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CrackStraw

Bob's Guitar #1

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Submissions

3
Not Fade Away
Aug. 5, 1979
Oakland Auditorium Arena

Sweet NFA>Wharf Rat. Ace' rhythm is tight all night
1
Hell in a Bucket
April 12, 1986
Irvine Meadows

Probably my favorite '86 show and 2nd hottest song of the night behind killer Straw to end set 1
1
Sugar Magnolia
Jan. 18, 1978
Stockton Civic Auditorium

Jerry's tone this night sounds like a howling elephant, translating into excellent rocker of a Sugar Mags
1
Row Jimmy
Jan. 18, 1978
Stockton Civic Auditorium

Pretty standard for the era (77-78) but IMO it still crushes any version from the 80s
2
Jack Straw
Jan. 18, 1978
Stockton Civic Auditorium

During the jam Jerry cycles between power chords and sick noodling, it's played so well they played it again their next show.

Comments

Passenger
May 7, 1978
Field House - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

I don't know why but when people praise this show I take it personal.... One small point of pride...? AUD splices are harmless, complete cuts on the other hand can be tragic. Can't forget about ripping versions of BEW, All Over Now, and TMNS from this first set.
U.S. Blues (Wave That Flag)
May 7, 1978
Field House - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Hey Danny if '78 is new to you check out 1/22, 4/15, 4/16, 4/21, 4/22, 4/24, 5/10, 5/11, 6/4 7/3, 7/7, 10/17 thru 10/22, 11/18, 11/21, and 12/30. Don't let the lack of diverse set lists throw you off. The band (specially Garcia) was amazing at tweaking their sound in '78.
Werewolves of London
April 19, 1978
Veterans Memorial Auditorium

'78 is the year of the Wolf, of both London and Garcia. For those who don't know Jerry helped his Buddy Warren Zevon write this song. Clocking in at over 10 minutes on a Betty Board. This one has to be my favorite.Love Bobby's oozing psychedelic slide action and thanks to Jerry's bad ass rhythmic riffs, you might as well call Ace the lead guitar player here. The band, per usual in 1978 sounded like they're having a blast. I always found it ironic how they appeared to have such a good time on stage in during these times despite the obvious turmoil between the band off the stage(financial crisis/Jerry catching Keith in his stash/general Godchaux domestic issues). For 30+ years the stage was undeniably a 'safe space' for Jerry/Bobby/Phil.
West L.A. Fadeaway
July 1, 1992
Buckeye Lake Music Center

This is easily my favorite version of a song i'm not crazy for. As a kid I loved Steve Miller and some of his FM hits. This version just has something that every other version lacks, the obvious answer is Steve Miller but you know....
Black Peter
May 7, 1978
Field House - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Okay I did just re-listen to this and it is a smoker. If you can't appreciate Bob Weir's slide playing(aka his Lowell George impression) once in awhile, then fuck you.... I mean it in the friendliest way possible ;)