general december tour comments

Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 21:22:11 -0500
From: Amanda Deneca DenecaAL@clark.cc.oh.us
To: Dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: December Tour

     I have read many of the reviews about the December Tour, and find
many of them confusing.  Some people seem to not care at all for the
direction the band is heading in, and to them I ask Why are you still
going to shows?  It isn't 1997 or '95 or '93 or '87 anymore.  The sound
has changed, the band has grown up, and so have we.
    I was only able to attend the Cincy shows this past tour, and though
the first night was not exactly stellar, I did enjoy myself and the many
dancing around me seemed to be enjoying the show as well.  The second
night, I think, improved.
    I'm not going to try and justify my thoughts and give you the stats on
how many shows I've seen, if I've "met" the band, or how long I've been
going to shows. That seems silly.
    Really, its all about having fun. Its about feeding off the band's
energy, and allowing them to feed off your's, and if there are too many
negative vibes out there, I would guess that the shows would only get
worse.  That's all.

See you next time,


Date: Thu, 30 Dec 1999 18:01:20 EST
From: Asmallsc@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: (no subject)
 
    Anyone that has anything bad to say about Phish has to reevaluate the
reason they see Phish in the first place.  Being a musician touring with my
own band and being a non-conformist revolutionary,  I view music as a
spiritual guide.  Talented bands are one of the few true "magicians",
creating the invisible and using energy to tie everyone together.  Phish is a
band that holds their own unique sound.  Though the sounds have changed and
setlists have evolved, the same energy is created.  Many people who write
reviews say that certain shows suck because of the setlists.  I have gone to
Hampton for the last four years to see Phish and hope to play their with my
band in the near future.  Hampton seems to be a vortex for energy.  Many
people that said that Phish sucked on the first night of Hampton are
confused.  Though it seemed like they were off, the truth is...the crowd was
off.  Their were to many expectations going into the show.  The energy was
not flowing as one.  Everytime they did not play a great song or hint the
energy of a gamehendge, negative and misdirected vibrations emerged from the
crowd.  As a musician, I know that the energy the crowd creates plays just as
big of a role as the band.  Moving right along.  The first night was good.
In my mind it was good to relax to well jammed. low energy songs.  Many
people were very critical and I don't blame them.  When I go to a Phish show
I hope to be blown away as well.  Though the first night didn't blow me away,
 I heard some great songs and slow yet awsome, complicated jams.  The second
night of hampton was amazing.  I have seen gamehendges and antelopes, have
mercy's and makisupa's, big ball jams and rotating jams and I must say that,
though when a crowd hear a gamehendge they scream louder.  The energy at the
second night was godly.  Last years Hampton held a demonic feeling that held
just as powerful of an energy but on an evil scale.  This year, the energy
was heavenly.  By the second set, the crowd as well as the band had reached
same cosmic plane that I saw the Dead reach at Hampton in 88. I am not going
to review the songs but just want wrap up by saying.  Trey,
                        Were you using a talkbox for do you feel or was it an
effect created by your board?
    Any way, keep on rockin.  And I hope to jam with you guys sometime in the
near future.  The spirits will let you know if it is meant to be.
                                                            Phamily Phan,
                                                            A.C.
    P.S.  Support you local forests and donate to the redwoods.  They need
your help.

Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 01:02:33 -0500
From: C Simmons Palmer cspalme@roanoke.infi.net
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: 12/3 - 12/4

After being in ohio this past weekend and reading the many negative
reviews it began to irritate me.  If you don't like what you see stay
home because there are plenty of poeple that would be more than happy to
use your TICKETS.  If you decide to keep writing negative reviews and
jocking phish than quit taking up space on this page with your slack
jawwed bullshit!   see you in philly


Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 09:14:18 -0500
From: Casey Kim caseyk@c2is.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: 12/3 and 12/4 Cincinnati

How do you think the band would feel if they read this page?  Inspired?
Encouraged?  Or insulted and hurt?  I bet they wouldn't feel like tearing
it up at any more shows for you ingrateful bastards.  I don't know why I
read these reviews anymore.  It makes me fuckin sick that Phish plays for
us and people have the nerve to criticize and complain like THEY are the
musicians or something.  Stay the fuck home and give the good fans room to
groove. If Phish sucks that bad then why don't you guys follow someone
else?  Like Ricki Martin or the Backstreet Boys?  Why do you feel like you
can only voice your opinion if you have something shitty to say about the
band?  Do you think it makes you look cool?  You'll be sorry when you
don't have Phish to kick around anymore.  Maybe during that year off you
guys will realize your real calling is following the Backstreet Boys and
the good fans can make a clean start without you wet blankets.  Fuck all
of you twice.  The good fans will continue to rock on without you.


Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 01:27:56 EST
From: KJ222j@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: About 12/2,3,4

After reading several of the reviews from the past 2 shows in Cincy and
having attended the first three shows of the tour, I felt that I had to
add my 2 cents.  First of all about Friday 12/3.  Anyone who didn't
thoroughly enjoy AC/DC Bag, Possum, Slave, or Sand needs to reevaluate the
reasons that they listen to Phish.  Bag and Possum were both full of good,
fun, mind blowing craziness.  Sand had me shaking my head wondering if
these guys were for real or not, and the rest of the show while I would be
hard pressed to describe it as mind blowing certainly was done well and up
to my normal standards for Phish. I enjoyed Friday's show better than
Saturday's because of the songs listed above, but Saturday still had it's
top notch moments--DwD, SOAM, a rockin Bowie, and a short but nice
Tweezer.  Now to those who think that Phish has lost it, I think you're
all fuckin nuts, the shows in Cincy were definitely average to above
average shows while the show from the Palace was extraordinary.  Nuff said
I need some sleep.
Take care all,
Kris 


Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 17:11:45 EST
From: LeeW1234@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: REVIEW, 12-3-99.12-4-99

For those of you who can't seem to enjoy a good enough Phish show, please
stay home and get the tapes and listen to them in your living room.  Let
those of us who always have a good time take your seats!  I really enjoyed
Cincy.  It had been about a year since I had seen Phish and I don't think
I could have waited another day.  These shows were my 22 and 23 shows.  
Next time you start throwing around terms like "worst ever" and "I'd
rather be doing something else," please take a year off and then come
back.  I guarantee those songs that you were bashing will be the sweetest
you ever heard.  These guys are not here to play to the critics, they play
for the phans that go and absorb their energy and have a great time.  
Please everyone loosen up, dance a little, ingest what you please, and
most of all have the time of your life.  If you can't, please go do
something else.  Leave Phish to those you will love them even though they
didn't play our favorite song.

Lee 

Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 15:29:50 -0500
From: Todd Stanley stanleyt@umich.edu
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Review-Cinci and the Palace...

First off, I have to say that piper190@aol.com has obviously "lost" the
idea about a Phish show...

I'll begin by saying the last three days were some of the best, and WORST,
of my life, but overall I had a SICK time.

The Palace was a treat since I go to the U of M and it was only an 1 hour
away (plus mail order hooked me up with 3 floor tix for tour opener!), and
the boys were ON.  1st set was standard-meaning still better than most
concerts out there- just the Antelope, Jim, and Free were all excellent
and everything else was just good.  They were feeling each other out at
the beginning of tour, but that's cool with me.  BUT, 2nd set was clearly
the best set out of the 6 sets I just saw, and it's not even close.  This
set is why I've seen 63 (kinda 62.5-I'll get to that later) shows and am
catching both Hamptons and NYE.  Bathtub was absolutely wondeful and every
way possible and about 10 mins into the song Trey and everyone was
literally bringing their music to that special place they talk about
always trying to go to!  2001-> YEM was basically perfect aftre Bathtub' I
couldn't have asked for better songs, and the jams were excellent (with
one of the best YEM vocal jams I've ever seen).

On to Cinci (sorry this review is running long) but this town is kindof
weird.  It's right across the river from Kentucky and all I can say is
it's a different ohio city than normal.  1st night Cinci was a good show,
nothing stellar, but still happy that I went inside for another night o'
phish.  I had floor seats (about 15 rows back dead center in between Mike
and Trey, my favorite spot:) and thought the first tube, wolfman's, and
AC/DC were the highlights of the first set.  Especially tight AC/DC.  2nd
set was very interesting, and I thought (unlike Piper190@aol.com)  that
the Sand and Limb by Limb were both very good, albeit different than
normal old school phish.  In case people haven't figurted out, this is the
future of Phish.  If this is shocking to people reading this review, than
start taking a look at setlists and recent hot sets and these 2 will prob.
be in them.  These songs are good platforms for the groove and ambient
jams they keep moving towards.  I actually like Bug as well (my 1st time),
and Trey's right-> it doesn't matter (headies and tour rats are getting
WAY too negative and worked up about little trite shit and what the scene
is evolving into), the MUSIC is still the best, and that's why we keep
going back to more shows (I know I'm addicted).  Piper was much better
than average, and I was calling Hood all the way.  Rock and Roll was
rocking as an encore, and as always, the chairman of the boards put a
smile on my face...

Finally (if you've made it this far you are as insame a fan as me), the
2nd night in Cinci.  After a fun night out on the town in Cinci the night
before, I was ready for a great show, and me and my tour buddy Dan were
already thinking that this show just might blow the roof off of the Crown,
but who knows.  I'll quickly state that we went to the Westin Hotel where
at 4:30, we got to quickly meet everyone in the band except for Page (he
went onto the bus first, we got there 5 minutes too late) and it was
really a lot of fun.  Ther was only about 15 heads who were chilling in
the hotel lobby (funny enough, Ricky Martin and the whole SF 49ers were
all staying on the 8th floor with Phish) and the band didn't mind saying
hello to a few phans and shaking hands, etc.  I've met the whole band
except for Trey on numerous occassions and I wa a little nervous about
meeting Trey for the first time.  The moment came and I shook his hand and
told him thanks a lot, and basically he seemed very quiet and cool.  Dan
told Mike he wanted to hear HIS song at the show, and Mike replied,
"maybe," and that was enought fuel for expectations for the show.

And then the actual show... This was possibly my worst/best Phish show
I've ever attended, but the worst is surely in front.  I was on the floor
18 rows back dead center again, and basically having a great time.  1st
set was awesome and had me dancing my ass off.  Highlights was the whole
set(yes, even Dirst was appropriately placed), but Simple, Guyute,
Tweezer, and Loving Cup were all excellent versions.  Tweezer and Simple
were especially fun tonight.  When Loving CUp ended the energy level in
the Crown was exploding and I KNEW 2nd set would be one to remember (if I
only knew how it was going to be...).  Both Dan and I were praying for a
Mike's for the obvious reasons and more importantly, the Mike run in at
the hotel, and at setbreak we told ourselves we felt like it was a lock.  
The energy was great in the venue, we met the boys before the show, and
1st set was THAT good that a Mike's was feasible. But then I had to leave
the floor to go to the bathroom and get water, which was not a problem,
but being on the floor for the 2nd set was NOT a good idea for me.  About
5 mins into DWD, I felt a security guard grabbing my shirt and telling me
to show him my stub, repeating, and using unnecessary force.  My actual
seat was 10 rows off the florr facing the stage, but after seeing the last
5 sets on the floor, Dan and I decided to go for #6.  BOY, DID I GAMBLE
AND LOSE!!!  Instead of kicking me off the floor, the security ACTUALLY
KICKED ME OUT OF THE VENUE FOR BEING ON THE FLOOR!!  I was in an absolute
state of shock as I wasn't even smoking, or doing anything worng except be
on the floor (which I was unaware was a ejectable offense), so the cold
air outside of the back of the venue after literally being tossed was a
little uncomfortable.  My bad dream turned into a nightmare as I attempted
every way possible to get back in the show (cops and head of building
security didn't care about my sad story), but it was to no avail.  At the
same time I got kicked out, a taper who has seen 128 shows had been kicked
out for the same reason, and we were both really pissed, but VERY
positive.  It was my fault for being on the floor, but is that a reason to
have to leave the venue?  I would have been more than happy to go to my
actual seat, but I was never asked what I wanted to do... I ended up
listening to the show through a door with my ear pressed tightly against
it, and even though it was insulting, I STILL HEARD THE MUSIC and was
dancing outside.  I did not, and would not, let this shitty situation
bring me down.  It had nothing to do with the band, it was just really
stubborn and mean security that fucked me, and I accepted that.

