This week we conclude our presentation of the band's performance at the Warfield in San Francisco back on September 26,1980.  This third set starts with Scarlet>Fire and while it is a worthwhile listen the real fire breaks out on the 'Estimated Prophet' that follows.. some great Garcia/Weir interplay and the entire band is cooking here. The 'Eyes of the World' that follows is a bit fast for my taste, but certainly has some sparkling runs. Drums/Space leads out into a fine 'Not Fade Away' - plenty of Brent adds lots of power here. They lead out quietly into 'Black Peter'... Sugar Mag ends the set and there is a fine 'Brokedown' encore, which Jerry restarts, probably due to his voice being a bit rough by now.. :) A thoroughly enjoyable set, hope you enjoy it as well..   Grateful Dead Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 9/26/1980 - Friday Three     Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain Estimated Prophet ><br

Because I didn't want to orphan the rest of this show, and because it is a fine recording and a good show, I'm going to bring you the rest of the performance we started last week from the Warfield Theater in San Francisco on September 26,1980. This is a fine electric set, with many classic numbers, if not a huge amount of jamming.  The opening 'Feel Like a Stranger' features some interesting Brent additions. All of these songs are well played, if a bit safely - I think this was being recorded for what would become 'Dead Set' although none of these were included.  Highlights for me here are the closing Tennesee Jed>Sailor>Saint, although there are no dogs here.   Grateful Dead Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 9/26/1980 - Friday\ Two     Feel Like A Stranger Sugaree Me And My Uncle > Big River Peggy-O New Minglewood Blues Candyman Looks Like Rain Tennessee Jed > Lo

Happy Thanksgiving!  As always here on the Deadpod, I'm publishing this holiday edition on Thanksgiving day for you to enjoy sometime during your festivities, if you like. As is also the tradition on the Deadpod, this is an acoustic show, and I've managed to find a really beautiful acoustic set for this year, coming to us from September 26, 1980 at the Warfield in San Francisco.  This one starts with the first 'To Lay Me Down' since 10/19/74, and the first 'On the Road Again' since 12/1/66!  These versions are really wonderful, including the very first acoustic 'Cassidy' and a soulful 'China Doll' into 'Ripple'.   Grateful Dead Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 9/26/1980 - Friday Acoustic To Lay Me Down On The Road Again I've Been All Around This World Dark Hollow Rosalie McFall Bird Song Cassidy China Doll > Ripple  You can listen to this week's Deadpod h

This week the Deadpod travels to the East Coast for a show that took place around 2 months after last week's show. This is the early show from the Fillmore East in NYC on January 2, 1970. This is quite a nice tape, don't let the few seconds at the beginning fool you.  The 'Mason's Children' opener is a good representation of this somewhat odd song. 'Black Peter' is quite extended, much more than usual for this song. 'Hard to Handle' is explosive as usual. The boys really hit their stride here with the 'Cryptical Envelopment>Drums>Other One'. I quite enjoy the 'Cosmic Charlie' that follows but that's a tune I thought they never played often enough :)  I hope you enjoy it..   Grateful Dead Fillmore East New York, NY 1/2/1970 - Friday Early - 59:51:00     Intro (1) [1:05] > Mason's Children [6:09][1:34] Casey Jones [4:17][0:12] Black Peter [10:41][1:18] Mama Tried [2:32] > Hard To Hand

This week's Deadpod contains part two of the band's performance at the Fillmore in San Francisco on November 7, 1969.  Hyper-energetic, this one contains loads of frantic jamming and amazing soaring guitar work by Garcia and Lesh. After a fairly short China>Rider, they go into a deep exploration with 'Dark Star' which goes into an unusual 'Uncle John's Jam', then back out with Lesh leading the charge into 'The Other One'. The highlight, for me, is the wonderful closing number, Pigpen in all his glory on a great 'Lovelight' rap.   Grateful Dead Fillmore Auditorium San Francisco, CA 11/7/1969 - Friday Part Two China Cat Sunflower [2:56] > Jam [2:30] > I Know You Rider [3:21] > Dark Star [18:33] > Uncle John's Jam [1:45#] > Dark Star [#5:47] > Cryptical Envelopment [1:46] > Drums [4:56] > The Other One [9:54] > Turn On Your Love Light [17:22#]  You can listen to this

For this week's Deadpod we go back to 1969 for a show at the Fillmore in San Francisco that took place on November 7, 1969.  I'm going to play this music in two parts, although it is unclear whether there were really one set or two.. part one opens with a powerful 'Morning Dew' - Jerry really brings it at the end of this one!  Pigpen follows with a classic 'Hard To Handle' - so great to listen to the Pig bring it on this one! 'Casey Jones' follows then a couple of Bobby's ditty's 'Mama Tried' and 'Me & My Uncle' - they all sound great on this early soundboard! There follows some general hilarity with someone in the audience playing the 'Star Spangled Banner' on a flute and several short tunings.. following a nice 'Cold Rain and Snow' we are treated to dual harmonies from Garcia and Pigpen on 'Next Time You See Me'. They slow it down a bit on a soulful 'High Time' before we close this first part with some classic Pigpen on 'Good Lovin'.    Grateful Dead<br

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the Fabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta Georgia on October 29, 1985.  They come out strong with a fine version of 'Mississippi Half-Step' into 'Franklin's Tower' - lots of energy and interplay here, and the first Franklin's not out of Slipknot since '83. . This then goes into a very good 'Sailor>Saint' .. one of the last five times they would ever play this combo, ever. A lovely 'Crazy Fingers' follows, although Jer gets lost in the lyrics, its a lovely transition into Drums..  'The Wheel' comes out of Space in a swirl of sound, and Phil is bombing on 'The Other One' that follows.. after 'Wharf Rat' they close the set with 'Johnny B. Goode' which hadn't had this slot since December 81..      Grateful Dead Fox Theatre Atlanta, GA 10/29/1985 - Tuesday     Two     Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo > Franklin's Tower > Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circums

This week's Deadpod takes us to the Fabulous Fox theater in Atlana Georgia for the boy's performance on October 29, 1985.  We have an energetic first set, out of the gate with a fine 'Feel Like a Stranger', the 'Friend of the Devil' that follows is very good, Jerry is in excellent voice for this period, much better than many nights during '85. I love how Brent sounds here, personally. I quite enjoyed all of these renditions, and while this is a short first set (some say caused by technical difficulties) it is still a nice set to enjoy on a crisp Autumn afternoon.. I hope you enjoy it.    Grateful Dead Fox Theatre Atlanta, GA 10/29/1985 - Tuesday     One     Feel Like A Stranger Friend Of The Devil New Minglewood Blues Bird Song Hell In A Bucket Deal   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" data-original-attrs= "{"data-original-href":"http://

 It's Friday the 13th, but I hope you'll feel lucky to listen to this fine second set from October 18, 1978.  The second night of the 'From Egypt with Love' run at Winterland, this set features some very strong Drums and Space, highlighted by a guest appearance from Lee Oskar, giving it a decided Egyptian feel. While Jerry flubs the lyrics to 'Terrapin Station' a fine 'Samson and Delilah' more than makes up for it. The show also has a rare set-ending 'Truckin' which is first rate.  I hope you enjoy it.. Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 10/18/1978 - Wednesday       Two      Bertha [7:13] > Good Lovin' [6:05] From The Heart Of Me [3:48] Ship Of Fools [6:36] Samson And Delilah [8:19] Terrapin Station [12:06] > Playing In The Band [10:#49] > Drums (1) [9:30] > Space (1) [5:58] > Wharf Rat [11:#33] > Truckin' [11:21] Encore I Need A Mira

This week on the Deadpod I've decided to feature the second night from the historic 'From Egypt With Love' run at the Winterland in October of 1978. While the opening 'Sugaree' is patched for about the first minute, don't let that dissuade you this one- the sound is crystal clear throughout afterwards, and the band is listening to each other and the result is a dynamic, lovely evening of music.  Donna Jean in particular provides some lovely backing vocals on "Looks Like Rain' and 'Music Never Stopped'.  Jerry is on point here with several delicious solos as well.   Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 10/18/1978 - Wednesday      One      Sugaree [#13:32]   Me And My Uncle [3:06] > Big River [5:48]   Peggy-O [7:45]   Looks Like Rain [8:16]   Stagger Lee [6:15]   New Minglewood Blues [5:53]   Candyman [6:52]   The Music Never Stopped [8:06] You can listen

This week we continue with the second set from the first night of the band's historic 9 night run at Madison Square Garden in September 1990.  This set sparkles with some excellent Garcia leads throughout, starting with the Scarlet, but Jerry soars in the transition to Fire and in the solos there. The set includes not only a nice jammed out 'Truckin' but a sweet 'Terrapin Station' all before drums.. Phil brings home 'The Other One' nicely, and the Wharf Rat is righteous..      Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York , NY 9/14/1990 - Friday Two     Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain > Truckin' > Terrapin Station > Jam > Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia Encore     U.S. Blues  You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" data-original-attrs= "{"data-original-href":"http://

This week I've decided to feature the first show of the historic 9-show run at Madison Square Garden in New York City on September 14, 1990. This was without Bruce Hornsby, who didn't make his appearance with the band until the following night; nevertheless this is a fine show, with the band displaying lots of energy  and enthusiasm as they return to the Garden for this nice long run of shows.  Each of these selections are quite well played. The opening 'Stranger' displays how well they are listening to each other. I'm quite partial to the 'New Minglewood Blues' a tune that I usually categorize as a throw-away, which is really rockin' here. 'Ranble on Rose' features some interesting Jerry midi work with a trumpet solo. I love how this soundboard recording allows us to hear the enthusiastic fan response, for example on 'Black Throated Wind'..    Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York , NY 9/14/1990 - Friday One      Feel Like

A massive second set of classic Grateful Dead for your listening pleasure this week on the Deadpod. We present the second set from September 9, 1972 at the Hollywood Palladium.  There is a whole lot of beautiful music here, starting with a fine China>Rider with a great transition. The 'Friend of the Devil' is nicely done, and its nice to hear the faster original tempo. I also welcome hearing the fine contribution here and thorughout from Keith whose keyboards meld so well. The first of many melting moments happens in the fine 'He's Gone' into 'Truckin' transition. while there is a cut here this is an wonderful version. What is completely off the hook though is 'The Other One'. This is about a 34 minute excursion into the far reaches of space, with Lesh and Garcia leading the way to previously unknown plateaus.  I think you'll love this.. and it goes into a very sweet 'Stella Blue'.  Be sure and check out the announcements after the 'Stars and Stripes Forever' fo

The Fall of 1972 was an interesting transitional period for the Grateful Dead. They began to explore longer shows with more exploratory jamming. This week's Deadpod, from September 9th of that year, showcases some of these changes. In this week's first set, we have plenty of classic songs, as well as some intense jamming. Some of the highlights for me include the sweet 'Sugaree', 'Bird Song' and Keith's transitions in 'Black Throated Wind'. Of course I have to mention the almost 19 minute long 'Playin In the Band' - long a vehicle for exploration during this period. As you'll see next week, it was not alone in this show.      Grateful Dead Hollywood Palladium Hollywood, CA 9/9/1972 - Saturday      One     The Promised Land [3:02] Sugaree [7:04] Me And My Uncle [3:02] Bird Song [11:24] Black Throated Wind [6:32] Tennessee Jed [7:26] Mexicali Blues [3:30] Deal [4:42] Playing

We continue this week with the second set form the band's performance at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View CA. on August 25, 1993.  This is a fine setlist - highlighted by some outstanding work by Garcia especially during the transitions between songs. A Scarlet>Fire opens things up and Jerry gives us some remarkable work during the transition and in the opening solo of Fire.  'Estimated Prophet' begins a nice long stretch of music highlighted by a 'Terrapin Station' and a sweet jam out of Terrapin into Drums and Space.  'All Along the Watchtower' grows out of Space and the post-drums highlight for me is 'Attics of My Life', although there is a bit of static here and there..  A fun 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds', is the encore this night sending folks home with a smile.   Grateful Dead Shoreline Amphitheatre Mountain View, CA 8/25/1993 - Wednesday Two     Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mo

 I've had some requests for later day concerts, so here is a good one that is only 30 years old ;)  This was the first night of a three day run at Shoreline, and the band sounds as though they are happy to be there and playing well together! This is a fine recording as well, with only a few minor glitches. The first set has plenty of energy throughout, and while it is marred, in my opinion only with the inclusion of 'Easy Answers' the fabulous 'So Many Roads' more than makes up for it. They close with a smoking 'Promised Land' as well.   Grateful Dead Shoreline Amphitheater Mountain View, CA 8/25/1993 - Wednesday One     Touch Of Grey Greatest Story Ever Told Peggy-O The Same Thing Friend Of The Devil Easy Answers So Many Roads The Promised Land   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" data-original-attrs= "{"data-original-h

We continue this week with the concluding set from the band's performance on July 25, 1974 in Chicago, Illinois.  Things start out with a standalone 'Scarlet Begonias', including some very nice guitar work from Jerry, then they go into a really rockin' 'Big River.  A sweet Roses follows with Jerry in good voice. Following 'Jack Straw' they go into one of the few '74 Dark Stars - this one quite cosmic - that goes deep into space land. Towards the end you can hear the 'Slipknot' theme, before they break into a sweet 'Stella Blue'.  A rockin' 'Johnny B. Goode' comes out of Stella, which leads into 'Uncle John's Band'. While not really a jamming song, this one has some very nice riffs and leads into 'US Blues'. While the show took place on Thursday, they close the set with 'One More Saturday Night'.  'Ship of Fools' is an unusual encore choice, but ends a very interesting evening of music.    Grateful Dead International Amphitheater Chicago

Another great show from the summer of 1974 is up on the Deadpod this week, this one from July 25 in Chicago. This first set features 13 (!) songs - and sadly the opening 'Me & My Uncle' doesn't exist in listenable format! This set is typical tight, jazzy Dead of the period. Some of the highlights for me are Keith on  'Brown Eyed Women', a wonderful 'Row Jimmy', and the roaring 'Let It Grow'.  I'll play set 2 next week...    Grateful Dead International Amphitheater Chicago, IL 7/25/1974 - Thursday One     Me And My Uncle   Loose Lucy   Black Throated Wind   Loser   Beat It On Down The Line   Sugaree   Mexicali Blues   Brown Eyed Women   El Paso   Row Jimmy   Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > Around And Around   <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" data-original-attrs= "{"data-original-href":"http://traff

  A torrential rain accompanied the opening 'Box of Rain' on this second set of the band's performance in Washington DC on July 12, 1990.  While the rain doesn't dampen spirits, they do go into a 'Victim or the Crime'. Luckily they follow that with the meat of this second set, a great 'Foolish Heart' into 'Dark Star' and  Drums and Space into 'All Along the Watchtower'. In one of his last great performances we are treated to a wonderful 'Dear Mr. Fantasy'>'Hey Jude' combination, and then a rocking 'Touch of Grey' to close the set. The boys return with a fine version of 'The Weight' to send everyone home feeling fine.   Grateful Dead Robert F. Kennedy Stadium Washington, DC 7/12/1990 - Thursday Two     Box Of Rain > Victim Or The Crime > Foolish Heart > Dark Star > Drums > Space > All Along The Watchtower > Dear Mr. Fantasy > Hey Jude > Touch Of Grey Enc

My understanding is that it was raining hard most of this show but that did not stop the band, and Phil in particular, from smoking up the place with a great show.  A nice 'Good Times' opens things up, but the band really gets going on a strong 'Bertha'. Brett shines as always on a great 'Just A Little Light' my favorite of his songs. Hard to believe its been 33 years since we lost him :(  Other highlights include a fine 'Stagger Lee' and a great 'Cassidy' - listen to the interplay here between Garcia and Lesh. Jerry really shines on 'Tennesse Jed' and the band puts together a fine 'Music Never Stopped' to head into the break..      Grateful Dead Robert F. Kennedy Stadium Washington, DC 7/12/1990 - Thursday One     Let The Good Times Roll   Feel Like A Stranger   Bertha   Just A Little Light   Queen Jane Approximately   Stagger Lee   Cassidy   Tennessee Jed > The M

This week the Deadpod continues with the high energy second set from July 9, 1989 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. This is a rockin' second set, starting with a great 'China>Rider' - check out Jerry when he is on that northbound train! The jam out of Truckin' is also quite excellent and the entire post-drums sequence shows some serious rockin'!  Never miss a Sunday show!  Grateful Dead Giants Stadium East Rutherford, NJ 7/9/1989 - Sunda Two China Cat Sunflower [6:04] ><br

This week's Deadpod came from a request from Tyler, a friend of the pod, who wanted to hear this classic summer stadium show from 1989. This is from Giants Stadium on July 9, 1989. The band is fired up and ready to satisfy what I'm sure was a loud and raucous crowd, opening with the classic 'Shakedown Street' and then an uptempo 'Jack Straw'. Things slow down a bit with 'West L.A. Fadeaway' then take a darker turn with the relatively new 'Victim or the Crime'. 'Brown-Eyed Women' and 'Queen Jane' straighten things back up, and they close this first set with a sweet 'Bird Song'.      Grateful Dead Giants Stadium East Rutherford, NJ 7/9/1989 - Sunday One      Shakedown Street [13:01]   Jack Straw [5:39]   West L.A. Fadeaway [7:31]   Victim Or The Crime [7:12]   Brown Eyed Women [5:24]   Queen Jane Approximately [5:45]   Bird Song [11:17]  You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: 

This week we'll conclude our excursion into the final Dead & Company tour with the second set from their performance at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA on June 15, 2023.  This is a fine set the tone set by a fine opening 'Fire on the Mountain'. The 'Estimated' into 'Eyes of the World' is perhaps the highlight of the set with some particularly fine phrasing throughout. I've heard others say that one of the things they'd miss the most if they do stop touring is hearing 'Drums and Space' live... The closing 'Not Fade Away' and an acoustic 'Ripple' encore is quite heartwarming as well.   Dead & Company Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA, Thursday  6/15/2023 Set 2: Fire on the Mountain New Speedway Boogie Estimated Prophet> Eyes of the World> Drums> Space> Cumberland Blues> Standing on the Moon> Not Fade Away Encore: Ripple You can listen to this week's Deadpod h

This week is a first for the Deadpod as I've decided to bring you a fine audience recording of one of the recent Dead & Company Final Tour shows. This is from Philadelphia on June 15, 2023.  I think this tour has to rank among one of, if not the best, run that Dead & Co. has performed, and since they do not plan to tour after this I felt it worthwhile to try and document at least one of these fine performances. I'm not claiming this is the finest show on the tour - I haven't had the chance to hear all the shows, but it is a very fine recording thanks to Jeff Travitz who recorded the show. I do hope you enjoy it. I'll play set 2 next week.   Dead & Company Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA, Thursday  6/15/2023 Set 1: Man Smart, Woman Smarter (King Radio cover) (tour debut) Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead cover) (>) Cold Rain and Snow (Obray Ramsey cover) Jack Straw (Grateful Dead co

This week we feature the second set from the performance on June 22, 1976 near Philadelphia PA. Again, an unusual opener, with a jazzy 'Playin' going into an intense 'Space Jam' - this one featuring the 'Happiness is Drumming' themes that later developed into 'Fire on the Mountain'. 'The Wheel' follows, with its own spacy elements, including some great Phil riffs, before going back into the 'Playin' reprise. The 'Samson' is strong, and the 'Eyes' pretty speedy for this period. The remainder of the show features some nice rocking - 'Dancin', 'Around and Around' and a great 'Goin' Down the Road' into 'Saturday Night'..     Grateful Dead Tower Theatre Upper Darby, PA 6/22/1976 - Tuesday Two      Playing In The Band [8:55] (2) > Space Jam [14:07] > Drums [2:30] (3) > The Wheel [5:16] (4) > Playing In The Band Reprise [2:58] (5) [2:00] Samson And Delilah [6:51] (6) % Eyes Of The World [12

This week the Deadpod returns to 1976, for a sweet show that took place at the Tower Theater near Philadelphia PA on June 22.  A great first set starts out with an unusual 'U.S. Blues' opener, then continues to surprise with a nice 'Music Never Stopped', then an excellent 'Crazy Fingers' into a sweet, soulful 'Comes A Time'. A rocking 'Big River' gets the train rolling with 'Tennessee Jed' following. Weir does a soulful 'Looks Like Rain' and Jerry stays in the romantic mood with 'They Love Each Other' Following 'Cassidy' another unusual first set choice, 'Ship of Fools' follows. They close this first set with 'The Promised Land.   Grateful Dead Tower Theatre Upper Darby, PA 6/22/1976 - Tuesday One     U.S. Blues The Music Never Stopped Crazy Fingers [12:33] (1) > Comes A Time [7:14] Big River Tennessee Jed Looks Like Rain They Love Each Other Cassidy Ship Of Fools T

This week we return to Deer Creek for the second set of the band's performance on June 9, 1991.  This second set opens with a scorching Scarlet>Fire.. the boys put it together here, with Jerry adding some nice flute-like touches and Hornsby pulling out the squeezebox during Fire.. one of the best of the year for sure. 'Truckin' follows, with an excellent closing jam into 'New Speedway Boogie' which had recently come out of retirement. Out of Space there is an excellent 'I Need A Miracle' which goes into a wonderful 'Standing on the Moon'. Jerry is wailing on the closing 'I'd rather be with you! ' and is obviously enjoying himself. The band puts it together for a rousing 'Sugar Magnolia' to close the set. 'The Weight' slows things down as they say good bye to Indiana for another year...      Grateful Dead Deer Creek Music Center Noblesville, IN 6/7/1991 - Friday Two      Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain ;<

Summer is here, and it's time for a classic Summer show, this one from the Summer tour of 1991, a very good tour in my opinion.  This week I decided to share the first set of the show from June 7, 1991 at Deer Creek Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, a favorite stop on the latter day tour trail.  This set starts with a fine 'Half-Step', Jerry has a wonderful closing jam on this one.  The Rooster that follows shows Vince doing some sampling on the Hammond organ. 'Stagger Lee', while far from my favorite Dead tune, is done with justice here. They really smoke 'Maggie's Farm', and I'm always appreciative of a good 'Loser' You'll hear Hornsby throughout this performance as some have complained he is too aggressive here, while I am still appreciative of what he brought to the sound.      Grateful Dead Deer Creek Music Center Noblesville, IN 6/7/1991 - Friday One Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo   Littl

For your Memorial Day weekend we have the second set of the band's performance on May 25, 1974 at the University of California at Santa Barbara.  After a rocking 'Promised Land' opener, and 'Ship of Fools' we are treated to a wonderful 'Big River' - Keith's piano work here is outstanding. The meat of this set however comes in the wonderful 'Truckin' that really showcases why this was a vehicle for some most excellent deep space explorations. Phil rattles some bones here, especially in the transition to 'Let It Grow'. Jerry has some great solos here in the 'Let It Grow' which slides perfectly into 'Wharf Rat'. An almost perfect 'Sugar Magnolia' follows, then leads into the 'GDTRFB' and, the obligatory,  'One More Saturday Night'.   Grateful Dead Campus Stadium - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 5/25/1974 - Saturday     Two     The Promised Land [3:13] Ship Of Fools [5:35] Big River [4:54] Tennessee

We're stepping it up this week.. yes! believe it or not, this week's Deadpod is probably even hotter than last week's show from 1973! This one comes from May 25, 1974 at Santa Barbra California. A beautiful afternoon show that must have seemed to go on forever...  The first set starts with a U.S. Blues.. a great way to start a show and start this 13 song first set! The entire set is smoking hot, and it has a pedigree - as it comes from Dick Latvala's cassette, so the sound is great.  Some of the highlights include a wonderful 'Jack Straw', a stand alone 'Scarlet', Weir 'takes a bottle, cracks him in the jaw' on 'Me & My Uncle', but the true highlight of the set and probably the show is the mind-bending 'China Cat>I Know Your Rider' , in particular the great jamming in the transition - not to be missed. Billy K is on it..      Grateful Dead Campus Stadium - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 5/25/1974 - Saturday    

This week we continue listening to the second set of the band's performance at Memorial Auditorium in Uttica New York on March 21, 1973. As was the case last week, we have a very long set this week, around an hour and 43 minutes. This set features more jamming of course, including a jazzy 'Dark Star' marked with some fine drum rolls by Mr. Kreutzmann, a lovely 'Eyes of the World' and several classic songs from the period including 'Me & Bobby McGee'.      Grateful Dead Utica Memorial Auditorium Utica, NY 3/21/1973 - Wednesday Two     [1:45:34]  Greatest Story Ever Told [4:43]   They Love Each Other [5:21]   Mexicali Blues [3:09]   Brown Eyed Women [4:49]   Big River [3:58]   Brokedown Palace [5:14]   Me And Bobby McGee [5:12]   Weather Report Suite Prelude [0:57] > Dark Star [21:00] > Eyes Of The World [15:48] > Wharf Rat [9:25]   Sugar Magnolia [

Happy Cinco de Mayo! As we roll into the first weekend in May, I wanted to bring out the customary tribute to the Kentucky Derby with a fine 'The Race Is On'. This show does that as well as pays homage to the new, fat,  'Here Comes Sunshine' release from Grateful Dead Productions (Here Comes Sunshine from Dead.net). This show does both, although it takes place in early spring of 1973, rather than in May.  This is a huge show - the first set alone has 17 songs that take over one hour and forty minutes of  prime Dead. There are too many highlights to mention. As most of you know I love the sound of the band during this period. I invite you to pay attention to Bill's work here - it really sparkles!   Of course there is 'The Race Is On'

This week's Deadpod features a fine second set from the band's performance on April 15, 1988 at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago Illinois.  The band is tight throughout on this night, starting from the opening Bucket, which goes into a very nice 'Crazy Fingers'. Garcia gives a lovely solo here, and it sets the mood for a reflective 'Looks Like Rain' which follows and on which Weir provides a lovely rendition. 'Terrapin Station' follows, and the boys rev this one up as that train pulls into the station! Drums and Space follows (probably with a bit of a cut somewhere here), followed by a slinkly 'Other One'. Bobby follows that with 'I Need a Miracle' which seems a bit out of place but Brent follows with the 'Dear Mr. Fantasy>Hey Jude' combo which was performed quite often during this period. The 'Lovelight' that follows is a perfect counter coming out of that.  Jerry gives the crowd a wonderful encore with 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door' to close the evening.         

