Comments and Observations
review submisions [email protected]
or [email protected]
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000 17:25:11 EST
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: what?
I was reading one of the last reviews from NYE2000, one of the most memorable
shows in the history of Phish. To get to the point, who the hell is that
bitch that talks about Trey's drug problem. She states that Trey was gettin'
his fix the entire NYE show. Her name is robin dzvonik. Remember when Trey
left the stage, she thinks it was because he couldn't help but to get yet
another fix. These are the types of people that really give Phish a bad rap.
So what if Trey was gettin' a fix... What about all the Phucked up people
and their syringes. I also read a couple of reviews from the Clean Vibes
Crew, they said that there were some syringes found while cleaning up the
concert grounds. What about the people walking around barefoot. Ouch! To
get to the point, if Trey is snorting big deal, If there are people shooting
Heroin to enjoy Phish, They unlike Trey are Phucked up.
James
Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 15:08:23 -0600
From: "[email protected]" [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 12/3-4 reviews
Hello,
I have seen enough Phish shows in the last three years to know that these
two shows were not the best shows Phish has done. (I definitely have my
favorites!) Admittedly, there were moments on both nights that seemed
quite ordinary and perfunctory. Yet many other moments **were**
transcendent, despite the claims of the reviewers who have posted heavily
negative remarks on both nights.
If I see a pattern myself in Phish's performances on these dates (since
I've read the reviews for 12/2-4 so far) is that the first set has been
routine and "pedestrian," a little lacking in fireworks (AC/DC on 12/3
notwithstanding!!!). Then, the second sets sizzle and explode. This strike
me that the band is holding back and building more momentum toward the
second set. (My recollection of Cincy in 98 was that they rocked out of
the gate and unleashed a Reba AND Tweezer in the first set, a sign that
the entire show would be spectacular, which IMO it was!!!) The reasons for
this trend are not clear, but they do reflect a change in the band's
energy or intentions.
Another related pattern is that I noticed practically no segues on either
night. Nearly all of the songs had clean breaks rather than morphs.
(TMWSIY/Avenu/TMWSIY on 12/4 not counted). I won't say that this is good
or bad, but rather that I found it quite surprising, as I've come to
expect that myself and I've made a point of listening for the signals and
teasers of where the songs would go next. As with the change of set
momentum, I can only speculate that the band has perhaps made a conscious
change about song placement and segues that has something to do with a new
approach. Good or bad? I don't know, just merely observing it.
Not that it should matter, but I am an apsiring musician (of modest
ability) myself. And one thing I have to guard against when I go to any
artist's shows is to not get overly analytical about the performances.
Interestingly, I had no trouble with these Phish shows of getting into the
spirit of the moment, which was a very positive rapport between the
audience and the band. I succeeded in turning off my detached,
observational mode and in just feeling and being in the moment both
nights. A couple of times my analytical side sneaked in, like when I left
for a bathroom break during Wolfman on 12/3 (gasp!--I thought: hmmm-pretty
basic here) or the first set on 12/4 seemed to run noticeably shorter than
usual.
I find it ironic many of the longtime fans (whom I presume are not all
musicians themselves) seem to be griping about Phish outdoing their most
transcendental moments of past shows. Some of these fans even brag about
seeing 20-40 or more shows, and to me their complaining about these two
recent shows seems to transmit an exaggerated sense of entitlement.
In other words, I think we've got some spoiled rotten brats here who've
lost the simple ability to appreciate objectively good performances. Why?
Because the band didn't perform every song on their "personal set lists,"
in the exact order they had "predicted"??? Or because the band didn't
double -- or triple -- the intensity level of the most intense previous
performance of the fan's personally favorite songs???
I can only ask: Is **this** the band's fault, or is the problem with these
fans for becoming overly dependent on the band to keep outdoing itself and
keeping the fans distracted from getting on with **living THEIR lives?** I
think the band can only be so clever, creative and spontaneous before it
naturally reaches the limits of its ability. If any of these fans were
musicians themselves, could they reasonably expect anything different of
themselves?
I don't have the answers to any of these questions, but after reading
these inordinantly negative reviews, I can't help but feel they deserve to
be asked. The band is obviously changing, and I think it would be
interesting to learn more about what is going on in their minds. Maybe
they feel that fans have become too possessive and it's time to shake
things up a bit. Bands like the Dead have reacted to the pressures of
overly demanding fans by reshuffling the deck. Maybe it's time for Phish
to start dealing a new game, too.
Peace,
SAM
Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 00:18:04 -0700
From: Kevin Kohley [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: What it's all about...
