General comments about reviews on this page

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Date: Fri, 23 Jul 99 17:02:00 EST
From: 'Sheila Alcombright' [email protected]
To: 'phish' [email protected]
Subject: I just wanted to say thank you
 
I just wanted to say thank you for the one of the most
wonderful experiences I have ever had.  I have only been to
three Phish concerts and this being the first weekend, outside
event.  The music was absolutely phenomenal and I was with the
man who I love from the bottom of my heart and soul.
 
You just get so wrapped up in the music and each other you
worry about nothing else.  It's just incredible.

Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1999 11:16:48 -0400 From: "Kane, Matthew" [email protected] To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected] Subject: Submission to "General comments about reviews on this page" Life is what YOU make of it, not what Phish makes of it. Love, Peace, and Hair Grease, Sugah Kane
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 01:39:26 EDT From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: commnets on shows (put wherever appropriate) Sorry to post again, but I don't think I got my point across well enough in my letter. All I am saying is why should we settle for nothing but the best from these people. It is their job to play excellent music and give us good shows. If a doctor starts botching surgeries they get in trouble. If a factory worker puts parts together wrong they get fired. But in the entertainment business it seems failure and mediocrity are met with virtually no punishment. Now usually if a performer loses his/her knack he suffers in popularity, but with Phish the fan base is so disillusioned with the scene and being part of something they lose sight of what is going on. Were you at these shows? It's not a question of having off nights, it was really sad. The reality is they should be practicing together constantly and working hard to discover new realms in music. Maybe if everybody got fed up with what they put out now and stopped seeing shows the band would get the message. Do you see my point? The reason I mentioned the band's personal life is that I believe ti has affected their music, which is the only thing that counts. If they were still putting on great shows I would care, but wouldn't complain. When people engage in such behavior it demonstrates a lack of self-esteem. When Trey gets on stage drunk or under whatever influence and it affects his performance I have the right to care. Trey, supposedly the caring family guy with a wife and two kids at home is out on tour sleeping with countless women shows that he is unhappy with his life. When the music is as bad as it has been there have to be reasons, and I see their behavior as a large one. Please respond to this and know that I am not attacking anyone, but rather trying to open fans eyes and get back the Phish we once had. If you were a real phan, isn't that what you would want? Don't settle for anything but the best. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it, so let's not let it happen to Phish.
Date: Sat, 21 Aug 1999 00:13:31 -0500 From: Brad [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Are we watching the same band? After 26 shows since my first in '95, I've progressively grown more and more fond of Phish. This is my first time on Phish.net, though, and it's cool, however: I think the writers of most of these reviews are missing something. I don't know what every other phan does in their everyday lives, but I spend most of my time working like hell to save up enough to drop out to some shows. Do you all just sit around your Volvos and Volkswagens listening to shows on tape waiting for the next show? I go to work. I pimp lobsters down at my local crab factory, and was able to escape to see Phish at Alpine and both nights Deer Creek. According to this dancer, 1st night Deer Creek was the best show I've seen. Tension between Mike and Trey? I didn't see it - and I was close and alert and drug free. I think the Whipping Post kicked my ass first, but I was actually reeling from My Left Toe. Anybody see the Suzy Greenberg? Oh my God. Purple Rain from Fishman, which I've even seen before, was hilarious fun, and I've got many Phish-loving phriends who've never seen You Enjoy Myself live. The second night kicked ass also. Get Back On The Train phunked me up and my brain spun straight through to Julius. In my opinion, most of the tension sensed by others was some weird internal thing with themselves. do any of you really know what goes on the heads of the bands? Did it dawn on anybody that 30-plus days of living in a bus with the same people and enduring incredible heat for all those awesome concerts can take it's toll on the situation? If you are like me, you've tried it, and by day 30, sometimes you want to strangle your best friends. Does that make the trip less enjoyable? Hell, no...that IS the trip. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholders, my friends, and seeing a road-weary band pull off what Phish pulls off with such consistency is a special, special treat. I know that if you took the time to type your mind here, you love the music as much as I do. But kids, do your best - really try - to imagine what you would do all summer without Phish. It makes each concert absolutely essential, good or bad. I cherish all of your company, even those who've hated every word I've written. -Pickin' on the Phat Kid
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 01:47:50 EDT From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Comments on reviews Wake up people! The whole reason that there is an issue as to whether or not bad reviews are acceptable are because we witnessed some truly horrible Phish this tour. It's not a question of "being blown away every night," it's simply a request that the band put forth their best effort, and from what I witnessed at the shows I just attended, nowhere near that came out. You don't have to have seen a million shows to know that Phish was simply out of practice and extremely disappointing. All I know is that I have heard PLENTY of Phish, and the band that showed up this summer was something else. What made it worse was watching a multitude of phans look on without the slightest clue as to what was going on. The Great Woods shows were pathetic. The first night first set there were no highlights. The entire time Trey refused to contribute substantially to a groove and instead tried to control every moment mostly with soloing. When the opening beat to SOAM played I was ecstatic to finally hear a solid tune. What followed was sad. Just no energy. The DWD was average at best. Character to end it was standard. Twist around did have a solid jam, and I was hoping that the first set was merely an aberration. But the next two tunes did nothing to change my feelings. Moma lacked the usual funkiness laid down by Mike, and Makisupa was one of the weakest I've heard. Everyone has written praise about the Bowie, and yes it was excellent, but only because the band after about six minutes focused on each other, which they have always and should pride themselves on. But for the love of God trey, at least hit the closing licks. I'm sorry, but if you've been playing the song for fifteen years get your head out of your ass and play the song right. Okay, did anyone hear Page on Lizards? Did anyone actually hear what he played? I did, and it sounded like a four year old. Get the tapes, you'll see. The next night second set was really bad. After Wolfman's nothing of any quality occurred. One of the saddest Antelopes ever. On Possum Scott Murawski showed Trey how to play rhythm guitar, and then utterly failed on his solo. Oswego was not quite as bad, but damn, they were not where they should be a year removed from last summer's tour. I won't go into detail. Look, after all this ranting and raving I must explain something. Before the band hit the stage at Great Woods, I would never have dreamed of writing this. I was so psyched to see them for the first time since New year's you couldn't even imagine. But something happened. Something big. I pop in a tape from ANY other tour and I hear an energy that the band possessed as a whole that has completely gone away. You could say that only seeing four shows this tour wouldn't give me a valid viewpoint, but my experience and the experience of several other serious heads is plenty. Open your ears and really listen and be honest with yourself. They sucked. Perhaps it is the fact that Trey, the consummate family man, is constantly cheating on his wife and doing way too much coke. Maybe it's the fact that Mike is picking up teenage girls left and right. Maybe it's the fact that Page looks at his bandmates and the life they are leading and is so depressed that he can't make music anymore. Perhaps it is the fact that they have become rock stars now, and care more about the almighty dollar than the music. $150 for New year's? Sorry, but this event seems all too similar to the last three large gatherings and last time I checked those were half the price. You don't think Phish could play New year's for free a hundred times over? Wake up. Couldn't they at least donate one of their own shows to charity each tour? My point is if they really care about the phans they could be doing a hell of a lot more. Listen, I love this band, although it may not seem like it, I do. My motivation behind this letter is to make phans realize the truth. That is not wrong to accept nothing but the best from your musical heroes. We are the ones supporting them in their careers, often struggling to make ends meet to see them put on a show. We should not accept the travesty that is going on now. Let the band know that nothing short of playing hard night in and night out is unacceptable. I want to see the best shows Phish can put on, don't you? It doesn't matter how many people write and say that loved these shows, because they simply weren't anywhere as good musically as Phish as been through out their careers, and from what I hear, the other shows were similar. Unless they do some serious soul-searching, their future is not looking too bright. Here's hoping things improve.
