It's hard to believe another year has gone by already. It seems like just yesterday that I was typing up my 1998 Christmas wish list. In looking back at last year's top 10 list, I find it interesting what I wished for...and what wishes came true...3 for 10 aint bad.

Top 10 things I REALLY want for Christmas this year (This list was originally written on 12/15/98).

10. For Trey to realize that although it's always good to try new things, his complex writing style of yesteryear was brilliant. I want another Junta-style Phish album.

Well, it doesn't look like this is going to happen anytime soon. I asked for another "Reba" and I got "Jennifer Dances." Not only has Trey abandoned the writing style that attracted so many of us to the band, but he has also apparently stopped rehearsing the old material. It's frustrating to analyze a band that no longer analyzes itself.

9. For "jam bands" to realize that you don't need to sound poppy to be successful. Too many bands change their sound and shorten their jams in an attempt to get the big bucks.

This wish was a bit unrealistic.

8. For venue security guards to realize that Phish fans are among the most peaceful people on the planet. Most of the problems that occur at shows are caused by security themselves.

The recent general admission Phish shows at Rochester and Portland had virtually no security presence inside the venue, since there were no ticket stubs to check. The vibe was peaceful and there were no problems. The band played and the fans danced. Philly, Hartford and Providence on the other hand, had an over-abundance of security guards looking for trouble. I witnessed several altercations between fans and security at these shows and have heard reports of countless others. The Hartford Civic Center even went as far as to position armed police officers on the floor of the venue. (Good thing they had those guns to control all of the violent, rioting Phish fans).

7. For Fans to realize that showing up ticketless at sold out shows ultimately raises ticket prices and increases security.

It does seem like there has been a decline in ticket-less fans this year. However, I think this has more to do with the band's performances than anything else.

6. For fans to actually think of where a glow stick lands before they throw it. It may look cool flying though the air, but it sure hurts when it hits you in the face.

Now here is a wish that actually came true. All of the glow stick encounters I've seen have looked like small battles, compared to the all-out wars of '97 and '98. There are still a few people who try to wage war on ambient jams, but it seems like the majority of people that retrieve the glowing vials, are simply holding onto them instead of finding a new target. Thank you everyone.

5. For Phish fans to realize that if nobody bought tickets from scalpers, they would go away.

See number 7.

4. For fans to stop judging other fans.

It's all about the love baby.

3. For everyone to use some common sense and realize that the deadliest drug being smoked at rock concerts is tobacco.

There is a better chance that Trey will write Gamehenge II. I will never understand why people smoke cigarettes.

2. For people to discover how uniquely amazing the Disco Biscuits really are.

This also came true. Last New Year's Eve, the band played to just under 200 people in a tiny bar in Philadelphia called Silk City. This year, they will play to 750 people at Philadelphia's Theatre of Living Arts.

1. To be able to quit my day job and find a way to make a living in this wonderful world of jam bands. (Resume available upon request)

This one is proof that you need to follow your dreams. I quit my day job four months after I originally wrote this. Do what makes you happy. If you're reading this from an office job that you hate, quit.

Happy New Year everyone. Stay away from the alligators. Only one more year until the new millennium...

Jeff Waful is the daily news editor for Jambands.com and manages and books Uncle Sammy.