at musicians to take solos,
so i was expecting the same when he took the stage with phish. let me
tell you now, this guy can *belt* out those lyrics! mike's singing on
this song will sadly always be in a shadow now. i mean, his "EV'ry
time i see her" would just knock you on your ass! as i expected, he
gave page two solos via "the point". there was also a point when
everyone began to clap along with the jam, which i loved, after
hearing seals ask for a "good old gospel clap along" during his 2nd
stage set- i bet he loved it! very fun.
SOUTHERN FRIED->BLUES OUTTRO i was glad they kept seals out for
another number, although i kept hearing lots of trey's familiar funky
bitch licks in the jam. maybe that's why some people were calling it a
bitch reprise. fun, nonetheless. i haven't seen anyone mention that
son gave trey a big hug before leaving the stage.
DOWN WITH DISEASE what a monster. my friends and i were very tired at
this point, it was getting hard to get everything out of the music.
during almost the entire disease, i was extremely impressed by
fishman's relentless pounding. i'm convinced trey would have happily
led the band out much earlier if jon wasn't kicking everyone's asses
to hard the whole time. not that i see trey as mr leader/director man,
i just think he was trying to keep up with the intensity at times.
mike was right there with jon too.. they were completely locked
together. at one point, trey did the little mouth-sing-as-you-solo
guitar solo routine... there was just so much in this disease.
left us completely exhausted, so i was glad to hear
WOLFMAN'S .. which actually served as the cool-down song. very low,
tight.. you could tell they were re-grouping, yet staying locked on
track the whole while. the jam was a bit unique.. not the
all-out-funkified 97 type. at this point i was so tired, i didn't even
recognize the
SNEAKIN SALLY coming on. i love when trey sings the "sneakin thru the
alley with sally" line while page sings the "sneakin sally thru the
alley" line. (no other recollections.. too tired)
TIMBER ah one of my favorites.. such original, spooky jams often come
out of this one.. and oswego's was no exception. had a little trouble
enjoying it, though, as mr 8ft giant in front of me was intent on
doing his 10 person area/elbow to inch in front of your face dance. i
really can't complain, though, as this was the *only* annoying person
around me the whole weekend.
after the looooong disease, i had no idea how much time was left for
the set, and was expecting a short closer. it seems everytime you
expect that, you get a
YEM no matter how tired, you always have to give it up for this one.
don't remember much besides the nice harmonzing vocal jam (nice light
coordination!)
COIL was a beautiful choice encore. glowsticks during coil? i think we
should keep the glowsticks a little rarer to preserve some degree of..
specialness. i'm not sure, but they (glostix) seemed to lead the band
into a little full-band jam at the end. i was really surprised that
they all finished together without a page solo. felt like they were
tired too.
TWEEZER REPRISE was a great energy boost to get us back to the tents.
highlights for me where birds, actually (surprised me) and
twzr->mercy->taste. i'll have to hear that second set again when i
have some energy.
day two, set one******************************
we were pretty far back again, on the left instead of the right this
time (ahh.. grass is softer than concrete). we were still walking up
when they started..
PUNCH always gets me excited to hear a set
FARMHOUSE love this song, not as different as i expected from what i'd
heard. fishman still on the cowbell, negligible new opening part,
fewer trey effects i think.
WATER always a sucker for the cowbell :)
GIN had a long jam that i never really got into. maybe i'm just
spoiled by all of the great 98 versions. also i was pretty moody
during this set. so when del mccoury came out, i sat down to hang out
a bit with my friends, who had been lying down for much of the set,
tripping their balls off (ok, i guess i was a bit too..)
in regards to everyone's comments on the drugged-out scene etc..
admittly, an all-weekend festival is quite an ideal place to do
drugs.. what responsibilities to you have there? it does detract from
the scene a bit though.. i'm sure lots of people go there for the
drugs much more than the music. you don't get the same vibe that this
is everyone there's favorite band, but hopefully you can still get
that from the smaller, usual 2set shows. i mean, there are a *lot* of
people there, they can't all be die-hards. it's just different, and
i'm glad i'm catching several smaller shows this summer. although they
don't have the giant marshmellows on sticks. 8]
del's not really my bag, though i do have to respect his band.. just
wasn't in the mood, and CALL ME IF YOU NEED A FOOL has to be my most
disliked song they play right now. i do enjoy BEAUTY, though.. it's
one of my favorite bluegrass songs they do.
MOMA i thought it was funny to place this after talking about "the
other dance". trey told us about meatstick and to "get ready for it",
to which we all chuckled. moma was nice loooow sleepy funk, which just
makes the soaring notes later that much better.
REBA well it was beautiful, what do you expect? :) i think this one
was called up b/c of time of day. the clouds in the sky were just
starting to get their pinks and yellows going.. it was breathtaking.
mostly a fractal-looking grid of small thin square clouds.. but there
was one giant mountain-looking cumulous cloud behind us and to the
left.. if you were there, you know which one i'm talking about! sorry
i don't have many reba comments, but i think more people there were
talking about that cloud than the reba. :)
CHALKDUST especially after reba, really got me back into the mood to
hear a lot more phish. this song never fails to amaze me in how much
it differs from performance to performance. this was no
textbook-chalkdust.. it was unique and smoked.
set two ********************** the chalkdust put me in a really good
mood.. i was ready for a loooooooong jam, delivered pefectly by
RUNAWAY JIM i don't think they could have made a better choice. such a
fun positive-sounding song.. and another *huge* jam. this is one of my
favorite kinds of jams, too, when they go to a place, define it/play
around in it, and then find somewhere else and do the same. like
gulliver's travels... except with a dog instead. i remember there was
one funk-filled place that was visited, and the next, distinct from
the previous, had a bit of funk, but served as a nice transition into
the next (non-funk) place. i know that's a shakey description, but i
think it'd be impossible to remember all the styles touched on on this
jim.. just trying to give you an idea. can't remember if there was a
segue, but
FREE definitly had it's little build-intro come out of the jim
remnants. gorgeous free, another of my favorite, the vocals really
soar. they went into their funk-type jambreak that i was first
introduced to last summer in columbus. it crawled around nicely, and
even (yes!) left the strictly free jam type of sound for a while.
aaaahhh. when we finally came back to realize we were back in the
blimp, you just got that feeling that it had all been wonderful, but
now we were on our way. :^)
MEATSTICK ah yes, there it is. this song has matured nicely from the
outtakes version.
i've read about all the low participation, but almost everyone i could
see from my way-far-back position was doing it. maybe because it was
less crowded back there? anyway, i'm not much of a dancer either, but
you have to give it up for them, how much have they done for you? it's
just so funny to even just say "meatstick". :)
GUYUTE i've read lackluster reviews of this too.. but i loved it. when
i saw this last fall in cincinnati, it seemed to have a
just-another-guyute feel to it, but this one was definitly infused
with the we-just-broke-a-world-record feeling. the climax was *so*
triumphant.. and i don't think trey usually goes that high with the
theme before going into the last verse. great song choice.
AXILLAMA you gotta love this song choice, just because the names can
overlap like that. :) i'm really happy with axilla's placement, i
think it's hard for them to pull this song off.. it has such a *big*
sound, it's easy for it to get thin and really fall short. but you
could tell they were riding such a high, it came out huge!
i was really hoping they wouldn't play the pt.II ending, they were
surging and a cooldown would have killed it. itstead they kept it
right up there with the maniacal llama. not your
giant-kills-everything-in-its-path llama like the one from the great
went, but a great set closer nonetheless
set 2.. during setbreak i related most of the gamehenge saga to a
friend (i always get the ending messed up..), and when i explained
about forbin going to see icculus, i felt compelled to just say
icculus's name several times... said "i just have to say icculus many
icculus times icculus" no shit.. i couldn't believe when they broke
into it. one of *those* moments. :) :)
MY SOUL completely crept up on us. i'm surprised no one's mentioned
this.. i've always heard this song fully strummed out from the first
chord.. but trey kind of snuck into the riff, if you know what i mean.
*great* my soul.. and it's not overplayed anymore.. you naysayers
should take a fresh look at this one.
PIPER wow. my first was the beautiful 12-6-97 piper, and it's been
*really* hard for another to live up to it. so many of the 98 pipers
were getting pretty standard, and i think this song loses so much of
its weight with predictability. i was *yearning* for some heavy metal
phish, ala carini, hahaha, bbfcfm, or the like, and it actually
started coming out of piper! this version is very unlike any other
i've heard. and for all of you out there who like to judge a set by
its flow.. this piper actually picked up where my soul left off, and
brought us around perfectly for the wilson to come, but first eased
down into a nice original
PRINCE CASPIAN i think this is a good song that only need a little bit
of originality each time it's played to keep it from dragging. this
one was different enough for me to enjoy. so it dies down in the end,
and they kick it back in, right? nope.. it dies down, and then there
were these weeeeeee little, barely played notes...
WILSON ah, i knew i'd get my metal fix from this one, with the
recently added middle jam, but i had no idea... this song was possibly
the most fun i had all weekend. the wilson metal jam was just starting
to sound a little too stripped-down repetitive, and then we found out
why.. they were laying a groundwork for
CATAPULT my first.. i thought (especially w/have mercy) my rare-song
quota had been taken care of here. *love* this little ditty.. and with
them harmonzing it over a thick-ass crunchy chord... bliss bliss. then
there's the old, where do they go from here? feeling.. expecting to
settle back down into wilson. heh heh.
ICCULUS ah.. goosebumps just typing it. trey in *rare*rare*rare* form
here, people. at first it annoys me that some might take his diatribe
seriously... "ooo ooo ooo! what is trey's opinion?!?"... and then it
just makes me bust out laughing. ooooooo... he's sooooooo serious! :)
i'm not going to go into what he said, you should either wait to hear
it or get a full transcription.. do NOT settle for fragments! i read
someone say it was a "standard" or "typical" icculus. what? :)
("though rare"..) so it was very funny, but you knew that. definitly
beats out some other icculii i've heard even.
afterwards, trey introduces the band, paul & chris. i haven't read
this elsewhere- fishman immediately follows the intro's with a
quickly-spoken disclaimer-style "johnpaluska:manager" man, like i
wasn't on the ground laughing already.
and you know, as jaded as a i was starting to feel before this show, i
was laughing through so much of the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th sets. i love
these guys- they crack me up. i don't remember which song it was in,
but one jam had a VERY circus-like short little segment in it. the
circus--- THE CIRCUS, PEOPLE! whether it's fishman mimicing/mocking
the little riff trey just played on a high tom, or a mid-jam drop to a
completely different soung on a dime, this band makes me laugh more
than any other ever. when it comes down to it, *that* is what makes
this my favorite band.
oh yeah.. there were a couple more songs. mike asked for QUINN, so i
got *another* first. fun song, but i was never a deadhead, so it
doesn't hold that special-place-in-my-heart feeling as it does for
some. but it's *still* a fun song.
FLUFFHEAD was as someone else said, a cherry on top. always surprised
how much versions of this differ, given how composed it is. not the
most inspired ever, but definitly solid, no major flaws. fluffy.
HOOD encore was a bit of a surprise. i was thinking there'd be no way
they'd play the same encore for 2 consecutive summer festivals, making
me expect anything but.. but who can complain? i'm sorry if you've
followed them around for the whole tour so far an have already seen
it. i remember when people used to be amazed that they'd go through
their whole 4 show holiday tour and not repeat a song.. now it seems
they have to go through every tour without repeats. sheesh.
anyway, this hood definitly had its merits.. *heavy contrast* around
the mr. minor section- a whisper to a scream back to a whisper. the
theme seemed to start getting thick a little early.. only for them to
lay off a little again.. great hood.
all in all, a fantastic weekend. i hear all of the bitching and
moaning about trey taking too much front.. but for me mike & fishman
definitly stood out the most. trey came through when he needed to,
also.. there are times in songs when he needs to step up and whip that
donkey's ass. :) page didn't really seem to step up a lot, which i
think is why a many are complaining about trey (coupled with the fact
that many forget to occasionally focus on the "rhythm section"). but
that's the beauty of page.. he's always adding to the mix right where
he should be, and if it calls for him to lay more
background/complement, that's where he is. last time i saw them
(11-15-98) he totally stole the show (mule/limb/cavern;)). no worries
on his behalf, please, the kids are alright.
sorry that got so long... i just thought there were a lot of things no
one mentioned, plus it wouldn't be me if i didn't blab endlessly on
the personal experience part. :)
greg
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 1999 04:14:07 -0300
From: D-ROCK [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: My Oswego and Toronto review
First off... Andy, YOU ROCK!!!
Secondly... this review is considerably late due to car troubles on the
way home. ( More in my Toronto review ) I drove from New Brunswick,
Canada to get there. For those who don't know... I had a 4 hour
westward drive to Lemonwheel. East Coast baby!!!
Ok, now before I go into what I thought of the shows, I have to say one
thing. Why do people who submit reviews say things like " I didn't care
for this song." I don't understand how people can say something like " I
wasn't in the mood for WASTE or SAMPLE." I firmly believe that PHISH
music is for the soul and that the lyrics to songs like those are what
it's all about.
Anyways... on to my review.
Oswego was a treat because I had heard it wasn't going to be a festival.
But yet the ferriswheel made it there, not to mention the " Second Stage
" and the " SOAP HOUSE. " Kudos to everyone who made Camp Oswego what it
was.
First Set - Tube - My first Tube and I loved every minute of it!!! I had
listened to it before I left to see if I remembered the lyrics. With
such a rare song I knew what we were in for.
Boogie on Reggae Woman - Again first time I've heard Phish play it live.
Still groovin....
Birds of a Feather - I love this song!!! And I had heard good things
about previous versions on the tour... I was not disappointed.
Guelah Papyrus - MANNNNNNNN!!!! I almost cried when I didn't hear it at
Lemonwheel... They were tears of joy this year!!!
My Sweet One - Every time I listen to this song I sing it out loud. So I
sang it out loud!!! :)
Roggae - What can you say about this one... not that I had noticed
Mike's bass prior to this one but I was looking at those stacks of
speakers during this saying " MANN I love that sound " Plus, the fact
that I was groovin right in between the soundboard and the stage. Mind
you I almost tripped over the white thing a million times. Point
being... still groovin....
Tweezer > Have Mercy - Always love that Tweezer, was looking for a
freezer though. Phewff I was sweatin!!!
Taste - Just a nutty song!!! I knew after I bought Slip, Stitch and Pass
just how pleased I would be if I heard it live. This one was beautiful.
Character Zer0 - One of my fav's off the album ( with Taste, Theme and
Free... more on Free later :)
Set Comments - Yippee Yi Yay DUDE... I'm glad I made it here!!!!
Second Set - Funky Bitch - I don't care how many times who's heard
it... THIS SONG ROCKS!!! Son Seals is a madman and seeing him play that
guitar made me wish I had mine at that very moment... A legend and his
guitar.... I'm no legend though....
On my Knees > Blues Outro - Oh yeah... A legend, his guitar and that
voice... MANN that's the Blues
DWD - I knew we were in for a jam song. Grooved every second of it
too...
Wolfman's Brother - I didn't expect to hear this one... but that made it
that much better. Bro o ther errrr
Sneakin Sally - The funk just doesn't stop does it
Timber Ho - I grabbed on tight for this one and then I stuffed in my sack
for safe keeping... Needless to say a pleasant surprise
YEM - Blew my mind!!! At this point I figured if I heard it, it would be
the next day. Lights for the vocal jam were Saweeeet!!!! The lights in
general were crazier that last year.... I had thought about what Chris
would be doing during the spring... now I know. Thank Chris!!!
Encore - Squirming Coil - Beautiful song... I thought I might hear a
page solo ala " A Live One " but instead I got a ...
Tweeprise - NICE!!!!
Set Comments - OH OH!!! There's still tomorrow...
Sunday - Set One - PYITE - I knew that with this opener we were in for a
treat. I was ready for a Hardcore Ho-Down...
Farmhouse - Setting us up for a Ho-Down??? HA HAAA I'm still flyin from
the PYITE...
Water in the Sky - Love this tune!!! I had heard an older version that
had a slower beat before Lemonwheel which was what made this song stick
out in my mind. But the up tempo is just as good... if not better.
Bathtub Gin - Page gets the good stuff out for this one. Still
groovin....
Get Back on the Train - First time live for me and I was shakin my booty
with every note...
Call me if you need a fool - Same old booty shakin... my appreciation
for bluegrass has just shot up again....
Blue and Lonesome - I forget exactly when whoever it was broke a
string... but I could see Trey's head bobbing and so was mine ( I
somehow managed to get to exact same spot as the first day) The white
coping thing was breaking my groovin space again.
Beauty of my Dreams - I agree with Trey!!! The Del McCoury Band rocks!!!
Moma Dance - I love this song. One of my fav's off the last album. And
yes I was groovin
Reba - I'll never complain when I hear Reba
Chalk Dust - Nice!!! This set seemed to be much longer than it was...
but that may have been because I was dancin my ass off in that heat!!!
Mannnn.
Set Comments - Del McCoury Band rocks, I got my ho-down, and I was wiping
beads of sweat off of every part of body.
Second Set - Runaway Jim - Oh OH!!! Here we go!!!
Free - I had said during the set break that we were in for sum heavy,
thick ass funk. Did you guys hear that bass???
Meatstick - Ahh yes... the meatstick. I found myself singing it while
walking around downtown Toronto a couple of days later... betcha it'll
happen again.
Guyute - Killer song. Killer version too....
Axilla - I really wanted to hear this one too... almost as much as
Guelah Papyrus... well worth the 20 hour drive to be able to phreek out
during this one.
Llama - Sweet version... I've heard a couple and this one got me
hoppin.... good closer too.
