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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

130
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Most pristine version I've ever heard. So smooth, so clear. Keith leads the way, Jerry brings it home. . Essential for all Wharf Rat fans
18
Aiko Aiko
Aug. 10, 1982
Iowa Fieldhouse - University of Iowa

Another kick-ass version out of Space...not as long&rising a wind-up as the 9-14-82 tripiness), but raucous, fun & full of N'awlins cajun rock!
36
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Powerhouse. Garcia belts out vocals. Hear amazing riff of added notes in the main theme instrumental sections.Drums pound away as well.
7
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 29, 1979
Cleveland Public Hall

Jerry commits strong vocals to this rendition--he's into it big time...& Brent adds great accompaniment. Very strong Garcia bridge jam as well.
118
Cumberland Blues
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

They could actually hit the high notes in '72, and the jams? Goodness gracious--this one just rips a hole in the space/time continuum!

Comments

Playin' In The Band
Oct. 19, 1973
Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Arena

Deadprof & Cgarces are both spot-on. Just pulled this one out today and realized this version has a ton in common with the "Birdsong" from 6/22/73, in that it contains, dream-like, space-goo jazz passages that just float into your brain and give it a big musical hug. The flow back into the reprise is organically delicious and you get the sense that no matter how deep into cloudspace they went, the PITB focus was never lost, only waiting in the background. Superior version.
He's Gone
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

Soulful like a gospel choir in the singing outro portion. Jerry's riffs into "Goin where the wind don't blow so strange" verse are worth the price of admission alone.
Eyes Of The World
Feb. 26, 1973
Pershing Municipal Auditorium

Been listening to this show more and more and this EYES is certainly underrated, probably b/c '73 was so chock full of great versions. But this one has a steady consistency and a flawless groove that swings and rocks and jazzes along. Also it might be the first version of the year to avoid a lot of clunkiness in the post-lyrics "stronger than dirt" section....it mostly nails it down. Very sweet Eyes.
The Other One
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

All what's said above and more. Before they start the 'he's Gone" that precedes this 01, Bobby sez "We're gonna beg your indulgence and play another sorta slow one (they had done Ship of Fools right before), "but it won't stay slow for long", and the Other One that charges outta the gate led by Phil En Fuego proves him right. Some very cool pre-space exploration as well.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Oct. 19, 1981
Sports Palace

Upvote worthy. Kinda overlooked version and show. Lotta interesting S>F action in '81.