Grateful Dead

I wanted to fit this in.. but couldn't. Still, I had a recent listen to this. It's one of my favorite Spring 90 shows for no other reason that it scratches an itch, it appeals to me. The beginning of the second set sparkles and has a great flow to it from one song to the next:

Foolish Heart
Looks Like Rain
Cumberland Blues
The Weight
Hey Pocky Way

In addition to a thundering Other One, second set those songs that beginning sequence shines.

- Foolish Heart has a great flow, one of the better versions they did
- Looks Like Rain (used on Without A Net), love the special affects (Mickey??) tosses in.
- Cumberland Blues (it's got a Cumberland, and a smoking one at that)
- The Weight (A great version and the first performed. It's a clean board and you can still hear the NY crowd go nuts as they knew this was a special breakout. A goosebump moment and it comes through on these recordings)

A great show. I still plan to fit this in and revisit it. I think it was OB commenting something to the fact that 3/29 gets all the hype and rightfully so, but it might not be the strongest show in the run. That might be true. Irregardless, if you take a step back and look at the whole three show run there's a wholeness to the sequence. It's a tentpole stop in the spring tour that does a great job of holding the whole thing and poking it up through the clouds. Truly a great moment in Grateful Dead history and powerful run of shows.

Ok.. rant over. Back to your regularly scheduled Looks Like Rain > Cumberland and spare changing on the corner for gas and beer money. (don't even think about reaching for proudfoots catalytic converter.. we know who you are!)

Yasss that whole 90 Nassau run is top shelf where mama hides the cookies!
I concur, the 28th has a great set list and great flow! The Cutler mix is awesome, if I had more time I’d do a Box release comparison at home, hell maybe I will this WE? But after our awesome enjoyment of the 30th, I’m thinking that one’s the big dog of the run, big set lists and guests aside? But that may of been the moment? Really their all so good who cares lol.
I was able to hit the first set of 5/15/81 again and that’s another great run: 5/15, 16, 17/81. Will hit the first half of the second set, then hopefully some of 4/3/82?

I’ve recently hit the Greek run, so may have to pass or delay? But DV you MUST check out this run if you love 82 and haven’t yet done so!! To me all 3 were really good but seemed to progress each night Culminating on the last night which I think is the 23rd? Chever, go for it, you’ll be happy : )
I would like to hit the Providence show sometime soon as I’ve only heard the second that I had a tape of. I didn’t have a huge tape collection so if I have a tape, it must of been a good show? That and the majority of the 5th that didn’t get on Road Trips are the only parts of this tour I’ve not heard, yet. Perhaps we slip em in next week?

Someday I’ll get time to properly rehit 42 but my listening has been spotty lately.
Still have a couple fall 73s, some more Nitecats, a couple 92 Dark Stars, and more on the to do list!
Perhaps next week Doc will give us another primal history lesson? But this WE I’d like to enjoy some official releases stuff on real stereo, hopefully?
Awright, snowing up here in the high country so time to get things warmed up with some hot Dead!

Hot here today.. Louisville 74 was on my water device so I hit that while we did the river. The Eyes of the World saw me safely through the steep part. Summer has arrived.. I guess it's safe to put away my skis.

I just happen to put that on, the only Dead thing in the middle of a 90 binge I’ve listened to this WE, Cept now a couple choice sides of grease and the Dark Star etc from 5/7/72. Haven’t been hitting full E72 shows but have sporadically, in order, been working through all the Dark Star discs. Man this one’s a beast!

Hopefully radio silence means DV is in thanksgiving like comatose after gorging on 82 Greek!

First my Mom in 2003, next my big brother in 2018.

Now, my Dad a few hours ago. A couple weeks shy of his 101st birthday.

He was:
> a child of the Great Depression
> a WWII veteran
> a captain of industry
> a kind, brilliant, generous and compassionate human being

He was my Dad. And my best friend.

May the four winds blow you safely home. You were the best person I've ever known.

Bolo, I'm sorry for the loss of your father, losing a parent or any family member is really rough. Hopefully the passage of time will make things better for you.

Hey rockers!!

