Skull Fuck

As all of you Deadheads know this is a classic album. At times it might get overshadowed by Live/Dead and Europe '72. This might not be true, but in my world it has. Then some people over at Lost Sailor Pub began talking about this album. I had to dig it out and put it on. I am rather glad I did. First let me say this is a live album....sort of. It feels more like a studio disc. New songs, clean sound it's all there. The playing style is what confirms the live album aspect. This also has some masterful organ work from Merl Saunders during Bertha, Playing In The Band, and Wharf Rat. All of Merl's contributions were performed in the studio and overdubbed.

This is the skeleton crew of the Grateful Dead. The quintessential album from "The Quintet". Yet, this band seems to rock harder than any other line up. Johnny B. Goode is a straight rocker. Bertha is fast and furious. I guess I am trying to say this is full of high octane energy. This is another sign of it being a live album.

This was also the Dead's first Gold Album and the highest selling album at this time in Grateful Dead history. I really can't think of anything else that to write about this album that hasn't been said before. Enjoy rediscovering some that 1971 magic!!!!

Grateful Dead Family On Archive.org

Boombox (Keith and Donna's son Zion's band)
http://www.archive.org/details/BoomBox

Dark Star Orchestra (I am including this since John is in Furthur with Phil and Bob)
http://www.archive.org/details/DarkStarOrchestra

Donna Jean and The Tricksters
http://www.archive.org/details/DonnaJeanandtheTricksters

Donna Jean Band
http://www.archive.org/details/DonnaJeanGodchauxBand

Grateful Dead (we should all know this one by now!!!)
http://www.archive.org/details/GratefulDead

Henry Kaiser (1994 Japan show with Bob and Vinny!!)
http://www.archive.org/details/kaiser1994-08-27.shnf

Jackie Greene (From Phil and Friends..if you dig through it you will find Bob and Phil sitting in)
http://www.archive.org/details/JackieGreene

Melvin Seals and JGB (NO JERRY ON THESE RECORDINGS)
http://www.archive.org/details/JGB

KVHW (Steve Kimock, he has played in Heart Of Gold Band(Keith and Donna's post Dead band, The Other Ones, Phil and Friends, Rhythm Devils, Ratdog)
http://www.archive.org/details/KVHW

KVMW (Steve Kimock)
http://www.archive.org/details/KVMWBand

Little Feat (Shakedown Street's producer, Lowell George's band)
http://www.archive.org/details/LittleFeat

Mickey Hart Band
http://www.archive.org/details/MickeyHartBand

Moe. (Bob Weir has sat in with them a couple of times, you can find the exact shows though. I am too lazy for all of that)
http://www.archive.org/details/moe

Phil Lesh and Friends
http://www.archive.org/details/PhilLeshandFriends

Psychedelic Guitar Circus (Henry Kaiser and Steve Kimock...great version of Dark Star)
http://www.archive.org/details/PsychedelicGuitarCircus

Ratdog (For those that don't know Bob Weir's band)
http://www.archive.org/details/Ratdog

Rhythm Devils (Mickey Hart and I think Billy K. also Steve Kimock and Mike Gordon from Phish)
http://www.archive.org/details/RhythmDevils

Steve Kimock
http://www.archive.org/details/SteveKimock

Steve Kimock Band
http://www.archive.org/details/SteveKimockBand

Steve Kimock's Crazy Engine (SK and Melvin Seals)
http://www.archive.org/details/SteveKimockCrazyEngine

The Dead
http://www.archive.org/details/TheDead

The Other Ones NEW!!!!
http://www.archive.org/details/TheOtherOnes

Melvin Seals
http://www.archive.org/details/MelvinSeals

Vince Welnick
http://www.archive.org/details/VinceWelnick

Zero (Steve Kimock)
http://www.archive.org/details/Zero
****Jerry sits in with Zero here:
http://www.archive.org/details/zero1988-07-16sbd

Half -Step>Rider?!?!

This show was suggested by a friend. After I looked at the second set I couldn't resist. We will get to that later though.

