6-28-00 -- PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, New Jersey
review submisions to me, dan schar at [email protected] or [email protected]
Date: Sun, 9 Jul 2000 18:54:54 -0400
From: Doug Rice [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject:
PNC Bank Arts Center 6/28, Holmdel, NJ
No real thematic groove ever really established, but some strong, yet modest,
versions of the 1999/2000 regulars with the few highlight exceptions.
SET I - Somewhat generic run throughs of Chalkdust and Sloth, but the energy
of Taste/Gin/Piper was the set's girth. Absolute highlight was arguabley the
best Gin played in 2000 thus far. A very uncharacteristic funk section was
laid down right away in the segue section into the Gin jam and produced one of
the most up-tempo'd Gins played since the early 90's yet had a blatantly 2000
signature groove to it. The MUST hear on tape/cd from this show. Honorable
mentions go to the always delicious Taste jam which saw some great mini-peaks
and Trey's guitar solo to close If I Could - just gorgeous.
SET II and Encore - Again, strong but modest versions, this time of
Disease->Hood, Jibboo, Circus, Mike->Alberquerque->Weekapaug. Alberquerque is
a little bit of a surprise here and sounded real pretty, but only broke up the
energy going from Mike's in an otherwise disjointed feeling show in terms of
overall cohesion. Nonetheless, each song taken by itself shows some great
performances from each bandmember. First Tube AND a Loving Cup encore is
blatant energy overload and really provides a surprising punch for a final
touch.
Got to hear that GIN.
Peace,
G.Rice
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 13:00:20 EDT
From: Adam Schwartzberg [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: review 6/28/00 (first night PNC)
My first show of the tour, I had pretty high expectations by seeing what
they had already played, and knowing that the NE part of the tour would be
VERY high energy. Forthe first night of a 2 show run, I was very happy with
a very solid show. nothing too spectacular, but some VERY good moments.
Set I:
Chalkdust- Sure, they play this all the time, but why shouldn't they? This
song always seems to rock. It was a great choice for the first song in the
northe-east, as it got everybody out of their seats and dancing.
Sloth- this song is always a fun treat. A standard version, well placed in
the set to insure that everybody kept their energy levels high.
Taste- This may be one of Phish's most underrated songs. The jam is always
a introspective masterpeice. I really like this song, and as the first real
explorative jam of the show, it was well placed.
Bathtub Gin- WOW!!!! There are not enough good things that I can say about
this gin. Possibly the best I've ever heard (and I've heard a lot). The
jam was just... mesmirizing. Not a dull moment. The band was sooo tight
during this, the definate highlight of the show and possibly one of the
highlights of the tour. After this song, I knew that this was going to be
one of THOSE summers.
Piper- A little short, but who am I to complain? Nothing like the marathon
Piper from Oswego, but a nice, tight jam. Very enjoyable.
If I Could- Wow. I wasn't expecting this. Very well played, and what a
treat! The jam reminded me of a waste jam, but thats okay. Great song.
But to end the set? They needed a Cavern, or a Char. 0, or something. Even
a Slave or a Reba. not that it was a bad ending, it was just a very short
set. I was hoping that that would mean a super long second set, but I would
have to wait for tommorrow for that.
Set II:
DWD- Always a great tune. They were definatly jamming on this. The pace
seemed kind of fast, like they couldn't wait to get to the jam. A pretty
good jam that led to ...
Harry Hood- Is anybody else getting sick of people screaming "HOOD!!" when
the band sings "Harry"? Don't get me wrong, I like audience participation.
In fact, I remember screaming "Hood" on fall tour '96, and having everybody
in my section look at me funny. It was fun for a little while, but now I
just want to hear the band sing the song the way theyg wrote the song. this
version was pretty good (is there ever a bad one?). A good jam that took me
to that place that Harry's tend to take me to. I enjoyed this.
Jibbo- I know they are playing this every show. Its a great song. I just
need a little break from it for a little while so i can appreciate how cool
it is again.
Circus- Standard version.
Mike's- Nice. Always a great song. I've never had a complaint about a
Mike's Song before, and I won't start complaining now.
Alburqurque- I hope I spelled that right. Actually, I don't care. I
haven't heard this in a while, so it was a nice surprise. Good down time
before...
Weekapaug- (See Mike's Song)
Encore:
First Tube -> Loving Cup
Good encore. Overall, a very solid show. not my best show, not my worst
show. I couldn't wait to see what they were going to do the next night.
Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2000 18:31:55 -0700
From: Mike Indgin [email protected]
To: 'Daniel W. Schar' [email protected]
Subject: 6/28/00 review
Playin' Hooky in Holmdel
PNC Bank Arts Center, NJ 6/28/2000
Three reasons why this show should win best show of the tour instead of Deer
Creek's Dickfest: 1) The impeccable setlist 2) The stupefying shreddiness of
the jams 3) The fact that I was there and wasn't supposed to be.
There I was on a plane from Minneapolis to New York when it hit me: Gotta
Jibboo could mean "gotta play hooky". If I told my client there were flight
delays out of Minnesota, I could blow off day one of a three day commercial
shoot and be in Holmdel by show time.
So I landed, went to the W Court Hotel in the city instead of the shooting
stage in Brooklyn. I checked in and got directions on what train to take to
Jersey from the concierge. Her name? Teela. Good omen # 1.
My day of planes and trains had to include an automobile...the taxi that
dropped me off outside the venue. Behind the wheel was Norm, an ex-heroin
addict Deadhead who celebrated his honeymoon on Dead tour in '73. Good omen
#2.
I stood on the off-ramp waving cash violently and running from the moronic
Jersey cops until I procured a lawn ticket for $50. I gave the dude a bit of
a guilt-trip for scalping, but it was the only extra I saw all night so
perhaps I got off easy.
I went in early and got rained on for an hour on the lawn. Then I saw him
with a pavilion stub in his hand: the infamous Richie the B. A minute later,
I was under cover, in an aisle seat next to a cool rabbi. Good omen #3.
They came out and ripped into Chalkdust (called Cox Dykes Torture by my clan
in honor of our leaders Tim Cox and Big Al Dykes). At this point I got my
only bummer of the evening besides the fact that they cut the first set
short: the sound of the venue was an echo farm: boomy and cavernous. Oh
well, my ears adjusted over time.
The Sloth was a rare treat, my first since Red Rocks. Taste was the start of
the shredfest. The jam out of Gin was the first set peak. Or was it the jam
out of Piper? I toss it to the Tub. Wow, three scorchers in a row. I love If
I Could, just not as a set closer. I guess I'm still comparing first set
lengths to Shoreline 9/16/99. Not a good thing to do.
Set two continued with Trey building on the great song selection of the
first set. The Disease jam was long and more ambient than rockin'. Hood was
musically marred when Trey tried to bat lightsticks and play at the same
time. For the last time: stop throwing them at the band. You'll put an eye
out! Gotta Play Hooky was next. I could hear this song every night. If you
don't love this catchiest of catchy tunes, take a lightstick and hit
yourself in the eye with it. The Circus came and went, then the unique
chugga chugga funka funka Mike's. It never peaked, just got into an
unstoppable groove. One fun stop/start later, I got Albuquerque, a song
that's near and dear to my heart because I love Neil, I love my dad who
loves this song and I love 10/29/98, another time they broke out this road
trip anthem. Weekapaug got us back to pure shreddiness. First Tube>Loving
Cup encore? Why not. A perfect show deserves a perfect encore.
The rabbi drove me back to the city, a Peter Tosh bootleg in the deck, grins
on our faces and a teriyaki veggie burrito in my stomach. Note to self: I
gotta jibboo more often.
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 11:43:52 -0400
From: "[email protected]" [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.music.phish
Subject: REVIEW: 6/28/00 Holmdel, NJ
First off, I must say that if you haven't made plans to see Phish 2000,
do so immediately! They are TIGHT TIGHT TIGHT!!!
This was my 11th show and the first of 4 for me this summer. First show
5/2/93, last show 12/11/99. I think this one goes in the top 5, though
it may not stay there for long after tonight and Camden. :)
First a personal note: as I was sitting on the off-ramp into PNC, a car
pulls up in the other lane and someone pops his head out and calls to
me. This was kind of shocking, since I don't know too many people in the
"scene" personally. But it was the guys from RANA! Who are RANA? Right
now they are probably best known because two of their members, Andrew
Southern and Scott Metzger, play in Amfibian with Tom Marshall. But,
IMHO, they are the best new band I have heard in quite some time. Catch
them now and get to know them because they're gonna be famous in 5
years!
After parking in the northernmost lot and handing out Mockingbird
Project flyers ("are you that Ellis guy?" someone asked), I walked up
toward the venue. I cut through a small, mostly unused lot right next to
the venue, and there were the RANA guys again! What a great omen this
was. I chatted with Andrew and Ryan Thornton for a while and when it
started to rain I headed into the comfort of the pavilion.
Enough about me, onto the show review:
Chalkdust - Very powerful and well-played. Nothing out of the ordinary
other than that Trey used his pedals to make something that sounded like
a siren. A nod to the police presence? Who knows. In any case, it was
complete bedlam in the crowd, and the incredible energy level would not
stop all night. I believe at the end of this (I could be wrong, it might
have been another song in the set), Fish tapped his wood block as if to
do the opening of Hood, but instead they stopped and we got...
Sloth - This was MUCH better than last year at this venue. Airtight,
with the correct tempo. Trey continued to rip shit up. This would be a
trend for the whole night.
Taste - not one of my personal favorites, but we got a strong piano solo
by Page and a jam that started off a bit noodly but righted itself for a
satisfying climax.
