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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

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Submissions

10
Black Throated Wind
Dec. 6, 1973
Public Hall

Perfectly executed arc of mounting emotions in this great version. The band is so tight throughout this show.
16
Uncle John's Band
Dec. 1, 1973
Music Hall

Righteous beauty from probably the most seriously overlooked show from '73 (surrounded by the big beasts in Boston) inside a Playin' just soooo good.
14
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 1, 1973
Music Hall

Outrageous oversight that this crystal clear beauty isn't here. Bobby's vocals, brilliant ensemble playing, glorious UJB in the sandwich. DIG IT!!!
8
They Love Each Other
Dec. 1, 1973
Music Hall

Great version, yeah its Boston '73. But probably the best Stage Banter ever: Check out 09:49 explaining why they aren't going to play St. Stephen.
5
Loser
Nov. 23, 1973
County Coliseum

Nov. '73 and there isn't a bad show in it. This Loser has something special in its tightness and the tempo (doesn't drag). Damn they were good.

Comments

El Paso
Aug. 21, 1972
Berkeley Community Theater

Love the slower tempo and swing vibe to it - and the fact that it comes out of a beaut of a Dark Star.
Dark Star
Aug. 21, 1972
Berkeley Community Theater

To my ears this one drifts a bit before really, deeply coming together somewhere after minute ten or so. Then they rip out its guts, and by 16:30 it's just a beast of a journey. Phil's veto mentioned above is classic turn-on-a-dime Dead for the ages. They weren't hinting that Dew was coming, they'd already started playing it, but I love how they just pick up the hint and go furthur and furthur. Listening again, and I'm pretty sure the exchange with Phil was a negotiation: Into Dew? Nah. YEAH, into Dew. Nope nope nope. How about El Paso? El Paso, gee, why not!
Stella Blue
Aug. 21, 1972
Berkeley Community Theater

Short version with condensed, purposeful feel to it.
Playin' In The Band
Aug. 21, 1972
Berkeley Community Theater

The period between Europe and Veneta is worth a study all on its own - so many songs get re-tooled and end up with something new to them. This Playin' condenses so much musical power and innovation into coherent dense material. 15 minutes! Within a couple of months that would seem like an afterthought for Playin', but here you can grok just how far they were preparing to let it go.
Me and My Uncle
Aug. 21, 1972
Berkeley Community Theater

Even the MAMU on this show stands out and kicks ass. This Berkeley run is, of course, well known for its wall-to-wall highlights. Even so, the high praise is well deserved.