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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

41
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 30, 1977
The Palladium

Sick of saying "How can X not be here" yet but C'mon! Get the digital DL series and start bumpin this up! Smooth Scarlet, killer Fire jams. Early gem!
14
Terrapin Station
Nov. 28, 1980
Lakeland Civic Center

From a year not particularly known for great Terrapin, this one proves the exception to the rule. Tight, inventive, soulful.
6
Monkey and the Engineer
Feb. 4, 1970
Family Dog at the Great Highway

Bob sez: "we're gonna play one of your favorites and we certainly hope it's one of ours" b4 this sweet electric version!
19
Sugar Magnolia
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

As insanely good as the Wharf Rat that precedes it. How good? Almost matches 10/29/77 in intensity. Final jam section b4 SSDD will boggle your senses!
19
Franklin's Tower
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

One of the best played versions from one of the best played shows in the Brent era---ever.

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 31, 1978
Winterland Arena

Can’t believe I forgot to vote up this version. Greatest NYE show they ever did....everything so good and with so many meaty late set monsters I guess it was easy to take this for granted, but no more. Mellow trippy transition jam, tight as drum Scarlet, deep jammy Fire, no Jerry lyric fumbles. Shines over many that are above it on the ladder.
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 14, 1971
Hill Auditorium

Thx for the link to the remaster, DarkStar....and great recommend all around. I love these mini-jam fests that remind me of the amazing version they recorded for the "Ace" album. This is a keeper for certain.
Franklin's Tower
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

Stupendous, outrageous, inspired...probably should be ranked a lot higher...it’s not just Garcia’s ridiculous soloing but the whole damn band that’s crushing it all the way through. Even the quiet sections will make you stop and take note of how much of a mind meld is going on here. This show is totally overshadowed by the May 77 run but there is so much brilliance in this Winterland trio of shows and overall this might be the best. Check out this Tower if you haven’t yet...it’s a stunner.
Eyes Of The World
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

So so so so much better than its current ranking (still in the teens? come on) How many versions of EYES in 1977 kick off a second set with a snare drum & then charge out of the gate with Garcia in full hyper-speed jazz control? This one is a triumph of ideas & energy & then gets into a quiet space post lyrics that's really pretty. Unique for the year but typical of its greatness all at once.
Row Jimmy
Dec. 28, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

One of my all time favorite Dead tunes--and this is an underrated version from a show that overall should have more ears on it as well. They take their time with this one without going at too slow a pace. Jerry takes it easy the first instrumental break but the band moves along nicely with him & Bob doesn't overdo the slide, instead making it a nice ride-along...2nd break Jerry opens it up a bit more & the aforementioned double time at the end is a nice topper. Great Sugaree from this show too, btw. This RJ can't touch 3/20/77 but that one broke the mold for good. Other honorable mentions for fans of this song that shouldn't be missed: 4/12/78, 5/3/77 (crazy off the radar good), 9/18/74, & 2/26/73.