Walnut Creek
by Phish
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DVD details
Actor: PhishDirector: Phish
Brand: WEA DES Moines Video
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 180 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-08-05
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: JEMP RECORDS
DVD Reviews of Walnut Creek
DVD Review: Bare-bones DVD, the performance speaks for itself
Summary: 4 Stars
The latest concert DVD from Phish adds a visual dimension to one of the band's more well-known performances that, for many fans, had previously only been heard through unofficial recordings. Summer 1997 showed a lot of change in Phish and this performance is a good example of just how.
The DVD set itself is packaged in a slim, folding case rather than the snapping kind. Inside the front cover is the list of songs for each disc, as well as writing, recording, and other production credits. No inserts to read, statements from band members or friends, or anything similar.
Each disc has only two selections from the main menu - play the songs (play all or select a tune) or change audio options (default is 5.1 Dolby Surround, can be changed to PCM Stereo). Both discs also start out with the band already onstage, about to play the music. This release is clearly about the performances and no other "frills" that many bands tend to add.
Now, onto the content!
"Runaway Jim" is well-done, some good improv all around. They flow right into "My Soul" and play it solidly, though not too differently than they normally did around that time. Around then, it starts raining outside (although you can't tell from the concert aside from the song choice and background provided), and the band must have noticed, since the next song played is "Water in the Sky." Good, but not particularly exciting. "Stash" follows. Good version. This has some exciting parts, mostly toward the end of it. Then a usual "Bouncing Around the Room." "Vultures" is a cool rarity that I'm glad was a part of this concert. This is a nice one. Bye Bye Foot, while containing tease of Pink Floyd's "Mother" solo, is pretty uneventful.
"Taste" is where things really pick up. The weather has gotten much worse at this point, with a particularly loud crash of thunder sounding as Page is playing the first solo. The band increases the song's energy a lot as they continue along, with Chris Kuroda holding nothing back for the light show. Phish ends the first set early after this due to the thunder, but at least they ended very strongly.
Set 2 is far more interesting and fun than the first. There is much more happening, lots of energy, very tight. "Down with Disease" packs a real punch at about 20 minutes in length. The main jam's structure gets pretty spacey and loose, and Trey and Page use lots of effects to create a very laid-back atmosphere. Then the band sneaks up, slowly launching into "Mike's Song." The segue is like none before or since and one of the highlights of the evening - one of the reasons this performance gained so much fame. "Mike's Song" has great moments, lots of energy, and goes straight into "Simple." One of the more amusing moments shows a sign language interpreter looking up at the band and signing as they sing. When the lyrics go to "skyballs and saxscrapers," he makes a few signs but looks generally completely lost as to what he should do. "Simple" fades out an goes into "I Am Hydrogen," which is standard and is followed by "Weekapaug Groove." It's a great version, with a few twists and lots of energy.
Once the song ends, the band FINALLY gets to relax for more than a few moments since they had played everything straight since beginning the set. Understandably, they decide to to an a cappella number: "Hello My Baby." Now, Phish wasn't known for their impeccable singing, but they did do well sometimes. Fortunately this is one of their better times. It's a nice change to see them all at the front of the stage; it is a more personal element of the concert.
This is where the second set ends, but the DVD edits out the encore break and takes us straight to "When the Circus Comes to Town." A good version, but the real treat is the finale - "Harry Hood." The lights to this one are synchronized in a very cool way and are a nice treat. This builds up intensity very well as usual, is quite beautiful, and really lets the viewer "feel good about Hood!"
The only thing keeping my rating from 5-stars is the bulk of the first set. Disc two definitely helps out, and will be the source of most of my viewing (how about a DVD of 11/22/97? There's an instant 5-star!). Also, in Down with Disease, Trey flubbed a chord then quickly corrected it, but it sounds as though the mistake was edited out for the DVD. I don't believe any other audio was edited like that, and it's not a egregious offense, but I know there are some people who would get miffed at such edits.
Overall I definitely recommend getting this DVD. It's all about the music, and although the first disc can get dull at points (aside from "Runaway Jim" and "Taste"), disc two is definitely worth the money.
Description of Walnut Creek
Studio: Wea-des Moines Video Release Date: 08/05/2008Rock Music CDs
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