I didn't go to this show. I couldn't. I just moved to California. I
was able to catch a couple of shows out here but there just wasn't anyway
that I could get back for the midwest run. I did have some very good
phriends go including my sister...
She just called me and told me that Phish was back. After a few shows
left us feeling unfulfilled this summer, she was able to find that groove
once again.
You know how it gets sometimes, where the whole reality thing gets you
down and you start to forget what is really important. It happened to my
sister. The hectic college schedule can get you down and frustrated, and
make you question what you are doing, where you are going.
What Phish can do is get you reconnected with the essential part of
yourself. It can give you the clues to find your path once again, and
give you that feeling of hope and love and peace within yourself.
It's great to have that and to be able to share it with a few thousand
of your closest phriends. Thanks for being there, Phish. Thanks for
sharing your energy and allowing the school of fans to remember what it's
all about. Thanks for being the catalyst to allow swarms of people to
come together, meet one another, and share an experience. Thanks...
Be Phree,
koolio
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 15:14:02 PDT
From: brian o'toole [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish!
Every time I see Phish, I am so impressed! They truly enjoy what they do,
and make many people happy! I went to the Northwest shows, the first 5,
and alas, yes, I missed Shoreline! Let's not talk about that! The vibe at
the shows was great, everyone was there to see Phine music and to have a
good time! Boise was amazing, and for all you Phans who went, you know
what I'm talking about!! It was worth losing my job!! I can't wait for NYE
in Phlorida!! And I can't wait to see all you beautiful people!! Peace and
love to all!!
Date: Wed, 3 Nov 1999 20:40:08 -0500
From: mister [email protected]
To: [email protected]
I can't believe how some people complain. You are out to see Phish and
here the best friggin' music being composed right now and you bitch about
a bunch of pigs in a parking lot. I saw all of the security and they
were actually pretty cool about the drinking, etc. I did it all and had
no problem. Anyway, with that said. This show rocked. Any old fan, any
newbie, get a hold of it. All you other homos, cut out the whining, no
one cares that you've been to 61 shows!
KGO
Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 16:41:12 -0700
From: DEADCHEF [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: albany review
Gads people are so damn criticle. I lived in Albany for 20 something
years before moving to San Diego. I got to see Phish in the very
beginning at clubs, the small gym in Schenectady Union college, the
Palace shows, etc. I wouldve given my left foot to be at these shows.
Just hearing the tapes from the shows now. I got to see the west coast
shows and they were incredible. These shows (albany) are just as
smoking. Give the guys a break will ya. We are lucky not to have the
same line up of tunes night after night like 99% of the other bands out
there.
Date: 13 Oct 1999 21:00:25 Z
From: Peter B Conway [email protected]
To: dws [email protected]
Subject: Observations
Phish are in their prime right now. It was not 93 or 94 or 97. It is
now. They are musicians, not profesinal athletes. People who refer to
Phish's younger years as their prime must be mistalking them for
athletes whose body's wear out. But can the soul wear out the same
way? I suppose, but I haven't seen it happen with Phish. Musicians
generally only get better, unless they already sucked. Even though
Jerry was more wild on guitar in 1970, never back then was he really
able to put together compositions like "Days Between" and "So Many
Roads", which were written the year before his death. True, mucisians
may lose some technical prowress with age but technical ability is
secondary once you get to a certain stage. Melody, harmony and the
concept of song as ART are timeless and ageless things. Songs like
"FarmHouse", "Heavy Things" and "Get Back on the Train" exemplify this
point. These are almost pop songs that put an image in your head. And
you think about the lyrics a little bit as oposed to "YEM" (YEM is a
great song but even the musicans admit that it is contrived. Mike
Gordon said he thought that it was obviously just sections thrown
together without any real connection). They are just discovering this
type of writing as is evident with their last two albums. Phish is far
from their prime.
Thanks Phish for all of the good times and ever-changing music. If it
didn't always change, Why would I ever go?
And thanks to people like you Andrew, who allow people to voice their
opinions (despite how silly they are). I have always found any review
you wrote to be positive and yet not pretentious(Champaign '97). It's
just too bad that some people who write into you can't see a gem
staring right in the face.
Peace to all,
Pete Conway
Date: Thu, 14 Oct 1999 02:08:02 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Current Tours and Old-School Tours...