Gin - We are now officially in an old-school set, and this was as
old-school a jam as you're ever going to hear nowadays. After Fish
dragged out the opening beats (it almost seemed like Page wasn't ready),
Page ripped up the piano and then the band locked into a tight march. It
just kept building and building and building, getting faster and faster
and faster, climaxing in an exhilarating series of runs by Trey. At one
point Trey did an extended tease that I think was "Spill the Wine" by
Eric Burdon and War. Anyway, this was no funk, no loop nonsense, just
four guys doing the tension-and-release thing and playing as hard as
they can with no trickery. I liked this better than almost every Gin I
heard in '99, with the possible exceptions of 12/2, 12/7 and BC.
Piper - Attention Piper fans! You MUST hear this! You know how sometimes
(8/13/93 Gin, 7/6/98 Piper) this burst of insane intensity just seems to
come out of nowhere? That's what happened here. Fish quickened the pace
real fast, kind of like on the album version, but not as abruptly. Then
it just kept getting faster and faster and noisier and noisier. Toward
the end they got the closest I've ever heard to them doing speed metal.
And then after that Trey added a few effects and the band sounded like
Santana on the "Lotus" live album (1974) - that is, like a video game.
This was simply mindblowing. I was present for the incredible 8/8/98
version. This was better. I think this should be the template for all
the post-Farmhouse Pipers.
If I Could - we know how much Trey and Page love to play at this venue,
which they frequented while teenagers. We also know how much they
appreciate raucous, enthusiastic crowds like this one. So I figured we
would get something special, and so it was, the first If I Could in
about 120 shows. Sure it was a little ragged, but who cares? It's been
120 shows!
By the way, this is the second straight show I've attended where they've
brought back a Hoist song after an extended absence (Scent, 12/11/99).
So look for a Demand tonight :)
It was a bit of the shocker that they left the stage after If I Could,
after being on for only about an hour. But sometimes the band needs to
do short sets for shows with relentless intensity like this one. The Gin
and the Piper are must-haves, the first three songs were tight and hard
rocking, and If I Could was a nice surprise. They gave us quite a lot in
such a short time.
After a 40 min. or so setbreak (during which I met my sometime
tape-trading partner Daniel Van Nierop and his sister Emily, who hooked
up my friend with and extra for 7/3 - thanks guys!), they came back out
and Trey began with a huge burst of feedback, almost as if he were going
to do "Star-Spangled Banner" Hendrix-style. But as soon as Mike began
fiddling with his bass I knew we were going to get...
Down with Disease - this began as a typical Shredding Trey DWD but then
veered into space (pretty interesting but nothing exceptional) before
Shredding Trey re-emerged for the ending. As the others wind down, Trey
emits feedback and raises his arm in the air as if to count off
something. Then Fish hits the wood block and off we go into...
Hood - Simply amazing, this Hood. Fluid, tight, everything a Hood should
be. There seems to be a renewed energy in this piece. There was a
particularly intense glowstick/glowring war, and a few ended up in
Trey's direction. Then more came that way and he tried to catch them. He
didn't succeed but picked one off the stage floor and threw it back into
the crowd! So when you hear this huge roar on your tapes for apparently
no reason, that's why. After a raging climax, they started up...
Gotta Jibboo - Three jammers in a row! Mike and Fish got the groove just
right and Trey continued to rip shit up. There was a guy in the aisle
right in front of me that had this device that displayed the words
"Gotta Jiboo" (sic) when twirled. That, like the band's jamming, was
mesmerizing.
When the Circus Comes - after that 3-song run we were due for a
breather. As at 12/11/99 I think Trey chose this to comment on the
"circus" atmosphere in the crowd. I think he flubbed the guitar part at
one point but who cares.
Mike's Song - I have never heard a Mike's like this one before. The jam
was very groove-oriented. It was as if they had grafted Mike's on top of
Sand or something of that ilk. They were really pounding it here, all
locked in together with a sense of purpose. And then they started doing
tension-and-release exercises with it! A fusion of the new style with
the old! Then they ground it to a halt and played with our minds by
pausing for about a minute before starting it up again. This version may
or may not move you but from a musical-theory perspective I think it is
unprecedented. Mr. Dirksen?
After a second stop they started up the chords to...
Albuquerque - those of you who know me may remember that I am a HUGE
Neil Young fan, and this is the first Neil cover I have seen them do in
person. To have it be the middle of Mike's Groove was even more
mind-blowing for me. I'm getting all verklempt, talk amongst
yourselves...
Weekapaug - this had a very strange opening, much slower and more
countryish than usual. At first I thought it was the intro to Antelope.
But it morphed into the Weekapaug chords and off we went. This was your
typical ass-kicking Weekapaug with plenty of Shredding Trey moments.
Then they left the stage, making this set about 70 minutes. They took
the tightness of the first set and added some funk and some of the
strange ingredients that cropped up in '99, making for a truly
impressive event. After a few minutes they came back out. I figured we
could get a long encore since the two sets were short and they obliged
with...
First Tube - A very raw version, with Trey producing some abrasive notes
and doing his Townshend windmills. But as with Jibboo, Mike and Fish got
the groove just right and Page provided some nice fills on piano and
organ. As feedback drenched from Trey's guitar, Page began the piano
chords to...
Loving Cup - Absolutely nailed, just like last year here. Quite a blast
to go out on.
I can't believe how tight they are already. In particular I have never
heard Trey and Fish play better. After retreating into the murk for much
of last year Trey appears ready to be the instrumental leader of the
band again, and his riffs and solos were always intense and nearly
flawless. Fish is driving the band like the great drummers do. Mike is
always in sync with them, and while Page at times gets overwhelmed in
the mix, he made his share of strong contributions, especially on Taste,
Gin, Mike's and Loving Cup. Everyone matched the crowd's energy, making
for a great time.
As awesome as this show was, I would not be surprised if it ends up
being the least of the four NJ shows. They're really on a roll right now
and it is not out of the question that they could get better with every
show.
See you all tonight. For anyone who cares I'll be in Sec. 303, Row V,
seat 111.
Erik Swain
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 03:03:01 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Review - 6/28/2000 PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
PHISH review - 6/28/2000 PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
The first review I've ever written, and I also haven't been to many shows, so
excuse anything you don't like :) If you have any comments or constructive
criticism, though, I'd love to hear from you at [email protected]
MY RANDOM NOTES:
================
SOUND CHECK: I caught the tail end of Heavy Things and all of Funky Bitch.
VENUE: Usually I don't like to see companies' names on venues, but i wanted to
thank PNC Bank for giving us such a rockin' venue. The place was small, and
there was no such thing as a bad seat, even in lawn where my friends and I
were. food was $$$, though.
PHANS: The traditional Phish community spirit was in good form as usual. On
our way into the lot we had a sign on our car that said "Who is Phish and why
are they following me?" A phan with a sticker bearing the same words saw it,
said "Hey, wait a minute!" and proceeded to give us the sticker through the
window. And a couple in front of me noticed that I was having a tough time
seeing the stage past them and moved of their own volition. Everyone went out
of their way as usual to make everyone's day a little nicer, and I did my best
to help out. Phish community, I love you.
one sour note, but not at the show: to the guy who told people to stop writing
reviews if they haven't been to at least 50 shows: hush, let us have our fun.
it's all about having a good time, at least to me.
WEATHER: Drizzled a little before they came out, stopped right around when
they entered. Dunno if they intentionally came out then. Didn't rain again
til the very end of the second set, and none of us cared by then.
GENERAL: A rockin' show. I thought the last one I was at was good (12/10/99,
Spectrum, Philly, PA -- also my birthday, and nowhere I'd rather have been!),
but this one raised the bar a whole new level. They were so on I was still
wired from the goodness at 3AM on my way home. Thanks guys! I seem to have
Punch-You-In-The-Eye Syndrome, because on three separate occasions I mistook
the beginnings of songs for the beginning of PYITE. Also, my favorite shirt
of the night: probably the TreyStation shirt (takeoff on PlayStation, with
'TS' logo). Treyola Jams (Crayola Crayons) and those Bathtub Gin (Distilled,
et al -- I think it might have been a takeoff on Absolut Vodka, but I wouldn't
swear to it) shirts were good too.
Was it just me, or did Trey have his guitar off his shoulder, with the head
pointed at the ground at a weird angle?
Oh, and i danced the whole show =)
all righty then, on to the actual show.
SET I
=====
CHALKDUST TORTURE: Excellent version, got the crowd moving right away from the
first little pickup note. Really got my groove on. Lots of people sang along
to this, I was glad to see everyone having a good time. Mike was INSANE
during this one. Not too much more to say here, but don't let that fool you
into thinking it wasn't a good version.
SLOTH: A friend I was with said before they came out that if they'd just play
one Gamehendge song it would make his night. They did, it was cool. Again,
not much more to say, but good.
The first two songs seemed short to me, not that much in the way of jamming,
but they still rocked. And the rest more than compensated =)
TASTE: This is the favorite song of another friend of mine who was there (who
came up separately and we unfortunately couldn't find during the show). Not
one of my favorites, but I do like it, and it was an exceptional version.
Good stuff on this one.
BATHTUB GIN: AMAZING!!! Words cannot express the greatness of this jam.
Really rockin' Bathtub Gin. I've always liked it a lot, but it rose about
10,000 points on my Groove Meter. I dunno how long this was, but it was LONG,
and I loved every minute of it. crazy crazy good. The lights deserve some
special attention too -- big white lights spun around a lot and it psyched us
all up.
PIPER > IF I COULD: Piper was basically a big jam. It grooved pretty well. If
I Could is an old standby favorite of mine, and they played a slow, groovy
version of it that was cool. Kind of strange to end the set with, though.
Did kind of wind down the crowd, which I guess is good for the setbreak.
During setbreak here, I went to get a drink. Just as my friends and I were
getting back, they went into . . .