Set Comments - I've danced my ars off during every song so far... no
sense stoppin now. Although I had no idea what was going to happen
next....
Third Set - My Soul - Says it all don't it??
Piper - Alright. I love this song too much... the glowsticks fit in
good with this song, but is it just me or was that glowring war longer
than usual??? I knew this set would be nuts simply because the boys were
feeding off the energy... so like I said " I have no idea where I'm
going next...."
Prince Caspian - Yes I was singing and groovin....
Catapult - NICE!!! Mike wherever you are... you rock!!!
Icculus - ??? Are you kidding!!! I know somebody out there keeps track
of these things, so when was the last time they played that one??? A
damn long time I bet... what a treat!!! The Bad Lieutenant cracks me
up!!!
Quinn the Eskimo - Good call Mike.
Fluffhead - If I could type in the sound you make when you exhale and
vibrate your lips together, I would. Total shocker at this point in the
nite.
Set Comments - I agree with whoever said we take it for granted that
Phish will come out for an encore....
Encore - Harry Hood - A record setting evening, no doubt. Double
glowring war??
Oswego Comments - Beautiful job. The amount of security had me worried
about this show possibly having a bad vibe... but thankfully, there were
no bad vibes. This show blew me away even more than my first show did I
think. Anyway I'm off to Toronto to celebrate Phish's return to Canada
on my birthday. Hellooooooo. I have to be there!!! Thankfully my car
didn't break down till the way home. As far as my crapping session on
other people's reviews... I don't say anything negative about people
performing on stage... especially PHISH!!!
Until my T.O. review...
smell ya later.
D-ROCK
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 12:54:26 -0500
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego reviews
This is not a song by song review. Just some info and thoughts. I am a
head who holds down a corporate job, and has only enough time to see Phish
on summer tour on occasion. After Plattsburg and then the went and
lemonwheel, I thought that the summer two day long festival was the best
scene/show to catch.
The venue in Oswego was just too small. The lots were OK but inside
the venue there was little room. Yes I am old, and truth be told I'd rather
lay down my blanket and sit down on occasion, there was almost no where to
do this. In Maine there was just much more space. Also the vending lights
on the side of the venue were way too bright and on the whole time. And as
for vending the price of food and drink seems to go up and up every year.
Also I had to pour out my water before going in to the second set on
Saturday, which is typical, but they ran out of free tap water, yet had
plenty of $3 water? Thankfully they rectified the matter on Sunday and let
us bring in our own water. Did anyone see the lines for ice on Saturday
morning and Sunday morning? Also there was a time Sunday morning when water
on the lot could not be found. With the heat and sun as awful as they were
the lack of water proved frustrating. A lot of posts have mentioned sound,
yea it was loud but there were a lot of dead spots. If you were to close to
the back of a speaker you got some odd cancellation. The venue by being long
and narrow made the best spot for sound far from the stage past the last set
of speakers.
A few posts have talked about this show and, the BAND, and problems one
way or another like getting in, water etc. Phish DOES NOT put on the
festival it is run by the great northeastern productions group. They spend
all year preparing for this one show that Phish happens to headline. Phish
gets paid but not any differently than other shows on tour. Phish and GNP
did not want this to be a summer festival type show, and they tried to
prevent it from becoming one by limiting the number of sets, and putting the
show on the day after a show 8 hours away (tour heads wouldn't get there
early like in Maine) SO for staffing shortages, ice water problems, trash
removal, the venue being to small poorly set up, the sound not being
adequate, vending costs, etc. I level all blame on the great northeast
production co. It appears that they were cutting corners to save costs and
make money. Why else did every van or large vehicle have to be separately
searched. As one such searched person told me the people performing the
search were looking for vending supplies or illegal food vendors and Nitrous
oxide tanks and hard drugs like crack and heroin. They saw and did not care
about pot and other drugs. Hey I don't mind live and let live. But do you
really have to confiscate food from people selling so you can have the
monopoly on food service only to offer an $8.00 burrito from a very
discourteous and often rude staff.
I also have to say that the shadier element or common thief drug
trafficker type hard core punks that some times don't even like phish have
ruined the scene. Perhaps Maine was too far for them to go to but this year
they were everywhere. The lot used to be great. I remember going to
soldier field and deer creek when the Dead played and if you didn't get in
you could have a good time and still enjoy the music from the parking lot.
Well in 95 gate crashers ruined that and now kids with out tickets to the
show who run around the lot are ruining this scene. Set 1 on Saturday our
campsite gets ransacked and our beer taken from our cooler which was hidden
in a tent. Sunday set 2 there are 4 cars broken in to in our area and money
and clothes are taken. All weekend long I was approached by people selling
drugs, some good some bad some who knows and who can tell. But when you see
these kids trying to push cut up shitake cooking mushrooms, and bags that
only way on mars you have to wonder. Some come for the music, some for the
circus like atmosphere and others for the economic opportunity. The scene
reminds me of a traveling gypsy circus. The towns allow us in as amusement
and we come in pick there pockets sell them bunk drugs, and then leave the
place a royal mess. I can't blame the towns for wanting us to get the hell
out when it's over. If you want to kill brain cells by the thousands by
doing nitrous, or if you want to sell liquid that is really water and then
go run and hide, and view the sets as a time to rob and pillage instead of
enjoy the best music around, just go before you ruin it for everyone. Sadly
though no of those people will ever read this post. I don't know what to do
about it or what phish can do, its just unfortunate and sad.
I don't know if it was the venue, the vending lights, the lack of water, the
cost of food, the scene, or that the boys were not totally on, but this show
just wasn't that great. The music went from good, to moments of
greatness....Icculus? but I just felt like the whole weekend had a dirty
feel to it like something was not quite right.
Many people have mentioned that the boys sounded off for one reason or
another. Like anyone working you have good and bad days. I miss the serious
jam outs from 95-6. I was hoping for a spacy delay loop jam, never really
got one, trey hardly ever even touched the pedals, but there was still some
great music, Piper, DWD>Wolfmans the dell Mccury set. How about that
amazing YEM, and a great Hood encore. No one has mentioned the second stage
acts either. Dell was great so was Son Seals. And how about the show after
the show on Saturday that some DJ (Name?) put on. That guy was spinning
some sick jams with a great bass line hook that never stopped for about 3
hours. Well anyway enough I guess. Back to the corporate world and my suit
and tie. I'll be stripping it off again this weekend in east Troy for the
Alpine Valley show and then at summer tours end in Deer Creek. You know
looking at my list of complaints maybe I am just old and bitter....I never
thought that I'd complain and sound old at 27 years.
Drew
Date: Sat, 24 Jul 1999 13:59:19 EDT
From: Jeff Williams [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego Festival
I just want to quickly say that I had just as much fun at this festival
that I have had in the past. I don't understand the comments being made by
some people saying how the energy level was lacking. You have to account
for the heat. I feel that everyone (myself included) was exhausted and
were just too tired to do anything more than stand and enjoy the great
music.
Off the point, did anyone catch that band playing on the side of the
runway near the entrance of the concert grounds called Healthy Doses? I
thought they were amazing! If anyone knows anything about this band or if
they have a website or where they are from, please let me know I need to
hear them again!
Anyway- I thought the entire show and experience was one of the best that
I have taken part in. I hope that people don't start taking these shows
for granted and nitpick the small variences from show to show. Just enjoy
the fact that we are part of an amazing phenomenon.
peace- JEFF
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 14:08:46 -0400
From: Brian Brinkerhoff [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Just a quick note for the guy at Oswego with the Star Wars action figures:
THANK YOU FOR ENTERTAINING ME!!!!! It's been some time since I laughed
that
hard.
Brian
P.S Vajohna Fishman is God
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 13:46:48 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: oswego
phish proformed admrialibly. however the number of industrial grade ballon
tanks made this old hippie sad. Hey kids . if you want to deprive your
brain of oxygen so's you can pass out, why don't you put a plastic bag oover
your head ...oh yeaah and for that exyta special knock out feeling tie the
bag tightly around your neck and whoosh you will be rushing. seriously i
spoke to a vender that told me that the tanks were brought in by a crime
syndicate, and that he spoke to the head sleeze whose truck wasd parked next
to his and the weasel was bragging on how his "boys" had brought in 20.000
dollars on friday night alone! there were ballon headsin our neighborhood
friday night. they were crashing into our tents. the next night some woman
went off on them ripping the ballons off of the tanks and screaming at the
sleazy vender. i think she turned them into security cuz they shut down.
i applaude her bravery. k
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 14:22:08 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego and the meaning of life...
hey, just thought i'd add my two cents seeing as that seems to be the thing
to do these days. i am still tired, sunburned and generally groggy from the
weekend. yet i would do it all again in a second. i waited from
3:30pm-9:30pm on saturday in the traffic, only hearing the first set from my
car window. it was actually cool b/c everyone shut up, turned off their
radios and listened attentively. I met numerous people, good, bad and ugly.
one particularly ugly jackass kept dissing whatever was being played during
that first set as he walked between all the cars stuck in traffic. it
reminds me of a lot of the criticism on this page. according to the yyzx
stat page over 120 different songs (ie not counting repeats) have been
played this tour. how can you get upset? this is unheard of by anyone
else. once inside, it was still tiring and such but that second set was
amazing. best YEM and vocal jam i have heard. i support the contention that
the heat ruined the crowd both days. i also say that the band was fabulous.
and if you want to hear just a couple particular songs, either put them all
on one tape or expect that it will take a number of shows anymore. also, if
you have not taken the time to understand the group's evolution, don't be so
arrogant as to think you can analyze their dynamic relationship. trey is the
leader. that is life. ever think that maybe the other fellas didnt really
feel like singing? don't suppose that you have some knowledge that you
don't. as for trey's supposed "meltdown"... WHAT? those "in the know" know
that the narration about "reading a fucking book" was the START OF ICCULUS
and if you listened carefully, you'd have realized it was SARCASM. witty,
wry and poignant. get junta and listen up if you've not familar with
icculus. if you'd listen to the tapes, you'd get it. it's just like real
life... ignorance is not an excuse for anything. odds are that if you don't
understand something, you have not bothered to try. as for his 3rd set
playing sunday, "WHAT, WHAT, WHAT?" to quote Kyle's mom. Piper was simply
stunning. fluffhead well played. my soul, ok not a favorite but solid.
and that stuff with smoke on the water and that... ever consider, just
consider the possibility that he *intentionally* played that way. it is a
joke, my friends. i hate to have to spell it out but its about the music.
if you like it, stay. if not, goodbye. anything else is water under the
bridge. i dont particularly feel all warm and fuzzy when the scene gets
seedy and people have no respect the people tenting near them. if its too
much for you, then leave. the music is what draws me. and i'd go through a
lot worse to hear a show much worse than this. you know they say that one
reason children are awesome is they tell it like it is. they arent jaded.
similarly, i prefer to read the reviews of newbies than than jaded heads who
"impress" me with how many shows they've seen and how big their tape
collection is... what is even worse though is jaded reviews from people who
DONT KNOW the music. but to the newbies everything is fresh. the grass is
greener and the air is sweeter... you never know when this could all come
to an end. enjoy the power, majesty and beauty of phish while you can...
instead of lamenting their demise when its too late. see you in deer creek
tk
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 22:40:41 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego
Well my favorite part of reading these reviews is that I have only found
ones that register disbelief that people are slamming the weekend in Oswego.
We should all remember that each show is 50% what the band brings to us and
50% what we bring to the whole event. The Almanac Tour Extra states: " So
this weekend, let's forget about how good the setlist looks on paper.
Let's not be whiny and nitpicky if they play Bouncin'. people. Just be
thankful...and be glad that we have a few companions on this ride." And
let's also remember that Phish, the band, is just four dudes doing what they
love, exactly how they want to do it. That is incredible in its own right.
Moreover, these guys are not and have not asked to be raised above just
being an excellent rock and roll band. Instead, they come out every night
and have fun. Every time I see them I can't help thinking about the fact
that they are having so much fun up there. And that they are producing
sounds that allow me to let go of everything else in my life and touch the
fun that they are having. Then, to leave the concert to the biggest partyin
the country, man who can complain. I don't know, but I'd never been to
another party with a ferris wheel still operating at 1 am. Let's all take a
step back and not take the whole thing so seriously. Instead, take it for
what it is, a DAMN good time both during the concerts as well as before and
after. Never have I meet so many truly kind and considerate people as at
shows. And when we see our brothers and sisters taking it a little to far,
even for our community, tell them. We are responsible for maintaining a
scene that can perpetuate itself for the coming years. I sure don't want to
find out that there is no tour because no community will have us back. And
the new members of our community WILL continue to pour in, remember, you too
had never been to a Phish show at some point, and we have to let these
people know that we love keepin it going and that we want them to share in
the happiness that our community provides, but they have to share in the
responsibility. So THANK YOU to the guys and ladies who cleaned the
pot-a-pods and brought us water, thank you to all the vendors who fed us,
thank you to the Green Team, thank you to all the Clean Vibes people, thank
you to the dude who stood outside through the wee hours of the morning to
exchange my ticket for a wrist band, thank you to all the wonderful bands
both at Echo Lodge and on the runways, thanks to Ted who helped us set our
tent up, thank you to the people of Plattsburgh, Limestone, Volney and every
other community we have visited, and especially, THANK YOU to the band and
management of Phish for providing us with such outstanding music and the
places and set ups to enjoy them, and of course every single stage hand.
ANd thank you to all the people out there who make our community what it is
"I'd like to say to my Sisters and my Brothers, KEEP THE PEACE."
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 1999 10:30:26 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: bad vibes
I don't know why all of you people are so negative about the camp oswego
show. Even though it was only my second show I had a blast. I live in
oswego, it was so random that Phish played in my home town, how could I not
have a good time. I met so many nice people, and had a great time. my only
dissapointment was that I didn't run into my friends from school, but I
understand because there were so many people there. I think that this is
the best show that I have ever seen!!!
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 1999 11:11:57 -0400
From: "Knight, Brian @ SEC" [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Thoughts on Oswego
Here is something that we submitted into our magazine, The Vermont
Review (For more articles on other great music, check out:
hhtp://members.tripod.com/vermontreview)
Right from the beginning, we knew Phish's three-day extravaganza in
upstate New York was going to be a little different. After two years of
making the epic journey northward and calling Limestone, Maine our home
away from home, thousands of Phish fans were only required to make the
considerably shorter trip to the Lake Ontario region. Besides the
geographic relocation, the most obvious change was the nature of the
event itself. For the previous three year-end bonanzas, the Clifford
Ball, the Great Went and the Lemonwheel, the emphasis was on creating an
end of the summer blowout. This time around, the big event was
relegated to a three-day stopover in the middle of the band's Summer
Tour. On the night before the festival, Phish was playing Bruce
Springsteen's "Born to Run" in New Jersey and within 48 hours of the
closing notes of Sunday night's "Harry Hood", the band was across the
border playing to often deprived Canadian fans.
The sense of a slightly more reserved festival was felt
immediately when fans received their newsletter and tickets. In
previous year's festivals, the fans knew where they were going. There
was always a name associated with the event: "The Clifford Ball"; "The
Great Went" and "The Lemonwheel." This year, there was an uncertainty.
Were we making the trip to Volney? Or was it Oswego? Or was it Fulton
County?" For all the entrepreneuring merchandisers, they didn't know
what to do. Were the bumper stickers going to say "Off We Go to
Oswego!" or were the T-shirts to say "Phun in Phulton"? It wasn't until
my perusal of the band's official merchandising booths that I discovered
that we had arrived at "Camp Oswego". As soon as I was informed by a
local that I was actually in O"swig"o and not O"sweeeg"o, I knew that me
and my suitcase of Budweiser cans had found our home for the weekend.
In addition to the issue of semantics, the road to Oswego was
also absent of the familial greeting that the people of Northern Maine
provided in the previous two years. Due the remote location of both the
"the Great Went" and "The Lemonwheel" and the economic boom provided by
the fans, the people of Maine from Bangor northward welcomed the
Phisheads with encouraging zeal. While approaching Oswego, the open
armed reception was not felt until we were within a few miles of the
concert site. The discrepancy was felt the most in the commercial areas
along the way to Oswego. In the rest areas along the New York State
portion of I-90, the Roy Roger's cashiers dumbfoundly wondered who all
the freaks were. In contrast, every merchant Down East knew who we were
and catered to our needs.
Once people figured out where they were going, the fans were
also treated to a few changes upon their arrival in Oswego. The biggest
difference was the relocation of the "village" to outside of the actual
concert grounds. Instead of waiting for the concert area to open, the
fans could enjoy the village's fun and games throughout the morning,
afternoon and evening. In comparison to the world architecture of the
Lemonwheel's Tiki Huts, Pagodas and Buddhist spiritual arches, there was
a rustic/campfire theme to the village this year. The village, which
was officially known as "The Green", was littered with numerous
homemade cabins, overturned rowboats and teepees made of fir trees. On
each corner of the area, there were birch tree arches that served as a
gateway to the playground. In past years, a large clothesline or duck
pond provided the grandiose element to the weekend. This time around,
the grounds were littered with 20-foot high "marshmallows on a stick"
which contributed tremendously to the campfire feel. Amidst "The Green"
was also a flagpole, which flew the colors of Camp Oswego - a triangular
flag with an arrow piercing the open end of a "C" on a green background.
Another welcome feature from the Lemonwheel was the Ferris wheel, which
provided fans with rides all day long.