So, my message is this: BE POSITIVE, because I got kicked out of a Phish
show (I never thought I'd say this) and STILL HAD A GOOD TIME!!  It just
goes to show life is what YOU make of it, and if you chose to be negative,
then life will be neagtive in return.  Being kicked out was a very
humbling experience, as I have been backstage at numerous shows and had
just met Trey for the first time about 5 hours before.  Just when I
thought I was on top of the whole Phish scene, the security gave ma a
harsh, but important slap in the face to make me realize THEY have the
power inside the show, not a phan (it sucks to say this).  On the other
hand, they didn't take my pride as I continued to smile and dance away
outside the venue as I heard the MUSIC faintly through a fan duct.  So, if
you thought the Sat. show at Cinci was "Ok, or too boring
(Piper190@aol.com)", just imagine being OUTSIDE during second set.

REMEMBER-> go to Phish shows to 1) have a great time with your friends,
and 2) ENJOY THE MUSIC.

Please e-mail me back at tbstanley@hotmail.com if you have any comments on
prob. the longest review ever posted...

Still smilin and havin' a good time,
Todd Stanley

P.S. See you at Hampton and sunny FLORIDA!!


Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 00:37:41 -0500
From: Rodney Lackey jrlackey@bellsouth.net
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Right on, r bossert

She/he (r bossert) said it perfectly.  I occassionally check reviews and
try to bypass the idiots who crticize, looking only for positive people
and good experiences.  Yeah, sure, we all have heard screw-ups b/f or
songs played too many times on tour.  But who are we to crticize?  I
know my life would not be as fun w/o those guys & I sure as hell am not
going to trash what they do.  I look forward to each and every song and
show, and, sure I may be disappointed when I don't hear what I was
hoping for or a song doesn't quite get there, but...come on, get a life,
don't over-analyze!!  Enjoy this tour and the upcoming sick NYE shows
for what they are worth.  We are privileged in the sense that we know
and understand gooood music (most of us anyway, not meant to mean other
music sucks, but...well, most of it does), but let's all enjoy it more
rather than analyzing it.


Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 22:18:49 EST
From: Doug Vogel chezrolez@hotmail.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: a general review of sorts

OK - if you are reading this, chances are you have a clue about music.  
We all know that Phish is one of the many things that have helped create
feelings and experiences and emotions that will forever rage in our minds.
Some of my most memorable moments were during jams, in lots, or at
setbreaks.  I'm astounded that not only are there reviews of shows, but
phans are submitting 'reviews of reviews', commenting on how negative some
are, and implying that negative reviews should cease to exist.  I'm a rare
review-reader, and a non-existent review-writer.  However, tonight I
actually feel like submitting something.

Think back to when you first learned of Phish.  Where were you?  Was it a
party, someone's car, Nectar's?  What was the first song you ever heard?
Cavern on A Picture of Nectar, a 25 minute Gumbo, or Prep School Hippie
live?  What was going on in your mind that day?  What kinds of things were
you concerned with in life?  What was your biggest worry?  Finding a prom
date, telling your parents you got straight C's in the dorm, or your
wedding day?  The things I cared about, worried about, liked, disliked,
etc. are completely different tonight, 2 days after Hampton, then they
were years ago after my first Phish show.  We are all changing.  It's
inevitable.  It's about the only thing we can guarantee will happen in
this world.  Phish's music is no exception.  But hasn't it always been
changing?  If you don't think so, I think you're wrong.  Maybe you didn't
notice it in your early days as a phan, or maybe you didn't care.  The
thought of a band changing over time most likely never entered your mind.  
But now it is.  And what's the big deal?  Today is December 20, 1999.  
Phish's first "show" was October 30, 1983.  What were you doing 16 years
ago?

Most of us could sit here and analyze Phish in hundreds of ways.  Shows,
weekends, certain legs of tours, full tours, years, whatever.  Kids, lots,
cops, rides, security, venues.  None of it is the same.  Of course certain
aspects and groupings will have similarities.  The whole idea of change is
that it is gradual.  If today's Phish isn't as enjoyable to you as Phish
of the past, maybe you need to think about yourself.  Is it really only
the band that is different than before?

If you haven't figured it out yet, this world has everything.  If you can
think of it, chances are someone's already done it.  If they haven't, you
make a lot of money on the idea.  There are phans out there who think the
band is playing great.  Right now they are having the times of their lives
going to shows.  There are others who think the band can't get it
together. They're wondering what the ---- is going on.  Some can't name
half the songs each set, and some don't need paper and a pen to keep
setlists.  Some need to see the band; some need to hear the music.  Some
stay in the same spot the whole show for fear of losing it, others wander
from tunnel to tunnel, or side to side and visit friends and meet new
people.  Some stand and stare; some get down.  Some are as sober as my
parents, and some are, well, fill in the blank here.  There is no right or
wrong opinion of a show, the band, the scene.  It's all just your
perception.  Like anything else, we all will have our favorites and least
favorites.  We've had favorite teachers, favorite relatives, etc.  Can't
we have favorite shows and leave it at that?

We all express ourselves every single day in many different ways.  When
Phish takes the stage, they express themselves musically.  There's no way
we can expect them to do it the same as they did during Summer 91, Fall
96, or Summer 98, or whenever.  It's impossible.  If you play an
instrument, you know that performance can be very mood-driven.  In fact,
everything affects performance.  Sleep, hunger, etc.  All you athletes,
ever played a big game with the flu?  How do we know all 4 band members
are in tip-top shape? We're not getting backstage reports from Leslie
Visser, so I guess we don't.
  Ever tried to study after fighting with a boyfriend/girlfriend?  Phish
is no exception.  They are people with lives and feelings and they are
affected, positively and negatively, by everything that's going on around
them.  How do you perform when your boss is watching over your shoulder?
Their bosses are always watching, and they range from 4000 to 65,000, and
they seem highly critical lately.

Phish is changing, we are changing, blah blah blah.  And it's all
happening simultaneously.  I used to hate Taste and Guyute.  What was that
all about? If shows aren't as appealing to you as before, maybe its time
to think about yourself to figure out why, instead of focusing only on
them.  Everything comes and goes, and unfortunately, Phish is no
exception.  Look at the big picture - think about how much fun you've had,
the people you've met, the jams you've heard, and the places you've been
to.  Most of us have seen more of this country than our parents.  That's
cool.  Why can't we focus on what we see as positive change?  Like, anyone
else notice the evolution of Black Eyed Katy/Moma Dance from 11/13/97
through, let's say, Lemonwheel?

I say, go and have a good time.  If its just not happening, then stop
going.
  Take a break, stop forever, do something.  A while back, I figured out
what may be the only important thing I've done.  I taught myself to quit
expecting things.  All expectation does is open the door for
disappointment.
  We build up such high demands in our minds, and then the event doesn't
live up to them, and we're disappointed.  And it's always the event's
fault (i.e. "they played like crap").  Quit waiting for "the phattest
show" (my most hated phrase), and seek pleasure, wherever it may be
hiding.  Try new things.

I've offered little to no personal opinion of the band and their music.
That was my purpose.

You'd like them even less if they didn't change.

~ Doug
~ chezrolez@hotmail.com

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 13:12:53 -0500
From: "Joseloff, Larry" Larry.Joseloff@enews.com
To: "'dws@www.phish.net'" dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: General Tour Comments

I really wish everyone would just relax, have fun, and realize that Phish
is a jam band.  A jam band takes risks and does not play the same song the
same way every night.  Isn't that why we go see Phish in the first place?  
It's an adventure and for me a great escape from everyday life.  Phish is
to me where I can take a few weekends a year and go meet up with my
friends and see my favorite band in the world.  They have been there in my
life for 10 years and it is all about ritual.  Not being a religious
person I do however see the importance of ritual -- and Phish is it.  I
always have a great time and as my friend Jeff always says before each
show, " I know it's going to be good" -- and it always is.  Sure I have my
favorite songs and nights, but even a show that is not one of my favorites
I thank Phish for what they do and the opportunity they give me to visit
with old friends and have fun.

Finally, we ask so much of the band and the band asks so little.  The two
things they say constantly is please do not do nitrous in the lots and
please do not bring your pets to these shows.  They ask you to do that for
a reason...so out of respect let's listen!

Larry 

Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 12:34:42 -0500 (EST)
From: WAT-Jason Wesson wessonj@newriv.newriver.org
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Smelly Phish

I have just read the Raleigh reviews and I am choosing not to read the
Hampton reviews because I don't want my opinion influenced.  Let me start
by saying that I was and still am very disappointed in the quality of
music Phish is casting out at its live shows.  This year I have caught
Phish in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Hampton.  My show numbers have deminished
due to the lack of energy flowing from the band.  And as for these
"newbies" I don't know if they have any idea what energy is.  POSITIVE
ENERGY! that is.  I can't remember the exact date, but I know it was in
1990 when I heard of and saw this little band called Phish. The first show
I attended with roughly 100 to 150 other people.  The other people were
usually frat boys from the local college where ever Phish was playin'.
These early '90's show were the shit.  Little kids -I say little because
most of the current phans seem to range in age from 12 to 18- think they
are seeing such a great band now in 1999, but Phish has gone down hill.  
In my opinion Phish reached their peak in the years of 1994-1997 (and I'm
streching...more like it ended in 1996).  Since this time, Phish has
become popular and more of a be-bop group of performers than I'd care to
listen to.  These last three shows of their 1999 December Tour sucked!  
They (Phish) were weak, unorganized, full of flawwed mangled up material,
and some of the poorest song selection, pairing, and grouping that I've
ever heard.  I understand that Phish has to progress to remain in the
light, but their progression has no creativity and is quickly turning into
regression.  Yes, I was there when the Dead introduced "Liberity" and
"Eternity" to there tour, but these guys (Dead) had reached their peak
years and years ago.  Even though Phish has been around since '83, their
creative juices have dried up.  The phans I meet in the parking lot are
more concerned about gettin' fucked up than caring if they could get in to
see the show. Show? Uhh?  What show?  You mean there is a concert here
tonight.  These ssame kids are what started ruining the Dead Family.  
These SKIDS (Skhetchy Kids) came on the Dead scene in 1993 and by 1995,
all you heard about the Dead was this Herion overdose and that Herion
overdose.  With the way these phans are looking now, Herion is all over
Phish's tour.  Maybe in the band too.  Maybe that's the band's
cop-out:Herion.  Maybe not though.  There will always be rumors, but when
your lead singer (Trey, whom does not nor ever will equal Jerry Garcia) is
rumored to love crack-cocaine and the other band members are on different
paiges, it make it difficult to creative a good vibe, positive energy, or
any kind of inviting experience.  My point to all this is that Phish is
not a $30-$35 a ticket band.  they once could have been, but then school
always has a summer break, doesn't it little kiddies?  When Phish was a
tight band, I would stand when they entered stage and the only time to sit
was durring the set break (which are now reaching almost an hour).  Phish
used to keep you dancing, sweating, grooving, and craving more.  Now, I
think to myself, this is not the Phish I use to love and wait in
anticipation of their next return.  I think this is a band that is making
mad money off frenzied little kids that have school in the morning. Maybe
when they schedule their next tour, they can work aroud "it's a school
night."  Maybe the next time they play, the band will remember its roots
and what brought them to the spot they are currently.  What brought them
to this place was hard work, intensive touring, and creativity.  Is the
creativity gone?  It is not apparent with the addition of these new songs
that all sound like they could make Top 40 Radio any day now.  Is this the
goal? Maybe so, maybe not, but the Phish starts to rot.  I miss the old
Phish. I miss the Phish that would jam song after song after song until
subconsciously you were begging for a break.  Now with the energy they
have, more people sit at a show than I've ever seen before.  These last
three shows were pitiful and I sold my NYE2000 tix because I can't take
anymore from this band.  They are tired, drugged, and not on the same
paige.  Not only are they on separate paiges in the band, there is little
connection to their phans any longer.  Maybe they need an age
limit...suchas, oh! you're 20, you're way too OLD for a Phish show. In
their day they were an amazing band that always left me jonesin' for more.
Now I'm thankful that it's over whenever Trey decides it's over.  This
serves as closure to me because it will be a long time before I subject
myself again to paying ridiculous ticket prices to see something that is
not.  I want Phish to return to the place they were, but that's not
likely, so I will move on. Smell you later (much later) Phish!
th 


Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 17:21:21 -0500
From: Kaye Darren J A1C 83 CS/SCYS darren.kaye@langley.af.mil
To: "'dws@www.phish.net'" dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: December Tour Comments

As a Hampton Head I would like to first of all thank the band for coming
to my area@least 3X a year and putting on a steller show!!! I
unfortunately signed on the dotted line for the United States Air Farce
3.5 years ago to take care of my new wife and new son w/little
alternative.......prior to the military I was in it man and you guys don't
know what you still have..a kick @ss band who is willing to tour until
they drop for us and all this negative crap has to go...consider
yourselves lucky that you even have the freedom at this point in your
young lives to follow a band around while most of your parents keep
sporting the college bills and more than likely your car payments as
well!!!!! Like a few others have commented on musicians have to evolve in
thier careers and as people/artists....From what I saw at the 2 nights in
here in Hampton the guys are still on and I will look forward to next
Summer when they get back to the beach.....lets just hope the cops aren't
back on thier f*ckin' horses in the Va. Beach Amp. parking lot again!!!!