SET II
======
DOWN WITH DISEASE: Really fast version, got the crowd (me included) all
psyched up again. I was doing my best to groove with the song even while I
was walking back. The phans were really good about letting us back through to
our spot even while they were dancing.
HARRY HOOD: Not a favorite of mine, but it was still cool, and my first
glowstick war. I've heard (strictly on rumor level, so don't bite my head off
if it's not true) that Trey doesn't like the actual stick kind of glowstick
because they're heavy and they can hurt people when they come down. I dunno
if that was why, but I saw almost entirely the ring kind. I know they don't
hurt, because one of them hit me =) Also, although I don't like the song that
much, I was glad to see lots of other people having a great time with it.
Another nifty thing was Trey actually grabbing a few off the stage and tossing
them back into the crowd.
GOTTA JIBBOO: This is one of my favorites, and they had a great tight jam to
it too. The whole crowd was singing this one (all four lines of it =D).
WHEN THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN: This wasn't the best thing they played all
night, but it was pretty good. Solid slow groove. I'm told it's a cover of a
Los Lobos song. I know nothing about them, so I'm not sure.
MIKE'S SONG: Rockin'. The whole crowd started to move around again after they
wound down from When The Circus Comes To Town. (me? I never stopped :) )
Tight jamming, and it was cool. At one point they just STOPPED on a dime --
then Trey counted ("One, two, one two three four") and they came back in,
which was also cool.
ALBUQUERQUE: I'm told this was a Neil Young cover. I've never heard of it,
but then again Neil Young isn't really my thing. Not bad, a slow song that
was pretty fun.
WEEKAPAUG GROOVE: Close to being as heavenly for me as Bathtub Gin was. It
instilled new love for this song in me. I was rockin' out the whole time, and
from the looks of things, so was everyone else. A fitting second set closer
to a rockin' show.
They took a break here before the encore, I think somewhere between 45 and 60
minutes.
ENCORE
======
A double encore. Trey was clearly excited -- he RAN back out on stage with
his guitar in one hand, and he jumped up and down during First Tube. First
off,
FIRST TUBE: A neat jam. I quite like this song, studio and otherwise. I
believe it was this song that Trey did the windmill thing, but I can't recall
for sure.
Then they went into
LOVING CUP: This closer was perfection for me. A friend who I was there with
absolutely LOVES this song, and he hugged another friend of ours there when he
realized they were playing it. We were all ecstatic, because we all love it.
Incidentally, it was raining pretty hard at this point and we didn't care.
Most of the crowd sang along, at least for the "Gimme a little drink" bit.
And the Beautiful Buzz thing was pretty participatory too.
They were ON the whole time. They were OH SO ON. Wish I could go back for
the next night, but alas I have neither ticket nor lodging -- but Phish and
phans alike, thanks for a great show!
- Rob
Date: Sat, 1 Jul 2000 12:53:43 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 6/28/00 Review
Hey, I was the kid holding up the yellow Buried Alive sign, to no avail.
My friends told me that me and my sign were featured on the lawn T.V.
Screen!! YAY YAY!! Salvo was briefly famous! They said everyone started
screaming when they saw the sign!
Now, there was a lot of good and a little bit of bad last night, and it
all rests on the same thing- which is why i'm so damn confused.
The good: it is wonderful to see trey so into his playing, jumping around,
smiling, grooving along with my fingers during gin (explanation later).
I've never heard him play so well. He really has become Rock Star Trey.
The bad: Rock Star Trey. I danced my ass off during the show and only had
happy thoughts during the show, but after the show, i was left with a
little bit of a bad taste in my mouth. I mean, as much as I love seeing
Rock Star Trey, Phish was the Trey Anastasio Band last night. You know
what? I didn't like the other members being in the background all the
time. He stepped up to the front of the stage on just about every song
leaving the other 3 submissively behind. As much as I loved his solos
during the show after the show i was sractching my head a little bit. So
I'm a little confused...I loved the show while I was there.
Here's the show: oh, and by the way, Trey will you stop making the sets
so damn short. Thank god they're well played because, Jesus christ, if
there's anything that pisses me off it's a 58 minute set.
CDT: Raging opener as usual. It was not a bunch of noise like last
year's PNC CDT, and it featured Trey making feedback noises on his gee-tar
as well as a lenghty solo.
SLOTH: Finally some Gamehenge (even though i wanted to hear a song that i
hadn't heard before). They actually played it without making
distinguishable fuckups, so I give them an A for that.
TASTE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE LOVE LOVE
this song! I was in heaven when I heard this. Great Leo stuff, and Trey
climaxed so beautifully. I like having a spiritual moment so early in the
show.
GIN: HELLO HI! HOW YA DOIN?????? THis was sick sick sick! As soon as
Fish swung the beat early in the jam, it started to rage and never
stopped. Everyone was in synch. Trey was noodling around a little bit and
then started to look in our direction. He started playin chords (C and
F), and I swear, he was looking right at me playing the chords in time
with my fingers, which were moving with the rythym. He smiled at me,
laughed, and I could have sworn he was making a musical connection with
me. y'all probably dont believe me and think i'm being some egotistical
shmuck (which i like to be every now and then), but it made me happy.
PIPER: Finally first of the tour. This was a wall of noise.
Unbelieveable. THat is all.
> IF I COULD: First one in awhile. First time I had ever heard this song
due to my stubborness to refuse to listen to Hoist. I loved it, but to
close the set???? Shall I kill you NOW Trey? One more song and it woulda
been fine !!!
Still a welllllllllll played set. Wow, were they tight.
DWD: Sigh, another one? 4 in 10 shows. Still, it always rages. after the
soloing, it mellowed out a little bit for a short while before climaxing
to the ending rift in a short 10 minutes and > into
> HOOD!!! YAY YAY! Who can go wrong with this (WE KNOW WHICH SONGS THE
BAND LIKES REPEATING, HUH???). It featured idiots throwing glowsticks at
the band during a full-fledged glowstick war, but Trey enjoyed himself
catching them, so I enjoyed myself watching him enjoy himself. You Enjoy
Myself???
JIBOO: second in 2 nights, but they never stop playing this song well.
Fun, danceable toon, and I wasn'tcomplaining since it was my first show of
the tour.
CIRCUS: We needed a breather, but I don't like it in the second set.
Arrrrrrghhh, give me Horse>Silent please!!!
as soon as it was over i called Mike's and the people in front of me
turned around and gave me high 5 when the riff started.
MIKE'S: Finally Mr. Mike gets to do his thing and give Trey a rest. The
jam was funkalicious and lenghty too! Stop start jamming. Pause was for a
minute. Started up again, next pause >
> ALBEQUERQUE: This is a pretty song, but if you're gonna give me
sentimental stuff in the end of the 2nd set and in the middle of MIke's
Song, give me a damn Horse>Silent. WHERE IS THAT SONG??? HARTFORD???
>WEEKAPAUG: ROck STar Trey again, MIke is hot. I love when he belts out
the SHARIN IN THE GROOVE! line. I love when he slaps the night away
throughout the song too. i like MIke. Mike is good, mmmmK???
E: More rock star Trey doing windmill during 1stTube-my first. Excellent
though. I jumped up and down, sweated and danced. First Loving CUp of
tour ended the night in dramatic fashion.
Muscially, I give this show a 9/10. Overall, I give it a 7/10. Not my
favorite, certainly not my least favorite. In the middle of 10 shows
overall.
Not as good as last year Night 1 PNC.
WOULDN'T BURIED ALIVE BE PERFECT FOR ROCK STAR TREY????? HE CAN SHOW OFF
DURING IT!!!! Watch them play it in Hartford when I'm not there. Rat
batards.
Peace,
Salvo
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 13:54:40 -0400
From: patrickd [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 7.28.00. Holmdel, NJ. PNC Bank Arts Center.
OK so I'm finally in a sane enough mindframe to write a review. We caught the
end of the soundcheck, just Funky Bitch. Pretty cool. If I just may
comment-- I heard that there was like double security and an on-site
prosecutor, so the lot fucking sucked. And it was odd because before the
show, no one could find anything. Like there weren't many people even vending
anything except beer. And after the show, everyone was trying to unload shit
on everyone else. Heh, I traded nugs for grilled cheese sandwiches. Pretty
damn nice... =c)
We had lawn seats... not too bad... we were close to the front of the lawn
Trey-side. HEY!!!! Did anyone see me holding up my "IT'S ICE" sign? I had a
big sign that I was holding up and tried getting chants going for "It's Ice."
I guess the boys never picked up on it.
Anyway, to the show...
Chalkdust-- Oh yeah! I wasn't expecting it for an opener, just because they
seem to have been sticking with a certain set of openers for Japan and summer
hence far. But still, it rocked hard, and the whole place was hopping.
Sloth-- I'd never heard this song before, and it was pretty cool. Definitley
had a cool rolling vibe to it, if lacking in much jammage. Still when the
music stopped and Trey shouted "They call me the sloth" everyone moved. It
was cool.
Taste-- Wow... I had no idea this one was coming. Really great live. There
was a small dispute with a friend during this song which kinda damaged my
experience of it, but the music was flowing and moving in and out of the crowd
and it was a very emotional jam.
Bathtub Gin-- Holy shit!!!!! I needed something to pick me up, and Bathtub Gin
did it. I went absolutely nuts when I heard them starting this. The
INCREDIBLE jam in this song was easily the highlight of the night. We thought
we picked up some Type II in there. And Kuroda-- oh my god... Kuroda was
absolutely incredible during this song. The revolving ferris wheel effect he
had behind the stage had everyone standing there with their jaws dropped open.
Anyway the jams in this song were phenomenal.