The biggest highlight of "The Green" was the addition of the second
stage known as "Echo Lodge". Encased in birch tress, Echo Lodge was the
home to many talented bands over the course of three days. There was
the jazz-fusion of Rhode Island's the Slip and Seattle's Living
Daylights, the hip hop-Latin-funk of Los Angeles' Ozomatli, the
bluegrass of the Del McCoury Band; the spiritual jazz of Boston's Bob
Moses and Mozamba; the eclectic swinging hot jazz of Texas' 81/2
Souvenirs; and the country sounds of Manhattan's Hank Williams Lonesome
Cheatin' Hears Club Band. Over the last few years, fans have been
introduced to the sounds of the Miracle Orchestra, Seth Yacovone and the
Gordon Stone Trio and this year was no exception. In the previous
years, the additional bands were pleasant surprises that could be found
while walking around in the concert grounds. This time, the bands were
made a showcase.
With the emphasis moving from the concert grounds to the "The
Green", the actual concert area was reduced in size. For the first time
in four years, I actually felt restricted and crowded as movement from A
to B was typified by shoulder rubbing and congestion. As always,
respite was found in less crowded beer garden. For those who could
brave the crowds, they could find a huge piece of Blue Astroturf laid
out by veteran fans that offered an equally enjoyable sanctuary.
If your preference was Beer Garden, the Blue Astroturf or lying on your
back on the hill, the main reason for surviving the heat, the crowds and
lines arrived with the opening notes of "Tube" on Saturday evening. A
relatively rare tune in the grand scheme of the Phish repertoire, "Tube"
was also joined by fellow old friends like "Boogie On Reggae Woman",
"Reba", "Wilson", "Punch You In The Eye", "Sneakin Sally Through the
Alley" and "Fluffhead." It wasn't just old timer's night either as the
band also displayed the newer sides of their sound with "This is a
Farmhouse", "Birds of a Feather", "Guyute", "The Moma Dance", "Roggae",
and "Water in the Sky".
Two of the performers who played at Echo Lodge during the day and also
made it to the main Phish Stage were blues guitarist Son Seals and the
Del McCoury Band. Son Seals joined Phish for "Funky Bitch" and "On My
Knees". The former tune, which has been a staple of a Phish set since
the band's earliest days, was penned by the great Chicago guitar player
and the performance of the two songs was a great example of bridging the
generations and Phish paying respect to their influences. The Del
McCoury Band joined Phish for "Get Back on the Train", "If You Need a
Fool", "I'm Blue I'm Lonesome", and "Beauty of My Dreams". As we
learned in the Vermont Review's latest issue, Phish's tenure with the
banjoist Reverend Jeff Mosier has had a lasting affect. Since 1994,
when Mosier played with Phish, the band has continuously tinkered with
bluegrass and these four tunes with the Del McCoury Band was another
fine installment in Phish's bluegrass legacy. The tune, "Get Back on
the Train", which made a solo acoustic appearances throughout Trey
Anastasio's recent solo tour, is one of finest new songs to appear in
the steady Phish repertoire.
This past Spring marked the release of Phish's latest album, The
Siket Disc, which signifies the band's continuing development towards
total musical cooperation. Over the last year and a half, a typical
Phish concert has been characterized by loose collective improvisation
a.k.a. "Ambient Jams." The music from The Siket Disc are these once
unknown jams that have finally been provided titles. Named after the
engineer who crafted the session, The Siket Disc, should be called the
"The Story of the Ghost Jams". Recorded during the same time as 1997's
The Story of the Ghost, this release features entirely collective
improvisation pieces. Many of the tunes such as "Whats the Use" and "My
Left Toe" have developed beyond random improvisation, as they have
become relatively stable parts of the band's repertoire. Despite this
new album (which is only available through Phish Dry Goods), there was
limited representation at Oswego from The Siket Disc although the free
spirited improvisation was carried on throughout the weekend.
Despite the band's drive for musical collectivism on the stage and in
the studio, the weekend in Oswego put lead guitarist Trey Anastasio in
the spotlight. Anastasio assumed control of the audience through his
stage antics that propelled him above the rest of the band. Such
examples was his playing of his guitar behind his back and with his
teeth during a superb "Llama", his lengthy oral diatribe during
'Icculus" as well as his standard rockers such as "Character Zero",
"Chalkdust Torture" and "Axilla". The remaining three members also had
their chances to shine as Mike Gordon dominated "You Enjoy Myself"; Jon
Fishman drove "Down With Disease" to new levels and Page McConnell's
keys and vocals were felt throughout the two days. Despite the focussed
limelight, the four members played solidly throughout the weekend with
fantastic jams arising from songs such as "Piper", "Tweezer", "Wolfman's
Brother", "Timber Ho" and "Bathtub Gin."
If there was one song that dominated the weekend, it had to be
"Meatstick", which was first introduced by the band during their 1997
European tour, and was the climatic event of the weekend. During their
July 4th concert in Atlanta, Georgia and subsequent others, the band
reintroduced the song to their fans. Coinciding with the song was an
accompanying dance (which finds is closest relative to a both country
and disco music's line dance) that was taught to the crowds by the band,
some select fans, the band's crew and family members. On the Thursday
before the show, Phish announced to their fans in New Jersey, that they
were going to attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Record's mark
for the most people doing a single dance - 50,000 Macarena fans in New
York held the existing record. Since the seemingly arbitrary number of
70,000 fans has been used over the last four years, the record appeared
to be an easy task (By the way, my arm bracelet was in the 85,000 range
and I arrived at Oswego on Friday evening. An accurate count for the
fans at Oswego would have to be in the 90,000 -120,000 range). Phish's
fascination/obsession with establishing World Records first came around
during 1997's The Great Went, in which the world record for the picture
of the most people naked in a photograph was set.
During the second evening of Oswego, Phish finally broke out
into "Meatstick", which, with all associated dances put aside, is very
catchy and enjoyable tune. Towards the end of the song, Page McConnell
and Jon Fishman assumed the tune's musical duties while Trey Anastasio,
Mike Gordon and McConnell's extremely pregnant wife showed the crowd the
easy moves to "the Meatstick Dance". After a few practice rounds, the
band and audience took a shot at the World Record with the Guinness Book
of World Records crews filming the attempt. At this present time, the
setting of the record is uncertain, and depending on how much a stickler
for details the Guinness people may be, the record may stay with the
Macarena. The plain and simple truth of the matter is that not
everybody did the dance. Some were too tired after two days of heat and
partying while others were wedged tightly into the smaller sized concert
area (The Meatstick Dance required a 45 degree jump and turn that was
simply too hard to negotiate in the tight confines). Ultimately, I
don't think enough people knew the moves well enough. The band made an
earnest attempt to teaching the dance at three of their concerts leading
up to the event, but it was simply not enough.
Although a great weekend of fun, people and music; there were
also some downsides to the Oswego event. Besides the inevitable six
hour lines to gain entry to the parking lots, the disgusting port-a-lets
or the long lines at the phones/ATM/ice vendors, the heat seemed to be
the weekend's greatest hurdle. The 90-100 degree heat, coupled by the
fact that there were 70,000 people camped on a shade-less runway who
were not watching their beer to water ratios, could have made for a
potentially disastrous day. As is stands, the crowd survived the
weather. The one thing that I learned while working for the United
States Air Force one summer is that airports do not have trees, because
with trees come birds which fly into engines which crash planes. As a
result, Phish's choice of air force bases/airports may be ideal for
crowd control and circulation patterns but far from ideal in terms of
sun protection. To combat the glaring sun, fans were constructing make
shift shelters and the mist tents became the most popular sites around.
Although the cool refreshment of Lake Ontario was less than half an
hour, it might as well have been thirty days away for the fans.
The real problem arose from the countless people who either
brought their children and animals to the event. In a three day
weekend, where the media may have shown the event as great example of
collective responsibility and peaceful coexistence, there is nothing
more depressing or disheartening than seeing a dirty, unwashed, parched
child being submitted to the relentless heat just because their equally
dirty parents didn't want to miss the party of the summer. Hearing
about lost or dehydrated dogs had an equally demoralizing affect.
Please people, as a representative of the "intelligent" fans who love
Phish, try to live up to your reputation.
As the weekend wound down in Oswego, there were two things that
could not escape my mind. For one, just as the weekend was a
celebration for the fans it was also for a time for the band to relax,
spend time with their friends and family and enjoy the fruits of their
own success. Over the years, these events have been a characteristic of
Phish. From the late 1980s parties in Hebron, New York to the two day
1991 gig at Amy's Farm in Maine to the last four years of festivals, the
band has always wanted to make their concerts a party for all to enjoy.
While we party away and dance to the music, we cannot forget that it is
the same opportunity for the band members to have fun and relax as well.
It is the populist feel that is what makes these events so great. After
my return to home, I read some negative comments about the weekend on
www.phish.net in which many fans felt that the band neglected to "turn
it up a notch" or they have "heard sicker versions" of a given tune.
Unfortunately, many fans set a standard against a band that is typified
by non-conformity and risk taking. With this definition in mind, the
only standard that Phish needs to uphold is innovation. This
characteristic was far from absent during these two days of music. This
is an important factor forgotten by Phish fans old and new. Many fans
want these festivals to be the "sickest jam-a-thon" ever. What is
neglected is the real essence of these festivals - an opportunity for
the band to host a concert on their own terms. It is an equivalent of
Phish holding a slumber party/barbecue and we can never take advantage
of that important point.
Secondly, we cannot overlook the time and effort that was put
into the production. While people were reveling the day and night away,
there was a 24 hour operation that kept the bands going on the second
stages; assisted kids with heat exhaustion; kept the water tanks full
and emptied out the port-a-lets. While thousands of people had fun,
there was a core group of Phish Management folks who were nothing short
of being stressed to death. The Oswego event, just like the years
before, was an incredible display of organization, cooperation and
coordination and the folks at Dionysian Productions should be applauded
for making this happen. Coupled with the fact that the Oswego event
occurred in the middle of a Phish tour and that the Millenium Concerts
are less than six months away, the actual occurrence of the event is
even more impressive. We also cannot forget that a year ago, there
wasn't going to be a summer festival as the band was going to prepare
the New Year's bash. The fact that the Oswego served as some sort of
compensation for their traditional end of the Summer festival is
staggering. While some elements from previous year's events were
missing such as Phish Radio, the large concert area and the extra sets
of music, we cannot ignore the experiences that made the weekend
memorable: the numerous acts at Echo Lodge; the best fireworks display
ever witnessed and of course, the finest gift that a band could ever
give its fans - three days of hassle free music, good times and long
lasting camaraderie.
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 1999 13:38:49 -0700
From: jakew [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: general review of oswego
The last show I made it to was Halooween Vegas, but since that time i've
been watching this review board explode with craziness.
> Yes, there are some unfortunate things that have changes at shows. That
is growth. And sometimes growth can not handle these things and some times
it can.
> We all have an opinion, if we all loved every single show, nobody would
every check this review board ( it would get pretty boring).
> Every show means something to everyone. Maybe it was someone you met,
maybe you saw an old friend, maybe it was the best "trip" ever, maybe
everyone around you was the coolist you ever sat with. Ive met the coolist
people at Phish shoes and Ive also wanted never to meet some others.
> I like Dave Mathews but can you imagine going to 10 straight shows, the
guy never changes his set list! I meen how many All Along the Watchtowers
can you hear?? Respect and enjoy Phish for thier versatility. Thats why
we travel to see this band.
> I only hope for the best on all of you and what Phish brings to your
life.
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 10:48:23 -0400
From: Kuhn [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Soul Refreshment
THANK YOU PAGE, GAK!, BOB WEAVER and ERNEST GUISSEPPI the 3rd for some
of the best times of my life. I've been to all of the big shindigs and
when I leave, I have an ache in my heart because I can't let go of the
whole experience. I don't care what you guys play or where you play, I'm
always gonna leave happy. You never let me down with your serial
(sureal..) sound. As for Oswego, I heard some of the best sounding shit
this weekend. I knew we were in for it when I heard the opening note to
Tube. I was blasting Stevie's "Original Musiquarium 1" the whole way up
to the show. I couldn't believe it when I heard the opening notes to
Boogie On. Especially because its the only one so far this tour. The
second set of the first night was what did it for me. I was calling the
Timber.. but none of my friends thought so. Also, excellent drums in the
Boy Man part of Y.E.M. 2nd night.. Did anyone else notice that 1 or two
measures of spinetingling melodic minor work that Page found in the
Runaway Jim jam? I started to wonder if the band was even human. The
LLama that ensued didn't help to make that any clearer. Icculus???(enuff
said.)I don't see how anyone could say a bad thing about this weekend.
Besides the heat the only things you had to deal with were long lines of
talkative friendly people and smiling talkative safety rangers on
horses. If that alone doesn't tell you that Phish takes care of us,
don't come to any more shows cuz you're completely missing the point. By
the way,(for some other reviewers), Stop comparing one show to another
example: "This show was nothing like Alpine Valley last summer." NO ONE
CARES. Every show is like a different movie or book. They have different
plots and emotions and therefore cannot even really be compared. Make
each show your own. All in all, this made my summer complete. I cannot
thank you guys enough. You have given many of us what is better know as
Ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma SOUL ITS MY SOUL!!!!
DAVE
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 11:24:45 -0400
From: Kristen Hurd [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: live in the moment
After reading all the reviews about this past weekend I feel compelled
to respond. But before I go into my own diatribe about Oswego, let me
preface it by saying I absolute live for these weekends. I work an
incredibly hectic, stressful, insane job and these festivals mean more
to me than 2 weeks in the vacation spot of your choice. I've gone to
the Went and the Wheel and was SO excited that they were having another
one this year that I bought the 175th and 176th ticket the morning they
went on sale. See, these shows give me a place and time where I am free
to be whoever and whatever I want to be. Do whatever I want and sing
and dance and not feel restrained by anything or anyone, including
myself.
I guess I can understand a lot of people ranting and raving about how
bad the scene has gotten or how fucked up Trey was or how many times
they've heard this song or that song...we are each entitled to our own
opinion right? But I really think that the big picture is getting
missed here. These festivals represent something so much larger than
who we are as individuals and I think that idea is getting taken for
granted or overlooked. Perhaps those people who were most unhappy with
this past weekend need to take a step outside the scene and look at what
it really is all about. Mark Heit hit the nail on the head when he
said:
"It made me so happy that I danced away every ounce of sadness that had
even remotely bothered me throughout the weekend, and when I emerged on
the other side...I found a sea of smiles waiting to greet me. And I
guess that's all it comes down to. No matter what walk of life you
decide to take, whether you are excited or hurt by what you saw this
weekend...never forget what it feels like to dance away all your
sorrows...never forget how many happy faces await you on the other
side...and most importantly, never forget exactly how it feels to share
in the groove."
I cried when I read that. I am getting choked up now. It is such a
beautiful expression of what it truly is to go to a phish show. It's
not the drugs, it's not the people or the ice lines or the rocky
campsites, it's not the veggie burritos and garlic grilled cheese, it's
not the traffic or how much you dance or how much sleep you don't
get....hell, it's not even the music - what they play or don't play or
if they finish the song or not....IT'S ALL OF THIS AND MORE. It's the
groove, it's being part of something so beyond your normal realm of
thinking that you only really realize how beautiful and incredible it is
for a few perfect moments. You walk away with such a feeling of peace
and utter happiness that you can't define and so desperately want to
feel again. Phish brings us together, transforms us, helps us to
experience another level of existence. Experiencing such a connection
with so many people in 84 hours that you think your heart will explode
with joy.
Yeah, I really danced my ass off to DWD, and Page rocked on YEM. I
would of liked to hear a few songs like Esther or Possum or Sparkle or
Suzy Greenberg....but I felt honored to hear Icculus and Piper and
laughed my ass off as I listened to Trey babble about TV and the book.
Regardless of that the most incredible moments for me were so much
simpler, those moments where everything spirals around in perfect
simplicity. Like watching a woman in front of me dance with such pure
joy to Runaway Jim that I sat, didn't dance at all, entranced with her
ecstasy. Or between set II and III as a little baby named Taylor sat on
my lap and we reveled in the utter innocence and beauty of bubbles.
I will never bitch about a show. I will never NOT go for any reason
other than being on my death bed. These festivals recharge me and
remind me that life is not all work. Life is about sharing and
experiencing and opening you mind up to as many different things as
possible. But most importantly, it's about living in the moment and
realizing how beautiful it is to share in something that brings you that
much closer to understanding it all.
Can't wait 'till next year
Kristen
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 16:30:20 -0400
From: Michael Fowlkes [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review of Oswego
Kristen,
That was the best review i have ever read, i am getting tired of hearing
about how bad the shows are, i have NEVER walked away disappointed!
everything you said is right on the money, i wish more people like you
were out there, and i know they are, they just dont seem to be the ones
writing the reviews.
once again, thank you for writing what you did, it made my day!
mike
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 11:56:11 -0400
From: Kenneth Weinstein
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 09:44:55 -0600
From: LAURENT FROST [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: File Under Oswego
Dorks,
That's all I have to say about you idiots who kepp trashing the shows.
Their a JAM Band you freaks. Sometimes it hits, sometimes it doesn't. If
you want to see a "tight" show every night go watch Ricky Martin.
And the thing that really annoys me is when you question someone like
Trey's playing ability. I am not a typical Phish fan. I like Brit Pop
for christ sake. I think Jam bands are crap on the whole, people who
bang on their instruments for too long and don't learn any songs. Phish
blew me out of the water about 4 years ago though. I saw my first show
in Virginia and didn't know any of the songs. I am a musician and was
floored by how great they are. I understand wanting to hear them every
night, but c'mon. Take a shower. Just cause people follow them like the
dead, doesn't mean Phish fans have to act like those brain dead hippies
20 years ago did. Cut the attitude and enjoy the music you bitchfaces.
