Great slice of ’80… with a quick glimpse into meltdown territory

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In all its glory

Emerges within of great sequence of songs, and it’s the second to last one until ‘85

Ah, 1980!

Yeah man, there’s all kinds of comparisons but often it comes right down to the version you’re listening to at the moment. That’s the only one. Just love it the way Jerry tears into every solo song after song, show after show, year after year. Seizing the moment for life. And this one surely brings a smile… and a dance :)

One of the rare instances where a Dark Star doesn’t begin with Da, da dah-dah, the beginning can be placed at the point earlier in the jam where Jerry telegraphs a Dark Star-like riff that really sounds like a searchlight casting in the fog and a back door opening into a new dimension or realm. More follows (with subtle note sequences akin to other Stars), then Keith joining and Phil entering with a rousing barrage – eventually building into the jam that marks this version. Sure, they could’ve turned a corner and not arrived at the lyrics, but it does feel that they are heading in that direction, albeit in a meandering explorative way and at some points stronger than others. While the post-verse part does not place this version in the company of definitive Stars, the pre-verse lead-in does.

Holy psychedelic juggling devil sticks, Batman! Once people check in here, watch this one climb.

The transition's got that brief whip-snap/ jump/ gallop thing going on -- a harbinger of the opening up of future versions.

Sublime. The band, collectively and individually, masters the swells and ebbs of this lyric-laden song with poise and frolic. As with other shows on this tour, Brent’s ebullient runs are flying high. This is the pinnacle version.