Air this one out and enjoy the ever-changing soundscapes. "Outstanding"-- Dick Latvala

As Dick himself said of how this China Cat is born, "[it] is worth any effort to hear."

Come on!!! Mickey busted through his drum head making this one happen!!!

Conjures circus tents, smoky saloons and Frankenstein in a souped-up '57 Chevy. Well worth a listen!

I love what Phil does on this one. This thing is short and sweet.

Step away from that there still, boy, 'cause Jerry is absolutely smokin' on this one.

Excellent stuff here, no doubt about that. The band is in fine form and Garcia's soloing is...edgy yet sweet and very inventive; and he solos twice here. Yeah, this song is only known to have been performed less than twenty times live. It was apparently recorded for the 'Workingman's Dead' album but was reportedly left off due to the fact that it wasn't unique enough stylistically. Or maybe it was because they thought that the content of the lyrics was too 'current events'. Hunter stated that it is, at least in part, about the Altamont Free Concert. Which is impressive, as Altamont occurred on 12/6/69 and look at when these versions were played. For me, the song sounded like something from the mid-60's, and, at least stylistically and melodically, made me think of California beaches full of surfers on longboards with 1964 Chevy Bel Air and Ford Falcon Stationwagons, etc. with surfboards on the roof. Anyway, this version kicks ass. Thanks for pointing me to this one, guys.

I see now that Tronathon originally meant to post this version--and he's right, it's very good!

A 'mellower' take on the tune for this time period. I like how everybody gets a little of the spotlight on this one.

'...full of the wheels within wheels of groupmind.' That is what should be written above in the description of this song. Spot on!