From: MARKUS BRAKHAN <71201.1016@compuserve.com>
Subject: Markus Sez. . .
Reply-To: 71201.1016@compuserve.com
Organization: The Internet
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1993 05:02:42 GMT

Sound Bite Thoughts on Recent Threads:
1. The P.A.: I think it could be bigger, louder (maybe theirs should
go to 12?), and play an even greater role in the show as a whole. I
think it is OK up to a venue a size of say, Port Chester, but even
there it could use a little more gusto. I have not been happy with the
sound in the big gym-type gigs, e.g. Union, St. Mike's & S. Maine, 
although it is clear that it is more difficult to achieve quality sound
in a tin can. I have to say that one of the advantages (yes, there are
others) of playing bigger venues is bigger sound systems which yield, 
well, bigger sound.

2. Roseland/NYC: Oh please! Will the paranoia never cease! Don't even
drive into The City if you are (a) in the least bit worried that your
car might break or (b) you have large amounts of stuff in your
vehicle. Park in the 'burbs and take the train. The catch: late trains
are hard to catch, plan ahead by calling MetroNorth for access from
upstate NY (Brewster or White Plains) or ConRail for access from
Connecticut (Westport or Stamford) (numbers available via free info:
1-800-555-1212).

If you really want to enjoy the thrill of racing into NY by car, e-mail
me for direction of the ONLY WAYS IN AND OUT OF NEW YORK WITHOUT PAYING
TOLLS. FOR THOSE FAMILIAR WITH NEW YORK AREA DRIVING ONLY. 

3. Foam: I think its about confusion, in general. Apply it to anything
you like, but the song's structure, (or lack thereof?) suggests absence
of understanding or control. The image of foam always reminds me of
surfing: wiping out on a big wave and getting tossed in the rolling
whitewater, there's no use fighting, you just waste oxygen, so you
tumble in the foam until it lets you go.

4. Visual Image Recording: A film done in film emphasizing live
performance is probably something I could get behind. Mike states that
this is something he'd like to do. I'm not trying to be overly purist
about this, but I still think that MTV format videos will never be able
to communicate the substance of Phish's music. Some musicians' images
are based on video; Phish has nothing to gain by producing any visual
images of a suitable format for MTV to play. Maybe a "Set" or "Show"
documentary, simulating the show experience, but maybe then you
compromise both.

5. Studio v. Live Performance: There can be no doubt that studio sound
recording is an art virtually unto itself. Just as with the Visual
Stuff, if it is their ambition to expand their horizons into the
studio, it will probably continue the development of their talent. I
just want them to play enough shows so I get to see 'em! I guess I just
spend my money on the experience. . .

6. This Numerology Thing: 2^3??? 5??? 23??? 42??? Hut! Hut! Its a play
action fake up the left field!!!! Touchdown!!!! 
Final Score: Phishbait 0, Charlatans 7

7. Telluride: Many Phishy sightings: e.g. Mt. Wilson is a 14,000+ foot
peak overlooking T-ride, and is located near Lizard Head Pass. Too bad
its so hot, hot, hot. Lift-ops is one name, Lifties is another. Ski
Instructors: Destructors, Show dogs; Patrol: 'Trollers, Sled Dogs; 
Snowmakers: Guns 'n Hoses. A Village Voice (?) review of the first
Marquee Show (??) stated something to the effect of the show being
attended primarily by pot-smoking ski-bums, sorry I can't verify, I
wasn't there. . .
Peace, Love & Happiness
MARKUSMARKUSMARKUSMARKUSMARKUSMARKUSMARKUSMARKUSMARKUSMARKUSMARKUSMARKUS