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1999 11:29:33 -0500 From: [email protected] To: John Holmes [email protected] Subject: Re: oswego review Thanks to all of you that felt the need to reply to me personally in regards to my "review"/bitch session I posted to phish.net in regards to the Oswego shows. Each of you seemed to agree that the scene had lost some of its appeal, or that the festival this year just wasn't what it had been in the past. I have heard some mention of a discussion group being formed to throw ideas out about this very topic. I find it curious that those of us concerned enough about it to do something will not be able to reach those that are the problem over the internet. So where do we go from here? I do not know. I am a busy professional in Chicago that merely loves Phish and tries to get to every show he can, BTW Alpine Valley last weekend was insane.....the man who stepped in to yesterday????how long has it been since that was played..I digress. My point is how do we or do we want to get a discussion group going online...I can't start it, I could monitor and help run it during certain hours though. The six of us listed here are certainly in the minority. Is there anything we could do other than gripe? At the least I feel like that all of us have similar feelings about phish and the state of the tour scene. And perhaps nothing more will come of this than perhaps getting together at some other time or lot and bitching in unison. Is there a discussion chat room on gadiels page? Anyway thanks to all that supported or agreed with my stance on the Oswego lot scene. If anybody plans on going to Chicago for the rosemont show 10/3/99 let me know. Peace, Drew
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 15:07:16 -0400 From: "Tiscornia, Larry" [email protected] To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected] Subject: Phish reviews Hey all, What is up with everyone and these horrible reviews. It is sickening me. After taking a week off from work and attending 5 Shows(Camden, Mansfield, Holmdel), I had a blast! Nothing like leaving the real world and going on Phish Tour. People are so critical of the shows that they see. Maybe the 5 shows weren't the best shows I have ever seen, but man was it a lot of fun. Who gives us the right to criticize this band. They have changed all of our lives. Who when they were younger thought in their wildest dreams would be following a band around? And then you get to a point where you have seen them 10, 20 50 ,99, 150 times and suddendly they aren't as good as MSG 95 in your opinoin. Well then stop seeing the band. To me Phish is nothing but positive energy, good times dancing, and the most smiling faces you can see at one time. If you feel that they are not to your standards anymore, leave the scene. Then Phish can start playing smaller more intimate venues. Where the fans who are there just to have a good time are present, boogiing down HARD! Then there is the issue of people saynig Trey is on Drugs. I would say that there is a very good chance that The people writing these reviews were high as kites at the show, but when it comes to trey being high, it is a crime. Ease up! This is my opinion. I love Phish, and what impressed me most at the past week was how cool the crowds were. Everyone chill, having the time of their lives. I hope that we can all stay true to the band and keep the positive energy flowing. Thanks Larry [email protected]
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 21:51:44 -0700 From: Gary C. Johnson [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: summer shows does anyone else see/feel/hear the Kimmock influences in Trey's sound. some good some bad i.e. more of an etheral feel but yet (much)more time playing with knobs and shit. I definetly think its a factor...the jams have been way too loose, most people have been blaming this on Trey but I think he just wants the band to step it up.. Do you agree? Do you think they will?? Do you think I am crazy..sorry but i had to tell someone..peace