Pick of the day: Big Rock Pow Wow, May 23-24, 1969

Two complete 1969 shows, officially released way back in November of 2010. What’s not to like about that?!!!

As one astute critic noted, time constraints forced the band to alter its plan of attack, yet this is still a delightful romp through the Grateful Dead's early songbook. Couldn’t have said it better myself……..

Although, I might add, has this been sitting on your shelf all these years, gathering dust? For shame!

The soul, which is spirit, can not dwell in dust; it is carried along to dwell in the blood……

Rock on!!

Doc
He ate and drank the precious Words,
his Spirit grew robust;
He knew no more that he was poor,
nor that his frame was Dust.

Hang in there Bolo.. sounds like he lived a full life and made a difference.

Big Rock Pow Wow has been in rotation since it was released. Not sure why.. it just speaks to me. Might hit it today.

I learned something new this year, the GD's He Was a Friend of Mine has been mislabeled all these years. I always thought it was an odd take on the folk song with the same name Dylan, Dave Van Ronk, the Byrds, etc. covered. Not sure why, it had different lyrics and a different arrangement.. It appears it's really a portion of a Mark Spoelstra song "Just A Hand To Hold" I don't think I'm the only one, I recall Dantian bringing this up almost a decade ago (remember him?). He referenced the Village folkie Dave Van Ronk in a similar setting.

Onward.. hope you all have a great day and a great beginning to the week.

So sorry for your loss Bolo. Losing a loved one is never easy. Certainly sounds like a rich meaningful life. All the best to you and your family.

We honor them by being the continuation of their conscience and spirit.
We are not the same but we are of them.
101 is awesome. Not many WWII vets left now. Lost mine in 2000.
Playing a He's Gone for all of them today.
Best wishes

so sorry for your loss, I wish I had some tidbit of wisdom to offer but all I can say is time will take away the pain and your memories that you made together will make you smile.

Condolences from our family to you and yours.
Sounds like he lived a long full life, hopefully he had a good passing.
We lost Mom in 2016 and Pop in 2020, still so surreal.
What I wouldn’t do just for a phone call : (

May the four winds blow him safely home!!

May the memories and smiles begin to crowd out the tears soon. Here's to Daddy Bolo – his was an amazing generation. Sometimes I think my parents are gone, but it's comforting how often you realize they're there when you need them, looking over your shoulder. Onward.

So sorry hear of your father's passing. Such a difficult thing ro deal with. Condolences from our family to yours. bc.

I strolled down Pow Wow lane yesterday. 5/24 has a Friend of Mine and Death Don't Have no Mercy. Timely pick.

I love the intro.. the MC is filling in some space while Ramrod is fixing the organ and suggests people should sit down so the folks in the rear can see. They boys aren't having any of that.. starting with Pigpen, Don't Sit, Stand Up..Don't be programming it baby, lets just get it on.. Then Bobby.. this one in the key of E-nough.. Some talk about the lights, put the lights on the people.. Jerry chimes in, it's incredible man.. you can stand up here and direct the whole ship.. come on.. let's play, and off they go.

Any interest in doing the 50th of 5/24/72 today? An off the radar show that has some high moments.

I'm down. Not one I can recite the setlist by heart, so I'll go without looking at it. I should be able to hit it at sufficient volume too which ought to be nice. :-) Thanks Jim. Jeff

PM

Hello my fellow rockers..........

LOVE 5/24/72!!! Listened on my commute this morning...........

In fact, love that whole four show run. But maybe it's just me..................

Rock on,

Doc
True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about and few have seen...........

Yes to this show Jim. I was going to suggest 5/26/72 also this week, but let's get 5/24/72 going now.

Listening to 5/24/72, this is really one of those shows that just feels like friends hanging out and jamming more than a show. And I certainly mean that in the best way possible. Just the energy bouncing off of every member in perfect harmony. It is a very personal sounding show and one that I will be listening to again!

Enjoyed 5/24.

