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    marye
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    Bolo24 says: An Idea, Perhaps? Since we're all going to have a fair amount of spare time on our hands for the foreseeable future, what about starting another thread where we all listen to the same show/release on a given day and then share impressions afterward? Folks can submit suggestions and one person (not me) picks what we'll all listen to - call it Deadnet Picks or something. Anyway, if this idea is deemed to have merit, I'd suggest one of the loyal regular posters take the lead and do the picking - y'all can decide who. Might be fun. If it does go forward, I nominate Dick's Picks 18 for the first listen. Been talked about here lately, and, had it been a single show rather than a compilation, we'd probably be talking about it in the same conversation as Cornell, Veneta, etc. Or perhaps even Gainesville?? Stay safe and healthy, friends - this planet needs as many Deadheads as possible.

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  • #3791
    DeadVikes
    Joined:
    Jim 4/19/82

    Holy crap Jim, I don't know how you guys made it through that Raven Space twice!
    Freaks me out now. What a first show!

  • #3792
    rockthing
    Joined:
    OROBORUS: There's definitely…

    OROBORUS: There's definitely something to what Hunter is saying. I write lyrics for some friends' band, and they usually give me the vocal melody before I start for exactly that reason. The first album I did with them, I focused mainly on the meaning, but came up with a lot verse that didn't rhyme. The vocalist commented later that he was having a hard time remembering the lyrics to that album, so the second time I worked with them I put more thought into the rhyming schemes, and that made the lyrics more memorable for him, and I suppose for their listeners, too. Another member of the band who is not a native English speaker only wants one syllable words for the songs he's writing because he says it's easier to find the beat. I've read that Hunter didn't like the vocalists altering his lyrics, but when writing for myself a lot of editorial decisions about the lyrics occur as I'm trying to marry the page to the music. Some lines just look much better on paper than they sound when vocalized in rhythm. I've got the freedom to just say, well, I like that word, but it's never gonna work. To me a lot of songs that end up sounding awkward do so because the authors were too precious with their words, not being willing to alter the page to suit the performance. That has nothing to do with Desolation, of course. Dylan's lyrics are on another plane of existence. I don't have a specific problem with the song itself, just in the context of a show, it often feels like a prolonged drop in intensity to me. I guess I just haven't heard "the one" that will convert me. There have been songs that I just didn't get until I'd heard one performance that suddenly struck a nerve. From then on every performance became important.

    But anyway.....

    Still raven about 4/19/82.. I can totally see how that space would wig out both dogs and ravers on a ride. It's maniacal. The 9/15/88 space was just the opposite, so sweet and then evolved into a really nice I Will Take You Home, iirc. That's a really tight show all around. I'm gonna have to revisit that period, 'cause the tapes I had didn't leave as favorable an impression.

    4/19/82 Around and Around is pretty unique, too, at least to me. Beautiful Stella Blue. Man, what a first show. Trying to picture what the folks "up there" were doing when Bobby cautioned them during Broken Down Palace. Standing on the tracks, perhaps? :P

    When did they stop doing On the Road Again?

    First Earth Day in 1970, and The Airplane at the Central Park Band Shell... massive event envy.

  • #3793
    Strider 808808
    Joined:
    Earth Day 1970

    I participated the first year at the NYC Central Park bandshell. The following month I saw the Jefferson Airplane for my first time, same location.

  • #3794
    JimInMD
    Joined:
    4/19 & Happy Earth Day

    Happy Earth Day everyone.. hope that's something we can all agree on.

    Yea, that Space grabbed us too.. we left the arena thinking what the hell was that?

    I think I've told this tale here before so I'll keep it brief. The weirdest thing of the whole show was the setting. I went with a buddy and his older brother who was purportedly as straight as can be, but an avid dead fan and a taper. Me and my buddy were quick to depart him at the car.. got two steps inside and serendipitously bumped into a benevolent stranger underneath a dark stairwell.. and we both got two that set the stage for the rest of the night. I only knew of the GD from a couple of my older brothers studio albums. So I was expecting mellow, acoustic type playing. The last thing I listened to before we left was an 8-track of Terrapin Station so I was happy they played that.