Piper-- Wow... Never seen it live, always ignored it on live tapes, but it
blew me away. Trey started the riff on this song solo, and the band later
came in. Excellent fucking version, just a beautiful, well-written song.
Some people say "sloppy" and I tend to agree, but that's the nature of this
song. Anyway, this smoothly lapsed into...
If I Could-- Definitley unexpected. I think everyone in the whole place was
taken aback by that song. Never heard a live version of this before and it
was actually quite mesmerising live. Never thought it would be the closer
though!!
55 minutes?? Wow... short as hell. This was followed by a comparably
lengthed setbreak [40 minutes] which pissed me off a lot. But that's OK,
because they came out [whilst I was screaming "IT'S ICE"] and started into...
Down With Disease-- Yeah! I mean it's typical fare, and everyone's heard it
more times than they can count, but man did it fucking rock. They did this
weird intro into Mike's bass groove, which was interesting, and there were
some really cool jams all in all in this 14 minute masterpiece. The second
set had started nicely, and then...
Harry Hood-- OH MY GOD!!! I will never get tired of Hood, I will never not
love Hood. I saw it in Philly 12/11/99, however I was way too inebriated to
notice any kind of glowwar. But the glowwar last nite was... eternal. It was
singly one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen in my entire life. Did
some very cool jams in the context of their traditional jams, and when those
glowsicks started flying, I thought I was in heaven. I'm reading here that
Hood was only 15 minutes, but I can't believe that. It seemed to stretch into
eternity [in a very positive way]. For me, the glowwar and Trey throwing
sticks back at the crowd was truly a highlight of the show. This kinda
half-seuged into...
Gotta Jibboo-- And the crowd goes nuts... This was actually very cool. I'd
never seen it live, and always thought it would be hokey and trite, but it
rocked. There was definitley cool jammage, and the whole crowd was bouncing
and singing along. Kuroda's lights were also very cool in this song.
When the Circus Comes to Town-- I almost cried. This song is so fucking
gorgeous. It's just... indescribable how much this song means to me. Hearing
it at that very point in the show, after three rocking songs... I was
mesmerized. The second I started writing this review, I popped in a tape with
it, and can't stop listening to it. This, for me personally, was a highlight
of the show, also a very cool chill-out song.
Mike's Song-- What?? After a killer set like this I figured on a few covers
or rarities, but a Mike's?? Here?? Now?? wow... This was a very cool
Mike's. Pretty standard, and it actually lacked a bit of energy, which some
people said the whole show did, but fuck that. This show had TONS of energy,
it's just mike's that lacked a bit. It was still cool though. And then they
stopped completely and paused. Waited for like a whole minute [the whole time
of which i'm screaming "IT'S ICE!!!!!!!!!"], and then went BACK into Mike's,
which kinda freaked me out. Then...
Albuquerque-- they went into a cover which I'd never heard before which
subsequently turned out to be a Neil Young song. It was cool, but not
something I would've stuck into a Mike's Groove during a show like this. Way
too mellow for this show, but still it was pretty cool.... this kinda
meandered into a very weird beginning of...
Weekapaug Groove-- OK, so first we heard DEFINITE teases of Antelope, anyone
else pick up on it? I figured it had to be Antelope just because they rarely
seperate a mike's with just one song from a weekapaug. But after a weird
beginning, they went into a VERY VERY VERY ROCKING Weekapaug. The whole place
was grooving and the boys were rocking out on this song, very cool way to end
an excellent second set.
OK So i was screaming my ass off for an "It's Ice" encore... didn't get it,
but instead I got.....
First Tube-- oh yeah.... =c) Excellent encore, I love this song. The time
changes in it just bug me out, and the whole thing just rocks a lot. I love
driving around cranking it, and I think this song is much better live. It
rocked so much... Trey was hamming it up for the crowd and cameras during this
song.
Loving Cup-- A Stones' cover to finish it all off. Very interesting way to
end a very cool show, and I enjoyed this almost giddy version of Loving Cup.
Very cool.
So overall, it's quite obvious from even glancing at the setlist that the
second set was superior to the first, and being there would qualify that
statement. The first set defintley had some highlights; in particular would
be Bathtub and Piper. The second set was just incredible, just because of
Hood, Circus, and Weekapaug. DWD was good, as was Jibboo. Encore was a nice
capper. Show was a little short, but that's OK. Anyway I was going to skip
work to go tonite, but I really can't do that. So I'll see everyone the 3rd in
Camden!!!
-pat donnelly
P.S. I WANT IT'S ICE IN CAMDEN, BABY!!!
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 09:52:05 -0400
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 6.28.2000 PNC REVIEW
Just got into work 8 am and since the show is still fresh in my mind,
thought I'd give my .02 cents on the show last night. First of all, I just
wanted to say that if you live in NJ, do not buy another goddamn Asbury
Park Press newspaper again. They promoted too much hype over nothing and
made us heads look like deadbeats. The lot scene was real chill and
mellow, I didn't see any incidents whatsoever. This is Phish people, not
Marilyn Manson.... Another side note, this was my 32nd show and I had very
high expectations since all I could hit this tour was last nite and tonite.
Of course tonite better be the bomb. Onto the review:
Chalkdust - Man this song follows me around as an opener quite frequently,
got me going though, Trey was raging. Reminded me of Cleveland opener (ala
Fall '98). Was hoping for a My Friend opener (maybe tonite).
Sloth - Ok, guess we're not gonna get a full gamehenge (part of my
expectations), but nice placement and kept the flow going after a
blistering Chalkdust. Fishman was laying down the grooves and was ON all
night. Definitely a nice early treat
Taste - I'm not a big taste fan but everyone was included in the mix real
nice. Page came through clearer than ever. This went on for awhile and
goes nicely right into...
Bathtub Gin - Here we go, definite highlight of this set. All I can say
is get the tapes, did anyone hear a little Franklin's Tower tease in
this???
Piper - Very interesting, I'd also say a very rare first set piper. Had
lots of energy, piper, piper the red, red worm.........
If I Could - YES!!! A first timer on this one for me...very melodic and
once again the sound was crystal clear.
That's IT?????!!! A freaking 55 minute set, what the hell's going on
here?? I definitely did not expect them to close the set with If I Could.
Overall, we were very shocked it was cut short and nothing out of the
ordinary. I thought for sure they were saving their guns for the 2nd set
and they did but they didn't bring out ALL their guns....
DWD - Trey teasing us for a minute or two then all hell goes loose.
Opening chords to DWD comes emerging from Mike's bass and we were all on
our way. A very good DWD which explored some nice terrority and tremendous
grooves. I didn't want it to stop and before we knew it, the opening
chords to....
Hood! - Yeah baby...Hood is hood....Almost up there with the Went Hood but
didn't top it. All in all this song follows me everywhere. Very Tight and
awesome intro...
Gotta Jibboo - Alright this set is turning out very nice and this Jibboo
rocked through the roof. AWESOME if you're a jibboo fan.
Circus - Whew, we all needed a breather and nothing better than Circus,
which brought back memories from the encore Circus at the Great Went. Trey
always pours his heart out for this song.
Mike's - We all knew this was coming, seems like they love playing this
song at this venue, Lots of start/stop jamming, instead of Simple I'd
say....
Albuquerque - Was hoping for a Hydrogen but they can't repeat that from
last year...This was very nice to hear, been awhile hasn't it?
Weekapaug - Nothing too spectactular out of this one, it's your average
full blown weekapaug to close out the set.
Encore: 1st Tube - Yeah baby, was this the first time for an encore??
Definitely rocked, Trey was jumping and all smiles, he even ran out before
everyone came out to start it off...
Loving Cup - OH yeah, this was probably hands down the best version I've
heard. Put smiles on everyone's faces.
At this point, I was like where the hell are the rarities and covers?
Since it was #32 for me and they played every song I'm so used to hearing
everyday, I was kinda dissapointed. Where's the CAMEL WALK? SNEAKING
SALLY? LLAMA? FREE?? REBA??? CITIES?? GUMBO??? MEAT?? FLUFFHEAD?? A
%SKY would do too. Or would the lord grant me a GLIDE?? OVerall I
thought it was your basic average ordinary show and nothing new to me
except for If I Could. Tonite will definitely blow last nite's out of the
water and hopefully we'll get some of those tunes I listed.
All in all they sounded very very tight and close knit. Everyone came in
real clear through the mix, wasn't like last year with Mike standing out in
front of everyone. They finally got Page in louder and Fish, oh baby
Fishman was soooooo on, he's the man leading the grooves.
By the way, for those who saw Conan, what's up with him wearing an
Abercrombie & Fitch shirt???? He ain't selling out on us is he???
SEE YOU ALL TONITE!!!!
Steve
[email protected]
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 10:17:30 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 6/28 review
Set II: Down with Disease -> Harry Hood* -> Gotta Jibboo, When the Circus
Comes, Mike's Song**, Albuquerque > Weekapaug Groove
Encore: First Tube, Loving Cup
Set I: opened a littleshaky, but people found ways to groove. sloth was a
nice bit to hear, and performed quite nicely i might add. Bathtub Gin. The
highlight of the set, it had all the element. That's it. short set.
Intermission: longer than the first set-literally.
Set II: it seem like the band is overcompensating for a weak first set
(aside from the amazing Bathtub bit) by stretching out the songs longer than
they can come up with anything solid. Harry Hood-amazing. PNC brings a nice
crowd, everyone there for a fun time, this tune brought out the best in
everyone, lots of cheers and laughter. I'm not sure i'm a huge fan of
Albequeque between the intense Mike's and Weekapaug, but the band pulled some
freezing antics which added flare.
Encore: First Tube was fairly comparable to what's on the new disc, but
LOVING CUP!!!!!!!!! much fun when this sound came through the speakers.
in general, the second act toppled the first act, but the long intermission
didn't sit too well. I brought three friends for their first show and the
general impression wasn't the greatest-especially with PNC cracking out the
lot parties. Oh well, much luck tonight.
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 11:11:54 -0400
From: John Tringle [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 6/28/00
6/28/00 PNC
Last night was high-packed energy. The band was tight and happy. If anyone
believes that these guys are not on the same page and happy with each other,
this night proved you wrong. The Chalkdust seemed to almost be a statement of
this. But the Gin->Piper was incredible. This set packed in so much that it
just didn't seem like 55 minutes, and when I found out it was I just didn't
care. IF just brought some sanity back to this show.
DWD and Hood provided the same frenzy that picked up right where the
Gin->Piper left off. They were very good, very tight versions. At this point
my son was ready to crash and then he heard Jiboo and we were right back in
it. Since that wiped him out we had to leave and of course missed what
appeared to be a fabulous encore. How about the cool weather last night!
I would sit in 110 degree heat in a full suit of armor if you would just give
me an ESTHER. But remember, this band needs to evolve and do their own thing.
Whatever they play is simply their vehicle for magic. The new album is
outstanding. I listen to Dead tapes when they started playing the
Workingman's stuff and people yell out "St. Steven" and such. I'm sure in the
80's we would have loved to hear Alligator->Cosmic Charlie->St. Steven->The
Eleven but the band changes and evolves. Sure I want a Reba, Stash, Suzy,
Sky, etc. but I guess they're becoming classics, if not even rarities. It's
ok. It's all good. And then when you do get that gem it's even that much
better.
Looking forward to tonight. Easy on the drinking, besides....$7?!?!? That's
1/3 of another show people and it just puts you in the bathroom (not the
nearest tree you can find but the BATHROOM.)
I guess my best predictions for tonight would be Ghost and YEM.
much peace
jt
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 10:25:05 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Phish - Wednesday, June 28, 2000 PNC review
Phish - Wednesday, June 28, 2000
PNC Bank Arts Center
Holmdel, NJ
Just the highlights.
We received a good, higly energetic show tonight, not everything was a
classic, but the high energetic mood made it a very fun evening.
Scene was fine, didn't seem as 'bad' as last year, crowd more in control,
just milling around.
Inside the place was filled with energy! The Star Spangled Banner that gets
played over the PA prior to the show always gets the crowd going.
The band also came on bursting with energy especially Trey. CDT is full of
fire, with Trey hitting the wah-wah pedal instead of the single high note to
start the jam. Trey on the pedal a lot tonight. Good jam, went in many
different directions, all out force. Trey was experimenting a lot tonight, and
never settled on one thing, which led to some fantastic improvs and also some
moments of confusion. CDT was a highlight!
Taste was also nice. Page had a nice piano solo in the beginning of the jam
segment, and the improv consisted of Trey picking away at the guitar, similar
to the 11/27/98 "R2D2" jam in Weekapaug, but a lot lower in tone. He just
picked off one note or chord at a time, pointing his guitar at the audience
and picking away, with the band maintaining the Taste rhythm behind him. I
think some people will not like this, and may think it was boring, but I
thought it was fantastic, he just kept plugging away, nice jam.
Bathtub Gin was good but here was a place where they just didn't settle into
any one (or two) type of groove, and sort of meandered (too strong of a word)
through the jam sequence, until the very end where they finally hit on a fast
upbeat Gin tempo to bring the song home. Bathtub Gin also began with a very
HEAVY piano cascade from Page more so than I have seen in the past. Then Trey
allowed the band to establish a groove while he piped around on the guitar,
the band wasn't too eager to establish anything good enough to roll along with
or play around, so then Trey joins in on it and all four kept searching until
they begin to build up into a nice big finish. Well done, and not as bad as I
am portraying it, 2nd highlight of set 1, Taste was the first, for me.
Piper had no build up intro jam, they must've started the singing at about
45 seconds into it, nothing major in the jam, then they came back to the
lyrics, sang it a couple more times, and really mellowed it down to a close.
From which emerged (but not really a segue) If I Could, a rusty version but
well received, I liked it!
Short first set (even the usher lady said "that was quick, I thought they said
the break would be a 9:15"...it was 9:00) but overall a nice one! And a quick
40-45 min set break.
Dw/D contained the spookiest, screechiest longest distortion, with evil red
lights intro I have ever seen. Then Trey loops a guitar segment and solos
around it for the jam.
Harry Hood had glowsticks flying around in the beginning of the jam. Trey is
trying to catch them as they fly onto the stage (similar to when he lets the
band groove while he pops balloons on NYEve), he catches two and throws them
back into the crowd. The jam is another example of them trying to establish
some type of groove or theme, but they just couldn't come up with anything
substantial, not even the nice Trey 1997 melody which he seems to have
recently stopped playing for this solo. Page has a nice solo on the organ
directly behind him, but most of the jam is Trey just picking away.
Jibbo was standard, or should I use cookie cutter in homage to Dave P
(Dave's the man!)! This song has not much going for it at the moment.
Circus and Albuquerque were very well done, both had nice vocals, and the
solo in Circus was the best I have seen him play, lots of 'ooomph' in it!
I'm sure Mr. Swain :) liked this version of Albuquerque (but would've probably
wanted more from the Tonight's the Night album).
Mike's was good, Mike himself sounded good! And the jam was very rough and
pounding with the band (and then Trey soloing) something very similar to
Doobie's "Takin' It to the Streets" at the very beginning, but quickly
abandoning it for a "Bip Bap Bap Bip Bap" jam which as the Taste jam just kept
going over and over. It was well done, but over and over, until wham, a stop
on a dime! Silent Jam, no movement (except for Mike a little) and then
continued the repetitive sequence again, then finally stops.
After Albuquerque Trey begins to play what sounded like an Antelope jam
tease for the first few seconds, but that quickly becomes Weekapaug Groove.
Now talk about a cookie cutter version of a song, I think they were casting
the cookie cutter mold with this version. Nothing to it, very standard.
Long break between the set and encore, maybe they were trying to get Tom
Marshall up since from where I was I could see he was watching the show from
the stage right entrance, with many others. I was on the extreme right hand
side of the arena, Trey side in the 100's. After the long break Fish and Trey
come running back onto the stage and are followed by the rest of the band.
Good high energy, windmilling, version of First Tube with some different low
note playing, otherwise I would be able label the version as standard.
Lovin' Cup was good, nothing as compared to last year's or even Radio City.
But in the middle of the song during the jam, Trey is concentrating on playing
the guitar and a stage jumper I think carrying a beach ball, approaches him
and just stands there to the side of him looking at him. Trey looks up from
his guitar and is really startled, the guy asks to shake Trey's hand, Trey
gives him a Roman handshake and FINALLY the security grab the guy off stage.
The guy snuck up on the right side of the stage, the jock head new security
kid who was sitting there all night, not doing a thing, not even knowing where
people's seats are should be fired!!!!! I saw him all night, it was his job to
guard that side of the stage by the stacks just for this reason and he blew
it!!!!!!!! The song lost all momentum from that moment on! I think Trey
really got freaked out, since he looked up from his guitar and there was this
guy just standing there.
That's it, sorry for the late night typos and poor grammer:
1st star:
tied Taste and Mike's Song
2nd star:
tied Bathtub Gin and CDT
Peace,
Kaz
[email protected]
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 12:53:11 -0400
From: Jason Miller [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Holmdel 6/28/00
Oh, what a night! I had high expectations for this show since it was my
first since NYE, and my 44th overall. Needless to say, I was not let
down. The lot seen was very chill, but how could it not be, with what
seemed like the entire NJ State Police patrolling the parking lots. We
got to the lot early because my friend went to NC and saw a lot of
ticketless kids hogging up all the spaces, and to our dismay we were
parked on the remote lots right next to the police barracks! But Phish
made up for it with a very rocked out, Trey-led night of solid grooving!
Chalkdust: Nice opener with Trey laying down some nice licks from the
get-go
Sloth: Always a treat to be taken to Gamehenge so early in the show
Taste: Usually not one of my favorite songs to hear, but this version
showed that Phish is sounding very tight this tour, and it was a sweet
version indeed
Bathtub Gin: Definitely the highlight of the set! Pure, raw adreneline
in this song, one of the best versions I've heard live. Get the tapes of
this show just for this tune and you'll be happy!
Piper: Pretty standard version here, but always a pleasure
If I Could: Never thought I'd hear this one live, but I'm glad I did, it
sounded very nice. However, they could have thrown in something more
upbeat to close the set. Oh well, can't win em all
Setbreak: While I went off to answer Nature's call, or should I say
scream, my buddy got into a little pool for the second set opener. I had
not seen this before, but it's kind of cool, since we normally just
guess, and the only prize is to gloat for a couple of days( I predicted
the openers to both Hampton shows in 98, not to brag or anything!) Most
of the obvious choices had been made by the time my buddy got to choose,
but DWD was a good longshot.
Down With Disease: Well, allit took was tose opening bass lines from
Mike, and Billy proceeded to collect his purse-$26 not bad to get paid
to hear a great song like this, and tonite was no exception
Harry Hood: It just doesn't get any better than this! The boys always
seem to take this song beyond the boundaries of it's structured jams and
into the dizzying heights of Phishtacy
Gotta Jiboo: One of my favorites from last year's crop of songs, it just
gets better every time they play it
Circus: Thanx for the breather, they always seem to play this song right
when we need it- after some solid jams and right before...
Mike's Song: We knew it was going to come eventually, and I'm glad it
was tonight! Very solid version, nothing out of the ordinary, just sick
jamming, and a little of their stop and go jamming
Albuquerque: A nice breather, but I was hoping Trey was going to stop
for some cheesecake with his country ham
Weekapaug: Always a great show closer, this one did not let me down,
with the band taking some chances and just letting it all out
First Tube: Another one of my fav's from last year, this tune is ON!