1st Set
I NEED to point out that the tuning featured a Morning Dew riff.This show opens with an upbeat, pretty rocking Touch. The entire band seems to be energetic from the get-go as they move into Hell In A Bucket. Brent as normal does shine through during the mini jam of Bucket. Bob's vocals are pretty good for this as well. With Bobby screaming "Ride! Ride! Ride! At least I'm enjoying the ride!" the song closes and the band finds itself in a strong Sugaree. This is a good version. Once Jerry finds the groove, he stays there and rides the tidal waves that Sugaree often offers. He adds a blues touch in the middle of Sugaree. Jerry sings the chorus one more time as the song ends. After some regrouping they launch into Cassidy. Bob is having fun with this song. Brent also adds a nice a element to the song. With his vocal work and key work. The jam in Cassidy has an amazing climax that I haven't heard in other versions. Stagger Lee is played with a certain amount of energy that the rest of the set has. It's All Over Now features some nice band interplay. Garcia once again finds his home on the fretboard as the song builds on top of itself. The vocal harmonies are also top notch. Great slide work from Bobby during Over Now. He was really coming into his own as a slide guitar player as of 1985. The closing jam features some really fun Brent keys. The next song is Row Jimmy. Sometimes this is an excellent song, other times is a snoozer and I want to skip it. This one has nice guitar work from Bob and Jerry. Yet overall, I want to skip it. I can say there are some outstanding harmonies in this version. I suppose it is something to get me through the song. The ending of the song picks up energy. After a quick tuning the band goes into Feel Like A Stranger. Once again the high energy of the entire set is brought back. Bob's vocals are once again in top form. Also the band goes into a funky little jam. This reminds me of a Shakedown jam but a lighter version of it.

2nd Set
1/2 Step is the set opener. The band still seems to be in full form. Jerry's vocals are a little Kermit The Froglike. It is a decent version of the song but nothing to crazy. Then comes what sounds like it could be Iko Iko. Wait no...its I Know You Rider!!! It could have been a smoother trasnition. Either way I am very happy with the execution. This Rider is very up tempo. Jerry's guitar work is very fluid, which at this point in the concert I am expecting for the rest of the show to be the same. Then they segue right into Playin' In The Band!!! This seems to be about an average 85 Playin'. Then Brent steps in and changes all of that. After that boost from Brent Jerry finds his footing as does Bobby. Overall, this mix doesn't showcase Phil too much. He finally gets a little room to move in Playin' though. From what I can hear I just wish he was in the mix better. Although, the Playin did take a quick turn from average to kick arse. Amazing musical thoughts happening on the stage that night. This segues very smoothly into Uncle John's Band. This UJB features some harmonies that range from 2 to 11. (on a 0-10 rating 10 being the highest). No need to worry about the vocals though as the music is above par. They nail every jam flawlessly. As the Supplication jam is underway. This also gets very spacey. The entangled notes just bounce off each other as the drummers become a little antsy. Drums is nothing special. It isn't bad, but it is very basic. The beginning of Space begins with a roar that could almost be compared to thunder. This space is very pretty and organized. It is very dreamlike. I often wonder what the themes were for Space. For a moment I think I can hear Stella Blue, just for a second. Instead the band settles on Truckin'. After a great vocal show for Bob Truckin' had to come up. He messes up lyrics like it was his job. Jerry also has some weird Kermit moments in it. Still the band was on fire as they continue into Comes A Time. Jerry seems to struggle through the vocals with a little Kermit in his throat. Yet the emotion that he conveys is very powerful. Brent and Phil seem to follow each other very closely behind Jerry's lead and Bob's rhythm. The drummers have also added a lot to Comes A Time. After the ballad slot comes Around and Around. It brings the energy back that was throughout the rest of the concert. This moves smoothly into Good Lovin'. Bob gets to scream a little during this one. The set closes to leave time for an encore. Another song with It's All Over Now in the title. This time It's All Over Now, Baby Blue. A pretty good version of the song. Bob adds a lot of color into the mix with some nice guitar playing. I would say this song suffers the worst from Kermit Jerry in this concert. Over all this is a great listen, worth the time to listen to the entire thing.


Stream the soundboard

Download The Aud!!! Click The Ticket

Two shots of whiskey, This show is looking good

So this show was suggested to me by Sugarmag. According to her this is a Swami pick. Go to Lost Sailor's Pub for more picks like this one. Anyway lets get on with the show.