Don't go to the show if you find yourself critiqing every move, don't go
to the show. Take a break, get a job, and see why the rest of us just
like to enjoy the great shows.
G-Love
PS I want to poop on the idiots who made it so Phish can't play Red
Rocks ever again. Shitfucks, all of you.
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 11:31:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: Bart Tantillo [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Review 7/17-18, Oswego
Well, with most of my life running behind schedule the past few years,
I decided to keep with that theme and wait until Tuesday to get some of
my thoughts concerning the past few shows out to the masses. I have
read most of the reviews besides my own posted on gadiel.com, and
cannot believe the disparity among them. I wonder sometimes if some
folks were even at the shows they post reviews for, and if they were,
did they pay more attention to their pipe or to the music?
After two weeks of Phish shows, here is what I know. This scene is
fucking nuts. Oswego was, like the previous three summer festivals, an
absolute free-for-all. Anything goes, anything is legal, and
everything is for sale. I would say Oswego was crazier than both
Limestone and Plattsburgh, and the evidence of that was in the fact
that instead of just one main thoroughfare of people selling their
wares, this place had about five or six main "streets" that were once
runways, all lined on both sides with everything from the usual
burritos, water, and marijuana, to the unusual like fake Oakley
sunglasses, underwear, and cars for sale that folks had driven to the
place in. You name it, it was there. Estimates were as high as 75,000
people from local authorities, and by the looks of things I believed
it. The theme this year was "Phish Summer Camp", or "Camp Oswego", and
the setup was very amusing. Everything was made out of logs, there
were evergreen trees made into teepees, gigantic marshmallows on sticks
dotting the landscape, wood carving exhibitions, canoes, and a side
stage called "The Lodge" that saw acts like Son Seals, The Slip,
Ozomatli, and The Del McCoury band perform. Add 100 degree heat to this
scene and you have all the ingredients for mayhem, but the crowd for
the most part seemed subdued. Of course there are always a few hundred
bad seeds who don't care about the music, just selling and doing drugs,
or stealing, or poking fun at the people who aren't dressed in clothes
ten sizes too big and who don't have dreadlocks and don't drive some
imitation bus that they claim was used for so many tours in the past,
but in reality was bought for them by their rich parents just before
they left home. Anyway, the bottom line is that if you've yet to
experience one of these summer festivals, go see one soon. Next
summer, any summer, just go. It's too hard to even try and do it
justice here, you have to see it to believe it.
Now to what really matters, the music. Regardless of what anyone
says about any show so far, the second night at Great Woods was the
best show of this tour, hands down. Although both Oswego nights were
superb, especially the first, I am sticking with Great Woods, 7/13/99.
Since I last spoke to most of you I also saw both nights at the PNC
Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey. There is a reason I haven't
mentioned those shows yet, they were duds. Or at least as Phish shows
go they were duds. The first night was as bad of a show as I have
seen. I likened it to Cleveland last fall, or Hershey in 1996. Even a
good YEM couldn't save the first PNC night, where the band apparently
forgot how to play Split Open and Melt, and Trey screaming "Stand the
fuck up!" during Kung seemed to be the only real highlight for me.
Even Meatstick, my song of the summer, was uneventful, save for the
fact that Trey let the crowd know that they were planning to get into
the Guinness book at Oswego by breaking the record for most people
doing one dance at the same time, set by those macarena idiots a few
years ago.
Set two on Friday night at PNC, after spending some pre-show time
talking to Mike on his golf cart, and watching him do some Jager shots
with some crazy dude, was the best set of the two night run, and one of
those dream sets you hope for when the lights go out every night.
2001>Mikes Groove>Simple>Guyute, Loving Cup>Golgi, it doesn't get much
better for me. And with Springsteen a half hour away playing his
second of fifteen sellouts at the Meadowlands, an encore of Born to
Run, complete with Tom Marshall in a red bandana doing his best Boss
impersonation, was a good end and a good riddance to PNC.
The first set of the Oswego weekend was practically flawless, and as
good of a first set as you can ask for on any night. Tube, once a
rarity, but slowly finding it's way into regular rotation started
things off right, and wove it's way into Boogie On Reggae Woman, which
is still a rarity. Although this version wasn't the best, it was an
early indication that the band was thinking big this weekend. After a
reborn Birds of a Feather, a version finished in grand fashion, Guelah
Papyrus, a basic, but rare tune made an appearance to the delight of
many. Then My Sweet One and Roggae let me smoke a cigarette before
only the second Tweezer of the tour took center stage. Though this
version was a bit lacking, the segue and Have Mercy that followed (when
was the last one?) got things back on a superior level. Set could have
ended there, but two rocking versions of Taste and Character Zero did
it for us instead.
Set two began with Trey introducing "the badass himself" as he put
it, Son Seals for a moving version of Funky Bitch, a song Seals wrote.
After another Seals tune, Down with Disease and Wolfman's Brother
showed up for what felt like the thousandth time this tour. Nothing
personal, but I am getting tired of DWD every two or three nights for
the past four years, and although Wolfman's has been reinvented since
the funk infusion that began on Fall 97, it too has lost some of it's
shine for me. But what followed, easily the musical highlight of the
night for me, made up for what may have been lacking in the previous
two songs. Sneaking Sally > Timber Ho > YEM, ahhhhh! The first Timber
Ho of the tour, one of my favorites! Sneaking Sally, also a favorite
of mine and hopefully reason enough for Robert Palmer to retire since
I've heard he despises anyone covering his songs, and Phish does it
better than he could in 100 lifetimes. Then a YEM, maybe not a
classic, but how can you not get the chills with 75,000 people yelling
"Boy!" at the same time. Squirming Coil, minus the Page solo at the
end, and a rousing Tweezer Reprise as always, put an end to night one
at the Oswego County Airport.
After the most uncomfotorable night of sleep in my entire life, one
that ended at sunrise as temperatures quickly climbed back into the
100's, Sunday's Phish sets began around 6:00 p.m. with a great Punch
You in the Eye, once again 75,000 "Hey's!" isn't too shabby.
Farmhouse, the closest one I have heard to perfection since Chicago in
the Fall, followed, then Water in the Sky. Bathtub Gin, wow! This song
ages like fine wine, as silly as that sounds. It just gets better and
better. Then out came the Del McCoury Band for a few songs. Of the
four they played, Get Back On the Train (a trey solo tune), and Beauty
of My Dreams (a McCoury original) were the highlights. Both
incredible, Del McCoury sang Beauty "like it's supposed to be done" as
Trey put it, and GBOTT, already a show highlight this tour, sounded
perfect. As the McCoury's exited the stage, after a round of hugs with
the band, Moma Dance brought us back from bluegrass and into the funk.
Then Reba, where Trey should have wet his lips a bit before murdering
the whistling ending, and a powerful Chalkdust ended the set.
Trey told us on Saturday that there would be no prior warning as to
when the Meatstick world record would be attempted, but as the sun
began to set and the sky became bright orange and set two began, we
knew it would probably have to be before dark. And after a great
Runaway Jim > Free to open set two, with just a few more moments of
light remaining, it happened. Those familiar opening chords began,
then the opening lyrics, "I'm trapped here as my senses bleed.....I
cant't recall which things I need." It was time to get myself into the
Guinness Book of World Records. As Trey gave us some last minute
instructions and a few words of encouragement, and Sofi (Page's wife
and some nice inspirational eye candy as well) came out on stage to
lend a mini-skirted hand, the Phish community tried once again to
solidify our place in music history, sort of, with most of the 75,000
people in attendance doing the stupidest dance ever, to a goofy chorus
that goes "Time for the Meatstick, Bury the Meatstick, Take out the
Meatstick time. Whoa-oh, it shocks my brain, Whoa-oh it shocks my
brain!" With Trey pumping both fists, and talking in a choked up
voice, it appeared as if we had done it, at least from where I was
towards the front. The video the Guinness people took will tell if it
was successful or not, but for God's sake I hope it happens. As a
reward for what seemed to be a history making moment, the band broke
into Guyute, and even though it was played Friday night, at this point
it didn't matter, it was time to party. After a heavy Axilla, Trey
broke into a Llama that saw him playing as hard as I have ever seen
anyone play before. He was going nuts, playing the guitar behind his
head, on his chin, behind his back, and wailing away like it was his
last solo ever. Unbelievable! People around me just looked at each
other when it was over and made those "Did I really just see that?"
faces that have become commonplace with this band the past few years.
Trey ended by saying thanks to the crowd and to relax before the third
set, and to make sure and buy the new Guinness book when it is released
to see our pictures in it.
Set three had to be special. Somehow, the band had to show us one
more time before we all drove home why we came so far this weekend.
After the initial hopes of hearing Destiny Unbound fizzled from my
mind, as they do during any show, all I hoped for was something to
remember the set by. One song, one solo, anything. What we got was
Icculus, preceeded by a ten minute "rant" (as described by phish.net)
by Trey, that included repeated introductions of the song, the band,
Paul, and Chris Kuroda, and manager John Paluska (with a chuckle).
Trey introduced Mike as Michael Jordan again, claiming the "G" was
soft. Fishman was introduced as "Vajona", and Trey even introduced
himself as "The Bad Lieutenant, on guitar". Pretty funny stuff. He
said fuck about 25 times, told us to "Stop watching so much damn T.V.,
and read a fucking book!". "Fuck Mtv" was also a nice touch from Mr.
Anastasio, who decided to cram 15 years of non-existent show-chatter
into ten minutes. We loved every minute of it. After teasing Smoke on
the Water and Cat Scratch Thief, and proclaiming them the "same fucking
song", then clarifying by stating that "Smoke on the Water is a much
better fucking song!", the craziness continued, some statements lost in
the crowd noise, some too long to spend anymore time on here. So after
this rant weaved it's way into a story concerning getting the Helping
Friendly Book, and not being able to find it at Barnes and Noble, or on
Amazon.com, and some other Trey blabber, the Icculus chorus was sung,
and the insanity had ended. By far the craziest thing I have seen from
this band. Then Trey told the crowd to wander aimlessly, or something
like that, while they decided what song to play next. Mike requested
Quinn the Eskimo, and so it was. A perfect song to break out at the
perfect moment. Everyone singing along! Fluffhead, not a great
version, but like I said at this point nobody cared, closed the show.
The almost too predictable Hood, complete with the almost too
predictable fireworks was the encore, and brought an end to another
history making Phish extravaganza. Later folks. BT
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 11:23:59 -0700
From: brent baughman [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish Siskel and Eberts
I find it quite sad and depressing that people have sunk so low as to
RATE Phish shows. How can you rate a phish show? Every show means
something different to everyone and everyone goes through different
experiences, but when it's all said and done if you walk away from a
show feeling disappointed and angry, perhaps you should experiment with
other bands. I don't count the number of shows I've been to but I do
know that every time I hit the road after a show I had a big smile on my
face! Too the critics, put down the pen and paper and roll one up. Peace
and love to all the people who see Phish for what they really are.
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 00:19:58 -0400
From: Jim Wilson [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: camp oswego
This weekend i attended my first Phish show i have ever been to. I will
never forget the atmosphere that was there or the way that Phish played.
And to sit and read some of the reviews that people have given the show
leaves me in astonishment. I dont know what to say, there you have the
greatest live band presently playing now and people go and dis them because
they didnt play the songs they wanted to hear. Well I have some advice for
them, go to a fucking Britney Spears concert for christs sake! or maybe N'
Sync suits you better. I for one would go to a Phish show any day of the
week over any other act, it just so happens this was my first one that i
had an oppurtunity to go to and there will be more. You will never hear me
degrade Phish in any way. Keep on Jamin guys
Ryan
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 21:29:59 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego
After reading all of these reviews about this past weekend, I decided to
express some random thoughts in my head. Oswego was my 6th show on this
summer tour and I thought it was great. I was just happy to be there
because like most people in the real world, I work a real job and find it
hard to go to every show. I went to the Clifford Ball and the Great Went
and thought this event was one of the best. I guess I like to be in a place
where I can do anything I want and not get harassed by the cops. People
that go to these types of weekends should just be happy that this kind of
stuff can happen. Phish does a lot for its phans and we all should be very
grateful. Who cares what they play, just sit back and have a good time. I
would rather be at a phish show than in an office behind a desk. I met a
lot a cool people from all over the country this past weekend. How often
can you do that at one function. I am fortunate to have been around a group
of people that are not concerned about what songs the band will play next,
they just dance their faces off and have a good time. That's what I think a
Phish show is all about. Just have a good time and forget all your worries.
It works for me and I am a happier person for that reason. Phish is a big
part of my life and I hope that other people feel the same way about the
vibe. I don't like to hear that Phish played meatstick too much on this
tour or that when they played Icculus they should have busted out Gamehenge.
It sometimes makes me laugh that people get so tight about what Phish play
at their shows. I guess I lead a more simple life than some people. If you
don't like what they are playing, don't waste your time and money on buying
tickets and going to every show. I have been to over 30 shows and i am just
happy that I had the time and money to go. I hope Phish keeps on doing this
sort of thing every summer so that everyone can keep having a great time.
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 12:36:34 -0700
From: Dr. Livingston [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego Weekend Review
I'm surprised at all the negativity that is everywhere about this weekend.
In my eyes what happened is that phish gave alot back to it's fans: a second
stage w/ some incredible live music, an all night DJ, a healthy helping of
some very well played live phish,fireworks, Giant S'mores etc. etc. etc. Too
long a list of all that was done by the band to make an airport tarmac such
a great place to be in the middle of a hot summer weekend. Phish makes a
point to give back to it's fans and I feel personally appreciated by them.
How many bands do we know at this level of popularity that offer something
like this to their fans? I've seen over 100 dead shows and I only once in
calaveras county in 87 ( 2 day event w/ David Lindley and Santana) did I get
a feeling of the band really wanting to offer something other than the music
back to fans such as a caring bunch of people who execute the infrastructure
to make the whole event as pleasant as possible. Phish had so many cool and
caring people involved who were ready and willing to help with problems and
whatnot(Just think they could have just as easily hired some no-neck
butthead bouncer type security, but they didn't they found cool people to
for crowd logistics). Did anyone happen to note that these people had
t-shirts that said "Safety" and "Camp Ranger" not "Security" an their
shirts. All my dealings with these folks was polite and responsive. And we
got all that for $70 bucks!!!!
I traveled from the west coast for great woods and oswego which took alot of
effort, time and planning to make it all work and I felt truly rewarded by
what phish gave in return. I love these guys because they recognize their
success in the amount of people they attract these days and try as best as
they can to make the shows as intimate and as personal as possble given
their current popularity which can't be controlled by them. In 1993 I saw
them play the HUB ballroom on UW campus and I found the same sort of
intimacy musically with 50,000 plus people on an airport tarmac as I did in
that rather small room on campus. How many bands these days would even think
in that way and have the management/label pressures help them do that? Not
many, I'd say,for those other bands it's all about the almighty dollar.
Oswego was not about making money for phish it was about giving back to it's
phans. My guess is they either broke even or lost money on this weekend.
I also spoke with the county health dept. officials on sunday morning who
were doing their rounds to make sure that all the food vendors hired by
phish org. for the weekend(The Green venders etc.) were up to code so we
wouldn't get food poisoning etc. We hung out for a bit and talked about the
county and Volney and how Phish approached them about the event. They said
that Oswego county was chosen because it is an economically depressed county
(one of the most in NY state). Phish purposefully looks for econ. depressed
counties in the northeast to do these events to help out that area because
these events are such a shot in the arm of medicine ($) for these
people.They mentioned that their was alot of haggeling with the band about
how much they (The local businesses selling food & whatnot) would charge for
for their products and the band was constantly haggeling for them to sell
at lower prices in order to not gouge the phans too much. I don't know how
effective that was in the end but the officials said that the phish org was
looking out for their fans in that respect. I'm sure there are countless
other things that went unkown or unnoticed at oswego that phish did to give
to the fans and given the conditions; heat, #'s of people and small airport
in the middle of relatively remote area I thought they did excellent.
I want to thank phish for such a wonderfully fulfilling weekend. They
rejuvinate my soul and give me more than I feel I could possibly give them
back and if the least I can give is the price of a $70 dollar 2 day ticket
for 5 absolutely huge sets, I'll gladly give it.
Thanks Phish! See you next Camp Out.
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 08:41:18 GMT
From: Forrest Reda [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: oswego
I am amazed. First, at the level of musicianship the members of phish have
attained. Second, at how amazing the weekend at Oswego was. Finally, at how
rude, wait rude isn't the word, o.k. got it, asinine some of the "phish
heads" have become in their reviews! They heard it the night before so it
isn't any good!??? Trey talked too much!!?!?? Are we at a fucking symphony
here? It's a rock show! The band is supposed to talk to the audience, and
about anything. I thought Trey's thoughts were right on, and obviously it
was just to lead into 'Icculus'. Also, if you think that Trey is trying to
'hog the spotlight', every member of the band has a mic in front of them,
they could all talk if they wanted to, and I wish they would.
Is there another band in the world that could pull an event like this off?
No way! I bet that 98% of the phans in attendance had a great time, but it
just sucks to come back home and log on, just to see people bitching about
hearing the same songs, Trey fucked this up, blah, blah^�..
Seeing the DMB and Son Seals on stage for a few songs was awesome, just like
seeing them do Velvet Undergrounds "Loaded" in Vegas last year. It's part of
what has made Phish Phish. These are their influences! How awesome to see
them play with them, or play their hero's stuff. This is Phish's show, not
ours! They deserve to be able to play what ever they want, however many
times they want it.
I flew home early from Europe just to catch this event. My friends drove all
the way from Seattle to catch these shows and a couple more after. Every
song they played made our journeys worth it. It bet that those of you who
are complaining about Phish are from the east coast.
