Recovering the Satellites October 26, 1996 - The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN) By Bill Ellis Album Review - Billy Breathes Three 1/2 stars More than recovering any imagined satellites, both Phish and Counting Crows recover the art of ballad writing for a generation weaned on grunge. Phish, known for spontaneous, adventurous live shows and endless experimenting, ventures down its unlikeliest path yet with a sweet, pastoral song cycle. An acoustic guitar provides the earthy leitmotif, yet pristine flourishes exist throughout, including the piano rolls and Beach Boys harmonies of Free, the minimalist percussion and keyboards on Taste and Steep's backwards-taped organ. A bit of Booker T & the MGs-flavored R&B sneaks into Cars Trucks Buses as well. There's nothing terribly folky about all this. Rather, Phish, who comes to the Mid-South Coliseum Nov. 18, has made an art rock record you won't be ashamed to spin years from now. Article © 1996 Commercial Appeal