An embarrassment of riches? Na.. just good ole GD. In recent years I have been enjoying the 'lesser' shows from this tour as much as the monsters. Lille, Munich, 5/24 Lyceum, Aarhus, Concertgebouw.. they all have their own story to tell. As for 5/24 the China Cat > PITB is special as is the latter part of the second set. The country songs shine on this tour as well. Listening to this tour from start to finish when the steamer trunk arrived completely changed my enthusiasm level for the band. So consistently good.

Anyway.. enough blabber from me. Anything on tap for today? Any inspiration?

I didn't catch the WRS Prelude in the first set despite the ample volume. I'll have to pay closer attention next time. :-P

Jim, here is today's inspiration:

London May 25 1972

Besides the "standard repertoire"---which is indeed tasty---we get the jammy, "no-rap", final Pigpen Good Lovin' and the quirkily convoluted Uncle John's Band/Wharf Rat/Dark Star/Sugar Magnolia second set jam sequence.

Be bold, unleash infinity!!!

Rock on,

Doc
If you look deep enough you will see music; the heart of nature being everywhere music.........

Up early and drinking some strong Kenyan.. with nothing on my listening plate I started 5/25. Just finished Good Lovin'. A strong show and good choice.

Thanks Doc.. might as well hit a few of these this year. Seems just about right.

Might as well hit the final three of the tour. I might need some additional time to get to these three in. They are all such high level shows.

In it for a penny..... In it for a pound.

Take your time and enjoy the ride.

For the kind words. Y'all are some nice folks.

My 100 year old father's last words: "I'm Goood!" Passed away 10 minutes later.

Nice pump fake, Dad. An OG prankster - runs in the family, I guess.

Bolo

It has been three years since my father said his farewell. Best man I ever knew. My mother sat with him and asked him to smile. He smiled and died.

"Nothing left to do but smile smile smile."

Good vibes sent your way. "stayed a little while and then flew off."

Take good care

Tim

Good morning, fellow rockers!

May 26 1972. The last classic show with all the original band members.

Needs no explanation.

An explanation of cause is not a justification by reason...........

See you in June,

Doc
There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms...............

Obvious, but I never looked at this show this way before. So glad it was tossed out today. It's a classic, one of my favorites but it's so obvious I actually don't listen to it all that much these days.

I had a personal and special moment my sophomore year in college listening to what existed of this on Vinyl in my room late one night. I didn't have all that much GD back then.. perhaps 40 or 50 tapes of various quality, this was before the influx of soundboards that would come later that year (Cornell, Betty Boards, etc.) I still get goosebumps when I listen to this Morning Dew. It sparks a real moment of personal reflection and inward thinking..

A powerful piece of music that I really enjoy. Wowwow stuff.

5/24/72 is a great show, what is not to like. Still working my through 5/25 and love that first set Big Boss Man, China Rider, Me and Bobby McGee. How about that Brokedown Palace? Fantastic. I will keep it rolling. Hope you are all enjoying it.

Holy crap, long time no see old top!
It’s unfortunate that such a sad thing brought you outta the woodwork, but glad you did!
Hope you’ve been well my good twin ; ) Great story, per usual, thanks for sharing the smile that made me smile!

Bolo, that’s priceless, last words: I’m good! We should all be so lucky!
Hang in there amigo, got an empty cup, only love can Phil!
If you get confused…

Oroboros and Oroborous.

like a Full lunar eclipse from Muley Pt.

speaking of brothers - you out there in the mountains of southern NM?

streamed available sbds of 5/24 and 5/25 past couple of days. been a long while. really fun listening to Keith's playing in those mixes. everything on the Europe tour is a joy to listen to.

I was able to fit in all three shows, actually I hit the first a couple weeks ago. I have to say.. the 26th is my favorite of the bunch. I don't listen to it that often but it's long, consistently good and practically perfect in every way. They really are all excellent.. the boys were on.

The highlights are many, but the pure gold is in the beginning of the second set. The balance between the thunderous Other One, spacey interlude and delicate Morning Dew is stunning. In and out, tug and pull, ebb and flow, tension and release.. It gets me every time, especially Jerry's soulful and expressive Morning Dew.

So glad you guys kept this run in our focus..