Let me just start that the last time I saw these boys was at the first night
at Holmdel, NJ, so I really don't how the boys played this fall tour,
but...For God's sake, who cares when a song is played in a set and how
standard it is...A song is a song, and however they play it you should be
thankful that you heard that particular version...You know what I mean??? I
love these guys and every time I see them, it's like paradise, but it drives
me crazy to see people criticize little $#!T the way some here do in
reviews...If songs get boring to you, then maybe it's time to reevaluate your
situation...Every song should be a treat, no matter when or where they play
it...Ahhh, I'm getting out of hand and I apologize...I just want to see
nothing but great vibes, that's all...
Hoofawcat
G. Kerr
Date: Mon, 11 Oct 1999 23:20:12 -0400
From: Charlie Earp [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Be critical
hey guys,
If it was me on stage, I would like to hear at least a
little criticism. It seems all these reviews are is a lot of "hey man,
these shows were SO cool, dude, that jam rocked" Dont get me wrong,
absolutely no 20th century music moves me more than Phish, but they are
still human, so if you dont like something dont be to afraid to say it.
they would like to hear it, all artists must be able to hear criticism.
Peace in the Southeast,
Charlie
Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 12:48:13 -0400
From: Matt Marmorek [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: very critical fans
I have been visiting your site off and on for awhile now- being a huge fan
it provides me with all the necessary info on the boyz. I now am three years
out of college, so seeing shows is more difficult than in the past. However
I caught the two at Nassau this weekend and I throughly enjoyed what I saw.
I just read a bunch of the reviews and man are some of these people
critical. I think that they should just sit back and enjoy what they see, I
used to be like that, but now that I only see a few shows a year, I learned
to appreciate whatever I hear. One thing I learned is that its not the same
as it was say 4 or five years ago, but I truely think alot of that has to do
with the fans and the scene-The band still rocks(when they want to) But I do
not think I will ever see shows again that compare to 10/31/94 or 12/29/95.
The music might compare but unfortunately the scene has transformed into
something completely different. Thanks again for running a great page- Good
luck
Matt Marmorek NY, NY
Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 16:56:10 -0700
From: Mike Indgin [email protected]
To: 'Daniel W. Schar' [email protected]
Subject: submission
Phish is the only band that has continued to evolve at an incredible
breakneck pace since my first tape of 85 and my first show of 93. They are
anything but complacent. Attending Shoreline, Chula Vista and Irvine and
listening to the Portland and Boise shows confirmed what I already know:
they just keep getting better. Still, I'm not quitting my day job to follow
them. Why not?
Reading the tour reviews from jaded, burned out, over-expectant Phish heads
made me realize four things:
1. Phish has decided to rotate a very limited (more than the Allman
Brothers, less than the Dead) amount of tunes and I saw most of them in my
four show run.
2. Even paradise becomes pedestrian after two weeks.
3. The boys have, and are continuing to play primarily for themselves. It's
what keeps them sane on the road. But don't worry, they'll tire of (insert
your least favorite song here) eventually.
Mike Indgin
Date: 06 Oct 1999 15:46:21 -0400
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: reviews/reviewers
Okay, I've been reading these things for a while now, and have a few quick
tidbits to add. Here you go.
1. Let's see some more reviews where people tell of their personal
experiences. Enough of "this was awesome, and that sucked." What was
awesome about it? Did Mike step up and start dropping bombs? What sucked?
Was Trey missing lyrics like crazy? Why do you think something was good
or bad? I think we all love it when there's reviews up that have specific
points, stories to tell, something fresh to say, etc.
2. Let's try to cut down on pointless negative stuff. Birds doesn't suck
everytime, Sparkle isn't always boring, etc. Face it, we love these guys,
otherwise we wouldn't spend all our time and energy following them around.
3. Just because someone's been to 100 Phish shows or has 50000 hrs of
tape doesn't make them an expert. In reality, it probably makes them
obsessed, which will probably make their review skewed anyway. Bobby
(Weir, of the Dead) once said he loved Deadheads, but hated the fact that
all they listen to is the Dead. Sound familiar? How can someone honestly
think they're review is worth reading if all they ever listen to is Phish?
I'd much rather hear a review from someone who goes to lots of different
shows, all kinds of music, or maybe even from someone who plays an
instrument themself. In other words, from someone who has an open mind.
Well, that's it. I hope I didn't piss anyone off too badly. If you
agree/disagree, feel free to make your opinion known, that's what this is
for, right? I hope everyone keeps having a good time at these shows,
whether they play your favorite song or not. I know I will!
-Randy
Date: Mon, 04 Oct 1999 15:50:56 -0400
From: JOHN HEDRICK [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Review Complaints
Is it just me or do too many kidz critique the shows in a negative way.
