General comments about reviews on this page

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

Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1999 11:16:48 -0400
From: "Kane, Matthew" MKane@mediaone.com
To: "'dws@www.phish.net'" dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Submission to "General comments about reviews on this page"
 
Life is what YOU make of it, not what Phish makes of it.
 
Love, Peace, and Hair Grease,
Sugah Kane

Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 01:39:26 EDT
From: JMMOAR@aol.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: commnets on shows  (put wherever appropriate)
 
Sorry to post again, but I don't think I got my point across well enough in
my letter.  All I am saying is why should we settle for nothing but the best
from these people.  It is their job to play excellent music and give us good
shows.  If a doctor starts botching surgeries they get in trouble.  If a
factory worker puts parts together wrong they get fired.  But in the
entertainment business it seems failure and mediocrity are met with
virtually no punishment.  Now usually if a performer loses his/her knack he
suffers in popularity, but with Phish the fan base is so disillusioned with
the scene and being part of something they lose sight of what is going on.  
Were you at these shows?  It's not a question of having off nights, it was
really sad. The reality is they should be practicing together constantly and
working hard to discover new realms in music.  Maybe if everybody got fed up
with what they put out now and stopped seeing shows the band would get the
message. Do you see my point?  The reason I mentioned the band's personal
life is that I believe ti has affected their music, which is the only thing
that counts. If they were still putting on great shows I would care, but
wouldn't complain. When people engage in such behavior it demonstrates a
lack of self-esteem. When Trey gets on stage drunk or under whatever
influence and it affects his performance I have the right to care.  Trey,
supposedly the caring family guy with a wife and two kids at home is out on
tour sleeping with countless women shows that he is unhappy with his life.  
When the music is as bad as it has been there have to be reasons, and I see
their behavior as a large one. Please respond to this and know that I am not
attacking anyone, but rather trying to open fans eyes and get back the Phish
we once had.  If you were a real phan, isn't that what you would want?  
Don't settle for anything but the best. Those who don't learn from history
are doomed to repeat it, so let's not let it happen to Phish.


Date: Sat, 21 Aug 1999 00:13:31 -0500
From: Brad bigdog@cedar-rapids.net
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Are we watching the same band?

    After 26 shows since my first in '95, I've progressively grown more
and more fond of Phish.  This is my first time on Phish.net, though, and
it's cool, however:
I think the writers of most of these reviews are missing something.  I
don't know what every other phan does in their everyday lives, but I
spend most of my time working like hell to save up enough to drop out to
some shows.  Do you all just sit around your Volvos and Volkswagens
listening to shows on tape waiting for the next show?
    I go to work.  I pimp lobsters down at my local crab factory, and
was able to escape to see Phish at Alpine and both nights Deer Creek.
    According to this dancer, 1st night Deer Creek was the best show
I've seen.  Tension between Mike and Trey?  I didn't see it - and I was
close and alert and drug free.  I think the Whipping Post kicked my ass
first, but I was actually reeling from My Left Toe.  Anybody see the
Suzy Greenberg?  Oh my God.  Purple Rain from Fishman, which I've even
seen before, was hilarious fun, and I've got many Phish-loving  phriends
who've never seen You Enjoy Myself live.
    The second night kicked ass also.  Get Back On The Train phunked me
up and my brain spun straight through to Julius.
    In my opinion, most of the tension sensed by others was some weird
internal thing with themselves.  do any of you really know what goes on
the heads of the bands?  Did it dawn on anybody that 30-plus days of
living in a bus with the same people and enduring incredible heat for
all those awesome concerts can take it's toll on the situation?  If you
are like me, you've tried it, and by day 30, sometimes you want to
strangle your best friends.  Does that make the trip less enjoyable?
Hell, no...that IS the trip.   Beauty is in the eyes of the beholders,
my friends, and seeing a road-weary band pull off what Phish pulls off
with such consistency is a special, special treat.
    I know that if you took the time to type your mind here, you love
the music as much as I do.  But kids, do your best - really try - to
imagine what you would do all summer without Phish.  It makes each
concert absolutely essential, good or bad.
    I cherish all of your company, even those who've hated every word
I've written.