The first set features a solid '84 style first set. Minglewood and Dupree's are both highlights. Then Far From Me, a song I normally skip, has excellent key action from Brent. Ramble On Rose is also played excellently. Next up is the "power slot" in the 1st set. Sailor>Saint features some nice keyboard work from Brent. Also the whole band seems to be on for this set which always works.The band is getting warmed up for the set that follows with this combo. During the 4 minute mark they begin to really get on fire. A very tight jam which leads back to the chorus. In the chorus Bob gets carried away and raps, "I just want to fuck you I do". The audience cheers at the improv lyrics and the band soon ends the song. Then the set closes with Deal. A solid version which features an amazing jam at the end of the song. The four minute mark is to be taken note of. You can instantly tell they are about to rock the song, which of course they do!!! Jerry's lead is precise yet, the whole band really takes credit. You know how sometimes you hear a song and think to yourself, "Jerry just rocked, I wish the rest of the band could have been there with him." Ha Ha this is not one of those moments.

On to set 2!!! Which opens with Shakedown Street. I really love the '84 Shakedowns. When they nailed them they were perfect. Phil comes through excellently, as he should on Shakedown. Brent's backing vocals are very prominent on this as well. Then the real jam begins. Oh wow!!! Check out Bob adding color under Jerry and Phil in the Shakedown jam. Then Shakedown melts into a rockin' Playin In The Band. Very focused and straight to the point during the verse and chorus. Then they begin to stray. When the stray it is pure beauty. Which sits really well in this otherwise high energy show. You can hear hints of Terrapin being played in the ending jam of PITB. Once we get that Terrapin Brent adds some nice keys to help keep the beauty alive. Jerry also compliments Brent during this Terrapin intro. Terrapin is very hypnotic as you can hear the drummers begin to get restless. The Rhythm Devils are at it again in this concert. Sometimes I wonder how electronic music fans can not like the Grateful Dead. If for anything just the Drums segment of each show in the 80s and beyond. Space carries over the same theme with some excellent guitar work from Jerry. The space also showcases Jerry's love for brass instruments. His timing reminds me of Miles Davis or John Coltrane. Then as space cools down they smoothly move back into PITB. A high energy performance to balance out the beauty part of the show. After a rousing Playing Reprise they move full throttle into Truckin'. I am not able to listen to the rest of this show at the moment. I can tell you there is a Day Job encore, which in theory means its a hot show. I really wanted to finish this show too. My internet keeps acting up and I have had to reset it like 5 times during the listening of this concert.

Click On The Ticket To Download!!!

Thinking Man's Dark Star

To be honest with everyone I am a pretty big fan of the song Dark Star. With that said I am pondering on actually choosing a favorite. That would be 11/11/73. This Dark Star is busting at the seems in every possible way. This has been called The Thinking Man's Dark Star. My interpretation of this name could be because almost every note, riff, musical phrase is thought out like no other. Then again this Dark Star is perfect background music while you are reading or studying. The first part of this song is very upbeat. Keith really shines through Garcia's hypnotic guitar swirls. Not only do we get a great Dark Star we get an almost even better Mind Left Body Jam!!!! Overall this whole show just rocks from beginning to end. If you don't have this concert and call yourself a Deadhead, what have you been doing all these years? Get it now and let the ride begin!!!

Call For Action Dead Freaks Unite And See 1984 Released

There is no live releases for 1984. I am going to start a petition here and now to end this over look by Rhino Records. Sure 1986, 1994 and 1995 are all missing as well but 84 is uncalled for. We will work on '86 if this works!!! I am working a petition and that will be posted soon, so keep checking in!!!

We Got Speed Racer and His Arcade Androids

Hey its Friday and I wanted to post something before I go see Larry Keel. Well this is what you guys get. 1986-03-27 which features the only performance of Brent and Phil's Revolutionary Hamstrung Blues. This one had a lot of potential to my ears. I wonder why they didn't try it again.

