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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

23
Jack Straw
May 10, 1978
Veterans' Memorial Coliseum

From DP 25, Opens show at New Haven. Takes no prisoners. Extra shot of Jerry heading in bridge jam. Kinda surprised it's not on a list of 90+ Straws
7
Samson and Delilah
April 8, 1978
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Shame on me for not submitting this earlier. Insane ripper to open 2nd set; Phil OWNS this version. Pause for nothing-- Listen NOW. Thank me l8r ;-)
30
Not Fade Away
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

Latvala from "Grate" Beyond reminds of his Winterland pick: The Best. Jer rips holes in Universe; Drummers pummel; Listen to "drive me BACK" line!
7
Samson and Delilah
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

Possibly best-ever of the Brent era. Bob preaches fire & brimstone and Jerry shreds the living daylights out of every jam. Serious MUST listen version
20
Shakedown Street
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

A funk-laden but more laid-back, groovier vibe marks this excellent entry from Chicago. Notable for A+ vocals & harmonies and Bobby shines in end jam!

Comments

Brown Eyed Women
Dec. 15, 1972
Long Beach Arena

While I still prefer the later 70s versions with the more expansive jam section, this one has what none of those others do: the absolute perfect shuffle-beat rhythm and pacing that evokes the old west feel reinforced by the lyrics. It's a classic BEW in every sense of the word. I take a half point away for some of the vocals on the group chorus parts (way too much warbly Phil here for my liking) but others may think that also adds to the song's rustic western roots. In any event, it's an easy +1 for me and should be way higher on the list. This show in general, too, has some real fine nuggets, especially the jam out of Truckin'. Thanks for the heads up!
New Orleans
June 21, 1984
Kingswood Music Theater

Such A great tune that should have been played more often. Bobby gets after this one and nails (most) of the lyrics. Neil Diamond would be proud.
To Lay Me Down
July 13, 1989
RFK Stadium

Just a lovely version from a great run of shows. Delicate playing by all and a beautifully paced solo by Jerry.
Bertha
Feb. 18, 1971
Capitol Theater

Love this debut version for its sheer power and speed and especially Jerry's ad-lib lyrical add-ons ("had a sinking feeling I was falling"/"heard a sweet voice calling...").,,only thing missing is an instrumental mid-section jam, but it's still an A+ version for its kicking hot out of the gate rock on vibe. Big +1 here.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Aug. 6, 1982
St. Paul Civic Center

Deserves to be in double digits at the very least. Long jam into wind in the willows, lots of Brent in the transition jam and a very good fire. 1982 was a hit or miss year show wise overall but the Scar>Fires are consistently good.