• 8,068 replies
    marye
    Joined:
    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.

Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • Oroborous
    Joined:
    Do we have a pick today?/Was it a trifecta?

    Besides 4/22/71 natch, how bout either DaP 35 or 37? One last good ride before we (hopefully) get our new 38s...

    Dug 4/21. Really liked the first set. More of the same consistent tight, full throttle, but not manic. Cool jam and smoking Hard To Handle. Second set seemed to....? Don’t have good descriptor? Perhaps more like earlier in the tour when they were feeling their way more? Though I was more preoccupied so maybe it was just me?
    My overall impression was good, but perhaps I liked the last 2 more by this much 🤌

    Wow, talk about getting yer cherry popped lol. Can’t imagine knowing basically nothing about the Dead, dropping, and then peaking out during THAT! LOL. Was it your first time tripping too? If so, that’d be like the trifecta!
    - never heard the Dead (basically)
    - First Show
    - First Trip?
    Hee-hee, I had almost 2 years of indoctrination/training before my first show and I didn’t trip at a show until like my tenth show, and it was still almost too much !
    Favorite quote in quite some time;
    “act straight man, he cannot know” 😂😂😂
    Yeah, like an older head who tapes even, is not gonna notice those giant pupils, sheeeoot, he probably could smell the fear on ya lol. I mean just one look and I woulda started laughing......we used to call it “Cats that got that bright eyed look” sorta our code for it...
    Anyway, baptism by fire, I love it! Your lucky ya didn’t permanently fry some circuits!
    Great story! Nothing like starting with a bang!

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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....”

  • rockthing
    Joined:
    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?!

  • 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.

  • 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.

user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
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.
user picture

Member for

10 years
Permalink

The reverent tones for 2-14-68 got me to go primal today.
And while not a primal guy (blasphemy again!) I finally got into it around Viola Lee Blues (disc 1 bonus material). The 2nd set does look killer. And you sure get your share of Dark Stars in this Road Trip. While most of the first disc was playing I was also reading about the history of S.F. back then and particularly the Carousel Ballroom (El Patio) and it's history before Bill Graham changed it to Fillmore West. Kinda helped flesh out the scene a lot more for me. 1968 must have been a tough time to be a hippy as a lot of stuff was going down. I think I had it easy by comparison in the mid-'70s.
Following this up with Ledded's desert island, and if I could only have one GD album, pick of Ladies and Gentlemen, The Grateful Dead from April 1971, going trans-continental to NYC. Onward!
Cheers

user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

To be honest, the only one I can think off of the top is Richfield 3-21-94. I'll have to listen back to some others to see how they're holding up, but 10-5 is another I liked. 10-1 was an official pick.

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by wilfredtjones

Permalink

A lil bit of something better than all of nothing…

I know 7/31 is decent, and 8/1 is good, cus I was there ; )

Anyone else? Bueller…?

user picture

Member for

10 years
Permalink

Because you asked Oro:
Only listened to this once since seeing it (my final show).
Starts off good with a Help>Slip>Frank but has it's share of mediocre moments too. To my ear Jerry just wasn't at top form that night. After H>S>F an interesting combo of Spoonful>Jack A Roe, Masterpiece, B. E. Women, and a rousing Let it Grow to finish set one. Set two pre-jam had sound issues as I recall with only Easy Answers, Lazy River Road then the jam of Playin'>Eyes>Drums> Wheel>Last Time>Attics>Good Lovin' brought it home in good style and the Liberty encore was new to me. The whole thing seemed short and a little tired but the 2nd set jam was worth the price of admission for sure with that interesting combo. Last Time> Attics really was a surprise in there.
So there ya go amigo. Cheers
Going to Aspen Sunday for the free Los lobos concert? Can't beat the price!

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by 1stshow70878

Permalink

It’s on my recon list!
Hey, it’s 94, so expectations are low, hopefully then I get surprised like 93.
But my quest is to hit as many as I can from all the years combined…

If it keeps on raining, the levees going to break!
But hey, better than fire!