    Well.. things turned dark during Drums/Space. My friend to my left started really wigging out. He was scared and not happy.. at a certain point I stopped looking over at him and began worry about myself. I looked over at the woman to my right who was not surviving this any better. Tears of fright. ..and that laughter, that taunting, looney laughter and the noises. It was all any of us could take. ......and eventually in those minutes that seemed like a lifetime, it all seamlessly melted into the delicious sounds of the most beautiful melody I had ever heard. A tranquil Wheel that came just as I this "my nerves were shot and I felt like I couldn't take it anymore" feeling had outlived it's useful life. I got a hug from the cutie on my right, she next hugged her boyfriend and everyone was happy again.. all was good with the world.

    So we survive the whole affair, and it really felt like survival. We miraculously met up with my friends older brother at the correct time and place (how we did this I will never know, surely divine intervention) but just before that got a very stern warning ".. act straight man.. he cannot know..." so we meet up, hop into the car and on the drive home he grabs a tape out of his Sony and fast forwards the second set tape and says we gotta hear that Space again man.. and listened to it at high volume on the first playback of his master which took most of the drive home.. so we had to survive it again, this time driving through the streets of downtown Baltimore, through the freeways on another trip through never, never land.

    I will remember that mad cap laughter and that trip for the rest of my remaining days and the feeling of fearlessness that I carried through school the next day. When things get weird.. there's a challenge and reward to put it in perspective and grind on through it with a smile on your face. Thanks for listening and commenting guys.

  • #3795
    DeadVikes
    Joined:
    4/19/82

    What a great show Jim. Recording is fantastic. They Love Each Other really stood out to me. Love it when when a show does that. Peggy O, Cumberland. That Feel Like a Stranger Franklins is hot. Like that finish and the Brokendown encore is solid. But, the strangest part of the show was that Raven Space. What the hell was that?? My god, my dog went nuts when that came on.

    Keep it moving forward.

  • #3796
    Oroborous
    Joined:
    One man gathers,...

    LOL, this is why I love this place!
    Personally I love Desolation Row, but that certainly doesn’t mean you have to lol.
    Those 89 versions are sick. Or any that Jerry’s “on”...
    Man that is a lot of lyrics...how can Bob usually do well with this one but constantly mess up Trucking, lol, and Promised Land! Bet it has to do with where the vowels/consonants fall relative to timing and playing at the same time etc. Unfortunately I can’t remember where, maybe Relix book? But read an interview recently with Hunter discussing just how difficult it is to write so the singer can sing/breathe right etc.. Rockthing,.bet that’s why your having trouble in the same spot...

    Gonna hit up 4/21/71 just cause, “buy the ticket, take the ride”. Actually almost to the final stretch of the April madness.
    Hit up both those 88 shows yesterday and enjoyed both. 88 is another under radar year that needs more love.

    4/19/82. Been a big fan since I got the tape back then, perhaps even more so the previous night.
    Wasn’t sure I’d have time but the Mrs works late tonight so maybe if it’s on YouTube....I thought I saw some of this there once?
    So one step done and another begun...hup, hup, vamonos!

    Oh, ps, hey Vguy I think Striders trying to take away your class clown/site jokester title ; )
    Keep em coming boys! Not enough smiling or laughter “in this world of trouble, we got ta....”

  • #3797
    rockthing
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    JIMINMD: 4/19/82: Helluva…

    JIMINMD: 4/19/82: Helluva first show. Wow. I had an hour drive each way to my work site today, so nearly got through the whole thing in the car. I'd just made it up to the most blatant Other One tease that turned into Truckin' when I got home. So much good happening from start to finish, but that Raven Space is fantastic. Not sure how I missed this one, considering it's my wife's birthday, and a few years ago I made a point of checking to see what shows landed on her birthday. Got stuck up in Orono, I guess. :P Only wish I'd not been driving so I could've listened with more attention and taken more notes about specific hot and not spots. All I know is, I wish I could say that was /my/ first show. I think I'm gonna be listening to this for a while.