I think we have a little time while a few ketchup.. I might hit 5/25/77 Richmond since it came up on the Dave's Picks thread. I almost never listen to that one also. Anyone else have anything off the beaten path on the horizon?

Holy cow.. it's a holiday weekend already! Enjoy all..

5/25/95 second night Seattle. No sbd, but you can listen to a pull by the man himself Charlie Miller. it's all really really good. gorgeous night. jerry's solo during foolish heart was so very liquid silver and beautiful. and i suggest paying special attention to the D > S > Wheel. For extra credit pick up the sbd source from gd hour of beginning of Set II previous night. I was on the rail whole show. Want To Tell > Estimated . . . . And like ProudFoot said night 3 was a big time dreamy affair with a massive jammed out Scarlet > Fire.

oh call me crazy but i really really like Samba In The Rain. Saw the second one played in Seattle '94 and it had a swing that i really dug. Lyrics by poet etraordinaire Robert Hunter. If I remember correctly Jerry, Bob, and Phil(!) all singing harmony on the chorus and it was great. So it was sweet and just fine to hear it again in '95. and another thing from those '95 shows is just how "fat" and "other" Bobby's guitar sounds. I loved that.

Recently finished listening to this on vinyl. Excellent recording and a solid show. The Lazy Lightning/Supplication really caught my attention. Overall though nothing that just blew me away.
Noticed that an outfit called Brookvale Records out of NY had been doing Dick's Picks vinyl but their website's last listing was DiP 8. Are they still doing those? The site was rather empty. Only 2000 in each issue. Has Rhino taken over the vinyl production? Does Dead.net license to more than one producer at a time? There would be a few DiPs that I would love to have in vinyl, like 15-Englishtown, 18-Dane County, 20-Landover/Syracuse. I did get the DiP 19 OKC '73 vinyl recently.
Saving my 5-26-72 listen for the July CD release. No dinero for that vinyl box.
Cheers

Edit: eBay search seems to indicate Rhino produced, Brookvale just a seller? Brookvale's website said they produced so I'm confused. No Brookvale past DiP 8. Then the newer Rhinos, DiP 36 (averaging 3 or more times release price), 19 (only averaging double the release price). The crazy sellers are there too. DiP 3 listings for $3100. sealed or buy an unsealed for $127.50 (probably won't last), or go whole hog for DiP 1-5 sealed for $2699.99! So it would appear that I've only missed that earlier run of DiP 1-8. Oh well, couldn't have afforded them back then anyway.

Been having real repetition burn out, especially early seventies, specifically Bobs repetitiveness, though a couple JG songs too. That’s a sure sign of burnout: when you start getting sick of Jerry songs lol.
Also, limited to what I can find on Relisten since what little listening I’ve had has been at work.
I’ve recently spent some quality time with Pow Wow, so skipped that and not much of the Lyceum stuff is on line. Did hit some, but really been outta the loop. Murphy’s law, 50th anniversary but not been really drawn to E72, though I have been slowly making my way through the Dark Star discs etc. THAT stuff never gets old!

Hit 2/9/73 one day since it came up again. Still don’t get what all the hype is about that one. Yes it’s a good show, and interesting historically, but imho there’s other 73 shows I’d rather have, but hey that’s just me. Always seemed overrated to me?
I hit 5/25/77 for the first time sorta recently and it’s yet another of those 77 shows, but it didn’t blow me away, or, I liked 41 from 5/26 better? Admittedly, only listened online and I need a another go of that one? That run all sorta rolls into one for moi? Yes very consistent, tight well played etc, but…? I guess some day I need to go all in and do the whole month in order etc, but there always seems to be something else hot on the radar. Oh, like 7/13/76 that Billy The Kid mentioned elsewhere (another great show he was fortunate to attend, lucky bastid ; )
I hit that yesterday and it was a fine show in spite of the recording. Still think 7/18 is my fav though.
Hopefully I’ll get some shows in this WE, but the other half will be home too so depends on her tolerance level lol.
I’ll see if I can hit that 95 BC if only because you’ve recommended it highly. It’s on you bra ; )
Oh, just received RT 1.3 from 71, the last one I was missing, so that’ll have to get a spin too.
Fug, just like that the WEs shot lol. Such problems!
ONWARD!

