Customer Reviews

The Phish Companion: A Guide to the Band and their Music

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

OK, I've listened to Phish since '92, seen almost 50 shows since '95, been a part of the on-line Phish community for six years, and amassed a collection of almost 200 live Phish shows. Thought I knew as much as you could know about Phish, I read the "Manual", and the "Almanac" from cover to cover. Then I got the "Companion", and learned even more.

I think this book is THE most through book on Phish avaiable. Setlists from '83, indexes of each song, and details about the shows. There is some information about the members, and some events around the band, but for the most part it is clearly about the music. There aren't show reviews detailing the level of intoxication of the reviewer, or the diaster the occured going to the show. (Although those can be entertaining) The reviews are for the most part impartial, honest and most importantly about the music. There is also a decent section on side projects and guest appearances, again That is the focus of the entire volume.

For anyone that collects their live music, this is a must. The obscure details, including song teases and stage banter, are a great reference, if you looking for that "one" show. The complilation of song reviews are great for seeking out the particular earth shattering jam on Tweezer, YEM or whatever. If you are a geek like me, all the stats and documentation relating to the songs, available bootlegs, and venues is great as well.

In all, to fullly appreciate the book you really should have a decent amount of experience with the band and their music. But loving the music is the most important aspect of the entire endeavor.

The Phish Companion takes on a task that has never been taken on before: a truly comprehensive to the musical side of the Phish experience. If you enjoyed Dean Budnick's book, you will floored by this one. Perhaps the most important aspect of this is the fact that over 1,400 fans contributed work to the title in the form of essays, photos, song histories, setlists, reviews and statistics. Interested in which version of David Bowie is the longest ever? Check the Bowie table. Looking for killer versions of Antelope? A look over the table will give you an idea which is right for you. Consider that for the first time, all the setlists in the book have been checked and re-verified for accuracy by a group of dedicated individuals. Dig the newly un-earthed information about the "first" show for the ROTC kids, when did "Blackwood Convention" really kick off their career? There's a TON of material in this book. Much of it you may already know, but I'd lay good money that there are a few things in the book that even the biggest Phish trivia junkie wouldn't have learned otherwise. Did I mention that all the proceeds go to charity?

This is the definitive book about phish! The folks who contributed so much money, time, blood, and ultimately their souls into this project, can be proud of its results. It's about time we had such a comprehensive book about Phish: to think that these folks did it all for the love of the music! And with all the money going to charity, what better gift to buy for all your phriends and phamily? I recommend this book for all!!

After purchasing the Phish Companion only last night, I found myself lost in it for many hours, jumping from setlist to show review, losing myself in moments of reflection on the shows I've been to and was so fortunate to experience.

As Mike has said, "I always liked a good bar chart." (See phish.net FAQ) This book is chock full of useful information not only about setlist openers and closers, comprehensive information (compiled by ZZYZX) on individual tours, a complete "Every Time Played" in addition to multiple essays, interviews, reviews of shows and venues.

One of the most interesting tidbits I found was a multi-region area chart showing the rise and fall of "I am H2" within the Mike's Groove. Really neat stuff.

This book is truly a taper/trader's almanac with the most complete setlists available for every show the band has played with circulation and scarcity guides to match.

I can't say enough about it, this book is a must for any phan. Kudos to the Mockingbird Foundation for producing a book worthy of the hype which preceeded it!

PS. It's complete through 10.7 Shoreline!

As an editor, contributor, and proud founder of the Mockingbird Foundation's _Phish Companion_, I am obviously a biased party. But I don't think you'll find a better, more accurate, or more comprehensive book on Phish anywhere. All proceeds will benefit charities that support music education for children - no contributor will receive any compensation for their writings.

The book contains tons of new setlists and stories that have never been seen by fans. It is also chock full of statistics, reviews, song histories, and informative side chapters that will inform the newest and oldest fan alike.

For more information on both the book and our upcoming tribute album, check out the Foundation's website.....

This book began nearly a decade ago, and the work really shows. Participation from over 1,500 named contributors, including the band's own archivist and chief lyricist, as well as hundreds of the most knowledgeable Phish fans, have produced an incredible collection of information.

This isn't a comic book, or toilet reading, or something for your nighstand. This is the definitive reference guide, something to keep on your desk and/or near your stereo and/or in your car. And do consider putting one in each of those place, since every purchase supports the Mockingbird Foundation, an all-volunteer all-Phish-fan group who donate all their proceeds to music education for children.

So, you're not only certain to learn something, from a group of self-less folks who've done the most comprehensive research in order to give you the best facts. You're also doing a great thing, and helping out some kids in need.

This book is tremendous! More info than any other about Phish, more interesting to read, and all for charity! They promised the "definitive desk reference" on the band, and they delivered! Get it fast - I can't find it in any local stores, as it keeps selling out before I can get down there!

If you want 30-second reviews that rate acid tabs more than Phish shows, there's that other book with the farcical cover.

This right here, The Phish Companion, is the real deal, yo! Incredibly rich with information and insight, and all their money goes to music education for kids.

THIS is the book to get that son, neice, neighbor, or friend of yours who's a Phish fan. They get the best book, and you both get the knowledge that you've helped charity!!

This tome, as it must be called, is as complete and successful in its aims as it could be. For the casual Phish listener, it contains hundreds of meaningless statistics and setlists for shows one never attended in the first place. For the phanatic, it's a massive font of detailed information about every song the band ever played and nearly every show they performed.

I'm not just a Phish fan; I collect and trade recordings of their live shows and this book is an essential tool in my collection. When I begin a trade, The Phish Companion is the first thing I pick up while perusing my fellow trader's show list. The setlists feature not only the songs played, but also describes between-song chatter, audience shenanigans and any other notable details.

The best part is that proceeds go towards musical education charities, and if a phish fan values anything, it's music. All the neo-hippie nonsense, drugs and other trappings of the Phish culture pale in comparison to the fantastic music of one of my favorite bands. The Phish Companion is solely interested in talking about music, which is what it should do.

Part of what makes this book special is that it is completely and totally relevant to any Phan, regardless of how long she or he has been a citizen of gamehenge. Did you hear "Heavy Things" on the radio and just couldn't get it out of your head? Were you in Stowe, VT in summer '92 wondering when the last time the boys and Sr. Santana occupied the same stage together. It's all right in here, and too much more to mention. Whatever your involvement or interest level, you will find yourself flipping pages well into the morning. Some might call this the ultimate bathroom Phish book. Those would be making the correct call. This book contains THE most comprehensive set list archives, show reviews by intelligent thoughtful Phans, a statistics section that will dizzy the most mathematically inclined among us, and some good ol' fashioned Phishy Phun. This should be the first new book on any Phish phans list this new year.