    DEADVIKES: 9/15/88: Oh, yeah, I'm amazed they remembered the lyrics as well as they did, tbh, pulling songs out of nowhere on stage that way, well before the teleprompters became practical. It happens. I get it. Usually I have a laugh over it, 'cause sometimes it's the imperfections that are most endearing. I guess Desolation just doesn't appeal to me as much the other tunes in the set, or other Bobby tunes for that matter, so that missed lyric right at the climax of the 12 minute rendition of the song sort of added insult to injury, so to speak. lol. I guess Casanova was just being punished for going to Desolation Row. ;) On my first listen it kind of stood out as one of the few points in the show that weren't pedal to the metal. Don't get me wrong. I love it when Jer brings it waaay down with one of his dramatic ballads, and I love Bobby's role in the band. I know some people who're like, "I only listen to Jerry Band 'cause I can't stand Bob," but I totally do not get that.

    Normally I like the stretched out tunes, but I also dig the hot and tight atmosphere circa '87/'88. So many different approaches over the years. That's what keeps it fun.

    Speaking of flubbed lyrics, There's a line in Promised Land, "Right away I bought me a through train ticket right across Mississippi clean" that I've heard Bobby miss on multiple recordings. The reason I bring this up is that whenever I try to sing that song, I always forget the exact same line. Has Bobby hypnotized me?!

  • #3798
    DeadVikes
    Joined:
    MSG 9/15/88

    Agree Strider, this is a great 88 show and so representative of the time. Short show. Love these 2 source matrix recordings.
    Rockthing, flubbed lyrics is part of the charm and deal with the Dead and so is stretching out those songs. Desolation Row, that song is stuck in my craw. Love it. Might be because it reminds me of the late 80s and being a different dumb kid.

    Going to check out 4/19/82 today. Jim's first. Oh and this is Dan Healy's master soundboard recording.

  • #3799
    rockthing
    Joined:
    JIMINMD: I'd imagine anyone…

    JIMINMD: I'd imagine anyone who wasn't at the Pizza Parlour says they wish they'd seen'em sooner. :) Sorry I horned in with Maine when we were talking about (What's new in) Baltimore That sounds like a cool show. '82 is one of my weaker years, but I've been getting into several shows from that period over the past year, so I'm definitely curious. Now the queue.

    Currently diggin' on that 9/15/88 MSG gig. I was mistaken. It was another September MSG run that I'd spent time listening to. Sure never had heard this. Most of my '88 shows came from old tape trades several gens off the master, so this reminds me that maybe I should be looking to upgrade those. Steve Porter's Sennheiser ME80 pull appealed to me the most. Frequencies seemed most well-balanced. I always go for AUDs first and fall back on boards when it's slim pickins. This show, though. Man. Gimmie an E-N-E-R-G-Y! What's that spell? Great show. Grahme's first "Rock'n'Roll" is certainly noteworthy. Sugaree is rockin'! That's a song that I'm kinda used to feeling like it's draggin on a bit, but not this night. Wow. Desolation Row, otoh, kind of overstays its welcome a bit, and then Bobby flubs the climactic lyric. I love Dylan tunes, and obviously The Dead do too, but this song is rarely a highlight in a Dead show for me. All Along the Watchtower in the second set, however, really cooks. Jer could really rock some dirt in these later days, which makes the contrast with his wonderful clean playing in the early 70s a real treat, and also highlights how each era has its attractions. On the other hand, I prefer Crazy Fingers with Jerry's "silvery elf voice", but I'd never complain about getting a Crazy Fingers. Deal. This has got to be one of the band's most dependable numbers. Such a cool tune to begin with, but they always nail it. Good night for Bobby tunes, with both Cassidy and Playin'. I love how Phil seems to be the first to hint at going back to it during the jam out of Uncle John's. Pretty concise Drums/Space. The crowd clearly reacts to Brent's daughter coming on stage during I Will Take You Home. Interesting choice out of Space showing that Space wasn't all about melting face, but also creating some more gentle dream atmospheres, too. The Lovelight false ending is cool, like, in a James Brown throwing off his mantle kind of way. Bobby really strikes the right balance here delivering exuberant rather than psychotic. ;) They barely slow down at all. I'm not sure I've ever heard such a relentless show before. Nice call.