Outta be fun boogieing in the rain to the Lobos!
Even if I could make it, not sure I could make it…canyon closed last I heard…

user picture

Member for

9 years

In reply to by wilfredtjones

Permalink

Seattle - 6/13 & 6/14
Eugene - 6-17 (and 6/18 & 6/19)

Honestly feel that the late years (93 - 95) Northwest Coast shows were not like most other shows of their era. At the 94 and 95 Seattle shows and all the Autzen shows from 90 to 94 but one. .6/13 and 6/14 (Seattle 94) very different in their song selection and both excellent in their way. Dew that closes 6/13 Set II was way awesome and excellent jammed out second set.. Jerry was into the cool temps of Memorial Stadium in Seattle and played 6/13 in a leather bomber jacket (photos out there.). 6/14 they dropped into That Would Be Something which I loved though didn't recognize and my thought was "Hunter wrote a lyric so simple that Jerry couldn't forget it!" Later discovering it was Paul and "Bowl of Cherries" (McCartney). What a treat! 6/17 Eugene (first of three show run at Autzen that year) was the only show I missed during my years in the NW, and missing it was much to my regret. Rained hard that night and the other 2 shows were daytime with lots of sun. Close friend from CA who made it got a "drop" maybe 2 in the eye - it had been awhile but he was well versed in navigating that space and once he settled in loved that show. No SBD for 6/17, unfortunately. Set II Rain opener in the pouring Oregon night rain, Eyes, and Wheel > Attics out of Space. 6/19 with the fat 2nd set because they knew they would never play Autzen again because scene in camping and town etc. was rife with clueless rude slobs. huge shift in that regard from '93. Had to play Portland Meadows, a racetrack, in '95.

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by bluecrow

Permalink

Anyone else, keep ‘em coming…
After checking my Deadbase, looks like I hit Richfield and a couple that ole BC mentioned.
Hopefully I’ll get a winter hiatus and do more recon next year!

Hit the 88 shows from the Crap center this week, solid, mostly good, the 3rd and 5th I think I liked best.

EDIT: wasn’t feeling up for full on GD yesterday, so hit the psychedelic goodness from 6/27/15.
It’s a shame they didn’t rehearse more, especially this cool early stuff, but it’s still surprisingly good sans a few transitions etc.

user picture

Member for

10 years
Permalink

Pre-Dead & Co., still the GD?
Cannot believe it has been that long since Fare Thee Well.
All the songs played were from 1970 or before! Almost fossilized.
I can see why they were a bit rusty.
Dust off those rusty strings just one more time.
Cheers

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by 1stshow70878

Permalink

Yeah 1stshow, my understanding from my insider source was they didn’t practice as much as they were supposed to (imagine that lol) and especially all that old stuff, since those shows got added sorta last minute. Phil, and Bob somewhat in Furthur, were playing much of that, but not sure how up to speed the rest of the crew was?
But my goodness, what a set list!
I’d take this set list, rust and all over the stuff they did in Chicago!
One of the very few times What’s Become of they Baby was performed perhaps topping the list.
Wish they would have released a video of this one, though guessing it’s out there somewhere?

user picture

Member for

7 years 11 months

In reply to by Oroborous

Permalink

Finally finished this one up today OB. Another fine 79. I thought the sound quality was good for what it is .
PT Barnum and the Shah of Iran!
Nice energy through out the first and second set. Enjoyed the Shakedown, High Time, Estimated. I thought the Eyes was a little off, seemed disjointed and too fast and not up to that spectacular version from 11/5. Good finish with BP, JBG and US Blues.
Would definitely listen again.
Love this period.

user picture

Member for

10 years
Permalink

11-29-79 in this week's Taper's.
From Black Peter to U.S. Blues.
Oh, duh. The other 2nd set chunk was on last week's Jam-o-week.
Yeah, I keep forgetting how that works.
That Eyes was weirdly fast (but lengthy), like where's the next gig fast. And you'd think with all those verses of don't tell me this town don't have no heart they could have worked in some Huey Lewis, the heart of rock & roll is still beating, in
Cleveland, you known, rap like Pig man. Oh wait, Huey comes later. Never mind.
Cheers

Maybe at top of my list of GD songs I never heard live. I think I knew Phil did it at least once. Didn't realize the FareTheeWell group performed it. I'll check 6/27 - sweet set list indeed.

