This is my first post to the Blog or Message board. I have been consuming all things BD including reviews. I am usually satisfied that the reviews and comments generally balance themselves out, representing the detailed insight of the old school veterans, the fun spirit of the newer fans, musicians who see Phish for the first time live and the class of "fan" i just call the "unappreciative, overly critical Generation Spoiled." From here I will call them Gen Spoiled (it looks like this group has mushroomed in the past few years but I'm not sure if actual age/generation leans toward younger or older)
I've often wondered how and why Phish Phans could focus exclusively on what Phish didn't do? When I first saw a Professor of Phish was the reviewer of the 8/1 show I was very happy. I attended the show, am named after Jerry, watched the Chicago Dead w/Trey and was ready for a deep, soulful assessment from someone who truly "gets IT" and all Phish provides (for me and my family .)
The review started off just that way. Some history and context. Then, Stephanie went in a direction that was contradicting then I thought really weird and even insulting to Phish.
Ok, here goes what upset me. She says the first set "lacked jams" but in the context of the 13 concerts something bigger was going on. I agree that something bigger is real and Phish OWNS the Garden, I thought Walk Away was really jammed out, Geulah a real treat and split by a Sugar song. OK, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Then, Stephanie asks a seriously weird question "some may wonder if this show is LISTENABLE?" What, I must have read this wrong. A Dr. of Phish would never raise a point that goes against the essence of seeing Phish Live. Each of us has our own experiences at shows driven largely bu our own unique experiences. We could be seeing them for the first time in years, perhaps due to economic situation, health issues, military service or just life getting in the way of seeing our favorite band. To that individual the show would not just be "listenable" but cherished as a wonderful life event. To make matters worse she gives her baseless opinion to just listen to a handful of 2nd set songs "if you are in a hurry." This smacked of Gen Spoiled. Strip Phish down to what suits You and tell the world about it. It's annoying when it's just a regular Phish fan. IS this what Stephanie teaches to her students? Take what you want, dispose of the rest, diminish the value of the piece of Art as a whole because it's ok if you have limited time! Oh my, this is making me shake as I write it. If this is what our college professors are teaching in colleges it makes sense Gen Spoiled continues to swell in ranks. I hope Phish didn't read this as I can only imagine they may be hurt by this. All Phish does is put on terrific performances and events for millions to enjoy. They deserve a whole lot more, especially from an"expert."