From: dang@well.sf.ca.us (Daniel)
Newsgroups: rec.music.phish
Subject: Magic at the Coach House
Date: 21 Aug 92 03:20:40 GMT
Organization: Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link


Hello everybody!

I've been so swamped at work trying to make up for the time I took
off that I'm just now getting to posting comments about the San
Juan show.  I've got to warn you, though, my comments are based
solely on what I remember, and when I get into such a frenzied
state, I don't always remember everything correctly.

First, the two set lists I've seen posted thus far are pretty
accurate, but not completely.  I may be wrong, but I could swear
Buried Alive was the opener and not Poor Heart.  I always vow to
keep a set list at shows, but once the music starts, I get carried
away.  I believe I saw Shelly writing down the songs, so I'm sure
we'll get a complete list soon.

Out of the twenty or so Phish shows I've seen, this one ranked way
up there.  David Bowie was truly amazing, and played utterly
different than I've ever heard it played before, but then that song
*never* sounds the same twice.

They started Take the A Train in a minor mode that made it sound
pretty spooky and scary, which made it sound all the sweeter when
they changed into a major key half way through.  During one of
Trey's solos in TAT he quoted a riff from Over The Rainbow, and a
bunch of us started going nuts.  Near the end of the song Trey
whispered something in Page's ear and magically, they went into a
moving rendition of Over the Rainbow.  For me that was the
highlight of the night.  I could feel the hair on the back of my
neck tingle and I felt like crying.  I'm reminded over and over
again what truly inspired musicians these guys are.

As I walked in the Coach House at the beginning of the evening,
Page walked by me.  I gave him a smile and said something like,
"Now *there's* a face I'm happy to see!"  I figure these guys are
probably hounded a lot, and I don't like to make demands for their
time right before a gig.  Still, he returned my smile, shook my
hand and asked me how I was doing.  One of the many things I love
about this band is how accessible they are, how friendly, and how
unpretentious.

I must say, I'm not always appreciative of opening bands.  Maybe
I'm too damn impatient, but when it's been nearly six months since
I've seen my favorite band I don't feel like listening to some
other band.  (Pretty close minded of me, I know.)  However, Ninja
Custodian blew me away.  These guys played some riffs that made
even Metallica sound like lightweights.  Many, but by no means all,
of their songs had a ripping heavy metal sound to them, but unlike
most heavy metal bands, Ninja Custodian was quite playful.  I was
also impressed with the several quasi-rap tunes they did, as well
as the amazing time changes in many of their songs.  I know *I*
plan on seeing these guys again, and I recommend to others to check
them out.

The only disappointment of the evening came not from the bands but
from the nitrous tank and other vending going on in the parking lot
(beer and LSD).  I even saw some people throwing trash around.  I
tried to pick some of it up, and I'd encourage other people
concerned about our community to do the same kind of thing.  I'd be
sorely disappointed if certain venues didn't want Phish playing
because some of their fans littered the place.

I hate to end this article on a negative note, since I left feeling
elated and have only gradually returned to earth.  I can't wait for
the music at Shoreline and another chance to meet a bunch of you.

Peace and love to all of you.


Dan

Can't I live while I young?