Date: Mon, 2 Aug 1999 11:40:13 -0600 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Man I've gone back and forth about a hundred times whether or not to submit my comments regarding everyone else's comments on these pages. As much as I tell myself, "just don't read the reviews anymore," I find myself intrigued to see what people are saying and whether I agree or disagree. I tend to believe that there are people like you that read these words and think about the band and its fans from time to time. One of the big questions I feel is "what is the reviews page for?" Obviously many people want to share their full concert-going experience, which inludes, but is not limited to, traffic conditions, weather, diet, etc. Also many reviewers get into the comparison game, which undoubtably is a source of contention among many readers. And finally, we have those among us who feel very strongly about commenting on the "State of the Scene." Is it on the decline, the rise, should some people stay home, more dogs, less dogs....you get the picture You know what I'd like to see? Let me guess...many of you are saying, "I could care less what you'd like!" Understood. The real reason I want to continue to read reviews is for the music. YES, THE MUSIC!!! Hmmm....let's see....Phish is a band. They play music. Pretty damn good music, in my opinion. In fact, I own many more shows on tape than I have actually attended. Sound familiar Sparky? I think it would be pretty useful information to be able to read an insightful article on any particular show's setlist, and more important, what went into each setlist. Can't tell a book by it's cover? You're damn right when it comes to looking at Phish setlists. Personally, I think ANY show has the potential to be a "must-have," even if the setlist is somewhat "standard." If I didn't go to the show, the only information I am interested in is whether or not I want to get my greedy little hands on that particular show. How am I going to do that if I don't know anyone who was there? That's right Ebert, the review. Now I'm well aware that everyone has their own opinions on what makes a good show, or what makes one Antelope better than the next, and that's cool, but those are the comments I can live with and attempt to disseminate on my own. When reading a film review, I like to know if the story was well developed, if the characters were memorable and the actors portrayals were on, if it was entertaining. I don't read a film review to find out if the popcorn was a little stale, if the line for the restroom was long, or if parking was a bitch. Unfortunately occaisionally things are not perfect, and such is life in the Phish community as well. But it would be nice to reserve those aspects of the experience to a seperate forum, so perhaps those complaints would be addressed. What do you say we keep the "Reviews" solely for the music, about the music, and written by those who actively listen to the music, so that we can all share in the joy of the music for many years to come? Eric Sommers
Date: Mon, 2 Aug 1999 12:30:06 -0400 From: Jay Munro [email protected] To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected] Subject: To Phish or not to Phish To the many readers on this page who are offended by reviews that don't praise all that Phish puts out, please skip my opinions and move on. A fan of 5 years and 12 shows, I saw the Philly and Oswego shows this tour. The scene and the people who tour with the band are some of the most positive I have experienced. What a blast camping and partying with a great group of people. After the Philly show, I fought my inner voice all through the Oswego shows. But fight it no longer. I felt the band lacked the energy and synergy I learned to love about this band. Paige, my favorite server of musical dissonance, bowed out of solo after solo. It made me sad. The band definitely could cruise through the songs with tightness. Fishman and Mike were really on. I missed Paige's inspired solos, and Trey seemed to ease back on the gas a bit to match Paige's mood. I hate to admit it, but I think my Phish days are done. I held on to the Dead way too long. My last few Dead shows left a sour taste compared to the souring heights they could attain in earlier days. Don't scorn me or my opinion. My ticket should go to one of the truly loyal who post to this page that they loved every note of the Osego shows. Keep the faith! Jay Munro West Chester, PA
Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999 08:53:02 -0500 From: LaBelle/Brown [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: opinionated people i myself have never seen a bad phish show. ive been seeing them since 92, on and off. i wont be pretentious and say how many.some are good, some are great. they are way less erratic than the dead were. some of you folks out their with strong opinions on the presence of substances in trey or anyone elses blood, mind your own business. im hoping that next year ill be going to see your band at alpine and you will be able to show 30 thousand plus people your shit. the show was fine. my six year olds first. pre conceived notions usually come to pass, get rid of those and maybe everyone will be able to have fun.
Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999 11:47:43 EDT From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: About "negative" reviews... When you take a band like Phish, the loyal and emotional followers are much more passionate and demanding when it comes to their music. How many other bands have these kind of open forum discussion/review areas? Not many, as most other bands look the same, feel the same, and play the same every night. While other bands can act a certain way each night, Phish feels. The fans are the same way, which is why we are here in the first place. It can be easy to mistake a critical review for bashing, but I think most of us are smart enough to read between those lines. Would it be fun to read a bunch of reviews that simply claimed that every night was the best show ever, every version of each song played was the best ever, and how much acid the reviewer ate made it so grand? I certainly wouldn't want to read a bunch of similar reviews as much as I wouldn't want to see the same show every night. Get It? We all have a right to our opinions, as the whole experience is unique to each of us, be it your 47th show, or third. We are a special group of people who value each other's thoughts, while keeping our own, right? I've heard lots of show bashing over the years and seen a lot of changes with the scene, but it has only deepened my thoughts and helped me to see more than what's in front of me. Because I have an opinion of a show and every show can't be the best I've ever seen doesn't change the fact that I'm not what everyone is calling a "true phan". I am a "real phan" with feelings, a point of view and a lot of knowledge about what I form an opinion on. I would be cheating myself to form an opinion about something I didn't know much about. To me, Phish is about freedom. To think, act responsibly, create, improvise and feel. Before you go bashing people for havings their feelings about a show, remember to nurture your own. RESPECT! -Rob Mottice
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 17:40:03 -0400 From: Brian and Joy [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Negative reviews Those who submit bad reviews reveal themselves as malcontents! If you no longer appreciate Phish as a band, then stay home so I can have more space to groove and a better parking spot. It certainly isn't the band's obligation to play a "no repeat" tour nor should they cater to some snobby fan's preferences. Also, those not satisfied by the peace, happiness, and fun at the shows might want to check out mainstream America where their hostility and impatience would fit right in. I also encountered the guy playing, juggling, and dancing with Stars Wars action figures at Oswego and would like to thank him for a few moments of weirdness. Joy
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 15:02:50 EDT From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Give the band a break I am very dissappointed with many of you so called "phans " out there. There is way too much bashing going on. I feel that many of you expect way too much out of a show. The boys work really hard and are under constant pressure by their fans to blow the roof off every night. ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. I have been to 41 shows and have never left a venue mad or dissappointed at/with the band. I leave every show with a huge smile on and a feeling of excitement for the next. Sure we all get a little tired of hearing the Bouncin', Rockytop encores, but its what they WANT to play at that moment. I think its about time that a lot of you show some appreciation for what they are giving to us night after night. Those of you that tour know how exhausting it can get being on tour, driving for hours day after day. Have you ever stopped to think of how exhausting it might be for the band. Afterall they do the same amount of traveling, but they also have the pressure of trying to give you the ultimate musical experience every night. Not many will argue that they are the tightest, most talented band on the planet. A lot of people forget that its just four guys up there pumping all this energy into thousands of fans. Doesn't it impress you anymore!? So what is Trey flubs lyrics every now and again, or misses a note here and there, he is still FUCKING NASTY. One more thing, enough with the Grateful Dead comparisons!!! They are not the Dead, or even remotely like the Dead. Other than the fact that they both build/built there shows on improvisation, the music is not even similar. Trey is not like Jerry, nor does he try to be like Jerry, because he knows, as should some of you, nobody can play like Jerry could. This doesn't mean that Jerry was better, or vice versa, it just means that they are two completely different people that grew up in two completely different times, but happen to play they same instrument to a similar breed of fans. Phish is Phish, and The Grateful Dead were The Grateful Dead, no connections whatsoever, so stop trying to make them. Enjoy the music for what it is, and be thrilled that there is still a band around that creates their music strictly for their fans and not for the money. Maybe some of you go to too many shows to appreciate it anymore. Take a little break and see how excited you will be for the next. Once you lose that tight, gittery, anxious feeling before EVERY show, is it worth it anymore? -Obie
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 11:32:57 PDT From: Peter Tessier [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Review Angst! I just wanted to say that i didn't go to the show! I couldn't because I live in BC and am broke. But for all those people who are slagging the band because they weren't "blowing your mind". Get a grip. No one is holding a gun to your head and making you go to the show. Phish doesn't need anymore fans, in fact they could probably stand to lose a few. Where do these "standards" come from? Also what the hell are all these critics doing to "blow the band's mind"? Why are you deserving of having Phish live up to your "standards" Where do you work, what do you do with your life? do you want people critisizing you behind your back, posting stuff on the internet for all society to see how lame they think you are. Get another grip. Give Phish enough reason to not play for us and they'll stop. They don't need anymore money or fame. Maybe it's time you let them have some fun. Or better yet, you should stop being a "normal, don't think for yourself, give me something to consume" type person and try being as creative, aggressive, inventive and imaginative as Phish for a million phans for fifteen years. When there's people like you out there why should they even try to please when you will find something to pick apart. Get on stage and do something. Stop hiding beneath you bland sheath of anonimity! Peace and Love, pete
