Grateful Dead

Interesting that people gravitate towards 4-2-73. I think the three Dave's picks from spring '73 are a really nice triad. Between them you have pretty much everything they were playing at the time.

You've got 3-28-73, Dave's Picks 16, affectionately known around these parts as Scooby Doo House. Recorded by Kidd, opening with a Cumberland -> Here Comes Sunshine, all the expected 1st set goodies, and a 43-minute Dark Star into Eyes deep in the second set. This recording doesn't sound as warm to me as Dave's Picks 21 - 4-2-73 at the Garden.

On this one Rex Jackson gets the credit for recording. Which is interesting since she and Betty were more or less a team during this period weren't they? maybe this accounts for the slightly warmer sound, which is generally attributed to Betty's recordings. This show has a great 1st set China-Rider and a fantastic 17 minute Playing in the Band to close out the 1st set. Set two has a nice slinky Mississippi, and the aforementioned Sunshine -> Jam -> Bobby McGee is unique as far as i know. The jam is a little dissonant for my tastes but no biggie. I believe this is the Eyes where garcia sings "There follows his wagon behind him thats loaded with kale".

Then comes my favorite of the bunch, Dave's 32. Both Rex and Kidd get the recording credit on this one, and it seems to me to fit right in between the previous two shows sonically. most of the 1st set is typical, but still very well played and the set has a great flow to it. I really dig the chorus like effect that Bobby was using on this tour - notably on Looks Like Rain. This show just seems to go on and on and the 3rd disc is special: He's Gone -> into a nearly 40 minute Truckin-> Dark Star (sans vocals) and then a Sing Me Back Home.

Just a fantastic show. The only thing this triptych is missing is a big Other One, which hopefully we'l lget soon in another Spring '73 release. This is my absolute favorite time for the band. Pig is gone, but i think that freed them up in a sense, and you can hear it in the playing, which is adventurous. And they have a ton of new material to learn and hone. I get it that some of the 1st sets are repetitive, but I usually just hone in on Bobby or Phil, who are always playing something unexpected. Bring on more '73. I'd love some more fall shows too, which might be a bit more complicated to release becasue of the guest horn players.

Sure do Love Spring '73

4/2/73 is solid top to bottom without a doubt. Really like when Phil still sung on Half-Step, even (especially?) when his voice is cracking (12/19/73 comes to mind as the standard to measure against), just ain't the same without that little bit of wonderful. Great great stuff here people. No complaints at all. Wave That Flag stuck out as it had me bobbin' along. And the Jam in Eyes that Jerry gets into at 14 minutes is the stuff I keep coming back for again and again and again.

No secret that PITB is an absolute favorite, possibly my #1 favorite, but def in the top 5. This one is great per usual.
But I had a flash yesterday on it's life cycle.

So you know how Dark Star had it's most epic versions from 1969-1970, IMO of course, I mean it's always great, but 1969-1970 those Stars are just universes of greatness, peak versions shall we say. It stays in the rotation, and is played great, but they're not 1969-1970 Stars. I'd say this is when Jerome was most excited about it, which makes all the difference to me.

Playing In The Band seems to have a similar life cycle in that regard and it's peak is arguably 1972-1973, again it stays in the rotation, and is played great, but they're not 1972-73 Playings (sp?). Anyhooo.. just wanted to say that cause that's what I was thinking about as I drifted through yet another magnificent PITB from '73.

Plus the coffee's kicking in and I don't really want to do the other stuff I should do today, so yeah I'm procrastinating.

And if you made it this far, congrats! You are a trouper.

That 2003 The Dead stuff was ringing my bell yesterday, those set lists had me at Born Cross-Eyed, another top 5 song for me.

What's on the haps for today?

PS - I probably wouldn't click on the RAW RAGE link below, that sounds a bit sketchy..
Spammers does anybody really go for that?

Sent you a PM

Thanks Bolo!

Yes, I surely do love 4/2/73 Deadvikes. I'm trying to keep up with the daily picks but have been dragging ass a bit this week. I'm still knee deep in Sunday's pick 2/11/70! I always avoided 2/11 because of the special guests. I guess I'm wary of outsiders. That's silly, of course, and it's just a great show. The whole Star-Spanish-Lovelight jam is sweet and meaty like a butt steak.

The three Spring 73 Dave's Picks are among my very favorites, too! I'd love it if we got some more 73 DaP's- maybe 8/1/73 or 9/11/73? I think those Dark Stars might be underrated because of sound quality (I dunno?).

I'm enjoying y'alls comments. Some day I'll catch up with you guys...

Thanks for joining me on these one Jim, GOGD, Vguy and hopefully the rest of you. Gollum, you should be a fan of this show. Oroborous, I know you love this one.

This release really changed my view of releases. This is by far the most played Dave's Picks for me. Not saying it is the best ever, just the most played. Sound quality is A++. There are zero flaws in the entire release.
The Deal just kills it, so far my favorite China-Rider. The transition is unreal and I have not heard anything come close. Of course that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Box of Rain! So many highlights. Love the HCS. Why did they retire this song and when did they retire it? Love the WRS prelude into eyes. Did that ever happen again? And such a great finish.

Yes, Jim, I sure hope we get more 73. Dave's 16 is killer, Scooby Doo, and Dave's 32 at the Spectrum is so good. Love the variety. That He's Gone, Truckin, into the Jam- Dark Star into Sing me back home is super special!

So let's hope they have more 73 in the Vault. So many good shows.

Be well and let me know where we are going next.

No shipping notice here in MN, but that is
no surprise. I am usually 1 week behind.

Great sound.. It's been a while since I listened to this show. Makes me think we have much more 1973 coming our way the next few years.

....HCS -> Jam -> Bobby McGee. Yeah. I member that.

I'm afraid today's website glitches were probably my fault. As part of a rather complex NDA with my "employer," I am required to give them advance notice before I post on any website. In my compromised state of mind, I forgot to do so. I'd explain, but it's complicated. And dangerous.

In the unlikely event that anyone did a screen capture of my previous post, I strongly urge you to reboot your computer, change the locks on your door and stay away from the windows.

Also, I have the SBD of 9/19/2003 (WAV format) if you need it. Not sure how I would send that digitally - pretty big file.

I like the way you work it.

Your guys partnership is pretty cool, nice job fellas.

All that is coming in the mail. (hopefully today)