Dark Star
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum
A few years ago, I remember there was a discussion board that featured a heated debate between two heavy-weight champions of the same era. In one corner was the mighty 9/21 Dark Star, and in the other was the defending champion, 8/27 Dark Star. The prizefight ensued as dead heads in droves were chiming in with impassioned persuasions, imbittered arguments, and desperate pleas as to which should be declared the winner. After much blood, sweat & tears (all in good spirit, of course) I think 8/27 won the fight by a nose, and I happened to be among the camp of 8/27 supporters. That said, I think the last six-odd minutes of this one – 9/21- might be the most satisfying segment from either of them. So while I gave the nod to 8/27 as the better Star as a whole, I still think the last six minutes of 9/21 is the most inspirational. It’s truly a unique piece of music, something of an electric-psychedelic-bluegrass-(new)grass jam that’s something to behold and marvel at.