The China Cat>The Eleven sequence was always very cool and this one burns hot and fast. Don't wanna just put all of 'em up here, but this is a cooker.

A short little gem: Nice clear solo ideas and tight ensemble playing with that bursting-at-the-seams energy from the Anthem era.

It's '68 and the boys are on fire. This one pins you to the wall all its the sharp turns and jagged explosiveness. Hard pschedelic rock.

So blisteringly hot. All three Ark '69 shows are brilliant, but this is the clearest example of their brilliance on Eleven.

Just listened to it 4x in a row, something I never do. The whole intense Playin' universe packed into under 7min. Could be my favourite '71.

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.