 We are going to stick with the late 80's this week as we feature a show from the Rosemont Horizon on April 15, 1988.  I believe this is the only Scarlet>Fire opener the boys ever played, which immediately makes the radar go up that we're in for a good show. I don't think this one disappoints. Weir slows things a bit with a 'Walkin' Blues' but Jerry follows with the always favorite 'Candyman'. Brent then goes into an unusual bluesy 'Louie, Louie' which flows really nicely into the uptempo 'Cumberland Blues'  Weir sings the Dylan  'Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again' which goes into a nice uptempo 'Deal' to close the set.      Grateful Dead Rosemont Horizon Chicago , IL 4/15/1988 - Friday One     Scarlet Begonias [6:44] > Fire On The Mountain [9:16] Walkin' Blues [6:30] Candyman [7:11] Louie Louie [4:07] > Cumberland Blues [5:07] Stuck Inside of Mobile With Th

 Hey Now, this week we'll play the second set from the band's performance on April 7, 1987 at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.  'Box of Rain' is the opener here, a rather unusual choice. A short 'I Need a Miracle' follows into 'Bertha'. 'Ship of Fools' slows things down, but they then go into another crowd favorite, 'Man Smart, Women Smarter' before going into a fairly lengthy drums and Space.  Out of Space, they bridge into 'Gimme Some Lovin' which then segues nicely into a fine 'Morning Dew'. A nice 'Throwing Stones' > 'Not Fade Away' combo closes the set but the band returns for a pleasing rendition of 'The Mighty Quinn'.   Grateful Dead Brendan Byrne Arena East Rutherford , NJ 4/7/1987 - Tuesday Two     Box Of Rain [5:08] I Need A Miracle [3:20] > Bertha [6:23] Ship Of Fools [8:03] Man Smart (Woman Smarter) [7:21] > Drums [10:31] > Space [11:#03] > Gimme Some Lovin' [4:46] >

36 years ago the Grateful Dead played this week's show at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ, and also on the radio. This week's first set has some fine rocking although perhaps not alot of jamming. The boys start with 'Touch of Grey' played perhaps a touch too fast, but this goes into a nice 'Minglewood' with a strong Phil bass line, then Jerry sings a great 'Friend of the Devil'. There are seven beats to start the 'Beat It On Down the Line'. There is a nice keyboard solo in' Big River', and the 'West L.A. Fadeaway' is tight and funky. There is a double start in 'Hell In A Bucket' which starts for about a minute before Weir stops the band and wants to start over. Garcia gives some feedback before they eventually restart and play the song successfully...   Grateful Dead Brendan Byrne Arena East Rutherford , NJ 4/7/1987 - Tuesday Set 1 Tuning Touch Of Grey > New Minglewood Blues Friend Of The Devil Beat I

After five months of 'retirement' the Grateful Dead returned to the stage at this benefit concert in San Francisco on March 23, 1975. While they were billed as 'Jerry Garcia and Friends' and Ned Lagin and Merl Saunders were sitting in, this performance was seen by most as confirming the rumors that the Grateful Dead's retirement was ending.  I will leave it to you to imagine what it must have been like to have been in the audience and heard this wonderful piece of psychedelic music for the first time. Completely instrumental they blew the crowd away with the musicianship displayed here.  When they finished, they broke out a spectacular 'Johnny B Goode' for good measure.    Grateful Dead Kezar Stadium San Francisco, CA 3/23/1975 - Sunday      One     Blues For Allah > Stronger Than Dirt Or Milkin' The Turkey > Drums > Stronger Than Dirt Or Milkin' The Turkey > Blues For Allah Encore

This week on the Deadpod we'll hear the second set from March 5, 1992 at Hampton Virginia.  This starts with a very nice 'Eyes of the World', and you will immediately recognize the presence of both Hornsby and Welnick on this long 14+minute version.  'Way To Go Home' follows. I think this is the 4th time I've played this on the Deadpod, and the first since 2017. Consider it a watermark of the times, I know its noone's favorite tune.  Next Bobby delivers a powerful 'Estimated Prophet' which flows into a fine 'He's Gone'. Drums and a fairly long Space, standard for the times, follows. 'The Wheel' flows out of 'Space' with plenty of keyboards and an ensemble singing lead. 'I Need a Miracle' showcases Weir's energy and leads into a fine version of 'So Many Roads' one of their finest latter songs. You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" data-original-attrs= "{"data-original-href":"http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadsho

This week the Deadpod moves twenty years in the future from last week's set,  this one which took place on March 5, 1992 at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton Virginia. The first set, short as was the norm during this period of the band's existence, opens with a fine 'Help>Slip>Frank'. The boys sound energetic and Jerry plays some fine licks here, especially during the 'Slipknot'. A long bluesy 'The Same Thing' follows then  a sweet 'Jack-A-Roe'. Phil delivers a great 'Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues' and Bobby closes the set with a strong 'Let It Grow'  We'll have the second set next week.    Grateful Dead Hampton Coliseum Hampton, VA 3/5/1992 - Thursday One     Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower ; The Same Thing ; Jack-A-Roe ; Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues ; Let It Grow   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" data-original-attrs=

This week we move onto the second set from this massive show that took place on March 16, 1973 at the Nassau Coliseum. When you look at the setlist and the timings you might be tempted to think that the first half of the show is just a warm up to the huge Dark Star jam that takes place in set 2, but that would be a mistake. The band screams during these first three numbers in particular! I love the Bertha here, and when Jerry gets to Loser he really lets looks on the 'Sweet Susie'!  The aforementioned Dark Star starts off methodically, but gradually picks up momentum and moves into unfamiliar spaces. The drumming is superb here in my opinion, and when the band finally move back to Earth on 'Truckin' with an explosion of energy you think that surely this must be the finale, but no, a wonderful Morning Dew follows to close the set.      Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale, NY 3/16/1973 - Friday Two     <b

This week's Deadpod features another fabulous show from 1973. This week's show comes shortly after the death of Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan on the 8th of February 1973, and is the 2nd night of a three night run at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale NY, on March 16, 1973.  Folks this is a massive 14 song first set, and the come out of the gate flying with a high energy 'China>Rider', complete with a great, perhaps the first, 'feelin' groovy' jam in the transition. The new 'Wave That Flag' follows with some nice keyboard work from Keith. A fine version of 'Looks Like Rain' follows, introduced with a nice intro from Phil. There are highlights throughout the rest of this set, including an early version of 'They Love Each Other' but the closing 'Playin' In the Band' is sure to bring some smiles....      Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale, NY 3/16/1973 - Friday One China Cat Sunflower [6:09] > Jam [1:51] ><br

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance on February 21, 1991 in Oakland CA.  This is a very nice second set, sans Bruce Hornsby, it starts out with the unusual set opening 'Playin In the Band'. This version is quite nicely jammed out and just when you wonder when they'll come down we get a 'Terrapin Station' tease.. but no, they go instead into a tight 'Uncle John's Band'. Jerry sounds great and the song is very tight. They finally do go into 'Terrapin' following this, and that leads into another jam which then goes into Drums and Space which accompanies the Dragon Parade celebrating Chinese New Year. 'Eyes of the World' comes out of 'Space' the last time this ever happens, then a very good version of 'Throwing Stones' into 'Not Fade Away'. The 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' was always a fine ending.   <span style=

This week we feature a fine show from February 21, 1991 at the Oakland Coliseum. This was the last night of a three day run to open the year for the band, and this particular run was without Bruce Hornsby. Any show that opens with 'Help>Slip>Frank' offers great promise and I think they boys delivered on this night.  The 'Slipknot' in particular is especially well-formed, and sweet to hear. They follow with a good 'Rooster' then after some indecision, 'Loser' follows. Bobby plays a sweet 'Stuck Inside of Mobile' then a happy 'Tennessee Jed' leads into the 'Promised Land' set closer.    Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA 2/21/1991 - Thursday One     Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower ; Little Red Rooster ; Loser ; Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again ; Tennessee Jed ; The Promised Land   You can listen to this week's Deadpo

This week we bring you the conclusion of the band's performance on February 28, 1970 at the Family Dog at the Great Highway in San Francisco California.  The set starts with 'Good Lovin' complete with a very interesting drum solo followed by a wonderful jam.  The drummers return for a unique set between 'Alligator' and 'The Other One', which is followed by the rare 'Mason's Children'. The band returns to 'Lovelight' to close out the set. Sadly we don't have the encore, which was supposedly 'Uncle John's Band'.  Grateful Dead Family Dog at the Great Highway San Francisco, CA 2/28/1970 - Saturday Part 2 Good Lovin' [1:43] > Drums [3:13] > Good Lovin' [8:00];[0:22]%[0:02] ; Big Boss Man [5:05];[0:07] % Casey Jones % [0:20] ; Alligator [3:48] > Drums [6:25] > The Other One [9:27] > Mason's Children [5:13] > Jam [0:50] > Turn On Your Love Light [12:24];[0:09] 

Well, I think that groundhog saw his shadow, but I've got a show for you this week that is sure to warm you up.. this one comes from way back in 1970 - from February 28, 1970 in San Francisco. While this was probably one long set, I'm going to play part 1 this week and part 2 next week.  The show starts with an unusual 'Lovelight' to open, and it has a different sound to it in this spot, a bit more uptempo from the start, but quite fun to hear. After going into a 'Me & My Uncle' and 'Cumberland Blues' Jerry announces that they want to bring things 'down' a bit with some acoustic numbers. The next three tunes are just lovely renditions of 'Monkey & The Engineer', 'Little Sadie' and 'Black Peter'. The rest of the set is electric, starting with a smoking 'China>Rider'. Jerry slows it down a bit again with 'High Time' but we'll end this week's Deadpod with the always delightful 'Dire Wolf'.  Grateful Dead Family Dog at the Great Highway San Francisco, CA 2/28/1

PLEASE NOTE if you automatically downloaded this episode this morning you may have a corrupted file  please redownload from this link! Thank you!   This week we conclude our visit to the Uptown Theater with the second set from the band's performance on  January 31, 1978.  This set starts with a fine Scarlet>Fire with a wonderful transition with Donna hitting this just right. The Samson is raging, then the band goes into a delicious Terrapin Station, into a sweet Playing with Phil really adding some nice bottom. A short Drums and Space leads into an intense 'Black Peter', much longer than the earlier versions, then 'Truckin' leads into a set closing, and quite enjoyable 'Good Lovin'.    No encore. Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chicago, IL 1/31/1978 - Tuesday Two     Scarlet Begonias [11:57] > Fire On The Mountain [9:16] Samson And Delilah [8:15] Terrapin Station [10:11] > Playing In

 I'm going to do something I don't normally do this week - play the show immediately following last week's show.. and there's plenty of good reasons to do so. This show - 1/31/78 from the Uptown Theater in Chicago is very very good.  The opening 'Mississippi Half-Step' gives us a taste of what is to come - check out Garcia's licks here, then we get a smoking hot 'Passenger' with outstanding contributions by Phil and Jerry and fine vocals from Donna Jean. 'Tennessee Jed' follows and again, the contributions by the ensemble make for a most enjoyable listen, in particular the great jam before the coda. A lyrical 'El Paso' follow with Bob here in excellent vocal form. The 'Candyman' that follows is patched from an audience source, but Jerry still sounds soulful. Following 'Minglewood' and a nice 'They Love Each Other' is a simmering 'Let It Grow' to close the set.. Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chicago, IL 1/31/1978 - Tuesday One     Mi

This week we feature the second set from the band's performance at the Uptown Theater in Chicago Il. on January 30, 1978.  I'm quite impressed with this set. It starts off with a fine 'Bertha' which goes into an excellent 'Good Lovin', followed by 'Ship of Fools'. What follows however is over an hour of non-stop Dead magic.  'Estimated'>'Eyes' where Jerry has some interstellar noodling going into a sweet 'Stella Blue' . Then a rare triple-dose of Jerry as the band goes into a rare, late set 'Franklin's Tower' This combination of Stella>Franklins is a first and never repeated. A rockin' 'Around and Around' closes the set but they return for a signature 'Johnny B Goode' encore.    Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chicago, IL 1/30/1978 - Monday      Two      Bertha [6:33] > Good Lovin' [5:23] Ship Of Fools [7:34] Estimated Prophet [12:47] > Eyes Of The World [11:56] > Space [6:30] > Stella Blue [9

As we head into the New Year, here's a January show, a rarity for the band, from the intimate Uptown Theater in Chicago on January 30th, 1978. While this first set doesn't have the jamming that you'll hear in set 2, it is tight and Jerry's voice is much better than it was earlier in the month. There is some funny back and forth between songs, and the Lazy Lightning is greatly improved by Phil's contributions.   Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chicago, IL 1/30/1978 - Monday      One    The Promised Land [4:15]   Dire Wolf [3:30]   Mexicali Blues [3:32] > Big River [5:45]   Brown Eyed Women [5:28]   Looks Like Rain [8:04]   Peggy-O [7:01]   It's All Over Now [7:53]   Deal [5:37]   Lazy Lightnin' [3:22] > Supplication [5:32]  You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:   <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" data-original-attrs= "{"data-original-href":"http://traffic.l

 As we countdown the minutes until 2023, you should enjoy this gem of a show from 33 years ago - December 30, 1989. I don't believe I'm engaging in hyperbole if I say this is a great second set from this period of the band's history. There's not a bad song here. Jerry smokes his leads in 'Jack Straw' and 'I Know You Rider'. This 'Estimated Prophet is one of the best ever. I even dare say the drums and space, with Airto, is one of the best you'll hear.  I'm a sucker for a great 'Standing on the Moon' and Jerry delivers on this one.This is one of those shows that makes me wish for time travel. I hope you enjoy it!   Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA 12/30/1989 - Saturday Two     Jack Straw [5:58] > China Cat Sunflower [5:26] > I Know You Rider [5:12] Estimated Prophet [12:34] > Terrapin Station [13:51] > Jam [1:51] % Drums [#11:#32] (1) > Space [7:47] > I W

 As Christmas approaches, Hanukkah continues, and the big snowstorm closes in on many of us, I hope that this week's Deadpod brings you some joy this week!  I bring you the first set of what is a really great show from December 30, 1989 in Oakland California. The opening 'Bertha' flows into a rare first-set 'Good Lovin' which then flows into an excellent version of 'Sugaree'. The entire set is quite well played, and while Airto joins at 'Sugaree' and remains the rest of the show, his contributions are a bit hidden most of the time.  The set-closing 'Music Never Stopped' features some interesting Midi Horns from Garcia, but the entire set is energetic and a pleasure to hear. I hope you enjoy it.    Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA 12/30/198

Whoa! Another 2 hour plus Deadpod this week as we explore the second set of the band's performance at Duke University in Durham North Carolina on December 8, 1973. This massive second set contains both its share of standard tunes and psychedelic moments. They start out with some standard rockers - 'Around and Around' 'Ramble On Rose', 'El Paso'. (but don't miss the fun introduction with Phil and Bob).  Things really get interesting with the jam from 'Truckin' into a fine 'Nobody's Fault' jam'. Jerry takes us on a visit to the outer limits with the jam that finally disolves into 'The Other One'. The music disolves into a sweet 'Wharf Rat' and if that weren't enough a fine 'Stella Blue'.  You'd think the 'Johnny B Goode' that follows would signal the end of the show, but Jerry isn't having it and they go into a nice 'Uncle John's Band'.    Grateful Dead Cameron Indoor Stadium - Duke University Durham, NC 12/8/1973 - Saturday

 A really BIG show this week on the Deadpod!  From December 8, 1973 at Duke University we have this gem on this week's Deadpod. A huge 16 song first set featuring some really wonderful renditions and great jamming on some of these tunes. An example is Jerry on the 'Mexicali Blues', a very fine version of 'Me & Bobby McGee', and a complete 'Weather Report Suite'.  For fine jamming, the China>Rider can't be beat - including a 'Feelin' Groovy' jam (although it does have a cut)...      Grateful Dead Cameron Indoor Stadium - Duke University Durham, NC 12/8/1973 - Saturday One     Me And My Uncle Sugaree Mexicali Blues Dire Wolf Black Throated Wind They Love Each Other Me And Bobby McGee Don't Ease Me In The Race Is On Brown Eyed Women Big River Candyman Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow China Cat

Think that a show from 56 years ago doesn't rock? If so I challenge you to listen to this week's Deadpod... from November 19, 1966 in San Francisco, this primal Dead will surely knock your socks off... Such amazing energy and emotion on display here. The boys are spreading their wings while still exploring the legacy of the blues in the midst of Beatle mania.  There are many highlights here, but I have to call out 'Cream Puff War', and 'Dancin' In The Streets' (despite the tragic cut at the end) as virtuoso examples of primal Grateful Dead.  The entire second set (what we have of it) is a testament to the power and presence of Pigpen. Enough said.      Grateful Dead Fillmore Auditorium San Francisco, CA 11/19/1966 - Saturday One     Cold Rain And Snow [3:05] Hi-Heel Sneakers [4:07] Pain In My Heart [2:52] Beat It On Down The Line [2:24] Cream Puff War [7:27] Same Thing [9:59]

I know that I've previously said how enamored I am of the music the Grateful Dead created in the Fall of 1973, specifically during November. Luckily for us, there is an exceptional set that has yet to be released commercially nor here on the Deadpod that I have the privilege of featuring this week. This occurred on November 1, 1973 at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.  While we only have the second set of this wonderful performance, I think you'll agree it is a much-needed respite from the noise and confusion of the current season.The band reaches peaks of expression here on selections such as 'Playin' In the Band', 'He's Gone' and 'Truckin'. The style is jazz forward and experimental. The fact that Billy is alone on percussion probably allows him to be more supple and driving at times, especially during 'He's Gone'.  I recommend time and space to savor this one, I think you'll find its worth it..    Grateful Dead McGaw Memorial Hall -

 Happy Thanksgiving!  As is the tradition on the Deadpod, this week we feature an acoustic set from the band. This one comes from the Warfield in San Francisco on October 3, 1980.  This one is in exceptional quality, I think, and so far as I can tell I haven't featured it before :)  Thank you so much for the privilege of sharing this music with you over the years. I can't tell you how much your kind words and support has meant. I hope that this finds you and yours safe, healthy and gathered together in love today. Grateful Dead Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 10/3/1980 - Friday One Dire Wolf Monkey And The Engineer I've Been All Around This World Dark Hollow Jack-A-Roe Heaven Help The Fool China Doll On The Road Again Bird Song > Ripple  Enjoy and peace to all.