Peace Out, @least your not in the f#ckin military!!!!


Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 19:45:11 EST
From: Mahlerone@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net, dws@gadiel.com
Subject: general comment(s)

Well, I was going to go off for a while about this and that and how people
should and shouldn't react in regards to to the present scene...but I
figured I'd save us all some time and just say this: Everyone has an
opinion, mind your business (read: do your own thing and be happy), and
lastly, they're only human...Phish is four of the most extremely musically
intelligent human beings I have ever heard or seen.  For that and that
alone we should all be thankful.

-Tracey Domser
Clinton, NY


Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 00:27:07 EST
From: Mitthraw@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: general fall tour comments

ive seen 10 shows that wows most people who are into popular music and
arent into touring bands.  to you, another phan reading this, that is
probably nothing compared to what you have seen. i just demonstrated how
two different people can take the exact same thing and take it completely
the opposite way.  its just points of view.  same thing with people taking
completely different views on the same show, song, or part of a jam.

now on to the shows

i only got to see one show 10/3 and it was easily the best ive seen, it
was just plain nuts.  to give you a feel of my experience at shows others
i have seen are in order: 11/8/96, 8/8/97, 8/9/97, 12/6/97, 4/4/98,
8/9/98, 10/2/98(farm aid, not a real show, but i went for and saw phish),
11/7/98, 11/8/98, and 10/3/99. personally i love the direction the band is
taking.  very cool and aimed but seems limitless.

everyone says the scenes goin down the shitter.  i dont agree...i
personally feel were going through and (lord have mercy on my soul for
saying this (im not religious)) Deadification.  its true...i (now) find
the grateful dead to be very boring but what i am seeing seems to remind
me of the Dead.  its like the fanbase is just growing exponentially and
the "oldies" complain the newbies dont really like the band and understand
and blah blah blah. maybe its true...maybe its not...but does it take away
from what four men do on the stage, playing the most perfectly written and
improvised music for modern rock? Nah plus i have to tell everyone: hate
breeds hate, division is mental. if everyone just was nice to each other,
and didnt complain about new people, then gradually the scene would be
more wholesome again.  sounds like bullshit...but its true.  try wearing a
smile...it makes you happy for no reason.  or smile at another
person...theyll be friendly or laugh...its just the way people are.  just
have fun!


Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 15:32:59 EST
From: Slipknot9@aol.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: general tour review
 
As I was reading some of the general thoughts of december tour, it became
appearant to me that many people are very negative towards the band, the
scene and the music.  This is straight stupid.  Everything i have seen on the
past couple of tours has always been positive.  My only suggestion is that
these "negative heads" stop going to shows and leave more room for me to get
down and dance.  thats the bottom line.  The band and their music is
evolving.  It has happened before in history and they are no exception.  One
must be open to change and embrace all that phish has to offer us with open
arms.  It is still the greatest "experience" of my life and I know many phans
share my sentiment.  It should stay that way.  If you are not there for the
love of the music, don't go.  Hope to see all of you who are in the same boat
down in Florida for the greatest celebration ever.  Have a safe trip.

Date: 20 Dec 1999 17:22:02 Z
From: Peter B Conway Peter.B.Conway@marshmc.com
To: dws dws@gadiel.com
Subject: reviews

A letter to those upset about negative reviews:

Everyone is enititled to their opinion, despite how rediculous some of
them are.  If we, the logical thinking and happy fans,  go and see
Phish and enjoy it, then read a review cursing the show, we should be
reflective and keep things in perspective.  Look at a review CLOSELY
before you get angry about it.   Usually the totally negative reviews
are written by people who either can't stand change or feel it is their
obligation to be overly critical.  And usually, not always, their
comments are obviously random and unintelligible.  If you heard a show
and liked it, whatever anyone else thinks is entirely inconsequential.
Unless you let it bother you.  But trust your instincs.  If you liked
the show - then it was probably good.

And you know what - listening to one band over and over, following them
and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars following them each year
should say something about that person's jaded and random view of that
band.  Don't get me wrong, I have gone on tour, but usually four about
a five show string at a time.  That way, you see basically four of five
totally different shows and don't hear too many repeats.  But these
people begin to think of Phish like a drug, judging the type of fix
they get - kind buds(good shows) verses schwag(bad shows).  I'm sorry,
it was just too irresistible to write the word "schwag".  But why must
they post their opinions?  Because they want to say something, anything
that anyone will listen to.  And maybe, if they are negative, they feel
that they have some authorty about the situation, like they know what
makes a great Phish show, and so, maybe someone will value their
opinion.  I would love to see one of those people come up with even a
set list that every one would really agree uppon, let alone which songs
would contain jams and how those jams proceed.  Sorry.  Anyway- I bet
that Phish, would hope that you like other types of music too.  I would
think that Trey doesn't go to THAT many jam band shows - he is busy
creating his own music and exploring other types of music to EXPAND his
musical knowledge.

I also have to take issue with people not liking slow songs.  Almost
every(not all) review I read of a song like "Circus" is  negative
saying "it killed the vibe of the show".  Why?  Are you listening to
the music or just dancing to it?  If that's the case, just go to a
dance club and enjoy all night long.  Oh, you're proably too young to
get into a dance club.  OK - youre youthful exuberance it welcomed then
as long as it is positive and not ignorant.  Got off point -
Apparently, these "slow song bashers" don't ever care for the lyrics in
songs unless they refer to the cult following / scene in some way.  Any
personal introspection sucks, according to these people.  I love
"Roggae" and "Dirt", these are quality songs.  I know that many of you
agree but many don't like them because they are slow.  Life has several
moods, my friends, and Phish tries to emulate all of them at some
point.

Or the pop songs.  People hate the "pop" Phish songs.  So you only like
music with intense musical changes and wild instrumentation.  Sounds
like pre-pubescent male music, ie: Rush, Yes, ELP.  We'll, just maybe,
Phish wants people other than just dorky musician types(I am one so
dont get upset - I can just handle the truth) to like their music.  and
was every song written with a nice melody a crappy pop song?  I guess
the Beatles really sucked, huh?  Oh, and Bob Dylan blew for writing
simple, lyrical based songs.  Please!  Phish hasn't explored the
lyrical side of their music enough and are just now becomeing well
rounded enough about music to realize that they have been lacking in
that department.  Lyrical expression can and should be embraced, as it
was with the Dead.  Maybe Phish is a bit to blame for this since it
took them some time to really focus on lyrics, so maybe they created an
audience with a sense of music theory but with little
cultural/historyical/human significance as a piece of expressive art in
the 20th century.  They are learning that there is more than
intstrumentation to great music - it is about attitude and simplicity
as well.  Do you actually think that they are getting worse?  Unless
they are a heavy metal or punk  or rap band whose genre has passed and
they can't satisfy those specific fans anymore, they can change and
grow into more that what they were on "Junta".  Its called growth
intellectually and musically.  Its called expanding your horizons.  So
to all of those people who say, " why do they write a song like 'Heavy
Things' when they could do another YEM?" - well, they have ALREADY done
YEM and have not yet done "Heavy Things".  Got I would get bored if I
had to hear the same songs out of this band over and over.  Love and
embrace the new stuff.  It will grow and expand in unbelievable ways.

So keep heart, and realize that the honest majority of Phish fans are
people who never even look at these reviews.  There are thousands of
Phish fans who dont utilize the internet - trust me - the Grateful Dead
did just fine for many a year without an  online community.  They are
regular people who like good music and lke to have a good time and
aren't obsessed by just ONE band.  Hey, I'll admit that I'm here,
writing, obviously obsessed myself, but my friends and acuantiances,
for the most part own Rift and Lawn Boy and try a new Phish album when
It comes out and they go see them when they come to town.  Not all that
unusual.  They know good music but they also know that they have to
live their own lives, not vicariously live through some band.

Don't worry about negative reviews - they are really just
representative of negative attitudes.  And keep sharin in the groove -
we have no idea how lucky we are to have this band.  According to a
recent interview, Trey said the band came dangerously close to breaking
up these last few years.  Do you think those negative people would have
preferred that?

PHISH - KEEP UP THE CHANGE!!!
PS - I remeber people saying back in '93 that Phsih was changing for
the worse  - that in '94 Hoist was a total sellout and had no good
songs - that Billy Breathes wasn't "real" Phish.  There have always
been negative fans.  But apparently, not as many negative as positive
because Phish just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Peace.

Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 06:01:39 EST
From: David73796@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: (no subject)

What few people realize is that phish HAD potetial to be a great jam band.
The shows now adays are lacking in a few things, feeling is one of them.
Anyone who thinks phish has played a "great" show should listen to a tape
from before 1993 and then understand that that was a band with feeling.
When I saw phish for the new years run in 97 I had a feeling that maybe
they were coming out of their "digital delay loop" coma; the spectrum
shows of this december run reminded me that the best news I've heard in a
long time is the boys are going to take some time off to reinvent
themselves, to give themselves a break.  It's what they need, they've
played the same show for the past 4 years, with 2 years of slowing down
priar to that, they need to focus and write songs like they used to; from
the soul, not the tour bus.
     Trust me, I love phish, the scene is getting a little ridiculus with
tour rats, heroin (yes folks heroin will kill you and yes it's a major
problem on the scene, wise up!!!!) and ecstacy ( if i hear the words rolls
or molly one more time...), but i love phish.  Farmhouse, birds, twist all
ok songs; no way set carries like maze or yem or mood lifters like yamar
or halley's.  they need time off.  that's why i'm going to new orleans for
new years this year.  Besides who wants to be part of leaving 800 tons of
trash in the everglades?


Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 22:11:45 -0500
From: jza "braunadonna" jbraun66@hotmail.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: tour comments

Excuse me, I would like you guys not to post any reviews that diss
phish.  we do not need to hear from these people that are not
contributing to the postive scene. Please do not post any reviws that
talk about the use of drugs.  Phish shows are not about the drugs they
are about the music.  I would like to know who is writting these reviews
because they obviously no nothing.

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 04:06:42 EST
From: KURTS4X4@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Please, their GREAT

I look at the reviews after most shows, "go see a movie" - they blow the
house down.  It's so easy to be a judge?  Try to find anything close.
$27.50.  Tell me the good, not bad, it happens at most concerts  (dumb
people, the lot).  We are a Family, and we are lucky.

                   lifes2goodhere@hotmail.com

                       See you in FLA,  Scott 
Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 04:20:44 EST
From: KURTS4X4@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Please their GREAT

Why all the negative reviews this tour?  Every show I"ve seen has been
HOT. Some more than others. We should feel lucky to have the chance to see
a JAM BAND, (the best in my eyes).  We are family = and we will see
greatness in FLA.


                      CK5                     Scott
lifes2goodhere@hotmail.com

Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 17:20:45 -0500
From: Tim Conway tjconway@home.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Can we just enjoy?

There comes a point when we all must relax.  It is music.  It is good
music.  Take it for what it is.  Not every "Funky Bitch" is going to
make you wet your pants.  Relax and enjoy; because some (if not most) of
these reviews are quite idiotic and lame.

Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 19:37:58 EST
From: JVM433@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: re: hampton

Ok....this isnt exactly a review of Hampton, but I feel I really need to
offer my two cents.  I've been reading reviews over the course of the
December tour and I must say that alot of us become very real spoiled.
Personally Ive only been able to check out Hartford and Providence this
tour, and while they werent my favorite shows, they still rocked.  I've
been reading alot of people criticizing the band for this or for that, for
song selection, momentum break, etc.  Let me just say that we all need to
take a step back: Phish is four of the most hard-working, dedicated men in
the music business, and every show is a reward. We are starting to lose
sight of what really matters.  I was thinking during the Providence show
about alot of things.  One thing I concluded is that it really doesn't
matterr what they're playing up there.  For example, so what if they
follow a "Piper" with a "Roggae" that halts the energy, or play a "Slave"
that doesnt reach the peaks that it has in the past.  The point is that
they are still laying down the groove for us, they keep us dancing into
the next millenium. These guys up there are very fortunate to have fans
like us that have carried them on throughout the years.  But we are so
very lucky to have them keeping their commitment to Phish and pushing
forward.  We can create beautiful things together. So keep this in mind as
we head to Florida: we are all so lucky to have our health and our sanity,
we are living in good times.  So please, stay positive and take the shows
for what they are worth.  Its entertainment, and these guys work hard to
please us.
See ya, Jim 


Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 09:56:45 PST
From: Jeff Epstein demarden@hotmail.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: response to reviews and reviewers
 
Reviewers:
         Please do not stop posting your short-sighted, unfounded,
opinionated, idiotic reviews of shows--They are too funny! I would like to
see more things like "Wading in the Velvet Sea sucked because my mother
abandoned me" or "Slave sucked tonight because my Daddy won't buy me a car"
or "Tweezer was too long because I wanted to get home and start bagging on
it"......Keep 'em coming!!!!

Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 18:21:16 -0500 (EST)
From: Jon Murphy heymurph@usa.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Thank God for intelligent reviews
 
I just thought I would comment by saying how thankful those of us not on
tour should be for these reviews, especially the thoughtful, intellignetly
written ones.  Keep 'em coming!  (Thanks especially to Mr. Bart Tantillo.
If you haven't been reading his reviews, do yourself a favor and search them
out.  They're a great read).
 
And to those of you who think that the band is beyond criticism, I must ask
the question, what is the point of writing a review, then?  We all love
Phish, but surely everyone knows that the band is not capable of turning in
flawless performances every night.  Good, honest reviews offer insight and
perspective on how certain performances compare to others in the band's
history.  Sometimes, the current shows compare favorably, sometimes they
don't.  I really appreciate when a reviewer offers his or her honest
opinion, even when they feel let down by the band.
 
When we first become fans, we all tend to think every show we see is great.
But as you see more shows, you gain more points of reference, and can refer
to more in your own personal Phish history when writing reviews.  No longer
is every show "the best ever."  Some are great, and some are forgettable.
Certain shows stay with you, and others don't.   The point here is that we
should listen to the comments of the so-called "jaded" veterans, because
they offer great insight into the music.  (If they didn't enjoy the music
anymore, I doubt they would continue to spend so much time and energy -- not
to mention money -- trying to get to every show).  So my advice to new fans
is this: don't get down on reviewers when they criticize a show you loved.
Chances are, the more shows you go to, the more you'll understand their
valuable perspective.
 
Just the opinion of a 25-show veteran, who hopes that someday he'll be
called a "jaded" veteran.
 
Later,
 
Jon

Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 21:40:00 GMT
From: John Borchert rlantelope@hotmail.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Recent negativity
 
Here's my 2 cents:  the reviews on this page have gotten so negative because
it has been -AGES- since phish did anything truly bizzare, fantastic, or out
of the ordinary at a show . . . from the perspective of the people who see
LOTS of shows.
     Sure, no other band has quite the same bag of tricks (trampolines,
vocal jams, vacuum cleaners, Barbershop-style quartet, switching
instruments, fishman's covers, Kuroda's light show, etc.) but NOTHING has
been added to this bag of tricks in the last couple of tours.  And even
MUSICALLY there's not much new in the bag of tricks (i.e. Guyute sounds
EXACTLY the same today as it did 2 years ago) -- and when there are "newer"
songs (i.e. Get Back on the Train, First Tube) they are so underplayed (or
overplayed like Heavy Things) that fans get restless.
     And for those of you who say "if you're not having fun, don't go to the
show" -- I say "EXACTLY."  Want my tix for Hampton?

Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 15:39:52 -0600 (CST)
From: Bob Walicki rwalicki@rainbow.uchicago.edu
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: reviews and general thoughts
 
        In the continuuing saga that is 'gadiel's review page' it seems that
very few people have very clear heads.  I apologize for not remembering your
name but someone wrote recently that honest reviews are much appreciated.  I
have come full circle in my reading of reviews, it used to make me very mad
when people would bash shows that I went to for various reasons.  Frankly, it
still does, if those reasons have to do with Phish not turning "insert _any_
song" into a "phatty-phunky-shake-your-booty-ass-til-it-explodes-rockin'"
version. Not all of their songs are meant to do that.  That said, music is a
matter of taste. However it is possible to critique a band based on their
performance of that music (see my never written review of Alpine Valley this
summer).
        Not every night is the best show ever.  I don't go to see Phish
because I think that every night is going to be the greatest experience of my
life because, thank god, it isn't. As much as I love this band, and I do,
Phish will not even come close to the truly great moments of life.  And I
don't ask them to. I go because they're one of (if not _the_) best band
touring right now.  I go because the scene used to be one of the only places
in the world where everybody was welcome.  I go because when the band is on,
their connection with the audience is as tight as their connection with each
other.  The band and what happens on that stage, good or ill is of interest to
me. However, as much as I love the band, I must cling to some sort of
objectivity. 10/31/95 is no longer the best show I have ever seen if every
night is the best show ever.  My favorite moments during shows lose their
meaning if they happen every night, all night.  If something truly incredible
happens I want to hear about it, but how I am to know if something awesome
happened if it happens everynight.  If you had a great time at a show, sweet!
Tell me about it.  Maybe through the rose-colored shades of nostalgia you can
win me over.  Don't call me names though when one of your 'good shows' is one
of my 'so-so shows.' It is childish.  And don't insist that true fans must
enjoy every note at every show at the risk of being told to get off the bus.  
The band makes mistakes.  If Trey flubs the lyrics to YEM I want to know about
it.  If Gordon is playing the bass like he has 10 thumbs, tell me. I'm
interested in hearing about it.
        I am very much disheartened by the sheer negativity exhibited this
tour on the reviews page, and am also becoming more and more angry at the
slews of "reviews of reviews."  But I admit that I read them for kicks -
because I get some sick enjoyment out of people being illogical.  I am amazed
at how one person can be so angered by criticism and negativity, then add that
he hopes to see the reviewer "in hell." ?!?!?  Thats very noncritical.  
Similar responses to those that are glad that they won't be seeing the
"self-absorbed, egotistical, punk-ass" reviewer in Florida. Being critical of
the band (if it is your honest opinion) is one thing, but to fire such flames
at people is ridiculous.  This is what is wrong with the scene right now. Do I
really want to see someone who just called me or anybody else a
"self-absorbed, egotistical, punk-ass" in Florida? Is that what everybody is
going to be like in Florida?  Try to be intelligent, lets talk about the band
and its music.  Try to stop insisting that every fan who gives a bad review
should "get a job," but if you only get to see one Phish show a year because
you work, explain that in your review.  Facts like that make reviews
interesting and complete.  They often explain why two people at the same show
can have such different opinions about what went down.  It helps those of us
that read reviews to flesh out setlists, because we can't go to too many
shows. Most importantly keep the reviews coming...
Happy Holidays
6Bob


Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 12:37:17 -0500 (EST)
From: JACOB COHEN jcohen08@emerald.tufts.edu
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Re: other people's reviews
 
        Here's the deal with reviews,
 
        They're all in perspective!! We shouldn't get mad if someone blasts a
show that we loved or vice versa. Everyone has a different reason for going to
shows, a different way of listening to the music. We write our opinions down
here and that's because they're OUR OPINIONS. These are not the definitive
facts about a show, they're just how one person out of 20,000 perceived it.
When you've been to every show on this tour, I'll agree that hearing Farmhouse
or Heavy Things again can get monotonous. On the other hand, if it's your
first show since '97, and you've NEVER heard these songs, you're pissed when
all you get are older stuff like Reba and Divided.
        Personally, I go to the shows for the unpredictability of the set - I
love seeing what combinations of songs will come, and those 3 or 4 seconds
between each song are one of the best parts of the show. I go for the
music...sure, Sunday night's Divided Sky may not have been the best version
ever...hell, for some it could'v been the worst version ever. But I don't
care, it's still my favorite song, and no matter how long they wait during the
solo, I'll still go nuts when I hear the opening chords. Some people like
going to the shows to hear Trey flub a note, to compare this song to 11/22/97,
or to pick apart every little detail of YEM or Mike's or Reba. Good for them.
We all choose to enjoy the show in a different way, but I think that the
bottom line is that we do enjoy the show. Think about it...we might be a
little too pampered. We walk out of a FANTASTIC rock concert filled with great
songs, beautiful lyrics, funky and spacey jams and downhome rockin' tunes. The
energy of the band and the crowd is usually up. And even though comparatively,
you couldn't get that experience at any other show (well, almost any...), we
still say "eh, it was mediocre." If you want to think that, then go ahead.
Even write about it and post it on the internet. Just don't get bugged when
someone else writes a bad review, or a good review. I wasn't on then, but I
figure that those early 90s shows which everyone seems to be heralding as the
golden age of Phish these days had their fair share of abusive reviews. In ten
years, we might be looking back on these shows, saying "I was there when..."
even though we critisize it now. I guess this is nothing more than a rambling
flow of thoughts right now, but my point is this: you get out of a Phish show
what you get out of it. And we need to accept the fact that everyone gets
something different out of each show. That's what makes them so special. Your
best set ever could me my worst. But it doesn't matter. So keep goin to see
them, keep trashing them or exalting them in reviews, and keep groovin on.


Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 05:41:30 -0800 (PST)
From: john marshall johnnybob00@yahoo.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Reviews?
 
Why is it that everytime I come into the "review
boards" there are all these people who always put down
anything off of Hoist and Live One. How many times do
I have to read about someone putting down Bouncin' or
Down with Disease? ENJOY THE SHOW! Don't go in there
with the mind of a critic and nitpick every tune, that
is no fun. Maybe that is why half of the post in the
Reviews are all negative, the people reviewing them
are being too articulate and just waiting for
something negative to happen or for the songs that
they hate to be played. Just appreciate the fact that
you get to go to so many shows while I have to sit my
butt here at work. If I had the opportunity to go to
as many shows as most of the reviewers, I wouldn't
complain one bit. It's about the music, enjoy it,
don't analyze it.
 
Got Jibbo?

Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 18:47:44 EST
From: Matt11180@aol.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Cc: Matt11180@aol.com
Subject: Who the hell are the tools who write some of the reviews
 
First off what the hell are some of these people talkingabout when they write
these things.  They sound like the 13 year old kid who is puking in front of
me throughout the whole last show.  For Instance,  "I hate tube, nicu and
jaboo."  What the hell are they talking about.  I am sick of hearing these
reviews where people are like "I got sooo fucked up I don't even remember
parts of the jams."  That is not what it is about.  It is about the music,
not the drugs.  Another example is when people are like "this is my first
show and from what I heard on tapes the show sucked."  Then stay at home the
concert would be alot more fun without all you whiny nags.  I am sorry to
sound so harsh but what some people say on these things is ridiculous.
 