I think I saw Further do this. I have to look.. it might have been at Radio City Music Hall the week after Bear died?? I might have seen Phil do Rosemary too with P&F, likely also in NY. Of all the spin off bands, I have always liked what Phil is doing the best. He had an interesting approach and brought in top shelf talent. Plus, I always had a good time and made plenty of phriends.

If I had an opportunity to see him tomorrow, I'd take it.

I don't recall either of these being exceptionally good, but they were exceptionally weird.. which counts for something, right? There was an Alice D. Millionaire mixed into one of these shows and a few other oddities. You gotta give Phil credit for embracing the weird and embracing those old primal songs. Bobby brought a few back also.

DV, yeah it’s not the Rectum (personally I dig 11/6) but how would you compare to 31 and 47?

6/27/15: yeah, that’s a set list! What’s become isn’t mind blowing performance wise, but talk about weird and a WTF, moment! I remember watching at my cousins and hearing it before they started it and thinking, na, no way, then Holy Crap! Lol
I remember being ecstatic at the P&Ph Denver Philmore in 99 I think, because of 2 things: one, the music was in good hands and going to live on, and two, those of us who unfortunately missed the early years were finally getting the goods! They were breaking out all the old chestnuts, not JUST Dark Star, SS etc, but New Potato, Born Cross Eyed, all the sweet early weird shit, frickin Daverock would have been outta his mind hearing all these old gems live! Lol
So yeah, the 6/27 show was perhaps a bit tepid and unpolished at times, but it was fun as hell and shows the potential of what might have been again, and was by far my favorite from the five shows. It also set the bar for D&C as now it was not only a possibility that they play these nuggets, it was now expected again! So thanks again Phil!
The weirder the better I always say…

user picture

Member for

7 years 11 months

In reply to by Oroborous

Permalink

OB-Would have to give the nod to the Kiel show, #47.
Of course 11/29/79 isn't a polished up version either. But I don't think this one will ever be released.

Looking for a good 1980 show for today. Hard to find good recordings for 1980.

user picture

Member for

13 years 3 months

In reply to by DeadVikes

Permalink

Have we listened to 8/26/80 Cleveland Public Hall here yet? They played the next night (Pine Knob) on Today in GD History a few days ago, but this one might be just a touch better. They both are nice mid to late 80's shows. (full disclosure, I'm a sucker for a good Comes a Time)

user picture

Member for

7 years 11 months

In reply to by JimInMD

Permalink

I don't think we ever listened to this one Jim. Cleveland.

Will get it going today.

Thanks!

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by DeadVikes

Permalink

Hmmmm?
Can’t recall and not home to check so…guess we’ll give it a whirl.

11/29/79: hmmmm again, you don’t think it passes muster?
Guess I’ll have to check it out again? Think I recall there were some “spots” but they all have em, and overall my recollection was that it was crackling with energy?