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance in Oakland on November 20,1985.  The second set features some very nice highlights, including an excellent Sailor>Saint and an outstanding 'Terrapin Station'. This is a nice long version, punctuated by an excellent jam by Garcia going into the Brent tune 'Don't Need Love'.  The Sugar Magnolia was memorable as Bobby played rock star and climbed up on the speaker stacks during 'SSDD'...      Grateful Dead Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center Oakland, CA 11/20/1985 - Wednesday Two     Iko Iko ; Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance ; Terrapin Station > Don't Need Love > Drums > Space > Stella Blue > Sugar Magnolia Encore     U.S. Blues  You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" data-original-attrs= "{"data-original-href":"http://tr

A high energy first set for your enjoyment on this week's Deadpod comes to us from the Henry Kaiser convention center in Oakland California, on November 20, 1985.  The first night of a three night 'hometown' run, starts off with a roaring 'Jack Straw'. Jerry follows with a lovely 'Peggy O', then Bobby performs the bluesy 'CC Rider' featuring some nice effects on the Hammond from Brent. Following poor old 'Stagger Lee', Bobby boxes with the Apocalypse on 'My Brother Esau'.  Jerry brings out 'High Time', although his voice struggles a bit with it, I still enjoy the tune. They end the set with a trifecta of high energy tunes, 'Beat It On Down the Line', then 'Promised Land' into 'Don't Ease'..  Set 2 is quite interested and scheduled for next week...  Grateful Dead Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center Oakland, CA 11/20/1985 - Wednesday One     Jack Straw Peggy-O C C Rider Stagger Lee My Brother Esau<

The Dead played this second set 45 years ago today, on 10/28/77 at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Kansas City KS. This is a fine display of the rhythmic richness of the band at this high water mark of their career. The set starts with a high octane 'Samson & Delilah' then things slow down a bit for a sweet 'Candyman' and Donna Jean's 'Sunrise'. They start to rev back up with 'Passenger' then we get one of the real high water marks of this set with a great 'He's Gone'.  Following a very short Drums, we get a unusual 'Not Fade Away'>'Stella Blue'>'Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad' combination, one of only two the band every did. After the set-closing 'Around and Around' they return for an excellent 'Casey Jones', not to be missed.    Grateful Dead Soldier's And Sailors Memorial Hall Kansas City, KS 10/28/1977 - Friday     Two     Samson And Delilah [6:59] Candyman [6:44] Sunrise [3:49] Passenger [3:

We're going to close out the month of October with a great show from 1977. This one comes to us from Kansas City KS, on October 28, 1977. This week's first set is very melodic throughout, with a nice laid back rhythm for the most part.  Promised Land is the opener (don't fear -the audience splice only lasts a few moments), then a sweet 'They Love Each Other'. One of the things I love about this recording is the clarity of each instrument - which is evident especially in the 'Cassidy' that follows. This entire set is quite well done, but I would draw your attention to the 'Supplication' and 'Deal' that closes the set - there is some really fine jamming going on there!      Grateful Dead Soldier's And Sailors Memorial Hall Kansas City, KS 10/28/1977 - Friday     One     The Promised Land [4:16] ; They Love Each Other [7:10] ; Cassidy [4:33] ; Tennessee Jed [8:59] ; Mexicali Blues [3:05] > B

While I played this show, unbeknownst to me, ten years ago on the Deadpod, I am still going to present the wonderful second set this week. This show, from Indianapolis on October 1, 1976, features a sweet second set. While a 'Might As Well' opener might not signal such a beauty, the 'Samson' that follows quickly convinces that we are in a for a treat. Great interplay throughout from Jerry and Phil. When the 'Help>Slip>Frank' that follows gets rolling the band hits on all cylinders. I especially love Keith's contribution in the great 'Slipknot!' jam here. A somewhat short 'Dancin' goes into an even shorter 'drums' but 'The Wheel' that follows is sweet. Following 'Ship of Fools', Bobby attempts to go back into 'Dancin' in a very unusual jam, but the boys move into a 'Goin' Down the Road' into 'Saturday Night' to end the set.    Grateful Dead Market Square Arena Indianapolis, IN  10/1/1976 - Friday Two     Might As Well [5:37] ;

This week's Deadpod features a set from the Fall tour of 1976. If you're not familiar with this period I think you'll enjoy this week's selection, which comes from Market Square Arena, in Indianapolis Indiana.   This is a fine set, in my opinion, which really gets going once they hit 'Deal'. The 'Cassidy' is no slouch and 'Big River' rocks as usual. The highlight of the set is probably the stand-alone 'Scarlet Begonias' which leads us into the set closing 'Promised Land' Set 2 next week is no slouch!   Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, Ind. (10/1/76) Set One: Bertha Mama Tried Deal Cassidy Friend of the Devil Big River Brown Eyed Women It's All Over Now Scarlet Begoni

 Fifty years ago today, the Grateful Dead played this free concert in Washington D.C.  I present the fine second set for your entertainment today. I hope you agree that it is an excellent recording and contains some quite sublime moments. I'll draw your attention to just a few.. the 'He's Gone' is drawn out and heartfelt. I'm also a big fan of Jerry's performance of 'Brokedown Palace' here.  'The Other One' shows the boys more than willing to take the jam to the stars, Phil in particular is outstanding here. 'Sing Me Back Home' again, Jerry is sublime. I love the 'Uncle John's Band' closer.. while we don't have the encore, I think we have more than enough here to raise our spirits..  Grateful Dead Reeves Field - American University Washington, DC 9/30/1972 - Saturday     Two     Greatest Story Ever Told He's Gone Me And My Uncle Brokedown Palace Truckin' > The Other One > Sing Me Back Home

  This week's Deadpod features a 'free' show that took place on the campus of American University in Washington D.C. on September 30, 1972. This is a fairly standard '72 setlist, however it is a nice collection of well-played standards and we are fortunate to have such a nice recording (albeit there is a cut in the wonderful 'I Know You Rider').  Bob Weir is a bit higher in the mix than usual which results in an interesting listen. He is also in fine voice, hitting some higher notes than he was able to a few years later. Besides the aforementioned China>Rider, which is wonderful, some of the other highlights here are an excellent 'Black Throated Wind', 'Birdsong' (before which you can hear Bobby complaining about the stage heaters), a hot 'Big River', and a jammed out 'Playin' In the Band'.      Grateful Dead Reeves Field - American University Washington, DC 9/30/1972 - Saturday     One     The Promised

Pardon the brevity but as I'm feeling under the weather this intro will have to be even briefer than usual..  a find second set from the first night of the legendary Madison Square Garden run of 1990 features an excellent 'Scarlet>Fire' .. I love Phil and Jerry's contributions here, especially on the incendiary jams in Fire.. It's been awhile since I've featured a good 'Terrapin Station' and that's here too, as is a wonderful 'Wharf Rat'.  All in all an excellent early 90s second set.. I hope you enjoy it.      Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York , NY 9/14/1990 - Friday Two      Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain > Truckin' > Terrapin Station > Jam > Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia   Encore      U.S. Blues  You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href="https://www.blogger.com/

This week I'm featuring a show from the famous September 1990 run at Madison Square Garden in NYC, NY. I had thought I'd already played all of this run, but realized I hadn't played this - the first show of the run without Bruce Hornsby. This is a fine show, the band is jazzed to be back at the Garden and I think Jerry is in fine form.  The opening 'Feel Like a Stranger' is a great choice, and shows the boys are here to play.. a fine 'Sugaree' follows, although I wish Vince would have dialed it down just a bit. The 'Minglewood' that follows is one of the better versions in my opinion. Other highlights here include a fine 'Black Throated Wind' and 'Jack-A-Roe', both of which feature fine vocals from Bob and Jerry, respectively.  Be sure and also tune in next week for one of the best 'Scarlet>Fire's' of the decade. Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York , NY 9/14/1990 - Friday One     Feel Like A Stranger Sugaree<b

This Labor Day weekend the Deadpod brings you the 2nd set from the band's performance at the Shoreline Amphitheater on August 18, 1991. There's alot of joy in this set, I think, as the band seems to be enjoying themselves throughout. A fine 'Deal' opens things up - Hornsby is evident here and throughout. The band delivers a topnotch version of 'Samson and Delilah' to follow. A somewhat sloppy 'Mississippi Half-Step' leads into a rather funky 'Feel Like a Stranger'. Out of the Rhythm Devils we get a favorite of mine, 'China Doll', then the band closes with a rocking trifecta of 'Goin' Down the Road', 'Throwin' Stones' and 'Not Fade Away'.  One of the highlights is the perfectly executed 'Brokedown Palace' encore.    Grateful Dead Shoreline Amphitheater Mountain View, CA 8/18/1991 - Sunday Two     Deal [8:41] Samson And Delilah [8:40] Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [8:15] Feel Like A Stranger [8:20] ><

   Here's a fun and happy Sunday show on this week's Deadpod - from the Shoreline Amphitheater on August 18, 1991. This first set features a very fine 'Jack-A-Roe' and some great piano work by Bruce Hornsby on 'CC Rider'. Jerry also brings out the Dylan cover 'It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry' which made its appearance this summer. One of the highlights of the set is Bobby seemingly forgetting the words to 'Beat It On Down the Line'...later in that song, Hornsby creates a 'false stop' and you hear the band talking about it before a short reprise :) A great 'Johnny B. Goode' ends the set..    Grateful Dead Shoreline Amphitheater Mountain View, CA 8/18/1991 - Sunday One      Hell In A Bucket   Jack-A-Roe [5:00]   C C Rider [5:26] > It Takes A Lot To Laugh It Takes A Train To Cry [4:25]   Beat It On Down The Line   West L.A. Fadeaway   When I Paint My Masterpiece   Stagge

This week's Deadpod continues the band's performance in Kansas City on August 3, 1982 at the Starlight Theater. This is a solid show, with a long, funky 'Shakedown Street' to kick things off. That flows into 'Samson', then a beautiful rendition of 'To Lay Me Down' follows.  Next up is a great version of 'Let It Grow', with some nice interplay between Jerry and Brent leading into the Rhythm Devils portion of the set. 'He's Gone' flows nicely out of 'Space', and is followed by a good 'Other One' and 'Stella Blue'. The boys close with a feel good 'Sugar Mag' and return with a 'Casey Jones' encore.   Grateful Dead Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO  8/3/1982 - Tuesday     Two     Shakedown Street [14:09] > Samson And Delilah [8:10] ; To Lay Me Down [9:04] ; Let It Grow [13:25] > Drums > Space [#6:05] > He's Gone [12:42] > The Other One [8:18] > Stella Blue [10:44] > Sugar Magn

 A fine first set from a beautiful venue is on tap for this week's Deadpod. This performance, from August 3, 1982 at the Starlight Theater in Kansas City Missouri, features a most excellent first set.  Jerry brings the 'Mississippi Half-Step' to life by shaping the sound quite sweetly, and in particular the transition into 'Franklin's Tower' is not to be missed. Note the fine interplay with Phil here. It is difficult to pick out highlights in this set as everything is quite good, but note the beautiful 'Peggy O'. There's a nice transition beween 'El Paso' and 'Cumberland Blues', which is also a smoker. Jerry does 'Althea' justice with some nice soloing, and the 'Big Railroad Blues' into 'Man Smart' is an unusual pairing. All in all I think this is a fine example of the period and hope you enjoy it!  Grateful Dead Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO  8/3/1982 - Tuesday     One     Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [8:43] > F

This week's Deadpod features the continuation of the band's performance at the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco on July 13, 1976.  There are issues with the tape on 'Music Never Stopped' but this clears up quickly so please be patient.  'It Must Have Been the Roses' follows, then 'Samson' but the highlight here is a beautiful version of 'High Time'.  After some pause, they go into 'Saint Stephen' into 'Not Fade Away' , quite interesting at times..they then move into 'Sugar Magnolia' and you think that this must be the end of the set, but Jerry comes back with a stunning 'Stella Blue'. They do the 'Sugar Mag' reprise, but then return for a pretty outrageous encore - a long and funky 'Dancin' In the Streets'..    Grateful Dead 1976-07-13 Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, CA Two     The Music Never Stopped [6:03] % It Must Have Been The Roses [6:50] % Samson And Delilah [7:12] % High Time [8:05] % Saint S

As we wind down the month of July and head into the Days Between, I came across this recording from the historic  July 1976 run at the Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, CA which I thought was most enjoyable so I wanted to share it with you. This is from the second night, July 13. I hadn't heard the show in this quality before so I hope you enjoy it.  Some of the highlights here include a very pretty 'Peggy-O' and a truly wonderful 'Crazy Fingers'. Checck out Phil on the latter and how the spanish-type jam just goes on and on... that goes into a very nice 'Let It Grow' and then to a rare first-set 'drums' segment.      Grateful Dead 1976-07-13 Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, CA Set 1: Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo Big River Peggy-O Cassidy Tuning/Banter Crazy Fingers > Let It Grow > Drums Might As Well You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a

This week's Deadpod features the audience recording of the second set from 7/14/81 at McNichols Arena in Denver Colorado.  A funky 'Shakedown Street' opens up the proceedings, followed by 'Samson & Delilah' and an intimate 'High Time'.  Bobby blows the circus whistle for the start of a strong 'Truckin', punctuated by a great Jerry solo going into 'Eyes of the World' (unfortunately a small cut in that). Drums and Space lead into a short 'Other One', but then we are treated to a really beautiful 'Wharf Rat'.  An odd 'Miracle' tease by Weir surrenders to 'Good Lovin' to close the set - they return to do a 'U.S. Blues' encore.      Grateful Dead McNichols Arena Denver, CO 7/14/1981 - Tuesday Two     Shakedown Street [14:05] > Samson And Delilah [7:02] ; High Time [7:29] ; Truckin' [8:06] > Eyes Of The World [13:#18] > Drums > Space > The Other One [6:07] > Whar

"Being summer, I took off my shirt...." well I'm not taking my shirt off but I am bringing you a summertime treat I think, with an excellent audience recording of the band's performance in Denver on July 14, 1981. As I listened to this tape it just struck me that the feeling of being there that a good audience recording gives you was perfect for this time of the year, when many of us have been lucky enough to experience some live music in person.. I do hope you have! This show has some excellent energy throughout, the Minglewood has a couple very nice Jerry solos, the 'Cassidy' is nicely paced, and leads into a sweet 'To Lay Me Down'.  Weir has some fun with 'Me & My Uncle' which is blistering.. as is the outstanding 'Big Railroad Blues'  The highlight of the set is the Birdsong>Sailor>Saint, however. It is only the the 14th electric birdsong since 9/15/73, and the only time that Sailor comes out of Birdsong. It is excellent.    Grateful Dead McNich

 Here's the second set from the band's performance at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on June 23, 1990.  A rather slow and dreamy 'Eyes of the World' leads us into a great 'Looks Like Rain', Bobby really does it justice here. 'Crazy Fingers' follows and while Jerry's voice is a bit craggy here its still, for me, a pleasure to hear. The band busts it out on the following 'Playin' In the Band' which opens up beautifully into 'Uncle John's Band', then returns for a full-blown 'Playin' Reprise'.  'The Wheel' flows out of space, then after a rocking 'Miracle', Jerry commands us with a powerful 'Morning Dew'.  Being Saturday the obligatory "One More Saturday Night' gets the crowd spinning as the band heads for the exits..    Grateful Dead Autzen Stadium - University of Oregon Eugene, OR 6/23/1990 - Saturday Two Eyes Of The World [15:24] > Looks Like Rain [8:35] > Crazy Fingers [8:24] > Playing In The Band

Summertime.. and the livin' is easy...  This week I decided to bring you a show from the summer tour of 1990, one of my favorites.. this comes to us from Eugene Oregon from June 23, 1990. A fine afternoon show, Little Feat was the opening act and the fans were treated to what I think is a great display of the band at this period of time.  A powerful 'Feel Like a Stranger' opens things up, then Jerry gets a little funky (and sloppy with lyrics) with a 'West LA Fadeaway'. 'Me and My Uncle' transitions into a (rare for the year) 'Cumberland Blues' .. instead of the usual 'Big River'. Brent brings out 'Far From Me' another unusual choice, then Jerry plays a nice 'They Love Each Other'. Following Weir's 'Cassidy', 'Tennessee Jed' leads into a rocking 'Promised Land' to close the first set.    Grateful Dead Autzen Stadium - University of Oregon Eugene, OR 6/23/1990 - Saturday One     Feel Like A Stranger West L.A. Fad

Prepare to be psychedelicized this week as we listen to set 2 of the Dead's performance at the Fillmore West in San Francisco on June 7, 1970.  The boys take us right to the deep end with a Cryptical to open set 2, then blow into a great Other One, and back into Cryptical. Drums then take us into a rare 'The Main Ten' jam before we get to hear the very first 'Sugar Magnolia'. Pigpen is in fine form on 'It's A Man's World' (and later on the set closing Good Lovin'). Sittin' On Top of the World is a treat to my ears,  and who doesn't smile when they get to hear 'Cosmic Charlie'?  I think you'll enjoy this one from a year that we have far too few good recordings. There are a few cuts, but hey, its 52 years ago...   Grateful Dead Fillmore West San Francisco, CA 6/7/1970 - Sunday     Two - 1:29:56     Set Two: Electric Cryptical Drums The Other One Cryptical Drums The

This week's Deadpod is a short but very sweet show from June 7, 1970 at the Fillmore West in San Francisco. This week's first set is 'relatively' acoustic, that is the first two songs are acoustic, but Jerry uses an electric guitar and Weir acoustic on the remainder of the som et. Frdeadlists.com:  " David Nelson plays mandolin on Cold Jordan and Swing Low, and he and Marmaduke contribute backup vocals. Before Cumberland Blues Garcia says "we're gonna do a few semi-electric numbers. We've got a million new labels." There is a short cut at 2:48 of Cumberland. Marmaduke adds backup vocals to Me And My Uncle." This was a birthday request from a great friend of the Deadpod - happy (early) birthday Steve!   Grateful Dead Fillmore West San Francisco, CA 6/7/1970 - Sunday     One    Intro [0:11]   Don't Ease Me In [3:03] [0:20]   Silver Threads And Gold

This one is a treat for me to listen to so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do... this second set from the band's performance at the first 'Day on the Green' on June 8, 1974. These '74 Wall of Sound shows are some of my favorites, as you can tell from the opening 'U.S. Blues' that the boys are here in full force. Keith and Phil are rocking and the entire ensemble sounds great throughout. The 'cosmic' 'Playin in the Band' clocks in at over 24 minutes and despite a scream or two from Donna will definitely raise you to a happy place. For me, there is not much music that makes me happier than an 'Eyes of the World' like this one.. I can't help but relax and let me take me downstream..  Thanks for listening my friends..      Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium Oakland, CA 6/8/1974 - Saturday Two     U.S. Blues [5:35]   Big River [5:12]   Ship Of Fools [5:51]   Playing In The Band [24:02]

 This week's Deadpod comes from the famous 'Day on the Green' #1 at Oakland Stadium on June 8, 1974.  This first set of this 'Wall of Sound' show, features less jamming than will be coming up in set 2, but still some wonderful playing, highlighted by some great contributions from Keith and Phil. I particularly enjoy the stand-alone Scarlet and the Greatest Story Ever Told!     Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium Oakland, CA 6/8/1974 - Saturday     One     The Promised Land [3:12] ; Brown Eyed Women [4:36] ; Me And Bobby McGee [5:44] ; Scarlet Begonias [5:24] ; Mexicali Blues [3:30] ; It Must Have Been The Roses [5:06] ; Me And My Uncle [2:53] ; Tennessee Jed [8:00] ; Greatest Story Ever Told [#5:14] ; China Cat Sunflower [8:22] > I Know You Rider [5:25] ; Around And Around [5:01]  You can listen to this week's Deadpod here

A fine second set from Boston Garden on May 12, 1980 to send you off on your Memorial Day weekend adventures. This one starts with an excellent 'Feel Like a Stranger', followed by an intense 'Ship of Fools'. A rolling 'Estimated Prophet' and 'He's Gone' follows, but then the band dissolves into a unique and interesting 'Caution' jam for about 10 minutes, for me the highlight of the set. Drums follows, then a 'Saint of Circumstance' which flows into the 'Wharf Rat' in the ballad slot. 'Sugar Magnolia' closes the set which they then follow with a 'US Blues' encore.  Grateful Dead Boston Garden Boston, MA 5/12/1980 - Monday      Two      Feel Like A Stranger [8:12] ; Ship Of Fools [8:06] ; Estimated Prophet[11:21] > He's Gone (1) [21:35] > Drums [9:19] > Space [2:03] > Saint Of Circumstance [5:24] > Wharf Rat [8:54] > Sugar Magnolia [7:41] Encore      U.S. Blues [4:56]

One of my favorite tours, the Spring tour of 1980 will give us one more fine show on this week's Deadpod. From the old Boston Garden on May 12, 1980 the boys shook the rafters on this Monday night with a rocking first set.  They come out blazing with a great 'Jack Straw>Alabama Getaway>El Paso' opening trifecta. While this is an unusual combo, Jerry and Brent in particular shine on these opening tunes. A nice 'Althea' follows, then Bobby takes the lead on 'Lazy Lightning> Supplication'. We get a short but sweet Brent number in 'Far From Me' before Bobby takes us back down to Minglewood. The closing China>Rider is excellent, highlighted for me, by Jerry's emotion when he is on that northbound train.  Grateful Dead Boston Garden Boston, MA 5/12/1980 - Monday     One     Jack Straw [5:21] > Alabama Getaway [4:53] > El Paso [4:12] Althea [8:16] Lazy Lightnin' [3:22] > Supplication [4:44] Far From Me [3:37]<

 I don't believe Friday the 13th is bad luck here on the Deadpod! This week's show is the 2nd and 3rd sets from the band's performance in Paris France on September 21, 1974. I've taken the liberty of removing 'Seastones' which started set 2, simply because I generally find it unlistenable.  Be that as it may the Playin' In the Band which follows and which concludes the second set is one of the highlights of the show. I dig it and hope you do as well.  The third set features some nice versions of favorites such as 'Row Jimmy' and 'Uncle John's Band' but the winner here is a wonderful 'Morning Dew'. Phil just about blows it up here and I really like it.   Grateful Dead Palais des Sports Paris, France 9/21/1974 - Saturday Two     Seastones > [edited out] Playin > Drums > Playin Three     Row Jimmy ; Big River ; Ship Of Fools ; Uncle John's Band ; A

As this weekend is the first weekend in May, we not only celebrate our Mothers, but the Run for the Roses! Naturally I felt this called for a rendition of 'The Race Is On', and this one comes to us from the bands European tour of the Fall of 1974. Specifically from Paris on September 21, 1974.  This first set which we will hear this week shows considerable change from those European shows of 50 years ago.. the band is I think, a bit more mellow and more jazzy in my opinion. Keith is adding alot of nice color to these songs as well. Here we have a long and unusual setlist, with highlights for me being besides the 'Race Is On' the nice 'Sugaree', a fun 'Loose Lucy' and a great 'Eyes of the World' into 'China Doll' to close  the set (!). I think this is quite a nice recording and hope you enjoy it.      Grateful Dead Palais des Sports Paris, France 9/21/1974 - Saturday One     Bertha Mexicali Blues Sugaree<br

This week's Deadpod features a long second set on the occasion of Brent Mydland's first gig with the band, on April 22, 1979 in San Jose California.  The band opens with the trifecta 'I Need a Miracle' into 'Bertha' into 'Good Lovin', while it starts out a bit rough it picks up alot of energy by the end and they then go into a wonderful version of 'Scarlet Begonias' into 'Fire on the Mountain'. The transition jam into Fire is especially interesting, as is Jerry's jamming throughout that tune. 'Estimated Prophet' continues in the winning vein with some great bass contributed by Phil during the long and excellent opening jam. Brent contributes some interesting electric piano during the closing jam here matched by some very interesting Garcia lines. As this jam closes we hear a new sound from Mickey, as he goes into the fascinating 'Drums' segment with his new toy, 'The Beast', which was brought out for the first time at this show after having been constructed for the 'Apocalyps

43 years ago today Brent Mydland played his first show with the Grateful Dead.  This week we will listen to the first set of that show here on the Deadpod.  I think you'll immediately notice the increased energy on stage, especially when you compare to the early '79 shows. The boys have been rehearsing and I believe it shows in this first set. Highlights for me include the great 'Jack Straw' opener, a fabulous 'Tennessee Jed', the cowboy songs, where we first really hear Brent stepping out. I'm not a huge 'Stagger Lee' fan but this one isn't bad. 'Passenger' always sounded strange to my ears without Donna, they try it out here. Phil comes through quite strong throughout, and the drummers are ON it.  Next week we'll hear the second set with the premier of the Beast!     Grateful Dead Spartan Stadium San Jose, CA (4/22/79) Set 1 Jack Straw Tennessee Jed Mama Tried Mexicali Blues Sug

This week we feature a great set from April of 1971 - 4/12/71 from Pittsburgh PA.  Again, this is a sweet recording only one or two minor flaws. 'Truckin' starts us off hot, with some nice jamming punctuated by Billy K pounding the kit as they lead into a 10 minute 'Other One'. Of particular note here is the transition into 'Wharf Rat'.  'Me & Bobby McGee' is nicely done but marred at the end by an unfortunate tape flip.  'Casey Jones' and 'Sugar Magnolia' benefit from their placement here in the middle of the set. The ending here is classic 1971 Dead, with the closing 'Lovelight' bringing the return of Pigpen to the stage to lead us home.  I hope you enjoy this, one of the best shows of April 1971.    Grateful Dead Pittsburgh Civic Arena Pittsburgh, PA 4/12/71 - Monday      Set 2: Truckin' -> Drums -> The Other One -> Wharf Rat Me & Bobby McGee Casey Jones Sugar Magnol