Keep the music alive
Peace,
Matt

Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 18:35:52 EST
From: Crosseydpainless@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: review: you should probably put this in the overall tour thoughts
 
(inhale) i loved the providence show. ive heard some bad comments (too
mellow) but after sunday what do you expect.  hartford was mostly old school,
balls to the walls phish, nuts for the whole evening, best show ive seen
since 11-27-98, maybe the most intense show ive ever seen.  in that regard it
is almost a given providence was going to be mellow . even though the show
was on a monday, i thought of the philly>hartford>providence run as a 4 night
Thurs>Sunday run. sunday shows/last shows of  a run, tend to be pretty
mellow.  now, mellow does not mean a bad thing at all.  i even hesitate to
use the word mellow, because it was very intense. a fantastic, RAGING, longer
than normal MOMA capped off a 4 song funk intro. a very intense piper came
next. it built to a super, super fast peak.  on my setlist i wrote
piper>raging piper jam>spacey ambiance>slower maze/llama type jam (i thought
both songs were frontrunners for a segue)>ambience groove jam w/trey keys.
this jam was nuts, it had a bit of everything (a shorter version of the
harford jam out of drowned). it clocked in at about 20/25 minutes. i
absolutely love the work trey does with his keyboard. it adds so much to the
mix, and makes the band sound new and refreshing again. once the jam worked
its way down, trey went to the mug and told leo to fire up theme. great to
hear. i really love everything about this song, lyrics, vocals, arrangement,
jam. it brought back memories of that huge first set on 4-5-98. im not sure
how it stacks up, its a great jam but it seemed a little short. although it
may have been the somewhat distracting crowd in my section. great first set.
here is one for all the "repeat bitches" (yeah you know who you are). im
pretty sure except for tube and piper, these were all first timers. i
certainly wasnt expecting ctb, i havent seen it since nye 96. when's the last
time they played that one? anyone notice how empty the place was when they
started.  they came on right at 7:45 and the place was almost half empty.  i
was shocked when the lights went down.  traffic around prov. was brutal, so a
lot of people didnt make it on time. there was unlimited dancing space and in
my naivete i thought it would stay like that. i was sitting page side, per
usual, and around gumbo the place filled up almost completely. towards the
end of the lyrics, there was huge crowd eruption. the place was so fucking
loud, it was a signal that everyone was in and grooving.  after that though,
it got ridiculous,  the isles were so crowded,  people just started pouring
into rows, as a result, there was not an inch to move.  it became somewhat of
a distraction.  we rememdied that problem by moving above and behind fish. no
overcrowding there. room to move and breathe. ill be brief for the second
set. good set, what to expect from a "sunday" second set.  very groovy. i
enjoyed the jiboo opener, and i loved the sand.  first time live. i must say
at some points it pained/frustrated me to hear mike just going "bum bum bum
babum babum bum bum" over and over, but i know that he and fish are the
strong, sunken 25 feet deep in the sand, backbone for that song.  trey and
page steal the show. the "layering" technique is so cool. they create these
amazing soundscapes.  this jam was very intense, while also being
spacey/ambient.  its been since 97, but during hartford/providence, i had the
exrememe pleasure to hear music  the band HAS NEVER  BEFORE PLAYED. ive never
heard anything like it ever, from anyone.  the drowned>jam especially.  this
is phish like ive never heard them. its just so damn exciting and i  cant
come close to describing  it.  the drowned>jam is by far and away (and its
not even that close) the most exciting 30+ minute jam ive heard. it had four
or five distinct sections, including the spacey,ambient groove that had me
drooling.  anyway back to providence. im didnt know that acoustic piece was
faht.(im still not sure) i knew i recognized it, i thought it may have been
ministrone but i guess not. the rest of the show is average stellar phish.
lxl was fantastic, although i see it a lot. i thought golgi would close it
and i was delightfully surprised when i heard the opening chords of slave.
slave is a really special song to me.my two favorite versions are 11-21-97
and 7-4-99. those versions evoke emotions like no other phish song. . i had a
feeling last night's wouldnt be monumental, (it looked as if they were up
against an 11:00 curfew) but it was a fine slave nonetheless. slave works
best when flowing with a set. i knew this one would be a little rushed, and
it was imo. but typically beautiful. (exhale) anyway, that is my long ass
review of providence, ive never written a review before, but ive always
wanted to (60 shows since 95, and seen some doozy's) well, thank you for
reading this long commentary.  oh, one last thing, new years is gonna be
fucking nuts.

Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 12:02:19 -0500
From: Virginia Cronin vcronin@ptpleasantbch.k12.nj.us
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: my thoughts on Friday at the Spectrum

Alright, I am the first to admit it-- I am not the HUGEST phish fan
ever, but I appreciate good live music and I must say that after reading
some of the other reviews, I am very disappointed.  First of all,
Bouncin' round the Room was AMAZING!  I have never heard such a
wonderful, breathtaking, completetly hypnotizing rendition of this song
in all the shows I have been to.  I was complettely awe-struck by this
song, and I think that anyone who doesn't realize this has serious
problems.  The rest of the first set was very "electric", a bit harder
that usual, and I loved it.  The ins and outs were amazing, and I have
never had a bigger smile on my face.  As for the second set, I felt like
I was in a completetly different world from the first.  The band was
bugging everyone out by making ghoulish noises with their voices and the
instruments.  Everyone around me was scared almost-- it was really
freaky.  When they went into Rosie I was so shocked at the contrast of
the second set, but everone was jammin, so I guess it was all good.
However, i must maintain that the first set was the best set of Phish i
have ever heard-- BY FAR!!!   (except for when they played Born to Run
at PNC)
In conclusion I would like to say to all the people who keep critiquing
phish shows in a negative way-- STOP!  so what if someone messes up?  so
what if they were a little flat for a song or two?  so what if they were
getting tired?  JUST ENJOY THE SHOW and stop being so friggin'
negative!  Thank You Very Much!  Peace.


Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 19:57:51 EST
From: Whitey7000@aol.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: why phish is good.

I am fed up with people dissin on Phish.  Why bitch?  Does it make you
feel better?  Phish is a great band, and they are the only ones that do
what they do.  They put on great concerts and there is no reason to pick
them apart note by note.  If you don't like the music anymore then don't
go to the concerts.  It leaves a whole lot of extra tickets for people who
do want to go to the concerts and enjoy the music.  We know that is what
it all about. Who cares about the scene.  Just sit back, dance, or do
whatever you have to do to enjoy the incrediblew music that is being
played for your enjoyment by four guys that are there for you.  If you
agree with what I am saying then I am happy, but if you don't then don't
go to the show if you are not going to have a great time.  Someone else
will gladly take your ticket.  I'm sorry if this offended anyone.


Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 15:19:34 -0800
From: Brandon Richards harryhood@ameritech.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: bashing of phans and/or shows

I am not trying to make anyone mad by saying this but it has to be said.  
I love phish more then anything.  I catch every show I can.  Not meny
people(maby 2) even like phish at my school.  So it is very hard for me to
even get live tapes.  To find someone to go to shows with is even just a
pain.  When I am at shows people seem to look at me like "What is he doing
here" I am not a "white-hat wearing jock" or even close to one but I am
myself. I do not have dreads or patchwork. I am a kid who loves Phish and
feel it is not right to be judged by people by the way I look.
        And as far as the reviews go, people need to remember that even
one show is a blessing. even though you might not have heared the songs
you wanted to or the placement of them it is still a phish show. people
get to go to lots of shows a year, I am luckey if I can see three a year.
So if you even think a show might be a little bit of a dissapointment.
Send me your ticket instead of bitching about it the next day. I will go
to any show I can. sorry if i pissed anyone off, but people need to look
at things in more then one way.

brando


Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 19:59:27 -0400
From: Jennifer Weaver-Whiting justinwhiting@hotmail.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: review

correction... my address is justinwhiting@hotmail
  To hell with reviewing this fantastic weekend that i had.  i would like
to make a few comments about some of the idiots i see at the shows.  i
have been to my fair share(20, maybe more) of shows, and i am so sick of
the ignorance.  what kind of egomaniac gets satisfaction by jumping on
stage with his shirt off and running around like a fool during what i
consider a gift from my favorite band to me.  i was really digging the
split open and melt, and the show in general.  and i did not give this
teenie-bopper that wanted to impress someone the pleasure of ruining
anything for me, but use your fucking head children.  you are tainting
what is one of the few pure experiences still available.  the same goes
for the glow-stick wars.  don't get me wrong, i absolutely love seeing
them soar by the thousands during a Harry or Run Like an Antelope, but
they somehow always seem to make it on stage.  Friday night, i could hear
them hitting the top of Page's baby grand through the microphone.  in
fact, Gordon had to dodge a stick around the same time for it not to hit
him in the head.  i am sure that the band gets more pleasure out of seeing
us enjoying the show than we get.  those glow-sticks look awesome flying
around.  bring more!  but, i get just as buzzed at a show as anybody, and
i can always stop myself from throwing a stick at a band member.  we
should also try to protect our friends and only throw the stick that are
the lightweight necklace type.  the others may be brighter, but are also
heavier and can cause injury.  just use your heads.  even when you are out
of your mind, we all have a little voice keeping us vaguley grasping
reality.  i am not at all angered at the greatest fans in the world.  i
just want for us all to respect eachother and the band to create the most
peaceful atmosphere on earth.  i would rather be with you at a show than
anywhere.  PEACE!


Date: Sun, 12 Dec 1999 00:29:27 EST
From: Tommy Baker thb3@hotmail.com
To: DWS@Gadiel.com
Subject: Stop Complaining!

Why must all you people complain about the shows???  Obvioulsy you are all
phans just get over it.  Not everyone is going to like certain songs that
are played.  So what!  Just get into the groove and have a good time.

THB 

Date: Sun, 12 Dec 1999 04:12:11 -0500
From: Jonathan Andrew Martis Jonathan.Martis@mail.cc.trincoll.edu
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: tour review

to the dolt who said he would be happy with the chumbawamba album: get
real.  Phish is bound to play bad shows and we should not be forced to
like them. That's why I go to so many shows, to catch those epics, see
the good ones (still better than anything else), but I expect to see
some mediocre, boring shows.  You would not be happy if they played a
show with all Jennifer Dances-esque songs or chumbawamba for that
matter. That song sucks.  A lot of time the band is not in to it and the
music suffers.  This tour the jamming has been spacey, the songs have
been repeated.  Phish is slowly moving to a new style and it might take
a while for them to get into it.  Still pissed about Rochester (the
meatstick jam was weak and ruined my night, sorry to bitch but it's my
opinion) but dying to see Hartford later today. I still love Phish and
enjoy them despite my one show bitching.  Peace, and rat out nitrous
salesman when you see them so that the scene may be saved.


Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 10:31:30 EST
From: Dip1292@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: 1st time I've read reviews

    Ok phish phans,

     Take it easy on the band !!!  I followed the Grateful Dead around for
years and the one thing I learned was that ...there will good nights and
there will be great nights thats just the way it is and will be with Phish
as well. Phish is arguably the best live band ever !  Phish has been
playing together for a long time now...they are


    going to experiment on stage and in the studio.....personally I think
they are "maturing like a fine wine". So after my 30th show yesterday in
Philly...I can't wait until tonight!!!!!!!!!  They never did play tweezer
reprise!!!!!!


Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 17:11:04 EST
From: Timothy St.Pierre timst101@hotmail.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: re: negative reviews

This is to everyone who is bringing tons of negativity to the table by
bashing reviewers that review shows negatively.  Everyone is entitled to
their own opinion, and should present it if they feel strongly about it.

While I was not at the Portland shows, everyone knows that the boys can
sometimes disappoint.  I love them like brothers, but sometimes your mood
or your seats or the notes they play don't quite get the job done in that
"golden hose" kind of way that we've come to expect and long for.  And its
as much our fault as theirs cuz we contribute too.

Stop bashing this dude for not liking the new stuff.  I mean, it sucks for
him that he doesn't like "Get Back On The Train" or "Sand"  (or whatever
the fuck else he didn't like).  I love those songs.  But if he doesn't
like it, for whatever reasons, why not allow him express those reasons.  
I like reading all Phish reviews... I mean, I took one look at the 12/7
setlist and thought that, Gee, I might be glad I didn't trek all the way
up to Maine for that one.  (Actually, I'll take the boys any time I can
get them).

I've had shows that I would have reviewed negatively... the only ones that
come to mind were the sorry Bryce Jordan shows from both 96 and 97... but
certain portions of certain shows definitely don't grab you. And its not
like this guy doesn't like Phish... check out his review of Phatty
Antelope. And we all know that the anticipation is the phat most in Piper,
and if they bring it up too quickly, then it could, conceivably be some
sort of buzz kill.

These are just my thoughts;  people who spend all kinds of effort bashing
negative reviewers are deconstructing themselves.