-Pickin' on the Phat Kid

Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 01:47:50 EDT
From: JMMOAR@aol.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Comments on  reviews
 
Wake up people!  The whole reason that there is an issue as to whether or
not bad reviews are acceptable are because we witnessed some truly horrible
Phish this tour.  It's not a question of "being blown away every night,"
it's simply a request that the band put forth their best effort, and from
what I witnessed at the shows I just attended, nowhere near that came out.  
You don't have to have seen a million shows to know that Phish was simply
out of practice and extremely disappointing.  All I know is that I have
heard PLENTY of Phish, and the band that showed up this summer was something
else.  What made it worse was watching a multitude of phans look on without
the slightest clue as to what was going on.  The Great Woods shows were
pathetic.  The first night first set there were no highlights.  The entire
time Trey refused to contribute substantially to a groove and instead tried
to control every moment mostly with soloing.  When the opening beat to SOAM
played I was ecstatic to finally hear a solid tune.  What followed was sad.  
Just no energy.  The DWD was average at best.  Character to end it was
standard. Twist around did have a solid jam, and I was hoping that the first
set was merely an aberration.  But the next two tunes did nothing to change
my feelings.  Moma lacked the usual funkiness laid down by Mike, and
Makisupa was one of the weakest I've heard.  Everyone has written praise
about the Bowie, and yes it was excellent, but only because the band after
about six minutes focused on each other, which they have always and should
pride themselves on.  But for the love of God trey, at least hit the closing
licks.
 I'm sorry, but if you've been playing the song for fifteen years get your
head out of your ass and play the song right.  Okay, did anyone hear Page on
Lizards?  Did anyone actually hear what he played?  I did, and it sounded
like a four year old.  Get the tapes, you'll see.  The next night second set
was really bad.  After Wolfman's nothing of any quality occurred.  One of
the saddest Antelopes ever.  On Possum Scott Murawski showed Trey how to
play rhythm guitar, and then utterly failed on his solo.  Oswego was not
quite as bad, but damn, they were not where they should be a year removed
from last summer's tour.  I won't go into detail.  Look, after all this
ranting and raving I must explain something.  Before the band hit the stage
at Great Woods, I would never have dreamed of writing this.  I was so
psyched to see them for the first time since New year's you couldn't even
imagine.  But something happened.  Something big.  I pop in a tape from ANY
other tour and I hear an energy that the band possessed as a whole that has
completely gone away.  You could say that only seeing four shows this tour
wouldn't give me a valid viewpoint, but my experience and the experience of
several other serious heads is plenty.  Open your ears and really listen and
be honest with yourself.  They sucked.  Perhaps it is the fact that Trey,
the consummate family man, is constantly cheating on his wife and doing way
too much coke. Maybe it's the fact that Mike is picking up teenage girls
left and right. Maybe it's the fact that Page looks at his bandmates and the
life they are leading and is so depressed that he can't make music anymore.  
Perhaps it is the fact that they have become rock stars now, and care more
about the almighty dollar than the music.  $150 for New year's?  Sorry, but
this event seems all too similar to the last three large gatherings and last
time I checked those were half the price.  You don't think Phish could play
New year's for free a hundred times over?  Wake up.  Couldn't they at least
donate one of their own shows to charity each tour?  My point is if they
really care about the phans they could be doing a hell of a lot more.
Listen, I love this band, although it may not seem like it, I do.  My
motivation behind this letter is to make phans realize the truth.  That is
not wrong to accept nothing but the best from your musical heroes.  We are
the ones supporting them in their careers, often struggling to make ends
meet to see them put on a show.  We should not accept the travesty that is
going on now.  Let the band know that nothing short of playing hard night in
and night out is unacceptable.  I want to see the best shows Phish can put
on, don't you?  It doesn't matter how many people write and say that loved
these shows, because they simply weren't anywhere as good musically as Phish
as been through out their careers, and from what I hear, the other shows
were similar.  Unless they do some serious soul-searching, their future is
not looking too bright.  Here's hoping things improve.


Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1999 11:29:33 -0500
From: Andrew_MacFadyen@scribcor.com
To: John Holmes babylonfall@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: oswego review
 
Thanks to all of you that felt the need to reply to me personally in regards
to my "review"/bitch session I posted to phish.net in regards to the Oswego
shows. Each of you seemed to agree that the scene had lost some of its
appeal, or that the festival this year just wasn't what it had been in the
past.  I have heard some mention of a discussion group being formed to throw
ideas out about this very topic.  I find it curious that those of us
concerned enough about it to do something will not be able to reach those
that are the problem over the internet.  So where do we go from here?  I do
not know.  I am a busy professional in Chicago that merely loves Phish and
tries to get to every show he can, BTW Alpine Valley last weekend was
insane.....the man who stepped in to yesterday????how long has it been since
that was played..I digress.  My point is how do we or do we want to get a
discussion group going online...I can't start it, I could monitor and help
run it during certain hours though.  The six of us listed here are certainly
in the minority. Is there anything we could do other than gripe?  At the
least I feel like that all of us have similar feelings about phish and the
state of the tour scene.  And perhaps nothing more will come of this than
perhaps getting together at some other time or lot and bitching in unison.  
Is there a discussion chat room on gadiels page?  Anyway thanks to all that
supported or agreed with my stance on the Oswego lot scene.  If anybody
plans on going to Chicago for the rosemont show 10/3/99 let me know.

Peace, Drew


Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 15:07:16 -0400
From: "Tiscornia, Larry" LTiscornia@usanetworks.com
To: "'dws@gadiel.com'" dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Phish reviews

Hey all,
 
What is up with everyone and these horrible reviews.  It is sickening me.
After taking a week off from work and attending 5
 
Shows(Camden, Mansfield, Holmdel), I had a blast!  Nothing like leaving the
real world and going on Phish Tour.  People are so critical of the shows
that they see.  Maybe the 5 shows weren't the best shows I have ever seen,
but man was it a lot of fun.  Who gives us the right to criticize this
band.  They have changed all of our lives.  Who when they were younger
thought in their wildest dreams would be following a band around?  And then
you get to a point where you have seen them 10, 20 50 ,99, 150 times and
suddendly they aren't as good as MSG 95 in your opinoin.  Well then stop
seeing the band.  To me Phish is nothing but positive energy, good times
dancing, and the most smiling faces you can see at one time.  If you feel
that they are not to your standards anymore, leave the scene.  Then Phish
can start playing smaller more intimate venues.  Where the fans who are
there just to have a good time are present, boogiing down HARD!
 
Then there is the issue of people saynig Trey is on Drugs.  I would say
that there is a very good chance that The people writing these reviews were
high as kites at the show, but when it comes to trey being high, it is a
crime.  Ease up!
 
This is my opinion.  I love Phish, and what impressed me most at the past
week was how cool the crowds were.  Everyone chill, having the time of
their lives.  I hope that we can all stay true to the band and keep the
positive energy flowing.
 
Thanks
Larry
jtisco@bellatlantic.net

Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 21:51:44 -0700
From: Gary C. Johnson gcj27859@gladstone.uoregon.edu
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: summer shows
 
does anyone else see/feel/hear the Kimmock influences in Trey's sound.
some good some bad i.e. more of an etheral feel but yet (much)more time
playing with knobs and shit.  I definetly think its a factor...the jams
have been way too loose, most people have been blaming this on Trey but I
think he just wants the band to step it up.. Do you agree?  Do you think
they will??  Do you think I am crazy..sorry but i had to tell someone..peace

Date: Mon, 2 Aug 1999 11:40:13 -0600
From: esommers@pbt.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net

Man I've gone back and forth about a hundred times whether or not to
submit my comments regarding everyone else's comments on these pages.  As
much as I tell myself, "just don't read the reviews anymore," I find
myself intrigued to see what people are saying and whether I agree or
disagree. I tend to believe that there are people like you that read these
words and think about the band and its fans from time to time.

One of the big questions I feel is "what is the reviews page for?"
Obviously many people want to share their full concert-going experience,
which inludes, but is not limited to, traffic conditions, weather, diet,
etc.  Also many reviewers get into the comparison game, which undoubtably
is a source of contention among many readers.  And finally, we have those
among us who feel very strongly about commenting on the "State of the
Scene."  Is it on the decline, the rise, should some people stay home,
more dogs, less dogs....you get the picture

You know what I'd like to see?  Let me guess...many of you are saying, "I
could care less what you'd like!"  Understood.  The real reason I want to
continue to read reviews is for the music.  YES, THE MUSIC!!!
Hmmm....let's see....Phish is a band.  They play music.  Pretty damn good
music, in my opinion.  In fact, I own many more shows on tape than I have
actually attended.  Sound familiar Sparky?  I think it would be pretty
useful information to be able to read an insightful article on any
particular show's setlist, and more important, what went into each
setlist. Can't tell a book by it's cover?  You're damn right when it comes
to looking at Phish setlists.  Personally, I think ANY show has the
potential to be a "must-have," even if the setlist is somewhat "standard."  
If I didn't go to the show, the only information I am interested in is
whether or not I want to get my greedy little hands on that particular
show.  How am I going to do that if I don't know anyone who was there?
That's right Ebert, the review.  Now I'm well aware that everyone has
their own opinions on what makes a good show, or what makes one Antelope
better than the next, and that's cool, but those are the comments I can
live with and attempt to disseminate on my own.