I'm always reading some Mr. 40 or 50 shows review and it's full of
'hated this or thought this could be different'. I figure if you've
been to this many shows you gotta love Phish, so why ya always
complainin'. I've been to 18, alot for me. Even if I'm disappointed
b/c I didn't get to hear what I wanted, it always is memorable. Really,
if ya love em enough to go so much how come ya gotta complain or be so
critical. Stop going then, or at least stop sending in reviews. Enjoy
the fact that we have something like this to be a part of. Lot's of
people got to grow up with The Dead and go for 20-30 yrs, This is our
time to grow up with another band in our era. Just think of how they'll
be talked about when we're in our 50's. Good memories only....
Thanks for your time,
Cavernwolf
Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 17:29:25 -0400 (EDT)
From: Matt Aronowitz [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 7/8, 7/10, 7/17, 7/23, 7/25, 9/9, 9/26
To all you idiots who say that Birds of a Feather sucks,
How does one person review a jam saying that "Birds" sucks, yet the people
who actually "listen" to the song at the show know that it was between
20 and 30 minutes of experimantal jamming. Everyone seems to be
complaining that they don't jam enough. So when they take a previously
standard song and experiment HIGHLY with it, some of you morons don't even
realize it. Birds is now (more often than not) an awesome experimental
song. Period. If you say that Birds (in general, not a single
performance) still sucks then you are a moron. Plain and simple. If you
hate it now, the only possible reason would be that it was originally
"cool" to hate it, like Bouncin' Sample, Sparkle, etc....
THis is one comment from the 7/10 Camden show this summer from the
phish.net review page.
"Birds, there have been some strong ones, with some great jobs by Chris,
but I'd say i liked Trey's solo the first time when it was called
Chalkdust."
Now here is another comment by someone else from the same show (also from
phish.net),
"Birds: Never really loved this tune, it gets the energy up, but I've
never, ever heard a jam like this. It was unbelievable, the feather
was no where to be found, it simply morphed into this fabulous jam that
wwould have killed ,me if I had eaten any 'cid."
Were these guys at the same show? How in the hell do you "miss" a jam
like that? That version is absolutely insane. And that is not up for
opinion.
I mean the only reason people review shows is to tell
everyone about the jams. Nobody cares about how Roggae was. We all want
to know what it took for a Tweezer-> On Your Way Down to happen. So in
conclusion, if you're gonna write a review, listen for a jam, please. You
might be surprised.
********************************************************************************
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy."
"Lottery: A tax on people who are bad at math."
Mattaronowitz (one word)
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 07:24:29 -0700 (PDT)
From: jason streitfeld [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Show review
Ok, here is a general review of some Fall shows, inspired by an incredible
night in Memphis! my credentials: caught 8 shows this summer, and austin
thru memphis this fall. memphis was my 28th show, and i have over 300
sets of phish on tape.
This is not gonna be a full review of all the songs, but just some points
that i think are worth mentioning about the five fall shows i was
fortunate enough to see. my first point: Fall tour is kicking serious
ass!! with the exception of the first set in alabama (which was merely
really good!), every second i witnessed this fall was spectacular.
memphis was definitely one of the best shows i've seen--right up there
with 12-30-97 and 4-3-98. Houston was also unbelievable! I didn't think
they'd be able to top their performance in Austin, but they did!!
ok, here are some specifics:
1) Trey pulled the girl up in houston--Mike did not assist. when she got
on stage, she yelled out to Mike, "You know me!" He just stared at her,
with a sort of confused look on his face. Then Trey put her in front of
Fishman right in time for his standing solo.
2) The entire crowd sang Happy Birthday to Trey when the lights went out
before the first set in Memphis. Thank you to all of the people passing
out the notes to sing together in the lot before the show!!
3) Both of the Jim's I caught were noteworthy, just because they were more
in the old-school, guitar-led tradition, rather than the long jam
tradition. both were very tight, short and sweet.
4)After the Stash->I Can't Turn You Loose, there was a long pause while
Trey explained the contest. There was no segue into Theme.
5) The actual contest was for 4 tickets and backstage passes, and one date
with Fishman (for the person who actually made the guess.) During
setbreak, Trey announced TWO winners over the PA system.
6)Beginning of Dirt was flubbed in New Orleans, but they made up for it
with an amazing rendition of the song in Memphis.
7) Wilson jam in Houston was ground-breaking. Trey just tore it apart!!
8) Halley's encore in Alabama was pretty bad, actually. I think trey
skipped a verse accidentally, so at one point he and Page were singing
different lyrics at the same time. they got confused. The jam was similar
to 4-3-98, but not as solid. I would still recommend getting this show on
tape, as the tweezer->makisupa, chalkdust and YEM were all outstanding!