Revolutionary Hamstrung Blues

(as transcribed from a tape of 3-27-86, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, Maine, the only performance of this song-more dubious guesswork in italics)

Halfway past cool, clear Monday to the side of the room,
Rolling down Wild Hair Boulevard with the rising of the poon.
Hot damn! It's Mother's Day. Don't you all look fine?
Promenading down the long carwash, passing snipes and sniffin' wine.

We got poets, shuckers, and godzillas
Ground by the sweep, little frozen, no soup.
We got Speed Racer and His Arcade Androids,
Revolutionary hamstrung blues.

Say, now mama may I tighten your cap?
Now honey may I loosen your load?
You hold on to this hand grenade, while I...

I remember some chicks from the shit club,
Coming on to Silly, squeeze toe.
Silly says, "I'll say it once.
For you it's cold steel, and slow."

I'm standing by the rupture,
'Mid chairs and flying glass.
Silly smack dab in the soma,
Shouting verse and kicking ass.
Back then, the sweep-you hopped the 90,
Don't make the six o'clock news.
Speed Racer and the band kept playing...

[instrumental break]

As I recall I went for the window
But I never did get clear
Henry Hawkins' hickory stick
Was the last thing I saw that year

Drag me down to the tangle, you carry the charges, if you please.
Hey, 30-day up on my shelf or a feeling we meant to be
Mama may I tighten your cap?
Your honor let me loosen your load
You hold on to this grenade for me, while I...

The full moon irradiates Wild Hair Boulevard now.
Dumbshits talk so bold.
Reminds me of old Silly, and how we
Did it all over...
Did it all over...
Did it all over the road.

We got poets, shuckers, and godzillas
Ground by the sweep, little frozen bowl soup.
We got Speed Racer and His Arcade Androids
Revolutionary hamstrung blues.
(Track 4)

New Songs Galore '70

So someone at Lost Sailor Pub suggested I listen to this show. Thank you Z. This show is very focused and featured many new songs. To start the show off was the FIRST TRUCKIN'. This was perhaps one of my favorite versions of the song. It was played acoustic (as was the entire first set). Bob and Jerry harmonized beautifully. This was really the spawning of the new Grateful Dead. This historic set also included Ripple>Brokedown Palace and Operator with first time plays. All these new songs sounded like they have been playing them for years. Then the second set was the exact opposite of what the Grateful Dead were known for in 1969. Second set is electric, just not crazy. That's It For The Other One sounds amazing. It is both driving and intense, just not nearly as crazy as other versions. Attics Of My Life is brilliant and soulful. I am really impressed with the quality of this AUD as well. Considering that it is 39 years old. The band comes through very well.
Download Archive.org VBR MP3 of this concert!!
Click On The Poster!!!!

Grateful Dead Brass Band

I haven't had the time to listen to this whole show....yet. Either way I wanted to get it on some people's radar. The highlight of this show for me is Let Me Sing Your Blues Away through Let It Grow. There is a brass section that adds so much texture it is oozes with goo.

