Greatest story, ripple, and lovelight in one show? Man!
I’ll kiss the tip of my fingers to this lovelight

I'm not a huge fan of a lot of this Port Chester run, but I've long enjoyed the highlights of the first two nights. And while this show isn't as strong as the 18th and 19th, it does feature some special moments.

The standout is what I'd call the "coda" of GDTRFB (that little 2-chord passage at the very end, that usually follows the Bid You Goodnight theme). I won't spoil all the fun, but basically the band sneeks up on you, slowly and effortlessly extending and morphing this section into something truly remarkable. Phil and Bob are particularly inspired.

Now I haven't heard every version from this period, but as far as I know, it is unique.

Lovelight is also an excellent version with some hot instrumental breaks, but the jam after Goin Down the Road needs to be heard by all!

These early '71 shows have two disadvantages that make them less than rewarding compared to shows from later in the year. Mickey had left only days before and the band, especially Bill, is feeling his loss. Two, many of these songs are being played only for the second or third times. Consequently to my ears much of the music sounds tentative and rather uninspired. Nothing really takes off either the way it used to: The Other One, or the way it will in the near future: Playing In The Band. Hard To Handle and Lovelight still rock but much of rest isn't all that. As the poster below me said this sounds like a rehearsal.

I'm sorry, but I can't rate this show as listenable. While working through it, I kept waiting for each tune to rise up out of the mundane, but to no avail. So many of the songs are the second- or third-ever performance, and one can definitely tell. Those songs traipse along listlessly while each band member goes through the motions, adjusting slowly to the new tune. Even the older chestnuts lack energy and vigor in my opinion. With so much WONDERFUL Dead out there to enjoy, I would steer people away from wasting time with this dud.

2/18/71 seems to garner all the accolades from the '71 Port Chester run, but this performance deserves recognition in its own right. Although the vibe is quite layed back, it's a very well played show, and includes some dynamite jamming.

Though there are a few annoying dropouts, the Betty Cantor sourced sound quality is brilliant and the mix quite lively. The jangly tone of both guitars during this run is gorgeous!

The first set, featuring one of the very last first set Cryptical/Other One suites is particularly good. Most of the renditions are very tight, and although the instrumental breaks are not extended, some of the jams are very creative. It's amazing how quickly Kreutzmann was able to adapt to the departure of Mickey.

Me and My Uncle is terrific, Jerry laying down some really nice jangly leads making for one of the better performances of the song. Though lacking the intensity of the renditions that would come later in the year, Hard to Handle is solid and includes some excellent Weir lead work. Only the second ever performance, Bird Song is very nice. They're still working the arraingement out but listen closely to Jerry's Allman-like guitar on this one and hear an unmistakable Midnight Rider riff at 3:50.

The first-set Cryptical/Other One suite is a treat, Phil driving a laser focused attack on the Other One intro following a great drum break. Although the rendition is somewhat abreviated, it's fairly compelling; the pre-verse segment is moody with Garcia initiating a lovely Dylanesque passage about ten minutes in. The theme continues after the verse, Phil leading a rather brooding movement starting at about 12:30, prior to the second verse. Wharf Rat, only the third ever performance of the song, features some lovely jangly guitar from Weir.

The second set is not on par with the first, but it's not without some fine music. They don't nail the vocals on Loser, but it's still an interesting rendition, with more lovely guitar work by Weir and some eerie organ fills from Pigpen. Following a rocked-out Johnny B. Goode, the highlight of the second set is of course the gorgeous rendition of Ripple. It's one of only three electric performances of the song and it's a beautiful and emotive performance!

The NFA/GDTRFB suite is well played, nicely rocked. The jamming is not as cohesive as it will become later in the year, but there is a nice jangly mini-jam during the outro of GDTRFB.

I'm not a huge fan of Lovelight, but this one is rather special. Pigpen's rap is up there with his best (he invites someone onstage!), but the real high points are the two amazing instrumental breaks. Skip this one and you'll miss a couple of cool smokey jams! The first starts at about 5:25 and is brief but nicely jazzy. The second is amazing, listen as the guitars lock-in at 11:50.

This show may not reach the dizzying heights achieved two nights prior to it, but it's certainly up there with the best of the six-night run! (97 pts)

This was the Dead's finest, loveliest year - it just 'works' with one drummer, lots of room for Phil to contribute. He's well up in the mix too !
How different 1979 (their funkiest year) with Brent could have been had Mickey not rejoined ?

This recording is so clear and crisp. It reminds me of the 'Skull and Roses' album so much.

great show, i've heard better 71 shows though, don't get me wrong its worth a listen but not a 5 star

This is my favorite show of this Port Chester run, and this lovelight tops it off. Sound quality is great, and the boys are really on tonight. DL now and enjoy !!!

This was the first show I ever owned. The hard to handle with phil hammering out those funky bass notes convinced me many uears ago that I would spend a great deal of time listening to the Dead. The Port Chester run saw 5 or 6 new Dead staples, it was one of the biggest turing points for a new direction of Dead. All the Port Chester shows are worth a download. You wont be disappointed!!!!!! :)

Hey, I'm listening off the eMac and so far the sound is great. And I wonder why a Dick's Picks hasn't been made from this run of shows. This particular show tracks in order onto 2 80 minute discs.....so what are you waiting for?!!!

I love '71 for the tight arraingments. This Capitol Theater run was impressive and clearly a turning point.

Top 3 Ripple, Lovelight full of juice