3rd ever and it's a beauty. Show uneven at first, then comes together with Cryptical>TOO>Wharf for some righteous Dead, looking for their '71 sound.

Along with every other bit of this concert, raging good time energy and virtuouso groupmind, aided of course by one of the most ultimate AUDs ever.

Stop everything you're doing and listen to this now. No really, do it. Now.

Something happens to Playing' in Europe. Check 'em out, one by one and watch it grow. This one is the bomb. Outrageous shredding.

Listen to this, then listen again for Jerry's solo: Come back and tell me Big River is a "throw away" song, cause he damn-well tears it up here.

Listen, I know there's stiff competition for it. And this one can't be a winner until some lucky day when the rest of the 2nd set magically shows up in a pristine matrix... But in terms of musical precision - not a flubbed note that I can find - the perfect mix of intensity, drive, and exploratory weirdness, and that hometown x-factor that characterises the best Bay Area shows, I'd put it up there, yes. Plus it's a rare occasion when everyone's vocals were on. Is Veneta everyone's "favorite", sure, but is it their "best"? I've never thought so, because while fun-for-the-whole-family, they are pretty loose in places and waaaaaay out of tune during the Sunstroke Serenader portions. There are other contenders, of course, from Europe, and later in the year (jeez, the Texas shows are outrageous...) but I'm throwing it out there for this one. Edit from a few days later: Except Bertha, which is a hot mess. It rocks, but they fuck up the lyrics well and good!!!

I would add, just to avoid my own confirmation bias, that to my ears the Playin' from this date, while verrrrrrrry heady, does not top the immortal Playin' from Veneta.

I'm not one for overdoing the comparisons between shows, but the fact that this is at 3 votes, while Veneta (two days later) is presently at 79 exhibits a confirmation bias that is a bit 'madness of crowds'. Before people pile on: I LOVE Veneta. It is without a doubt a top show - but is that because we know it, or because we can all feel a part of it owing to the movie? Or do we have some misplaced nostalgia for the big show, because that's when some of us "got it" for the furthur spheres weirdness of a massive Dark Star? Listen to this Birdsong back to back with Veneta, and there's no doubt that this one is the superior performance. Firstly, they're in tune. That's a big one. Secondly, check out the first big solo from Jerry. This one is constantly inventive, the one at Veneta grasps quite a bit before hitting its stride. Finally Jer's voice is smoother, and the C.Miller mix puts it all beautifully in place, with Keith and Bobby's contributions there for the enjoyment. While both are superlative, I think some Heads gotta stretch out a bit. The Berkeley run is absolutely top-notch Dead, and this Bird Song stands up to any version ever, including the golden calf two days later.

Jerry sez that Bobby "had roses for lunch". Take it as you will.

There. I said it.