Mardi Gras 1990 Show 3: The Night of the Living Drums

I have been a huge fan of the Mardi Gras run from 90. Brent really shines throughout this series of shows. I am going to focus on 2-27-1990 though. This show had me with the Good Times show opener. Near the end of this song, listen to Brent rock those vocals. Next up is Feel Like A Stranger. This is also high energy with Jerry in midi mode. This also has a great call and response section with Brent and Bob with a mini Bob rap for good measure. After listening to some 70's show lately I have really missed the midi sounds. They work for later Dead songs and Feel Like A Stranger is a great example of this. Then the band fires into Sugaree. This is a solid version, it is no 12/28/79 but it gets the job done. I also like the way Garcia's voice sounds on this song. When he got older his voice sounds more sincere at times, this is an example of that. Brent also shines on the keys in this song. Check out the solo from Garcia as Bob keeps the groove going along with Phil. The song picks up energy and moves into an X factor. The band slows down, right when I think it is over they bring it back for another run of the chorus. Now its time for another late 80's Bob rocker...Victim Or The Crime. I am going to admit this song always seems to let me down. I do like it, I just think the jam in the middle could have gotten a lot darker. I mean the music could have been darker than the lyrics. It did sometimes but not often enough for me. The spacey jam in this version is good though, just not enough for my liking. Phil does sound excellent, Brent also helps build the jam into new territory. Garcia does get in some great riffs as the jam builds. This does have a pretty fun space section in it at the end. A total breakdown of any rhythm occurs. I think this was part was introduced by Phil in this concert. Bob gets a little tired of it and tries to bring the main riff back one final time. The band follows and closes on some great Phil Bombs. After that short craziness the band finds something a bit more upbeat and not as much of a downer. Mississippi Half Step always something that will get me dancing. Great vocals and playing throughout this song. Brent gets the job done multiple times in this song. Nice Phil and Jerry interaction in the closing jam. Here comes the Dylan Slot with When I Paint My Masterpiece. Bob's vocals aren't bad on this, but for some reason I don't find them to be the strongest I have heard on this song. After Masterpiece is over the band plays a beautiful Bird Song. Brent is all over the place here. The band as a whole seem to be in an exploratory mood and it shows the most in Bird Song so far. Midi is used to perfection. I also want to point out that Phil sort of teases The Other One, look in the 7:00 minute time frame to see what I mean. Jerry gets down with some fanning in the 9 or 10:00 minute area. After a dreamy part, Jerry brings the main riff back...almost. Wow that is what I like to hear in a Bird Song. Somehow they bring it back to the chorus. I really have no idea, nor was I expecting. This is what always brings me back to the good ol' Grateful Dead.

Set two begins with Drums. This reminds me of how The Dead in 2003 opened the second set. I would also like to mention that Drums through Woman R Smarter has Michael Doucet & Beausoleil sitting in. This rendition of Rhythm Devils gives electronic groups like The Orb run for their money. Phil steps out and begins to join in the electronic madness. Once again he is really pushing for The Other One, at least to my ears. Then as the guitarist get in the middle of this craziness you can hear Iko Iko begin to form. They actually start to sing to actually get the spacey stuff to stop. Ha Ha that is hilarious. The percussion is very strong, giving more room for Phil to get the groove actually going. Iko Iko leads to Man Smart, Woman Smarter. These two songs are very similar, so to hear them paired doesn't surprise me. There is a nice little jam in Woman Smarter. This has a nice zydeco feel. Oh yeah Mardi Gras is the theme of this run and this jam reminds you of that. This songs comes along with a vocal harmony that almost falls apart until Bob brings it back together one last time. Now comes an early second set ballad with Standing On The Moon. (This is the first SOTM that has been reviewed on this blog!!!) The band seems to be ready for business in the first post drum slot. Brent adds much to this song under Garcia's voice. Jerry's singing almost seems frail after the energetic Iko and Women Smarter. It is amazing to me how this band can feed off of pure energy in one song then the next feed of beauty. It doesn't happen too often, when it does it is priceless. Then the band seems to tease The Other One but decides on Truckin'. This has its moments like Bob adding some profanity for good measure. The music is pretty standard for '90. Not a standout version of Truckin' by anymeans. Like always though the closing jam gets the momentum of the song going. A perfect transition into Spoonful makes the Truckin' worth it. Spoonful also makes up for Truckin' the band seems to be more into it. Bob's vocals were better as well. We are brought back full circle to Drums. This Drums was a lot more calm with hints of electronica near the end. Space picks up where drums left off in weirdness. This is another kind of weirdness though. No where near electronica, it seems like many unfinished thoughts from each band member on stage equals this space. It has its moments, but there are better Spaces out there. In the end of Space you begin to hear The Other One thought of again. It seems that Phil finally got his way. This version of TOO comes complete with the Dan Healy vocal make over, making Bob sound like he has been inside of a helium balloon (or would that be a nitrous balloon?). TOO morphs smoothly into Morning Dew. This does what a Dew is supposed to do. There is some nice moments for Phil in this as the band explodes at the end of the song. Throwing Stones is next. A pretty good version but not a stand out by any means. The band moves into Not Fade Away. After listening to some '70s shows I miss that style of NFA. They had more energy and did not always signal the end of the concert. I do like what the drummers are doing in this one. It adds to the overall feel of the concert. Then the vocal jam begins and the audience takes over until the We Bid You Goodnight encore. Very reminiscent of Dozin' At Knick.