Serious funk action in the YEM, and definite Sweet Home Alabama in the
vocal jam! Ok, i guess that's it. I'll see you all in Hamptons and
NYE!!!!
=====
What's the difference between cheese?
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 15:57:09 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: life, music, scenes, venues, opium, and hip hop.
to whoever wants to listen,
I have been on this earth, physically, for 20 1/2 years. I
believe in reincarnation and I believe that miracles and good karma build
new souls to enter the cycle. Maybe souls in between bodies create new
souls to accompany them in their journey ( soul mates ) . Sorry, I didn't
know that I was that far gone.
I also believe in ICCULUS. My
vision of ICCULUS is an old spirit with too much time on his hands puffin
tons of opium and chillin in a hut. What does ICCULUS think of the scene
these days? To tell you the truth, it's probably giving him an ulcer up
there in Gamehendge.
Maybe some of you are thinking that I'm a hippie or a tree
hugger. Yeah, I've hugged a tree or two--but what most of you don't know
is that they hug you back. I think that hippie is outdated. The mentality
is legit for the most part, but the Dead are dead and for those who still
wanna tour ( with Phish ) things are gonna be different. I realize that
the Other Ones are kickin and that's great, good for them. I listened to
the Daed hardcore for about a year. I've never seen them or the Other Ones
and I also don't feel left out in any way.I can't talk about their scene
because I have no idea as to what it was all about.But if there's one
thing that I do know about it, it's that it wasn't all about bein a
gangbangin fuckfacehead.Yeah, I listen to hip-hop. Right now, I'm listenin
to Ol' Dirty Bastard and wonderin when his next disc is comin out.Hip-hop
is a big part of my life as is Phish.Good hip-hop to me is: GZA, BUSTA,
TRIBE CALLED QUEST, DE LA SOUL, ROOTS, GOATS, PHARCYDE, DEL, etc. I also
dig the DISCO BISCUITS, SALMON ( Vince Herman invented crack), and
GALACTIC outta New Orleans.
I've had dreadies for about two years. I know a lot of
people think that havin dreadies makes them feel secure and even a little
(or lately a lot ) better than others when they're on the lot. I also used
to think that custies were pieces of shit. I still don't really get along
with them and I probably never will. But no matter what you feel, think
twice about scammin that kid! I scammed tons o custies @ the LEMONWHEEL (
MONEYWHEEL!!!! ) .I sold em St. John's Wort as Moli. That's pretty fuckin
poor. Yeah, I made about $500 or so,but fuck bro, do you know how much bad
karma that is?!?! By doin what I did in Maine, I probably inspired 15 to
20 people to do the same, like a ripple effect. I was 100% WRONG!
Now there's always gonna be kind hearted kidz on tour and I
think that's dope as hell. ( I'm also in a transitional period right know
, so if some shit that I'm sayin sounds wack, disregard it ) . But the
reason I believe that Phish has been havin problems on and off the stage,
lately, is due to the lot/tour scene. It's too much of a coincidence that
the scene and the music have been strugglin lately.
On Summer Tour '98 @ Va. Beach, my boys and I were
chillin--sellin shwills and workin Moli ( real Moli ) at my boy's ride,
when a mounted 5-0 came up to us. He asked one of my boys if he was old
enough to be puffin cigarettes. My boy showed him his ID and the cop rode
off, with all of us standin around with shwills in our hands! He was the
only one who was of us standin around with shwills in our hands! He was
the only one who was old enough to drink, the rest of us were 19 and 20 !
After the 5-0 left , I started bitchin about how the cops @ Va. Beach
always give the kidz shit for bein' dreadie and not wearin clean
clothes.Fuck those assholes. RASTA DON'T WORK FOR NO C.I.A.!!!!!!!!!
About 10 min. after we had our bitch sesh I saw this kid goin
through his pack for somethin in the car across from us. The mofo pulled
out a gun and set it on the seat of the bus. IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING????
AM I REALLY HERE????? At that point I wish I hadn't been. I kept my mouth
shut.
Another fucked up thing I encountered on Summer Tour '99
kind of killed me in a way. This sista who I'd seen all tour seemed legit
(eccept when I saw her finish a Sammy Imperial and throw the bottle in the
woods @ Star Lake ). We became ok friends, probably because we only talked
for a couple of minutes each show. But @ Alpine, I saw her in an argument
with some custie . Supposedly she sold him a bunk bag of shrooms that
from what I gathered, probably were Shittake. I still took her side and
nothing went down. I still thought that she was somewhat legit. Maybe I
was blind? The next time I saw her was after the 2nd night @ Deer Creek.
