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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

20
Eyes Of The World
April 3, 1982
The Scope

Unlike nearly every other '80's version, this one isn't all speeded out and rushed; instead it's groovy, jazzy, intricate, very pretty for its time
18
Promised Land
Nov. 11, 1973
Winterland Arena

Yep...too rocking a tune to be ignored. Hard to beat this one, especially as kick-off of trio: Promised>Bertha>GSET
43
Fire On The Mountain
July 13, 1985
Ventura County Fairgrounds

Extremely rare stand-alone "Fire"...2nd song, first set, and a real barn-burner!
4
Deal
Oct. 30, 1977
Assembly Hall - Indiana University

Garcia's solos roll like lightning & rock like thunder. Sings it w/gusto, too. Not to be missed.
56
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Sept. 11, 1982
West Palm Beach Auditorium

The very definition of "underrated." Almost lost to time& yet it kills. No flubbed verses, great steady reggae jams;perfect transition. Please try it.

Comments

Bird Song
Nov. 19, 1972
Hofheinz Pavilion

A recent re-listening has me back to add that because there's no "bad" version of tbhis song in 1972 it's the versions that do stand out if even a little that warrant extra attention, because so many are so good that some get lost in the mix. What makes this one stand out for me is the approach to the mid-song drum break & the slightly mellower drop-down into that transition point, a subtle but noticeable veering from what you hear in most versions around this mark in the tune. Garcia takes a bit of a wander from the ,main theme but deftly finds his way back & the song takes on more of an exploratory feel as a result. So much laid back goodness in this one, a recommendation for fans of the classic 6/22/73 but with its own distinct dreamy quality.
Bird Song
March 26, 1987
Hartford Civic Center

I'll get on this bandwagon. I know the official releases sometimes get an undeserved bump but in a case like this the nice balance between board & crowd really does help shine a light on a very strong late 80's style BirdJam. There are multiple peaks of varying degree & approach & all are worthy of the audience appreciation they receive. Not my favorite year for this tune by a long shot but this one deserves some big board love.
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

^Joining the Happy Birthday celebration for my favorite all time show, too. Also this is a great RORose.
He's Gone
May 12, 1980
Boston Garden

One of THE best "nothing left to do but smile smile SMILE!!" vocals Jerry ever did. Rest of this underrated monster cooks & percolates too. Dead always rocked the gah-din.
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 31, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Intro to this undervalued lightning fast played Jerry note-upon -note-fest is unreal. Phil follows hot on Jerry's heels. This has a lot in common with 11/5/79 (see up the ladder) but that one's more relaxed...this one's like a '79 version of Colgate 11/4/77. Speedy but in in the pocket so. Could use more ears.