The Phish Companion: A Guide to the Band and Their Music

by Mockingbird Foundation

Book Overview

This reference book for fans of Phish, the rock group that rose from the college scene to become a hugely popular touring band in the US, contains setlists, show reviews, song histories,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879307994
• ISBN13: 9780879307998
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Backbeat Books
• Length: 898 Pages
• Weight: 4.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 8.4" x 10.8"

Customer Reviews

A wonderfully comprehensive insight to the Phish experience

After purchasing the Phish Companion only last night, I found myself lost in it for many hours, jumping from setlist to show review, losing myself in moments of reflection on the shows I've been to and was so fortunate to experience.As Mike has said, "I always liked a good bar chart." (See phish.net FAQ) This book is chock full of useful information not only about setlist openers and closers, comprehensive information (compiled by ZZYZX) on individual tours, a complete "Every Time Played" in addition to multiple essays, interviews, reviews of shows and venues. One of the most interesting tidbits I found was a multi-region area chart showing the rise and fall of "I am H2" within the Mike's Groove. Really neat stuff.This book is truly a taper/trader's almanac with the most complete setlists available for every show the band has played with circulation and scarcity guides to match.I can't say enough about it, this book is a must for any phan. Kudos to the Mockingbird Foundation for producing a book worthy of the hype which preceeded it!PS. It's complete through 10.7 Shoreline!

You WILL Learn Something about Phish

OK, I've listened to Phish since '92, seen almost 50 shows since '95, been a part of the on-line Phish community for six years, and amassed a collection of almost 200 live Phish shows. Thought I knew as much as you could know about Phish, I read the "Manual", and the "Almanac" from cover to cover. Then I got the "Companion", and learned even more. I think this book is THE most through book on Phish avaiable. Setlists from '83, indexes of each song, and details about the shows. There is some information about the members, and some events around the band, but for the most part it is clearly about the music. There aren't show reviews detailing the level of intoxication of the reviewer, or the diaster the occured going to the show. (Although those can be entertaining) The reviews are for the most part impartial, honest and most importantly about the music. There is also a decent section on side projects and guest appearances, again That is the focus of the entire volume. For anyone that collects their live music, this is a must. The obscure details, including song teases and stage banter, are a great reference, if you looking for that "one" show. The complilation of song reviews are great for seeking out the particular earth shattering jam on Tweezer, YEM or whatever. If you are a geek like me, all the stats and documentation relating to the songs, available bootlegs, and venues is great as well. In all, to fullly appreciate the book you really should have a decent amount of experience with the band and their music. But loving the music is the most important aspect of the entire endeavor.

As if we weren't already hooked........

I have not been able to put this book down since it arrived. I pre-ordered in August when I first heard about it and am so excited to finally have it. I have been phollowing the band for years and and am still learing all kinds of new stuff about the boys, especially about the early days. If you are a phan this book is a must-have. Great stats, complete setlists and show reviews, interesting facts and interviews. If we read......they will return.

exhaustive and exausting!

The Phish Companion takes on a task that has never been taken on before: a truly comprehensive to the musical side of the Phish experience. If you enjoyed Dean Budnick's book, you will floored by this one. Perhaps the most important aspect of this is the fact that over 1,400 fans contributed work to the title in the form of essays, photos, song histories, setlists, reviews and statistics. Interested in which version of David Bowie is the longest ever? Check the Bowie table. Looking for killer versions of Antelope? A look over the table will give you an idea which is right for you. Consider that for the first time, all the setlists in the book have been checked and re-verified for accuracy by a group of dedicated individuals. Dig the newly un-earthed information about the "first" show for the ROTC kids, when did "Blackwood Convention" really kick off their career? There's a TON of material in this book. Much of it you may already know, but I'd lay good money that there are a few things in the book that even the biggest Phish trivia junkie wouldn't have learned otherwise. Did I mention that all the proceeds go to charity?

Wonderful Bphook !

This is the definitive book about phish! The folks who contributed so much money, time, blood, and ultimately their souls into this project, can be proud of its results. It's about time we had such a comprehensive book about Phish: to think that these folks did it all for the love of the music! And with all the money going to charity, what better gift to buy for all your phriends and phamily? I recommend this book for all!!