Rating: 
Summary: Overall Is Pleasing, But Should've splurged on proofreading.
Review: Technically a 3.75 from me if I could vote that way, because this book doesn't deserve 4 stars, although obviously much work went into it. A lot of errors are evident - i can understand a handful, but it's easy to find mistakes here and there. I typically pore over the pages of Phish books like this one and back in the day, Deadbase, and think that The Companion is interesting everytime it's picked up. Give it a shot and see how you like it. Cheesecake.
Rating: 
Summary: YAAAAAAWWWWWNNNN...
Review: The much hyped Companion is finally out and to be honest it is quite a let down. Forget coffee table material, this goes next to your encyclopedia britanica collection. Sure it's good for reference, but I can find all that stuff on the net. I'm really disappointed in the lack of reviews and multiple reviews for shows. Let's not even start with all of the typos, that is just ridiculous. I couldn't give it one star as it contained new and corrected info. What is the deal with the tape section, that doesn't tell anybody anything, GHI = 3! Why??? I am a die hard Phish fan, but this doesn't really appeal to me at all. Thank god the Pharmer's Almanac is out soon.
Rating: 
Summary: exhaustive and exausting!
Review: The Phish Companion takes on a task that has never been taken on before: a truly comprehensive to the musical side of the Phish experience. If you enjoyed Dean Budnick's book, you will floored by this one. Perhaps the most important aspect of this is the fact that over 1,400 fans contributed work to the title in the form of essays, photos, song histories, setlists, reviews and statistics. Interested in which version of David Bowie is the longest ever? Check the Bowie table. Looking for killer versions of Antelope? A look over the table will give you an idea which is right for you. Consider that for the first time, all the setlists in the book have been checked and re-verified for accuracy by a group of dedicated individuals. Dig the newly un-earthed information about the "first" show for the ROTC kids, when did "Blackwood Convention" really kick off their career? There's a TON of material in this book. Much of it you may already know, but I'd lay good money that there are a few things in the book that even the biggest Phish trivia junkie wouldn't have learned otherwise. Did I mention that all the proceeds go to charity?
Rating:
Summary: You will learn something AND do a great thing!
Review: This book began nearly a decade ago, and the work really shows. Participation from over 1,500 named contributors, including the band's own archivist and chief lyricist, as well as hundreds of the most knowledgeable Phish fans, have produced an incredible collection of information.This isn't a comic book, or toilet reading, or something for your nighstand. This is the definitive reference guide, something to keep on your desk and/or near your stereo and/or in your car. And do consider putting one in each of those place, since every purchase supports the Mockingbird Foundation, an all-volunteer all-Phish-fan group who donate all their proceeds to music education for children. So, you're not only certain to learn something, from a group of self-less folks who've done the most comprehensive research in order to give you the best facts. You're also doing a great thing, and helping out some kids in need.
Rating:
Summary: A labor of love!
Review: This book is tremendous! More info than any other about Phish, more interesting to read, and all for charity! They promised the "definitive desk reference" on the band, and they delivered! Get it fast - I can't find it in any local stores, as it keeps selling out before I can get down there!
Rating:
Summary: All Other Phish Books are Useless After This One
Review: This book sums up the history of the one of the greatest bands in the country in one amazingly awsome package. From listing all of thier setlists to supplying concert reviews, it is all here in a nice and organized manner. Anything that any fan would ever possibly want to know about Phish is in this book. It is a must have for any Phishhead!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Bphook !
Review: This is the definitive book about phish! The folks who contributed so much money, time, blood, and ultimately their souls into this project, can be proud of its results. It's about time we had such a comprehensive book about Phish: to think that these folks did it all for the love of the music! And with all the money going to charity, what better gift to buy for all your phriends and phamily? I recommend this book for all!!
Rating:
Summary: Essential for Live Music Traders
Review: This tome, as it must be called, is as complete and successful in its aims as it could be. For the casual Phish listener, it contains hundreds of meaningless statistics and setlists for shows one never attended in the first place. For the phanatic, it's a massive font of detailed information about every song the band ever played and nearly every show they performed. I'm not just a Phish fan; I collect and trade recordings of their live shows and this book is an essential tool in my collection. When I begin a trade, The Phish Companion is the first thing I pick up while perusing my fellow trader's show list. The setlists feature not only the songs played, but also describes between-song chatter, audience shenanigans and any other notable details.
The best part is that proceeds go towards musical education charities, and if a phish fan values anything, it's music. All the neo-hippie nonsense, drugs and other trappings of the Phish culture pale in comparison to the fantastic music of one of my favorite bands. The Phish Companion is solely interested in talking about music, which is what it should do.
Rating:
Summary: Nice Job
Review: This trumps all other Phish statistic books that came before it. From now on, stick with the Companion and all its future volumes (they also donate proceeds to charity!).
Rating:
Summary: Pay no attention to the "spotlight reviews..."
Review: Well - they're right -- the book is awesome! But those reviews refer to the first edition, released a couple years ago. This new version is more than just a redressing of that first edition; entire portions have been expanded and rewritten, and the whole thing has been laid out in an even better manner. This truly is the encyclopedia of Phish, from the first show ever through the Vegas run this April. And, of course, proceeds go to an amazing cause -- so amazing, in fact, that Phish themselves even donated their proceeds from LivePhish.com to the Mockingbird Foundation. Read the book!!
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