Phish In Hampton December 10, 1999 - The Virginian-Pilot By Jeff Maisey Album Review - Hampton Comes Alive THE TOTAL CONCERT EXPERIENCE Are you experienced? Unless you've seen one of Phish's art-rock, improv shows at Hampton Coliseum, then not totally. There's something magical about Hampton. Maybe those concrete walls absorbed the vibes of Peter Frampton's sold-out, two-night stand back in 1977, or the Rolling Stones' double shot in '81. While some bands sound boomy there, Phish comes across with great clarity, as can be heard on this six-CD set documenting the Vermont quartet's Nov. 20-21 concerts of last year. At every Phish show, an army of fans equipped with all sorts of recording gear are permitted to record as they like. And though a plethora of bootlegs are available, even the best first-gen tape can't top this set. Plus, each CD sleeve comes with photos of the band, the coliseum and surroundings. On these two nights, Phish drew from an expansive variety of originals and covers. From the Beatles' "Cry Baby Cry" to Stevie Wonder's "Boogie on Reggae Woman," the covers were a pleasant surprise. As for the originals, "Guyute," "The Wedge" and "Guelah Papyrus" sound fantastic. Phish at Hampton - they don't get any better. Review © 1999 The Virginian-Pilot