This week's Deadpod is from a marvelous sounding tape (with one or two issues) from the Spring of 1971. This set has Phil all over it - I especially love his sound on 'Bertha'. Pigpen does a wonderful 'Next Time You See Me', and 'Hard to Handle' (although it has a very tragic tape flip that loses the end of the song). The boys are tight and their playing is crackling with energy.  No jazzy spacy jams here, but plenty of electric, down and dirty rock and roll. Set 2 comes up next week and you don't want to miss it..      Grateful Dead Pittsburgh Civic Arena Pittsburgh, PA 4/12/71 - Monday     One     Cold Rain And Snow   Me And My Uncle   Bertha   Next Time You See Me   Playing In The Band   Loser   Cumberland Blues   Hard To Handle#   Greatest Story Ever Told > Johnny B. Goode   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href="https://www.blogger

No tricks here! Just some fine Grateful Dead from March 28, 1989 in Atlanta GA.  This week's Deadpod features the second set from the above performance at the Omni, and begins with a sweet 'Samson and Delilah' that gets the set off to a rockin' start. the 'Ship of Fools' that follows slows things down a bit, but is followed by a rare (in this time) complete, 'Playin' In The Band' which goes into a rather new (at the time) 'Foolish Heart'. This one is a bit on the speedy side, but the Drums and Space that follows is not to be missed. Brent takes the lead on 'Gimme Some Lovin' coming out of Space, then Jerry brings August West out for a nice 'Wharf Rat'. They close the second set with the usual 'Throwin' Stones' 'Not Fade Away' combo, but the latter is done quite nicely.  The crowd gets its wish as Phil brings out the Box for the encore.    Grateful Dead The Omni Atlanta, GA 3/28/89 - Tuesday Samson And Delilah; Ship Of Fools;

For several years, one of my favorite trips when Spring rolled around was to go down to Atlanta when the magnolias were bloomin' to see the boys during Spring tour. While the Omni might not have been the greatest venue, I always had a wonderful time. This week I decided to bring you a show from there that took place back on March 28, 1989.  This was has a great trifecta to start, with a wonderful 'Let the Good Times Roll' to open things going into a sparkling 'Franklin's Tower'. Bobby works up a sweat on a hot 'Feel Like a Stranger' before things slow a bit with Jerry's 'Stagger Lee' - a song I don't usually love - but I rather like this version. Bob brings out the Dylan with 'Stuck Inside of Mobile'. 'Ramble on Rose' has that southern ragtime feel to it to fit right in. They close the first set with a fine 'Let It Grow' into a rockin' 'Don't Ease Me In'.  This is a very nice recording and I hope you find it enjoyable too..      Grateful Dead

This week's Deadpod features a fine recording of the second set from the Rex Benefit that took place on March 13, 1985 at the Berkeley Community Theater.  The boys give us a most excellent start with a fine 'Music Never Stopped' into 'Franklin's Tower'. While Jerry flubs a few lyrics here, he more than makes up for it with his fine soloing work. Bobby continues the first-rate performance with a great 'Estimated Prophet' into a bluesy 'Spoonful'. Hamza El-Din joins on drums and space as well as on 'Ollin Arrageed' which inexplicably, goes into a 'Man Smart/Woman Smarter'. Jerry delivers a decent 'Black Peter' but it seems clear to me that they are running out of steam by the 'Good Lovin' finale. A very nice 'Brokedown Palace' encore redeems that however and I'm sure sends everyone home smiling..      Grateful Dead Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley, CA 3/13/85 - Wednesday Two     The Music Never Stopped > Franklin's To

This week's Deadpod features a Rex Benefit from March 13, 1985 at the Berkeley Community Theater.  It starts out with a smoking 'Jack Straw', this is quite a pleasure to hear. 'Althea' follows; here Jerry's voice is not in the best of shape, but as is often the case in '85 his playing throughout this first set is quite inspired. The cowboy combo of 'Mama Tried>Mexicali' follows and features both a nice extended jam and some excellent additions by Brent. 'Friend of the Devil' is very nicely done and Jerry sounds much better here. 'Minglewood' has the first Matt Kelly addition, Brent again has a nice solo. The set-closing Deal is high energy as usual to close the short first set.   Grateful Dead Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley, CA 3/13/85 - Wednesday One     Jack Straw ; Althea ; Mama Tried > Mexicali Blues ; Friend Of The Devil ; New Minglewood Blues (1) ; Bob introduces Matt Kelly ;<br

 This week's Deadpod features the second set from February 17, 1979 in Oakland California.  This is a fine set, almost two hours long, and features some excellent improvisational jamming, as well as the return of some music into the rotation and the last time one song would be played.  Might as Well opens th ing sup, then a great 'I Need a Miracle>Bertha>Good Lovin' combo. Garcia is n particularly good form on the Bertha, and Bob and Donna do a splendid job on the vocals on 'Good Lovin'.  We then get the last 'From the Heart of Me' as this night marks Keith and Donna's last show with the band. A nice 'Big Railroad Blues' makes its first appearance since the Winterland shows in 1974. We then get a exploratory 'Terrapin' into a long 'Playin in The Band' before they go into drums.  'The Wheel' is especially fine coming out of Drums and that is followed by a mellow 'Shakedown Street' marking Keith's last real contribution to the sound. The 'Playin' reprise that foll

This show marks a significant event in the band's history - the last show with Keith and Donna in the group. It takes place on February 17, 1979 in Oakland. By this time, Keith's contributions had been steadily decreasing and while Donna was still, in my opinion, adding to the sound, it was clear that a change was going to have to happen.  This first set features the return of 'Greatest Story Ever Told' from a five year absence, as well as that last 'Passenger' with Donna (to my ears it never sounded right without her). 'Don't Ease' marks a return appearance as does 'High Time' as the band was mixing up the setlist which had grown a bit stale..The closing 'Lazy Lightin'>Supplication' is a clear highlight here....   Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA 2/17/79 - Saturday     One      Greatest Story Ever Told [4:11] Don't Ease Me In [3:23]   Mama Tried [2:31] > Mexicali Blues [4:18]

This week we continue with the second set of the show on February 20, 1971 at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester NY, one of the famous 'ESP experiment shows'.  This show features an electric version of 'Ripple' - one of only three that were ever performed live. I think the 'Goin' Down the Road'>'Not Fade Away'> 'Goin' Down the Road' is quite exceptional as well. Then there is the classic Pigpen version of 'Lovelight'.. if you're a fan you're going to enjoy this one!      Grateful Dead Capitol Theater Port Chester, NY 2/20/71 - Saturday     Two     Truckin' [7:36] ; Loser [6:19] ; Next Time You See Me [3:14] ; Greatest Story Ever Told [4:05] > Johnny B. Goode [3:26] ; Ripple [4:12] ; Not Fade Away [4:31] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [4:51] > Jam [3:13] > Not Fade Away [1:45] > Turn On Your Love Light [24:09]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod

Hey Now! This week we will explore the first set from a great show that took place during a historic run at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester NY back on February 20, 1971. This was during the famous 'ESP' experiments, and it was also the second show without Mickey Hart who had left the band after the first show of this run.  This show contains a number of 'new' tunes (at the time) and you'll see that some have yet to be fully developed (Playin' in the Band for example).  However the band is tight, Pigpen is on and it is really a fine set. I especially love the ending of this set with the Cryptical>Drums>Other One>Wharf Rat     Grateful Dead Capitol Theater Port Chester, NY 2/20/71 - Saturday     One     Casey Jones [4:18] ; Me And My Uncle [3:10] ; Hard To Handle [7:38] ; Bertha [5:30] ; Playing In The Band [4:40] ; Bird Song [6:53] ; Big Boss Man [4:43] ; Cryptical Envelopm

With many of being hit this week with some ungodly cold and snowy weather I figured it was time to bring out the smokin' hot primal Dead.. so here is a good one... this comes to you from February 21, 1969 at the Dream Bowl in Vallejo California.. We only have the second set, but perhaps that is for the best - who knows if I could handle more of this one ;)  We start with a great version of 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl' with Pigpen in fine voice. 'Doin' That Rag' follows - don't be surprised by the wierd and NSFW ending courtesy of Mr. Lesh...  We move into the heart of the space, with a long wonderful 'Dark Star, then a short but sweet 'St. Stephen' That moves into a 23 minute jamming classic version of 'The Eleven'. Not to be outdone by all the psychedelia, Pigpen closes the set with a fabulous long 'Lovelight' full of his fabulous raps and Garcia's masterful runs.  Not enough yet? Well the boys supply a wonderful 'Morning Dew' encore.    Grate

This week the Deadpod continues with the second set from January 13, 1978 at the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara California. This was a 'Stop Nuclear Power' benefit and as usual at these kind of events, I think the band was charged up for it and I think it shows in the energy of this great second set.  They start off with a rousing 'Bertha' into 'Good Lovin'. Donna follows with a nice version of 'Sunrise' then they go into a long and interesting 'Dancin' In the Streets' highlighted with some dueling riffs by Jerry and Phil. The 'Drums' that follows is particularly intense and uptempo. Jerry then goes into a long 'Wharf Rat' which at the end builds to another peak as it leads into an unusual 'Truckin', then again to a very uptempo 'Around and Around' to finish the set. Another change of pace follows with a 'Sugar Magnolia' encore.  Grateful Dead Arlington Theatre Santa Barbara, CA 1/13/78 - Friday     Two     Bertha [6:35] ><br /

Grateful Dead concerts in the month of January are rather sparse, however one exception is the west coast run that took place in January of 1978.  This week's show took place on January 13, 1978 in Santa Barbara California. It starts out with a nicely played 'Mississippi Half-Step' - while Jerry's voice is suffering a bit from the laryngitis he fought through on this tour - his playing more than makes up for it I think throughout. A rather unusual 'Mexicali Blues'>'Big River' follows, with some jump in it! There is an unfortunate patch in the 'Brown Eyed Women' however it is still quite well played. Lesh is well represented on this soundboard. Another highlight here is the fine version of 'Candyman'.      Grateful Dead Arlington Theatre Santa Barbara, CA 1/13/78 - Friday     One     Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [8:49] ; Mexicali Blues [3:36] > Big River [5:55] ; Candyman [6:59] ; It's All Ove

We continue this week with the second set from the band's performance on January 11, 1979 at the Nassau Coliseum.  They come out smoking with a hot version of 'I Need a Miracle'; Bobby is pretty amped up here and there is some very nice guitar work in this version. Ship follows and slows things down a bit, but the Estimated that follows gets things in the groove again, and leads into a long 'He's Gone'. Here the tempo slows down again, but still has some nice moment. Drums leads into a very short space, then a nice 'Truckin' which goes into a short 'Other One'. The highlight of the set, perhaps, is the long 'Stella Blue' that follows, and here Jerry hits the mood just exactly perfectly. 'Good Lovin' gets the crowd back up and a fine 'Casey Jones' ends the evening and sends everyone home smiling.     Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale, NY 1/11/79 - Thursday Two     I Need A Miracle [10:39] ;<br /

We head into the new year with a show from the Winter of 1979 - this comes to us from the Nassau Coliseum on January 11, 1979.  The first set starts off with a wonderful version of 'Sugaree' - Garcia sets the tone for this set right out of the gate.. some wonderful runs here. 'Me & My Uncle' and 'Big River' follows and the latter, in particular, delivers more Jerry magic. Things slow down a bit with a long 'Peggy-O', and Bobby does a nice 'Cassidy' to follow. 'Friend of the Devil' and the 'New New Minglewood Blues follow'. Donna does a rare version of 'From the Heart of Me', before they break into the crowd favorite 'Ramble on Rose'.  The highlight of the set, in my mind, follows with a smoking version of 'Jack Straw'. Despite Weir stepping on Garcia's incredible solo, this one is sure to please. Jerry heads into the break delivering a rocking 'Deal'.  Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale, NY 1/11/79 - Thursday<b

Happy New Year!  To celebrate the New Year (hopefully a better one for everyone) and the fact that today is New Years' Eve, I decided to bring you an entire New Year's Eve performance.. this one from New Years' 1977...  While the New Year's shows were often not as magical as some of the prior performances of the run, I do think this one stands up and hope you enjoy it as well..  Over two and half-hours of Live Dead...  Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 12/31/77 - Saturday      One      The Music Never Stopped [7:36]   Tennessee Jed [8:47]   Funiculi Funicula [1:44]   Me And My Uncle [3:04]   Loser [8:12]   Jack Straw [5:32]   Friend Of The Devil [6:17#]   Lazy Lightnin' [3:33] > Supplication [5:11] Two      Sugar Magnolia [11:19] > Scarlet Begonias [9:09] > Fire On The Mountain [7:14]   Truckin' [18:25] > W

Merry Christmas!  On this Christmas Eve edition of the Deadpod we get to listen to the second set of this fine performance from December 27, 1970 in El Monte California.  The tape begins with an abbreviated 'Good Lovin' - while I wish we had all of this song, what we have is really good. Pigpen follows with 'In the Midnight Hour' and boy its clear in these two songs what he means to the band. Fine versions of 'Attics' and 'Bobby McGee' follows, then the Chuck Berry 'Around and Around'. The jamming in the following 'St. Stephen>Not Fade Away>Goin' Down the Road>Lovelight' show us the power of this young band. We hear the start of 'Uncle John's Band' but the jig is up and the show has to end...     Grateful Dead Legion Stadium El Monte, CA 12/27/70 - Sunday Two - 1:13:48     Good Lovin' [#9:20] [0:18]   In The Midnight Hour [7:55] [0:26]   Attics Of My Life [6:47] [1:00]   Me And Bobby McG

This week we go back to some good ol' Grateful Dead from December 1970. The boys are young and full of spunk on this one as they run through some of their early numbers. Pigpen is in fine form here and the 'Hard to Handle' is classic. The 'Deep Elem' has a unique and very pleasant arrangement to my ears. 'Cumberland Blues' showcases Phil's talents as always and a great China>Rider could be the highlight of the set. For a tape from 1970 this one sounds really good, I hope you enjoy it!    Grateful Dead Legion Stadium El Monte, CA 12/27/70 - Sunday     One - 1:15:14 Tuning [0:24] Truckin' [8:30][0:24] Mama Tried [2:44][0:59] Hard To Handle [8:44][0:28] Deep Elem Blues [7:21][0:24] Sugar Magnolia [5:21][0:27] Brokedown Palace [6:04][0:33] Cumberland Blues [5:10][0:07]%[0:07] It Hurts Me Too [5:10#][0:06] Me And My Uncle [3:11][0:51] China Cat Sunflower [3:20] > J

This week we continue with the second set from the band's performance at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach California on December 13th 1980.  The set starts with a wonderful Scarlet>Fire. In particular I love the transition here, unique and rhythmic to a high degree, flows into a an excellent Fire, nice Brent highlights.  Jerry has some wonderful solos in the coda here which results in prolonged applause following the conclusion. The pre-drums portion continues with an uptempo 'Playin' In The Band'. This slows into a nice dreamy jam leading into a most excellent Drums and Space made special with the addition of Airto Moriera and Flora Purim during the long drum segment. Space leads into a notable and unique 'Not Fade Away' - I dig it.  In the ballad slot Jerry gives us a soulful 'Black Peter', before the band takes us out with 'Sugar Magnolia' and of course, given the day, a 'One More Saturday Night' encore.      Grateful Dead Long Beach Are

This week we welcome December with a great show from December 13, 1980 at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach California, just a couple months after last week's acoustic set. This first set is quite good all the way through but starts with an excellent trifecta -' Feel Like a Stranger' into a wonderful 'Sugaree'  then into 'C C Rider' with some great Garcia slide work. Then Jerry slows things down a bit with a soulful 'To Lay Me Down'. A fine version of 'Minglewood' follows with some unusual and impressive guitar work as well as Brent really going off on the B3.  'Ramble on Rose' is always a favorite, then a nice 'Sailor> Saint'. They close the set with a rockin' 'Deal'.      Grateful Dead Long Beach Arena Long Beach, CA 12/13/80 - Saturday      One     Feel Like A Stranger [7:06] > Sugaree [11:28] > C C Rider [8:14] ; To Lay Me Down [9:42] ; New Minglewood Blues [6:39#] ; Ramble On

Happy Thanksgiving!  As always, an acoustic Dead set is on the menu for today, a thank you to all of you for your support of the Deadpod! This lovely recording is from Betty Cantor's reels and is a fine representation of the band's acoustic work during this period. This is from the Warfield in San Francisco on September 27, 1980.  While this recording is missing the 'Dire Wolf' opener that appears on most lists for this show, the remainder of the set is of wonderful quality; with the possible exception of some odd sounds in the Bird Song'. Nevertheless I'm sure that you'll enjoy this one if you're a fan of the acoustic Dead.   Grateful Dead Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 9/27/80 - Saturday One The Race Is On Jack-A-Roe Monkey And The Engineer It Must Have Been The Roses Dark Hollow Bird Song To Lay Me Down On The Road Again Oh Babe It Ain't No Lie > Ripple    <

This week we have a 'rare and different' tune indeed. The second set from the band's performance in Cleveland begins unlike any other in the band's storied history. They come out and drop into a free-form, unique jam that winds it way through any number of modes, but is sure to take you with it if you allow it to. A short 'Drums' kicks in once the jam reaches a high point, but then they return to the jam until eventually moving into a slow but heartfelt 'JackARoe'. A energized 'Playin' In the Band' follows, one that is full of Phil bombs and lots of deep jazzy modes which reminds the listener of a version from 1972. They move into a funky and fun 'Shakedown Street' then drop into the third and final performance of 'If I Had The World To Give'. Here Garcia is intimate and heartfelt, and one wishes we could have had this tune more often in their rotation. They slowly  move back into the 'Playin' reprise, building up the energy until they slide into the set closing 'Around and Around'.

From a show I was lucky enough to see, in a beautiful venue, this week's Deadpod takes us to Cleveland for a show back on November 20, 1978 at the Cleveland Music Hall.  This is a very interesting and well played show. The second set, which we will hear next week, is most unique, but this first set is certainly worth hearing, despite some obvious flaws in the recording.  The opening Mississippi Half-Step into a fine Franklin's Tower clocks in at over 20 minutes, and features some fine jamming by Garcia. I'm a fan of the Roses, and while 'Looks Like Rain' suffers from a tape flip, its still nice to hear. An early 'Stagger Lee' follows, then a fine ' Passenger' and a long sweet, 'Peggy O'. The closing 'Lazy Lightnin'>Supplication' is perhaps the highlight of this set; listen for Jerry's great solos here.   Grateful Dead Cleveland Music Hall Cleveland, OH 11/20/78 - Monday     One     Mississippi Half-Step Uptown T

 I think anytime I come across an excellent sounding tape from 1970 it is a real treat. There are so few great tapes from that year and the band is having so much fun that when I do I want to share. So this week here is one from the Fillmore East on November 16, 1970.  There are some anomalies - there is some Elton John music playing through the house PA at one point - don't freak out ! :) I had to leave it in just to keep the atmosphere of the venue and the date.   I love hearing Pigpen here as well as the energy which just explodes through this music.  I hope you dig it too..   Grateful Dead Fillmore East New York, NY 11/16/70 Partial Show Bill Graham intro>Casey Jones                        [05:01] Me and My Uncle                                      [04:37] House P.A. Music: Elton John, //Honky Tonk Women//   [02:49] //Friend of the Devil                                [02:14] Cold Rain and

Happy Halloween Weekend!  I think we have a great Deadpod to share this week with the second set from the show on October 28, 1979 at the Cape Cod Coliseum in South Yarmouth MA.  This one starts with a really great China>Rider, the energy is off the charts and I really love hearing the Phil bombs and the Jerry's fan outs in Rider. This one is bound to bring a smile and make you wish you were shaking your bones! They follow with a most excellent Samson and Delilah (being Sunday:) and only show it down a bit with the Ship of Fools that follows. Neverfear, a massive 'Playin In the Band' follows with plenty of intricate interplay and jamming.  A fairly short drums and space leads into a 'Stella Blue' then they close things out with a 'Sugar Magnolia' followed by a 'US Blues' encore.  Great stuff.. I hope you enjoy it!      Grateful Dead Cape Cod Coliseum South Yarmouth, MA  10/28/79 - Sunday      Two     Chin

When the same show gets requested by two different listeners the same week I pay attention.. and I must say I am quite pleased to be able to present this request on this week's Deadpod.  This comes to us from a show played on Sunday, October 28, 1979 at the Cape Cod Coliseum at South Yarmouth MA. You know the old saying about never missing a Sunday show - well this one certainly proves that old adage! It starts out just nuts with a great Mississippi Half-Step .. which Jerry and the boys jam out for over 13 minutes! That however is just the start as they flow into a amazing Franklin's Tower which runs almost another 18 minutes! Listen to the wonderful and unique interplay between Phil and Jerry here, its really lovely.  The rest of this set is no sleeper either. Even the more pedestrian tunes, like Mama Tried and Mexicali, are played with a real energy and drive. Ramble on Rose is a favorite of mine here, as is the closing, 10 minute 'Music Never Stopped'..   </p

What a great Scarlet>Fire on this week's Deadpod!  This comes to us from the second set of the band's performance at Madison Square Gardin on October 14, 1994.  This opening Scarlet>Fire is clearly the highlight of the show, clocking in at over 30 minutes of intensive, improvisational joy. You probably won't believe that they could hit on all cylinders like this at this point of the band's history but just sit back and enjoy. I am particularly impressed by the pace of the arrangement and how they don't take a breath through this.. amazing. You can hear some of the loud, standing ovation the crowd sent back after the end of Fire.. The rest of the set for the most part is no slouch either. I enjoyed Bobby's 'Look Like Rain' and while 'Samba' is one I'd rather skip, I am happy to include 'Corrina' which features a nice jam into Drums and Space. 'Attics' always provides an emotional hit, and while we can hear how far Jerry has aged here and in the 'Liberty' encore, I feel

This week I decided to venture where I seldom go - with a show from the fall of 1994. While this first set is quite short, I believe as a whole this is perhaps one of the band's best from this period.  This first starts with a very nice 'Jack Straw' and the 'West LA Fadeaway' that follows is also quite good. I'm a sucker for these 'Lazy River Road' versions, even when Jerry flubs them a bit. Bob follows that with an accoustic version of 'El Paso', which he did quite often on this tour.  'Ramble on Rose' is always a big hit in the Garden, and they close this short set with Phil 'singing' 'Box of Rain'.    Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York , NY 10/14/94 - Friday      One      Jack Straw [5:44]    West L.A. Fadeaway [7:15]    Queen Jane Approximately [5:21]    Lazy River Road [5:42]    El Paso  [5:34]    Ramble On Rose [7:44] Box Of Rain [4:55]   You can listen

This week we return to Munich for a second set that is ferocious from start to finish. 'Bertha' leads this one off and goes into a truly rockin' 'Samson and Delilah' that really roars. Jerry slows things down a touch with 'Ship of Fools', but they go into a nice extended jam in the 'Estimated Prophet' that follows. That one builds again to a gale force as they go into 'Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad'. I'm also fond of the jam in 'Space' and how Weir leads them into 'Not Fade Away'.  'Stella Blue' is as usual quite a pleasure to hear, and the closing 'rockers' that follow are still hot, if just a touch ragged on the transition into 'Good Lovin' All in all a classic very high energy Dead set.     Grateful Dead Olympia Halle Munich, West Germany 10/12/81 - Monday Two     Bertha [7:07] > Samson And Delilah [7:31] ; Ship Of Fools [8:37] ; Estimated Prophet [16:08] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad

This week we stay on the Continent for a show that took place on October 12, 1981 at the Olympia Halle in Munich, West Germany during the band's Fall European Tour. For the most part this is quite an excellent recording, although it does have a couple patches..  They come out firing on an up-tempo 'Jack Straw', then Garcia delivers a more laid back selection with a pretty 'Candyman'. The 'Little Red Rooster' that follows is one of my favorite versions of this tune they delivered - check it out! Brent is all over these songs, if you are a fan you're going to enjoy this set. Some other highlights include an insane 'Passenger' and the set closing 'China>Rider' .. don't miss this one.      Grateful Dead Olympia Halle Munich, West Germany 10/12/81 - Monday One     Jack Straw [6:02] ; Candyman [6:33] > Little Red Rooster [8:21] ; Cumberland Blues [5:17] ; Beat It On Down The Line [2:57] ;<br /

This week's Deadpod features the fine recording of the second set of the band's performance on September 20, 1974 in Paris France.  This one is pretty sweet all the way through, starting with 'China Cat>I Know You Rider'. The 'Big River' that follows is nicely up tempo. Another highlight for me is the 'Brokedown Palace' which is placed right in the center of the set and features some great closing vocals. 'Truckin' is the most exploratory moment of the set, with Billy alternating with Phil and Jerry, to get out to some deep space, before returning back to Earth as they enter in a somewhat shorter 'Eyes of the World'. Straight ahead rocking Dead closes the set which I hope you'll find as enjoyable as I did.   Grateful Dead Palais des Sports Paris, France 9/20/74 - Friday     Two     China Cat Sunflower [9:42] > I Know You Rider [5:01] ; Big River [5:10] ; Brown Eyed Women ; Greatest Story Ever Told [4:

This week's Deadpod features a wonderful recording of the band's performance in Paris France on September 20, 1974. This is a splendid recording, and a very interesting performance. The band opens with a spirited 'Cumberland Blues' followed by a nice 'Jack Straw'. The first-set 'Scarlet Begonias' features some very nice Phil leads. Bobby's vocals are top-notch on the 'Black Throated Wind' that follows. The 'Friend of the Devil' that is performed afterwards, is one of the last 'fast' versions the band played. We get to hear a full 'Weather Report Suite' highlighted by some nice keyboard work by Keith. Jerry follows with a soulful 'Stella Blue'. The 'Around and Around that closes the set has a unique feel to it..    Grateful Dead Palais des Sports Paris, France 9/20/74 - Friday     One     Cumberland Blues [5:45]   Jack Straw [5:10]   It Must Have Been The Roses [5:26]   Beat It On Down The Line [3:15]   Scarl

We have a great second set for your Labor Day weekend enjoyment! This one is from the Greek Theater on August 19, 1989. This one certainly goes against the old thought that the band didn't really jam it out at the Greek.. We start with a fine 'China>Rider'.. the transition really catches fire! A wonderful opener, which then leads right into 'Playin' In the Band'.. the jamming here into a long, pretty, 'Uncle John's' is quite exploratory.  Always a delight, this version of 'Uncle John's' is pretty straight-ahead but nicely paced and sung. The transition into Drums>Space is quite well done. Space is quite exploratory and the accounts which I read say that Candace's lights and effects sync'd quite well to create the spaceship effect :)  The transition into a smoking 'Other One' is on point, including a great Phil bomb. Healy does his effects on Weir's voice but they mostly work here. This is a great Other One! It leads to an explosive finish!  In the ballad slot, Jerry br

This week I came across a fun show from August 19, 1989 at the Greek Theater in Berkeley California. The opener is so much fun -when you listen you just know you're in for a treat. A great 'Jack Straw' follows, played just at the right tempo :)  Brent follows with 'We Can Run' - and its hard not to reflect on how little has changed.. 'Tennessee Jed' is always a good time, and Jerry really rips it up. Bobby belts out 'It's All Over Now' and then a great version of 'Loser' follows. I enjoy Weir's reading of Dylan next, and they end the set with a crowd favorite as Phil, breaks out 'Box of Rain'.    Grateful Dead Greek Theatre - University of California Berkeley, CA 8/19/89 - Saturday     One     Let the Good Times Roll [3:48] ; Jack Straw [4:59] ; We Can Run [5:09] ; Tennessee Jed [7:46] ; It's All Over Now [7:19] ; Loser [7:13] % Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again [8

This week's second set from Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City NJ, is one of the best of that year, in my opinion. It starts out with a smokin' Help>Slip>Frank, the Slipknot here is particularly great. A wonderful summertime 'Dancing In the Street' follows, then 'The Wheel', and 'Samson'.. again Phil is way up in the mix and I only wish I could hear him so well more often.. 'Roses' follows, with the '76 tempo.. personally I wish Donna was a bit farther up in the mix here.  The rest of the set is classic Dead, starting off with a rockin' 'Not Fade Away' into Drums, then a wonderful, exploratory jam leading into the 'Other One'. This one knocks my socks off. Ship of Fools and Sugar Mag close the set with a Johnny B. Goode encore.        Grateful Dead Roosevelt Stadium Jersey City, NJ 8/4/76 - Wednesday Two     Help On The Way [6:20] > Slipknot! [10:21] > Franklin's Tower [11:57] > Dancing In The S

This week the Deadpod stays right in Jersey City, for this wonderful show from August of 1976. This show too, took place at Roosevelt Stadium on August 4, 1976.  We start out with a long, dreamy 'Sugaree' - clocking in at over 14 minutes. Jerry is in good voice at this show, and you will notice that Phil is quite up front in this recording as well. These songs are all played at the slower pace characteristic of 1976, but I find the recording as well as the ensemble work quite pleasing.  Other highlights for me include a lovely 'Row Jimmy' and a sweet 'Looks like Rain', Donna's voice here is quite lovely and compliments Bobby so well. 'Loser' is a personal favorite, always.  A rockin' 'Music Never Stops' is followed by a great version of 'Scarlet Begonias'. This version, not yet coupled with 'Fire on the Mountain', displays some unique twists in this almost 15 minute version.   Grateful Dead Roosevelt Stadium Jersey City, NJ 8/4/76 - Wednesday<

I can think of no better way to celebrate the 'Days Between' than with this fabulous second set from Jerry's Birthday show on August 1, 1973 from Jersey City, New Jersey.  All around excellence here. Just when you're settling in they give you a Dark Star for the ages - including probably the first 'mind left body jams'. They come up for air with 'El Paso' then deliver one of the all-time great 'Eyes of the World'. As if that is not enough, Jerry delivers a fabulous, emotional 'Morning Dew'..  Sugar Magnolia follows, and then a wonderful double encore - 'Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad' into 'One More Saturday Night'   Happy Birthday Jerry indeed!    Grateful Dead Roosevelt Stadium Jersey City, NJ 8/1/73 - Wednesday Two     [1:29:37] ; Around And Around [5:14] ; Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [8:48] ; Me And My Uncle [3:02] ; Row Jimmy [8:42] ; Dark Star [25:34] > El Paso [4:

While Jerry's birthday is not until Sunday, I felt that there could be no better way to start off the 'Days Between' than with this humdinger of a show from August 1st, 1973. I realize this is only days after last week's Deadpod fom Watkins Glen, but, hey its one of the few, and probably the greatest of Jerry's Birthday show with the band. Now this version of the events is captured on what I feel is an excellent audience recording. The existing soundboard, especially for this first set, is fairly degraded and I think this audience recording is quite good - I hope you agree.  I'm a fan of the 'Sugaree' here, as well as Donna's  'You Ain't Woman Enough' which is a crowd pleaser. The 'Bird Song' that follows is excellent and features two nice jams. The rest of the set is quite well played, with the set ending with an unusually fine 'Casey Jones'.  Next week I'll play set 2 - which will include a beautiful soundboard capture of a wonderful Dark Star.   Gratef

I originally thought I would play Brent Mydland's last show with the band - 7/23/1990 - but at the last moment decided I would bring you something much happier - the famous soundcheck from the Watkins Glen festival that took place on July 27, 1973.  Long a favorite among Deadheads, you've likely heard this before - but this is one of those performances that deserve to be listened to again from time to time - like using that good china that is collecting dust in the cabinet. This is a fine recording of the complete soundcheck - including Bill Graham's introduction - that captures what made this band so exciting during this peak period of their evolution.  Only a few words are needed here as this will speak for itself.. listen to how animated Phil is right out of the gate - he drives that Promised Land and continues throughout! Bird Song has some wonderful moments where the band starts to take off into uncharted territory - a harbinger of things to come.  Of cours

Hey Now! what a great second set this week as we explore the rest of the band's performance on September 26, 1972 at teh Stanley Theater in Jersey City, New Jersey.  Right out of the gate we get a wonderful psychedelic ride with a 20 minute 'Playin In The Band'. Phil is all over this. They follow up with the very last performance of 'You Win Again'. 'El Paso' follows but things get sharp again with Half Step and Greatest Story Ever Told (albeit with a Donna wail). 'Tomorrow Is Forever' is the 2nd of 10 played in 72. Truckin' follows and turns into a monster jam with the Other One jam coming in around the 21 minute mark. This leads to the last 'Baby Blue' until 1974. The encore following the 'Sugar Mag', features a short but unique '26 Miles' tuning before 'Johnny B Goode' sends everyone home..     Grateful Dead Stanley Theater Jersey City, NJ 9/26/72 - Tuesday Two     Playing In The Band [21:15] ; Y

A great show from a great run is showcased in this week's Deadpod. This is from September 26, 1972 at the Stanley Theater in Jersey City, New Jersey. The first show of a three night run, this features some great guitar work by Garcia throughout, even here in the first set. A fine 'Cold Rain and Snow' might be overlooked by the early 'He's Gone', but there is so much great music here. I love the 'Bird Song' and the 'Sugaree'. The band is loose throughout and I'm certain you'll enjoy this classic performance.  Thanks to Steve for this suggestion and a Happy Birthday to him!  Grateful Dead Stanley Theatre Jersey City, NJ 9/26/72 - Tuesday One       The Promised Land [3:01] ; Cold Rain And Snow [5:18] ; Me And My Uncle [2:54] ; He's Gone [14:32] ; Mexicali Blues [3:23] ; Deal [4:30] ; Cumberland Blues [5:55] ; Black Throated Wind [6:40] ; Bird Song [11:05] ; Big River [4:20] ;<

Happy 4th of July!  This week we present the second set of the band's performance from Anchorage Alaska on the summer solstice, June 21, 1980.  This is a fine setlist, and most of the songs are quite well-played. I think 'Big Railroad Blues' is a great opener, and the Samson and Delilah' that follows is quite swell. The pre-drums 'Terrapin' has a wonderful segue into the jammin' 'Playin' in the Band'.  Post-drums suffers a bit, but 'Stella Blue' is always a pleasure, and the band gave the fans in the Last Frontier, a nice double encore, with the obligatory 'One More Saturday Night' followed by a somewhat rate for the time period, 'Brokedown Palace'.      Grateful Dead West High Auditorium Anchorage, AK 6/21/80 - Saturday Two     Big Railroad Blues [4:26] ; Samson And Delilah [7:43] ; Terrapin Station [11:59] > Playing In The Band [13:45] > Drums [7:#34] > Space [4:52] ><br /

A summer solstice show to celebrate the arrival of summer, this comes to us from the band's only trip to Alaska back on June 21, 1980. This first set opens with a strong 'Sugaree', and Jerry continues to light it up on the Minglewood that follows. In fact most of these first set songs are quite strong and fast paced, I'd particularly call your attention to the 'Lazy Lightni'>Supplication', Brent's work on 'Far From Me' and the closing 'Feel Like a Stranger' all of which really work well.  1980 was a very good year, in my opinion, and while this may not be one of the very best shows of the year, it is a pleasure to listen to and I hope you enjoy it.. We'll have the second set next week.    Grateful Dead West High Auditorium Anchorage, AK 6/21/80 - Saturday One Sugaree> New Minglewood Blues Candyman Me and My Uncle Big River Loser Lazy Lightnin'> Supplication Far From Me Ra

This week we present the second set from the band's historic run at RFK Stadiuim in Washington D. C. the weekend of June 9, 1973.  This is a fine, long, wall-of-sound, show and it's no wonder that it ranked highly in Dick Latvala's estimation (https://gdsets.com/latvala/1973_06_09.jpg).  While there is some confusion over the exact start of this setlist, I'm choosing to include the Greatest Story Ever Told as the opener. The band then moves into an excellent China>Rider, although some have thought that Jerry was a bit too 'relaxed' in singing the 'wish I was a headlight' line. The 'He's Gone' that follows is slow and soulful, but the pace picks up in the 'Truckin' that follows. If you listen to the transition into the excellent 'Playin' In the Band' that follows you'll hear a nod to 'Here Comes Sunshine' .. while there is no drums/space in t

This week we bring you a fine recording of an often overlooked gem from the Summer of 1973. This comes to us from RFK Stadium in Washington DC on Saturday, June 9, 1973. This date is often overlooked in favor of the next day (which we played back in '08). On both dates, the band shared the bill with the Allman Brothers. On this very hot day, the Dead opened, and played two excellent sets.  The first set, which we'll hear this week, while not featuring any extended jams, nevertheless delivers some fantastic versions of many of their favorites. As with most shows from '73 there are too many treats to mention here, however I would advise you to listen in particular to the 'Loose Lucy'. With a flub on the last verse, Garcia leads the boys on an excellent blues flavored jam, which for me is the highlight  of the set. Phil delivers a wonderful vocal performance on 'Box of Rain' as well.   Grateful Dead RFK Stadium Washington, DC 6/9/73 - Saturday  <

Here is the second set of the band's performance at the 'In Concert Against AIDS' event that took place on May 27, 1989 at Oakland California.  Clarence Clemmons sits in on the first four songs of set 2 and the closing Lovelight, and I think to particularly nice effect on the 'Fire On the Mountain' and 'Lovelight'. There are two very nice Brent tunes here - a good version of 'Blow Away' and a sweet 'I Will Take You Home' out of space.  Jerry delivers a perfect version of 'Wharf Rat' out of  'The Other One' and the 'Lovelight' provides a great rocking ending to the set. The pretty 'Brokedown Palace' encore is a nice way to end the set...    Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium Oakland, CA 5/27/89 - Saturday     Two     Hell In A Bucket (1) ; Fire On The Mountain (1) ; Blow Away (1) ; Truckin' (1) ; Drums ; Space ; I Will Take You Home ; The Other One ; Wh

Hey Now! Summer is here and the time is right... :) Anyway I think this is a fun show for this Memorial Day weekend - not a great show, but a fun show.. this is from May 27, 1989 - 'In Concert Against AIDS'. The band appeared with several other groups (most notably perhaps John Fogerty who Bobby and Jerry shared the stage with), and this set features Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band on much of the songs. The first set features some uptempo numbers including an opening 'Touch of Gray' and an excellent 'Iko, Iko' Brent and Phil are front and center here as well, and while Clarence isn't everyone's cup of tea here, I personally enjoy his contributions not only on Iko, but on Bird Song and Promised Land especially..    Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Stadium Oakland, CA 5/27/89 - Saturday     One     Touch Of Grey ; Greatest Story Ever Told ; Althea ; Walkin' Blues ; Iko Iko (1) ; Stuck

This week we continue with the second set of the band's performance from The Ohio State University on September 30, 1976. This features an unusual setlist starting with an unexpected and rather powerful 'Lazy Lightning', and then, after some lyrical stumbles, goes into a heated 'Supplication'. 'It Must Have Been the Roses' starts out somewhat slowly but builds to a very nice finish. An excellent 'Samson and Delilah' follows, with Phil throwing out some snappy bass lines. The band then moves into the jamming portion of the show, with 'Saint Stephen' followed by a neat little jam before heading into a powerful 'Not Fade Away'. Drums moves into a dark murky place before we hear the opening chords of a fine 'Wharf Rat' which follows. They then move into the 'Not Fade Away' reprise, then a short 'Saint Stephen' reprise before closing the set, a bit clumsily, with 'Around and Around'.  The encore however is quite a treat, as they return for a intense and powerful 'Morning Dew'.

I'm going to shuffle the deck a little bit and bring you a real treat, a show from the fall of 1976. This comes to us from September 30, 1976 at Mershon Auditorium at The Ohio State University. This special request from a friend of the Deadpod features a fantastic first set. The opening 'Music Never Stopped' is quite unique - and features some wonderful playing by Garcia in the cresendo leading into a sweet 'Sugaree'.  'Looks Like Rain' has a nice interplay between Bob and Donna, and 'El Paso' has a nice galloping tempo thanks to Phil. The real fireworks come with the fabulous 'Crazy Fingers' that follows.. to me the highlight of the set, although some would argue that the set closing 'Scarlet Begonias' deserves those accolades.. I'll let you decide ;)      Grateful Dead Mershon Auditorium - Ohio State University Columbus, OH 9/30/76 - Thursday One     The Music Never Stopped [5:56] Sugaree [9:44]   New Minglewoo

This week's Deadpod brings us the second set of the band's fine performance at Cal Expo on May 4, 1991. They continue what has been a solid show, opening with the perhaps odd choice of 'Victim or the Crime'. That darkness has to give however as they then move onto a wonderful 'Crazy Fingers' and 'Playin In the Band'. It sounds for a bit at the end of the latter that they will move into Drums, but Jerry and Phil instead turn the sound around to a nice version of  'Uncle John's Band'.  Post-drums features a strong 'Miracle' into a fine version of 'Standing on the Moon'. I find this to be a great version of this powerful tune, as Garcia and company show how they've infused this song with the power and passion that makes it one of the great later day ballads in their repertoire.  Being Saturday, they then close the set with 'One More Saturday Night' and return with a 'Touch' encore.  I think its a fine set and hope you enjoy it as well.  Grateful Dead C

This week on the Deadpod we feature a Kentucky Derby Day performance by the band back in 1991. This was at Cal Expo, in Sacramento California on May 4, 1991.  The band starts out hard and tight with a roaring 'Hell In a Bucket'. They are without Hornsby here, and in some ways sound tighter and more together (although I'm well aware that opinions differ on how Vince sounds here). The 'Sugaree' that follows is very good, with Garcia really ramping it up in the solo.  I think that the version of 'The Race Is On' here is a real winner. 'Row Jimmy' is always fun to hear and they also feature 'New Speedway Boogie' which they broke out during the Spring tour that year.   Grateful Dead Cal Expo Amphitheater Sacramento, CA  5/4/91 - Saturday One     Hell In A Bucket ; Sugaree ; New Minglewood Blues ; Loser ; The Race Is On ; Row Jimmy ; When I Paint My Masterpiece ; New Speedway Boogie ;<br /

This week the Deadpod goes back to the Spring of 1969 for a set the Dead played in Chicago at a place either called 'The Electric Theater' or the 'Kinetic Playground' depending on where you look :)  While this is a short set, the story goes that the Velvet Underground was on the same bill, and played before the Dead. Apparently they played a very long set and the Dead were left with only enough time for a short set. The story goes that the Dead returned the favor the next night...  Their set opens with a rather sloppy 'Hard To Handle' - apparently Jerry was experimenting with using the pedal steel on this one, and it doesn't come off so well. 'Doin' That Rag' follows and has a nice jam in it, but they really get going with the 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl' that follows  - some classic Pigpen here and throughout. An early 'Morning Dew' follows, then, unfortunately, Bobby's Yellow Dog story.  The set closes with two excellent pieces, 'Sitting on Top of the Worl

We have a very fine second set this week from the Grateful Dead's performance at the Hartford Civic Center on April 18, 1982. While the show is known for the famous 'Earthquake Space' that Phil creates following drums, the interplay throughout is wonderful from all the members of the band and this fine recording captures that fun and joy completely. I would draw your attention in particular to the wonderful 'Samson and Delilah' here. Bob and Jerry really spice this one up wonderfully. It's a fine set list in its entirety including a nice 'Playin' In the Band' and 'Eyes of the World', the later a bit faster than its 70s versions but still having the capacity to make our spirts soar.  The post-drums setlist is no snoozer either, with 'The Other One' leading into a fine 'Black Peter'. 'Sugar Mag' leads into a nice 'Playin' reprise, and they end with a spirited 'Sugar Magnolia'. After all this I think they can be excused for the 'Don't Ease' encore ;)      Gr

This week we have the first set of a legendary show from April 18, 1982 in Hartford CT. Those of you familiar with either the history of the Grateful Dead or of San Francisco know that April 18, 1906 was the date of the great San Francisco Earthquake, and this show is famous for its legendary 'Earthquake Space'. Since I prefer presenting complete shows, and since this first set is quite good on its own merits, we'll hear it this week, and the second set, complete with the 'earthquake space' next. This one starts with a rocking 'Bertha' into 'Promised Land'. A pretty 'Friend of the Devil' leads into a rather mellow 'CC Rider'. 'Ramble on Rose' is notable for how great Jerry's voice sounds. After the cowboy polka, 'Althea' is a favorite of mine. 'Big Railroad Blues' has Brent really hitting the mark, I think you'll enjoy it, and the 'Let It Grow' is probably the highlight of this set.   Grateful Dead Hartford Civic Center Hartford, CT 4/18

This week we are fortunate enough to hear the second set of the band's fine performance from March 20, 1977 at the Winterland in San Francisco. A Sunday show, this set starts out appropriately enough with a great 'Samson and Delilah'. A beautiful 'Row Jimmy' follows with very soulful Garcia vocals. The heart of this set comes with the St. Stephen>Other One> Stella Blue combo. Following the excellent St. Stephen, Phil drops into 'The Other One' on a dime. This one contains some great jamming, and in particular the ending where Garcia develops a unique and beautiful transition to the wonderful 'Stella Blue'. They rock it out after that but close with a nice double encore, including the fifth time they play 'Terrapin'..   Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 3/20/77 - Sunday Two Samson And Delilah [8:17] ; Row Jimmy [10:00] ; The Promised Land [4:05] ; Saint Stephen [9:49] > The Other One [14:48]

Spring has sprung a bit earlier than usual here in the north, and it's a perfect time to break out the sweet, silky sounds of the Grateful Dead from 1977.. Here's a beauty from March 20, 1977 at the Winterland in San Francisco.  As usual its marked by the extremely smooth and intricate ensemble playing that characterize the year. The band is clearly paying attention to and responding to each other. I'd argue that every song in this first set has its moments - there's even a fun little Jerry run in El Paso. Deal builds and builds to a rousing climax. Cassidy shows off a beautiful arrangement highlighting every member's contribution to the whole. Peggy-O is slow and sweet, love Keith's piano here and Jerry has some runs I've not heard before.  It seems unfair not to single out each of these songs for their beauty..this is a remarkably nice recording as well,  but I just want to also point to the stand-alone Scarlet Begonias that ends this first set.   Never miss a