When reading a film review, I like to know if the story was well
developed, if the characters were memorable and the actors portrayals were
on, if it was entertaining.  I don't read a film review to find out if the
popcorn was a little stale, if the line for the restroom was long, or if
parking was a bitch.  Unfortunately occaisionally things are not perfect,
and such is life in the Phish community as well.  But it would be nice to
reserve those aspects of the experience to a seperate forum, so perhaps
those complaints would be addressed.

What do you say we keep the "Reviews" solely for the music, about the
music, and written by those who actively listen to the music, so that we
can all share in the joy of the music for many years to come?

Eric Sommers

Date: Mon, 2 Aug 1999 12:30:06 -0400
From: Jay Munro jay@aaainc.com
To: "'dws@www.phish.net'" dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: To Phish or not to Phish
 
To the many readers on this page who are offended by reviews that don't
praise all that Phish puts out, please skip my opinions and move on.
 
A fan of 5 years and 12 shows, I saw the Philly and Oswego shows this tour.
The scene and the people who tour with the band are some of the most
positive I have experienced.  What a blast camping and partying with a great
group of people.
 
After the Philly show, I fought my inner voice all through the Oswego shows.
But fight it no longer.  I felt the band lacked the energy and synergy I
learned to love about this band.  Paige, my favorite server of musical
dissonance, bowed out of solo after solo.  It made me sad.  The band
definitely could cruise through the songs with tightness.  Fishman and Mike
were really on.  I missed Paige's inspired solos, and Trey seemed to ease
back on the gas a bit to match Paige's mood.
 
I hate to admit it, but I think my Phish days are done.  I held on to the
Dead way too long.  My last few Dead shows left a sour taste compared to the
souring heights they could attain in earlier days.  Don't scorn me or my
opinion. My ticket should go to one of the truly loyal who post to this page
that they loved every note of the Osego shows.  Keep the faith!
 
Jay Munro
West Chester, PA

Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999 08:53:02 -0500
From: LaBelle/Brown glabelle@netnitco.net
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: opinionated people
 
i myself have never seen a bad phish show. ive been seeing them since 92, on
and off. i wont be pretentious and say how many.some are good, some are
great. they are way less erratic than the dead were. some of you folks out
their with strong opinions on the presence of substances in trey or anyone
elses blood, mind your own business. im hoping that next year ill be going
to see your band at alpine and you will be able to show 30 thousand plus
people your shit. the show was fine. my six year olds first. pre conceived
notions usually come to pass, get rid of those and maybe everyone will be
able to have fun.


Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999 11:47:43 EDT
From: CPCGrafix4@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: About "negative" reviews...
 
When you take a band like Phish, the loyal and emotional followers are much
more passionate and demanding when it comes to their music. How many other
bands have these kind of open forum discussion/review areas? Not many, as
most other bands look the same, feel the same, and play the same every
night. While other bands can act a certain way each night, Phish feels. The
fans are the same way, which is why we are here in the first place. It can
be easy to mistake a critical review for bashing, but I think most of us are
smart enough to read between those lines. Would it be fun to read a bunch of
reviews that simply claimed that every night was the best show ever, every
version of each song played was the best ever, and how much acid the
reviewer ate made it so grand? I certainly wouldn't want to read a bunch of
similar reviews as much as I wouldn't want to see the same show every night.
Get It?

We all have a right to our opinions, as the whole experience is unique to
each of us, be it your 47th show, or third. We are a special group of people
who value each other's thoughts, while keeping our own, right? I've heard
lots of show bashing over the years and seen a lot of changes with the
scene, but it has only deepened my thoughts and helped me to see more than
what's in front of me. Because I have an opinion of a show and every show
can't be the best I've ever seen doesn't change the fact that I'm not what
everyone is calling a "true phan". I am a "real phan" with feelings, a point
of view and a lot of knowledge about what I form an opinion on. I would be
cheating myself to form an opinion about something I didn't know much about.
To me, Phish is about freedom. To think, act responsibly, create, improvise
and feel. Before you go bashing people for havings their feelings about a
show, remember to nurture your own.
 