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 13:52:14 -0400 From: "Martino, Mike L (CAP, TIP)" [email protected] To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected] Subject: Summer tour reviews Now that summer tour is over and all of the reviews are in, I thought I'd throw my two cents in on the negative reviews and the people who are bothered by them. First of all, let me say that I am not one of those people who is opposed to intelligent discourse on the musical content of Phish shows. Unfortunately most of what I see on these review pages is miles from intelligent critique of what Phish has actually played. The amount of drugs you took, how lame you think a song is or how many shows you've been to is completely irrelevant. How tight were the arrangements, how emotional or original was the jam, how much fun did the band and you have together? These essential elements of a review seem to be largely missing from what I see on these pages. Additionally, slight miscues by the band is not a reason to critique the entire song. Comments like "Trey missed the guitar cue after the third verse of Guyute" are at best scary and at worst a sad commentary on what lengths people will go to make themselves appear intelligent and a "true phan". Even worse are comments like "the Antelope was okay, but not nearly as good as the one I saw in 96, I think the band is slipping". A review should contain insightful comments and criticisms on the songs that were actually played. If we judged Phish by previous performances, they would appear to be on a steady slide to oblivion since the 95 New Year's show. Why do they even bother to play Tweezer anymore since the 94 Dallas show was the best one ever. This is a sad view on the music of Phish indeed. Basically it seems as though the Phish "phans" and the whole scene as a whole has turned into a huge humorless pain in the ass. It made me ill to hear people bitching in Camden about how they ended the show with Fluffhead. No mention was made about how that Fluffhead kicked our ass and had the whole venue on their feet. Even worse were people bitching after the Born to Run encore at the Garden State Arts Center. The band used to be able to share jokes with their audience and everybody would walk away with a smile on their face. Sadly those days appear to be gone. In it's place are spoiled twentysomethings who feel the band owes them a mind altering experience each night. Anything less will result in a litany of complaints about the stupidest shit imaginable. I'll still be there as often as I can, but I will no longer tell any of my friends about what a great bunch of people Phish "phans" are. You guys suck. Michael Martino
Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1999 07:27:27 PDT From: Ari Petroff [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Reviews Page I was heavily critical about one of the recent shows I saw, and have received some emails bashing my views. Hey, it doesn't phase me in the least, but I felt like I'd say something here. The reviews page is just that. A chance to give one's point of view of the goings on in Phishdom. The key word being criticism, BOTH positive and negative. So when there's something negative keep in mind that it's all based on positive experiences. Now Phish fans are everywhere and represent a variety of cultures and taste and I think that's fantastic. This IS NOT the Grateful Dead, so for all those peace/love people (which I'm very much a part of, and have been for years), remember that it's not your scene only. It'd be nice if everyone were all nature lovers and and shared that hippie philosophy, but that's not the case, so if the people offend you too much, then stay at home. I say that because some chick bitched me out in Oswego for stepping on a bottle and not throwing it away. She was right, but they have people who are hired to clean. If it was one piece of trash that would have made a differece then I would have done so, but it was a mess after those shows so that one piece would not have made a difference, so to those Earthies, we understand your plight, just realize that this IS NOT the Dead scene anymore. As for reviews and opinions. Fans are at different levels, and obviously that can't be metered by any system, so keep in mind that the reviews page is a forum for everyone who has seen 1 to 1000 shows. Obviously the person who's seen and heard more shows will be able to tell by ear when the band is on or not. But the rookie may be having the time of their life and that show moment may mean the world to him. That's what it's all about, personal experiences through the bands music. So for all those people who get offended by someone else having their own opinion, who get irked by people who list how many shows they've seen (as if anyone gives a shit), who feel that since they've shaken Mike's hand that they're now "in" the circle, just let these people have there fun and more importantly express their opinions. I'm 28, and I'm well aware that I'm becomming the minority more so year after year. That doesn't phase me, and I know that the scene's more for the youth. Hey, I was there, and am still there and will be there in another 10 years. The reason I'm writing this is because I was jumped on for not liking the Toronto show last week. In my mind, anyone who thought the band was on that night simply hasn't seen what they're capable of or just haven't seen them enough. It's amazing how many show veterans agree with me on that, but remember, it's all about experiences and if you loved the show I think that's awesome. That show was still better then any Dead show I saw from 93 to 95. An off Phish night is still a great night. I don't get pissed off, offended, maybe a little disappointed because I know what they can do and it was a helluva lot more then that. I love reading the opinions of others, but I reviewed the music because that's what interest me (not the scene, who you went with, how the traffic was). For those who like reading that stuff, that's great, but I just read about the music. So summing this all up, my point is, we're a vast population that just keeps growing. I'm not a fan of the scene, but we're all in this together (no GIN pun intended here), and we're all going to have different opinions on what gets us off regarding the music. Just remember, we all love Phish on any night both good a bad.
