Grateful Dead

I usually stay away from '83-'85; I can't listen Jerry's damaged vocal cords, 85 was the absolute worst for Jerry's voice; painful to look at as well...

Heres a thought. Has anyone ever considered that in some ways 77 and 87 can be seen as somewhat comparable...Musically speaking, the scene not so much although both were peaks in popularity and brought loads of new fish onboard. But both keep things pretty focused and extremely tight. Not much psychedelic noodling if you will.... Something different to bat around here....

Well said as usual Mr Jimmy

I get that too.. I was happy to see a couple raunchy barn burners on 30 trips - 10/12/84 and 9/18/87 come to mind. I have always been big on 85 for a few reasons. They really mixed up the song selection and setlists. There were a lot of break-outs and new songs added to the mix, I think there was a bit more consistency than 83 and 84. Finally.. the tapes, to me, sound just a little better. 84 (and 83) seemed to be a bit muddier.. not sure why. It was an interesting time in GD History.. perhaps it was as simple as they tried to put something fun and interesting together for the 20th anniversary. As for some of the other stuff.. hopefully we can move forward. ...if you get confused, listen to the music play.

Space, great comment, love that show...but who’s Kinger then, Fishman?

Sorry, just have to say who else but us/the dead would be contemplating the music being too pure....Man we are so blessed. “Oh, that show was too tight” hee-hee. Such problems... ; )

daverock, first have to declare that I love 85 partly because it was a real fun time to tour.My personal variables age etc., and the scene and energy and lets face it some of the a, extra curricular variables were through the roof. We were all (band and fans) often on the edge and so sometimes it could be amazing, and we’ll, sometimes it was pretty ugly...Hell there were times we weren’t sure Jer was going to make it, but there could be something about he/them being on that edge that often lent it self to the ol X factor...IMHO, it was sort of a peak before all the Touch craziness that almost recked the whole affair. It’s like the whole thing hit a level I don’t recall when we first started going to those one off I90 shows at the small War memorials back in the 70s etc. Hell those days shows often would barely sell out. Yes people got down, but overall the scene was more laid back, which is not a bad thing, it’s just that 85 was nucking futz! This is when Shakedown St. and camping and a whole “scene was building up” but one could argue it was like the Haight, where it was awesome, until it got too big and wasn’t.... Of course one could argue that we’re partially to blame for the scene getting too big and crazy, but it was a real gas until it got out of control....aaaa the hubris of youth. Used to think Weir was literal when he sang “too much of everything is just enough”, and maybe then he was, but now think maybe there was a wee bit of tounge in cheek perhaps. I’m sure Bob probably wouldn’t say, because he has often not commented on song meaning since a great song has many meanings, especaily in different context. Why Dylan is such a monster! But anyway, that Too Much vibe seemed prevalent throughout the whole scene.... I’m no t that informened comprehensively as far as tapes etc. but check out 4-7, 6-27, 6-28, 6-30 and 7-1-85 for some great shows...oh, everyone should sometime check out 7-13-85. One of best first sets ever, second set ok, nice little Cryptical, TOO etc thread.... Anyway, if you like raw and dirty definetlty at least check out some 85....

I liked the comments you made about shows that were perfectly well played, with no mistakes, as opposed to those which featured more seat of the pants jamming. I also prefer it when they take chances. I much prefer a show that has some rough edges, but has moments of real inspiration, as opposed to ones that are smoother, with less ups and downs. The smooth ones sound professional, but the rougher ones are where the gold is. Having said that, I don't listen to much from 1985. Maybe I should start.

True, nothing sounds better through "rose-colored speakers" than some caterwalling screaming during "Playing in the Band'. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan's favorite. If I'm frank, than AJS is Hot lips. Of course, these millenials are proboblay wondering what this fuss about the M.A.S.H. business these elderly old farts refer too. Maybe we could step back a couple decades further slam each other with 'Lil Abner references next. Somebody quick, pass the Geritol. Fogey alert. So I gave a less than glowing review of the first set. It's one man's opinion. I think it's awesome if other people are getting much enjoyment from it. I've only listened once, so perhaps I'll have some more positive input upon further listenings when I decide to give a more detailed song by song evaluation. It wouldn't be the first time that a show didn't immediately resonate with me, only to become a favorite later. I listened to 5/2/70 immediately before 11/17/71, so part of my first impression was influenced by listening to one of the all time best shows. I'm sure most here would agree that 5/2/70 is a few notches better than 11/17/71. Especially 1st set comparisons. I still stick with the Ann Arbor portion being the superior show between the two. 12/14-15/71 may be among the very best of the entire year, next to Port Chester and FE from the spring. I'm sure there would be some agreeance there. Also, I didn't say I hated DaP 26. Just that the first set isn't as solid as the second set. Why that would be blown out of proportion into becoming an issue by the usual trolls is beyond me. Haters will be haters.

I’ll have to check out Phil’s treatment when I can, sounds cool. Hell one of my favorite “Dead” things has always been what they do with others music, much like good Jazz...Speaking of Del and the gang, been so fortunate to see them a bunch, and even opened for them once so got to hang a bit. Not only incredible musicians, but truly nice people....and man, if you ever get a chance to see the boys play round the fire, after hours, phew. These folks truly play for love of game like say MJ or Bruce Smith.