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: 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!!
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!!
Rating:
Summary: Best Phish Book on the market
Review: What can I say? Best present a Phish fan could receive. This book is far superior to any other Phish book on the market, including the Foundation's first edition. For the die-hard fan it'll prove to be the most used tool in his/her belt (a true companion), and for the just initiated it will provide eveything you need to know about Phish, and then some. I just can't say enough about the content - the fact that official Phish folk endorse the book legitmizes every word. Plus, all net proceeds are donated diectly to charity via the Mockingbird foundation! Its a win-win!
If you are looking for something for that Phish fan you know, look no further! Thanks Mockingbird for a great book!
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