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 1999 23:27:32 -0400 From: Dan Gross [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: General Reviews I agree that the reviews page should stick to reviews not bashing other people. On that same note, lets keep things positive, because all of this negativity WILL effect the band and the scene. Let the love flow and try to be open. Peace Dan [email protected]
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 14:14:46 -0400 From: Jeffrey R. Killion [email protected] To: "'[email protected]'" [email protected] Subject: Thank you I just want to thank the real fans who have stood up against these whining losers, who have nothing better to do than complain about the fun they had this weekend. Or did they not have fun? I didn't think that was possible. Personally, there were a few things I wasn't completely jumping for joy about, but that's life. Despite the fact that getting in took 7 hours, I lost some fungus on my way in on Sunday, and I think I've seen Harry Hood at 80% of the shows I've gone to, I had a great time. And that's what I went to do. I'm sure that if it wasn't so darn hot, the scene would have been more lively, but I also saw a couple people faint. Is that what's supposed to happen? I think it's just fine to enjoy the show in a more mellow manner if you're not in the mood to pass out from heat stroke. To at least put in a few words on the show. The early set was hot and mellow, the second set just rocked, and then continued into the third with My Soul and Piper, cooled down with Caspien, and then was just fun. I just hope that everyone gets over the growing and changing crowd, and just has a good time.
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 09:32:50 -0500 From: Steve Haye [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Just depressed as hell to hear all the negativity goin on. Havent been to a show this tour yet. Will be at Alpine and Deer Creek. What are the problems with some of these people. They travel from show to show and keep track of every miscue. I havent ever been to a bad Phish show. I have heard mistakes but then I wish I never fucked up at my job,but I do. Well it will be good to get the boys back to the Midwest. [email protected]
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 01:16:05 EDT From: Steve Dobbins [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: What's up with the fans? It's a little after midnight and was just reading a couple of reviews of the Oswego show. It makes me sick that people that claim to be fans would write such horrible shit about there favorite band. Saying that there selling out and its all about Trey, fuck that guy who wrote that. Everybody's so concerned about setlists and hearing the perfect show that its taking away from what they've been doing for 15 years. Look at there older setlists,they always have songs that they play every other night or so. I think that most Phish fans have become numb to the music and to involved in touring and shit like that. If you don't wanna hear the same song to much than don't go to 30 fucking shows a year. Phish is one of the best bands we'll see in our lifetime and all I hear is people bitching cause they didn't hear something special. If they had brought back Destiny Unbound at a show like this it would piss the older fans off. If they played Bouncin or Sample it will piss people off.If they're gonna be so picky than they can sit at home and make compilations of songs and listen to them. I'm not gonna sit here and say that everything the band does is amazing, but I won't breakdown a show note by note, criticizing every little mistake the band might have made. Anyone who does that is to wrapped up in the shit. Give them a fucking break. I know the majority of the real fans out there wuold agree with me on this.
