Customer Reviews

Vegas 96

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

 

 

I saw Phish many times from 1994 through 2004 and have collected many shows. These most recent picks really capture what so many of us loved about this band when they were at their peak. This Las Vegas show is a bit of a surprise, as 1996 is usually considered a sub-par year for Phish. Here, the band straddles the line between the balls-to-the-wall rock that defined their early work and the funky grooves that defined their later work. All and all, they strike a perfect balance and pull off a very satisfying show. The setlist is top notch as well.

The encore may have been fun in person, but it doesn't come off too well on the recording. Not bad, but not as satifying as what's on the first two discs for this phan.

10/21/95, 12/29/97 & 12/06/96 are the best in this most recent string of releases.

I was really excited about this disc coming out, mostly because there's not a whole lot of '96 and '97 stuff out there when compared to other years in the 90s. Since it's generally agreed that Phish was firing on all cylinders during the mid-90s era, I was pretty surprised to find that this one wasn't all that great. I've heard way better. For starters, for an official release the sound quality is shallow and lopsided. In addition, while the band seems tight, the energy doesn't seem top-notch. All in all, its probably most akin to Live in Brooklyn: there's one stretch of songs worth buying this for, on the second disc, but otherwise, it's subpar for one of the greatest bands in American history.

WOW! Now I remember why I went to all those shows! Besides being a ripping performance top to bottom (the second set alone is worth the price!), the limited edition bonus DVD is a great reminder why these guys took the Jam Band scene by storm and brought it to a whole new level! The energy and raw power these four guys exhibited every night was legendary! Buy your copy now....turn it on....crank it up....FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT!

I'm a long time Phish lover, and have listened to many of their live releases, but this performance is standout in every way! Fantastic set selection, top notch performances with surprising guest appearances! Encore features Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde amongst others, just wish I had been there...
A must have for anyone interested in Phish, live Phish, or jam band performances, this is one of the best!

Let me preface this review (in light of the two glowing previous comments) by stating that I own over 120 Phish shows spanning their entire career, so I feel I know what I'm talking about when I say that this disc isn't really worth picking up. I mean, mediocre Phish is much better than most of what's out there, but other than a few standouts (mostly on the second disc) the collection is run-of-the-mill. The third disc is amusing if you've never heard a Harpua before, but honestly? It's poorly done, special guests aside. Unless you MUST own the bonus DVD, I'd avoid this- if you're new to Phish, grab A Live One or one of the many fantastic Live Phish discs- if you're an old hand, you already have better shows than this.

In recent years and months I have been listing to Phish shows from the current era and I have, for the most part, enjoyed myself. However, during a recent road trip I picked up this gem from the past and remembered what a truly awesome band Phish really is. The first set is more than just good it truly rocks! To try to explain how good it would be would be a waste of my time and yours but lets just say that the YEM and DWD is legendary. Then we come to the second set. This may be the best set Phish ever played. And I do not hesitate in saying that even with about 20 shows under my belt and about 100 in my collection. Everything on here is fantastic. The Encore (although long enough to be considered a set) is a treat for fans who appreciate a good rare Harpua. The special guests are nice a nice touch and for the most part enjoyable. If anything you will get a good laugh out of some of the banter. As for the music... The phrase "too many cooks in the kitchen" comes to mind. Still a real good time for those in the mood. So wrapping up, disc (set) 1 and disc (set) 2 could be one of the greatest live performances by any band let alone Phish and disc 3 (encore) is a nice added bonus for the true Phish fans out there. Enjoy the show!

Phish is just about as flawless as it gets for the jamband scene. This CD proves that serious talent does not have to be soooo serious(i.e. Rush, Yes,etc.) If you like this album make sure you check out the new "King of the Jambands" Umphrey's Mcgee. Buy Live at Murat and listen to tracks one through seven. Unbelievable.

I cannot rate the quality of this because I don't have it yet. I am curious how it is though. I am an old school Phish fan and I was at this show in Vegas. It was at the Aladin, and the place was small. I have been to some legendary Phish shows. Milwaukee in 1992 at The Rave. The Halloween show in Chicago at the Rosemont where they played all of Quadrophenia and the whole show lasted 4 1/2 hours. Amoung countless others. I must say the show in Vegas was right up there with the best of them. I guess I would love to see the DVD as we were in the 10th row or so. The Elvis impersonaters were great.