First one that does not follow an Eyes. Deserving of the new sources finally coming out.

Healthy serving, plenty of noodles

Potent Keith dancin' all over that pianer

Hey, this is very well done!

A tight and upbeat windup bridge

Check out the Phil groove on this one, folks. And there’s a vid. Sure, I’ll give it a second vote to keep the other one company, but this being Summer ’89, I can see a lot more heads joining in here.

and try to walk the li--ine!

Love the way these later stand-alones are unleashed and run where they will – this one building to a rousing stomp and ready for more. Long-time favorite with signature Phil slides, it’s easy to see this one hangin’ up in the lead pack.

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.