Phish – Live In Brooklyn (Rhino DVD-Video + CD Sets)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras:
C Concert: B
Even
though the band is long gone, fans of Phish are as enthusiastic as ever, so new
material keeps hitting the market from their past. Rhino Records and the
band have decided to release multi-disc CD (three) and DVD-Video (two) of Phish – Live In Brooklyn, a June 17,
2004 concert with massive attendance. The 20 tracks include their sub-standard
covers of the theme from Kubrick’s 2001
(the Deodato version of the Strauss piece) and Edgar Winter’s Frankenstein, which always lacks the
muscle, naturalness, edge, energy and joy of the original hit. They fare
better on their own material, but unless you are a big fan, it will not stick
much with you. Both releases are in fancy packages, but in some way never
totally deliver on their promise. Fans will likely enjoy it all more, but
others will likely feel that if they have heard one Phish concert, they have
heard them all.
The 1.78
X 1/16 X 9 image is softer than expected for a recent taping, with detail
issues and Video Black that looks like it is second generation. The sound
in both formats despite coming from “digital multitrack tapes” sounds
distorted, harsh and sub-produced. The PCM 2.0 16 bit/44.1kHz Stereo on
the CD is disappointing and similar PCM 2.0 16 bit/48kHz Stereo on the DVD is
just a little better. That leaves the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, which sounds
strained and is likely the reasons why that despite two DVDs, Rhino skipped a
DTS option.
Extras on
the CD include a booklet with limited text and no lyrics, while the DVD offers
three bonus songs from the next night’s concert, soundcheck excerpts and
backstage footage that are slight. Fans will love it, but the whole
release in both formats all around seems underwhelming. The concert is no
different from other performances they have released, except their endurance
was better.
For more
Phish, try these links:
New
Year’s Eve 1995 Live At Madison Square Garden
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/3140/Phish+%E2%80%93+New+Year
Wetlands Preserved DVD Concert
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/7164/Wetlands+Preserved+(2007/First+Run
Clifford Ball DVD Box Set
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/8295/Phish+%E2%80%93+The+Clifford+Ball
-
Nicholas Sheffo
