Hampton Comes Alive [BOX SET] [LIVE]

Phish

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 23, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 23, 1999
• Number of Discs: 6
• Format: Box set, Live
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B00002Z88F
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (102 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #77,598 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There is a level of trust given to Phish by their fanatical audience that is quite liberating to the band. The folks stroll into the venue and give themselves up to the band, allowing the musicians complete freedom to take them wherever the moment dictates. Anyone who saw Phish during their club-playing days can attest that the quartet has always operated under that principle: Fishman was singing "Purple Rain" and playing vacuum cleaners long before fan devotion and major-label support bore them out. Herein lies the key to Phish's appeal, a precarious balance between artistic integrity and self-deprecation that allows them to blow fans away musically while convincing them that they're just regular goofy guys--valedictorian and class clown in one package. So then, what to make of this creatively packaged six-disc set, which collects in their entirety two back-to-back shows recorded in Hampton, Virginia, in November 1998? Well, for one, the range of covers is vast, including Gary Glitter, Bob Dylan, bluesman Son Seals, Ween, Will Smith, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, bluegrassers Hot Rize, Jimi Hendrix, the Beastie Boys, and Chumbawumba. The original tunes are equally as eclectic and span the whole of Phish's career, many of them making their initial official appearance on CD. The real joy is in hearing it all magically and seamlessly unfold as they move from intense focus to astute parody to sheer buffoonery. Make no mistake: Phish requires effort on the part of the listener, not to mention patience, open-mindedness, and flexibility. Those unwilling to invest the effort will inevitably be disappointed. However, those who are either trusting or carefree enough to write them a blank check are just as inevitably rewarded. Or to quote from the movie Airplane: "They bought their tickets. They knew what they were getting into." --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To Be Played At Maximum Volume, November 24, 1999

By	"slimchicken" (Southern California) - See all my reviews

Like any truly great live album, HAMPTON COMES ALIVE is done justice only when the volume is turned up to that ear-bleeding setting once reserved for stadium shows. From the opening ROCK N ROLL PART II to the closing TUBTHUMPING, this collection catches everything that is Phish; the unparalleled musicianship; the unique combination of humor and sincerity; the lightning quick changes in style and tone; the balance of concert-only favorites, surprising covers, and album standards; the pervasive wanddering spirit that so many have grasped on to. The only thing missing? Chris Kuroda's mesmerizing lights (but if you turn off all yours, your imagination can take it from there). Ladies and gentlemen, this one goes to eleven.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phish is perphect, November 23, 1999

By	D. Urban (new york, ny) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

not since "A live One" has live phish sounded so powerful and energized. SS&P is great for showing an evolution in phish's playing style, but the song selection leaved something to be desired. with Hampton Comes Alive, we truely hear phish the way we were meant to. live, uncut, unedited, raw. there are great classics here as well as newer songs which gives these show a great balance. Musically all four of them are "on". it's a rare occassion when 4 very talented musicians can be so cohesive and create a flawless music. fortunately phish does this more often than most, and it was captured on these 6 magnificent cd's for our enjoyment. highlights- rift, stash, SOAM, bath, Jiggy (w/fish on vocals), BBFCM, Sabotage, Free>ha,ha,ha>Free.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spaceships Have Landed at Hampton--The Band is Bombing, November 23, 1999

By A Customer

Amsterdam 1997 was the Back of the Worm, Hampton 1998 was the Bomb! Once the band released the loops during "Tube", the audience was no longer grounded. The E-xtra intensity generated by this Vermont-based foursome takes music to new levels. Hampton Comes Alive dosn't just capture the two nights at Hampton, it truly reflects the essence of Tour. This album is not just for the spinners and freakers, its for all music appreciators that want to know what being in the band is all about. I've been touring with the band since '92, catching almost 200 shows. This album is truly representative of Phish during that time period and is a must have for the collection. Both nights have the feel of a 3rd set. The band has done it again!