WE talked about th show and needless to say, wer were both somewhat dissed
( She seemed a little bit more upset than I did, but... ). I told her that
I was bummed that we didn't get a CROSSEYED AND PAINLESS the whole
tour--she had no idea as to what I was talking about. We talked some morte
about songs, Phish, etc. Finally , I saw one of my boys, said later and
walked away. It turned out tha t she had no clue about tons of songs (
Psycho Killer, Sea and Sand, Letter to Jimmy Page, Drowned..... ). But yet
she bitched about the setlist! IS THIS BECOMING A TREND? WHAT DOES THIS
GIRL WANT TO HEAR?
I don't know what to say or do anymore. This might seem
fucked up but at that particuler moment in my life, I had a strong
connection with Indians. Is this what it was like when the WHITE MAN took
the NATIVE'S land and forced them onto the reservations? Will us heads be
the minority in the future?
I hate it when people do this, but I've seen close to 75
Phish shows, and I tell you what-- I'm tons skeptical about touring this
fall. ( $150 bones? Is this a fuckin joke? Why was the WENT and LEMONWHEEL
only $75 ? At first I said hell yeah I'm fuckin goin. But then I sat back
and thought. I saw some guy write on the net that Phish could afford to do
a show for free. Hell yeah they could! It's not practical, but why don't
they charge like $50 or $60, or even $75 ?! ).
Do the B-BOYS do New Year's runs?
Does Jimmy Buffett do New Year's runs?
Actually, I think I'm gonna do the Salmon run @ The Fox
in Boulder. Look for the kid with the " Where's The Mayor?" shirt on.
That's me. I'm definately in the mood for some of that SLAMGRASS!!
To be perfectly honest with you, I don't know why I wrote
this. Maybe I'm a little shwilly on Red Stripes or maybe it was the Valium
( only 5 milligrams makes you that faded? ) . I don't know. All I've
learned in life has been taught to me by Robert De Neiro and ICCULUS.
Gracias,
jsc
P.S.-- If you see someone on tour listening to hip-hop or wearin skater
duds, don't always think that they're scandalous.
Not all the kidz are scams.
P.S.S.--Stop the DESTINY UNBOUND shit. They'll play it when they want to.
Try something else, like SPOCK'S BRAIN or maybe LUSHINGTON. ( Also pray
for TELAS and McGRUPPS!!!!!!!!!!! ))
P.S.S.S--Next time you find yourself in a music store and don't know what
to buy, check this out:
The ORB: Orbus Terrarum---Costa Rica Space Funk Dream
Ambient Chill Make Love Music
Dead Can Dance: Into The Labirynth ( or any)
Galactic
Tricky
Gil Scot-Heron
Digable Planets: Blowout Comb
P.S.S.S.S-- A lot of people are complaining about when Phish plays Dead
material ( TERRAPIN STATION '98 ). Do you think that when they play
DROWNED that they want to be THE WHO or Trey wants to be Pete Townsend? Do
think that when they play BOOGIE ON REGGAE WOMAN that he wants to be
Stevie Wonder? Do you think that when they play ROSES ARE FREE that they
want to be Ween? STOP BITCHIN.
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 03:33:48 -0500
From: hackbart [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: general remarks/comments
So often I reviews which begin by criticising others' negative remarks. I,
too, believe that an overly negative attitude (especially broadcasted over
mass media) will ultimately diminish the experience of listening to Phish.
However, I also believe that it is important to look at the band critically,
if for no other reason than to differentiate between the many Phish
experiences one has had. Otherwise there would be no need to have eight
trillion tapes; we could always pop that first one in and become entirely
blissed-out from the day it was dubbed until the day it breaks. We collect
show experiences and tapes because each one is unique and special, though
not necessarily perfect. I consider comments like "great Chalkdust" or
"best Reba yet" to be just as valid as any other, but I also think it's
alright to mention a weaker transition or flubbed Mango Song licks in a
review.
have a nice autumn. it smells good.
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 15:39:38 -0400
From: Casey Kim [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Comments and Observations
Well, to start with - I'd like to thank Josh Heydorff for saying a lot of
things that needed to be said and I hope people take the time to read his
letter. If you haven't, please do.