RESPECT!
-Rob Mottice


Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 17:40:03 -0400
From: Brian and Joy brink@redbird.net
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Negative reviews
 
Those who submit bad reviews reveal themselves as malcontents!  If you no
longer appreciate Phish as a band, then stay home so I can have more space
to groove and a better parking spot.  It certainly isn't the band's
obligation to play a "no repeat" tour nor should they cater to some snobby
fan's preferences.
Also, those not satisfied by  the peace, happiness, and fun at the shows
might want to check out mainstream America where their hostility and
impatience would fit right in.
I also encountered the guy playing, juggling, and dancing with Stars Wars
action figures at Oswego and would like to thank him for a few moments of
weirdness.
Joy
 

Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 15:02:50 EDT
From: DonnandNed@aol.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: Give the band a break


    I am very dissappointed with many of you so called "phans " out there.
There is way too much bashing going on. I feel that many of you expect way
too much out of a show. The boys work really hard and are under constant
pressure by their fans to blow the roof off every night. ITS NOT GOING TO
HAPPEN.  I have been to 41 shows and have never left a venue mad or
dissappointed at/with the band. I leave every show with a huge smile on
and a feeling of excitement for the next. Sure we all get a little tired
of hearing the Bouncin', Rockytop encores, but its what they WANT to play
at that moment. I think its about time that a lot of you show some
appreciation for what they are giving to us night after night.  Those of
you that tour know how exhausting it can get being on tour, driving for
hours day after day. Have you ever stopped to think of how exhausting it
might be for the band. Afterall they do the same amount of traveling, but
they also have the pressure of trying to give you the ultimate musical
experience every night. Not many will argue that they are the tightest,
most talented band on the planet. A lot of people forget that its just
four guys up there pumping all this energy into thousands of fans. Doesn't
it impress you anymore!?  So what is Trey flubs lyrics every now and
again, or misses a note here and there, he is still FUCKING NASTY.
    One more thing, enough with the Grateful Dead comparisons!!!  They are
not the Dead, or even remotely like the Dead. Other than the fact that
they both build/built there shows on improvisation, the music is not even
similar.
 Trey is not like Jerry, nor does he try to be like Jerry, because he
knows, as should some of you, nobody can play like Jerry could. This
doesn't mean that Jerry was better, or vice versa, it just means that they
are two completely different people that grew up in two completely
different times, but happen to play they same instrument to a similar
breed of fans. Phish is Phish, and The Grateful Dead were The Grateful
Dead, no connections whatsoever, so stop trying to make them. Enjoy the
music for what it is, and be thrilled that there is still a band around
that creates their music strictly for their fans and not for the money.
Maybe some of you go to too many shows to appreciate it anymore. Take a
little break and see how excited you will be for the next. Once you lose
that tight, gittery, anxious feeling before EVERY show, is it worth it
anymore?  -Obie


Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 11:32:57 PDT
From: Peter Tessier twophishies@hotmail.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Review Angst!

I just wanted to say that i didn't go to the show!  I couldn't because I
live in BC and am broke.  But for all those people who are slagging the
band because they weren't "blowing your mind".  Get a grip.  No one is
holding a gun to your head and making you go to the show.  Phish doesn't
need anymore fans, in fact they could probably stand to lose a few.  
Where do these "standards" come from?  Also what the hell are all these
critics doing to "blow the band's mind"?  Why are you deserving of having
Phish live up to your "standards"  Where do you work, what do you do with
your life?  do you want people critisizing you behind your back, posting
stuff on the internet for all society to see how lame they think you are.  
Get another grip. Give Phish enough reason to not play for us and they'll
stop.  They don't need anymore money or fame.  Maybe it's time you let
them have some fun.  Or better yet, you should stop being a "normal, don't
think for yourself, give me something to consume" type person and try
being as creative, aggressive, inventive and imaginative as Phish for a
million phans for fifteen years. When there's people like you out there
why should they even try to please when you will find something to pick
apart.  Get on stage and do something. Stop hiding beneath you bland
sheath of anonimity!

