This week, we have a nice selection of music from 1970 to 1991, with hopefully a little something that’ll suit everyone’s taste.
Our earliest selection this week is from 6/12/70 in Hawaii, one of the few shows the Grateful Dead played in that state. This rendition of That’s It For The Other One features a particularly potent “Drums” segment. The sound is a little raw, but is much better than it was earlier in the show, when Weir had to stop a tune mid-song to berate the sound man with an expletive-filled rant.
Moving ahead to 1976, we have some nice material from the comeback tour. This Row Jimmy from 6/17/76 in Passaic shows how well the new seven-piece band was listening to one another; very dynamic playing. From a week earlier, we have two selections from the 6/12/76 show in Boston: a beautiful Comes A Time, as well as the unique show closing jam of Sugar Magnolia>U.S. Blues>Sunshine Daydream. My old cassette always lacked this final Sunshine Daydream part of the medley, so in case yours did, too, here it is. Enjoy.
We’ll now fast-forward eight years to 6/14/84 at Red Rocks, with the second set opening trio of Shakedown Street>Playing In The Band>Dear Mr. Fantasy. This, of course, is the first-ever performance of Dear Mr. Fantasy, and it packs a lot of emotion, thanks to Brent and Jerry working through the song together. It’s just a terrific moment when the band drops into Fantasy from the depths of a chaotic Playing jam.
From 1991 at Giants Stadium, we have two segments. First is the rare first set opener of Eyes of the World from 6/17/91, and second is the second set opening jam of Jack Straw>Crazy Fingers>China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider from 6/16/91. We’re always interested in bringing you unique sequences, and this one certainly qualifies.
One thing we didn’t have a chance to play last week was the show opener from 6/10/73 at RFK Stadium in Washington, a great Morning Dew. With a start like this, it’s no surprise that show turned out to be a classic.
Finally this week is another track from 5/5/78 by popular demand, Candyman. This show has always fallen a bit under the radar, but it’s a dandy.
Be sure to check in next week from some great June material from 1969, 1973, 1985, 1993, and probably a few other choice bits. As always, feel free to write with questions, comments or suggestions.
David Lemieux
vault [at] dead.net