As with seemingly all May '77 versions, this one sparkles

A full steam ahead version! Excellent sandy with El Paso. Boys were on this night

Jerry throws down a smoking solo

Excellent energy! Jerry gets down to business on this one

The frantic energy of a bag of cats being thrown off a freight train. Sandy w GDTRFB packs a serious punch

Super bouncy, precise version. Crisp

I credit the mere existence of this jam to the Billy the Kid, channeling his inner Art Blakey and refusing to let the end of Truckin' dissolve to natural conclusion. Bill kept the driving the splashy high hats, then Bobby caught wise with a clever rhythmic pattern, then Phil dove in with the foundational low end. To my ears, this is one of the most easily identifiable and exemplary jams that highlight just how much certain Dead jams could be classified as pure free-form jazz. The period before Spanish Jam could have been pouring out of Blue Note, rather than the Philly Spectrum. Bill takes home the MVP on this in a big way, but everyone makes incredible contributions on this all-timer version. Very grateful to finally have a polished SBD in the new Dave's release!

Agree with comments above. The mid/end "jam" is funky, unique, and hints strongly at the impending Samson. Def worth a spin

In a night that is a veritable human highlight reel, this Playin' is a shining example of why this show should be unquestionably in the upper echelon. The initial jam is absolutely hypnotic and entrancing, then Jerry's driven lead is a mature, pointed, and a clear emotional communication. He is on a mission. Purposeful, doesn't devolve into chaos - there is thoughtful intent throughout. Always been a top 3 for me and finally having the joy of hearing on vinyl after a recent buy. This one deserves way, wayyyy (like WAY) more dap

Lengthy (relatively speaking), dreamy jam in the middle. Whole band connecting as a unified voice.