Peace and Love,
pete


Date: Thu, 29 Jul 1999 13:52:14 -0400
From: "Martino, Mike L (CAP, TIP)" Mike.Martino@gecapital.com
To: "'dws@gadiel.com'" dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Summer tour reviews

Now that summer tour is over and all of the reviews are in, I thought I'd
throw my two cents in on the negative reviews and the people who are
bothered by them.  First of all, let me say that I am not one of those
people who is opposed to intelligent discourse on the musical content of
Phish shows.  Unfortunately most of what I see on these review pages is
miles from intelligent critique of what Phish has actually played.  The
amount of drugs you took, how lame you think a song is or how many shows
you've been to is completely irrelevant.  How tight were the arrangements,
how emotional or original was the jam, how much fun did the band and you
have together?  These essential elements of a review seem to be largely
missing from what I see on these pages.

Additionally, slight miscues by the band is not a reason to critique the
entire song.  Comments like "Trey missed the guitar cue after the third
verse of Guyute" are at best scary and at worst a sad commentary on what
lengths people will go to make themselves appear intelligent and a "true
phan".  Even worse are comments like "the Antelope was okay, but not
nearly as good as the one I saw in 96, I think the band is slipping".  A
review should contain insightful comments and criticisms on the songs that
were actually played.  If we judged Phish by previous performances, they
would appear to be on a steady slide to oblivion since the 95 New Year's
show. Why do they even bother to play Tweezer anymore since the 94 Dallas
show was the best one ever.  This is a sad view on the music of Phish
indeed.

Basically it seems as though the Phish "phans" and the whole scene as a
whole has turned into a huge humorless pain in the ass.  It made me ill to
hear people bitching in Camden about how they ended the show with
Fluffhead. No mention was made about how that Fluffhead kicked our ass and
had the whole venue on their feet.  Even worse were people bitching after
the Born to Run encore at the Garden State Arts Center.  The band used to
be able to share jokes with their audience and everybody would walk away
with a smile on their face.  Sadly those days appear to be gone.  In it's
place are spoiled twentysomethings who feel the band owes them a mind
altering experience each night.  Anything less will result in a litany of
complaints about the stupidest shit imaginable.  I'll still be there as
often as I can, but I will no longer tell any of my friends about what a
great bunch of people Phish "phans" are.  You guys suck.



Michael Martino

Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1999 07:27:27 PDT
From: Ari Petroff dogari@hotmail.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Re:  Reviews Page
 
I was heavily critical about one of the recent shows I saw, and have
received some emails bashing my views.  Hey, it doesn't phase me in the
least, but I felt like I'd say something here.
 
The reviews page is just that.  A chance to give one's point of view of the
goings on in Phishdom.  The key word being criticism, BOTH positive and
negative.  So when there's something negative keep in mind that it's all
based on positive experiences.
 
Now Phish fans are everywhere and represent a variety of cultures and taste
and I think that's fantastic.  This IS NOT the Grateful Dead, so for all
those peace/love people (which I'm very much a part of, and have been for
years), remember that it's not your scene only.  It'd be nice if everyone
were all nature lovers and and shared that hippie philosophy, but that's not
the case, so if the people offend you too much, then stay at home.  I say
that because some chick bitched me out in Oswego for stepping on a bottle
and not throwing it away.  She was right, but they have people who are hired
to clean.  If it was one piece of trash that would have made a differece
then I would have done so, but it was a mess after those shows so that one
piece would not have made a difference, so to those Earthies, we understand
your plight, just realize that this IS NOT the Dead scene anymore.
 
As for reviews and opinions.  Fans are at different levels, and obviously
that can't be metered by any system, so keep in mind that the reviews page
is a forum for everyone who has seen 1 to 1000 shows. Obviously the person
who's seen and heard more shows will be able to tell by ear when the band is
on or not.  But the rookie may be having the time of their life and that
show moment may mean the world to him. That's what it's all about, personal
experiences through the bands music.
 
So for all those people who get offended by someone else having their own
opinion, who get irked by people who list how many shows they've seen (as if
anyone gives a shit), who feel that since they've shaken Mike's hand that
they're now "in" the circle, just let these people have there fun and more
importantly express their opinions.  I'm 28, and I'm well aware that I'm
becomming the minority more so year after year.  That doesn't phase me, and
I know that the scene's more for the youth.  Hey, I was there, and am still
there and will be there in another 10 years.
 
