If you're looking for crazy jamming, NYE is for you, and both 12/27 and 12/30 also have more than this. The first set, though, is a smoker. They bring it especially for Stranger, Just a Little Light, and Let It Grow, with Jerry starting out on "the riff" but branching out from there, and turning on the Midi-trombone for the delicate standard lead. Foolish Heart is pretty standard, Looks Like Rain features an intense if somewhat sloppy Jerry solo. I'd have liked a bit longer Eyes, but Brent comes through with some nimble, harpsichord-like keyboard runs in the outro jam. Post Space includes a better than usual Gimme Some Lovin' and a Watchtower that rips, as usual. Stella, on the other hand, peters out quickly. I'm giving it 4 stars mostly on the strength of the 1st set, plus the GSL>Watchtower.

Edit: 7-25-21: I would disagree with my earlier statement about Stella. It's not as long as some, but Jerry puts in some gorgeous guitar at the end.

I sang a little while and then flew on.

I will never forget it. "Feel Like a Stranger" hit me between the eyes. Was on the floor, Phil side, about halfway back. Only got to see them 23 more times, but that was a great first show.

Hey Now;
If you want to trip listen to a show from when Brent was starting out with the Dead in 79/80 and then listen to this Oakland run at the end of 1989. Brent is involved in everything that goes down at this show.
His playing is not on the periphery it is front and center and his singing is all consuming.
Jerry and the boys had to be like is this the same guy that hardly peeked out from the piano keys?
This is not the same band that stole your face in the 70's but it is the band that was a light in the darkness of the lame music 80's and 90's.
They were worth seeing it was a great time and there is no need to apologize to anyone for enjoying the ride!
We had to "Let the good times roll"

Great setlist, but there are times when the sound quality seems to fade...

Dang some of these sets in the eighties are just crazy. These guys really never played two shows the same. Every five years or so, they change stuff up so much. 4 stars. Not my favorite set list, but pretty friggin good.

The tracks are a lil effed up though...The U.S. Blues/Foolish Heart...it's all good.

This is my favorite of the holliday run. I can't imagine why it hasn't gotten more attention. I guess it's because 89 had so many special shows. Anyway exellent playing and another C Miller beauty.

Lovely "Let It Grow."

Wow lucky me to writing the first review on this long awaited show again. What can I say but, yea you need this, you don't have to go much Further than the Stranger jam to know your into something special here. and by the time you hit rooster well ..... I recommend a nice herbal remedy to cope with the magnitude of it all. Guess that's all I got to say about this one so enjoy and remember it did get this good sometimes.