Very excited for the rest of tour... see you all in philly, dc, hampton,
and new years,

Peace out SHOUT,
Tim  

Date: Fri, 10 Dec 99 14:12:24 -0500
From: Josh Barrett josh@swardlick.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: General Dec. Tour comment

Both shows had their strengths and weaknesses.  Each one had a totally
different feel.  One thing that totally caught my attention was the
AMAZING job that CK did on lights.  Really fantastic...
                                                        

Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 15:26:58 -0800 (PST)
From: Bart Tantillo btantillo@yahoo.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: General Thoughts

  Something's not right.  After reading some of the most deplorable "fan"
reviews I have ever seen, reviews written by people too caught-up in their
own imaginary phish worlds to leave their inhibitions and doubt behind and
just listen to the music, I decided the only remedy was for me to walk
directly into the eye of the storm and draw my own conclusions.  I offer
these thoughts as a precursor to what will be two short reviews of the
first shows I have seen this tour, December 7th and 8th at the Cumberland
County Civic Center, in Portland, Maine.  After seeing these shows, ones
that seemingly had all the promise in the world, I am convinced that
something is most definitely not right.  Or maybe everything is just fine,
and I have let the immaturity displayed in the reviews I have read
infiltrate my mind.  Regardless, I've compiled a list of some of the
thoughts that crossed my mind during the six hours of music I experienced
on Tuesday and Wednesday.  I sometimes have trouble translating thoughts
into words, and often have even more trouble transferring them to paper,
so in the grand fashion of the Letterman/Walicki
Top 10 lists, here, in no particular order, are some of those thoughts.  
I've used random numbers so that there is no confusion regarding any order
or structure.
Many of these will contradict one another, but they don't call me the
"Walking Contradiction" for nothing.

03. This is the best fucking band playing music in the world right now.
41. This scene really sucks.
42. I am a part of this scene, so do I subsequently suck?
43. I don't suck.
11. Is that sweat, or did Trey pee his pants?  (During YEM trampolines on 12/8)
28. Why does it seem like the band is just going through the motions?
15. I really like "Jennifer Dances".
08. Portland is the coolest city I have ever visited.
91. Do I smell?  Or am I the only one here who doesn't smell?
67. Tonight (12/7), this band is a tight as I have ever seen them.
82. This is the smallest arena I have ever seen Phish play, and they are
wasting it.
02. After 73 shows, have I hit a wall?
34. I'd pay 30 bucks a night to watch this band fart into microphones for
3 hours.
55. These sets are lacking any sort of continuity.
76. Why the fuck am I upset?  I'm here aren't I?
77. Sometimes just being there isn't enough.
13. This is a deliberate attempt on the part of the band to really
highlight certain songs this tour.
49. I know that Phish.Net is going to label this as an a capella Tweezer,
even though it is just the lyric "Won't you step into the freezer" sung
six times in a row.  (They did, and have since changed it)(YEM vocal jam
on 12/8)
04. This is one of the best single song performances/jams I have ever
heard.  (Halley's Comet on 12/7)
27. Where the hell is Lee?
59. Sand is First Tube with lyrics. (12/8)
57. How the hell could Trey forget the music to Dog Faced Boy? (12/8)
20. This Piper is a nightmare. (12/8)
17. Too many show/set opening songs in one set. (Set 1 on 12/7)
83. I'm glad George got to hear his Suzie. (12/7)
71. Stop playing like you can't wait to get offstage. (Set 2 on 12/8)
30. Even a rarity can't save us now. (Lizards on 12/8)
99. All things considered, this is still the best fucking band in the
world.
  O.K., I'll stop there.  I hope you get the point, and as soon as I get
it, I'll let you know.  Let me just say this in summary...I didn't like
the Turkey sandwich I had on Sunday as much as the one I had on Monday.  
Now that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy each sandwich equally while they were
being eaten, I have just eaten enough Turkey to know the difference
between a good and bad sandwich.  However, the bad isn't ever that "bad",
just not as "good" as the good. Just the fact that I am eating a Turkey
sandwich, good or bad, is usually enough to satisfy me, but when the
Turkey is really good, there is nothing better.  I have also had good
Turkey sandwiches disguised as bad Turkey sandwiches, and vice-versa.  
Sometimes, what appears to be an incredible Turkey sandwich to my eye,
doesn't live up to expectations once eaten.  In the end however, it is
still Turkey, and I keep on eating it, through the good and bad
sandwiches, knowing that when it's all said and done, I am going to have
many more good sandwiches than bad ones.  David Gans just slit his wrists.  
Reviews to come.



Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 13:09:27 -0800 (PST)
From: grubby bean grubbybean@yahoo.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: General comments: December Tour, entry

My review comments.

Those of you who aren't getting much out of Phish shows are missing the
point. It isn't Phish's responsibility to get you off every night.  You
gotta get yourself off. If you can't find a way to work the music into who
you are now, it means you haven't evolved much in your 85+ shows, or
whatever.  Don't you get it? Phish can't play the same stuff forever.
Every night is unique, finding a new side road off the main drag every
single evening ain't easy. For them or FOR YOU. It gets harder as you get
older too. So when you get to be my age, 45, and you find a band that can
do it, you dig it, you don't dump it. Got it?

Bean  grubbybean@yahoo.com



Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 15:55:18 -0800 (PST)
From: john rutan rutan9999@yahoo.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: reviews

This is for all the "critics" who submit reviews.

I am an accountant who has seen 33 Dead shows and 12 Phish shows.  I can't
follow the band from venue to venue because I am not in college anymore
and I work for a living.  I catch a show or two per tour if it is near me
and on or near a weekend.  Whatever the band plays is fine with me and I
would not mind hearing the exact same show again if that's what they
decided to play.  The dope face punk who said the play PYITE too much can
go strait to hell cause I've only seen it once and it was great.  Chill
out and remember, you only live once, try to enjoy it while you are still
here.  We are ALL only here for a little while.

Peace


Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 13:40:12 -0500
From: "Zahm, Darus" Darus_Zahm@exchangeny.deutschinc.com
To: "'dws@www.phish.net'" dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: NYE

There exists a wide spectrum of opinions on recent performances; people
have a wide spectrum of experiences when they attend a show--everybody is
different and these are all true facts. But is the band actually playing
poorly for a reason? My one opinion, after reading some other peoples, is
that the boys better come through for us on New Years. I don't want to see
any sloppy play. Personally, I have heard many rumors about how certain
members of the band are overusing certain substances. This upsets me, and
I don't know why. Everyone is certainly free to do their own thing, but in
my opinion, a band cannot progress musically when they have a weak
link(s). It is common sense, and first hand knowledge for many, that drugs
will eventually beat the man.  I hope that my favorite band is not going
to become victim to (a) ridiculous habit(s).  Learn from history: Jimi
Hendrix and Jim Morrison(?) and who ever else could have progressed to be
an even more accomplished musician. These guys better play their hearts
out in Florida.


Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 04:25:19 -0500
From: HSIHd phishman@ime.net
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: general december tour comments

    I think a lot is being said on this page regarding negative reviews,
and although mine (for 12/8) wasn't the cheeriest, I think everyone is
making the same point. Phish is an amazing band first of all. No one would
have sat at their computers and composed any kind of email for all to see
on any of these pages if we hadn't spent money on tickets over the years,
sport the logo on our cars and clothing, and generally get psyched out of
our minds to see our favorite band play.
    There's no question in anyone's mind that people giving the reviews,
good or bad, could go up on stage and do half the shit that this band does
almost nightly, all in the name of music and expression.
    But I think these reviews are a cool, unique way of expressing our
totally subjective experiences of the shows and atmosphere, and when
there's a platform like the web to stand on, people will speak their asses
off (sometimes out of their asses). None of us are professional music
critiques, and no one should be taken as such.
    I personally wrote what I felt about a show that wasn't as great as I
thought it could be, but that doesn't mean I haven't to another 30-40
shows that blew away my expectations, and changed my entire musical
thinking. I don't think anyone here really leaves a show feeling down or
pissed or full of resentment toward the band, because of course they'd
take all your advice and simply stay home. Even though 12/8 wasn't my
favorite show, I still got to see my favorite band in the world just 300
feet away, play musical compositions that you literally have to be a
genius to come up with. I guess it's the same as criticizing your favorite
sports team...once you've seen amazing performances, its easy to jump on
the one you didn't think was the best.
    But it's a review page. It's not going to be 100% praise, and you can
still be thankful and love Phish even if you didn't get blown away. Take
it easy everyone, and maybe a little less seriously ;-)

Jeremy


Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 18:38:10 EST
From: LifeOPhish@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Reply to reviews in general
 
Hey everybody out there, what's happening to some of you phans out there?
Lately I have seen so much negativity comin from reviews that it worries me.
This is the first time I've written in, but I just couldn't sit back and now
say anything.  I've only been to 5 shows unfortunately but I know a good
thing when i see it.  Phish is one the best bands I've ever heard and I hate
to see their recent shows picked apart and lamented by it's followers.
Personally, I'd like to see a little more variety in their last few shows
(Phish only has about a hundred good songs) but I still give the boys credit
for such great effort they put forth.  Phish is definitely one of the hardest
working bands in music, touring constantly and trying to give the phans
plenty of good shows to attend.  We should be more grateful for having such a
talented band to listen to and not be so disappointed that each show isn't
the best thing you've ever seen.  Of course you may not want to hear certain
songs or the way they played them that night, but there are others out there
who may like that and appreciate the improvisation that Phish pulls off.  If
you are really having such a problem with the band, go buy some Dave Matthews
Band CD's and join the herd of millions that subject themselves to that
unoriginal, repetative music they think "jams."  There are plenty of phans
left who can appreciate Phish for what they are.  I'd do anything to see this
band when i could, even if they were having an off night.  I went to the
recent Cincy shows (said by some to be the worst shows they'd ever seen) and
though they weren't the best I'd seen I still enjoyed being there and hearing
Mike, Trey, Page, and Fish play for us.  That's why there still out there and
always touring, for us the phans.  So please appreciate this and stop showing
so much hate towards them. Thank you.


Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 13:26:58 -0600
From: "Yach, Jason" Jason.Yach@plexus.com
To: "'dws@gadiel.com'" dws@gadiel.com
Subject: phish reviews
 
i used to get upset when i read some of the reviews to phish shows in the
past.  now i just laugh it off.  i don't know what some of this dung is that
people are sending in.  and now everybody is arguing back and forth to each
other in a separate section from reviews.  what has this review page turned
into.  i don't see much about the music anymore.  say like the way it is
reviewed in the deadhead's taping compendium.  now i realize that in that
the reviewers are probably going over tape and then reviewing the shows.
but come on, you people can do better than this.  i swear if i didn't know
phish, and i just happened to stumble onto this page i'd have thought it
would reviews for Bush or something.  i just want to read about the music
whether it's good or bad. i haven't read very many reviews like that.


Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 12:02:49 -0500
From: R bossert rbossert@brockport.edu
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: stop the negativity
 
    I would like to comment on all of the reviews I have been reading
since the December tour started.  Why do you people take the time to go
to shows, and then take time to review the shows when all you do is
BITCH about what Phish played, or didn't play?  Not only that, but you
then have the gall to criticize the band when they make a mistake or
two.  Hey jackasses, why don't you try getting on stage with 15,000
people watching and listening to your every move.  Do you think you can
remember EVERY note to EVERY chord in EVERY single song EVERY time you
play?  I doubt it.  I used to pass off people who wrote reviews of their
1st show or even tenth show for that matter.  "Oh, what do these newbies
know?" I would say.  Having been to over 60 shows myself, I can say
these newbies know a lot.  They know not to piss and moan about the
tour's third "Farmhouse" or "how Trey screwed up the middle of
Fluffhead".  You know what...they played FLUFFHEAD!!.  That should be
enough to put a smile on any 'heads face, regardless of the fact that
the band misqued in the "Bundle of Joy" part.  Here's some advice to all
you seasoned veterans and newbies alike: Just go and enjoy the moment!
Where else would any of us rather be at any given time than in a room
with tens of thousands of our closest friends and or gracious hosts and
entertainers?

Date: Thu, 9 Dec 1999 11:23:35 EST
From: AOCO116@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: (no subject)
 
i only went to cinci this tour , but why are these setlists starting to look
the same ??
artur

Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 22:51:29 EST
From: Felnphishy@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: what the fuck is up with all these reviews
 
i don't claim to be one of the old tour guys, my first show was hampton 97,
but i do know one thing.  if you didn't have a good time that a phish show,
than the next time they come to town, do some kid a favor and don't buy
fuckin tickets. let someone who still gets the smile on their face when the
blue lights come down at 8 oclock have them, because they won't come and
spout bullshit about how the show sucked.  if they cover the entire
chumbawumba album this december 17 and 18, i will still have a good time,
because the boys know how to rock anything.

Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 16:48:27 -0500
From: jonathan lenares j.lenares@worldnet.att.net
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: reviewing the reviews: what's up with all the negativity?
 
    just a few quick thoughts on all these, what have you done for ME
reviews.  try going to a show with a open mind, and try to appreciate how
lucky we are to have a band that cares about their phans like phish does. so
maybee you didn't hear your favorite tune at the show last night, and maybee
the boys didn't blow your mind like they usually do.  they're still the best
band on the map!  Hartford will be my 39th show,and regardless if one show
was better than another, I've always walked out with a spring in my step and
a smile on my face.  How many other bands do that to you every single
year....     surrender to the flow ,and don't forget to have
phun!!!                jon


Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 17:01:44 -0500 (EST)
From: Anthony M DeLugan amdl@cisunix.unh.edu
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: cult status

EM,
     Your idea of Phish being upgraded to cult status is interesting. I
think that Phish truly has inspired its own culture, but what I find
difficult to believe is how the cult status blinds people from
differentiating "good" and "bad" musical performances. After all, doesn't
everybody have their own way of listening to Phish? I seriously doubt that
many phans overpraise the band or deny that a show was subpar. I defense
of these people, I would say that these people expect a different degree
of musical stimulation than you. It's not in these person's best interest
to differentiate good or bad musical performances, because it's relative
and music is abstract. You read all the reviews, didn't you see the
diversity of opinions regarding, say, Piper? The fact that Phish is so
musically different from other bands gives rise to the fact that their
music, if appreciated in its context, is perceived differently from
"conventional perception." That's why I find it difficult to approach
Phish from a Siskel and Ebert perspective.  Whether or not Phish should be
put into a different context is a matter of opinion. The important issue
is the enjoyment of the music.
   I agree that a review is subject to criticism. I just don't understand
how people can say that the band sucks if they simply realize the method
behind their madness and what they are trying to accomplish. Saying that
Phish is off one night from a provisational standpoint is honesty,
saying that they suck is ignorance.

Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 18:20:49 EST
From: Eggemeier@aol.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: December Tour General Comments
 
I appreciate your response to my review.  Although I do have some points of
contention with your analysis of my position.
 
First, you say "I find it difficult to believe how the cult status blinds
people from differentiating 'good' and 'bad' musical performances."  Inherent
in the very conception of cult or cult status is the inability of the
followers to distinguish reality from illusion.  Obviously this is perennial
problem for all people at all times, however it is more prononced in
followers of cults.  Therefore, implicit  in the acknowledgement of Phish's
cult status, is a recognition of the followers inability to see reality as it
really is.  This quite simply is the nature of a cult.
 
Second, you contend that analysis of music is entirely subjective and
relative.  This post-modernist construct in my eyes is not a viable option, I
do not ascribe to this ideology.  To say that a jazz trained musician/scholar
cannot assess the musical quality of a Phish better than a seventeen year old
kid at his/her first show is ridiculous.  Music is not entirely relative,
there is an objective standard by which it should be judged.  I would assent
to the idea that experience is subjective and relative at times, however
whether you are experiencing things how they really  are is another question.
 If you logically follow your relativistic premise what results is that
nothing means nothing anymore.  There is no truth, because everything is
relative.
 
So what I am saying is that Phish can be judged objectively from the
perspective of a musical critique.  I cannot judge how you experienced the
show.  However, there is an objective standard by which it can be judged, and
I think that in this case musicians, especially trained ones can assess the
situation best.  In your viewpoint you are a espousing  the widespread trend
of  relativism pervasive in our culture. You are right when you say that the
"important issue is the enjoyment of the music."  However, for the purpose of
this page there should be a musical analysis.  That is great if you had a
good time, however I don't really care to hear about unless you tell me what
is going on in the music.  And, furthermore, I think that some people can
assess the musical situation of a band better than others.  Therefore the
experiential is more subjective than the musical; but I think that on these
reviews there is to high a degree of analysis from an experiential viewpoint
than a musical.-----ME

Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 02:19:14 EST
From: Fsesstlhd@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Ease up Phans!!!!!

Whadup?
      Criticism has become our worst enemy.  When shall we be happy; when
Phish is no longer and people look back and say, "man, what a time I had
following the best and most creative band in the world."  I think the
problem is that people know that Phish is the best thing going right now,
but they feel it is necessary to play the "liberal" and search for other
bands which they feel are just miles ahead of phish and blah blah blah.  
C'mon people. This band is transforming with time as each and every one of
us should. Just because Jennifer Dances and Bug are poppy does not
necessarily mean that the band is selling out and that the fans deserve
better and this is my 260th show and I can not believe they would do this
to us, etc.  Appreciate the creativity of the band, the energy, the
variety.  I think that the new Phish correlates tightly with the attitudes
and emotions that each band member is experiencing.  Remember when Phish
was born and they hit us with the comple arrangements.  There was no poppy
style tunes and there would not be for a while.  They are just doing
something that they have not done yet and are so successful at it because
they did it backwards.  Started complex and became simple.  It is what we
are not used to so people call it abnormal and shady and many other names.  
Hope I did not ramble on that much.  Peace, and enjoy yourselves!

Frank Sessa

Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 18:45:27 EST
From: OKu2335594@aol.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Enough with the criticism
 
I'm very reluctant to respond to the negative reviews, not only as of late,
but in general. I've been poking into the review pages for years now and used
to think it was so cool how people were so critical about "song placement"
and tightness of jams, and wether the band was on or off. Then..... I grew up
and learned to kinda just have fun with the whole damn experience. I'm not
asking you folks to give the band a break, believe me they could care less if
you were unhappy with Lawn boy coming at the wrong time, but please give
everyone else a break. Not to say that you shouldnt review on the review
pages, but just keep in mind.. these guys play night after night for
us....they're not always gonna play " their best show ever" but we're all
gonna have a good time wether they opened with Amoreena ( member that one) or
Punch. So just relax guys.. they are.

Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 16:36:35 -0600
From: scott kaplan sakaplan@uiuc.edu
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: dont be pessimistic about Phish
 
I would just like to attempt to put an end to the pessimism that has been
expreesed about these phish shows.. Keep in mind that this is a group of
HUMANS and they are not perfect.  Howver, they are very entertaining and make
great music.  They cant please evryone on every night.  Dont be picky just to
be music critics.  Were all creitics but there is a point to let up.  New
Years is coming and if that isnt going to be enough for you, then dont go to
shows.  Peace until then
 
    Scott Kaplan

Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 13:22:32 PST
From: Frederick Schilling slanty1@hotmail.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: poor style of reviews thus far
 
Who are these people that write reviews these days???  Yo, yo, yo????!!!  I
don't care what you were wearing at the show or what the band wore or how
many hits of acid you took or if your shrooms made it through the pat down
unscathed.  Please keep it to the music people and anyting exceptional about
the scene but that's about all I wanna' hear about.  Sometimes I have a hard
time believing the reviewers were at the same show.  I grimaced upon reading
the first couple of Dec. Tour reviews.  "I'm so glad they played ______,
it's my favorite song."  Ughh...Is it possible to truly have a favorite
Phish song?  And the use of the adjective phat must be immensely reduced.
Apologies to the few reviewers that stuck to the important things and sorry
if I sound bitter- that's just the taste I have in my mouth right now after
reading these.  One man's opinion.  See ya'll at Raleigh>Hampton.  Fred
P.S.  Where's Dirksen or Eisen when you need them?

Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 12:26:30 -0500
From: Matthew C. Benson bens1164@studnt.cc.plattsburgh.EDU
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Review Complaints

Hello everybody,
            I know that everyone has their own opinion on what a good
phish show is, but if think that their is a possibility if having a bad
phish show then you really shouldn't go. Phish is by far the best live
ticket out there and just because you didn't like what they played
doesn't mean everyone else didn't like it.   If you are so worried on
getting the same songs show after show then don't come.  Phish survived
before you liked them and they'll survive after you stop liking them.
Phish doesn't need any negative energy right now.    There is going to
be a day where there is no more phish.  Who knows this day could come
very soon.  When phish is gone and not touring any more or even broken
up, i know that I will to do anything to hear them live.  Lets not be
too critical of them because one day there is not going to be there to
criticize.  I have herd character zero at 60% of the shows I have gone
to but am I complaining when they play that as an encore song.  The
Rochester show was amazing, the second set almost tore down the arena.
I thought fluffhead was going to end it but hell no, chalkdust and then
Frankenstien.  That second set had so much energy it was sick.  Who are
you to tell phish what to play and when to play it.  Did you go to UVM
and then Goddard for musical talent.  Probably not.  Phish plays day in
and day out as hard as they can play. If that's not good enough for you
then don't come to the shows or waste your time writing bad reviews.
Last time I checked Phish heads weren't journalists.  If you have seen
them hundreds of times and think they suck now then too bad, phish
doesn't doesn't need to be evaluated you do! thanks


Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 11:42:22 -0500
From: Jerome Mabb jmabb@us.ibm.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Scott Carnder's last show

You seemed to have a lot of positive things to say about your last
show(the poorest one you have attended).  First of all, noone cares when
your first show was, or how many shows you have seen, or if you will ever
see them again.  People only care about when their first show was, how
many times they have seen them, and whether or not they will see them
again.  So keep that crap to yourself and review the freakin' show.  I am
not fortunate enough to make it to all of these shows (sidenote: only
seeing 3 or 4 shows a year seems to make the experience more a treat, and
I think some of you out there should give it a try.  OK this is turning
into more than a sidenote. If you follow a band around the country you are
going to see the same song more than once.  Hell, the Dead would open with
Alabama Getaway every night for a whole tour.  It comes with the
territory. Try critiquing the subtle differences between the versions of
the song instead of complaining about just seeing it the other night)  
Anyway, not seeing all of these shows makes me dependant on people's
reviews to get an idea of how they are playing.  If your review only
contains the adjectives: standard, funky, trippy, groovy, or ambient(worst
of all), put your review in your diary and leave it the hell off the
internet.  You are only embarrassing yourself, and belittling what I like
to think is a musically intellegent crowd.  Keep it about the music.  I do
not want to hear about what you listened to on your way to the show, how
many joints you smoked, or what t-shirt you bought in the "lot".  Keep it
real.

Peace
Jerry

Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 10:40:32 -0600
From: Greg James ccg@ais.net
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: [Fwd: Cinci Shows]


Let me start by saying it really is sad that so many of you submitting
reviews have so many terrible things to say about this weekend, or any
other show for that matter. All you are doing is putting out negative
energy that no one wants. I know that everyone is different and that we
all see and hear and percieve things in our own way, but if you don't
have anything nice or good to say, please keep it to yourself. You
should be grateful that Phish is willing to get on stage and play LIVE
on an almost constant basis. That is hard work and I bet NONE of you
could do the same. So please, put your ego aside and treat every show as
it was your first, it will enable you to appreciate the music that much
more. As far as the shows go, I had a great time. I sang, I danced, I
ran into friends that I hadn't seen in a while, which is what going to
shows is all about. The interaction between the band and its audience is
crucial to the overall experience of the show, so if you're putting out
bad vibes, don't expect anything nice in return. I go to the shows cause
I love the music. And that is why everyone else should be there, for the
love of the music. Good music is everywhere, you just need to make
yourself a part of it. Anyway, Gotta Jiboo. See ya in Hampton.

Peace, Greg

Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 19:34:31 -0500
From: Chris Cochran cochran.123@osu.edu
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Tour Comments
 
  I want to begin this by saying that Friday and Saturday shows at Cincy
were my 20th and 21st. I know that to many phans this does not seem alot
but to a 19 year old with limited funds and no car most of the time I feel
that I have been lucky. Also these were my first shows since New Years Eve
at MSG as I worked in Yosemite all summer and missed all of Summer Tour.
I went into Friday's show expecting to be blown away. That I think was my
first mistake. At my first couple of shows I didn't expect anything from
Phish and I was usually rewarded with amazing setlists and killer times.
 
But Fridays show did have it's moments AC/DC bag certainly is one that I
will never forget.
I just had to keep reminding myself that Phish is human and you can't put
expectations on them.
Saturday was much better in my opinion. FirStar was sold out and the place
was rocking from the get-go. I loved the sets, could of heard a Fluffhead
but overall went away pleased, I could hear Guyute a million times and
still get excited. Also a first set Tweezer are you kidding me?
 