This week's Deadpod features an outstanding second set (only) from March 13, 1982 in Reno Nevada.  While I wish there existed a soundboard of the first set to match this exquisite recording I decided there was no reason not to let you enjoy this great set because it didn't exist.  This set starts out with a powerful reading of 'Feel Like a Stranger' into 'Franklin's Tower'. Jerry is all over both of these with some really sparkling runs, and Brent has come into his own by this time as a member of the band and shines throughout. This show took place the night after John Belushi's death, and that might account for the aborted 'He's Gone' that follows 'Estimated', the band instead going into a beautiful 'Eyes of the World'.   Drums and Space are quite good as well, pay particular attention to the jam leading into 'The Other One' where many locate a 'Lucy in the Skies' or 'Dear Prudence' jam..  The mournful 'Black Peter' seems a good fit on this evening befor

A rare but lovely third set is up on this week's Deadpod.. from Winterland in San Francisco, the first show the band played in 1974 on February 22, 1974.  'Hello baby I'm gone goodbye'... as the band opens this set with a beautiful 'Mississippi Half-Step'... love Garcia's silkly guitar on this one.. Bobby revs it up with a smokin' 'Promised Land', nice work by Keith on the piano here. They switch gears completely with a slow, soulful 'Brokedown Palace', but follow up with a great 'Jack Straw'.  The heart of this set follows however with a beautiful 'Eyes', then 'China Doll' and 'Wharf Rat'.. 'Sugar Mag' brings this monster show to a close, but they follow with a 'Uncle John's Band' encore..  Enjoy.   Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 2/22/74 - Friday     Three     Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [7:50] ; The Promised Land [3:37] ; Brokedown Palace [5:28] ; Jack Straw [4:10#] ; Eye

Here's a fine set of music for your Friday courtesy of the Grateful Dead back on February 22, 1974.We continue from last week with the second of three sets that the band favored us with to begin their quintessential 1974 tour. A fine recording here captures the nuances of Keith on Piano and of course the rest of the band's interplay which is especially notable on the wild 'Truckin' and the jams that follow. 'The Race is On' is a perfect way to bring in Spring, and don't overlook the 'China>Rider'; of course you're familiar with it, but this is a most excellent version.      Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 2/22/74 - Friday     Two     Tennessee Jed [7:49] ; Me And My Uncle [2:58] ; Ship Of Fools [5:31] ; The Race Is On [3:03] ; China Cat Sunflower [8:51] > I Know You Rider [5:26] ; Truckin' [7:47] > Nobody's Fault But Mine [3:07] > Jam [2:29] > Goin' Down The Roa

  The Dead opened up 1974 with this week's show from Winterland on February 22, 1974. They picked up where they left off in 1973 with a long smoker of a show - we'll hear set 1 this week and set 2 next week. Notable moments include a 22 beat start to 'Beat It On Down The Line', some great Keith throughout, a lovely 'It Must Have Been The Roses', the elusive 'Loose Lucy' and to top everything off, a very long and spacy 'Playin' In the Band' which closes the set and is punctuated with Garcia teasing the 'Slipknot!' jam in several spots.      Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 2/22/74 - Friday     One   U.S. Blues [5:27] ; Beat It On Down The Line [3:22] ; Brown Eyed Women [4:52] ; Mexicali Blues [3:36] ; It Must Have Been The Roses [4:43] ; Black Throated Wind [6:53] ; They Love Each Other [5:39] ; Big River [5:08] ; Loose Lucy [6:35] ; El Paso [4:33] ;<

This week we do a little carryover from Fat Tuesday with this Mardi Gras set from February 7, 1989 at the Kaiser in Oakland California.  The set starts with the sounds of the Mardi Gras parade, backed of course by Mickey and Billy on drums. The band starts with a rather unique introduction to Iko, Iko, but its certainly a good choice for the date. The 'Victim' that follows starts as a total train wreck, but does settle down into a trancelike beat. Brent's 'We Can Run' follows, with its warning that seems as ominous as ever. A nice 'Uncle John's Band' takes us into drums. A nice 'Wheel' flows out of Space, and the post-drums highlight to my ears is a fine version of 'Foolish Heart'. 'Good Lovin' closes the set, but Jerry gives us a nice 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door' to end the evening and this fine recording.   Grateful Dead February 7, 1989 - Tuesday Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center - Oakland, CA Two     Iko Iko ; Victi

Seeing as how Fat Tuesday is coming right up... I decided to feature a Dead show that took place on Fat Tuesday back in 1989.. This one from Oakland on 2/7/1989.  This is a fairly newly released UltraMatrix recording, and I think it sounds great. The first set which we present this week, features two very new (at the time) numbers - the first performance of 'Just a Little Light' and the second, of 'Standing on the Moon'. Naturally these sound different than what they would become, but I love hearing them when they are shinny and new ;)  Bobby does an excellent job on the the Dylan tune and I think Jerry is nailing it throughout.  Next week we'll hear the second set, complete with sounds from the Mardi Gras parade.   Grateful Dead February 7, 1989 - Tuesday Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center - Oakland, CA Set 1: Tuning Hey Pocky Way Jack Straw > Loser Walkin' Blues Just A Little Light ><br

Hey Now! It was such a cold and snowy day I almost didn't get this one ready but never fear.. we have a great set this week featuring some wonderful Pigpen and early, high-energy Grateful Dead.  As promised we have the remainder of the show from January 24, 1971 at the Seattle Center in Seattle Washington.  It starts with Bobby saying they were 'running short on time' and then they proceed to play another 35 minutes or so of high voltage jammin' Dead music. Pig is in prime form on Lovelight which goes into Not Fade Away, then into Goin' Down the Road before returning into Lovelight.. Following a frantic drums, the band closes with another high-energy, Good Lovin'.    Grateful Dead Seattle Center Arena Seattle, WA 1/24/71 - Sunday Two     Turn On Your Love Light > Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Turn On Your Love Light > Drums > Good Lovin'  You can listen to this week's

I guess I just can't get enough of that good stuff.. .. :) but at any rate this week I've decided to bring you a rather rare treat. Back in 1971, the band finished a short, 3 show swing in the Northwest with this blistering performance in a small venue in Seattle on a Sunday night. This took place on January 24, 1971. This one is sparkin' from beginning to end, but I've split it up so we will hear part 1 this week and part 2 next week. It starts appropriately, with Truckin', then a wonderful China>Rider, which includes an incredible transition between the two. Pigpen follows with  the old blues standard - 'It Hurts Me Too'. A blistering Cumberland Blues follows, then a better than average 'Casey Jones' - Pig has some nice organ work here!  Sugar Mag closes set one in fine fashion and I can only imagine that everyone was dancing now! I've included the great Pigpen version of  'Hard to Handle' which opened set 2, and gives you a hint of things to come next week.     

 It's a new year but I've decided to go *way* back for some primal Dead on this week's Deadpod.  This comes to us from January 17th, 1968 at the Carousel Ballroom in San Francisco. What a treasure of early/classic tunes we have here! Now I'll admit, the sound is sometimes muddy and the vocals are at times less than clear.. however give the age and provinance of this recording I thought it very worth listening to and hope you enjoy it as well.  Some of the highlights of course are Pigpen on the Lovelight, and check out the fast pacing throughout. Jerry sounds so different on China Cat! I always love hearing the old 'New Potato Caboose' and 'Born Cross-eyed', but what is probably the highlight is the great almost 16 minute 'Spanish Jam'.  The sound is psychedelic throughout, and if you can overlook the flaws I think you will enjoy this return to some of the roots of our favorite band!    Grateful Dead Carousel Ballroom San Francisco, CA 1

This week we wind up our 'holiday' series of Deadpods with the fabulous third set from the band's New Year's Eve performance in Oakland on December 31st, 1982. This third set features guest  appearances with Etta James and the Tower of Power horns. The band clearly has a blast here, and despite it being the third set play with a great deal of passion and energy.. Phil opens with that familiar bass line from 'Lovelight' and Bobby leads them into it. After a couple of verses and a quite interesting solo from Garcia, Bobby introduces Etta James who takes command of the song, and indeed most of the set! This is a great blues set with 'Tell Mama' coming next. They slow things down with a funky 'Baby What You Want Me To Do' but then the spirit of Pigpen returns with a fine 'Hard to Handle' - Etta is really digging Garcia's work here as you'll hear. They close with a fine 'Midnight Hour' to wind down the set.  The boys come back, by themselves to deliver a sweet 'Brokedown Palace' e

 Hello Friends!  Hope this week's Deadpod provides a bit of a respite from the storms swirling around our heads... this week we get to hear the second set from the band's New Year Eve performance on December 31, 1982.  NYE is of course the one time of the year when everyone knew what was going to open the second set - and while you'll hear some decidedly 'un-grateful dead' like sound effects at the opening, Sugar Magnolia eventually comes through like ringing a bell, and the band, and Bobby, do an excellent job of celebrating the entrance of a new year. Jerry then goes into a fine 'Sugaree' in noticeably better voice :) 'Man Smart (Woman Smarter) comes next with a nice long guitar intro. Everyone offers some fine contributions here. This ends suddenly, but Jerry brings out 'Ship of Fools' and delivers it quite soulfully. After some searching, the band goes into 'Playin' then drifts into drums and sp;ace. Eventually they launch 'Not Fade Away' with a powerful Brent intr

 Happy New Year!  From a request from a longtime frirend of the Deadpod - I've decided to celebrate the end of 2020 with this fun and raucous show from NYE 1982. I'll present this one over the next couple weeks and hope can feel and enjoy the fun that the band and everyone in attendance had on this special night 39 years ago.  The first set which we'll hear this week is a bit short, but still well played and tight. Garcia's voice is a bit creaky but he makes up for it with some very nice work on the guitar. A long 'C.C. Rider' has Mathew Kelly sitting in, but I believe Brent adds much to this one (and throughout the set). 'Cumberland Blues' is for me the highlight here as Jerry really brings some nice licks. Brent delivers a short but nice 'Far From Me', Weir is forceful as usual on 'Cassidy' and a bit screechy at times on 'Looks Like Rain' but these are fine versions. 'Ramble On Rose' always brings a smile, and a 'Day Job' to end the year seems quite appropriate.

 Merry Christmas!  I hope that this edition of the Deadpod finds you safe and warm with those you love. I hope the music brings a smile and a memory of happier times and places.. It is my reward to think that it makes someone a little happier..    this week the second set form the Fabulous Fox in St. Louis Missouri on December 12, 1971.  This one starts with a fabulous Pigpen 'Good Lovin', followed by a sweet 'Brokedown Palace'. It includes, just for Christmas, a fun 'Run Rudolph Run', and a beautiful 'Comes a Time'. The most interesting segment is probably post-drums, when we get a unique 'Other One>Sitting On Top of the World>Other One'.  I hope you enjoy the music.    Grateful Dead Fox Theatre St. Louis, MO 12/10/71 - Friday Two     Good Lovin' [18:50] ; Brokedown Palace [5:28] ; Playing In The Band [6:30] ; Run Rudolph Run [3:10] ; Deal [5:20] ; Sugar Magnolia [7:21] ; Co

 For your Christmas week enjoyment.. a stunner from very late Fall, 1971..  Pig and Keith were both in fine form on this night at the Fabulous Fox.. This first set is a fine, uptempo collection highlighted, I think with the two Pig tunes, 'Mr. Charlie' and 'Next Time You See Me', as well as a great 'Loser' and 'Jack Straw'. Jerry kind of misses some of the lyrics on 'Tennesee Jed' but makes up for that with some great guitar work on that one.  I'll present the second set for your enjoyment Christmas morning..      Grateful Dead Fox Theatre St. Louis, MO 12/10/71 - Friday One      Bertha [5:52] ; Me And My Uncle [3:01] ; Mr. Charlie [3:46] ; Loser [6:30] ; Beat It On Down The Line [3:04] ; Sugaree [7:16] ; Jack Straw [4:54] ; Next Time You See Me [4:06] ; Tennessee Jed [7:08] ; El Paso [4:21] ; Big Railroad Blues [3:46] ; Casey Jones [5:33]    You

This week we go back 30 years to the band's second set at McNichols Arena in Denver Colorado on December 13, 1990.  I'm always a fan of a Help>Slip>Frank opener and here it heralds a fine show. A latter day 'Saint of Circumstance' is followed by a nice 'Eyes of the World' which opens up nicely towards the end as it goes into Drums and Space. The highlight of the set is the fine 'Other One' that comes post-drums and leads into 'Morning Dew'.  Phil steps in after that with a great 'Box of Rain' to close the set, and the boys return for a 'US Blues' encore.   Grateful Dead McNichols Arena Denver, CO 12/13/90 - Thursday Two      Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower ; Saint Of Circumstance ; Eyes Of The World > Drums > Space > The Other One > Morning Dew ; Box Of Rain Encore     U.S. Blues   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href="https://w

 We roll into December with a show from late fall 1990 - this one from McNichols Arena in Denver Colorado on December 13th, 1990.  This is a fine, energetic show, and starts off with a very uptempo Jack Straw into Sugaree. 'Wang Dang Doodle' follows to get everyone dancin', then Jer slows it down a touch with 'Friend of the Devil'.  Uncle>Big River contain some tasty Garcia tones, and I think the 'Ramble on Rose' that follows is appreciable different without Brent's touch, but still tight. Bobby brings out the 'Memphis Blues Again' and the boys end the set with their penultimate performance of Hornsby's 'Valley Road'.   Grateful Dead McNichols Arena Denver, CO 12/13/90 - Thursday One     Jack Straw > Sugaree ; Wang Dang Doodle ; Friend Of The Devil ; Me And My Uncle > Big River ; Ramble On Rose ; Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again ; Valley Road  You can listen

Happy Thanksgiving!  As is our tradition, I present an acoustic Dead show for your pleasure this Thanksgiving morning. While it is becoming difficult to find an acoustic set (in good quality) that  I haven't presented before, this is a wonderful recording and while the songs will be familiar to you they are still a joy to listen to, I think.    Grateful Dead Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 10/13/80 - Monday     One     On The Road Again [2:52] ; Bird Song [7:21] ; El Paso [3:57] ; To Lay Me Down [7:53] ; Heaven Help The Fool [5:42] ; Jack-A-Roe [3:50] ; The Race Is On [2:43] ; Deep Elem Blues [4:03] ; Ripple [3:24]  You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod112620.mp3   Allow me to gi

Two factors influnced this week's Deadpod; first a request for more 1969 Dead from a friend of the 'pod, and secondly my desire to find a one-set tape that wouldn't run over into next week's Thanksgiving podcast. The result, I think, is this outstanding recording from October 25, 1969 at Winterland.  Sure, its only four songs... but what songs these are.. I know I played a 'Dark Star' last week but I'm confident you'll forgive me when you hear this rendition, complete with the very first 'feeling groovy' jam.. The 'Lovelight' is totallly unique as well, with Steven Stills sitting in on guitar and vocals. Man I wish we had the rest of this night!  Hope you enjoy it, and be sure and check on Thanksgiving morning  for the annual Thanksgiving day Deadpod...  Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 10/25/69 - Saturday One Dark Star [21:42] > Saint Stephen [6:00] > The Eleven [9:26#] > Turn On Your Love Light [

 Here is an appropriate Dead show for Friday the 13th! This is the second set from the band's performance at the Hofheinz Pavilion at the University of Houston on November 19th, 1972. A fine second set and while the tape has a few imperfections (the quality of the Sugar Mag>GDTRFB is degraded sadly)  I think overall it is certainly worth your time..  Why do I say its appropriate for a Friday the 13th? Take a good *long* listen to this Dark Star.. :)  I'm going to leave the music speak for itself this week but I do hope you'll enjoy this fine 90 plus minutes of 1972 Grateful Dead.   Grateful Dead Hofheinz Pavilion - University of Houston Houston, TX 11/19/72 - Sunday     Two - [1:36:00]  ; The Promised Land [2:52] ; Ramble On Rose [6:08] ; El Paso [4:05] ; Stella Blue [7:13] ; Jack Straw [4:39] ; Dark Star [30:53] > Weather Report Suite Prelude > Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [8:05]

 Long considered a classic show, I decided to start off our November here on the Deadpod with this gem from 1972.. from November 19th in Houston Texas. While this tape does have some faults I think overall it is well worth a listen.. The band was originally scheduled to play this show with the Allman Brothers, but the tragic death of bassist Barry Oakley the prior week left them to fill the evening alone - and they more than did..  The opening 'Bertha' suffers from poor mixing but that clears up in time.. nice versions of Uncle, Sugaree and BIODTL follow but things heat up with a wonderful 'Bird Song'. A still relatively new 'Black-Throated Wind' is quite entertaining. Another highlight is one of the best versions of both 'Box of Rain' and 'Tomorrow is Forever'.. Of course the 20 minute long 'Playin' In The Band' is a highlight for any of us who enjoy the spaces the band explores..      Grateful Dead Hofheinz Pavilion - University of Houston H

We close out October.. and welcome Halloween :) with a great second set from October 21st, 1971 in Chicago. While this may be Keith Godchaux's second night of his tenure with the band, he sure doesn't sound tentative here - especially on his first 'Dark Star'! This one is made even more unusual when the band goes into 'Sittin' On Top of the World' then back into the Star.. (the first Sittin' since 11/5/70).The 'Brown Eyed Women' is only the 3rd time they've played it, and this is the second time for 'Ramble on Rose'.. The band is clearly stretching out and trying those new tunes that will come to perfection in the great shows of 1972.  An unusual 'St.Stephen' leads into 'Johnny B.Goode' as a double encore - they'd only play Stephen twice more in '71 before putting it on the shelf until its return in 1976.   Grateful Dead Auditorium Theatre Chicago, IL 10/21/71 - Thursday     Two     Casey Jones ; Me And My Uncle [2:48] ; Dark

This week's Deadpod features a show from the Fall tour of 1971.. this one was the 2nd night for Keith Godchaux in the keyboard seat.. and features a whole bunch of songs that were still finding their way in the repertoire.. in fact five songs in this first set are being played for the 2nd time.. the first time being the night before for Tennessee Jed, Jack Straw (with some out of tune guitars :), Mexicali Blues, Comes a Time and One More Saturday Night!  For the most part these sound great.. and Keith really sounds like he's been here for much longer than one night as he sounds great in this set. Pigpen was home sick, but you'll still hear some of that organ that Keith plays at times.  This was the last 'Frozen Logger' although it was so short here it hardly deserves mention..      Grateful Dead Auditorium Theatre Chicago, IL 10/21/71 - Thursday     One Truckin' Loser Beat It On Down The Line Tennessee Jed<

This week we conclude our presentation of the band's performance from October 11, 1980 at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco.  What great days when the band would perform three sets at a show! This is not a throw-away set by any means.. After a rather standard China>Rider things get very interesting 'Let It Grow' leading into Drums and Space, followed by a guest appearance by the late John Cipollina from Quicksilver Messenger Service. Together they do a most interesting post-drums, featuring a dreamy 'Not Fade Away' into 'Wharf Rat' into 'Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad' and 'One More Saturday Night'. The boys return to send off the crowd with a sweet 'Brokedown Palace'.  I do hope you enjoy this fine performance.    Grateful Dead Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 10/11/80 - Saturday Three     China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider ; Let It Grow > Drums > Space > Not Fade Away > Wharf Rat ><b

 Great set this week - the 2nd set from the band's performance at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco on 10/11/80.  Great quality tape - and right off they sound hot .. a wonderful 'Stranger' punctuated with some smoking guitar. Even the Mama Tried>Mexicali has some real smokin' licks. Personally I find the post-Donna 'Passenger' to be one of the best of this period.. really well done. There's nothign shabby here, and the closing Sailor>Saint has some great jamming in it.      Grateful Dead Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 10/11/80 - Saturday Two     Feel Like A Stranger [8:26] ; They Love Each Other [7:07] ; Mama Tried [2:33] > Mexicali Blues [4:16] ; Loser [7:32] ; Passenger [4:44] ; Ramble On Rose [7:14] ; Looks Like Rain [7:21] ; Althea [7:58] ; Lost Sailor [6:32] > Saint Of Circumstance [6:18]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href="h

Here we are in October already?!! What an odd and unhappy year.. well I thought I'd try to brighten things a bit by paying homage to the acoustic sets the band played 40 years ago during the month of October 1980.. This week's Deadpod features one of those, a fine recording of the acoustic set from October 11, 1980 at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco CA.  While there's not a great deal of surprises here, the recording is very nice and warm and the performance is as well. While I often prefer to save these for the holidays, I think this is a good time to break out the fine china, as I sometimes put it.. I hope you enjoy.  Grateful Dead Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 10/11/80 - Saturday One     Dire Wolf [3:13] ; Dark Hollow [3:50] ; Rosalie McFall [2:47] ; Cassidy [5:45] ; Deep Elem Blues [4:53] ; Monkey And The Engineer [2:21] ; China Doll [4:56] ; Heaven Help The Fool [6:15] ; Oh Babe It

 This week the Deadpod presents the second set from the band's performance back on September 23, 1972 at Waterbury CT. Another quite long, very interesting set awaits as the band starts out rockin' with a trifecta of Promised Land>Bertha>Greatest Story to get the place going. After a nice 'Brown-Eyed Women' they break out Chuck Berry's 'Around and Around' for the first time in 105 shows (4/18/71). They follow that breakout with the first rendition of 'It's All Over Now, Baby Blue' in 156 shows (11/8/70). Perhaps the highlight of this follows with the last 'Crytpical Envelopment' performed until June of 1985. A massive 'Other One' flows out of drums and leads into the post-drum segment which would have made a quite respectable second set of its' own. Just listen to the incredible energy on that 'Sugar Magnolia'!     Grateful Dead Palace Theatre Waterbury, CT 9/23/72 - Saturday Two The Promised Land [2:52] > Bertha [5:43] ><br

This week we set the way-back machine to 1972, and travel to Waterbury CT, for a show the band played on September 23, 1972. The first set, which we will hear this week, while fairly standard for the period is still quite long compared to later day Dead sets.  The start off with a still-new 'Big River' and I think this is a fine opener, shame they didn't leave it here more often.. There are a passel of great standards here in the first set, including Sugaree, a speedy 'Friend of the Devil', a very nice 'China>Rider' and a wonderful 'Bird Song' (aren't all '72 Bird Songs' wonderful?).  There is some silly if unintelligible banter  before 'El Paso' and they boys leave us with one very exploratory jam in the set closing 'Playin' in the Band' - listen to how Garcia stretches this one out.      Grateful Dead Palace Theatre Waterbury, CT 9/23/72 - Saturday     posters     tickets, passes & laminates One - 1:36:00     Big River [4:

 Here's a request from a friend of the Deadpod from down under... this comes to us from the beautiful Red Rocks Ampitheater, on September 8, 1983. Now I only have set 2 in a soundboard format so that's all I'll present of this wonderful show, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it.  They come out of the gate with a smokin' Scarlet>Fire, the Scarlet almost has a calypso feel to it to my ears as they start, and Phil is driving that train..  as it progresses Jerry just soars.. this one builds and builds and you don't know how they can stop on a dime like they do and go into that Fire.. then suddenly you're there.. i love Brett on this Fire by the way.. the ensemble is terrific here.  Estimated follows after a full stop here, and makes a fine transition to a delicate Terrapin..  Post-drums begins with an Other One tease, but instead Weir leads the band into an excellent 'Throwin' Stones'. The remainder of this set is very high quality Dead. Don't overlook any of it.   