If Page, Mike, Fish or Trey read this, THE WEST COAST LOVES YOU!!! WE WILL
NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYTHING YOU PLAY. PLEASE PLAY NYE ON THE WEST COAST.
You can never live up to the God-like expectations that some of your "phans"
over on the east lay upon you. Don't burn out. Keep on rocking. You are the
bright spot in the polluted music industry. Thank you for Oswego! (I got an
Icculus;)
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 02:27:17 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: (no subject)
wwhat a fun time in oswego. it was legalized "phish". im glad that bands are
finally doing the festival shos right.phish knows how to through a party.
any way my highlight of the shows were the few covers in the catch scatch
fever part.then the stones part. it reminded me of my first show in schdy
ny. union college 5bucks.92 in side possum were five or so covers from joe
walsh to the doobies.check out these tapes.the fans were cool too. a little
crazybut with no security hassling people, good vibes it almost seems better
with no security bothering people.it allows for no clashes between humans
over silly shit.let the people raige and they will. i did not see any fights
or any problems with the security. good job phish.if u liked what i had to
say or did not let me know at [email protected]. signed markd shred or
smurfor fall94 kid.
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 01:35:54 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Please end this nonsense
Now I have to chime in. Everyone complaining about the people in the crowds
at the shows - i.e. "Nobody dances," "People don't yell loud enough,"
"Nobody cared about Icculus." - may you please shut up? Anyone can buy a
ticket. You don't have to have any qualifications. And as far as I know,
it's a free country. You say can say and think whatever you want.
Additionally, anyone listening to the comments of those sitting around them
is not paying nearly enough attention to the music they spend so much time
criticizing.
And for those who didn't like the music, or the fact that they don't finish
the songs, or the fact that Trey talked too much needs to just go away. I'm
glad it's your last friggin show because I have a hard time getting tickets
and I want to see the f****in band without all of the people worrying about
the SCENE and what's going on around them. I was buried in the music for
most of the Oswego show - except for the songs that I heard 3-4 times during
the tour - and most assuredly thought it was the greatest concert I have
ever seen, Phish or otherwise. I went to seven shows this tour and had a
great time at each one of them. Yeah, I'm disappointed they didn't play
Carini, Antelope, NICU, Slave or Bowie at any of the seven shows I saw, but
you know what? I don't really care. I gave up worrying about what I was
going to hear at shows a long time ago and decided to just have a good time
and LISTEN. I think everybody would like all forms of music a lot better if
they stopped thinking about music and listening to it instead. Phish has
concentrated very hard on their music throughout the years and are just
trying to have a little fun. Sorry if they don't get it friggin' perfect
enough every night for you. Or since no part of the 5 SETS they played was
good enough for you.
I, personally, love the fucked-up people at Phish shows. I have a great time
laughing at them, trying to communicate with them and otherwise. If you
don't want to deal with them, STAY HOME. I'll take your ticket and give it
to my friend who couldn't get one because the concert was SOLD OUT.
We're all in this together, but apparently some of us don't like to take a
bath.
Peace. I hope you all will free your minds and remember a few of the things
this whole groove was founded on several generations ago. You can't control
what happens in reality and the people around you, but you can love life and
help your fellow brother just by eliminating negativity and stop judging
everything. Remember, control for smilers can't be bought, so keep smiling
and laughing and you'll do a whole lot better.
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 00:55:04 EDT
From: Steve Dobbins [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego
I know some of my comments might seem out of context but I'm simply
replying to the reviews that have been posted lately as well as the Oswego
show itself. My point is, if fans are gonna take the band as serious as they
do, why would they criticize every move they make. It seems everybody is so
concerned with how many shows they've been to and how many times they've
seen this and that, that it is taking away from what the band has been doing
musically in the last couple years or so. Let the band do what they want and
if your going to complain, than don't go to the shows. The band isn't gonna
lose sleep over some asshole that is complaining about them playing YEM too
much. I understand if you don't want to post my comments, cause they really
don't have much to do with the Oswego show, but if you can get my message
through somewhere I would appreciate it. Thanx for your time.
Later
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 16:31:19 PDT
From: kelly cullen [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review of oswego
sun, microbeers, lawn chairs, friends, "camping" and great music....you
can't beat that... i thought oswego was incredible and i can't wait to the
next phish show i happen to hit... it was great to chill out with kids from
all over and have a common thread in music... fat apple rocked in the
camping fields late night- always a plus for groovin'...just wish i had all
my friends there to experience it with me! hopefully next year. keleigh
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 19:59:27 -0400
From: Ryan Pifer [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Overall review of Oswego
To start, i'd like to say that this was my 3 show, (8/13/97 Starlake, and
12/9/97 Bryce Jordan Center), but i listen tapes almost all the time.
First off, i was fortunate enought to wait 7 hours in line from midnight on
on friday, so i didn't get to sleep at all. Even though i knew that it
would be 40 hours+ of being awake, i couldn't wait to hear the guys get up
and do whatever they wanted. I managed to get goosebumps in 100 degree
weather when they came out because i knew i was in for an incredible
weekend. Even though i had never heard the first 2 songs before, i loved
them. This pure enjoyment of the music that i was hearing continued
throughout the night, i was even hoping that they'd play a 3rd set on
saturday, even though i was at the point of falling asleep while dancing.
The 2nd day was even better, in my opinion, than the first. Llama was just
phenomenol, as was reba. I also got to experience my first glowstick war
during piper. the jam itself rocked, but the ability to add something to
the show was something that made my night, not to mention how awesome it
looked.
On another note, I can't believe the number of "diehard phans" who are
complaining about these shows. I wish i could tour with the band, but i
can't, so for me, whatever they play is great, no matter if they just
played it a week ago. I've been to 2 Dave Matthews Band shows, and even
though i enjoy their music, if you guys want to complain about hearing
PYITE at Oswego and a few nights before at PNC, go see a DMB show. Some
friends of mine went to see both DMB shows at Starlake in June heard 4 of
the same songs both nights. I wish that some of you would lighten up, it
may be that those of you who have been to 50+ shows expect a lot, and
that's all right, you're entitled to your own opinion. It just seems
strange to me that all the people who spend so much time touring with the
band don't appreciate them as much as everyone who has only seen them a few
times. So many of us who can't tour wish we were in your shoes, so rather
than bitch and complain, think about how fortunate you are to see such an
amazing band play every night for months at a time and how much it would
suck to only get to see them once a year or two. If you are still pissed
that they messed up a few songs in the past month, then i agree with some
of the other people who have been reviewing the show, maybe you should take
a break and try life without phish for a while, you might learn to
appreciate what you have.
Respond to [email protected]
Ryan
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 20:38:59 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: general thoughts on oswego & phish
i have to say that oswego really was a great experience. musically, it
wasn't my favorite, but who care's anyway? the heat probably did play a huge
factor in the audiences lack of enthusiasm that i did notice. but who could
blame anyone when it was about 100 degree's for three days straight, with
hardly any shelter from the cruel sun and dilapitating humidity!! i did love
the music, but i understand that phish can't play perfect and unbelievable
at every show either. many people have been way to critical these past few
tours of certain crowd's and phish's new direction in music. i think more
people have to understand these issues and stop being so critical of the
band. i know i sometimes can steriotype certain contingents of fans at
shows, for which, i have no right. i just want everyone at a phish show to
be there for the music, for that is what truly only matters..
debbie (my tour mate) & i consider ourselve's lucky to have left as early as
we did on friday morning. it was about a five hour drive from home in rhode
island and arrived in oswego at about 1:00pm.. it was so nice, we just
coasted right on in! no traffic!! i asked the lady who put on my bracelet at
the main gates, just how many people were there, and she told us about only
2,000. man, did we luck out considering that there had to be at least
100,000 people by sunday afternoon. the bands promoter's said 55,000 all
together but that's bull, there were sooooooo many more than that. probably
too many. the traffic got so bad for some people that it was a six hour wait
just outside the venue
we camped in a nice spot were we could see the stage, and were in close
distance to port-o-john's which were cleaned on a regular basis. in this
area, phish has done the best job so far out of any other big summer
shing-ding that i've seen. so many port's, wash basins, huge water tanks,
phones, atm's, restaurants, activities.. etc. even a stage called "echo
lodge" where we enjoyed some nice sounds at night before finding other
things to occupy the time. anyone check out the people blowing glass in the
"green" sooooo phat!! again, the only problem was the heat, and it did take
it's toll. we met and made friend's with so many cool cat's who camped
around us, who were all generous and kind, plus we found all our friend's
from home who went up separtely, which was cool..
the weekend in oswego was a great time but it left some phans with a dry
taste in their mouth's.. we have to understand, as trey quotes it, "phish is
and on-going experiment." the boy's are playing some real deep ambient stlye
jams these past couple tours which has people scratching their heads in
wonder at the bands direction. the band is just experimenting!! we have to
know and understand the fact that this band can't always be perfect and that
some material will not be as yummy as other material has been in the past.
look to see how their sound has evolved over the years, from real jammy and
loose in the late eighties to a real ambient, non-egotistic sound which is
their's today. i try to take it all in and remember why i love their music.
i think everyone who critcizes too much should do the same. do i think the
"sound" will continue to travel and traverse the uncharted waters of music,
yes. i mean, let's say for instance, in 96' the sound was crazy jams and the
lengths at which they could stretch tunes, playing with playoff intensity,
to 97-98'' where they slowed it down a bit and brought out the funk, still
pulling off amazing grooves and transitional segues which makes phish
unique. now in this era of 98'-99' phish, we are being treated to some very
ego-less type one and type two jams, still with a good dose of funk and nice
imporvisation, but not as much exploratoration as in the past. that's where
my personal line is drawn. i love the long improv versions of tunes.. just
listen to 8/17/97 set two, the best set ever.. in my opinion, i think this
is what some people i feel are missing. it's the real exploritory improv
alley that the boys would lead us down grooving and dancing, with big smiles
on our faces. now it's a little less "explored" more "noisey" sound ie.
ambient, which has some scratching their heads. i admit, at times this tour,
in my opinion, i didn't see the direction of the music and i think it fell a
bit flat.. other times though the grooves and textures of sounds were quite
beautiful and melodic. phish is a radical band stepping out on a limb at
every show. we are the most critical phan's out of any other band around,
and we need to be more accepting. it upsets me when i hear people saying
that our band is going down hill, because they're absolutely not by far!!
this is just a phase, just like the sound has been, a moving, changing, and
innovating being, all throughout the years of the bands existence. phish is
in a very experimental/ transitional phase right now as they've always been.
they're breaking barrier's that other bands have dared not to cross. the
sound will change and mature, like it has always done. we have to be
patient, and realize that phish is only human, and that they do know if a
sound is not working and when one is. i do love this band and everything
that comes with it, and i will continue to see them as long as i can, until
my dying day
peace,
brendan
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 12:59:35 -0400
From: Willy [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Review: Camp Oswego
Camp Oswego was also my first Phish show ever.... I dug the atmosphere
when I arrived on Friday night...everyone was all "Hello, sister" at the
campsite. It was truly beautiful. I only caught Phish on Satuday
because one of our crew was feeling down all weekend a la nasty stomach
so we wound up missing the show Sunday night. What I'm hearing makes me
feel pretty bummed about it too, but I'm keeping the faith for next
year. I was amazed with Saturday night's show of genius, so I am
definitely reforming my album collection! Any rumours about Phish
2000???
Moog
[email protected]
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 16:44:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mathew Lazarus [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego Review
"It was all about a band called Phish",
My most vivid memory wasn't the music... and after many, many shows and
never catching an Icculus or Quinn you would think these blockbuster
tunes surely would make one say, "Man they played a few bust-outs!"
But to me it wasn't about the music; it was about how 70,000+ people
can be so accomadating of each other. We had no space, litterally
none, and the nicest thing about the weekend was people who are
sleeping on top of each other, tired and sun burned can still manage a
smile to their fellow brother or sister. And remain kind to one
another...
Phish you truly have evolved... and Trey, I agree, "you truly can't
fool people with music." And your camping events speak novels about
how talented you all are and in the final analysis your legacy is one
of music and kindness..
Peace, Mathew
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 15:48:42 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Review For Oswego Show
I have one word to explain the entire weekend experience-- INTENSE!! THis
was my second show. I was at the Pepsi Arena in the fall of 1998. This
show totally surpassed the fall show. Trey was much more talk-a-tive and
had so much to say about everything, espeically Generation "X". Harry Hood
being played along with the fireworks was phanominal. I think that I speak
for the entire 70,000 when I say thank you to Trey, Mike, Jon, and Page for
a great experiance. Woodstock doesn't even compare!
Mike
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 12:36:34 -0700
From: Dr. Livingston [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego Weekend Review
I'm surprised at all the negativity that is everywhere about this weekend.
In my eyes what happened is that phish gave alot back to it's fans: a second
stage w/ some incredible live music, an all night DJ, a healthy helping of
some very well played live phish,fireworks, Giant S'mores etc. etc. etc. Too
long a list of all that was done by the band to make an airport tarmac such
a great place to be in the middle of a hot summer weekend. Phish makes a
point to give back to it's fans and I feel personally appreciated by them.
How many bands do we know at this level of popularity that offer something
like this to their fans? I've seen over 100 dead shows and I only once in
calaveras county in 87 ( 2 day event w/ David Lindley and Santana) did I get
a feeling of the band really wanting to offer something other than the music
back to fans such as a caring bunch of people who execute the infrastructure
to make the whole event as pleasant as possible. Phish had so many cool and
caring people involved who were ready and willing to help with problems and
whatnot(Just think they could have just as easily hired some no-neck
butthead bouncer type security, but they didn't they found cool people to
for crowd logistics). Did anyone happen to note that these people had
t-shirts that said "Safety" and "Camp Ranger" not "Security" an their
shirts. All my dealings with these folks was polite and responsive. And we
got all that for $70 bucks!!!!
I traveled from the west coast for great woods and oswego which took alot of
effort, time and planning to make it all work and I felt truly rewarded by
what phish gave in return. I love these guys because they recognize their
success in the amount of people they attract these days and try as best as
they can to make the shows as intimate and as personal as possble given
their current popularity which can't be controlled by them. In 1993 I saw
them play the HUB ballroom on UW campus and I found the same sort of
intimacy musically with 50,000 plus people on an airport tarmac as I did in
that rather small room on campus. How many bands these days would even think
in that way and have the management/label pressures help them do that? Not
many, I'd say,for those other bands it's all about the almighty dollar.
Oswego was not about making money for phish it was about giving back to it's
phans. My guess is they either broke even or lost money on this weekend.
I also spoke with the county health dept. officials on sunday morning who
were doing their rounds to make sure that all the food vendors hired by
phish org. for the weekend(The Green venders etc.) were up to code so we
wouldn't get food poisoning etc. We hung out for a bit and talked about the
county and Volney and how Phish approached them about the event. They said
that Oswego county was chosen because it is an economically depressed county
(one of the most in NY state). Phish purposefully looks for econ. depressed
counties in the northeast to do these events to help out that area because
these events are such a shot in the arm of medicine ($) for these
people.They mentioned that their was alot of haggeling with the band about
how much they (The local businesses selling food & whatnot) would charge for
for their products and the band was constantly haggeling for them to sell
at lower prices in order to not gouge the phans too much. I don't know how
effective that was in the end but the officials said that the phish org was
looking out for their fans in that respect. I'm sure there are countless
other things that went unkown or unnoticed at oswego that phish did to give
to the fans and given the conditions; heat, #'s of people and small airport
in the middle of relatively remote area I thought they did excellent.
I want to thank phish for such a wonderfully fulfilling weekend. They
rejuvinate my soul and give me more than I feel I could possibly give them
back and if the least I can give is the price of a $70 dollar 2 day ticket
for 5 absolutely huge sets, I'll gladly give it.
Thanks Phish! See you next Camp Out.
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 14:22:50 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego euphoria
I was absolutly blown away by the shows at "Camp Oswego" this past weekend.
I feel sad for anyone who missed these beautyful and inspirationional days
because they could not attend, but I feel even more sorrow for the people
who came to this festival and somehow missed the point and the true
experience.
I understand that more people will pay attention to what someone says if
they play the Devils advicate and complain rather than praise(I am often
guilty too), but come on this was a weekend NEVER to be forgotton. Phish
has once again topped any general conceptions of what is possible any given
night. These were my 71st and 72nd shows, and it seems the band has been
continuiosly improving which at times seems inconcievable.
For anyone who is seeing the last few shows of tour enjoy it. Listen to
every song regardless to where it fits into your personal list of favorite
Phish songs to hear. It seems that the boys are set on making every song
into an epic experience, and they are doing quite well. The summer tour so
far have been tremendous, and Im sure the end of this tour will be
unforgettable.
Have a great time and see ya in the fall,
jason
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 13:46:46 -0400
From: Michael Underwood [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: OSWEGO REVIEW
Normally, reviews are to pump or dump the music that was played at (a)
specific show(s). I'll let other people deal with that. I'd just like to
take this time to come correct with my take on the whole Summer Tour. I
only got to catch the Great Woods shows and the Oswego shows, so please
forgive me if my view is slightly different than yours.
There was so much made of this tour before it happened. You could feel
it on the message boards, when making trades, when listening to the
RealAudio interviews, even when reading the Schvice-like I need the
newsletter to tell me what the I already knew via the 'Net. There was just
so much energy that had aligned against the common good. So much was pent
up that the dam had to break. You've all heard or read it-Mike says that
they forgot how to jam. Elektra wants stricter enforcement of the taping
policy. E-Bay. No Hawaii. No Halloween. No West Coast Summer Tour
Dates. I hit the road with zero skepticism, but in the back of my mind,
dark clouds were forming. Of course Phish is still the best band on the
road...they just might be getting a little....old.