Very nice way to end the show...
Loving Cup: Gotta be one of my favorite covers, they always know when I
really want to hear it the most! What other band today can play a 30 yr
old cover song and still make it sound so fresh as if it were their own
new release?
All in all, this was a great show, and it tells me that the rest of the
tour is gonna be just like the weather-HOT!
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 10:36:30 PDT
From: Mike Lancaster [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 6-28-00 Review
LOTS - Very chill. Cops weren't that bad. It's all hype, and keeps giving
the east coast a bad name.
Set I: A buddy and I had great seats about 13 rows from the stage, off to
the left side.
Chalkdust - Raged. Machine Gun Trey re-appears from 95.
Sloth - They played this the first nite last year too. Standard.
Taste - Was OK, Page had a nice solo.
Gin - OK, this is were it gets interesting. This Gin could give ANY Gin a
run for it's money. Page strong on the keys to start. A few minutes in it
was still a pretty normal Gin. Until, Fishman (who had a great nite) kicked
in this funky disco beat that really took the Gin into a different level.
Get the cd's if only for this!!!!
Piper - This one was like a sonic wall of noise. But it was good noise.
Trey was just wailing away, jumping up and down..TONS of energy
If I Could - Very nice to hear.. Never heard it live. and to my surprise and
to many others, the set ended...
DWD - I was kind of disappointed to hear this. I hear it at every show. It
was solid though.
Hood - This was a decent Hood. But was really fun when Trey starting
catching glowsticks and throwing them back out in the crowd...it was a fun
time.
Jibboo - I could listen to that bass line for hours.
Circus - I love this song. Perfect placement.
Mike's - This Mike's was good, but it was so close to just blowing through
the roof, but really never got there. Really funky, with start stops...loved
it.
Albuquerque - I love Neil Young, and I love this song. Perfect placement
again. Glad to hear they changed up the Mike's Groove a little for us
tonite.
Week - Solid Week...Trey was wailing away again.
E: First Tube - This version was AWESOME! Trey was about to jump out of his
skin. Again, TONS of energy.
Loving Cup - Great way to close a show, no matter how many times I've heard
it. Trey was rocking away again...he must have been happy to be back in
Jersey. Great show!
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 14:31:54 -0400
From: Philip Dombrowski [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: PNC 1st night review
HELLo EVRYbody!
My first show since cypress and i was very worried about being let down but
the boys definitely did not disappoint.
First set started off solidly and quickly with a rockin chalkdust that they
all seemed to be havin a lotta fun with.This lasted for the standard time and
then came the choppy chord start to SLOTH!!Hell yeah!!I was definitely
pysched at this point with them busting out such a great,rare tune so early
in the show.They did slow down after either with a gorgeous taste that grew
and grew with no flubs at all.Everyone was really on last night.then came my
highlight of the entire show....THE GIN! Started off slow and funky in the
intro but once they hit the jam part this one just took off.Trey was still
playin the licks of the bathtub riff but mike just started layin down a thick
upbeat funky bassline that got em goin real fast.The jam is something that
every phan has to hear.The only way i can describe it is that it was to like
an upbeat version of the jam out of the epic jam out of cities from creek
97' but with many more twists and turns along the way. well this ended and
piper started....are you kiddin me?great version nothing too drawn out but
again very tight.If i could was nice treat to close and from the short but
extremely solid first set i was wonderin what would come from the 2nd.
BOOM!crazy intro right smack into the spotlight on mr gordon for the start of
what would again be a classic Phish2000 version of disease.not as drawn out
as some have been recently but very great middle jam that smoothly went right
back into the opening licks.2nd song.....HOOD!!YEAHHHHH.Intro was the best i
have ever seen on this one and what i liked was all the glowstix came out
during the intro and not a one was seen during what could be my favorite
phish jam....the minor jam ahhhhhhhhhhh.this was great and jiboo took the
stage next.great version which was followed by a mellow but well placed
circus(they had to take break after the three monsters to open!).then a great
Mike's that we were all waitin for.This one was only about nine minutes but
get the tapes for this as well as the amazing gin.extremely tight jam section
with communication at a great high.Start/stops all over the place and no
segue to albuquerque and then weekapaug with definitely an antelope tease at
the beginning. The encore was crazy as well with the first first tube encore
and great lovin cup to send everyone home smilin ear to ear!I cant wait till
tomorrow many classics to come.Please send Sally with me through the
alley!!!!! peace and smiles to everyone.see ya on tour. -Nate
Anderson(naterama)
Also,if you have any comments on this review please dont hesitate to email me
at [email protected]
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 13:03:07 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 6-28-00 PNC review
Just a couple quick comments about last nights show.
In general, it was a great show. Unfortunately, I still have Nashville on my
brain. That show was unreal. Lord knows they can do it again, though. Maybe
tonight? Anyway, I was a little disappointed to have heard so many repeats
already. As much as I disliked that first night in Atlanta, I was glad that
they had gotten so many of those songs out of the way. I never expected to be
hearing half of them again already.
Chalkdust was great but I liked the set closer in Atlanta better.
Gin was top-notch... but where's my Tube?
DWD? Jiboo? Hood? Not that I'm complaining about these songs (at all)... but
with so many to choose from, why do repeats?
And then came Mike's. This made the whole damn show for me. They totally
funked out the jam section. Trey changed up that whole power chord sequence.
It was hot. The start-stop jamming always gets me even more amped up.
Albuquerque.... one of my favorite songs. I couldn't have been happier at
this point. Page didn't quite match up to his Big Cypress performance on his
little solo but it was absolutely beautiful, none the less. Weekapaug was
hard-core.... a great way to end a show.
I'm holding my breath for a Ghost or Reba tonight. I'll see you there.
Dave Nazarian
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 08:39:35 -0400
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 7.28.2000 PNC Review
Just got into work 8 am and since the show is still fresh in my mind,
thought I'd give my .02 cents on the show last night. First of all, I just
wanted to say that if you live in NJ, do not buy another goddamn Asbury
Park Press newspaper again. They promoted too much hype over nothing and
made us heads look like deadbeats. The lot scene was real chill and
mellow, I didn't see any incidents whatsoever. This is Phish people, not
Marilyn Manson.... Another side note, this was my 32nd show and I had very
high expectations since all I could hit this tour was last nite and tonite.
Of course tonite better be the bomb. Onto the review:
Chalkdust - Man this song follows me around as an opener quite frequently,
got me going though, Trey was raging. Reminded me of Cleveland opener (ala
Fall '98). Was hoping for a My Friend opener (maybe tonite).
Sloth - Ok, guess we're not gonna get a full gamehenge (part of my
expectations), but nice placement and kept the flow going after a
blistering Chalkdust. Fishman was laying down the grooves and was ON all
night.
Taste - I'm not a big taste fan but everyone was included in the mix real
nice. Page came through clearer than ever.
Bathtub Gin - Here we go, definite highlight of this set. All I can say
is get the tapes, did anyone hear a little Franklin's Tower tease in
this???
Piper - Very interesting, I'd also say a very rare first set piper. Had
lots of energy, piper, piper the red, red worm.........
If I Could - YES!!! A first timer on this one for me...very melodic and
once again the sound was crystal clear.
That's IT?????!!! A freaking 55 minute set, what the hell's going on
here?? I definitely did not expect them to close the set with If I Could.
Overall, we were very shocked it was cut short and nothing out of the
ordinary. I thought for sure they were saving their guns for the 2nd set
and they did but they didn't bring out ALL their guns....
DWD - Trey teasing us for a minute or two then all hell goes loose.
Opening chords to DWD comes emerging from Mike's bass and we were all on
our way. A very good DWD which explored some nice terrority and tremendous
grooves. I didn't want it to stop and before we knew it, the opening
chords to....
Hood! - Yeah baby...Hood is hood....
Gotta Jibboo - Alright this set is turning out very nice and this Jibboo
rocked through the roof.
Circus - Whew, we all needed a breather and nothing better than Circus,
which brought back memories from the encore Circus at the Great Went. Trey
always pours his heart out for this song.
Mike's - We all knew this was coming, seems like they love playing this
song at this venue, I'd say....
Albuquerque - Was hoping for a Hydrogen but they can't repeat that from
last year...This was very nice to hear, been awhile hasn't it?
Weekapaug - Nothing too spectactular out of this one, it's your average
full blown weekapaug to close out the set.
At this point, I was like where the hell are the rarities and covers?
Since it was #32 for me and they played every song I'm so used to hearing
everyday, I was kinda dissapointed. Where's the CAMEL WALK? SNEAKING
SALLY? LLAMA? FREE?? REBA??? CITIES?? GUMBO??? MEAT?? FLUFFHEAD?? A
%SKY would do too. Or would the lord grant me a GLIDE?? OVerall I
thought it was your basic average ordinary show and nothing new to me
except for If I Could. Tonite will definitely blow last nite's out of the
water and hopefully we'll get some of those tunes I listed.
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 17:19:48 -0400
From: Scott Hunter [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Sabotease
Am I the only person at Homiedel to hear a Sabotage tease both
before and after the pause between Mike's and Albuequerque? I
thought the pause was all about helping Mike remember the rap.
Scotto
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 09:22:39 -0400
From: cp [email protected]
To: [email protected]
My first show since NYE2K, and, I must say, what a show to start things up
again. PNC has to be one of the finest sheds (at least on the East Coast).
Was hoping for a few gems, and was certainly not disappointed.