Excellent release.

I'm ready to take the heat if need be for any '95 rec I make. Heck, I don't know if Dave has even posted any '95 in the Tapers Section. But I fully approved of his choice of Salt Lake for '95 in the 30 trips box. Great show, with a gorgeous Foolish Heart and the first of the late era Visions of Johanna, It was before my time in OOtah though Strider was there I think. Just saw that first 2 shows this week in Tapers Section are 8/8/82 Alpine and 8/11/87 Red Rocks, both shows I attended and loved. 8/7 and 8/8 changed the course of my life for the better I think :)

Jerry is botching the lyrics big time but I'm going to try and power through the whole animal today. Then, I might sample 5/25/95 Charlie Miller. Been wanting to see if Jim had any specific thoughts on 9/20/74. BITD, I had a very crisp DAT to Cassette of that show I liked it a great deal. I seem to remember there was a portion at the end cut from my tape, but maybe I'm confusing it with 10/28/77, which I also had a very clean DAT to Cassette of. :-) :-) :-) all 'tis the weekend :-)

Thanks Bluecrow. I'll check it out, just getting in from a big day spent mostly outdoors so maybe later tonight. I love this time of year, rain and all. Then again, I seem to find myself content with all seasons.. there's always something to do you just gotta poke around.

Gonna cook and eat some salmon, relax a bit and get settled into what hopefully is going to be a great holiday weekend. Hope you all find something that grabs you..

WTJ, it's been a while since I listened to 9/20/74. I recall liking it and thinking it was a better show than some of the reviews might lead us to believe. It has been a neglected 74 show for me. Perhaps I will fit this into my weekend. Besides, it's got a Cumberland! (and WRS and China Rider).. good setlist to be sure.

in the same breath?

holy mother of god.

i'm in deep now

so every show in that fall Europe '74 tour is pretty/really freaking good! I've rec'd an Usbourne matrix of the completely off the radar show from that tour in Munich from 9/14. listen for Tommy (IIRC) played over the system in a between sets on an audience splice. Yeah a history note.

And now yet again I'm "in" Set II for 5/25 Seattle. I really dug this run but hadn't even thought about it recently until ProudFoot mentioned night 3 and, among other things, I realized it it lined up with the last 3 nights of Lyceum '72.

Most of my deep listening nowadays is headphone and that's what I rec here. And don't forget the bonus GDHour source for Want To Tell > Estimated from the night before.

Jim - given all your whitewater and kayak time, did you ever know Jon Dragan back in the day?

I am lurking about.

Bolo's recent loss sparked me to reply on the recent loss of my father. 92 yrs. old and he was ready to go. And he did.

He's gone.....

Heading out to see Joe Russo's Almost Dead in Vail (2 nights) and then at Red Rocks for a night. Celebrating my wife's successful cancer treatment 5 years ago and our 42nd wedding anniversary in August by heading up to altitude and enjoying some music.

If you haven't availed yourself to JRAD yet, but enjoy the Dead's 68-69 breakneck pace, turn on a dime, deep jamming, combined with the Grateful Dead's entire song catalog, they are highly recommended by this writer.
Check them out. I find them significantly more edifying than any other dead-centric offerings I have seen (yes I have seen Dead & Co multiple times) as they play with inventiveness and pace of that early Dead.

Thanks for the shout out, hope to post more soon, retirement is rapidly approaching and will provide me with extra time to connect, reminisce, and spin tales of our favorite aural adventures.

Take care

Tim

I've heard of him, his name used to pop up.. he's a bit before my time and a bit South (Gauley River WV, etc.). The Gauley's a classic run and a bit of a beast. It's gods country down there, stunningly beautiful, really awe inspiring. Even the drive there is breathtaking. I'm about 2 1/2 hours North but occasionally make my way South, made it last fall and hope to make it at least once this year.