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by Oroborous

Permalink

11/29/79: awright, just listened again and I’m not changing my mind lol
I can’t find anything wrong with it?
Bama is Hot, Promised land is good cept Bob has slight vocal miss early. Candyman is sweet, Mama/Mexi is good, TLEO is nice, Minglewood’s good, Bobs not too bad on slide, Easy To Love is nice, god Brent sounds higher range AND better than DG (it’s a shame how much his voice deteriorated, though it gained a new goodness, like JG imo), Hot Brown Eyed, Looks like was ok, but not great, Jers first solo is oook, and not much outro? Did like Brent’s attempt at storm sounds on the synth at beginning. Decent Dough Knees closer.
Second opening Shakedown starts oook, but builds up nicely, though not a rager. Hot Samson, followed by High Time. Ok but not great, nice Brent harmonies, but JG doesn’t solo much? Good Estimated into a good Eyes. Yeah it’s faster than those awesome 73s we’ve become a custom to recently, but I’ve heard way faster, so I didn’t find it too fast: it didn’t seem to mess up his vocal phrasing etc. Cool jam out into drums with a sorta pre drums space like they wanted to keep going…so then immediately into a decent Black Pete, ok A&A, and then a hot JBG closer. Good US Blues calling out the Shah lol. Yeah, I still like 11/6 tops, but this is at leases as good as 47 if not better, again, imho, no offense intended!
Since we could be running outta releases, I’m not sure I’d go with this for a single shot, but part of a good box with Pittsburg x2, Indianapolis, KC, something from those good Nassau shows, and a ? (not at home so no notes)…
Ok, 80 next…
8/26/80: a solid, well played show, nothing flashy, no big moments, only one lil muff in UJB.
Just stays quo 1980…
The set list is fun though, including the first Rooster since 64, 65? (I think?) and in the second set!
(Actually, second rerooster, first on 8/19 according to DB 10)
Comes a Time and Casey J we’re nice, if not highlight real worthy. That kinda sums this one up, good show, few flaws, good sets, hard to criticize anything, but…..? Perhaps lacking a little fire? Hmmmmm? Whatevs, good sheet!
ONWARD!

user picture

Member for

7 years 11 months

In reply to by Oroborous

Permalink

Love your passion for the Cleveland show OB. It is good. The Eyes just didn't do it for me. Rest of the show is good. Might be nit-picking a bit, just my opinion.
If they gave me the keys to 1979, the second night at Cape Cod, the three nights at Nassau, Providence and the two nights at the Spectrum. 7 nights in late 79. How does that sound.

user picture

Member for

7 years 11 months

In reply to by DeadVikes

Permalink

Fine show Jim. Really good audience recording. Brings me back to me roots with these recordings. I love the energy of this show. Nice Sugaree opener into El Paso. Dig the Althea. Shorter first set. Yes OB, interesting second set Rooster. Good UJB and Playing. Love that Comes a Time, Lost Sailor SOC, great Casey Jones and close it out with a rocking JBG.
Might have to continue on with some 1980, was also thinking about dipping into some E72 shows.
Edit-8/27/80 Pine Knob seems like a good possibility.

user picture

Member for

10 years 1 month

In reply to by DeadVikes

Permalink

I'm not expecting anyone to follow suit necessarily, but I happen to be half way through the first Wembley show, 4/7/72, at the moment. It's overshadowed by the following night...in fact it's overshadowed by virtually all the other shows on the tour. But it's well worth a listen if you fancy going for one of the less celebrated shows from this tour.

user picture

Member for

10 years
Permalink

I'll be headed down that EU72 tour rabbit hole starting in a couple of days.
Interested in what you hear on the the first one.
Cheers

user picture

Member for

10 years 1 month

In reply to by 1stshow70878

Permalink

1stshow - thanks -I don't know whether it's because this is the first 72 show I have played for a month or so, but it sounds spectacular. The first date on the tour, and they maybe felt they couldn't afford to take things too easy. Every song hits the spot. This period is usually marked by the great jams, and the tracks that stand out here are Playing, China-Cat and The Truckin'- Other One jam - but it's not just the improvisations that shine. The whole band rocks much more convincingly with Keith in the ranks - checkout Beat It On Down The Line. Sugar Magnolia really comes into it's own here too, moving on from it's country feel of 12 months ago to pure rock n' roll. I was going to miss out the last few songs on this set - it all looks very, very familiar on paper. Don't be tempted - it's a great celebration after the intense jamming on The Other One. The crowd are asked to move back to their seat towards the end - so the joint was obviously rocking all right.
And to think this is one of the also rans of the tour-incredible!

user picture

Member for

10 years
Permalink

OK, here I go into the EU72 22 show breech.
Thanks again to a friend.
Excited to get started after DR's review.
Going in sequence seems to make the most sense.
May have to do some non-Dead palate cleansers in there too.
Cheers

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by 1stshow70878

Permalink

Yeah 1stshow, I don’t care what anyone says that guys awright! ; )
Yep, I’d say do em in order and no other dead in between. I find that’s the best and most satisfying way to do a tour.
It’s cool to see the little nuisances and changes that happen along the way that might get missed with Just a cursory spin. Though sometimes ya might feel ya need a Dead change, I find that mucks up the above.
Don’t think I’ve done a tour this big, yet, but it’s a satisfying accomplishment upon completion!
So you go, we’re with ya and look forward to posts from the road ; )