WRONG. Who's old?? Not Phish. Not the way they jammed this weekend.
These have been some of the best jams that I have heard in years. It's
1994 all over again. Nevermind all of the seventeen year olds that have
posted their reviews saying stupid things like, "They could have trimmed
some of the fat off of the DWD jam," or "After a while it got boring," or
my personal favorite, "I like Phish but I can't stand the scene." Go ahead
and assume that if you got your glass ganked by security at the Great
Woods, you deserved it you hypocrite.
Anyways, teenage stupidity aside, this tour has been a victory tour.
Did you hear the first set on Saturday?? It was reminiscent of '94 in that
it was, for a while, "The Show That Would Not End." I wasn't even sure
that The Guys would come out for a second set after that monster of a first
set. First of all, They opened with Tube. That alone should have told us
something. They had been playing for an hour and eight minutes when they
went into Taste. That's unreal. The bouncing balloons were a nice touch
as well.
To sum it all up, I was wrong. Phish is not old. They are not not
jamming. For the love of God, The Guys jammed Carini for about ten minutes
at GW!! They brought back such favs as Have Mercy, Boogie On Reggae Woman,
Sneaking Sally Through The Alley...etc. I was blown away. It's a shame
that all the little kiddies can't understand or respect The Jams. Maybe it
was enough for me to be able to say "I was there." However, I prefer to
say, "I was happy to be there, and I would put up with the heat, sun and
the tar on the bottom of my feet all over again to be able to see this
weekend one more time."
In closing I have only this to say, "S'mores!! Graham Cracker!!
Chocolate!! Marshmallow!! S'mores!!"
Peace, Mike
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 13:42:58 -0400
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: OSWEGO ADVENTURE
I had an incredible time this weekend. It's kind of depressing being
back in the real world in front of a computer. Although, there are
some songs I would have loved to have heard-I thought the sets they
played were awesome. The heat was unbearable, and the traffic getting
into the campgrounds was ridiculous, but it is definitely an
experience I will always remember. For those people criticizing and
analyzing the festival-RELAX-You are missing the whole point of it!
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 13:39:35 -0400
From: Bret Ostroff [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: This is in response to those who criticize those who criticize (i f
you
follow my recursion)...
About Gary and Russell's dispute over the 7-20-99 show:
WHAT THE HELL IS THE POINT OF HAVING REVIEWS IF ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS PRAISE
THE BAND???
Phans have every right in the world to say what they think-- especially
those phans who have been to enough shows to know the difference between a
great show and a downright shitty show. Some of you people tend to take
many of these comments too personally. If someone believes that the band
played shitty and didn't enjoy the show, then they have the right to say so.
Why should that person have to make pretend he/she enjoys the show just
because Phish is such a great thing. Not enjoying a show does not in any
way mean that they take Phish for granted. They paid their $30 and maybe
even more if they went to multiple shows that tour. They are entitled to
feel however they want about a show.
I've been playing music all my life. I can appreciate a good band and I
sure as hell know a good band when I hear one. Phish is a great fucking
band. They are what got me into liking the kind of music I like. They play
because they love to play.
IMHO, I think Phish has been overplaying too many songs lately. It's so
hard for me to get into a song when I heard a kick ass version of it a
couple days ago. I'm really starting to become bored with going to shows.
There's not as much excitement for me as there was in the beginning, when I
couldn't tell one song from another, and when I couldn't tell what was
coming and where it was going. Lately, the jams have gotten so predictable.
Also, I tend to notice a lot more sloppiness now that I know what to expect
in a song. If you've been to over 20 shows, you can't deny it!
Hopefully, I can regenerate my interest more by skipping the rest of summer
tour and trying again in the fall or winter.
So in closing, this wasn't a really specific message to the show in Toronto,
just my 2c.
I'm sure this will piss off plenty of people, so please feel free to email
me and let me know what you think-- unless you're that "tickle bitch" who
spams everyone on rec.music.phish.
Peace,
Bret - [email protected]
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 10:22:36 PDT
From: mike krysa [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: general Oswego comments
Thanks for the High 5's all!!!!!!! (after 1st set - Sun)
100% positive weekend. Period.
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 12:44:32 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: reviews...
Bitch, bitch, bitch, bitch bitch...
Well, that's what everybody does when reviewing shows these days, so I
thought I'd throw my hat into the ring. I am officially done reading
reviews because 1) It seems the only reason anyone writes a review is to
bitch about shows...afterall, it wouldn't be cool to review a show and say
that it was great! Doing that would make the reviewer sound naive and
musically uneducated (which, sorry, but most of you are) and 2) When
reviewing something that was good, too many people are too quick to claim
that a song was "the best ever!" Give me a break!!! Have these people
heard every single version of the song ever played? And under what
circumstances were these people hearing this particular version of the song
(for example, maybe you were just tripping balls during the song and decided
that, while you were having your glorious moment, there couldn't possible be
another version of this song that could have been any better).
Hey, I'm all for free speech and the right to express ones opinions, but
these reviews have just become another way for certain people to rip on the
band. Are they perfect every night? Of course not. But if you haven't
learned yet that part of the appeal of Phish is allowing them NOT to be
perfect, then it's about time you opened up your ears and your eyes and quit
complaining about every little thing. Here's a thought...if you have seen a
number of shows this tour (as I have) and you are unhappy with the bulk of
them (as so many tour heads seem to be), then don't go to shows anymore. I
know there are many people who would be happy just to have a ticket to a
sold out show so they can get down with the rest of us, while not worrying
about whether or not the band is better or worst than they were the night
before, the week before, or 10 years before. We've got a good thing going
people, so quit the bitching and just go with the groove...you'll have more
phun, trust me.
Thanks for letting me voice my opinion. See you all at Alpine and Deer
Creek...I'll be the one with the huge grin on my face, no matter what the
band is playing. Because, for me, there's no place on earth I'd rather be
than at a Phish show! Peace and love...
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 13:01:04 -0500
From: Marcial Mendez [email protected]
To: "[email protected]" [email protected]
Subject: Oswego Random Ramblings
Well, the Oswego weekend made 30 shows for me. Although this tour hasn't
been my favorite of all times (I went to Atlanta, Philly, Holmdel,
Oswego) it has had it's moments. I'm not one to bitch about any show...
I've learned not to expect anything, or you will most likely be let down.
I would have liked to see a little more diverse of a setlist through the
Holmdel-Oswego run (4 or 5 repeat songs, I think), but other than that,
it was a great weekend.
Something that I would like to comment on (i've noticed several others
touch on this subject) is the quality of the scene. Every year it seems
like it gets worse and worse. I'm a college grad who works a real job,
and sometimes I feel like I am actually looked down on by (for lack of a
better term) "dirty hippies." Don't get me wrong, I can hang out & party
w/ anyone; however some of the "fans" feel like you owe them. I have
been chastised in the past for trying to sell a ticket to a sold out show
for face value by someone who wanted it for free. Give me a break
people, the world doesn't work like that. I hate people coming up &
begging for change for "gas money" or "to get their friend out of jail."
If I can't afford gas or a ticket, guess what? I STAY HOME. Even back a
few years ago, the crowd seemed alot nicer, friendlier, and easy to get
along with. People don't share that as much anymore and I've noticed it
on this tour more than ever.
I will always see Phish no matter how bad the scene gets; I'm there
primarily for the music. However, when I remember back to the days of
Dead shows (and even Widespread shows now) and the general good vibe
shared by everyone, it saddens me that Phish is losing that part of the
expirience. Perhaps it was just the crowd that surrounded me this tour;
I hope so.
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 11:11:02 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: phish review
hot.. hot.. hot.. the music, the band, the weather, all of it... this is my
6th concert, and i loved it, music was great... all the songs were amazing,
on the first night, that dwd was sick, i couldnt take it, the band id it
all, i was a little dissapointed with the fact that no songs were played
from rift, sparkle would of been sweet, or even stash, from a picture of
nectar, anyways, on thing that i definalty want to comment on was the sence
that something was lacking in this show, there was not a sece of
toghtherness that i have seen at past phish shows, no i havent been to tons,
but i expected poeple to be a lot more friendly and to be much more cooler,
the only time i felt a sence of community was when the gates opened and we
ran to our seets (5th row or so both nights) and we were all running to see
an amazing band, i definalty felt some cold glances form people who looked,
or dressed more "hippy like" than myself, also, the drug thing is stating to
get to me, im not saying that i didnt do any, but i feel that many poeple go
to do drugs and not to enjoy the music, there were kids form my school who
went to do just that- becides that and the crazy heat, i had a great timre,
and cant wait for fall
Peace
Meredith
Phish- the best 4 * 4 * phar
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego
It was my Third show by the band. I was ready to shake my groove thing. But
nothing could prepare me for what was in front of me. The traffic was so bad
I''ve never been stuck in anything like that before. We arrived on Saturday
at two and got in around seven twenty. I was sweating balls, I was not going
to miss the band for anything. Ran to the stage to hear the first notes of
Tube. From that moment on I was fully locked in. And the band took off. The
speed of the playing was sick. They were on and the crow was giving it right
back to them. Timber Ho kicked much booty, and the YEM was my first ever. I
did hear song that I already heard this tour but who cares right. Coil to
close up was cool, Tweezer rep. was my first too. Next night PYITE to
open!!!!! my favorite Phish Jam to lead off, I was in another place. But to
tell you the truth I liked the first night much better. The band needs to
jam into songs more. Like more lead ins to songs more blending that was my
only beef with this magical weekend. I am so glad that they still continue
to pump out the jams. I am still new to the band, but this is only a
beginning. Thank god for Phish.
P.s. I am going to Goddard in the fall, the journey has only just begun.
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 14:30:25 -0400
From: Brian Folster [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: in response to what I've read here
This is what I have to say after Volney:
First of all, I really thought the shows themselves were great. Icculus,
Beauty with DMB, Piper... great sets, I didn't feel cheated out of anything
as far as the music was concerned. Trey and crew seemed to be having a
really good time, which I think is a key ingredient to a show's success.
The diatribe/whatever you want to call it during Icculus was fantastic,
thank you Trey for not taking yourself seriously at all!
Now, here is my problem with the weekend, and with what I have read on this
page. I have been to a great many shows, starting at the wee age of 12
when my mother took me to the Georgia Theatre in Athens, Georgia
(7-26-91... great version of Stash). Since then, I have never truly
followed Phish, as I have had other priorities, but I have caught them
every time they've come anywhere near me since that age... including this
summer in which I took it upon myself to take my appreciation for their
music a little further (ha) and go to Volney. I even managed to convince
two friends to come along who aren't as into the band, convincing them that
the experience and the people would be so amazing they would have a good
time even without knowing various intricacies of phish such as when to clap
in PYITE or what exactly the meatstick is.
Well, I have to say that I now feel badly about taking these two people.
For the music, that's one thing, and I've already said I thoroughly enjoyed
that. What I really didn't enjoy was the condescending attitude from the
supposed die-hard phish fans. I would like to remind all of these people
of one thing: this entire scene was not supposed to be about being
exclusive. It was, and should be about, enjoying the music and the freedom
and love of your fellow phan in an easygoing manner. All weekend, my
friends, who I suppose were not properly clad in what has become regulation
Phish concert gear (which is, in it's own way, just as disgusting as any
other uniform), were given dirty looks by those who presented themselves in
a more Phishy way. We were sitting in a crowd in which no one talked to
anyone they didn't come with. Admittedly, the heat was wretched, and down
on the end of the airstrip by the stage was worse than other parts of the
venue, but I don't consider that an excuse for completely unfriendly
behavior.
The point is, this scene has, in my opinion, morphed into something I no
longer enjoy. I enjoy the band. I always will, and I will go to Phish
concerts to see them. But I have never enjoyed groups that demand
conformity, whether it be conformity to the frat scene in college, to the
cheerleading squad in high school, or to the dreads and patchwork scene at
Phish. This crowd has changed, in the way that those who used to be open
to new people and different things have now become sedentary, a bourgeoisie
if you will, that makes concerts less fun for others.
I have read some of the comments on here, such as "too many teenyboppers",
etc. Do you think Phish fans are born that way? I guarantee you over half
of those girls who haven't bathed in quite some time at one point owned
Debbie Gibson cds. Some of these people are coming for the first time.
Maybe they only know Down with Disease and BRTR. So fucking what? Let
them enjoy it. IT DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU JUST BECAUSE YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF
A TRUE FAN.
In fact after this weekend my opinion of "true fans" has taken a 180. I'll
tell you why: my best friend in elementary school's mother was a huge
deadhead, she took us to a show when we were in 7th grade at RFK... I
didn't even know who they were. She, a woman who had followed the dead for
several years (in the early/mid 70s no less), took two teenybopping 7th
graders who were dangerously obsessed with Axl Rose to a show. She must
have not looked like a true fan, in her Talbot's gear and dragging two kids
around.
What you look like has nothing to do with what's inside you. I really
thought everyone had figured that out by now. Especially the people who
espouse peace and love so readily as these "true" Phish fans. I am
disappointed. No longer can i tell my friends that the way you can tell
the difference between a Dave Matthews concert and a Phish concert (aside
from the quality) is the fact that if you fell down at Dave, people would
step on you, whereas if you fell down at Phish, people would help you up.
And another thing: I don't want any return emails from obnoxious people
who think I'm dissing the band, because they're about the only worthwhile
thing I partook in this weekend (except the excellent B-Stage
performances). And what's wrong with that (not liking the sets) anyway?
Some of these messages say things like "if you didn't like it, maybe you
should take some time off". You know what? People are entitled to
different opinions. Phish is not God. Everything they do is not the
ultimate in good for every person at the show.
Allow people to be different from one another, is all I am trying to say in
this note. Otherwise, the word hypocrite is beginning to come to mind.
Very sincerely Liz
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 17:05:37 -0400
From: Milt Adams [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 7-17 & 7-18
First, I just want to say that I believe the band has greatly benefited,
how couldn't anyone, from the experience Trey and Page had by playing with
the great and immortal Phil Lesh. First of all, they finally turned Mike
up! He deserves to be heard over the other band members from time to time
and the Piper on Sunday proved that he is perhaps the best bassist out
there (with the close exception of Chris Wood). Piper was an epic tale made
to music that moved me and sent chills up and down my liquidy spine. It was
the undeniable truth of what Phish is truly capable of. As was Llama and
Down with Disease. In response to a fellow fan who mentioned the apathy of
the crowd during the final set, I feel that Icculus was not performed to
its highest level of intensity because of the fact that it seemed like 3/4
of the crowd had no clue what was going on. If you noticed, Trey did not do
the, highly anticipated by myself and others I was with, primitive scream
that is to accompany this rare gem. But instead, he merely repeated lines
to a song. I believe that if the crowd would have done their part, it
could've been a little more intense, but nonetheless, it was a treat. As
was Quinn the Eskimo! They're on a role right now and it's impossible to
deny. Their playing fresher and more raw than I've ver heard them and with
more confidence. They obviously love their jobs and it's good to see them
smile on stage when they know they've just kicked everyone's ass! (PIPER)
Coming home after a 6 show stint, I feel completely satisfied with my last
two shows of this summer and highly look forward to this fall. I mean, you
know you're in for it when they open the first night with TUBE!
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 18:05:51 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: (no subject)
Yo every one what's up ?
� just got back from as-we-go and let me just say that after 25 shows it
still doesn't get old! I loved every second of being there , yes even the 6
hour waite to get in even though it only took us 4 hours to get from philly
to oswego.about the review , I was thinking about this on sat. night, no
matter what I say about any of the songs the whole experiance was mind
shattering. If someone says that this song or that song wasn't that good ,
than that has to do with their mind set. I for one was taken to some other
planet (Jupitor I think) and I really can't say what I saw other than I
understood for a short time that we were making this whole thing happen by
our thoughts and feelings, the whole groove was dictated by the masses and,
for me at least, it is the most enjoyable time ever.Fuck the heat fuck the
waite it was all a small price to pay.
WHEN YOU GO TO A PHISH SHOW TRY AND REMEMBER THAT A GREAT GROOVE� ONLY TAKES
A� POSITIVE MIND SET
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 17:54:54, -0500
From: MR LARRY J BROUSE [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: attitude problems
i have seen 12 shows total, including camden this summer. However i
have listened to unhealthy amounts of shows on tape and feel somewhat
knowledgeable about their music.
Nothing and nobody is perfect. I think some of you are being
highly over critical about the band this summer. Yes, their seems to
be a sloppiness that the band gets into sometimes, not finishing a
song tight, or getting into a jam that lacks solidarity for a while.
However, at the same time i feel like phish has been able to, in the
last year or so establish jams that have a very pretty sound. An
example is Moutains in the mist, or the jam leading up to Hydrogen
this past New Years at MSG. I like this style, and feel this is a
nice edition to their repitiore.
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 17:24:04 PDT
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 20:12:30 -0400
From: Steven Mcalister [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Thoughts on Oswego
All in all I had a great time. The music was great although not exactly
what I expected but that is to be expected. I am writing to let people know
what image stuck with me longer than anything. As my phrends and I looked
for one last bag of nugs, we were approached buy someone who looked like he
was in a war on the losing side. ParaphraseunParaphrase"sorry to bother you
but a bunch of frat boys knocked me upside the head with a skateboard last
night and took $400 and a qp of nugs. I went to the hospital but I have to
go back and I don't have gas money to get there or home." This kid had an
obviously broken nose and was lucky that he could still see us with the eyes
that looked like they might fallout at any moment.