Set 1


Let The Good Times Roll
Feel Like A Stranger
Sugaree
Victim Or The Crime
Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Bird Song


Set 2


Drums* ->
Iko Iko* ->
Man Smart, Woman Smarter*
Standing On The Moon
Truckin' ->
Spoonful ->
Drums ->
Space ->
The Other One ->
Morning Dew ->
Throwing Stones ->
Not Fade Away

Encore
And We Bid You Good Night


* with Michael Doucet & Beausoleil

CLICK ON THE TICKET FOR ARCHIVE.ORG VBR ZIP DOWNLOAD

Workingman's Demos

I had something a little different planned for today, which I might still do later, then I got called into work. So come back later to see what I had in store. For now enjoy some outtakes and demos for Workingman's Dead.

The first link is nothing but Jerry and an acoustic guitar. The quality is pretty good. Also check out that acoustic Casey Jones.



This second link is the full band. Tastebud is the standout track here. This features some excellent blues vocals from Pigpen. Lately, it seems I can't get enough of those vocals.

Jenny Jenkins and Throwin Stones

My step mom reminded me of the Not For Kids Only album. As I was listening to Jenny Jenkins I had to laugh at this verse:

Quote:

Will you wear green Oh my dear, oh my dear Will you wear green, Jenny Jenkins? No, I won't wear green It's a shame to be seen

The reason it is a shame to be seen in green is because green was a color once associated with prostitutes. Apparently, green dye was cheap and it was different from the drab colors that were worn on clothing. The other more colorful dyes showed you have money. It was a status thing, sort of like wearing a rolex I guess.
The color green also comes up in Iko Iko and is a reference to a male prostitute I think.

Quote:

See that guy all dressed in green Iko iko an nay He's not a man, he's a loving machine Jockomo feena nay

I also have found it interesting how songs that children sing are often based on rather dark subject matter. This too carries over to Grateful Dead music. I am sure John Perry Barlow borrowed "Ashes, ashes we all fall down" from Ring Around The Rosie. This is an excellent images he has conveyed. Since Throwing Stones was a dark song, apocalyptic in a way. To get back to my point Ring Around The Rosie was a song about the Black Death.

1972-03-23 Academy Of Music

This is the newest show from Charlie Miller. He has mastered it to near perfection (like always). This SBD (soundboard) sounds like an official release overall. Mr. Miller has done some fine work here. Alright, enough of Charlie lets get on with the show.

This show opens with a China>Rider that is amazing. I am used to hearing these songs as a set closer. Those closer versions normally have more energy as well. Either way you can't beat a set one opener with it.

Then the set becomes a pretty standard set for 1972. Black Throated Wind sounds pretty good, but average. Chinatown Shuffle isn't too bad either. This song really reminds me of U.S. Blues. At least the intro does. Brown Eyed Women is a song that I think might have been played a bit too much in '72. This version is also average for the most part.

Cumberland Blues is played excellently. Very fast without feeling rushed.

The rest of set one is average/above average '72 playing.Other highlights are Mr. Charlie, You Win Again. Then they play Next Time You See Me. I have always really liked this Pigpen sung song. (Ha ha say Pigpen sung song 10 times fast.) In my opinion they always nailed that blues number. Then comes Playing In The Band. This is a shorter version considering the fact this song could get in the half hour range. This has some excellent percussion and drums through out it. Garcia finds the sweet spot about 5 minutes in and does not let up. His fingers were on fire that night. Then after the rocking PITB is a soulful Comes A Time. Casey Jones is the set closer. As normal they take it up a level during this song getting ready for second set. Keith plays some amazing piano on this Casey Jones.

Set two starts with Truckin'. This is not one of my favorite songs yet the jams at the end rank up there as some of the best. The closing jam on this disappoint, yet it does stop before they play Ramble On Rose. Jerry's vocals are excellent on Ramble On Rose. This is one of those songs that can bore me to death or really excite me. The early versions are normally top notch. Keith really shines on this song as well. Then follow a stage banter introducing Keith the audience to Keith. Bobby says Keith is pretty quiet.