8/29/80: after 8/27 yesterday, I figured I’d hit the next one as it fit into what I’m doing, and it fills in a hole that completes the 8/24 through 9/6 sequence…
Another, similar to the 2 proceeding: mostly good solid, few misses, though no real fireworks, just grinding it out on the road Dead. The next night (8/30) is on Dave’s list, and I found that one to be perhaps a slight step up, though it’s been awhile…9/2 is very good, though I’m biased, and then the next 2 from DL 7 (haven’t heard those in forever), capped off by the glorious 9/6 Lewiston show!
Onward!

user picture

Member for

11 years 6 months

In reply to by Oroborous

Permalink

Another synchronicity there, Oro. Was just over in Maine with old friends, one of whom I had not seen in many years, he was on stage security that night at the racetrack fairgrounds and helped us get down front for the zenith of my too small handful of Dead shows. He reminded me that Roy B was feeling no pain but still played Nancy like no one else ever could, Levon and the Cate Bros, what a show. End of summer, end of tour, just could not have been better. Many recordings but apparently no clear SBD, otherwise mandatory for release. That friend had been searching for the lyrics for Jaime Brockett's Legend of the Titanic, pleased to locate for him.

user picture

Member for

10 years 1 month

In reply to by 1stshow70878

Permalink

I would have thought that was essential if your going through a box the size of E72. You don't want to put yourself off it. Obviously very different following a tour at home than it would have been in the flesh. But even if you had been following this tour in real time, as it happened, you would have heard other music in between shows. Unless you're a monk.

user picture

Member for

14 years 10 months
Permalink

has passed. Used to see him regularly in Florida, every year for many years. A great excuse to get out there and have a little fun and get a great buzz. Been a while since I saw him, he got real busy there after a while and wasn't around the local bars that he used to frequent back in the day. Many a time down in the keys he would be there and he would discuss those "square groupers" that had been seen floating around back then. After one peeled off the outer layer that most were wrapped in what was inside was usually "gold". I remember a great show back in 1980, Jimmy opened for the Eagles and he had a broken leg. Of course he did "Margaritaville" and had changed some of the lyrics to include his mishap. Blew out my flip-flop, stepped on a pop top, broke my leg had to crawl on back home, man I'm in real pain, wish I had some cocaine, but that's been gone since early this morn. a gifted wordsmith for sure. RIP Jimmy, may those Jamaican winds blow you safely home.

user picture

Member for

10 years
Permalink

I won't try to do reviews on every one but maybe in groups of a few at a time.
DR was spot on. 4-7-72 gave me a new perspective of that year. It was:
- Polished, energetic, and played with stamina.
- Darn near perfect, as if trying to impress.
- Had a religious experience moment for me in GDTRFB where I kept saying Jerry is a monster by '72, and how does he do that. Just keeps coming up with a new riff every few seconds. Unbelievable. Rivals anything I can think of from any era.
Cheers

RIP Jimmy, always liked him even if he didn't get played at my house as the wife didn't care for him.

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by 1stshow70878

Permalink

…just not Dead. But hey, that’s just my methodology.
If I start listening to other Dead, I lose my hyper focus of the tour and all the little things, the nuances. I need to marinate in the shit lol
It’s like sometimes you switch to a different kind of beer midstream, one you know you really like, but because of the style of the one you were drinking is so different, the new one doesn't taste right. It’s your taster is off…
Best example is in 2021 when I did all of 1971 in order, listening to Phil figuring out his line in PITB. Every one was a bit different until he had what he wanted. If I was listening to other dead I might have missed that…
It’s hard to go a whole tour and not switch it up, but I think it’s the best way to do it!
Now a little Jazz or something else now and again,sure, but no other Dead!
But again, that’s just me…
I did hit the 4/7 stuff from Steeping out. The energy is like a fright train. You can tell they were itching to play!
But I think their holding the stick a little too tight because of that. I can hear JG saying something like “we have the whole Europe scene watching us so we can’t Fuck up…no pressure or anything lol”
So to me sometimes it’s a bit off the rails. But I like em when their going beyound the comfort zone, that’s why I like 85 so much. Sure occasionally there is an accident, but that’s ok when yer riding the edge!
The amazing part is, as good as this one is, it’s kinda just a warm up and indicator of what’s ahead!
Just amazing they could play that consistently at that level for 2 months straight AND get into all the shenanigans!

