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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

42
Ramble On Rose
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

Gorgeous, incredible, up and down, carnival-like bridge jam by Jerry. Picture perfect version--no flaws
43
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 8, 1978
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

April '78 S>F's often mentioned are 4/16 and 4/24 (rightly so) but this one is every bit as good. Superior transition jam--, beautiful, & powerful
94
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 29, 1977
Evans Field House, Northern Illinois University

Starts out Jazzy, explorative, takes its time, 3 minute intro, then blasts off into the stratosphere with intense Garcia-led jamming

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 31, 1978
Winterland Arena

Can’t believe I forgot to vote up this version. Greatest NYE show they ever did....everything so good and with so many meaty late set monsters I guess it was easy to take this for granted, but no more. Mellow trippy transition jam, tight as drum Scarlet, deep jammy Fire, no Jerry lyric fumbles. Shines over many that are above it on the ladder.
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 14, 1971
Hill Auditorium

Thx for the link to the remaster, DarkStar....and great recommend all around. I love these mini-jam fests that remind me of the amazing version they recorded for the "Ace" album. This is a keeper for certain.
Franklin's Tower
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

Stupendous, outrageous, inspired...probably should be ranked a lot higher...it’s not just Garcia’s ridiculous soloing but the whole damn band that’s crushing it all the way through. Even the quiet sections will make you stop and take note of how much of a mind meld is going on here. This show is totally overshadowed by the May 77 run but there is so much brilliance in this Winterland trio of shows and overall this might be the best. Check out this Tower if you haven’t yet...it’s a stunner.
Eyes Of The World
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

So so so so much better than its current ranking (still in the teens? come on) How many versions of EYES in 1977 kick off a second set with a snare drum & then charge out of the gate with Garcia in full hyper-speed jazz control? This one is a triumph of ideas & energy & then gets into a quiet space post lyrics that's really pretty. Unique for the year but typical of its greatness all at once.
Row Jimmy
Dec. 28, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

One of my all time favorite Dead tunes--and this is an underrated version from a show that overall should have more ears on it as well. They take their time with this one without going at too slow a pace. Jerry takes it easy the first instrumental break but the band moves along nicely with him & Bob doesn't overdo the slide, instead making it a nice ride-along...2nd break Jerry opens it up a bit more & the aforementioned double time at the end is a nice topper. Great Sugaree from this show too, btw. This RJ can't touch 3/20/77 but that one broke the mold for good. Other honorable mentions for fans of this song that shouldn't be missed: 4/12/78, 5/3/77 (crazy off the radar good), 9/18/74, & 2/26/73.