A new Pigpen song Two Souls In Communion is up next. I think this song had a lot of room to grow. The emotion in his voice is very heartfelt. He seemed to be channeling the great blues gods this night as he has done so many times before. Phil also stands out on this track. His bass line is crystal clear and very defined. This song really makes me sad that Pigpen didn't live longer. I really do think he was coming into his own as a songwriter. Then comes a powerful cowboy slot after a tuning with Mexicali Blues. Mexicali as always doesn't fail to be a fun dance tune. Very upbeat and exciting. This song was needed after the slow Two Souls. Mexicali is also rather short before they end it to tune once again.

Dark Star perhaps my favorite song is next. You are able to hear a little bit of stage banter before during the tuning prior to the song. I really can't make out what is said though. Once the song starts after a long tuning the band seems ready to just jump in. Garcia plays some really pretty lead parts over Phil's spacey bass line, which leads to the main riff. Around 2:30 into the song a burst of energy appears before the main riff proper peeks its head out. This lasts very shortly as Jerry starts a small Tiger jam. At 4:44 Jerry begins to sing the first verse. His vocals start strong but show signs of weakness. Pretty standard 72 vocals I would say. Billy is excellent on this version. Right after the first verse is finished the music takes a turn for weirdness. It is a beautiful weirdness though. It can be intense at times while other times it can just be odd. Nice keys from Keith during this portion of the song. Garcia is pushing the song to be a little faster as Keith follows him in a jazz pianist style. Around 9:56 is some really interesting full band interaction as this leads to a more intense and energy filled jam. Then at 10:57 the band kicks it into full gear as they find their way out of the slow spacey jam that they were just in. This is short lived though. When it is brought back Phil almost hints at The Other One over all the madness. Instead he just goes down the scale playing lower notes. Creating his famous Phil Bomb carnage. Bobby lightly picks very interesting notes under Garcia and Lesh. Even Billy hints at The Other One just for a second. Phil tries to take over but Garcia won't let him as as he goes into Tiger Jam mode!!! I really dig what Keith has added to this band. He is a very jazz oriented player during this period. This jam moves into a Feelin' Groovey Jam. I think that is what that jam is called. I am really bad at the fan named jams. The only one I really know is the Mind Left Body and even those I can't call instantly. Jerry hints at a song that I can't think of the name of at the moment right before the main riff is brought back. The second verse is sang stronger than the first. Then the band finishes the song to recollect itself.

Next up is Big Boss Man. Another Pigpen rocker. Kind of a weird choice after Dark Star though. Pretty good song. Pig once again shows off his blues vocal stylings. After that Dark Star though this song does seem lacking at times. There is a nice harmonica solo from Pig. After this song is some stage banter from Bobby. Then the band bursts into Not Fade Away. An excellent choice in my opinion. Billy really nails this song. Also Jerry and Bob harmonize excellently. The band begins to jam this into some nice energy filled territory. Phil once again comes through this mix very well. The music starts to mutate itself into Going Down The Road Feeling Bad very smoothly. This is an example of a great transition jam. The high energy from NFA stays for GDTRFB. Jerry's vocals are also perfect for this song. Keith plays such a driving piano part it I just want to dance all night to this song. I know I have already said I dig Keith in this song but he keeps impressing me. Honestly, I am used to Brent in the bench behind the keys. Jerry then plays the We Bid You Goodnight solo right before they launch back into NFA. This version has a call and response singing style with Pig and Bobby. The band was on fire for this one. As Pig and Bob go into a screaming contest right before they wrap up an excellent show.

Listen to the show!!!



China Cat Sunflower ->
I Know You Rider
Black Throated Wind
Chinatown Shuffle
Brown Eyed Women
Beat It On Down The Line
Cumberland Blues
Looks Like Rain
Mr. Charlie
Tennessee Jed
El Paso
You Win Again
Jack Straw
Next Time You See Me
Playing In The Band
Comes A Time
Me And Bobby McGee
Casey Jones

Set 2

Truckin'
Ramble On Rose
Two Souls In Communion
Mexicali Blues
Dark Star
Big Boss Man
Not Fade Away ->
Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad ->
Not Fade Away

Encore
Sugar Magnolia