And yaassss, ole Jimmy Bufet, may the Caribbean winds blow him safely home to the big Cheese Burger in Paradise!
A son of a son of a son of a son of a son of a son of a sailor! Now you and Hunter behave now ; )
I

user picture

Member for

10 years 1 month

In reply to by Oroborous

Permalink

There's clearly no right or wrong way in how we listen to all these shows. For me, with E72, I have started to think of them in terms of the few shows in one country, and listen to them before moving on towards something else. For example, the first three shows in England stand as a whole for me. So I listen to them one after the other - then take a break. Then go on to Denmark and do the same thing. The first three shows are so good I defy anyone to just listen to just one of them without listening to the next. But I don't want to over do it, so a break comes in handy - then the next one sounds fresh and will blow my socks off like the first one does.

Oro - I think you listen more deeply than I do!

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by daverock

Permalink

More than one way to skin a rabbit lol
My way is hard, but I find it worth it, though perhaps why I haven’t done this whole tour, YET.
In fact, I’m not sure I’ve even heard every show yet? All the Dark Stars to be sure, but not all The Other Ones.
Yuck, yuck, see what I did there ; )
I have this book staring at me I’ve not read yet as I’m probably saving it and the remaining shows for when/if I do take the Pepsi challenge…it’s called Europe 72 Revisited by Howard F Weiner. (Think I have one by him on Cornell too?)
But after just randomly glancing it mentions the first England shows we’re supposed to be 4 at the Rainbow, but the place went outta business right before the tour so ole Cutler had to punt and go with 2 biggins at Wembley. He then starts to mention how good 4/7 is and how he, like many, perhaps overlooked it due to the greatness of 4/8 etc…
Hmmmm, sounds familiar lol
ONWARD! You go 1stshow, man if I knew I had the time I’d be tempted…

I just hit 11/20/73: never heard more than the RT taste. Another looonnngggg but fine 73!
Think I’m down to just a handful of 73s I’ve not heard!
Hmmmm, what now?? The Other One is working this WE so I should probably pick something official top shelf and warm up the ole transistors : )

user picture

Member for

7 years 6 months

In reply to by Oroborous

Permalink

So now I have to get another book before I delve into E72. Just great...

If you google Blogspot Europe 72, the first listing is a reprint of the old Europe 72 Notebook that has been floating around on archive dot org for a dozen years or so, except it is in the correct order and mildly edited. Most importantly, it looks like they added many pictures of each venue. It really gives you a better feel for what it must have been like to be there. ...and man, there are some historic venues on that tour. For me, it would be worth it the next time I am in Europe to visit one, three or all of the venues (assuming they all still exist), just for kicks and giggles.

The GD did all kinds of things wrong in their tenure, but this tour was not one of them.

mmm.... The Other One is working this WE, hitting something epic and it sounds like officially released? oh the pressure.. If you're going to warm up the tube amps.. goodness.. the DS>MD from DP19 (hey, it's 73), DP16, DP4, 2/14/68, Feb and March 69, 4x/5x 72 or go for one of the other multi-tracks, any of the From the Vault, the WD or AB 50th's. The picking is the easy part, keeping the plaster on the ceiling, not so much.

I'm also a big fan of 85 for the same reasons mentioned. Also, taking the risk of introducing all those new songs. It was like they were climbing out of a rut and freshening up the place with vibrant and loud electricity.

For the second time this year, JimInMD isn't working. I have no idea why... Why do you mock me so oh dead net website?