  • #3800
    Strider 808808
    Joined:
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    .Twenty

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Bolo24 says: An Idea, Perhaps? Since we're all going to have a fair amount of spare time on our hands for the foreseeable future, what about starting another thread where we all listen to the same show/release on a given day and then share impressions afterward? Folks can submit suggestions and one person (not me) picks what we'll all listen to - call it Deadnet Picks or something. Anyway, if this idea is deemed to have merit, I'd suggest one of the loyal regular posters take the lead and do the picking - y'all can decide who. Might be fun. If it does go forward, I nominate Dick's Picks 18 for the first listen. Been talked about here lately, and, had it been a single show rather than a compilation, we'd probably be talking about it in the same conversation as Cornell, Veneta, etc. Or perhaps even Gainesville?? Stay safe and healthy, friends - this planet needs as many Deadheads as possible.

....end second set Morning Dew followed by a Sugar Mags? Hmmm. Punchy.
They tried to top that Mind Left Body, and actually did it!!
Three song encore. Because why the fuck not?
Stay safe my friends. Wash hands.

. this is a Primo Setlist for my liking, it’s mind blowing to say the least how the Dead played from the start of the performance and then bring everything together starting during the second set and the entire Third Disk!!! “H0LY Toledo” !my brothers & sister’s! This Is the “good Old Grateful Dead” at one of their best musical eras in the bands entire career, IMO at least.
Interesting’Dark Star’ for sure, I dig it!
Love the Morning Dew absolutely Bella!
Rock on everyone, have a grateful day! 🙏❤️💀🌹

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Submitted by The Good Ole G… on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 08:23

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It's been fun to visit Oklahoma City '73 again.

Got Distracted during Set 2 yesterday (damn real world stuff!) so I had to revisit the Dark Star this AM.

Mind Leaving Body right now

It's a great way to start the day.

Oh, the places we can go.. next up Cape Cod '79

Have a Grate day everyone!

Jerry quoting a little bit of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring at 9:18 in Morning Dew.

Huge Morning Dew after Major Dark Star.. that’s some good Sunday Morning Music.

And then as mentioned here… Triple Encore of Eyes > Stella, Johnny B. Goode.

Yeah that’s some majorly good Dead.

Great Pick.

Alright, time to time travel some more.

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Submitted by Gollum on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 11:06

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I also went with the Oklahoma Dark Star onwards for this Sunday Morning. Yes, this is perfect morning music. Great catch on the Bach! I would never have noticed that. I'm beginning to understand why this show is so revered. I just needed some good focused listening...

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Submitted by The Good Ole G… on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 12:04

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I wish I could take the credit and that my ear was that sharp to pick that out on the fly.

But the credit goes to Tom Ferraro and his review in the Taper's Compendium Volume 1 (which is great by the way).

He mentions it and then I had fun listening for it and lo.. Jesu was there.

Great way to start the day for sure.

Nice pick today GOLLUM!

Set 1 was a nice follow up to my Sunday Morning voyage through October '73 and I've made it to Franklin's Tower which is a massive 17 minutes long... I'm excited to hear where it goes.

So far so good.

PS - You should check out the next night SBD if you find yourself with time to spare... The Set 2 China > Rider & PITB are EPIC. I plan on listening to Set 1 of that show later and might just listen to the aforementioned songs again. That Franklin is over 21 minutes long for a total of over 35 minutes of Franklin's Tower in 24 hours.. who can pass that up?
(Another nod to the Taper's Compendium, this time Volume 2 for pointing out that tidbit as well).

Have Fun & Good Listening!

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Submitted by Gollum on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 20:06

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Thanks for the tip on the Cape Cod 10/28 show GOGD. I listened to the tunes you mentioned and loved them. That show certainly seems at least as good as the 10/27 show. But anyways 10/27 seems mighty fine! I liked the Stagger Lee, Sailor-Saint, and OtherOne-NFA the most. I need to listen to the Dancing- Franklin's jam a few more times. That Dancing jam is queer bird, and I'm not sure what to make of it. So, Brent's getting some weird sounds from his keys the first 9 minutes, and then there's like a loud velcro rip sound, and his keys are back to normal?! I need to listen to it a few more times- it's a queer bird and I need some more time to digest it.

