Phish
Hampton Comes Alive
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Phish
Hampton Comes Alive
Elektra, 1999
RiYL: Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa, Allman Brothers Band |
Whereas 1996's A Live One and 1998's Slip Stitch And Pass offer Phish novices a digestible number of key live selections, Hampton includes two complete shows. And like any typical pair of shows, these performances provide a number of slow moments where fans can go to the refreshment stands and return, drink in hand, for the moments of live rock bliss. But unlike any standard band, Phish is able to keep things interesting for those daring and open-minded enough to sit through all of it.
Be it humorous covers of Gary Glitter's hockey-rink classic "Rock And Roll Part II" and Chumbawamba's discotheque favorite "Tubthumping," or more respectful renditions of Dylan's "Quinn the Eskimo" and Jimi's "Bold As Love," the band members wear their broad tastes and quirky sensibilities on their sleeve. Between the two shows, they don't repeat a single song or bore the audience with pointless stage chatter. They play well and they play hard.
On the whole, the second night is much better than the first. Including "Guyute," "Mike's Song," the first live release of "Divided Sky" and an edible cover of the Beatles "Cry Baby Cry," the 23-song performance is enjoyable through and through. On the 15-minute "Divided Sky," guitarist Trey Anastasio leads the band through one of its most elegant compositions with amazing skill, igniting the piece at its core with virtuous riffs. Shortly after, pianist Page McConnell overcomes his cheesy bravado with an enrapturing solo on "Wading In The Velvet Sea."
The show's second set opens with the bang of the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" before roaring into a half-hour jam medley based on the group's originals "Mike's Song" and "Simple." Ending the overwhelming experience with overextended "Weekapaug Groove" and the somewhat funny "Tubthumping," the band serves up an appropriate and entertaining representation of their live schtick.
So why the first show, too?
Well, the high points -- such as the guitar solos on "Possum," "Split Open And Melt," and the well-titled "Funky Bitch" -- are almost reason enough to make this a six-disc set. But low points -- see the yawn-inspiring "Roggae" -- nearly negate the pleasure garnered during the better tunes. On other songs, like "Stash" and "Bathtub Gin," Phish seems completely content to play in modal jam land, whether the listeners like it or not.
But, of course, this listener does.
Phish fans had been asking for the band to put out an official recording of a complete show for years and with Hampton their wish came doubly true. At the very least, you've got to give this band credit for treating their followers well -- very well. But you ought to think about giving 'em more. Not only is it cool for a band to put out a two-show live box set, but it's downright amazing they can make it this compelling.
BEN FRENCH | Ben founded NATN in the winter of 1998-1999 with fellow IU alums Troy Carpenter and Jonathan Cohen. During the day time, he's working for Nielsen Business Media, publisher of Billboard. Ben's favorite acts include Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys.