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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

Here Comes Sunshine
June 22, 1973
Pacific Coliseum

Minor hiccups (lyric flub, one stutter step in one of the chord changes) can’t detract from the overall brilliance of this version. Jam section between verse 2 and 3, which makes or breaks any HCS is almost too sweet for words. New box set sound reproduction provides clear and distinct separation of instruments to be heard like never before. Keith’s fills and Billy’s subtle drum accents come alive in particular.
Playin' In The Band
May 21, 1974
Edmundson Pavilion

The great new box set can't even change my mind on this version. It's not even the screechfest middle section that bugs me so much, it's more that there's no cohesion to this marathon piece at all. It feels like four or five different sections of things they could have played separately throughout the show in different jams, with varying results. I'd probably dig about 2 of the 5 in this one but it's length is more a novelty than an indication of its worth. Compare with 11/1/5/72 which is also long at 30 mins. but has far greater flow and continuity to the musical soundscapes they visit than this one does. Just a 2 cent opinion after listening closely again from the new set, which really is proving to be fantastic.
Eyes Of The World
May 21, 1974
Edmundson Pavilion

Better than a lot of ones from the same year currently higher on the ladder. Blissful post second verse second jam.
Wharf Rat
May 21, 1974
Edmundson Pavilion

Great point Carrion makes about the Birdsongish quality of this Rat, especially in the outro jam which manages to be dreamy and intense all at once. Great vox from Jerry on this one too. I prefer this song mostly in 1977 but of the pre ‘77 versions this might be my favorite especially as heard in the new Pacific Northwest box set. Excellent group of shows and hopefully this one will get attention beyond the 46 min. PITB
He's Gone
June 7, 1977
Winterland Arena

Hadn’t listened to this one in forever. End jam has got to be the best they ever did for this tune. Easy +1 & glad for all the commentary on it.