Now we were all sure that dumbasses who just left valuables in tents for
hours at a time unattended would get robbed. Out of 70,000 people there are
going to be a few theives, but I was not expecting murdereres to be among
us. Those cocksucking frat boys are lucky for one thing--that they didn't
kill this poor soul who was doing the world a favor by selling nugs. I'm
sure that they beat him senseless and left him for dead.I'm also sure that
this either happened in thw wee hours of the morning or in the middle of a
set bc I believe enough true phans of the band would have known, no matter
how many drugs they were on that this had to be stopped. I just hope that
while those phucknuts smoke those nugs and spend that money that their
consciesces eat away at them until they have no more soul for it to nibble
away at.I just thought that people who frequent the shows should know that
their are these type of evil people around. If any of you cocksuckers read
this I hope that you can't sleep tonight. Any responses can be sent to
[email protected]
From: Michael Isenbek [email protected]
To: [email protected] Subject:
Review of Oswego shows for Random Thoughts
The shows just ran together in a humongous mix if sun, sounds, and
lots and lots of people. It's rock 'n roll, get into it! was the catchcall
of my weekend. Stoned immaculate or not (I was), scream encouragement at
them for chrissakes! We give them a shitload of money, give them a reason to
play a better show! This was the rallying cry of the days and nights of
revelry. The guys from Montreal (hey dudes!!! I'm so sorry, but I completely
forgot all of your names, I just know the guy with the crazy braids, who's a
music student, the man I hung with with the red bandanna, and a bunch of
cool girls who were all shorter than me except one, who looks exactly like
my mother when she was young, which was pretty amazing!). The most positive,
beautiful and vastly intelligent people on Earth. They understood the
magnitude of what we were hearing. What a mindblower after all of those
sets. In order, the incredible james (best ones are marked with a !)
Tweezer, Taste, Down With Disease!, You Enjoy, Bathtub Gin, Runaway Jim,
Llama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Piper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
and of course Fluffhead. Then Trey sarts talking about random stuff. The
Chuckling ArchMinstrel
I will call him for the rest of my life! He's fucking laughing like we're
his fucking buddies! He LIKES to talk to us, 'cause when we show we like the
music, HE shows that he likes us. He is the mouthpiece for the band. They
like and accept that. Think about that for a sec. What a humble man, to have
70,000 people to entertain, that if we were Slayer or Megadeath fans in that
same situation would tear him Limb by Limb, I mean Limb FROM Limb. Anyway,
did anyone on Page's side near the front hear the impromptu percussion jam
before the first set, the yells of PAGE!!!! during that same set (and see
his and Trey's subsequent reactions?) on the 18th? That was us (I was the
guy with the goatee and blue shirt with the stickers stuck on the front),
the group that spanned from Montreal to Long Island and all points in
between, giving something back to Phish that has been lacking lately.
Enthusiasm. Sure it was 90+ degrees in the daytime, at night in way a
comfortable 75-80 degrees with a light crossbreeze. Sounds pretty
comfortable, right? My whole point is, don't EVER take Phish for granted.
Thinking of all the Deadheads in tears on the dark days of March 1973, July
1990, and August 1995.
It's all about fun and music
-Mike
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 11:07:32 EDT
From: Chris Chapman [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 7/17-18
First of all, let me say that I have never submitted any reviews of any
shows, ever. For one thing, I don't feel qualified. If I was as talented a
musician as any of the four members of Phish, then maybe I would feel
qualified, but I'm not so I don't. I _can_ say, however, that in my 18
years of concert-going experiences, that Phish is most consistently the
greatest rock and roll experience I've had. I've been to 13 shows and have
more than several hundred hours on tape, but this doesn't qualify me either.
Quantity doesn't mean jack. It doesn't make you a better listener.
I don't pass "personal judgments" on shows, or form concrete opinions on
them until after I've listened to them a few times and have had a chance to
catch all the little nuances that can be missed at the live performances.
That having been said, I give you my surface impression of the playing at
Oswego on the 17th and 18th.
These were my first shows of this tour and I was very much looking forward
to hearing the band after a 7 month stretch of no shows. I was NOT
disappointed. To my ears (and I recognize the fact that everyone hears
differently), Phish is better now than ever. Their on-stage communication
seems more effective and my initial feeling is that they've taken the best
of their '97 and '98 styles and distilled them into a fine brew. Like I
said, this is only a surface judgment, but I thought these two shows rocked.
Highlights for me: on the 17th, Tweezer>Have Mercy, Birds of a Feather (one
of the finest versions of this song I've heard), and an amazing Down with
Disease (not one of my favorite Phish songs, but the last two performances
of it that I've seen have been monstrous).
On the 18th: Get Back on the Train and the whole segment with The Del
McCroury Band was phenomenal. I liked GBOTT a lot when I heard Trey's solo
acoustic version, but what Phish does with that song takes it to an entirely
different level. Runaway Jim > Free- superb.
Catapult- I love weird new versions of that song for some reason and of
course I thoroughly enjoyed the Icculus and accompanying banter. Llama! I
may never have heard a more developed Llama or one that rocked harder.
In all, the jamming was great, the harmonies were right on for the most
part, and I didn't think anyone "hogged" the spotlight. The band appears to
be having fun, especially Trey, and perhaps this is why some of you perceive
that he's "hogging." I don't know, and to be honest, don't care. If you
listened beyond the guitar, maybe you'd hear some of the amazing things
coming from Jon, Mike, and Page.
As far as mistakes go, I'll never understand the pickiness of fans. The
mark of a great band is how they deal with the mistake. Phish is the best
in the world at incorporating mistakes and improvising around them. If any
of you knew or had an appreciation of how hard it is to do that well, then
maybe you wouldn't be so picky.
A couple other areas about the weekend I'd like to mention. The crowd: Yes
this was a lackadaisical crowd. But give 'em a break! The heat through the
day was at dangerous levels. The whole crowd, to differing degrees, was
suffering from heat exhaustion. I know I was on Saturday. On Sunday, I
changed my approach a little and toned down all my activity through the
hottest part of the day, keeping to the shade and saving any hard partying
for later. With the heat and the accompanying alcohol-induced dehydration,
not to mention the rigors of touring that many people were already feeling,
you can hardly blame them for not having a lot of energy.
As for the Meatstick dance, well, I have an appreciation for the whole
twisted idea of it replacing the Macarena in the Guinness Book, so I did my
best to learn and dance it at the appropriate time. For those of you who
did not participate, well, think about the statement you could have helped
to make to the world. Really, think about it. You could have been laughing
for years about that and had a great story to tell about how you
participated in it. Instead, you chose to be "too cool" for a silly dance.
I find your "coolness" amusing, and hope that someday you grow up to
discover just what a stick in the mud you truly are. If they do make it,
you'll probably tell your friends, "Yeah! I was there! I helped do that!"
Talk about hypocrites!
For those of you reading these reviews and trying to make up your mind about
whether to see any of this tour or not, go! Phish is jamming extremely
well, no matter what the "spoiled kid" naysayers may say! I myself am
looking forward to Burgettstown and Columbus and wish I had the opportunity
and money to see more!
So there you go. My first "review." Take it as you please.
Peace,
Chris Chapman
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 15:18:33 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: oswego, July 18
What a phat time this weekend! I must thank everyone who braved the
heat the ridiculous line to get in, and it almost shames me to say so, but
for also tolerating a large group of people who really seemed uninterested
in anything beyong getting fucked up. Beyond that this weekend was
incredible. the first have mercy in years, an incredible DWD and a
beautiful coil to end a great night of music. Remarkably,it would be
topped the next night. But getting beyond all that I have a great story to
tell all of you about a girl named Amy. Amy is a very special and great
friend of mine. We have alot in common as far as being laid back with the
same warped sense of humor. Where we differ however is taste in music. Amy
enjoys listening to hip hop, rap, techno, etc. I invited her to a dead
show in '94 and she declined. But when it came time to order mail tickets
this summer I got amy a ticket for Oswego, and would not listen to
excuses. Now to start off Amy's first Phish experience she sat on line in
a car for 8 hours. She sat through some of the worst heat of the summer,
and this was all to be a part of something she really hadnt had an
interest in up til this point. when we got into the concert field and got
a beer,and began to discuss our excitement over the next two nights of
music. we all called our openers(except of course for amy) with me
correctly calling tube and a son seals appearance on funky bitch. When the
show started we all took our places and got into our groove. As the set
progressed I would look over at Amy. She wasnt dancing, or pretending to
know what was going on. She just sat there and watched. sometimes she
stood and watched , but you could tell by the middle of the second set
that she was catching on. I remember seeing a cool little smile on her
face as trey hit a high cresendo note out of the funky Wolfmans Jam. She
was understanding the way that the boys could Harness energy. It was one
of the greatest experiences I have ever been a part of . Just noticing
that little grin out of the corner of my eye made me walk to her and smack
a big fat kiss on her cheek. Now Amy isnt going to quit her job , jump in
her car, and keep going all the way to Deer Creek, But she realized what
an incredible circle of energy that the band an audience shared, and how
wonderfully unique it was. she told me after the show that althogh she
enjoyed the music immensely, she enjoyed seeing a person genuinely
entrapped in the groove. The only time Amy danced this weekend was to do
The Meatstick, But she told me that she had never experienced anything
like it , and what a wonderful time it was. She even made sure to tell me
that she wants copys as soon as I get them. Needless to say Amy helped
make my weekend extra special. If any of you who read this are
an "Amy" or shared the weekend with an "Amy" please Email me
[email protected]
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 15:18:33 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: oswego, July 18
What a phat time this weekend! I must thank everyone who braved the
heat the ridiculous line to get in, and it almost shames me to say so, but
for also tolerating a large group of people who really seemed uninterested
in anything beyong getting fucked up. Beyond that this weekend was
incredible. the first have mercy in years, an incredible DWD and a
beautiful coil to end a great night of music. Remarkably,it would be
topped the next night. But getting beyond all that I have a great story to
tell all of you about a girl named Amy. Amy is a very special and great
friend of mine. We have alot in common as far as being laid back with the
same warped sense of humor. Where we differ however is taste in music. Amy
enjoys listening to hip hop, rap, techno, etc. I invited her to a dead
show in '94 and she declined. But when it came time to order mail tickets
this summer I got amy a ticket for Oswego, and would not listen to
excuses. Now to start off Amy's first Phish experience she sat on line in
a car for 8 hours. She sat through some of the worst heat of the summer,
and this was all to be a part of something she really hadnt had an
interest in up til this point. when we got into the concert field and got
a beer,and began to discuss our excitement over the next two nights of
music. we all called our openers(except of course for amy) with me
correctly calling tube and a son seals appearance on funky bitch. When the
show started we all took our places and got into our groove. As the set
progressed I would look over at Amy. She wasnt dancing, or pretending to
know what was going on. She just sat there and watched. sometimes she
stood and watched , but you could tell by the middle of the second set
that she was catching on. I remember seeing a cool little smile on her
face as trey hit a high cresendo note out of the funky Wolfmans Jam. She
was understanding the way that the boys could Harness energy. It was one
of the greatest experiences I have ever been a part of . Just noticing
that little grin out of the corner of my eye made me walk to her and smack
a big fat kiss on her cheek. Now Amy isnt going to quit her job , jump in
her car, and keep going all the way to Deer Creek, But she realized what
an incredible circle of energy that the band an audience shared, and how
wonderfully unique it was. she told me after the show that althogh she
enjoyed the music immensely, she enjoyed seeing a person genuinely
entrapped in the groove. The only time Amy danced this weekend was to do
The Meatstick, But she told me that she had never experienced anything
like it , and what a wonderful time it was. She even made sure to tell me
that she wants copys as soon as I get them. Needless to say Amy helped
make my weekend extra special. If any of you who read this are
an "Amy" or shared the weekend with an "Amy" please Email me
[email protected]
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 10:38:00 -0400
From: Ed Looram [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: 7/17/99 VOLNEY REVIEW
Nobody mentioned the traffic which is nice but we sat in it for two hours
until we snuck around into Fulton and came up to the entrance from the
other direction and still sat in traffic for a good hour. This was Sat
morning from 5:30 am to 8 am. But I'm not bitter about that, it didn't
bother me too badly, I was just hot and I already figured this place was
so remote that there was bound to be some traffic. I heard later that some
were in the line for like 6 hours.
An very unconventional review.... just some thoughts really..... so skip
this if your looking for a serious review. Lemme get the bragging rights
done with because it relates to my thoughts on the show. My 52nd or 53rd
show now, since '90. dont really do full tours but see them a bunch of
times a year. I'm using clifford, went, (missed the wheel) for some of my
comparisons.
All I have to say (and I will repeat this over and over again) is THE BLUE
ASTROTURF. Yes the BLUE ASTROTURF in front of the 2nd set of page side
speakers. This spot and this night in particular was the glorious
culmination of all the past 9 years of seeing the p_hish (pronounced
pee-hish). I have seen some whoppers (for me, Townshend 90 and 91;
Halloween Colorado College in '90; Clifford, that MSG Dec '97 with the
Izabella and countless others) and I must say that I had the singular most
enjoyable time that I can remember at one of these shows. Many of you have
been "on tour" for years, I have not had such luck. So after many years of
dancing in halls, dancing in seats, dancing on grass, I have now
experienced the BLUE ASTROTURF and all of the fine people that were there
in attendance.
Basically I just think that all of these years of going to shows has paid
off handsomely. Just like any other scene, there are people you see again
and again and again in some fashion at the shows. They are your peers but
I never get to say hello to them because I dont see so many consecutive
shows then It's back to NYC and work for me and then maybe I see some
people next set of shows. It all adds up. The BLUE ASTROTURF provided me
with a chance to dance and revel in the twilight with probably every
single freak and friend and dancing aquaintence that I have seen and met
over the past 9 years. Young and old, we were in the house. I am 29 and my
back is killing as I write this. Killing me. I almost snapped myself in
half during the BOAF and that was just the start. The daylight set was
just phenomenal, I am a sound junkie not a sight junkie and the speakers
were delivering the goods times 10. I mention my age because Matt (now I
am dropping names of the accused) said he is 31 and he heard Thomas and I
groaning. There was talk of Advil, some talk of stronger painkillers,
total self mockery-old man-how-much-longer-can-we-keep-this-up shit. And
it didn't help at all that Bruce is such a freaking rabble rouser who
takes dancing to such a pumped up wailing aerobic level. The BLUE ASTOTURF
was GOING OFF ALL NIGHT....Tube and Boogie on were funky chicken
style...that just started the madness. All these heads were freaking out.
I've gotta give shouts to this whole crew, some I never even met
personally but I know your names cause one of my friends knows you or vice
versa. What up and thank you for such a good time to: Germond (sp?) who
got caught up in the Have Mercy (anybody hear his Rastafari chant?), Matt,
Austin, Scott (the Admiral) Bruce, Thomas (my traveling and camping
compadre), Lee with the rum and coke, Liza, Beena, Freyja, Spencer,
Lindsay (the keeper of the duct tape) the BSF/Recon supporters (you all
must be from NYC; RIP Bleu), Cory, JB, Scott (where do you put that?) and
the 30 to 40 others who provided me with one of the most high times (and
the whole weekend I was stone cold sober) I have ever experienced.
It was such utter payoff, I had seen most of these kids at shows over the
years and I can attest that we had never ALL been together like that in
our extended family way and for all of you who have scenes like this that
make you happy and smile and grateful for the time you put into the p_hish
then you know what I mean. True payoff.
so reading the reviews for both nights in Volney I can only see that one
thing remains true: We all have our opinions. I like the show, you don't.
Next night I might think the show is flat, you think it was the deadliest,
crunchiest, bomb-layer ever done. Whatever. Just keep coming to provide
your piece to this cooperative mayhem or drift away. I am committed, like
many others, to giving the guys in the band a fair shake. I was at the top
of the lawn in Holmdel (fri.) for 4 or five (quiet) tunes and I can tell
you that back in the 6th row for the 2nd set the show certainly had a
different (loud and crisp) kick. I guess it's all perspective.
Other than that I could do a song by song for Sat. but there are enough of
you to do that. I liked it all. Roggae good. Sound good. Did you hear Mike
all night dropping the lovely stuff? what a f**king rhythm section. My
knees killed, I sweat through 2 shirts, drank 4 waters and 2 smoothies,
and smiled like I haven't in a good while. Thanks to Dave and his
(girl?)friend in those funky blue pants for carrying the BLUE ASTROTURF
and providing the platform for such an amazing experience.
I hope to see you all again, and to those of you who made the trek, I hope
you had FUN. Back to work, waiting for Nassau and Albany in the Fall.
One small voice in this large creation,
Ed
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 1999 13:34:32 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Newbie central page
I don't have a review for Oswego but have little tidbits-- After Saturday
show Mike was zooming around the lot in golf cart full of people around
3:00 or 3:30- Others saw him Saturday before the show. Mike was also
watching Ozomatli at Echo Lodge stage shortly before first set on Sunday--
Just chilling right in the crowd with a couple of friends. Really cool
that noone pestered him. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!! Shows are all done Sunday--
3:00 AM and the lot is rockin', out of the blue comes Mounted Security
(they were chill all weekend!) clearing people out of the way with 6
horses, the crowds gets whipped up in frenzy.... TREY is in the middle of
huge crowd riding on the police horse with grin from ear to ear. "thank
you Trey" is being yelled all over. Trey was answering some questions as
riding (second time ever riding a horse) tons of pictures and some lucky
people had video cameras. Trey shook my hand while riding the horse.gret
moment. THANK YOU TREY!!!!!!!!