I'm into a 1979 rediscovery phase, ever since the 12/26/79 discussion here a few weeks ago. I always loved the "Friend" and UJB from that show but never got beyond that. Now, I'm finally seeing the greatness of the whole show. It's my favorite Brent show now, by a long shot. (thanks to this forum!) Now I'm giving the 2 fall/winter 79 Road trips some much needed and overdue love.

Have a great Memorial Day, all.

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Submitted by JimInMD on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 21:15

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I was gone all day.. did I miss a Gollum pick?

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Submitted by Gollum on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 21:35

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Yep, you missed the great Cape Cod Clambake. I figured you was probably out white-water rafting though the Blue Ridge mountains again....

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Submitted by Gollum on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 22:05

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That's a great Minglewood! I don't know of a better "Stagger Lee" I forgot how much I liked that song...

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Submitted by Vguy72 on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 22:36

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....then they are smack in the middle of a Shakedown Street. Swear to God. They are playing it. Masterful stuff.
At 11:12 they resume the Dancin' theme. That's a Shakedown Jam. At least that's how I heard it, and I trust my ears.

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Submitted by Gollum on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 23:21

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Yeah, that's a beauty. Love the thundering Lesh-heavy Other One

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Submitted by Gollum on Sun, 05/24/2020 - 23:58

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Great set- exhausting, especially when loud and through headphones. Phil really laying it on thick-mmm...bedtime

GOLLUM: So much good stuff in Fall / Winter ’79 for sure!
It has it’s own unique sound like so many periods of the Dead.
Definitely enjoyed the Clam Bake… CAUTION JAM > THE OTHER ONE! I listened to that like 3 times yesterday, that’s some killer jams.

Speaking of 12/26/79 - I didn’t realize there was a soundcheck of Black Throated Wind in circulation, just stumbled on to that this morning. Gonna listen to BTW from '79 right now. Far out!

Might need to revisit 12/3/79 DaP V31?

BOB T: You’re thinking 6/14/76 today? There is a nice PITB on there…

What’ll it be today.. ’76, ’79, ’88.. so many choices!

...1979 is one of my favorite dead Era’s ! Love Cape Cod 79’ and December 79’ is primo dead for my likings! Brent brought backsome ‘gusto’ to the dead’s music and performances, it’s almost like the dead had come back half circle in their approach to playing their old & new selection of songs and it worked wonders as we can hear in the 1979 releases & recordings, the latest being ‘Dave’s Picks #31 as mentioned earlier! A primo release in the series that I can enjoy over & over again. I swear it will “still your face right off your head!” Is it better than ,Dicks Picks #5,?! I think not but it’s grande in its own way! More 1979 please !
Have a grateful day everyone! 🙏❤️💀🌹

LMG has '79 fever too!

While we're waiting for a consensus in regards to today's pick

'79 talk has me taking a look at the ole collection and I like the looks of the following:

11/6/79 - Philly Spectrum - Road Trips Download - (Started listening to this.. it's good:)
12/3/79 - DaP V31 - I need to relisten as I recall only listening once and moved on.

Also mentioned by BOB T -
6/14/76 - Box Set

And - Thanks for the Dylan tip VGUY. Listened to Postcards of the Hanging last night, never really paid attention to it.. Baby Blue from 12/3/81 is killer!

Probably should listen to some honest Bob.. but I got Dead fever.

What you all listening to today?

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Submitted by Gollum on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 11:02

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6/14/76 would work perfect for me. I just listened to 6/10 and 6/11 last week, so it's due up for me anyways. It would be a nice mellow way to end the Memorial Day weekend.

Dave's 31 (12/3/79). GOGD, I also listened to this just once and moved on. I was frustrated by the mix. Bobby's guitar is just too low for me, especially on Scarlet-Fire. That's a big pet peeve of mine. Maybe I should give it another chance -perhaps the ears adjust(?). Maybe I just need to lighten up a bit and go with the flow?! But, aren't we lucky we have the 12/26 and 12/28/79 shows as excellent Betty boards! The Healy Road 79 Road trips also sound great!

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Submitted by Oroborous on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 11:34

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Perhaps my favorite 79...another of my actually good sounding go to tapes back in the day. Used to like to play Bass along w it’s it for practice.