The reason I'm writing this is because I was jumped on for not liking the
Toronto show last week.  In my mind, anyone who thought the band was on that
night simply hasn't seen what they're capable of or just haven't seen them
enough.  It's amazing how many show veterans agree with me on that, but
remember, it's all about experiences and if you loved the show I think
that's awesome.  That show was still better then any Dead show I saw from 93
to 95.  An off Phish night is still a great night.  I don't get pissed off,
offended, maybe a little disappointed because I know what they can do and it
was a helluva lot more then that.
 
I love reading the opinions of others, but I reviewed the music because
that's what interest me (not the scene, who you went with, how the traffic
was).  For those who like reading that stuff, that's great, but I just read
about the music.  So summing this all up, my point is, we're a vast
population that just keeps growing.  I'm not a fan of the scene, but we're
all in this together (no GIN pun intended here), and we're all going to have
different opinions on what gets us off regarding the music.  Just remember,
we all love Phish on any night both good a bad.

Date: Sun, 25 Jul 1999 23:27:32 -0400
From: Dan Gross drg8143@ritvax.isc.rit.edu
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: General Reviews

I agree that the reviews page should stick to reviews not bashing
other people.  On that same note, lets keep things positive, because
all of this negativity WILL effect the band and the scene.  Let the
love flow and try to be open.
Peace

Dan
drg8143@rit.edu

Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 14:14:46 -0400
From: Jeffrey R. Killion Jrkillion@mjwells.com
To: "'dws@gadiel.com'" dws@gadiel.com
Subject: Thank you

I just want to thank the real fans who have stood up against these whining
losers, who have nothing better to do than complain about the fun they had
this weekend.  Or did they not have fun?  I didn't think that was possible.
Personally, there were a few things I wasn't completely jumping for joy
about, but that's life.  Despite the fact that getting in took 7 hours, I
lost some fungus on my way in on Sunday, and I think I've seen Harry Hood at
80% of the shows I've gone to, I had a great time.   And that's what I went
to do.  I'm sure that if it wasn't so darn hot, the scene would have been
more lively, but I also saw a couple people faint.  Is that what's supposed
to happen?  I think it's just fine to enjoy the show in a more mellow manner
if you're not in the mood to pass out from heat stroke.  To at least put in
a few words on the show.  The early set was hot and mellow, the second set
just rocked, and then continued into the third with My Soul and Piper,
cooled down with Caspien, and then was just fun.  I just hope that everyone
gets over the growing and changing crowd, and just has a good time.
 
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 09:32:50 -0500
From: Steve Haye shaye@colorhouse.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: 
 
 Just depressed as hell to hear all the negativity goin on. Havent been to a
show this tour yet. Will be at Alpine and Deer Creek. What are the problems
with some of these people. They travel from show to show and keep track of
every miscue. I havent ever been to a bad Phish show. I have heard mistakes
but then I wish I never fucked up at my job,but I do. Well it will be good
to get the boys back to the Midwest.  shaye@colorhouse.com

Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 01:16:05 EDT
From: Steve Dobbins dobbs99@hotmail.com
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: What's up with the fans?
 
    It's a little after midnight and was just reading a couple of reviews of
the Oswego show. It makes me sick that people that claim to be fans would
write such horrible shit about there favorite band. Saying that there
selling out and its all about Trey, fuck that guy who wrote that.
Everybody's so concerned about setlists and hearing the perfect show that
its taking away from what they've been doing for 15 years. Look at there
older setlists,they always have songs that they play every other night or
so. I think that most Phish fans have become numb to the music and to
involved in touring and shit like that. If you don't wanna hear the same
song to much than don't go to 30 fucking shows a year. Phish is one of the
best bands we'll see in our lifetime and all I hear is people bitching cause
they didn't hear something special. If they had brought back Destiny Unbound
at a show like this it would piss the older fans off. If they played Bouncin
or Sample it will piss people off.If they're gonna be so picky than they can
sit at home and make compilations of songs and listen to them. I'm not gonna
sit here and say that everything the band does is amazing, but I won't
breakdown a show note by note, criticizing every little mistake the band
might have made. Anyone who does that is to wrapped up in the shit. Give
them a fucking break. I know the majority of the real fans out there wuold
agree with me on this.

Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 15:28:21 -0400
From: Morgan Smith 
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: lame "Phans"

 
I just want to comment on all the pissed off reviews I read.  First off:
WHY THE HELL DO SOME OF YOU EVEN GO TO SHOWS?  Second:  The amount of
mindless dribble that is slopped around this site is horrendous.  It amazes
me (as a musician and fan) that people can dog a band so much yet still pay
thirty bucks a show to see that same band that they complain about
constantly.  NEWS FLASH MORONS:  There are still many of us who love phish
for who and what they are.  I'm sorry they didn't play your favorite song
at the show you saw.  It's not really their fault.  Beauty is in the eye of
teh beholder, and for every review that says a show stunk, there are
probably twenty people who had a great time and thought the show was
smokin.


Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 16:08:20 -0400
From: Rick Renaud rrenaud@wcvt.com
To: dws@gadiel.com
Subject: think before you stink
 
Howdy beautiful people!
 
A brief thought on Oswego/Toronto and these Reviews in general:
 
Thanks to everyone who is helping their best to keep our scene positive
and in the true spirit of love, creation and adventure. That's where the
magic is created . . .
 
To those who make themselves feel better by venting their bad
experiences, negative thoughts and other general non-positive
vibrations, I hope you enjoy hearing yourselves talk, becuase I think I
can speak for the rest of us that your sour opinions do nothing to lift
the collective vibe at all. I speak specifically to G.C.--who has twice
recently written that "opinions are like assholes." If so, why must you
shove yours in everyone elses faces? Think before you stink, please.
 
If you have criticism, fine--it's an integral part of keeping the
dialogue alive. But shouldn't we try to make it constructive . . . not
resentful, bitter, or just plain negative? What good does that do beyond
one person's needs? It banishes magic. Is that how you talk about your
friends?
 
The guys in the band are human just like all of us. They have good days,
bad days; deal with ego, fear, confidence, etc. just like we all do.
They don't NEED to tour. Forgiveness, understanding, and faith are all
part of a growing, loving relationship and the potential in front of our
community is the best thing going . . . we make it as beautiful as we
choose
 
peace
 
Rick
(1st show Nectars '88)

Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1999 22:23:21 -0400
From: "Gary E. Comley, II" gecomley@usaor.net
To: dws@archive.phish.net
Subject: a general comment about the Reviews page
 
It seems that the "Reviews" pages, specifically the Toronto reviews page,
has become more a haven of folks complaining about a particular review or
reviewer, rather than actual reviews of shows.  It would be more effective,
IMHO, to stick to posts which really are reviews, rather than posts which
bash another's opinion.  This is merely a suggestion.  It would also help
to encourage people to stick to reviewing shows from their point-of-view,
rather than writing public responses to other reviews.
 
The reviews pages are becomming too much like a newsgroup than a forum for
opinions and insights on particular shows.  There is simply too much
bashing of "bad show" reviews by people too reactionary to realize that a
review is simply one person's opinion of one show (rather than a
generalized opinion on Phish).  For example: my review of the Toronto show
may have seemed harsh, but some of the responses to my post seem to suggest
that in panning that one show, I was also panning Phish as a whole.  I'm
suprised that my fellow fans actually took me seriously.  I mean, I'm only
one asshole who thought one show stunk.  Why have people become so
intensely sensitive to any suggestion that the band can have and off-night
and play a bad show.
 
To suggest that Phish can do no wrong and cannot possibly play a bad show
is ridiculous.  This is what happened to the Grateful Dead, and it may have
actually contributed to many woes they encountered later on in their
career.  Let's face it, most of the shows the Dead played from 92 until 95
were bunk, but fans hung onto every foul note with glee (I'm guilty of
this, admittedly).  I don't want to see Phish fall into the same trap.  I
want fans to remain skeptical, scrutinizing, and demanding.  It keeps the
band on their toes and brings forth the kind of exploration we all love so
much.  If we allow them to rest on their laurels, it will all begin to grow
stagnant.
 
By allowing the posting of these kinds of responses, you are encouraging
fans to bash each other's opinions rather than offering their own insights.
Some of the responses to my post became quite personal.  While I'm a big
kid who could care less what people say about me or to me, I just think a
page designed to offer different opinions on a particular show should stick
to the reviews and let the personal attacks go.  There is a general air of
negativity on the phish.net right now and it has nothing to do with show
reviews being bad.  It has everything to do with the reactionary bickering
which results and then winds up online.
 
Just a thought about how the phish.net could improve its environment.
Thanks for listening.
 
 
Gary Comley
gecomley@usaor.net
-peace ese-


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