LIVE IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN-NEW YEAR'S EVE 1995

Touted as maybe Phish's best concert by fans, media and the band itself, expectations are of course very high. But Phish certainly delivers the goods in what may be the most awe-inspiring set of music I've ever heard. Live In Madison Square Garden-New Year's Eve 1995 contains everything that makes a Phish show special, all stuffed into one show. First, there is the near perfect setlist; every song is special in its own individual right, yet flows so cohesively with every other song around it. Second, there is the an interaction with the audience on a level that is rarely, if ever, found with any other band. And last, and most certainly not least, is the near flawless performance of all the members.

The first disc contains the excellent opening combination of Punch You in the Eye into The Sloth. This definitely sets the mood well for the rest of the set. The songs on this disc are, however, played relatively straightforward with the exception of Reba and Maze. The reason for this is that most of the songs on this opening set are composed pieces within themselves not allowing for a section of open jamming. They are nevertheless worthy pieces, with everyone really getting a chance to shine. Especially listen for Page through this set, hes got some nice touches.

The second set is, i think, the best of the three. While there is more poppy fare such as Strange Design and Axilla Pt. 2, the jamming on this disc is simply incredible. This is where Phish earns its reputation as one of the greatest jam bands of all time. They take a song, and they can expand it and warp it and bring you back by jamming so tightly, you could swear it was composed. Take Runaway Jim for example. That starts out in a very rock-grass style and ends up being a hard rock epic performance before coming back to the main chorus. And how many arms does Jon Fishman have, anyway? Yet, for how big they can be one moment, they can still make the audience feel in intimate surroundings the next, by becoming a barbershop quartet and singing Hello My Baby.

The third set is probably the hardest to describe. While not being so straightforward as the first set, yet not as mind-blowing as the second, this final set contains some intense moments of its own. The eery Gamehendge Time Phactory sets the mood just as the seconds tick down to zero of the new year. Then jubilation of Auld Lang Syne straight into Weekapaug Groove, a good ol' fashioned rock jam that leaves ya dancing and feeling surprisingly upbeat. Another highlight of this set is the vocal jam in You Enjoy Myself. Mirroring the creepy motif of the opening Gamehendge Time Phactory, the vocal jam really is a testament to the way Phish can foster a mood. They come up for air with the comedic song Sanity, and as an encore do Frankenstein and a truly worthy cover of Johnny B. Goode.

And thats not to speak of the style of the music at all. For me, and for most people, Phish's music is very difficult to describe because it sounds like everything and yet unique all at once. The jazz influences are obvious. The bluegrass unfluences are obvious. The rock influences are obvious. The funk influences are obvious. And yes, the progressive influences are obvious too. But now ignore those ingredients indivudally and mix them all into one amazing color, and thats the Phish sound.

But more than that to me, the music is about emotion. Phish takes you on a journey to places only good music can. But when they bring you back, its the best kind of emotion, because you return happy and energized to be alive.

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