One last interesting fact-- The fireworks after Harry Hood was done in
complete silence. Started slow and band left stage. The explosions kept
getting bigger and better crowd noise builds and spectacular finale. Great
fireworks show and trippy not have them jam to it like usual.
DWD on Saturday was done at warp speed with deep, deep jam that got real
Thought they would never find their way out- deep and funky with a mind
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 00:37:28 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Review
This is not my first time writing to the net, but I have to say again what
Ive said before. I read the reviews because I like to hear what the band
played, if they did anything cool with costumes and things of that nature.
I also want to hear if it was a great show or just ok. But these reviews
are so full of stuff thats interesting maybe to your friends, your car
ride, the weather, how much you paid for water ect. These reviews are not
for those who never went to a concert. I also want to know how fans of a
band, people who say they know music, can expect so much. Phish is an
improvisational band, they dont play the same show twice, they get up
there are go for it. Some nights you get moments of greatness and others
everything just jives and you get a special experience. A band that goes
out every night and just plays because they love it, is an amazing thing
in itself. How can you compare one song that you heard at a show two
summers, to the one you heard last night? Thats not the way Phish works,
things change and evolve. Whats the point on telling people how many times
you heard Bouncin? It will always be different, thats why you go, if it
was all the same, what would be the exitement. For those of you who want
to see a "perfect show" everyone tight, every word every note go see Yes
when they tour or Rush, Pink Floyd. They rehearse the same thing over and
over, the shows are outstanding, but could you go every night? The whole
point of this kind of music is experimenting, letting the song take you in
different directions, not playing it the same way over and over. Enjoy and
review, be fair, these guys are working hard so you have a great summer.
Peace!
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 14:42:26 -0500
From: "Oliphant, Cheryl" [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: OSWEGO
It might sound a little crazy, but I just traveled 1,200 miles to
experience my very first Phish show. After review of all of the comments
regarding Oswego, I must add my thoughts and impressions. I have listened
to countless Phish tapes and was not the least bit disappointed in the
performance. I was enlightened and happy. To the Trey critics - let's
see you get up on stage and perform better than him. The man played a
guitar with his teeth for you. Is that not talent? Is that not skill?
It really seems that you are a little ungrateful. Do you not realize
Oswego would not have been possible if it weren't for the countless
efforts and work from Phish? They are not Gods. Maybe you shouldn't be
so expectant and demanding. And to all of you complaining about how dead
and motionless the fans were - what were you doing the whole time? I, at
times, stood still, but I enjoyed myself. Isn't that what matters,
enjoying yourself? I tend to think so. Great performance from Phish.
Negativity is contagious, you know?
Trey really showed his talent breaking down with the blues, and the
fireworks were awesome. Being in New York with ~50,000 people for the
same reason was so wonderful.
Thanks to Phish and all of the strangers who revealed a smile to me. I
guess those strangers are now friends. One word of advice, pet owners -
please leave your pets at home. I witness a fight break out due to dogs
and countless ads concerning missing dogs. It is really sad and inhumane
to take them on tour.
Thanks again to all of the people who were at Oswego with the smiles and
positive attitudes:)
Cheryl
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 09:44:50 -0400
From: J. Frei [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswegoooo!
Like others before me after reading some other reviews I had to add
mine. I'll start by saying that I had an incredible time! Had my
phamily with me, met some new friends and enjoyed some great music. But
I had to write in because I have never seen so many negative and stupid
reviews of a show/event before. Yes there might have been a couple
missed notes etc., some repeat songs from the tour and not everyone was
dancing their asses off. But, these people who are whining about the
shows don't seem to realize that Phish is up there playing because they
ENJOY playing and get a kick out of giving all of us an incredible
time. No, they are not gods, and more than deserve to be able to miss a
note, end a song early or repeat some songs from the tour etc. as they
see fit. They put an incredible amount of their lives into creating,
practicing and arranging their music for us to enjoy. And for events
like Oswego that musical effort and logistics planning increases like a
bazillon fold. Maybe not everyone around you was goin nuts but I was
for sure "dancing like no one was watchin" and giving everything that my
abused and HEAT DRAINED body could muster up. The point of it is that
ANY Phish show, even if YOU think it's a bad Phish show, is still better
than NO Phish show. For those of us who can't follow the band around
like so many get to for what ever reason my friend has a great rule of
thumb, "Even a bad Phish show(is there is such a thing??) would always
better than a great day at work." I'm rambling I know so I'll come to a
point. Just be happy that you get to go to the show and go with an open
heart, mind and soul. Don't go with precognitions of what you think the
show SHOULD be like. Just enjoy what ever the boys rip out for us.
Just be happy to be there. And if you can't do that then maybe it's
time to take a break from the shows for a bit. Go a goodly while with
out a show and see how jonesin' you get. I'm sure there are many like
me who have a very hard time organizing the time and cash flow to hit a
show, maybe that's why I simply have the time of my life at any show I
can get to. But if you think you are "fed up with repeat songs and
screwed up songs" please don't bitch about it, at least you were there
when many others couldn't be. You go to a show to have fun, so do
that. If you don't think you can do that, don't go. It's that simple.
So go have fun, see you at the show and be sure YEM (You Enjoy the
Music)!
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 09:27:23 -0400
From: Paul Weiss [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego
Yes, long lines suck. The heat was tough to bare. I could have used
more than an hour or two of sleep going into Saturday's show. Maybe I
failed to boogy at my usual pace Saturday. I was afterall tired as all
hell. But, I still had fun. The music was fine. I thought both shows
were great, although I was too tired Saturday. I met some good people
too (despite that loser who whipped out his dick and began pissing in
the middle of the crowd between sets). I kind of enjoyed "Superstar"
Trey's babble about finding the book, that very special book. Maybe
Trey was fucked up, I don't know. But, I do know Phish played their ass
off Sunday. Highlights for me included Moma Dance, Free, Piper, Quinn
and Fluffhead. I found the sound quality just fine, and the crowd
around me was really into the groove Sunday.
Given the heat, crowds etc., I can understand why some are bitching and
moaning about Oswego. But to blame the band and claim that the end for
you is now? Hey, if that is what you want, fine, send me your phatty
tickets for the fall. I feel lucky enough to have followed Phish since
my sophmore year at UVM, in 1987. Back then Trey made the band.
Everyone else has since made great strides to catch up musically. They
have. But, it is still Trey's band. He is the leader and always will
be. If he parties somewhat, fine with me. It is not as if you could
not understand him, or that he blew every cord!! They still jam, and
did so for a long time this weekend.
-Paul
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 03:11:54 -0400
From: leslie jensen [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: "Nice swift kick in the ass,one dollar."
There's some, some good points-some bad points ! I had an awesome weekend
in Oswego despite getting sunburned like you would not believe ! Let me
just start off by saying that many "phans" just don't understand or
appreciate the magnitude of just what the hell happened in Oswego. Do you
realize the amount of planning and organizing it takes to pull this off ?
The amount of people it takes ? This is a gift from Phish and they can
play whatever the hell they feel like playing whenever the hell they feel
like playing it ! What other band would set you up with a whole weekend
free for all camp-out like that ? Anyway, I met alot of nice people. Alot
of rude people. Alot of idiots. My biggest complaint is dealing with
people who are too drunk to enjoy anything and just annoy or worry other
people. Second, why do people set off bottle rockets and cheesy fireworks
amongst thousands of people and tents ? My tent is flammable. So is my
head. Well, enough complaining. For those of you who were not there-Phish
played phenomenally ! THE DEL McCOURY BAND is AWESOME !!!!!!! The
marshmallows on sticks were cool. DEL McCOURY rules !!!!!!! I didn't have
to wait in line for the bathroom at all ! ! ! It was really really hot.
THE DEL McCOURY BAND is great ! My favorite vendor was the guy yelling
"Nice swift kick in the ass, one dollar." I saw Mike,Page,and Sophie
checkin' out DEL McCoury on "The Green". My friend shook Pages' hand. That
was cool. I'd like to thank Mike,Page,Trey,Fishman and the whole crew for
doing this for us once again. P H I S H R U L E S !!!!! ( So quit your
whining )
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 13:03:05 -0400
From: Justin Matter [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego shows
Hey buds. I'm assuming if you're reading this there's probably a decent
chance you were at the Oswego show. I thought it was phenomenal. There
were downsides, of course - the five hour line to get in, the heat &
humidity, camping on dirt and rocks (we didn't get a grassy area), and the
especially the security after the last set Sunday ("C'mon people! Get your
dirty asses off the ground and let's GO! Move it!") But these weren't
nearly enough to outweigh the positive vibes. I liked some sets more than
others - the first set was out of this world (but so was I so maybe that
figures in). Sunday's sets were all good - I was ecstatic to hear Reba and
I loved the Hood encore.
What I'm surprised to see is all the negativity that seems to pervade many
of these reviews I've read. I think part of the cause is that so many
people have stuck with Phish for so long that they've developed these
preconceived notions about the band and the music and how both 'should'
be. When the band or the music goes outside these ideas, these folks feel
let down and betrayed somehow. I see this in a lot of the "I was at the
----- show back in '--, and it's just not like that any more" comments, or
the "They just aren't how they used to be, they've lost this or that."
Come on. For one, what gives anyone besides Mike, Fish, Page, or Trey the
right to decide how they should or shouldn't be? For two, would you really
want them to stay the same and play songs that all sound the same over and
over forever? I hope not. They'd be bored out of their mind and so would
we. They need to challenge themselves and keep developing musically. So
please don't criticize the band for not being or playing the way you want
them to (again, what gives anyone the right), regardless of how long
you've been a phan or how many shows you've seen.
And while I'm at it, bitching about people not dancing "enough" or getting
into the show enough is ridiculous. People can be completely enraptured in
a song and not move a bit. I know I phreaked my buns off during some
songs, and on others I stood almost totally still except for a little
swaying motion, probably. And those were some of the songs I was the most
immersed in.
Anyway, sorry for the rant. I just had a great time and it's too bad to
hear people dwell more on the negative aspects than the postive. Just be
happy that there is a band called Phish on planet Earth and that you're
either blessed or just lucky enough to be a phan. :)
Keep the postive vibrations emulating from your realm,
Justin
[email protected]
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 10:17:33 -0400
From: Joe Rella [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego
Only my second and third shows (another displaced Jerry-head), I gotta say
this was one awesome event. It was the first time I felt the scene in
several years. Friends all around, cops and security were pretty cool,
lots
of water, and both nights the crowd got in some terrific phishing.
Sunday's
sets 2&3 were absolutely fantastic. Of particular note to me was the fresh
take on a great tune, Quinn the Eskimo. So many great people in one place,
it was refreshing to feel those vibes again. Headed now to see Dylan/Simon
at the Knick/Pepsi. Thanks to all the peaceful heads who came to this
event
and made it such a special time for everyone.
Joe Rella
[email protected]
ate: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 10:44:21 -0400 (EDT)
From: Andrew Vern [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Osweego Sentiment
First of all, this is not a review, only a collection of comments
concerning the popular sentiment surrounding Osweego.
I saw my first Phish show at the Somerville theater back in 1990, and,
consequently, I've considered myself a fan to some varying degree every
day since. Sure, I've endured jaded periods in which I didn't feel that
the band or the scene were heading in a positive direction. However,
Phish has always done something to snap me out of the funk. For the
past two years (From the first beginnings of the funk), Phish and the
scene have taken on a very positive direction and feel. Regrettably,
this flow seems to be slipping away in the heat of the summer tour.
Although the second night in Great Woods was a truly spectaclar show,
the band has had a lot of trouble with their overall intensity. The
fire just isn't there on this tour; the boys are merely showing up,
going through the motions, and popping back out for an encore. Their
sound is undoubtable morphing into a whole band groove, but their
individual styles and egos are cluttering the roadway. If they reach
this ideal, the results will be outstanding, but, for the time being,
this is definitely a work-in-progress. This offers some explanation for
some of the low points of the summer tour - jams that don't get off the
ground and/or jams that sound exactly alike despite being out of
different songs. I agree that these new beginnings of a style can be
quite tiresome, but I do plead that we give them a chance.
Nevertheless, they still play music better than every other band - too
bad they aren't playing as well as last year.
Well...enough about the music. Here's a couple notes about the scene at
Osweego. I agree that people weren't getting down like they normally
do, but that heat was DRAINING. I shake 'em something fierce at show,
but after a day baking in 100 degree heat, I had nothing out there. The
lot scene was rather unfriendly, but I chalked that up to our
neighborhood. Lastly I will say, that the crowd is eerily feeling a
little Dave Matthewsy...
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 14:22:57 -0500
From: "Gallant, Pat" [email protected]
To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected]
Subject: 7/18/1999 review
Here are my random and assorted ramblings on this weekend in Volney:
- All in all I had a wonderful time. I want to thank Phish for providing
the opportunity to have a weekend festival like that.
- The only thing that I will honestly complain about the weekend was that
the concert area seemed too small to accommodate such a large crowd.
- Yes, it was too hot. My wife almost passed out due to heat.
- Yes, we laid down some during Saturday's show up at the back of the
venue. Sorry, we were hot and exhausted. Did that decrease our ability to
enjoy the music? Of course not, don't be ridiculous (read-icculus). But
you can bet that the burnt out wasted folks near us when we were closer to
the stage decreased our enjoyment by puking and passing out. But hey...
I'm not one to complain. =)
- I laughed so hard during Trey's ramblings. To those who left early
cause they thought Trey was being preachy, I hope you're a little
embarrassed now after realizing what was really going on.
- I preferred the concert on Sunday much more than the one on Saturday.
Does this mean I didn't like the Saturday show? Not at all, I just was
too plain exhausted to really enjoy it to its potential. Sunday just got
me much more pumped.
- It's okay to post a negative review of a show. You're entitled to your
opinion and I respect that.
- To Nicole Gabai: You mentioned that you didn't drive ten hours to hear
four songs with Del McCoury. Yes you did. You came to this concert not
knowing what to expect as with any show. Part of the beauty of Phish
shows is not knowing what to expect. My first show was 6.22.95 when they
played Tweezer for practically the entire second set. Some friends of
mine kept saying that was their last show and how it sucked. I admired
the band for having the guts to come out and TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT,
succeed or fail. Phish does not owe us ANYTHING! We owe them our respect
and gratitude. I would have loved to hear Bowie or Antelope, but guess
what... maybe they'll play them at the next show I go to. Maybe that's
ALL they'll play at the next show I go to. Who knows... can't wait!
- To Mallexpo: Glad that I was at your last Phish show!!! Sorry you had a
bad time!! Can I have all of your tickets for upcoming shows, and all of
your tapes 'cause you don't need them anymore.
- Howzabout that Piper, eh?
- Bathroom scene was better this year than in Maine (but still a somewhat
scary experience!) - How fat was that Moma Dance, anyway?! I loved it.
- The Bathtub Gin defined my mood for the entire show. It totally
energized me and made me so happy I could explode.
- Chalkdust was AWESOME! What a way to end a set on such a high wave of
energy.
- Did anyone else see that thunderstorm approaching during the second set?
Glad it didn't hit us. The thought of being in an open field with large
metal structures in a lightning storm is not one of my dreams.
- Bands make mistakes. IT HAPPENS, GET OVER IT! If I quit going to shows
after hearing mistakes, I would have quit after 8/13/1997 at Star Lake and
would have never heard the Went, the great shows in Albany that fall, MSG
12/31/97, Vernon 8/12/98, etc...
- I'd been getting irritated with Harry Hood over the last couple of
years, but the one on this night was nice and I liked it a lot.
Peace to you all,
Pat
Pat Gallant
Senior Software Engineer
West Group - Productivity Solutions
[email protected]
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 13:03:05 -0400
From: Justin Matter [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Oswego shows
Hey buds. I'm assuming if you're reading this there's probably a decent
chance you were at the Oswego show. I thought it was phenomenal. There
were downsides, of course - the five hour line to get in, the heat &
humidity, camping on dirt and rocks (we didn't get a grassy area), and the
especially the security after the last set Sunday ("C'mon people! Get your
dirty asses off the ground and let's GO! Move it!") But these weren't
nearly enough to outweigh the positive vibes. I liked some sets more than
others - the first set was out of this world (but so was I so maybe that
figures in). Sunday's sets were all good - I was ecstatic to hear Reba and
I loved the Hood encore.
What I'm surprised to see is all the negativity that seems to pervade many
of these reviews I've read. I think part of the cause is that so many
people have stuck with Phish for so long that they've developed these
preconceived notions about the band and the music and how both 'should'
be. When the band or the music goes outside these ideas, these folks feel
let down and betrayed somehow. I see this in a lot of the "I was at the
----- show back in '--, and it's just not like that any more" comments, or
the "They just aren't how they used to be, they've lost this or that."
Come on. For one, what gives anyone besides Mike, Fish, Page, or Trey the
right to decide how they should or shouldn't be? For two, would you really
want them to stay the same and play songs that all sound the same over and
over forever? I hope not. They'd be bored out of their mind and so would
we. They need to challenge themselves and keep developing musically. So
please don't criticize the band for not being or playing the way you want
them to (again, what gives anyone the right), regardless of how long
you've been a phan or how many shows you've seen.
And while I'm at it, bitching about people not dancing "enough" or getting
into the show enough is ridiculous. People can be completely enraptured in
a song and not move a bit. I know I phreaked my buns off during some
songs, and on others I stood almost totally still except for a little
swaying motion, probably. And those were some of the songs I was the most
immersed in.
Anyway, sorry for the rant. I just had a great time and it's too bad to
hear people dwell more on the negative aspects than the postive. Just be
happy that there is a band called Phish on planet Earth and that you're
either blessed or just lucky enough to be a phan. :)
Keep the postive vibrations emulating from your realm,
Justin
[email protected]
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