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 15:28:21 -0400 From: Morgan Smith To: [email protected] Subject: lame "Phans" I just want to comment on all the pissed off reviews I read. First off: WHY THE HELL DO SOME OF YOU EVEN GO TO SHOWS? Second: The amount of mindless dribble that is slopped around this site is horrendous. It amazes me (as a musician and fan) that people can dog a band so much yet still pay thirty bucks a show to see that same band that they complain about constantly. NEWS FLASH MORONS: There are still many of us who love phish for who and what they are. I'm sorry they didn't play your favorite song at the show you saw. It's not really their fault. Beauty is in the eye of teh beholder, and for every review that says a show stunk, there are probably twenty people who had a great time and thought the show was smokin.
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 16:08:20 -0400 From: Rick Renaud [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: think before you stink Howdy beautiful people! A brief thought on Oswego/Toronto and these Reviews in general: Thanks to everyone who is helping their best to keep our scene positive and in the true spirit of love, creation and adventure. That's where the magic is created . . . To those who make themselves feel better by venting their bad experiences, negative thoughts and other general non-positive vibrations, I hope you enjoy hearing yourselves talk, becuase I think I can speak for the rest of us that your sour opinions do nothing to lift the collective vibe at all. I speak specifically to G.C.--who has twice recently written that "opinions are like assholes." If so, why must you shove yours in everyone elses faces? Think before you stink, please. If you have criticism, fine--it's an integral part of keeping the dialogue alive. But shouldn't we try to make it constructive . . . not resentful, bitter, or just plain negative? What good does that do beyond one person's needs? It banishes magic. Is that how you talk about your friends? The guys in the band are human just like all of us. They have good days, bad days; deal with ego, fear, confidence, etc. just like we all do. They don't NEED to tour. Forgiveness, understanding, and faith are all part of a growing, loving relationship and the potential in front of our community is the best thing going . . . we make it as beautiful as we choose peace Rick (1st show Nectars '88)
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 22:23:21 -0400 From: "Gary E. Comley, II" [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: a general comment about the Reviews page It seems that the "Reviews" pages, specifically the Toronto reviews page, has become more a haven of folks complaining about a particular review or reviewer, rather than actual reviews of shows. It would be more effective, IMHO, to stick to posts which really are reviews, rather than posts which bash another's opinion. This is merely a suggestion. It would also help to encourage people to stick to reviewing shows from their point-of-view, rather than writing public responses to other reviews. The reviews pages are becomming too much like a newsgroup than a forum for opinions and insights on particular shows. There is simply too much bashing of "bad show" reviews by people too reactionary to realize that a review is simply one person's opinion of one show (rather than a generalized opinion on Phish). For example: my review of the Toronto show may have seemed harsh, but some of the responses to my post seem to suggest that in panning that one show, I was also panning Phish as a whole. I'm suprised that my fellow fans actually took me seriously. I mean, I'm only one asshole who thought one show stunk. Why have people become so intensely sensitive to any suggestion that the band can have and off-night and play a bad show. To suggest that Phish can do no wrong and cannot possibly play a bad show is ridiculous. This is what happened to the Grateful Dead, and it may have actually contributed to many woes they encountered later on in their career. Let's face it, most of the shows the Dead played from 92 until 95 were bunk, but fans hung onto every foul note with glee (I'm guilty of this, admittedly). I don't want to see Phish fall into the same trap. I want fans to remain skeptical, scrutinizing, and demanding. It keeps the band on their toes and brings forth the kind of exploration we all love so much. If we allow them to rest on their laurels, it will all begin to grow stagnant. By allowing the posting of these kinds of responses, you are encouraging fans to bash each other's opinions rather than offering their own insights. Some of the responses to my post became quite personal. While I'm a big kid who could care less what people say about me or to me, I just think a page designed to offer different opinions on a particular show should stick to the reviews and let the personal attacks go. There is a general air of negativity on the phish.net right now and it has nothing to do with show reviews being bad. It has everything to do with the reactionary bickering which results and then winds up online. Just a thought about how the phish.net could improve its environment. Thanks for listening. Gary Comley [email protected] -peace ese-
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