My next show is at MCI and I am taking my fourteen year old sister to her
first show. I know that she will want to hear Bouncin' of course and a
couple other newbie songs that I would rather not hear. But for her I hope
that she gets to hear them. Because I will love to watch that smile creep
over her face that has crept over all of ours when we hear the first couple
of chords to our favorite songs, or watch her eyes sparkle as she stares in
amazement at CK5 magic.  This is what Phish is all about sharing the
groove. Maybe these aren't stellar or remarkable shows but remember
everynight it is someone's first show and their first time hearing the
magic that we all love and crave.
Later down the path,
Cochran

Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 15:53:48 -0600
From: Josh Rosen josh_rosen@cambridgecap.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: how to review a Phish show
 
 
After reading all of the negative reviews to the shows this past weekend, and
then after reading the even nastier respones they got, I've decided to post
the 7 commandments in how to review a a Phish show:
 
1.  What you write is YOUR opinion.  If you didn't like the show, you have
every right to say exactly that.  Just remember that for every fan who hated
the show, there was someone else getting hosed for the very first time.  To
call Phish "dogshit" is ridiculous and whoever wrote that should not be taken
seriously.
 
2.  There IS such a thing as a bad Phish show.  I have seen 57 shows ranging
over a 4-year span.  Now there are people who would think I have earned the
right to speak out on the matter, yet there are others (and I go to shows with
several of these jaded bastards) who would consider me a newbie, as they have
been around the scene a lot longer and have seen far more shows.  With that
aside, I can tell you that I have seen Phish concerts which left me with a bad
taste in my mouth. Does that mean I should bitch and scream and make sure
everyone in my dancing area feels my pain? Of course not.  There's nothing
worse that hearing the first notes of Guyute ring out and some asshole screams
"Oh no, not this shit again!". It ruins your mood, and it ruins the buzz of
the general area.  Now I can empathise with someone not wanting to hear a
specific song at a specific time.  I don't remember the last time I actually
stood up during Fuckerpants (Caspian).  But I keep my feelings to MYSELF (Or
at least my friends who I'm with at a very quiet volume).  That way, I won't
disturb the extreme jubilation that another person may be feeling at that
time.
 
3.  (This is really an addition to #2)  Those of you who have seen a number of
shows will understand this.  The first time you heard Bouncin' at a show, what
did you think?  Yeah, yeah, bull shit.  You loved it.  So did I.  Now what
happened the 5th time?  I can picture it now.  "This is O.K., but I'd really
much rather hear something else."  And the 15th time?  "I'd rather be watching
the Shopping Channel".  So, you know what I mean by not getting to "that"
point as often. It's just human nature, the more you experience something, the
less special it becomes and the harder it is for you to hit the musical hose.  
But what if, during your first time seeing Bouncin', some guy started
screaming how much it sucked?! Would you still have loved it?  Probably not.  
And that, my friends (or those of you who are still reading) is the point.  
Whether or not you like something, that's no reason to share in the negative
groove.
 
4.  Case in point.  I drove 8 hours to catch the tour opener in Kansas this
past summer.  Now, based on how unreal 98's show was, I knew (or at least I
thought) I was in for a treat.  What did I get?  The single worst Phish show I
have ever seen. (barring 6/13/95).  There was no energy, the song selection
and fluidity was terrible, AND they played Swept Away, Sample, Bouncin, etc.  
But you know what? This kid next to me,who incidentally was at his 1st show,
was having the time of his life.  Here I was, pissed about having made the
drive, thinking about how shitty it was gonna be tomorrow after having to
drive back home in the middle of the night, and here was this kid who ACTUALLY
thought this was as good as it gets. Who am I to tell him it's not?
 
5. Phish are human beings.  They do not put on great shows every night.  If
someone feels that the shows in Cincy weren't good, I want to hear about it.
Why does every review have to be positive?  If you disagree, so be it.  But
each person has a right to voice their own opinions.
 
6.  I go into every Phish show hoping to get the hose.  I often tell people
that 12/11/95 changed my life.  And I really think it did.  That was the first
time I got "there."  And that happened a lot between 95-97 (particularly the
fall 97 Midwest run, and even more particularly 12/6 and 12/7.)  But this past
year had left me feeling a little short.  I mean, I just didn't get the same
feling I used to get walking out of the venue. I have had several discussions
about this with people, and ultimately the reasons boil down to what I was
talking about before. The more you see, the harder it is.  So, when I read the
Cincy shows weren't all that, I can relate, I know that not every show is a
world-changing experience for all people.
 
7.  Bottom line:  There are good reviews.  There are bad reviews.  There are
Great Tweezers (11/30/95 immediately comes to mind) and there are not-so-great
Tweezers (12/31/97 immediately comes to mind).  Everyone sees things
differently.  So please, let people express their opinions and if you have
something to say, do it nicely.  Because remember, these guys won't be around
forever.  And then there will be no more reviews period.  Thanks for
listening, I hope I made some sense.
 
"Waiting for the time when I can finally say, that this has all been wonderful
but now I'm on my way."
 
Josh Rosen
Director of Originations
Cambridge Realty Capital Companies
35 East Wacker Drive -- 33rd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Telephone: 312-357-1601 Ext. 114
Fax: 312-357-1611
E-Mail: josh_rosen@cambridgecap.com
Web Site: http://www.cambridgecap.com

Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 17:25:04 -0500 (EST)
From: John Fallon Lamb 
To: Josh Rosen 
Subject: Re: how to review a Phish show

Josh,

Thank you for saying what needed to be said.  I tried to say it after
reading the horrible reviews of the Cincy shows, but may have come off as
cruel in doing so.

"When I think it's time to leave it all behind, I try a way till there's
nothing I can say to make it stop, stop, stop, stop..." 

keep passing the open windows,

John Lamb 

Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 14:53:30 -0600
From: Greg James ccg@ais.net
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Cinci Shows
 
Let me start by saying it really is sad that so many of you submitting
reviews have so many terrible things to say about this weekend, or any
other show for that matter. All you are doing is putting out negative
energy that no one wants. I know that everyone is different and that we
all see and hear and percieve things in our own way, but if you don't
have anything nice or good to say, please keep it to yourself. You
should be grateful that Phish is willing to get on stage and play LIVE
on an almost constant basis. That is hard work and I bet NONE of you
could do the same. So please, put your ego aside and treat every show as
it was your first, it will enable you to appreciate the music that much
more. As far as the shows go, I had a great time. I sang, I danced, I
ran into friends that I hadn't seen in a while, which is what going to
shows is all about. The interaction between the band and its audience is
crucial to the overall experience of the show, so if you're putting out
bad vibes, don't expect anything nice in return. I go to the shows cause
I love the music. And that is why everyone else should be there, for the
love of the music. Good music is everywhere, you just need to make
yourself a part of it. Anyway, Gotta Jiboo. See ya in Hampton.
 
Peace, Greg

Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 14:37:07 -0500
From: Glenn Namian glenn.namian@fmr.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Karma/Kharma
 
Not trying to overstay my welcome,  but I checked in after sending off a
review this morning.  Glad to see people getting on those who were
trashing the shows in Cincinnati this past weekend.  Bummed to hear
there were episodes with the authorities,  more on that later.
 
Trashing this band is not cool at all.  They are the closest thing to
having friends in the business as it gets.  They dare to be normal,  to
be themselves and to not mask inconsequential flaws with over-rehearsed
"corporate playing" and calculated set lists.   It's their loose,
natural approach toward playing that captured me in the first place.
 
So what if someone blows a queue or misses,  or ignores,  an audible
hint to move out of a jam back/forward into the structure.  Deal with
it,  why are you there to begin with, are you trying to polish this
band?  For God's sake enjoy them as they are.   Too much of life is
forced into patterns and modes of operation.   Take a deep breath and
resync ...
 
At this stage in my life,  I'm mired in the main stream corporate
working world.  It happens,  much as I said I'd never go that route.
Responsibilites and life do force some adjustments,  and there's nothing
I wouldn't do for my kids.  So we change.  I enjoyed being around the
Phish loyal,  youth is a wonderful thing and overall you are very cool
people.
 
Friends, get every inch of freedom you can out of life while you're
young,  you can't go back.  To some I lost ten years of  "career
direction and income production" being involved in the music world.
Maybe so (maybe not),  but I'm better for the wear,  I have a much more
rounded and grounded view of the world and my kids and I are in tune.
I'll trade having a Lexus for their daily hugs without reservation.
Don't be so wrapped up in "being in the know" that you lose your ability
to enjoy normal things.  And to me,  Phish is a very normal thing.  If
you're laying down that negative vibe,  drop out now and get with the
rest of the main stream,  they're waiting for you.  You'll be crawling
back and begging for a less than perfect show within a week.
 
The vibe Saturday was refereshing,  the (I dare say) kids were very cool
and I almost forgot I was in Cincinnati.  Coming from NYC,  living in
Cincy for 9 years has been trying. Overall they don't handle diversity
well,  and Phish phans are very diverse.  I applaud it.  But for most in
this town, one of the reviews termed them anal,  this weekend was a
freak show.  Let your freak flags fly people,  but remember you can't
educate the ignorant.  So read the signs and avoid the hassles when you
see them coming.   I'm sensing that those who threw bottles were not a
representative slice of this fan base.  They probably drove in with the
yahoo that ran up on stage.
 
I'm rambling,  still buzzing from Saturday I guess.  It affected me,
but the nay-sayers are bugging me a lot.  Do the loyal a favor,  don't
go,  your tickets will be quickly absorbed by someone who really wants
to be there.
 
Peace all,
 
Glenn
 
Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 13:58:14 -0800
From: yonil555@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: general comments
 
For all of those people ripping the shows,
        They have a nearly impossible job. They're as close to perfect as  can
be considering that they play close to 100 shows a year. It's very hard
to play your best and be totally creative every time you get out there-
it's also impossible to play everyone's favorite's at every show so it's
ridiculous to critsize a show based on whether you have gotten your
favorite songs played or not. It just so happens that I hadn't heard a
Tweezer in a while and really wanted to hear one- that was definitely my
high point of the show so next time show some respect before you open up
your mouth and critisize the band.
Yoni (yal10@columbia.edu)

Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 13:08:45 EST
From: PYITEhey@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: thanx
 
For those of you ranting about two Cincinnati concerts, I understand...only
if you are ranting about the phans who didn't receive tix and threw a fit ( a
small riot ) outside.  I have been to many shows, Phish and others, and 50%
of the show is the phans responsibility.  The band was great and it is hard
to play for years and years and impress the "all too critical."  They are
still enjoying playing for us and for themselves and we, in return, owe them
a good response. There is no reason to bash them if you didn't have a good
time...for those of you I propose: go see another band for once and relearn
your appreciation or lower you far too high standards.  Now onto those who
ruined the after-show lot party and scene...i am sorry you were brought up
that way.  It is one thing if you didn't have a ticket...whose fault is
that...I have been there before...and it is enjoyable (maybe not as) too
respect everyone else and sit outside  and meet strangers and hang out.  I
have sat the lot a few times and i never threw a fit nor do the majority of
real fans...to throw beer bottles, etc. and act like little babies who don't
get their toy at a store...I recommend never doing that again.  The boys work
very hard to impress everyone and themselves...and you guys ruin that.
Please do that in your own home...I don't like what some cops do either...but
who will you call when someone is robbing your house...it is there job to
keep control... as well as yours...please don't ruin it for everyone
else...learn respect

Date: Sun, 05 Dec 1999 19:22:46 -0500
From: cavernwolf@home.com
To: dws dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Sick and tired
 
Hey, guess what!  If your tired of hearing or experiencing bad shows,
than stop going!!  Look, we all love Phish, and they're not gonna be on
every night.  So suck it up and deal w/it.  I've been to 21 shows and
still consider myself somewhat of a rookie.  Sure, I've seen a couple of
not so good shows, but thats no reason to complain or criticize.
Please, for me and all of the other loyal phans, stop the negative
press.  Let's enjoy this last tour of the so called millenium before
NY2000.  I just hope that NY2000 is good enough for all those negative
thinkers.  Regardless, NY2000 will be the greatest party of my life.
Keep the positive attitude, and we'll all have the best time of the
century...
 
cavernwolf

Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 02:33:42 -0500 (EST)
From: John Fallon Lamb lambj@umich.edu
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Reviews
 
 
I have in my lifetime as a phan bitched after some shows or tours when I
thought the boys were playing guyute too much or something or the other
and I have read people's reviews and laughed as they range from someone's
best show to someone's worst.  I am tired of reading the reviews of people
that have nothing to contribute but complaints and whining.  Get over it,
see another show.  Give some respect to the band.  I have a tough time
accepting it as well, but they are humans just like us.  Let's not forget
that the men that are Phish are the answer to our musical desire not our
Divine desire.
 
Phish will keep on playing.  I will keep on touring to see them.  People
will keep on bitching.  My advice is to find another band to criticize to
death.
 
keep passing the open windows,
 
John Lamb


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