Anyway - the reason I'm writing is that certain reviews of the 9/17
Shoreline show have really upset me. I can't believe how the people with
only negative things to say are the ones that speak up - didn't your mama
teach you if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all? I
understand that the truth hurts sometimes, and sometimes honesty isn't nice,
but some of these people are writing in their negative OPINIONS only, not
giving brutally honest accounts of the show. They're not spreading any kind
of good vibe at all and have a lot of people upset (as evidenced by the
numerous postings on that review page of people complaining about the
negativity). One review in particular that struck me as "misguided" was one
which upbraided Phish and Phil for the technical difficulties which occurred
that night and said that:
"Now all of a sudden they are treating themselves as the heir to the dead
throne, officially commemorating dead landmarks (9/8/98), and getting old
band members up to play dead tunes. Guess what -- you're NOT the dead,
nobody WANTS you to be the dead, you should not be TRYING to be the dead
or the new dead, and any more steps in that direction are a mistake. I go
to a phish show to see the band PHISH!"
To you, sir, I say that Phish isn't "trying to be" the Dead. They aren't
and never were a "Dead Cover Band" (they covered a few tunes, but never a
show with mostly or all Dead tunes). But we must recognize that the Dead
were one of Phish's greatest influences when they first started out (if
you've read the Phish Book, you know that they talk about this at great
length). Phish have many influences - but every time they play a Led
Zeppelin tune are they "trying to be" Led Zeppelin? When they had the Del
McRoury Band play with them in Oswego were they "trying to be" the Del
McRoury Band? What about the Beatles, the Who, the Talking Heads and Pink
Floyd? Of the over 500 songs Phish has played in their 16 year career, only
about 150 of those were originals. That's a lot of cover tunes! Phish
likes music, all kinds of music and they want to share it with us. They
want to broaden our minds, like "Hey, we don't just listen to any one band
and neither should you. Explore!" Phish certainly doesn't want the Dead's
"scene" or image. Phish isn't trying to fill any shoes, they're just paying
tribute in their own way to the musicians that in some way shaped them into
the band they are today.
Phil recognizes them for the musicians they've become and he invited Page
and Trey to join him on his stage in April. Why wouldn't Phish, when in San
Francisco, return the favor and invite him to their stage? It's about
respect, not about passing the torch or anything like that.
All I'm trying to say is it's all about the music.
They're just trying to be Phish, and Phish IS in small part the Dead,
Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Talking Heads, The Beatles, Skynyrd and all the
other bands.
And another thing - in the world of music, nothing ever goes as planned.
Sometimes you have technical difficulties and sometimes you have last minute
decisions. They're only human and so are their crew. You can't be upset
because something doesn't go as planned, or because something wasn't planned
at all or else you'll be upset more often than you're happy with the way
things turned out. I used to be critical of Phish shows when notes were
flubbed, lyrics forgotten and stuff like that because I've seen some
phenomenal shows and I know what Phish is capable of doing. But then I
learned, as we all have to learn, as Zappa said: "You've got to be diggin'
it while it's happening 'cause it just might be a one-shot thing."
Fate is funny and I don't know why you were inside the show that night when
someone else out there would have enjoyed it more than you and brought more
to the flow of energy around them than you did. Next time you're inside,
try to forget about your politics and expectations and just have fun.
Remember that there are kids outside who wanted to get in sooooo bad that
you've just got to get down FOR THEM and everyone else who wishes they could
be you for just 3 hours.
Well, I hope that the author of that review reads this and really thinks
about what was said.
I know there are other people out there who feel like I do, and I know
they'll keep doing everything they can to make every show a wonderful
experience for those around them and especially for the band - no matter
who's the special guest or how tight the songs sound. Spread the GOOD
VIBES, people and remember what Zappa said...
"You've got to be diggin' it while it's happening 'cause it just might be a
one-shot thing..."
See y'all at the shows -
- Casey Kim
[email protected]
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 18:30:22 -0700
From: Josh Heydorff [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: To All of you Whiners out there, an Open Letter
After reading all of the negative comments about the band we all love so
much, I just had to write. I noticed that the complaints were broken
down pretty much three ways; either 1.) The Band's Performance Sucked
2.) The Band's personal life somehow affects people's ability to have a
good time at the show. 3.) The whole scene is going to shit.
First of all, I have seen some phish shows, and I have seen some PHISH
SHOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have come to the conclusion that the
perception of any given show can be attributed to Setlists, and how each
particular song was played.
For some people, they want Phish to perform Tweezer like they did in '95
or whatever, and Antelope like they did in '93,or whatever, NOT the
other way around. These are the same picky bastards that bitch when
Trey flubs a line on his guitar. Look, Trey isn't perfect, I know it
seems like he is, but he has the same faults you or I do. Also, those
of you who are musicians, which means you devote your life to the study,
and performance of music, understand what Page calls "Becoming Egoless".
