The reason there is a laconic vibe at times is that these shows started in mid-late afternoon. The days were warm and sunny. The Frost Amphitheater had these wide grassy terraces that were easy to sprawl out on. The Amphitheater is surrounded by trees and has a capacity for 8,000. It seemed smaller to my memory. 2 months later the Grateful Dead played Giants Stadium (80,000) I remember they had a large green Gumby Ballon Man and Balloons thrown into the crowd with some floating up into the air. This was mellow but high vibration show. The sound quality here supports my fond memories of the GD at the Frost.

The sound is amazing and was at the Frost. There was something extra special about the shows, not only due to perfect weather, and being at the Frost for the first time, and it was Derby weekend, but I'm not sure if I knew they'd be the last shows there. For sure Brent was exercising his influence in 89, and this show shows a stellar effort and showcased his talents. Hey Pocky Way kicks ass. However, adding in his offbeat tunes like Light turned the setlists upside down, and my first, and maybe ever, china rider to close. Whoever ripped the Playing is off base, it really is quite exploratory, though short, and I was blown away that it evolved into Eyes, never seen that before. They were a little off at times overall, but certainly some crackling moments, and cant complain about the long setlist. Oh yea, The Race is On...Black Cruddy to end, mellow ending, this version is just ok, great tune. The NFA did rock beforehand, so a nice ending. The next day had the exact same vibe, mostly just ok with some brilliant moments,good energy, trying hard, and mixed up lists, Bird Song, Victim, Crazy, and Peter being the highlights. Almost a 3, but will give a 4 for the breakouts and moments/memories.

good sound.worth downloading.

What a fabulous afternoon this was, beautiful day, Jerry and the boy's were in fine form and really enjoying themselves at this wonderful little park nestled on a slight hillside amongst the Eucalyptus Grove which is The Frost Amphitheatre in Palo Alto, California.

I'll never forget the Second set peaking during Samson when the Godzilla vs. Gumby battle erupted between Jerry and Brent down front, stage left.

Ah yes, the old good days. What a great video this day would have made.

Are the channels reversed, or what ?

This show is so sweet, yet SO MELLOW.....

This is some seriously epic sound quality, folks. As for the people who think this show has bad sound quality: I'm not sure what show you're listening to, but it sure isn't this one.

What is so historical about Brent's two songs here. Just a Little Light is a nice song, good flavor to it. I Will Take You Home was great on the album but was quite boring out of space. 1989 was a good energy year I saw some good shows this year. Brent finally broke through, I never really enjoyed him until after 1987. His songs were weak and his tinkle piano drove me nuts.

Jamin Jerome my brother - you must put the glass piece down give this one another listen. Brent songs are historical and the sound here is solid. 89-90 was a great time to tour and get yer Eyes of the world on!

Say what you will about the energy, i think that these summer 89' shows are incredibly high considering most of the band is in their mid to late 40s and bringing it together tight. I feel that Jerry was giving way more in 89 than in the two previous years.

Either way, the setlist is killer, Race is On, Queen Jane, Good Times Roll, Pocky Way, Muddy River. For an 89' setlist, bomb as hell.

I think this is a solid show. Not a 10 but those are hard to come by anyway. I think the energy is pretty good. Have you listened to any shows after 91? Now THAT'S No Energy baby. This is definitely worth a listen.

Let's be honest here: what's there to like about this show? Jerry's voice is really muddy and the energy level is really low. Bob screaming on Around and Around made me wish for earplugs. There are two crappy Brent songs "A Little Light" and "I Will Take You Home." There's so much better in this very rich year, don't waste your time with this one.

Two stars (I've heard worse and there were a few moments where I was OK with the show)

The sound is a 10, The show is a 7 at the Very best. I almost fell asleep during West LA. The boys are trying Very hard. For me, even though the sounds is great, its just way tooooo mellooooooow for me.

i've had the first set board since 1989 and always was eager to hear the second set. first set is lovely in places.... in disagreement with the consensus the china rider is quite average. the second set disappoints--the samson lacks real punch, the playin fails to explore the formlessness for which it can be an amazing vehicle, the eyes of the world could use a bit more bounce, the need a miracle--despite weirs effort to give it a vocal charge muddles through the usual awkward changes and occasional flat out CLAM. wharf rat, although heroic in the usual spots seems perfunctory. nice sounding source though and black muddy river---although lyrically finding hunter revisiting VERY familiar themes is probably--along with standing on the moon---the last great hunter/garcia collaboration.

Top notch sound here!

Ditto.
Download this one ASAP.
While your at it download 5-7-89 also
The setlists were amazing.
The boys were all in perfect form & the sound quality is, Yes, Amazing.

I am trying to get thru another Friday at work. I stream this show based on a recommendation from Dead Base. The first set starts out smooth enough, Peggy-O sounds sweet and leads on thru TLEO, The Race is On (one of my favorites),Queen Jane and finishes with a nice China/Rider. I'm thinkin' how glad I am that I pulled this one out for a listen, but also thinkin' it can't get any better right? WRONG!!!!!!
Next thing I know I am getting stares from my co-workers as I jam out to Good Times and a great Pocky Way. After a tight Samson they start easing into something I don't recognize at first, but then discover is Ship of Fools. It sounds so different. At the end I have to hit repeat to make sure I heard what I thought I heard. Again, at the end I hit repeat and this time slip on a set of head phones from my desk, so that I can hear every detail with out distraction. I then proceed to listen to it 3 more times. I think this may be the tastiest I've ever heard. I won't be sure until I listen a few more times. The set winds down with a sweet Wheel and the show closes with a real nice BMR. This show rocks from beginning to end, but the killer Fools seals the deal. Listen for this if for no other reason.

Enjoy!!! I know I sure did!!

great stuff, playin is top of the line sound is great

This show absolutely rocks! The songs are great, and the sound quality is amazing. Not Fade Away is HUGE!!! Stop reading and start downloading! Worthy of 6 stars

what a wonderful show. sound quality is stupendous. one of the only shows that i do not have to fiddle w/ the EQ on my ipod to make it sound just right. i am listening to it as i write this review. i was 16 at the time and unfortunately unable to get in, but the parking lot raged . vans, cars, and buses were blasting the radio broadcast across the entire lot. from start to finish this show rocked. china> rider 1st set closer sparkled. i'm a Brent fan due to my love of the organ. brent's Jusalittlelight was on fire except for one lyric flub. hey pockey still makes me get up and move around when i here it. bottom line 5 stars is right on target. 26 songs 2.7 hours in the late 80s........need i say more.

Fantastic sounding recording of a well-played show! It was lovely day at the Frost, very relaxed "family" kind of audience - lots of old friends right in the heart of where it all began. Felt like a big backyard party. That vibe reached all the way around the stage and the Dead gave us the goods. Nice long sets of great material - Excellent TLEO and The Race is On! China->Rider to round out the first set! Yum!
Highly recommended.
LP

I was not at this show but I remember getting the tape that week. It was Derby weekend. China>Rider to close 1st set?? WTF??? I cannot imagine anyone walking away disappointed at this. And this copy is just sick. Just the Grateful Dead doing what they do best. I know I am in the minority but I love Black Muddy River.

It could be argued that the sound boards from this run set the reference standard for sonic quality and dynamics. What a joy to listen to loud on a high end stereo. Oh ya, the show is well played. :-)