 Happy Labor Day Weekend!  This week we bring you the second set from the band's performance on August 23, 1987 at the Calavaras County Fairgrounds in Angel's Camp CA.  It's a nice setlist, and opens with a Scarlet>Fire. Playin' in the Band leads into Drums and Space and we get a 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' post drums.. The highlight of this set however is the 'Morning Dew' where you feel like they really woke up and took the plane off the runway..  Always nice to have a double encore, with the 'Brokedown Palace' to send us home..    Grateful Dead Calavaras County Fairgrounds Angel's Camp, CA 8/23/87 - Sunday     Two     Scarlet Begonias [8:01] > Fire On The Mountain [9:22] ; Playing In The Band [8:00] > Drums [7:55] > Space [4:#56] > I Need A Miracle [3:19] > Dear Mr. Fantasy [4:44] > Playing In The Band Reprise [2:24] > Morning Dew [9:40] Encore     Not Fade Away [7:43] >

This week we travel to the home of the celebrated jumping frogs - Calavaras county - to bring you the band's performance from August 23, 1987.  I find this to be quite an enjoyable first set as it features many songs not often broken out, including a set opening 'Box of Rain'. The 'Jack Straw' and 'West LA' are both solid and well played. 'High Time' is really a pleasant surprise but the highlight of the set, when they really let loose, is when Carlos Santana, who opened for them, joins them on stage for 'Iko Iko' and 'All Along the Watchtower'.  You can really feel them open up as Jerry and Carlos trade licks on these two standards. We'll listen to set two next week   Grateful Dead Calavaras County Fairgrounds Angel's Camp, CA 8/23/87 - Sunday     One     Box Of Rain [4:28] ; Jack Straw [5:21] ; West L.A. Fadeaway [6:33] ; Me And My Uncle [2:58] > Mexicali Blues [4:22] ; High Time [7:09] ; Walki

 August flies... and we are favored this week with a second set from August 12, 1972 in Sacramento California. While most of the band's performances are quite good from this time, each are unique and this second set contains some very good and unique moments.  The recording unfortunately has a short cut in the opening of the first selection, 'Greatest Story Ever Told', but it, and the following 'Ramble On Rose, and 'Beat It On Down The Line' are rocking, and this is quite a fine recording in my opinion. Jerry's guitar has that sweet twangy tone that sounds, to me so western.. A nice 'He's Gone' follows, leading into the real meat of this set. Following a sort 'Drums' Phil thunders us into 'The Other One'. While I've long since given up rating these, I think its safe to say this one is a keeper. This one really gets rolling and after some outstanding extraterritorial  exploration leads into an unexpected, but poignant 'Black Peter'. The band returns to 'The Other One' for a sh

 Here's a long and strong first set from that great year in Dead history - 1972. This comes from Sacramento California from August 12, 1972. This is an especially long first set with some nice surprises therein. 'Sugaree' is tinged with some bluesy elements, and I find it quite enjoyable. There's some interesting chatter to the crowd before 'Uncle' :) and the 'Bird Song' that follows is nicely melodic. Another highlight of this set is the 'Playin' In the Band' which has some fine improvisational spaces in it. I do have to warn you that there is a brutal cut in 'El Paso' which then leads into an cut into 'Tennesse Jed'.. I decided to leave what exists here in the interests of completeness. A beautiful 'Stella Blue' makes a first set appearance. 'Big Railroad Blues' and 'Cumberland Blues' are as rockin' as usual. The 'Casey Jones' that ends the set is quite nice as well. Bobby introduces Keith and Donna, (although Keith had been with the band since the Fall of '71

This week we end the 'weekend at the beach' .. and the Days Between... with the second set from the band's performance at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on July 22, 1984.   The boys break out a rockin' Samson and Delilah in honor of the Sunday, then make a sharp turn into 'Ship of Fools'. Following that, Brent breaks out 'I Just Want to Make Love To You' for the first time the band has played it since 1966. The heart of this second set goes to the Terrapin>Drumz>Space>Morning Dew that follows.. strong and out there! A nice Throwing Stones> Not Fade Away follows and the band treats the fans to a double encore of 'In the Midnight Hour' and 'Brokedown Palace'. A nice way to end the Summer Tour of 1984.. I hope you agree.       Grateful Dead Ventura County Fairgrounds Ventura, CA 7/22/84 - Sunday     Two     Samson And Delilah [7:20] ; Ship Of Fools [7:10]

This week we hit the beach for a most excellent time with the band as they play the Sunday show at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura California on July 22, 1984.  This is a fine recording of a very energetic set which I am sure you'll enjoy. We start appropriately enough, with 'Dancin' In the Streets' - a better than average version in my opinion. The boys keep rockin' with 'Bertha'. Weir brings out 'My Brother Esau' - which debuted back in '83 but wouldn't be released until 'In The Dark' in '87. A powerful 'Loser' follows, and its not an exaggeration to claim this is probably the best version of this tune this year, at least. Jerry keeps up the voltage in 'Ramble on Rose', another highlight. Bucket into the infamous 'Keep Your Day Job' follows to close the set.. I must say hearing 'Day Job' again brought a smile to my face.       Grateful Dead Ventura County Fairgrounds Ventura, CA 7/22/84 - Sunday     posters     One    

A great second set from July 18, 1976 from the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco is on the table for this week's Deadpod. You'll have plenty to choose from here, as the boys stretch it out and deliver a smorgasbord of many of their best songs on this two hour marathon. There are too many highlights to mention all of them, but I would call  your attention to the fine 'Lazy Lightning>Supplication>Let It Grow' trifecta that occurs early in the set - Jerry lays down some extremely interesting notes here unlike most renditions of this song. The Wharf Rat starts spacey and lonely - just like it should.. the massive 'Other One>Saint Stephen>Not Fade Away>Saint Stephen' is notable for the slower pace of Stephen - it sounds mighty fine here. We're not done with the Other One though, as it reappears after the Wheel with the third verse. A long and beautiful Stella Blue follows then a great Sugar Magnolia to end the second set (finally!). The band returns, for what else, Johnny B. Goode. <p

Hello Friends! This week we begin listening to the last show of a famous 6 night run at the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco CA, back on July 18, 1976. This was an exceptional run of shows, and this last night was perhaps the topper. It features an exceptional second set, which we'll have the pleasure of hearing next week, but this first set is quite well played as well. The show was originally broadcast on KSAN FM, but this tape's lineage is supposed to be from the soundboard, and I don't detect the usual FM flattening. Nicely stretched out versions of Mississippi Half-Step, Row Jimmy and Scarlet Begonias contain some excellent Garcia work. The set features the return of 'Loser' for the first time in almost 2 years, and closes with a wonderful 'Music Never Stopped'..      Grateful Dead Orpheum Theatre San Francisco, CA  7/18/76 - Sunday     One     Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [9:49] % Cassidy [4:16] %

This week we get a second set that is almost as hot as the weather around here this week - it comes to us from July 1st 1980 in San Diego California.  An excellent China>Rider opens the set and contains some of my favorite jamming of the evening.. the China cat jams from Garcia in particular are noteworthy, as is Brent's contributions.  A rare 2nd set Peggy-O follows CC Rider, then we are treated to an early Brent contribution of 'Far From Me'.  The boys take off from there with some great combos the rest of the way.. I love the Wharf Rat in particular but the playing throughout is full of energy and emotion.. I hope you enjoy it..  They return for a double encore .. featuring 'Alabama Getaway' and of course, 'Johnny B Goode'..          Grateful Dead San Diego International Sports Arena San Diego, CA 7/1/80 - Tuesday Two     China Cat Sunflower [8:09] > I Know You Rider [6:25] > C C Ri

Happy July 4th!  This week's Deadpod takes place back on July 1, 1980 in San Diego California, where the Dead would play a very nice show at the Sports Arena. This week we will hear the 1st set, which opens with a great Jack Straw > Franklin's Tower combo. They only did this opening combo eight times, but I think its a great way to open a show. El Paso and Tennessee Jed folow, then another combo, Lazy Lightning into Supplication.  A very nice Althea follows, with Jerry in good form. Then Bobby finishes this first set with another combo, Lost Sailor into Saint of Circumstance,        Grateful Dead San Diego International Sports Arena San Diego, CA 7/1/80 - Tuesday One     Jack Straw [6:07] > Franklin's Tower [13:31] > El Paso [4:30] ; Tennessee Jed [8:58] ; Lazy Lightnin' [3:25] > Supplication [5:56] ; Althea[9:12] > Lost Sailor [6:13] > Saint Of Circumstance [6:19]   </p

This week on the Deadpod we have another monumental set from the seminal year of 1974. This week of course from the show in Springfield MA, on June 30, 1974.  Following Seastones, the boys came out with a fine 'China>Rider' a combo often used to good effect as a second set opener. The transition is quite fine. 'Big River' follows and shows the spark it had which made it an excellent second set tune. A stand-alone 'Scarlet Begonias' lets Jerry stretch out a bit next. The meat of this set however is the 'Truckin'>Eyes>Stella Blue'.. as always during this period 'Truckin' lets the boys take things to unexplored dimensions, but the 'Eyes' here is perhaps my favorite. 'Stella Blue' is sung very well also. A strong trifecta of 'Not Fade Away>Goin' Down the Road>One More Saturday Night' closes the set, which even without an encore comes in at just slightly less than two hours.        Grateful Dead Springfield Civic Center Arena Springfield, MA

This week's selection - a birthday request from a good friend of the Deadpod - takes us back to the last show of the June 1974 east/midwest tour which took place in Springfield Massachusetts on June 30, 1974. The first set, which we will hear this week, features some outstanding leads by both Jerry and Phil and a great song selection. Be patient during the opening number 'Don't Ease Me In' which is plagued by mix problems (as were most opening numbers in the Wall of Sound era), they clear up for a beautiful rendition of 'Black Throated Wind'. 'Peggy O' follows, a relatively new song, this is only its fifth performance. 'Greatest Story Ever Told' is a sizzler, as is 'Cumberland Blues'. The highlight of this set, if not the show, is the 'Playin' In The Band' > 'Uncle John's Band' > Playin' sandwich. As usual during this time they take things to unexplored spaces and it makes for a most wonderful time.          Grateful Dead Springfield Civic Ce

This week we continue listening to the band's performance at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia PA on June 24, 1976 with a somewhat short, but quite sweet, second set.    As with many great second sets, this one starts with a fine 'Help>Slip>Frank' containing an exceptional 'Slipknot!' . This fine recording, which has been available as a soundboard and an FM long before the first set, continues with a smoking 'Samson and Delilah', then a beautiful 'Wharf Rat', certainly one of the best of the year. A nice jam out of Wharf Rat then goes into an exceptional 'Dancin' In the Streets'. No Drums or Space on this set, they close with a very nice 'Sugar Magnolia'.  No encore at this one..     Grateful Dead Tower Theatre Upper Darby, PA 6/24/76 - Thursday     Two     Help On The Way [4:10] > Slipknot! [9:50] > Franklin's Tower [9:42] > Samson And Delilah [5:55] ; Wharf Rat [8:59] > Jam [2:07] ><br

This week's Deadpod features a fine show from June 24, 1976 at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby PA, near Philadelphia. This spring '76 tour features mail order tickets for the first time, and rejuvenated vocals from Bob and Donna, who seem to have benefited from the time off. This particular show was broadcast on FM but this is a soundboard copy and I think it sounds great. This one also has a hilarious opening by Bob and Phil - worth keeping the rather longish tuning in place ;) I think you'll find that Keith is particularly fine throughout, but especially on Big River.. Listen to Jerry make that axe howl in Tennessee Jed ;) And what beats a first set Scarlet Begonias? Hope you enjoy.   Grateful Dead Tower Theatre Upper Darby, PA 6/24/76 - Thursday One Tuning and Stage Announcements Cold Rain And Snow [6:02] % Big River [5:22] % Friend Of The Devil [8:08] % Cassidy [4:15]

A energized show from 49 years ago highlights this week's Deadpod, from Winterland on May 30, 1971. We only have a partial second set from this Sunday night show but its in fine quality and the band is in top form for this period. The recording starts with a partial 'I Know You Rider' and you immediately wish the entire show survived. A fine 'Sugar Magnolia' follows,  and then 'Cumberland Blues' rocks out. Pigpen makes himself known with a powerful 'Big Boss Man'. 'Me & My Uncle' and 'Deal' follow, displaying the usual energy they were played during this time. 'Truckin' brings a big response from the crowd, but it leads into the highlight of the evening, a 15 minute plus 'Turn On Your Lovelight' that is pure Pigpen at his peak. 'Uncle John's Band' follows and then 'Casey Jones' closes out the set. A very energetic 'Johnny B Goode' ends the evening at must be well past the 2:00 AM curfew that Bill Graham warns us about following 'Lovelight'.    This was released on a li

This week we are treated to the second set from the band's performance in Troy NY at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on May 7, 1978. This is a solid set throughout, featuring the opening Scarlet&gt;Fire which clocks in at over 20 minutes with some exceptional Garcia licks.  The 'Estimated Prophet' that follows features some nice Garcia work on the wahwah as well. 'He's Gone' slows things down a touch and leads into Drums. A great 'Iko, Iko' comes out of drums - and I read that Donna and Bob were doing a hulu dance during it ;) 'The Other One' that follows has some nice Phil bombs. 'Black Peter' follows and is as charged with emotion as any you'll hear. 'Around and Around' closes the set, and they come back for a 'U.S. Blues' encore.         Grateful Dead Field House - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY 5/7/78 - Sunday Two     Scarlet Begonias [10:50] &gt; Fire On The Mountain [10:0

This week's Deadpod will take us to May of 1978. This show took place in the Field House at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY on May the 7th, 1978, a place that was described as basically an aircraft hanger with terrible acoustics and hot as hell. Luckily the tape we have is pretty good overall because this was a show where you can tell that the band was in great spirits and having fun throughout. I think you'll find that Jerry and Donna, in particular are in great voice, and Keith and Phil are both having an exceptional evening.  There are plenty of highlights to be had here - as well as alot of noodling and playing around between songs.. some of my favorites are the 'Dire Wolf', the great 'It's All Over Now' featuring some very nice Garcia licks, and Passenger, with Donna in great voice.  The closing 'Music Never Stopped' reaches some very nice spots as well..        Grateful Dead Field House - Rensselaer Polytechnic Insti

Happy Mother's Day Weekend! This special Deadpod goes out in honor of all our Mothers..and this one is a huge dose of big ol' Grateful Dead lovin!  This is the second (and third?) set from the band's performance on Mother's Day, May 12, 1974 in Reno Nevada.   As I mentioned last week, this was an outdoor, Wall of Sound show with quite high winds, which complicated things a bit. In fact, Garcia was quite unhappy with their performance, saying afterwards that he wouldn't blame folks if they wanted a refund!  Well I don't agree and hope you don't either.. while this is an embarrassment of riches you must pay particular attention to the Truckin'>Other One, embedded as they are with both a 'Nobody's Fault' jam and a 'Mind Left Body'' jam.. this is quintessential 74 Dead.    Grateful Dead University of Nevada Reno, NV 5/12/74 - Sunday Two     El Paso US Blues Greatest Story Ever Told Must Hav

Hello May Day! hoping this finds you and yours healthy and safe.. This week I'm bringing you the show that kicked off Spring Tour 1974, from the University of Nevada in Reno Nevada on May 12th, 1974 - Mother's Day.. We will listen to the first of this three set show this week, then sets 2 & 3 for a Mother's Day treat next week. This was an outdoor Wall of Sound show, as well as the first real show of Spring tour, and as usual with Wall of Sound shows, there are some sound issues off the bat - so 'Promised Land' is pretty rough till they get things dialed in. In addition to this this show was very windy - the " Washoe Zephyr" was in full throat and I've read that it was so strong that at times the speakers on the Wall of Sound were spinning around above the muscians' heads.. nevertheless this is a very strong and energetic performance. 'Sugaree' follows the opening 'Promised Land'. You can hear that wind as Bobby announces 'Polka Time!' before leading into 'Me

This week we feature the second set from a fine late '89 Grateful Dead show - from the Great Western Forum on Sunday, December 10, 1989.  In my opinion the meat of this set comes right out of the gate with a exquisite 'Jack Straw' followed by a wonderful, driven 'China Cat Sunflower'. The 'I Know You Rider' is no slouch either and the combo is, in my opinion the highlight of this set. The always-fun 'Man Smart, Woman Smarter' leads into a rather lengthy Drums and Space. The 'Wheel' comes out of space, but it lacks the spark of some versions. 'I Need a Miracle' follows and despite some hiccups, Jerry brings out 'Stella Blue' and does a respectable version here. 'Good Lovin' closes the set with the crowd on their feet, and the boys leave us with an excellent 'It's All Over Now, Baby Blue' to close out the evening.    Grateful Dead 1989-12-10 Great Western Forum - Inglewood, CA - Sunday Two     Jack Straw [5:31] > China Cat Sunflower [

Hello friends.. this week's Deadpod results from a special request and is dedicated to a brother who just lost his battle with cancer - Joel Hatcher. His friend Tiffany who contacted me shared that he was listening to the 'pod throughout his chemo treatments and that he loved the Dead and the Blues.  This was their first show together and I'm honored to be able to play it in his honor. This show - from December 12, 1989 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood California, is full of positive energy and I thank Tiffany for the chance to play it in Joel's memory..    The first set, which we will hear this week, starts out with a strong 'Hell In A Bucket'. A nice 'Sugaree' follows, with Bruce Hornsby joining in on accordion. There are some excellent Garcia fans during this one. Next comes one of the new Brent compositions of the Fall of '89, 'We Can Run' - he sounds great on this, it sounds like he's been playing it forever.  Masterpiece and Loser follow, both solid

Strap in for some serious fun on this Good Friday edition of the Deadpod.. the second set from April 2, 1973 at the Boston Gardens is a classic.. There are memorable moments right from the start as Phil warns us to "watch out for the electric popcorn"..  We get a mix of well played Dead classics, for example the 'Greatest Story Ever Told' is filled with some unique Garcia wahwahs.. 'Loose Lucy' is bluesy and foreshadows what the song will become later on.. The 'Stella Blue' is dreamlike and spacy.. Lest you think you aren't going to get any far-out jams, they bring it on , of all songs, the 'Here Comes Sunshine', which is unique and goes way out there. They bring us back with a fine 'Me and Bobby McGee', then we get a just a hint of 'Weather Report prelude' before they go into a molten 'Eyes of the World'. The 'China Doll' that follows is delicate and dripping with emotion.  The double encore of 'Johnny B. Goode and We Bid You Good Night' caps off almost four hours of

I had mastered an entirely different show for this week when I was reminded of this one... I played this one back in 2003 on-air at KOPN in Columbia MO, but never here on the podcast. This one is a monster. We have one of the best of the Spring 73 shows, this one from April 2nd.. Boston Garden. It's a 16 song first set, great sound (a bit of a rough start but that was common in this period :). While the stretching out jams don't come here in set 1, there is a ton to love here. There is a stunning 'Looks Like Rain', followed by 'Wave that Flag' - the precursor to 'US Blues'. The jam on 'Big River' is thunderous, and the 'China&gt;Rider' is just exactly perfect. They close this set with a long and very interesting 'Playin' in the Band', coming in at around 18 minutes. 97 minutes of some of the finest Grateful Dead.. don't know about you, but I need it..   Boston Garden, Boston, MA (4/2/73) Promised Land Deal Mexicali Blues<b

Might you need some energy after some time cooped up with 'social distancing'? Well I think this show will have you covered.. true primal Dead here.. the frantic scorching solos from Garcia on most of these might not be everyone's cup of tea, but this is a great presentation of where the band came from and what the sound was like back in 1967. This was the third time they had played Winterland and the day after their first album had been released. The Pigpen tunes here are real gems. He sounds on top of his game. Chuck Berry was also on this bill, and played between the 1st and 2nd Dead sets.  The second set in particular is fascinating. Check out the great electric versions of 'Cream Puff War' and 'Viola Lee Blues' they practically blow the roof off the place !   There are some understandable flaws in this recording and a couple cuts.. still I hope it brings a smile and gives you a respite from our dystopian present.   Grateful Dead Winterla

My hope is that this podcast, this music, can bring a little joy and light into your life during this dark and scary time...  This week we'll hear the second set from the band's performance on March 23, 1972 from the Academy of Music in New York City. While it is not as long as that massive first set from last week, I think it is uniformly good. 'Truckin' starts things off, nice tempo, lots of energy. The 'Ramble on Rose' is great.. Pig follows with 'Two Souls in Communion' and we're reminded what a loss was coming when he passed...  'Mexicali Blues' features some nice flourishes from Jerry, then we have the Dark Star.. unique as all Dark Stars are, certainly jazzy and complex. I've read different reactions to this Star, some positive some not so much.. give it your space and see where it leads.. Out of the Dark Star ... Pig gives us the 'Big Boss Man'.. love it..  they close with Not Fade Away>Goin' Down the Road>Not Fade Away.. Bobby goes hoarse from sc

This week brings a *huge* first set Deadpod for you, from the famous run of shows at the Academy of Music in New York City on March 23, 1972. This set runs over 2 hours and contains 18 songs!  The band was gearing up for the upcoming Europe tour and I think this is one of the best shows of that run. Some of the many highlights include a great 'I Know You Rider' , Pigpen's 'Chinatown Shuffle', the third ever 'Looks Like Rain' with Jerry on the pedal steel, Keith does some great work on 'You Win Again'. The 'Jack Straw' is spot on, and 'Me & Bobby McGee' is one of their best.  I'm sure in these two hours you'll find some favorites of your own!    Grateful Dead Academy of Music New York, NY 3/23/72 - Thursday One     China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider ; Black Throated Wind ; Chinatown Shuffle ; Brown Eyed Women ; Beat It On Down The Line ; Cumberland Blues ; Looks Like Rain ; Mr. Cha

Here we have a fine second set from the band's last performance at the Uptown Theater in Chicago IL, on February 28, 1981.  I think this is a very nice recording and an interesting set list, starting with the 'Cold Rain and Snow' opener, through the heart of this one, the 'Terrapin Station' into drums and Space, then a fine 'Other One' and 'Stella Blue'. While there is a bit of funky echo in spots, for me it doesn't diminish what is an excellent set.  Brent has some interesting sounds in that transition from Terrapin, and I'm always fond of hearing a soulful 'Stella Blue'...     Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chicago, IL 2/28/81 - Saturday     Two     Cold Rain And Snow [6:17] > Greatest Story Ever Told [4:19] ; Ship Of Fools [8:48] ; Lost Sailor [6:09] > Saint Of Circumstance [6:33] > Terrapin Station [12:39] > Jam [3:03] > Drums [12:23] > Space [10:26] > The Other One [6:

39 years ago the band played a fine show at the Uptown Theater in Chicago, which I'm pleased to begin to present to you today. A fine 'Jack Straw' opener begins things on a high note, and the rest of this first set is varied and quite well played on this fine recording. Some of the highlights include a 'Little Red Rooster' with both some fine slide work and some nice color added by Brent, a great 'Big Railroad Blues' (which ones aren't?), and a near-perfect 'Althea'.  'Let it Grow' segs into 'Deal' to close this enjoyable set of early 80s Dead.        Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chicago, IL 2/28/81 - Saturday     One     Jack Straw [6:25] ; They Love Each Other [7:19] ; Mama Tried [2:36] > Mexicali Blues [4:22] ; Candyman [7:17] ; Little Red Rooster [8:30] ; Big Railroad Blues [4:46] > Looks Like Rain [7:31] ; Althea [9:07] ; Let It Grow [11:56] > Deal [7:48]   </p

