Review: Phish – Live at the Legendary Alpine Valley Music Theatre

January 20, 2011 by Editor

Phish
Live at the Legendary Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Phish - Alpine Valley 2010

Release Date: December 15, 2010
Record Label: JEMP Records

Review:

On August 14th and 15th, 2010 Phish played at Alpine Valley Music Theater. The August 14th show is the focus of the Alpine Valley DVD, which was released on December 14, 2010.

The box set features the complete August 14th, 2010 performance on 2-DVDs, as well as 2-CDs, and bonus video featuring highlights from the following night, including “AC/DC Bag,” “Divided Sky” and “Stealing Time From The Faulty Plan.” The three-song combination that opened set two of the 15th rounds out the bonus material with “Ghost,” “Theme From The Bottom,”and “Big Black Furry Creature From Mars.”

But enough with the marketing bullshit. Quite simply stated, this set rocks. First. the recorded audio is superb. It was recorded using 57 channels of digital multitrack and mixed and mastered in 5.1 Dolby surround and PCM stereo. In short, it sounds great. And if you turn it up very loud, it sounds even better. In fact, it probably sounds better than if you were actually at the show.

The video put together using a 7-camera shoot, which helps keep the visuals as interesting as the audio because, let’s face it, Phish doesn’t use pyrotechnics, and Trey Anastasio is not known for jumping around he stage like a lunatic. The multiple cameras provide terrific perspective of Phish doing what they do best, playing their asses off and having a great time doing it.

The band was on fire during this performance, which is what really makes this set a worthwhile viewing and listening experience. It wasn’t a flawless experience by any means, but these guys play, jam, improvise, and play the hell out of their music. It’s a real treat to see and hear Phish play live.

Live at the Legendary Alpine Valley Music Theatre is one of the best CD/DVD sets I’ve watched in quite a while.

Track Listing:

CD 1