RECAP:
- Vault 1 8/13/75 ✔️ Haven’t heard this gem in forever. Forgot just how awesome and tight this show is. Choreographed sure, but so what, it flows so nicely, and hey, no me & my uncle, lol. There’s a reason this was chosen for the first Vault pick!
- 7/1/78: NOT
- 5/21/74: ✔️ Still haven’t caught up on this box either, yeeshk....
- 5/23/72:✔️ Finally got a copy of most of this. Cool DS of course, but overall they seem a tad off this night, compared to the rest of the tour. Need to hear again as I was ripping stuff while listening...
- 10/19/73; ✔️ I’ve gone on and on about this one so I’ll just say one word today....MAJESTIC....the whole dam show just builds slowly, majestically, to a powerful whole. Majestic jams, majestic DS. Prolly my favorite Dicks
- 10/27/79:✔️ yet another of the 30 trips shows that I’m not yet really familiar with. Still have so much of that beast I either haven’t heard yet, or have only listened in the background. So it was nice to sit a bit with this one from that great funky ass 79 fall tour. Nice relaxed but tight first set. Good second that’s already been covered well here...still think 11/6 is my fav from this tour? I dig 11/9 too, but I’m extremely biased on that one...
So maybe I’ll try to sneak both 11/6/79 and 76 in today? Hup, hup, better get going!

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Submitted by Gollum on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 20:29

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I never feel like skipping any songs on these June 76 shows. Each one is a smooth seamless trip. Nice soothing Playin' jam. Heading into the 13 min slipknot.

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Submitted by Oroborous on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 07:14

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Spring 90....shoot chip, you don’t even need to ask!

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Submitted by DeadVikes on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 17:50

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Throughly enjoyed this one again today. Such a laid back Eyes and Dark Star. Brandford really kills it on Lovelight. Knocking on Heavens Door is sweet. I think I saw them close with this one twice........Man, do I want to see some live music.

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Submitted by Gollum on Tue, 05/26/2020 - 19:00

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another one I've neglected. it's going down smooth.

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Submitted by Lovemygirl on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 04:00

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I concure! ...Another ‘primo’ performance from the entire band! ;)

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Submitted by bob t on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 05:36

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No one chose anything so want to go with this one? Not trying to be the "decider of the day" bob t

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Submitted by bob t on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 06:15

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Back in I think 1987. It was my 3rd tape with Help>Slipknot on it but my first one with no Franklin's Tower.... I was very confused... Before I had Deadbase... bob t

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Submitted by Gollum on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 08:57

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A quality pick!

This whole "pick of the day" thing is making me realize I have big problems with my collection. So, I looked for the Cow 76 release this morning. I found the case and booklet on the shelf in pristine quality but all 3 CD's are missing - ooftah! I then checked the most likely locations: 3 CD travel cases crammed with Dead CD's. No luck! So the discs must be misplaced among my extensive piles of CD's. A major project to locate them now. At least I have disc 1 downloaded with the great PITB jam.

Another example: I wanted to suggest 6/14/91(View from Vault2) last week as a pick of the day. This might be my favorite show from 91 but I think it is overlooked since it was chosen as a video. I have the last 2 discs downloaded but am missing the first one. I can't find the case or disc 1 CD. So I couldn't suggest it as a pick. Also, it is no longer available as a download. (the Philly 79 show picked last week is also not available as a download)

I think I just assumed the big standalone releases would always be available, either as downloads or in the used CD bin. Not so, I'm afraid! None of these 3 shows are available through nugs, iTunes, or deadnet. Used CD stores are a thing of the past.

Mind you, I am not groveling for copies. There is a fair chance I can still locate my missing shows. I guess there will never be a better time to reorganize than during this lockdown. Till then, there is the archive.

But I digress, on to 12/31/76!