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by MDJim

Permalink

Maybe Dennis will let you borrow his wife’s CC lol
Or hey, since yer working too damn much, you should have some extra bread left over, even after the cost of your expanding empire ; ) Pretty soon they’ll be calling it Jimsville! Which is nice….

I went with the 12/26 goodness from DaP 43, and then the Stepping out segment from 4/8/72.
Chefs kiss fo sho!

Bob being his usual youthful self, ready to yell out in front of a crowd of young Christian types about last I saw Phil he was going to the dressing room with some chick lol. You can see why eventually they needed McNally…

Now time to hang it up, and see what tomorrow, oh, wait, that’s today? ,,,oh oh, where does the time go!
Gonna need another RJ caliber shooo…
ONWARD,

EDIT: wonder where 1stshow is, he should of left England by now…hopefully no situations at the border?

user picture

Member for

10 years
Permalink

With news from the front lines.
Blaspheme warning: This may contain heresy.
OK, I get why the consensus is that 4-8 is better than 4-7 but....
I like 4-7-72 better. The 4-8 from Dark Star on is amazing and unique but it is more primal. And while I dig Phil's insistent bass groove in the Caution, I mean he's leading the band at that point, but the DS gets a little disjointed at times. And there are better versions of Pig's songs coming later in the tour as well even if that Mojo is darn good. Now Jerry on pedal steel is more my cup-o-tea and even Phil singing a duet with Bob on that LLRain can't spoil that (truth be told he does a good job of it). And of course the MLB jam is great and they had a few notes leaning that way in 4-7 but never got there. But.... I was floored by the 4-7 second set altogether. It just builds and builds and, as I previously said, the Sugar Mag>NFA>GDTRFB>NFA closing just hit me right. Jerry en fuego! And every first set song was done to perfection so it's close but 4-7 edges out 4-8 for me.
So onward to Newcastle! Storm the battlement! And thanks for the support. Cleansing with classical this AM.
Cheers

user picture

Member for

10 years 1 month

In reply to by 1stshow70878

Permalink

I also enjoyed listening to 4/7 more than 4/8 this time around. It seemed higher energy all round - a more exciting show. Not that there's anything wrong with 4/8 - very serene Dark Star, I thought. And again, I liked the rocking ending. Caution seemed like a nod back to the 60's to me - back to the acid tests, with a few tasty flourish's on organ, as John Peel might have said. Both Dark Star and The Other One sound very, very different at this stage from the 60's styles- but Caution seems to catch that old groove.

I've only played the first cd of the Newcastle show - but that opening "Greatest Story" must be one of the best versions ever.

user picture

Member for

16 years 3 months
Permalink

Morning, rockers!!!

After I bought the E72 trunk I listened to nothing but Europe 72 for about six months. Total immersion therapy. May have warped me a bit, but did make the Europe 72 tour part of my "Grateful Dead DNA".............

4/7 is a super fine show, as is 4/8. I always had a fondness for Newcastle and Aarhus, lesser known but solid and with some sublime moments. Best show of the tour, May 3, just one man's opinion. Favorite show of the tour, May 26, historic, massive, bittersweet, the end of an era. December 71 great, AOM run greater, Europe 72 greatest.

The anniversary of a certain outdoor Maine show is coming up in a couple of days. Yes we were there and had a blast, one of the "most fun shows" we attended. Would make a fine official release some day.............

Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue.......

Rock on,

Doc
Too many pieces of music finish too long after the end...............

5/26/72 is my favourite show from the tour. Has to be one of the best 5 shows ever played.

I play most shows from E72 every year, and have already played most of them this year earlier on. This time around, I was going through my records, having finally got a new stylus fitted - hence a revisit for 4/7 and 4/8. Listening to them logically leads on to the Newcastle show, which would make a great release for a RSD on vinyl in the near future.
I then have the Dark Star from Paris 5/3 and the great 4/5 show that followed. Then the final run at The Lyceum.

I really like listening to these shows on records ( why are records referred to as"vinyl", I wonder? We don't call cds "plastic"?) But you do have to do things like turn the record over half way through Dark Star - which might put some people off.

edit - whoops - it was the other way round - Dark Star being played 5/4, not the day before, with 3/5 being the one put out on vinyl in it's entirety.

