For about a year, on rare occasions like this one, they played, Estimated > Franklin's Tower. An oddity for sure. I've siad before that I do love Franklin's - it's such a hopeful song. Its more customary pairing with Help On the Way, Half Step, and Feel Like a Stranger makes these atypical pairings all the more interesting. Estimated is not the strangest, but that's for another day. I think Jerry must have really loved the song because it keeps reappearing, year after year regardless of the pairing.

I'm going to wait until somebody does a matrix of this show to pronounce more stars. The balcony rail recording and transferring by Frisch & Minches isn't too bad but it's very airy and I would like to soften up this board with it. The three stars is for The Boyz doing a nostalgia trip back to 1974 with the typical (seemingly) qualude-induced performance. If it deserves it, I'll up it to four stars with a matrix. I am just so thankful Jerry's gotten his voice back... well, sort of tonight. I don't agree with Burnt Rich about Peggy-O. Jerry's still a bit shakey on it. If you want to hear a really nice one with a nice High Time, check out October 9, 1980.

I just listened to the Franklins,, wow,, if this show is "sleepy",, Im havin a fantastic Dream,,magnifique!

this is a revised review, and after my initial listen decided to give it a second go around.

fall 79 is probably one of my favorite tours and love the energy.

this shows highlights are the minglewood, rider, franklins and NFA.

AND>>>if Jerry sounds a sleep than you need to wake up becuase he hits every note and than some...Just becuase he isn't always out front and ear splitting loud doesn't mean he isnt there... the predominately heavy left channel mix of this show makes it difficult at times to differientiate between the layers of incredible music going down..LLR is a great example of this...This show is defenitely 5 stars especially considering all the factors of what was happening in and around The Grateful Dead experience as a whole. The Second Set is blowing my mind as we speak thats why my reviews or so jarbeled!!!

I listened only from the Estimated > NFA portion and it is worth 5 stars. The drums build from an Egyptian feel (is that Mickey on the Tar?) the NFA is epic and the crescendo with a fanning Jerry and a jamming Bobby is met with incredibly powerful drums from the dynamic duo!!!!!

sorta. Jerry does seem asleep for most of the show. The setlist looks stellar but the performances are lacking. Lazy night overall, excepting a beautiful Stella Blue. However, I still think this one's worth two stars. The boys may be a bit sleepy but they don't sound like they are dying. 2.5 stars rounded up.

Very poignant Peggy-O. A standout version just for the vocal factor from Jerry.....then it is Polka time w/ Bobby..you are cordially invited into a startling contrast of Mama Tried and a calliope wheel version of Mexicali. I love those musical ironies. All in all a decent listen all the way through...Stellar sound. Great show for lovers of Mr. Mydland. Fun one

The Franklin's and the jam that follows...wow. Rollicking, melodic, sublime. 4 stars until I listen to more of the show.

OK, objectively it might only rate 4 stars, but it was my first show (the next night was my 2nd, and just as good.) It is SO GOOD to hear this again!!!! It will always sadden me that i never saw them at the Uptown again. Best sound I ever heard them have, and in the back row of the mezzanine, you were close enough to see their expressions & fingers.

Just want to thank everyone involved with Archive, all the tapers, and everyone who posts these historical masterpieces we all so dearly cherish. For those of us who can relive a show played and recorded on the day of our birth, there is a special sentimental exclamation point tacked on, lifting the show even higher than it already is. And I could't have asked for a better setlist! What a birthday present!
The SOUND QUALITY IS GREAT, show is awesome, Stagger Lee is a bit disappointing for me(my 2cents of negetivity).

I'm going to support the last reviewer's opinion by adding a well deserved four star vote. While this show may not be the very best example of how hot the Dead were during the fall/winter of '79, it is still a worthy one to check out. My review pertains to the second set only as I haven't downloaded the complete show as of yet. Estimated is solid and the segue into a sweet Franklin's is quick and painless. The Not Fade Away's of '79 rank highly in my book and this one is no exception. A fine Stella~Sugar combo wraps the set up. The following night at the Uptown Theater should not be overlooked either. Chicago must have many satisfied Deadheads!
The Sound and Mix are both gratifying. Recommended.

I am so glad I chose not to trust others opinions if they are too negative, and likley many of you are the same- no offense to previous writer, but I totally disagree!
This show is rocking from start to end. Great solos and very very good sound quality.

I downloaded this after listening. The franklins is a definite highlight, and suprise in the unique set list.4 stars all the way...or shall I say, roll away, ha ha ha ...