First set had a rockin' Chalkdust opener, sublime Taste, fast and furious
Piper (wasting little time in bringing it to a fevered pace), and my first If
I Could. But it truly was all about the Gin. Now, I must say that I have
always been a little apprehensive about a live Gin myself. I don't know,
something about the tempo, or beat, or something, that has made me almost
hope that I would not find Gin a centerpiece for a set. Well, I will gladly
eat those thoughts and words, because last night brought out the believer in
me (as the boys have always done!) That Gin just took off........ and of it
went, for fifteen minutes or so, into some of the most incredible realms of
jamdom I have been fortunate enough to witness firsthand. Thank you, Phish.
Bummer that the set was so short, but you could feel that they knew as well,
and that they would make up for it in the second.
And that they did.
DWD? Hood?? Jibboo??? What a one, two, three punch to start. Disease had
become on of my favorites again after Big Cypress, and this one will continue
to reinforce my affinity with it. All three tunes had monster, monster
jams... to have them open up a single set was more than I could hope for.
I knew I would hear a Mike's one of these two PNC nights, but was suprised
to hear the opening notes after the power-packed opening trio. But there it
was, Mike's...... and what a slice of thick Mud Funk it was. Beautiful quick
stop / silent jam / restart, too. Albuquerque was certainly an odd placement,
but a Neil Young tune is always welcome. Thought I heard an Antelope brewing
after, but alas it was Weekapaug. Certainly no need to cry, though... Great
way to end the set.
First Tube was phenomenal...... Loving Cup a great capper to a welcome
return to the NYC metro area.
(So, I wonder what Trey was being filmed for - he surely was hamming it up
for the camera all night)
So glad to be able to be back for another go-round today.
chris .
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 08:34:07 -0400
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Alltogether an excellent show...not the best I've ever seen in my 25 plus
shows, but nonetheless a very nice treat.
Some highlights..since breaking down the whole show would take for ever.
First set...the Taste - Bathtub was just insane. Nice flow from one to the
other...very, very tight. This may have been one of the better Tastes I
've ever seen!!! And that goes along way...in 10 plus Tastes I've caught.
Always a treat, but tonite it was a little more special - the way it fit in
with Bathtub was just perfect. And....Bathtub...of course. By far my most
enjoyable Phish song. This one was right on...not quite as good as Radio
City, but still excellent...again very tight...all around an excellent
version.
Second set...I'm kinda torn as to my highlight....at firrst I would've said
Hood to be the absolute show stopper, but as i glance back at the setlist -
it's difficult to overlook Weekapoug!!! Wow - very tight second set. I
will have to go back to my initial thought - as Hood as the highlight.
Amazing is the only word for the intro to Hood. By far most intriguing and
profound opening. It's difficult to top the Hood form The Went, but this
one was right on. To top it, it followed a perfet DWD, which was a sweet
back-to-back punch.
All-in-all - great show...first set was a bit short, but they made up for
it in the second set an encore...oh yeah the encore...!!!! Excellent!!!
First Tube - was right on - and you can ask for much more with a Loving Cup
closer!!! Left us wanting more - which they usually do very well...
See you in Hartford
Peace
Todd
North Jersey
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 12:29:46 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 6/28 review
I never reviewed before but I figured after this show I had to. I've only
been seeing shows since last year, but I've got over 150 shows on cd so I
guess I've got an idea bout what's good and what's not. Anyways, we grabbed
a chill spot on the lawn, kind of in the middle and sat back to watch
Chalkdust: I caught this at two shows last year and when I heard it I didnt
exactly flip out. However, I was during the jam. Trey is playing incredible
I think, better than all of last year or the year before. This was jammed
the way an openening chalkdust should be played
Sloth: One of those once-a-tour-songs you never expect to hear, at least I
didn't. Very happy with this
Taste: Thought it was free at first, but I was happier to hear it was taste.
Page went pretty crazy, then Trey played a blistering solo. I could not get
over how well he they were all playing. This taste could've been one of the
best non-segueing tastes I ever heard, and was hoping they would play a phat
something after this to keep it going
GIN: As everybody else said, clearly the highlight of the set. This I felt
left the typical Gin jam, but I prolly wouldnt know because I was never the
biggest Gin fan, until now. This jam had a phat groove to it, then just
exploded, I couldn't believe it. They just kept building and peaking and
building and peaking. GOD it was insane.
Piper: One of my favorite songs but I didnt enjoy this one as much. I
thought the intro was pretty tight and the jam was powerful. However I
thought it was hard to hear Page and I felt Trey at least during the second
jam could've stepped out from behind his electronics, but I think it was the
most I ever enjoyed a solo with that type of effect on it. Phat ending,
thought it was going to segues into something but then
If I Could: This was decent, about as good as it can be. Nice guitar work in
it, but I was so dissapointed it ended the set. However not too dissapointed
because that was an incredible set for its amount of time
During setbreak my friend got back his row 12 tic, I went down got us a stub
and we went down. MAD PROPS to the girl that hooked us up with the stub n
the herb, you are the shit more people should be like you. Anyways, looking
back on the first set, the Gin was obviously the highlight, but I felt the
taste was overlooked. Incredible power on it. Anyways I was figuring for a
Mike's to open but
Disease: We all kind of knew it was disease once the started doing the
electronic thing. However we waited to go crazy until the spotlight shined
on Mike. Anyways, god I love those seats. It's such a different experience
being close like that. This disease I felt was very, very good. They went
into a really funky groove after they peaked a little with the typical
disease jam. This groove was tight as hell and I was figuring on a segues
when BAM they went straight back into the rock jam. What a set opener,
really set the stage for this incredible set. During the end, I saw Trey
mouth Harry Hood to fishman and saw him sit up so that he'd be ready to hit
those hi toms. So i was screaming Hood! at the top of my lungs, everyone
thought I was crazy then they got a big fuck you when they went into
Hood: haha told y'all. Ah well everyone around us was cool so it was all
good and then we got a pretty phat hood. LOL Trey needs to work on catching,
haha. That was funny, he was just all over the place tonight. I don't think
he stopped smiling the whole night except when he was REALLY concentrating on
what was going on around him. This Hood was good, maybe not enough build
though, but I was still enjoying my ass off. I felt good
Jibboo: Yea, this song is tight. I was defintely surprised to hear it
though because they just played it but oh well never argue with em. Nice
jam, I felt it was almost cut short but oh well.
Circus: Christ I knew this was coming. I've heard at almost every show I've
been to. Ah well I'm not saying that it's bad. You gotta love the part
right at the beginning of the guitar solo.
Mike's: Jesus I was flipping, I figured they were saving this for the next
night. Really funked out. Fish was playing really well the whole show and I
thought this Mike's really showed off his ability to groove. Cool digital
delay stuff from Trey, Page went over to the clav a little which I was very
happy with. Then, BAM they all froze (except for Mike, lol). The crowd went
crazy, then BAM back into it christ they have the best sense of timing. BAM
froze again. Jesus, I almost expected some Kung action a la some other
Mike's where they did this and Kung appeared, I forget the date though, but
they started up
Albuquerque: Both me and my friend thought it was Wish you were here. But
then they started singing. Anyways, I always liked this song ever since I
heard it from sessions so i was happy with it, probably moreso than anyone
else. Afterward Trey seemed to chord out Antelope but
Weekapaug: Either one it doesn't matter. It would've been crazy if they did
play Antelope just because the paug woulda been there afterwards but no one
was complaining. Trey started the chords, then dropped out as it went in
full force. Mike was on fire. He was really slapping this solo out well,
almost thought he was doing the double slap a la Wooten but I dont think
anyone's really capable of doing that well except for Victor. Anyways, this
paug was great. Peaked maybe 5 times, that was how they jammed, build peak,
build peak, it was incredible. The ending was phat too with trey holding his
guitar and everything. WHAT A PHAT ASS SET
First Tube: Dissapointed at first, but not as they got into it. Enjoyed
this more probably because I was there. Trey didn't stand still the whole
time, I think the rest of the band was having fun just watching him.
Loving Cup: Aight page I see you, he put all of it into his verse I felt.
Solid Cup
Ok, what was phat: Taste, GIN, Mike's and the paug, Disease, Hood, Piper,
Jiboo, Chalkdust, 1st Tube
Every other song just contributed to the mood. THe only dissapointment of
the whole night was the If I could set closer. They've played Gin, Mike's
Groove, Disease, Hood, and Taste in one show only one other time according to
phish stats. Jesus, this tour will go down as a great one. Personally, I
feel like Trey hasn't played as well as he did last night since the 94-95 era
which was arguably his personal peak performance years. Last night he played
up to par with that era. I defnitely felt this was his show. Also, did
anyone notice Fishman playing incredible as well. Both of these two were so
much more active than in any show they played last year. Turn Fish up,
especially when he plays the way he did last night. Jesus, I'm still in
shock of how well they played last night, the way they communicate without
even talking to eachother is incredible. The pinnacle of rock band
improvisation.
DISCLAIMER: All references and comments on last year do not include BC. I
felt last year was sub-par phish personally, being that some shows were
pretty good and other shows weren't as good at all. The main difference is
the playing of Fish and Trey. Last year I think it was noticable how much
Trey hid behind his electronics. Fish would just lay on his ride and not
really do anything too amazing. I know they are exceptions but I think 99 by
all is considered a weaker year. However it was so important. Trey has
learned the balance to use with his effects, doing some incredible things
with his guitar last night. Fish also grooves incredible but then tears it
up as well now too. 2000 is obiviously going to be a great year. ANyways,
sorry for the length but I'm bored and waiting for tonight when i can see it
all over again
Tim
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 03:09:05 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: holmdel 2000; night 1
after seeing the band at Lakewood, I wasn't sure what to expect here
in Holmdel. I thought the shows in Atlanta were fairly strong, but nothing
that would qualify as mind-melting per se. Tonight in Holmdel certainly had
plenty of mind-melting moments, from the now very rare Sloth to the
incredible show-closing Loving Cup. The band certainly appeared to much more
"on a mission" as they say than in Atlanta. Simply put, this was the hottest
Phish show I personally have seen since Philly '96, but then again, I've only
seen a handful since then. Even so, this show rocked and it rocked hard.