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Submitted by Oroborous on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 11:53

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like so many of the “big” shows perhaps their legendary status can sometimes out weigh their overall performance?
Don’t get me wrong, I love any Spring 90 show, and 3/29/90 is a real Bobbie Dazzler, but after many years I’m wondering if it’s the best ALL AROUND show of the tour? Personally, I think I like 3/24 better, but I’m extremely biased. There was a reason though why they released the 24 and 3/15 as early single show releases...
So 29 has a great 1-2 punch with Jack/Bertha, but 24 has LTGTR, Help>Slip>Franks that are first rate.
I’ll take Loser and Desolation from the 24, but the 29 does have that Bird Song. For a first set closer I’ll take a ONSN over Promised land.
The second set is a little trickier; yes it’s all great, but I think the overall cohesion and playing is better on the 24. Eyes somedays, listening seems to kinda drone on with everyone sorta just playing along with one guy noodling at a time. I’ve often felt this way when they’ve had special guests...nothing against the guests etc, just I think it was harder for civilians to play with the Dead than many realize, so the uniqueness and hype are greater then the performances. Like Estimated even has a rare hiccup for this tour. Of course I’ve never met a DS I didn’t like, and being the only one of the tour it is a big deal, but part 2 is perhaps quick and out, along with the wheel, into yet another Throwing Stones though it is a beast, and a Lovelight instead of yet another NFA.. Nice Knocking to bring it back down after all that energy and send em home peaceful.
Again, great show, but I argue the overall flow of 24 is smoother, tighter, deeper, especially pre drums, with a better Wheel, scorching Watchtower, awesome Stella, and yes, yet another NFA, but a good one that works for this show. A Dew would of been the topper, but you knew that was going to get saved...Finally, I’ll take a Bid You Good Night over almost anything cept perhaps Attics, (never had the pleasure of a Ripple)....
Sorry, just bored and rambling while 12/31/76 Eyes is blazing in the background. Which is yet another of those long lost Chestnuts from my early days that I don’t listen to as much as I should, the ole “aw yeah, I’m gonna save that one for X (fill in the blank), but that day never comes, lol. So much Dead...but yeah, another of the true great all time classics. And a top New Yeats show comparatively! Great vibe too, not quite 76 but not full on 77, that whole transitional thing Daverock et el are always pointing out.
Makes me laugh thinking about how many dumb ass reporters trying to phone it in with usual misinformed dribble: “nostalgic 60s leftovers that basically haven’t changed but continue to hang on the the past, yaddy, yaddy, yadda”
Aaaaaa, how bout you get the shit outta your ears and actually listen? The change might of been subtle and over time, but it was always there! Man, I never believed in dosing anyone but sometimes it crosses your mind...bloody punters!

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Submitted by The Good Ole G… on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 14:09

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I think I'm feelin' you on this OROBOROUS.

The revisit the other day of Dozin' had me super jazzed on Spring '90, but yesterday I found myself drifting in an out.. and my attention was wandering. I thought maybe I was just over doing it, crushing Dead all day after day.. but after reading your comments I think you might be on to something. IMO 3/24 is the stronger show and 3/29 is good and all but might get a lot of attention based on the novelty of the guest appearance & Dark Star being played vs the performance. Not saying overrated.. but I think I like 3/24 better overall, it's probably the song selection but also the energy in the playing on 3/24/90, made it really stand up and shout for me the other day. Ask me next time and I might pull a Latvala and say 10/26/89 is the best Dark Star of all time!

The 9/10/91 Branford... that show rocks!

Admittedly I'm just spoiled at this point with so much good quality Dead that I can be all Judgy McJudgerson, but yeah that's what we be doing during this here quarantine.

As for 12/31/76.. Love love love this Playing In The Band, and am excited to pop this puppy on and get all critical and shit!

GOLLUM: You're stressing me out.. get that stuff organized ;) Just Kidding!.. kinda

Be Well All and Enjoy those Jams!

You crack me up Oroborous! And I know your affinity for Throwing Stones NFA. Yes, the closing sets in those days, well shit, sure glad they were there. And the 3/29/90 Lovelight was really good with Brandford.

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Submitted by Oroborous on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 17:40

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...I was just trying to defrost this place. Conversation versus consensus etc 😉

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Submitted by The Good Ole G… on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 18:30

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Haha OB

Good move.

How’d the Dead manage to make such perfect music for outside listening from big giant halls?

This Cow Palace show seems made for nice weather outside, currently 70 and sunny here (sorry VGUY). And it’s a perfect fit.

I was tripping on this in April on a similar day listening to 2/9/73 Roscoe Maples Pavilion, growing up I always thought that show was Outdoors cause that music is made to hear in nature’s splendor.

You all ever flashed on that?