Those of you who may have a different talent (Painting, writing, sewing,
growing, cooking) but don't play an instrument DON'T UNDERSTAND about
becoming egoless when it comes to playing/performing music. If you
saying that "well I do" NO you especially DON'T. Thinking you do has
the same logic as a kid from Kansas who has never been in the Ocean
thinks he knows what it is like to surf. My point to this is; they are
up there playing and trying to become egoless everynight. Sometimes it's
hard when a glowstick smacks one of them in the face,and they have to
constantly be on glowstick recon watching for them (BTW leave those at
home you dorks) Some nights are going to be inspired, religious
experiences, some nights are just going to be experiences. That's the
way some nights there are shows, and some nights there are SHOWS!!!!!!!!
Second,
Who cares what the Band's personal life is about? How do YOU know
Trey is cheating around, and snorting eight balls of coke? Were you guys
partying at the Ritz the night before, and threw a T.V. out the window
together, ala Led Zeppelin? Did you follow him around and watch his
every move? Or did you get your info from someone trying to make a buck
off of lies and accusations? Don't believe everything you hear. If Trey
is altering his conciousness before he goes out onstage, that is his
business, NOT YOURS!!! Most of the people in the crowd are already
pretty jacked on something, so you have no right to accuse him for being
amped/drunk/spun/baked/shroomin' WHATEVER. Besides, THEY ARE ROCK STARS
not Monks, although some of you "Hippier than thou" types out there may
think otherwise. If it really bothers you that much, then stay home, go
see DMB, or moe. or Widespread, or Disco Biscuits, I could use the extra
space to groove around.
Third,
Have you guys ever stopped to wonder that the reason they tour like
they do isn't only so the "Hardcore Phans" can follow them. It's to
give people the chance to see the country. You don't need to follow
them to Every show. Catch a run of 4-5, then go camping somewhere, and
catch up to them next week. It's so much more leisurely that way. I
have often noticed that too little sleep makes one cranky, irritable,
and not themselves. Maybe this is why the perception of the scene is
going down hill. A bunch of tired, cranky, and road-weary phans doesn't
make for the best scene. Some of you won't agree with me on this one,
but I honestly believe it is a mitigating factor in the "vibe" at any
given show. See if this sounds familiar:
Youv'e got 2 hours 'till the show, and 250 miles left to cover. You get
there late, find shitty parking, and go in mid-set, frazzled, and
probably in no mood to really HEAR the music. Of course you are going
to be critical !!! you have that voice in your head going "I drove 400
miles today for Rocky Top?!!!" Trust me, you are not any less of a phan
if you don't go to EVERY show on the tour, This is supposed to be a
vacation/time away for most of you when you are on tour. I don't burn
my 2 weeks a year of hard-earned vacation just to be frazzled and
over-extended.
Most of you have bitched about the scene lately, but I think it has
gotten better. There are less people showing up without a ticket.
There are less and less scroungers every year, and there are more people
there to see the band, and not just get high and party in the lot. THIS
IS IMPORTANT TO OUR FUTURE!!!!!!!! Don't ever forget that. The Dead
went through it's surges popularity wise, and there were some places
they couldn't play anymore because of people who didn't love the "scene"
and were just there to score drugs.
Also, The band's sound is changing, we all noticed that. IT WAS
INEVITABLE!!!!!!! Phish has always been about evolving, and changing,
they have never stagnated. That's why '95 sounds VASTLY different from
Spring '97, and sounds different from right now. This is why I love
Phish, they always change, but they stay the same none the less. So if
you are disgruntled, and sickened, and saddened, maybe it's time for you
to move on, and to accept the fact that a part of your life has changed.
Maybe they gave you something that you needed at the time, and now don't
need anymore. I know that there are a whole lot of us that still love it
when the house lights go down, and still manage to have a good time.
Phish won't last forever. we are lucky to be able to see them in thier
prime. I wish I could say the same thing about the Grateful Dead in '70,
or Zeppelin in '74, or the Allmans in '72. But, most of us weren't even
born yet, we now see watered down versions of what those bands USED to
be.
Phish is one of the few REAL bands out there that gives me the same
charge as the aforementioned bands in thier prime. Everynight I am at a
show I feel so lucky, so blessed, and so fortunate that I am there with
all of you.
May the Road rise up to meet you, and the wind always be at your
back................
--
Josh Heydorff
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