Definitely agree with Jim, WTJ and others on this show.
Let me take it a step further.
Obviously part of it was released with the original E72 release and I bought a copy of the CD release in I believe 85. Still have it .
Didn't get the box when it came out in 2011, seems crazy now, but that is the way it goes. Passed on the individual shows that sat on Dead. Net for years. Still can't believe that one. But my daughter was very young and money was tight.
Anyway, I believe my first two individual shows I purchased on the secondary market was this show and 4/26.
I was able to listen to the whole show tonight, basically uninterrupted.
The goose bumps are still there. Definitely a top five show in my book. The Truckin, Other Ones, Dew, Other One, Sing Me Back Home still might be the best music I have ever heard.
The sound quality still to this day amazes me how good it is.
We have to be thankful for the Warmer Bros executive, I forget his name and the unbelievable effort of the Wiz, Bob Matthews, Betty Cantor and others for recording this tour. This one is for you all.
Enjoy the weekend all!

That must be Joe Smith. I enjoy his modern day interviews and comments. I am not sure the boys were fond of him back in the day, but Jerry gave an amicable interview towards the end. In Anthem to Beauty, someone dug out the letter from him to the band that they "graded." I think they gave it an "F" for "F*** Y**"

Whiz also gave a great account of recording that show in Anthem to Beauty. No one was in the truck when Morning Dew was played and the recording came out flawless. Those were the days....

I'm sure you all knew all this, but just in case.. ah, the end of one of the truly great tours from any band at any time.

Up late last night, well just because.. up early this morning because it's my curse. Got water heating and some freshly roasted to see me through what will surely be a great morning. Everyday should be a holiday weekend.

I met Jon in the early aughts out here in the west on an 8-day river trip I was guiding. previous life time stuff, so to speak. unusual trip to say the least, almost every "client" was big time rafting/whitewater. me? just a boatman on the mighty San Juan. somewhat early in my career. But yes, I knew that river pretty well by then. There was at least one other company owner from WV on the trip, plus the owner of DIB, Spouses also. One, maybe 2, family friends. One for sure was a doctor. Moki Mac, another company owner, decades in the business and a legend out of Moab, was also there as the only other "crew" besides myself. Mac was in fact a friend of several of those folks. this trip was not MM trip but WRX. All boats personal, except the one I rowed, even MM. It was late October, hardly anyone on the river and we encountered no one in the lower canyon over 5 days. That is total gold. By chance watched one of the first helicopter "deliveries" of desert bighorn sheep in the low.er.

That first night Jon did something remarkably weird, comic, simple, and memorable.

so - etched in memory in terms of at least 2 key details. it was dinner. I'm standing behind a cook/prep. table. a bit higher than what you would expect - the classic homemade tables/emergency backboards of WRX. Jon has dinner before him. He's got a crazy funny grin. He is holding a miniature pepper mill. 1-1/2" high? it's suspended from a chain around his neck. it's a "charm". Only its functional. If I had to guess it held one, maybe two pepper corns. And he slowly turns the handle all the while smiling at me. honest to god, I am wondering what am I looking at. and at this juncture almost 20 years later I can only smile and laugh. I don't think i dreamt this.

at the end of the trip I showed Jon a couple of pieces of cast silver I had done in a workshop. one was based on a bear pictograph my sweetheart and I had come across previous year - despite everything I think that site is still not on the radar. still proud of that piece, cast in cuttlefish, so ripples along the body. balance and aesthetic is spot on for me. Jon asked me if he could buy it for his wife. I wasn't ready for that - told him can't do it now but maybe down the line. Let's stay in touch. in the end a missed opportunity of connection.

I still remember standing in the company office a year or so later and being told that he had passed away suddenly. He was 62. Legend.

Truthfully the Gauley may well be on a hypothetical bucket list based simply on that.

my apologies for a non-Dead post on this thread.

listening now - WRS.

they need to release complete shows of all '74. it's that simple.

Cool.

The DIB factory is just across the river from me.. Small world..

Oh.. the Gauley's a classic. I guess you have a few rivers out West that compare.. but here in the East, there is nothing like it. The Beast of the East. A beautiful canyon.