This really nice early Candy Man. This one is after Truckin. The first two are sound checks, I think.

This is one of the better acoustic versions of this song. The sound quality isn't the best but the performance is spot on.

This is a tragically overlooked version. Bobby's guitar is loud and proud. Jerry's Strat playing was as clean and twangy as it got on this song.

The forth live performance of these 2 songs put together. It starts out a little rough, then it evolves into a well paced and played China Rider.

Energized, Phil drivin Cryptical, longer then its song mate tO1.

You can tell this was an important show for them by the energy level. Good playing by all, especially Jerry.

This is an energetic and tight improvisational version. The mix is good on this recording other then TC, who's a little hard to hear. Bobby is up in the mix which really helps to drive this one. The drummers come in about half way through. Micky even plays the congas for a short time. I think this versions should be voted higher.

The best of 69, in my opinion. This one is at another level of energy and inventiveness.

Jerry opens this version with a sustained feedback pronouncement. Then they start a somber instrumental climb to the first verse. Shortly after that, they drop into silence. They slowly work their way into the space sequence. After that, it's Bobby, rather then Phil, who dictates the direction of the jam from there out. Bobby was playing with authority on this one, he was also up in the mix. This being the night after Jimmy died, and at the coveted Fillmore East. I know how shocked and sadden I was as a 16 year old kid when Jimmy died. I can only imagine how these guys felt, I'm sure that they had crossed paths a few times. I think the reverence showed in their playing. It was the guitar players piece on that night.

Hearing this version has changed my mind about putting a cowboy song in a Dark Star sandwich. I used to prefer one of the Hunter - Garcia existential ballads, like Wharf Rat. But the mood change from the intense improvisation of the first verse, into Me and my Uncle really works. Then, going into Wharf Rat at the end, brilliant.