Bathtub Gin in the first set was long and well-played. The "If I Could" that
ended the first set was certainly unexpected. They definitely don't play
this song as often as they used to. This show was really about the second
set, however, as the first set was rather short. Amazing DWD to begin and
then SURPRISE!!!, 2nd song HOOD!!!! killer Hood with glowsticks a blazing,
though not that many compared with other shows I've been at. Gotta Giboo was
fine if you're into the Giboo. Personally, a few times is more than enough
for me. Into nice Circus and then the real fireworks begin with incredible
Mike's into long jam with time-stop bandmates frozen on stage, Fishman with
his head turned to the side, Page with his hands just above the keyboard.
AWESOME!!!! back into the jam, and then bandmates frozen again back into jam
immediately into Albuquerque. I had never seen this great Neil Young song
and never thought I would. it was definitely sweet. into powerful
Weekapaug. right here this show was damn good. the encore, though, put it
over the top and into my top ten all-time. Unbelievable First Tube with Trey
dancing and smiling and going off. they could have ended right here and i
don't think many people would have gone home dissapointed. Trey would have
none of it as he whipped the band straight into without a doubt the best
version of Loving Cup Phish has ever done. Simply put. It doesn't get any
better than this. PNC was on fire and so was Phish. A hot band blowing
through a classic cover in awe-inspiring fashion. incredible!!!!!!!! a
mind-blowing moment from a band that can produce them at will when they want
to. At PNC tonight they wanted to.
from thomas late wednesday night/ thursday morning
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 02:18:03 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 2-28-00
Hey.... was Trey having fun tonight or what? I thought last years shows at
PNC were two of the best shows I have seen at the same venue back to back in
a long while.... Well, if tomorrow is anything like tonight then we are in
for a real treat. I came in late, but heard Chalkdust as I was walking up
the stairs... Can't tell you how it was because I spent the entire song on
line for the potty. Then just as I am coming up from the bathroom I hear the
opening to Sloth... yeah baby!! Quality song... In my mind nothing to write
home about....except for the fact that it isn't a regular...What came next
was definitely the highlight of the show for me...
Taste....Gin....Pipper....>If I could.... I can't say enough about those 4
songs...especially the Taste...Gin.... Both the best version of either song I
have heard live. You know the second set wasn't too bad either... DWD...Hood.
..Gotta Jiboo...Circus....Mikes.....Albequreque....Weekapog///////
First Tubb....Luvin' Cup....
Weekapog....First Tubb....Luvin' Cup was definitely the highlight of the
second set and the encore.... can't wait for tomorrow night
See ya there
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 11:21:17 -0400
From: Glenn Kistler [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 6.28.2000 PNC
DAMN! This was my second phish show, and the first one i saw was the first
night last year at Philadelphia(12-10-99) Dogs Stole Things,Bouncin (Very
weak) This was a vast improvement and was more than enough to make up for
that show. Trey was bouncin around a lot last night and having a lot of
fun. The first set opened up with a rockin Chalkdust, and mellowed out
with a smooth If I Could. The second set was a very good energetic
complement to the first set and had the crowd groovin' and dancin'.
Now to the songs
Chalkdust - IT was rockin. When Trey hit the first chords, I felt a huge
amount of energy rush through me. Wasn't a very long jam, but it was still
great.
Sloth - I'm not a big sloth fan, but this song was still good, every once
in a while, i'd see a few hands all go up at the same time after Trey says,
"They call me the sloth!"
It's all good.
Taste - I'm a huge taste fan. When Trey started playing the guitar riff to
this, i was jumpin up and down and freakin out. Page was on for that song.
It was one of the few songs in the show were Page was able to show off his
abilities and play and major role. Very nice, mellow jam that had me
groovin all the time.
Bathtub Gin - Highlight of the first set. Page had it all going with his
crazy piano shit in the beginning. The jam was really cool. Trey and Mike
were playin a really cool riff, and Fish was playin around it with some
really weird bluegrass beat. Fish Rules!
Piper - My legs hurt after this song. This song got so fast at the end i
was sweating from groovin so hard. Definitely an awesome song.
If I could - I was definitely surprised by this song. It was kinda cool
comin out of piper, but i really wasn't in the mood for it. Trey was doing
a real fast thing over and over again. It was pretty cool, but it kinda
got a little old. Still good though.
Intermission already!? Hot damn, that was quick, it felt like 5 minutes
had just gone by. OH well, during intermission, it would rain on and off.
I didn't bother anybody much though. A pretty short intermission caught
some people by surprise. It was like, 40 minutes. Not bad.
Down With Disease - OH MAN!! I love this song. It's so rockin and pumpin.
It was really fun and a great way to open the second set after the If i
Could. Really neat jam. It kinda got pretty slow, and a little
psychadelic. Then they built up the tempo and hit the last few choruses
and...
Harry Hood - Two of my favorite songs in a row. Hot damn!! This was
awesome. I couldn't stop smiling. What can i say about this song. IT
RULES! Awesome jam. Definitely chris kuroda's best lighting i thought. I
got to throw a glowstick too. I was very happy.
Gotta Jibboo - This caught me by surprise cause they played it at the other
show. IT was still fun though, and it kept me groovin.
When the Circus Comes to Town - What better way to cool down the crowd and
give the groovers a break. What a great song. Trey really gets into it
and sings great.
Mike's Song - This had to have come some time or another.
Albuquerque- This was different. After they stopped the second, i was
hoping they were going to go into Hydrogen or Simple, but this was a good
replacement.
Weekapaugh Groove - It was weird how they went into this, everyone around
me thought it was antelope. I was hoping for that, but then Mike went into
his bass groove. They didn't start it by the traditional snare shot.
instead, they all started off with a real quiet riff that sounded like
weekapaugh and antelope. Then the light went on Mike and we all knew what
it was.
That ended the set, and it was a great way to end the set. I was so happy
i got all these awesome songs. I can't wait to hear what they do tonight.
Encore
First Tube - I believe that this is the highlight of the show. It was
awesome. Trey was creating his own dance, and he got caught up in it and
lost time and messed up the last guitar verse before the jam. It was
pretty funny. This was the most i've ever seen trey hop around all night.
Lovin Cup - I'm not a big stones fan, so i wish they had just ended it with
First Tube, but it was pretty cool.
Overall - Great show, it's gonna be hard to top, but i believe that
tonight, the guys are gonna push it to the max, so to speak.
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 13:15:34 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: what a F$#$#ing great show!!!!!
what is up guys!!!!
none of these reviews have done the show justice so far. what a great show.
The entire tour has been comprised of different set lists, often containing
the good and the great. this show did not stop except long enough for me to
catch my breath during the pause in mikes song.
Going to the show I had noticed they did not play once so far, mikes song, or
weekapaug groove, or simple, And I definatly thought they would bust one of
those out for us at least....
...... and bust out they did. honestly, one of the most incredible Grooves I
have ever heard!!!!
Mike was simply beating the fuck out of his bass, slapping it with reckless
abandon as he propelled the groove to heights I have never experienced!!!
another favorite was the Down with Disease to start the second set which left
me pounding the ground with my feet, literally twirling in mid air before I
would land back in dance mode for the song. The intro was amazing with a long
downward scratch of the guitar strings while the surrounding band members
toiled with their own instruments in a conglomeration of confusion before the
opening the song and ending the anticipation with the first two notes of
Disease.
The Bathtub Gin was simply out of this world. I have never heard such a
version.
It was never so much the songs at the show, but the jams inbetween. Trey was
picking jam rifs as if they were contained in bubbles floating through the
air as effortlessly as his fingertips skimmed over the frets of his guitar.
He was without fault last night and so was the band. He really does affect
the mood of Phish, when he aint so good, neither is the rest of the band.
They often wallow in uncertainty. But, as we witnessed, when Trey is solid,
The rest of the band, Fishman, Page, and Mike play like their language is the
music which they make.
Just an incredible show with some of the best music I have ever heard -------
EVER.
love and peace,
Pan
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2000 02:04:57 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: 6/28- Pretty Crazy
Some quick notes on my 40th show.
Short but sweet first set. Lots of U.S. Summer Tour firsts. Chalkdust and
the rare The Sloth got everyone going. The Taste/ Bathtub Gin combo was the
clear highlight. Taste had a nice chaotic groove going with Page driving the
whole thing. Tonight's Bathtub was definitely the best one I have seen and
one of the coolest jams I have seen Phish do. This raged and had what I
thought to be a Rolling Stones tease by Trey. That song, "You're the
one...that girl". Or something. I agree with a previous post stating that
the Piper was kind of a mess. But many '99 and later Pipers have sounded
like this. If I Could was a bust-out and a nice and different way to end the
set. When was the last If I Could?
The 2nd set rocked. DWD and Hood follow me around everywhere. but I am not
complaining. Jibboo grooved hard. Circus Comes let everyone catch their
breath before an amazing Mike's>Albuquerque>Weekapaug. The Mike's had the
stop/start thing going. Happy not to hear the usual Simple and instead the
beautiful Neil Young song Albuquerque. I too heard Antelope before the
Weekapaug.
First Tube was a great choice as an encore. Has it ever been an encore?
Little bit longer than usual. Loving Cup was my call as lock for the night
and it came out rocking late.
I have never seen Trey as animated and happy as he was tonight. Jumping all
over the place, getting down on one knee during jams. He sprinted out for
the encore and was jumping up and down ready to start First Tube before Page
and Mike were even out there.
Great show. See everyone in Polaris.
Brian
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