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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

15
It Must Have Been The Roses
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Almost every song from this show could be nominated for a "best ever." This heartfelt "Roses" is no exception.
11
Aiko Aiko
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

With the Neville Bros. Jerry gets his Big Easy on.
17
Promised Land
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Perfection to end the first set of one of the truly great shows ever. Keith, Bobby, Jerry--the whole crew is in the pocket and rocking it hard.
15
Promised Land
April 1, 1980
Capitol Theatre

Both the best and worst version ever. Why? April Fool's gag: Bobby - keys, Brent & Jerry -drums, Billy - bass - Mickey -guitar Phil-vocals
75
Big River
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

They just could do no wrong at this show, Hidden among all the other gems is this monster River. Big solo work by Jerry; nice fills by Keith.

Comments

Aiko Aiko
Aug. 30, 1978
Red Rocks Ampitheatre

Yes! Love this vastly underrated version! Has that great 1978 swagger to it and some funk on the side. Phenomenal "Eyes" from this show as well.
Playin' In The Band
June 16, 1974
Iowa State Fairgrounds

About to harsh everyone's mellow talking about how much I hate this version and to a lesser extent how overrated this entire show is. But first, let's discuss this train wreck, which begins with Keith's keyboard sounding like it's short circuited in the opening stanzas, but he keeps hitting the keys anyway, creating a nails on the blackboard-like monotone buzz noise that makes you palpably yearn for his acoustic piano to miraculously appear, but it never does. Then we get into the "jam" portion which consists of nothing interesting at all...a kind of lazy meander with no color or purpose until Jerry/Ned/Phil/whoever start trying to see who can play the most annoying screechfest of cacophony for the longest amount of time. It's not a melt down or a space exploration, it's just bad fucking noise and it goes on for far too long and is in no way saved by any kind of elegant re-entry into the main theme, and to top it off, there's the patented Donna off key caterwauling that sounds like Jerry accidentally stamped on her foot. This whole show is inexplicably held in high regard when almost every tune that's exalted is full of slop and tinny Wall of Sound reproduction. This might be the worst PITB of 1974 and the show itself is the dregs of the year, especially compared with so many better entries such as the February and October Winterland runs. Don't waste your time with this one, although with nearly 30 votes already I can see my kvetching is falling on deaf ears.
Truckin'
Aug. 25, 1972
Berkeley Community Theatre

Excellent vocals (never a given), well jammed outro section...fun Phil solo (not too long) & into TOO. Upvote
Days Between
Dec. 11, 1994
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium

^^^^i I have to agree. A lot of heads I respect swear this song is the last great one I they ever wrote but I don't see it. Seems like a chore for the band to get through not to mention Jerry's really plain awful vocal croaking...his voice by this time simply couldn't handle this kind of dirge. The song itself is so devoid of rhythm or melody and is almost atonal. Just terrible stuff
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 22, 1982
Greek Theatre - University of California

Absolutely needs to climb the ladder. Top tier 1982 played with speed but also precision, Garcia's playing more fluid than choppy and the whole band in step. Energy sustains throughout and crystal clear board on source provided doesn't hurt either. Plus one.