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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

Shakedown Street
May 7, 1980
Barton Hall - Cornell University

Underrated greatness right here. Funkytown USA, population: This version.
Playin' In The Band
Feb. 3, 1978
Dane County Coliseum

Ha! Well you may not like what I have to say but basically this PITB is just too big and too hectic for my liking and (IMHO) 2/26/77 is far more elegant and beautiful in comparison. Especially now with the new DP release it sounds better than ever and I’ll always put Swing far ahead of this version. And I’m saying that as a huge fan of just about every other song in this otherwise amazing show!
Playin' In The Band
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

Spectacular & sounding crystal clear in the new DaP release, but can we talk about the reprise for a minute?, because it's about as majestic as they come. There's a sparkly, twinkly, swirly elegant kind of spirally thing Garcia does at the very end that gives me shivers. I'm sure I'm not expressing it right, but it's there & needs ears.
Candyman
Sept. 16, 1978
Sphinx Theatre

Yep, shoulda done this a while ago. Thanks for the reminder that the Egypt shows suffer from a weird word of mouth reputation for being not good. There are "off" performances within all the shows that stick out but what's good is extremely good...and this Candyman is in the latter.
The Mighty Quinn (Quinn The Eskimo)
Sept. 9, 1991
MSG

Bruce is the difference maker in this one. All Quinns have their appeal, fun as it is, but his keys really make this one stand out a tad more.