Go get them 1st Show. That is quite the project. 5/26, 5/4 and 4/26 have been personal favorites of mine, but that is always subject to change.

Love the 1980 download shows OB. Will have to check out 8/30. Would love to see them release them all on CD.
Yes, Lewiston, that would be a release. 1 1980 show released in 11 years of Dave's Picks. Not much love for this year. Not sure why.

user picture

Member for

11 years 11 months
Permalink

Vinyl Me Please is releasing a Hound Dog Taylor album "Natural Boogie". As part of the advertising they've put up (or someone has) a 73 video of him playing.

On the tube search for

Hound Dog Taylor - 15 minute LIVE Ann Arbor 1973 Video

Thought some would like this.

Thanks for the tip, Dennis. That's a great album - I got a copy on cd second hand, in a cracked case about 20 years ago.
An inspirational figure, Hound Dog Taylor. Proof positive that you don't need a 1954 Gibson once played by Peter Green ( or some such) or a theoretical understanding of music to play the blues. Just a cheap Japanese guitar tuned to an open chord, a small valve amp, a brass slide and a don't stop for anybody kind of attitude. If I had a son or daughter, this is what I would tell them.

user picture

Member for

16 years 3 months
Permalink

Mornin', rockers!!!

It's National Lewiston Day!!! Celebrate!!!

Yes, I do remember..................

Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty.

Rock on!!

Doc
Music really is our daily medicine.......

Well, we knew this was coming. It's been so long since I listened to this show, it's all but forgotten.

I had this one digitally, but before I documented the source, so it's old... Time to refresh. Alaska 1980 is also undocumented in my files, which means this was some of the first stuff I pulled down when I first discovered the Archive and other sources.

I wish I was at this one. Hey.. it's another 1980 too. I pulled down the Charlie Miller SBD/Aud with the audience portion recorded by Jim Wise. I think this is the best source, is anyone else using a different source? Only a few songs from the soundboard seem to exist.

Would love to see this show as a Dave's, though not sure about that sbd? My last Dead show, was in process of leaving Maine for Vermont where everything changed for a long time. Lewiston and central Maine area was home for ten years from 1970. So many concerts there, between Portland and Bangor: Dylan, BB King, Muddy, Clapton, Mountain, Zappa, Gary Burton, Canned Heat, Nils Lofgren, Mose Allison, Jesse Colin Young, The Eagles, on and on. However this show 43 years ago today, was peak in so many ways.

user picture

Member for

17 years 3 months

In reply to by Dennis

Permalink

I blame management!

Ok, no time to chat, just quick mention that I may or may not be doing the Pepsi challenge…
I only hit partials of 4/7 & 4/8, but everything else through 4/21. Hoping I can get 4/24 in tonight.
Maybe try to remember what all I’ve experienced so far lol ok, gotta go,
Onward!

Hmmm, is that really Jim, or is that his bizzaro Jerry other via MDJim ???

Lewiston: no time now lol, but I did really dig it when we did it here before! That whole fall stretch is good.

user picture

Member for

13 years 3 months

In reply to by Oroborous

Permalink

Yes it was me.. MDJim is my evil twin. JimInMD was in deadnet timeout for some reason and would not work. Initially I thought it was because let a curse word fly.. but I think my password got nuked for some reason and it took me a while to figure out what was going on.

Now that I have this new E72 book (thanks Oro), I will be following along after taking a few steps back. Hitting Lewiston today, what a Sugaree, and I still have half of 6/9 and all of 6/10/73 to squeeze in.

I tell ya, I really got engaged after looking at what all the venues looked like. I've always been a venue snob and have a soft spot for ornate, intimate theatres.. add in the Greek Theatre and Red Rocks for good measure.. come to think of it, Telluride was nice also.

Well.. back to cleaning my house of all things.. and finishing the first set from 9/6/80.

...and Ventura, Riverbend was nice, blossom except for the bottleneck getting into the shows.. Venues are fun (except the Crapitol Centre and those nazi cops on horseback that came with it. Was happy to see that one get imploded).