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35 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Definitive Entry, December 20, 1999
Back when (a sturdy start to a review) Phish had a smaller original song library, this would be considered a totally representative album, so this was indeed a valuable addition to an admirer's music collection. Although Phish has evolved considerably since this plastic was pressed, some of these songs launched a thousand fans, so to speak, and Phish's contemporary style is still greatly reminiscent of one of these songs or another. You can basically divide this album up in three categories of songs: The first is good rock and roll songs that could have been played by anyone (Fee, Golgi, and FluffX). The second is classic Phish songs which we all know and love (You Enjoy Myself, Foam, Dinner, Divided Sky, David Bowie and Contact). The remainder might best be described as for extensively initiated only. In summary, there might not be much of a cohesive "album" feel to this album, but if you like Phish, or you think you might, this may be the single best introduction. It may also be the worst, but if you are that type, then you might be looking at the wrong band in any case. An interesting side note is that this is one of the few places where you can hear David Bowie, `cause they don't play it so much no more.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five stars because there is no sixth, seventh, or eighth, October 18, 1999
Now, be aware: there are two types of Phish phans. The first type is the type that could listen to "Hoist" all day long and still keep themselves from murdering people. The second type, in whose ranks I proudly file myself, is the type that prefers "Junta" and "Lawn Boy." If you are new to Phish, I hope to God that you first looked at this review, because you might have otherwise purchased "Hoist" first--not a bad effort in the straightforward, dull rock 'n' roll department, but that is not what Phish are all about. This, "Junta," is what Phish are all about. Jazz, rock, soul, reggae, circus music, music that sounds like it's straight out of "Charlie Brown"--In Junta, they show us the band that was, before they knew that you couldn't make money if all of your songs were seven minutes long. Certainly, they still can put it together anytime they want--evidence "Guyute" from their newest release--but they never played so honestly so consistently as they did in "Junta." Three-minute songs by other bands seem to pass more slowly than masterpieces like "You Enjoy Myself" and "The Divided Sky," songs each with nearly no lyrics. This is the only popular music recording I have listened to that has at the same time restored and destroyed my faith in popular music. That has to be a good thing. All music should be this powerful.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This album is a trip, December 28, 1999
I will get my one qualm out of the way before going into the review. I don't understand why the bonus tracks were added. I've heard bootlegs from Phish previously and the bonus tracks on this album don't even compare. The rest of the album is magic. I was on a long road trip recently and I put this newly acquired album on (my first Phish album) and I just was taken back by the quality. I am a huge fan of Dave Matthews Band and the Dead, the album incorporates all of the good aspects of these two bands, and more. Phish has an amazing blend of jazz and progressive rock that I've never heard before. I have more albums on order, and I can only hope that they are this good. The bottom line is that if you like quality jamming, and songs that are easy to listen to, then this is a must-have.
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