Live In Brooklyn was recorded on June 17, 2004 at Keyspan Park at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY. It marked the start of the final Phish tour and was the first date after the emotional news of their breakup was announced. Th... more »e show was simultaneously broadcast to movie theaters nationwide?arguably the most successful live theatrical broadcast to date, with legions of loyal Phish fans dancing in the aisles across the country. Included on this CD are the two complete sets the band performed that day. Phish were a cultural phenomenon?touring and recording for 21 years with a remarkably dedicated following who continue to celebrate everything Phish..« less
Live In Brooklyn was recorded on June 17, 2004 at Keyspan Park at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY. It marked the start of the final Phish tour and was the first date after the emotional news of their breakup was announced. The show was simultaneously broadcast to movie theaters nationwide?arguably the most successful live theatrical broadcast to date, with legions of loyal Phish fans dancing in the aisles across the country. Included on this CD are the two complete sets the band performed that day. Phish were a cultural phenomenon?touring and recording for 21 years with a remarkably dedicated following who continue to celebrate everything Phish..
CD Reviews
DO NOT make this your 1st live Phish album
A. Swinney | Nome, AK | 11/02/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Trey is the weak link on the show. The best part about this concert is that it doesn't make me sad they broke up. Trey's improv as always is top notch. However, the songs he has been playing for years are filled with mistakes.
If you are trying to get into Phish you're late to the party. If you must, check out "A Live One", "Live Phish Vol. 15", or "New Years 1995". Anything but "Live in Brooklyn".... What happened Trey?"
Phish on a Rampage!
Rod Hansen | Goffstown, NH | 07/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anyone who dismisses Phish as a loose-limbed "jam band" will be completely taken off guard by this slamming, ferocious performance. Those who compare Phish with the Grateful Dead or String Cheese Incident need to hear this document to realize, Phish were a rock band that could blow your mind into a million pieces.
The first set starts off with a mellow "Song I heard the Ocean Sing," then into a frankly clumsy "Dinner and a Movie." But then - WATCH OUT!!! - they give you an outstanding "The Curtain (With)," a song that plays such a vital role in Phishtory that they chose it to be the final song they'd ever play together onstage in Coventry, VT., two months later. The remainder of Disc (and set) One is amazing, with Mike Gordon giving you a great distorted bass solo in "Free," the band harmonizing gloriously on "Nothing," a rousing if unsurprising "Maze," and closing out with the beloved cover "Frankenstein." LIVE IN BROOKLYN is an essential purchase on the merits of Disc One alone.
Disc Two starts with what is (for me) the set's only weak spot: A "46 Days" that loses steam around 7:00 and wanders on for another 10 minutes. Who knows - Maybe Phish were just giving the audience a breather prior to the frenzy awaiting them!
"Possum" is a delightful folksy romp, and "Oh Kee Pah Ceremony" shows Trey to be one of the most nimble pickers on the jam band circuit - the rare rock player who can play bluegrass that actually sounds like bluegrass. From there, all hell breaks loose with a "Suzy Greenberg" that slams and jams and POUNDS YOU IN THE FACE for every one of its 18-plus minutes.
The rest of Disc Two is great, with "Axilla" showing Phish to be capable of fierce punk rock, a "2001" sure to keep many lava lamps aglow with its subtle groove, and "Birds of a Feather" offering a shredding guitar solo from Trey. "Kung" is fun if maybe a little bit corny, but Phish built their reputation on silly antics that don't always translate so well onto tape. No harm there - many phans may actually enjoy having such an episode on disc.
Disc Three is a stunning conclusion, kicking off with a full "Mike's Groove" of "Mike's Song>I Am Hydrogen>Weekapaug Groove." The "Weekapaug" here is of special note: Mike's bass is nothing short of miraculous, a combination of Flea and Bootsy Collins that brings a whole new dimension to the instrument, and the band jams out perfectly with their man. "Divided Sky" ends the show on a mellow note, as it began, and one can only assume phans left Keyspan Park that night thinking they had just witnessed a high point in this band's existence.
Such a shame Phish had to end its storied career two months later with the sloppy, unremarkable Coventry Festival. Phish were THE GREAT BAND of the 90's, as this document proves. As a listener and a Phan, I'm thankful that Rhino has chosen to release the deluxe package of LIVE IN BROOKLYN, a gift to phans of a band that gave so much to so many."
Incredible
Justin | 07/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this album is incredible. I put it in while i was mowing my lawn and i was absolutely amazed. But then i got home and turned out the lights and laid in my bed with it and i was in complete awe. I am a huge phish fan and i like anything that they do but its not even about that...this is a truely amazing album. This is going to be in my player for a long while to come. buy this album...you wont regret it
"
A mixed bag--the wrong way
R. C. Zeman | 08/03/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Live in Brooklyn has all of the jamming and spontaneity of Live04 Drum Logos, and all of the passion of Hampton Comes Alive. For phans, that's not a ringing endorsement....
There are some bright spots (an awesome, rollicking Suzy Greenberg!), some are downright lame (Dinner and a Movie is a waste of a song, and that's the worst Divided Sky I've ever heard), but most are just...average. Phish's average is better than most bands really good, but we have higher standards."
Great performance
K. Flaherty | 07/13/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Pick this up you will not be dissappointed. Great setlist and the jamming is great. Grab the DVD as well, watching the performance in the rain is a great treat"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1