Boy is this one going to eat up my quota! There is almost 2 1/2 hours of smokin' Grateful Dead music in this week's Deadpod, from the second set on 2/23/74 at the Winterland in San Francisco CA. I'm bound to overlook something that you will enjoy in this set, nevertheless I'd call you attention to the wonderful opening set (Row Jimmy through Stella Blue).. as well as the HUGE segment from He's Gone through Eyes of the World.. that 'Other One' is fantastic, including a 'Slipknot' sounding segment.. this recording is excellent for listening to the individual contributions, especially Phil the bombardier here!   I would have loved to have been there... can't imagine how everyone felt going out of there after this night of music!       Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 2/23/74 - Saturday Two     Row Jimmy [8:34] ; Weather Report Suite Prelude [1:16]> Weather Report Suite Part 1 [4:1

Happy Valentine's Day!  I couldn't think of a better love letter to send to all of you than a fine portion of classic Grateful Dead from 1974.. from Winterland no less..  this beauty comes from the February '74 run - in this case February 23rd. This first set starts with a rocking 'Around and Around' - a different and welcome way to open a show. They follow with three ballads - 'Dire Wolf', 'Me & Bobby McGee' and 'Sugaree'.. Mexicalli follows then one of the highlights of this first set is a strong 'Here Comes Sunshine'. They 'Beat it Down the Line', then a 1st set 'Ship of Fools'. 'Jack Straw' and 'Deal' follows, then a great rocking trifecta of 'Promised Land', 'Bertha', and 'Greatest Story Ever Told' to end this first set.  We will get to hear the second set next week..    Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 2/23/74 - Saturday     One     Around And Around [4:46] ; Dire Wolf [4:15] ; Me And Bobby

This week's Deadpod features the debut of another classic Dead song, 'Standing on the Moon',  as well as a fine pre-drums 'Playing in the Band' featuring a nice interplay betwen Jerry and Phil. I think this is a well played set, while it doesn't feature a ton of fireworks, it does have an interesting, if slightly dark, feel to the drumz segment and Brent's 'I Will Take You Home' always tugs at the heartstrings. 'He's Gone' is a bit on the slower side, but a wonderful 'Morning Dew' and a particularly rocking 'Johnny B. Goode' must have sent the folks home very happy!         Grateful Dead Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center Oakland, CA 2/5/89 - Sunday Set 2: Tuning Cold Rain & Snow -> Man Smart, Woman Smarter Standing On The Moon > Playin' In The Band > Drums > Space > I Will Take You Home > He's Gone > I Need A Miracle > Morning Dew Johnny B. Goode (E)  <

As we close out the month of January, I decided to feature the first show the band performed back in 1989. This one comes from the Henry J Kaiser Convention Center in Oakland California on February 5, 1989.  While there was alot of anxiety among the faithful that this might be the last time the band would be allowed to play in the relatively intimate confines of the Kaiser, the band came out this night determined to put on a show. They feature a number of relative 'new' tunes, including the first time the Brent song 'We Can Run' was played. The 'Touch of Grey' opener was a great start, then a energetic 'Stranger' into a smart 'Franklin's Tower'. I even think the 'Rooster' here is quite good with Jerry adding some really nice sounds.    We'll hear the second set next week, including another 'first time' played..      Grateful Dead Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center Oakland, CA 2/5/89 - Sunday One     Touch Of Grey

One of my favorite periods of Dead music to explore is this January 1969 run at the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco CA, and this week I decided to feature this set form January 26th. Is it complete? probably not.. is it pristine? certainly not the opening Cryptical which has a spot not far from the beginning that will test your patience.. be patient it is worth it, most of this tape sounds *great*, both in sound quality and the quality of the music. This set contains a rare version of 'Clementine'.. check out the lyrics.. it's quite a rarity. The 'Death Don't Have No Mercy' is as powerful as ever.. and the rest of the set, from 'Dark Star' on is pure powerful psychedelic Grateful Dead. These versions of 'The Eleven' and 'Turn on Your Lovelight' were used for the 'Live/Dead' release.          Grateful Dead Avalon Ballroom San Francisco, CA 1/26/69 - Sunday     One - 36:31     Cryptical Envelopment [1:53] > Drums [0:15]

This week's Deadpod starts out with a unique Scarlet>Fire that was released back on Dick's Picks 13 as a 'hidden track'. This one doesn't sound like your usual Scarlet>Fire, the jam is unlike any other and Brent plays, I think, a bigger role (as he does throughout this set). I happen to dig it, hope you do as well. The rest of the (long) pre-drums set contains a fine Samson, a quite long 'Terrapin' (albeit with a small audience patch), and again, an interesting and unique 'Playin' with a jam familiar from that in the 'Scarlet' that preceeded it. Post-drums has a nice 'Black Peter' and a very lively 'Good Lovin' to close the set.      Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale, NY Two     Scarlet Begonias [17:45] > Fire On The Mountain [16:23] ; Samson And Delilah [6:49] ; Terrapin Station [11:#19] > Playing In The Band [16:50] > Drums [6:04] > Space [3:54] > Black Peter [9:#43] ><br

Hello Friends!  This week, a show that caught my fancy that for some reason has never been featured here on the Deadpod, but certainly deserves to be..  This comes to us from November 1, 1979 and teh Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale NY.  I think the band always enjoyed the NY area and this is I think, quite a fine and energetic outing.  This recording starts with an audience patch in 'Jack Straw' but don't let that put you off, its a fine soundboard recording with just a few patches thrown in. Brent and Jerry's interplay really shines on this show, and the band effortlessly shift gears here in the first set from rockers like 'New Minglewood Blues' to more soulful numbers like 'Candyman' and 'Peggy-O' (that latter is  an exceptionally fine version here). 'Looks Like Rain' shines too, and I quite enjoy the Brent offering 'Easy to Love You'..  Next week features a *massive* Scarlet>Fire, don't miss it!    Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans

Happy New Year!  Well.. not so happy NYE for me -- as my computer was infected with a zero day malware attack that has encrypted much of my digital music files (as well as the rest of my files)..  but the show must go on! So this week we will bring you the excellent 2nd set from the band's performance on 12/28/91 at Oakland CA.  I think this is quite a strong second set. with a nice 'Foolish Heart' to open, Phil is strong throughout, as is Jerry and even Vince..  'Standing on the Moon' is a personal favorite, and its a nice touch to have the Saturday Night reprise end set 2..      Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA 12/28/91 - Saturday   Two Foolish Heart > Man Smart (Woman Smarter) ; Uncle John's Band > Playing In The Band > Drums > Space > I Need A Miracle > Standing On The Moon > Throwing Stones ; One

Our post-Christmas Deadpod for this week features a show from the band's New Year's run in 1991, this one from Saturday night December 28, 1991.  While it is a Saturday night, the band surprises us by opening up with a (partial) version of  'One More Saturday Night' before heading into 'Jack Straw'. Bobby screws up his line, resulting in a roar from the crowd, but the real story of this set is that the band is tight and Jerry is in both fine voice and great virtuosity. Personal highlights include the 'Minglewood', 'Cassidy' and a great set-closing 'Deal'.        Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA 12/28/91 - Saturday One     One More Saturday Night ; Jack Straw ; Peggy-O ; New Minglewood Blues ; Dire Wolf ; Queen Jane Approximately ; Loser ; Cassidy ; Deal    You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href= "http://traffic.l

This week's Deadpod celebrates the season with a show from December 23, 1970 at the Winterland in San Francisco CA. I have three different sources for this show, each of them slightly different - I decided to put two of them together. I'm sure the order is probably not right, but the recordings each sound quite nice and I'm hoping that you'll enjoy them this week, as we celebrate the holidays and the fact that soon the days will start to grow lighter each day.    Here's the combined setlists:  Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 12/23/70 - Wednesday first tape: Hard To Handle Candyman Me & My Uncle Cold Rain and Snow Second tape: Deep Elem Blues ; Beat It On Down The Line ; I’m A King Bee ; Me And My Uncle ; Cumberland Blues Me & Bobby McGee Dire Wolf Good Lovin' Casey Jones> Uncle John's Band      </p

Lucky us! We get to listen to this wonderful second set from December 1, 1979 at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh PA on this week's Deadpod.  This is a fine recording and the music is quite good, even thrilling at times. The China>Rider opener is just right, then pay attention to the fine opening to 'Looks Like Rain'.. quite unique. 'He's Gone' is done quite well alos, and leads into a wonderful jam that is clearly the highlight of this show.. including a 'Gloria' refrain'.. but just let yourself be carried by Garcia's shaping of the musical atmosphere here.. Listen to how worked up Bobby gets in the (first ever) CC Rider.. The rest of the set is more standard, but still a pleasure to hear, including a very fine 'Black Peter'.      Grateful Dead Stanley Theatre Pittsburgh, PA 12/1/79 - Saturday Two China Cat Sunflower [5:21] > I Know You Rider [7:18] ; Looks Like Rain [7:37] ; He's Gone (1) [

Here's a show that I attended and found to be quite magical at the time.. it is from December 1st, 1979 at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh PA. A beautiful, small venue, the energy on this night was unmatched and I'm sure it comes through on this nice recording. The show starts with a smoking 'Jack Straw', which Jerry then takes into a long and beautiful 'Sugaree'. After this we know we're in for an evening of great jamming, and the boys don't let us down. 'Uncle&gt;Big River', is even full of life, and 'Loser' always a favorite of mine, is perfect. Brent, still new on keyboards, sings a nice 'Easy to Love You'. Bobby's slide work in the 'Minglewood' that follows, could be better but a great 'Althea' saves the day and the band ends this first set with a wonderful 'Music Never Stopped'.. We'll hear set 2 next week...   Grateful Dead Stanley Theatre Pittsburgh, PA 12/1/79 - Saturday One     Jack Straw [5:36] &gt; S

Happy Thanksgiving!    As always we present an acoustic performance from the Dead for your Thanksgiving listening and relaxing pleasure. This one is from June 4, 1970 at the Fillmore West in San Francisco California. A fine recording, with a minimum of flaws, I hope you enjoy this as I wish for you a peaceful and happy holiday.    Grateful Dead Fillmore West San Francisco, CA 6/4/70 - Thursday     Acoustic     Monkey & The Engineer  Deep Elem Blues  Candyman  Silver Threads And Golden Needle  Friend Of The Devil  Black Peter  Cumberland Blues  Wake Up Little Susie  Swing Low Sweet Chariot  Uncle John's Band    You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod112819.mp3      This is a time to thank all of you for the allo

Hey Now! Here's a great second set for your pee-Thanksgiving preparations.. from 11/2/84 at the Berkeley Community Theater, this was probably the highlight of the run, as the band turns in a solid performance highlighted by some great Garcia licks, some amazing Phil sounds and some excellent work from Bobby and Brent. The 'Help&gt;Slip&gt;Frank' is as always, a great opener, and the band revs it up during the jam in Slipknot! Bobby does a fine 'Sailor&gt;Saint' here, and Brent adds a great deal of depth to Bobby's finale during 'Sailor'. Listen as well to Phil during that Saint for an example of his unmatched abilities. They move into a strong 'Wharf Rat' in the pre-drums slot then break out 'Gimme Some Lovin' for the fist time. They finish the Playin' in the Band they started on 10/28, then finish with strong versions of 'Bertha&gt;Good Lovin'. They return for the last 'Casey Jones' until 1992..   Grateful Dead Berkeley Community Theater Berkeley,

This week I chose to bring you an unusual show from November 2, 1984 at the Berkeley Community Theater. This was the 4th show of a 5 show run at this small venue, close to home for the band and their fans and it has an intimate feel to it. The band is quite loose, too loose sometimes (listen to Bobby completely lose the lyrics to El Paso) but also interested in mixing things up as you can see from the setlist. A strong 'Jack Straw' starts things up.  While Jerry's voice is not at its best this night a wonderful 'Peggy O ' follows then the aforesaid 'El Paso', saved as it were by a great Garcia solo. Jerry perhaps sticks it to Bobby a bit with the 'Loser' that follows, but that goes into what is probably the highlight of the set a nice 'Smokestack Lightning>Spoonful' combination. The set ends, quite early, with 'Iko, Iko' with a very unusual opening..  We'll hear a solid set 2 from this show next week..    Grateful Dead Berkeley Community Theatre Berk

'I want to tell you how it's gonna be.....' and let me tell you this second set from November 24, 1972 in Dallas Texas is one rockin' hour + of fine Grateful Dead music. Unlike most of their four other Texas shows during this leg of the fall '72 tour there is no 'Dark Star' or 'Other One' here.. and this second set is notable for being fairly straight-ahead rock and roll. The show really gets moving with a fantastic 'Truckin' .. Jerrry really takes off here, Sugar Magnolia is no slouch either but the uniqueness of this one comes in the fine 'Not Fade Away>Going' Down the Road>Not Fade Away'. Despite Jerry breaking a string, I'm certain you'll enjoy the unique take on this combo here. Not for the faint of heart ;)        Grateful Dead Dallas Memorial Auditorium  Dallas, TX 11/24/72 - Friday Two China Cat Sunflower [5:#25] > I Know You Rider [4:42] ; Box Of Rain [4:40] ; Truckin' [12:24]  ; Ramb

On this week's Deadpod we feature a somewhat rare 'ish' show from November 24, 1972 Dallas Texas.  Quite a well-played show, it has  a few hiccups here and there, but overall a nice recording as well. Bobby tells us that Pigpen isn't here, at the end of Don't Ease, as he is home sick. I think Jerry throughout is quite on it. Some of my highlights are the Brown Eyed Women, a very nice Black Throated Wind, and a great Playin .... the Deal has an unusual Jerry vocal flub ;)        Grateful Dead Dallas Memorial Auditorium Dallas, TX 11/24/72 - Friday    One    Don't Ease Me In [#3:13]  ; Me And My Uncle [2:55] ; Brown Eyed Women [4:45] ; Black Throated Wind [6:27] ; Bertha [5:39] ; El Paso [4:12] ; Deal [4:14] ; Beat It On Down The Line [3:03] ; Tennessee Jed [#6:35] ; Jack Straw [4:30] ; Sugaree [7:04] ; Playing In The Band [20:38]  

This week's Deadpod features the second set of the band's 'From Egypt With Love' performances at Winterland on October 18, 1978. This is an interesting set, it starts out rather slow, with a less than inspired 'Bertha'&gt;'Good Lovin'. If you're a fan, Donna Jean's 'From the Heart of Me' follows.. I rather enjoy it, but it may be an acquired taste. 'Ship of Fools' follows, then the pre-drums highlight 'Samson and Delilah'. 'Terrapin Station' follows, but Jerry blows the lyrics and does an extended solo. An excellent 'Playin' In the Band' leads into a Drums and Space marked by the guest appearance of Lee Oskar, which gives it an unusual flavor. The jam into the 'Wharf Rat' that follows is exceptional however, as is the Rat, one of the best of the period. A very unusual set-closing 'Truckin' follows, quite well played. They return for an equally unusual 'I Need a Miracle' encore, a song that really fit well in that spot...   Grateful Dead Winterland Arena S

We go back 41 years to this day in 1978 at Winterland in San Francisco to revisit the band's 2nd in the series of  'From Egypt with Love' concerts.This is a tight, well-played set with the band playing as well together as anyone could ask. The opening 'Sugaree' is massive - don't let the first few minutes of audience patch deter you from listening to this - Garcia soars here. I have to mention 'Big River' as well. Likewise on the 'Peggy-O', one of the best versions of this you might ever hear.  Even 'Stagger Lee' is much above average with a wonderful ending solo. Listen to how well Bob, Donna and Jerry collaborate on 'Looks Like Rain'. I trust you'll enjoy this respite from the everyday...     Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 10/18/78 - Wednesday One     Sugaree [#13:32] ; Me And My Uncle [3:06] &gt; Big River [5:48] ; Peggy-O [7:45] ; Looks Like Rain [8:16] ; Stagger Lee [6:1

This week's Deadpod features the band's performance at the Rainbow Theater in London England on Saturday October 3rd, 1981. This second set contains some wonderful improvisational music and both a fabulous pre-drums setlist and a spectacular Morning Dew. I think you'll agree that the music here flows beyond the structure of these songs to explore some unexpected places before settling back into familiar terrain.  There's some great sound in Drums and Space as well.       Grateful Dead Rainbow Theatre London, England 10/3/81 - Saturday       Two       Feel Like A Stranger [8:47] &gt; Franklin's Tower [11:23] &gt; Estimated Prophet [13:23] &gt; Terrapin Station [10:54#] &gt; Drums &gt; Space [6:54] &gt; Not Fade Away [8:05] &gt; Morning Dew [11:17] &gt; Around And Around [3:54] &gt; One More Saturday Night [4:24] Encore     Brokedown Palace

We start out October with a show from across the pond in London, England on October 3rd, 1981. A well-played, rockin' first set gives a few hints as to the improvisation that will follow in set 2 next week. 'Alabama Getaway' is the opener, not uncommon for the time, and while the sound is a bit dicey at first things clear up nicely for the rest of the set. There's a really nice 'Peggy-O' here, and the 'Little Red Rooster' is a real rocker. 'Bird Song' has some very nice moments from Garcia, and the jam between 'China Cat' and 'I Know You Rider' is quite good as well. Brent is quite featured in the mix throughout, although Bobby's guitar is often a bit too low.       Grateful Dead Rainbow Theater  London, England Date     10/3/81 - Saturday     One     Alabama Getaway &gt; The Promised Land ; Peggy-O ; Me And My Uncle &gt; Big River ; Tennessee Jed &gt; Little Red Rooster ; <p

This week we mourn the passing of the great Robert Hunter. The Grateful Dead would not have been what they were and are without his voice, his words and his wisdom. Sleep in the stars, Robert.   In his honor I present this wonderful set from September 28th, 1977 at the Paramount Theater in Seattle Washington. Although the first five songs are missing from this Betty Cantor-Jackson soundboard the remainder of the show sparkles and crackles with the unique energy that the band brought to their craft during this year.    I've added a Robert Hunter song from a performance of his back in 1980 in New York. I hope you enjoy it.   Grateful Dead Paramount Theatre Seattle, WA 9/28/77 - Wednesday One     Tennessee Jed [8:46] ; Passenger [3:34] ; Peggy-O [7:48] ; Me And My Uncle [2:44] ; Friend Of The Devil [7:02] ; The Music Never Stopped [6:36] Two     Bertha [6:56] &gt;<br /

This week's Deadpod features the strong second set from the band's performance at the Boston Garden on Sunday, September 26, 1993. A strong outing from start to finish, it starts with a rockin' 'Iko' which got the place bouncing. Then a well played 'Saint of Circumstance' leads into Jerry's 'Ship of Fools'. Truckin' follows and while Weir does mess up a verse, its a fairly minor slip up in a strong pre-drums set. Drums and Space are quite long, as was common during these later years, but also contain some very interesting segments. Phil and Jerry do a nice job backing up Weir on the 'Miracle' that follows. The highlight of this one of course, is the 'Standing on the Moon' that follows. Full of emotion and beauty, enough said. The 'Rain' encore was also exceptionally done and a fine choice.       Grateful Dead Boston Garden Boston, MA 9/26/93 - Sunday       Two     Iko Iko ; Saint Of Circumstance

Never miss a Sunday show! Especially on Friday the 13th :) This week I'm stepping a bit out of my comfort zone to bring you a pretty wonderful show from September 26th, 1993 at the old Boston Garden in Boston MA. This show starts with a fine 'Jack Straw' then Jerry goes right into an excellent version of 'Althea'. In fact I even find the 'Walkin' Blues' here to be above average.. 'High Time' is quite well done, with some nice contributions from Vince and Phil. 'Maggie's Farm' is quite fun with each member taking their turn with the verses. 'Lazy River Road' is one of those latter day anthems that kind of mark where Garcia was at the time. I enjoy listening to it sometimes.  'Easy Answers' was and always will be a puzzlement to me, but they close with a fine rockin'  'Don't Ease Me In'         Grateful Dead Boston Garden Boston, MA 9/26/93 - Sunday     One     Jack Straw ; Althea ; Walki

This week's Deadpod features a *monster* Scarlet&gt;Fire from the second set of the band's performance on September 1st, 1979 in Rochester New  York. But first, take a moment to appreciate the unusual intro from Bobby to this second set :) This Scarlet&gt;Fire is one of those rather underappreciated jams that can stand comparison to the best of  '73 or '74 Dead. Enjoy the places Garcia takes you as he weaves his magic on this ride. This one takes the entire pre-drums portion of the show. Following the rather short drums&gt;Space, Garcia gives us a fine 'Wharf Rat', then the band settles into a rocking groove, with Miracle, 'Bertha', and 'Good Lovin' to close out the set. They return for a curfew-shortened 'One More Saturday Night' <span style= "font-family

Happy Labor Day weekend! This week's Deadpod takes us to New York state, up to Rochester, where the Dead played a fine outdoor show during the day of September 1st, 1979.  The first set which we will hear this week, breaks from the gate with a fine 'Mississippi Half-Step' > 'Franklin's Tower' combination. This is for me the highlight of this set, almost 20 minutes long. The rest of the first set is fine, high-energy Dead, culminating in only the 2nd time that Bobby sang the 'Lost Sailor'>'Saint of Circumstance' combo.. since this is only the 2nd time he performed 'Saint' check out the crazy lyrics! Fun!       Grateful Dead Holleder Stadium Rochester, NY 9/1/79 - Saturday One     Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [9:56] > Franklin's Tower [10:22] ; Me And My Uncle [3:08]> Big River [5:32] ; Friend Of The Devil [9:02] ; Looks Like Rain [7:26] ; Don't Ease Me In [3

This week we follow up last week's Deadpod with the second set from the band's performance on August 16, 197 in Telluride Colorado. I have to admit to scratching my head at this 'Push' opener, but the 'Samson and Delilah' that follows is always on point for a Sunday show :) 'He's Gone' leads into a mildly interesting Drums and Space, but the highlight for me is the quite good 'Other One' for the time period. 'Truckin' leads into 'Black Peter' and a closing 'Good Lovin'. They return for a double encore - 'Touch' into the wierdest 'Brokedown' you'll ever hear.     Grateful Dead Town Park Telluride, CO 8/16/87 - Sunday Two     When Push Comes To Shove [4:25]> Samson And Delilah [6:58]> He's Gone [10:28]> Drums [9:48]> Space [5:40]> The Other One [6:47]> Truckin' [6:18]> Black Peter [8:56]> Good Lovin' [8:17] Encore     Touch Of Grey [6:01]><

This week's Deadpod features the anniversary of a show that took place 32 years ago at Town Park in beautiful Telluride Colorado. It was the weekend of the celebrated 'Harmonic Convergence' which marked a globally synchronized mediation event as well as an exceptional alignment of planets. Needless to say it did not bring about an era of world peace or contentment. Nonetheless, the boys played an interesting show which was a request from a friend of the Deadpod who is marrying his finance there this summer! All the best wishes, Frank!   The first set which we will hear this week, features some nice work by Brent, as well as a snappy Mississippi Half Step opener and a 'Big Railroad Blues', always a favorite of mine..   Grateful Dead Town Park Telluride, CO 8/16/87 - Sunday One     Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [7:15] &gt; Little Red Rooster [8:15] ; Iko Iko [4:59] ; Beer Barrel Polka Tuning ;<

That today marks 24 years since Jerry Garcia died, strikes me as a sobering reminder of my own mortality, of how quickly our lives pass, but also as a reminder that I was fortunate to get to see him perform and experience the magic that was in this music. Like every edition of the Deadpod, this week we again celebrate that music, this time with one of their earlier performances, when they were all young and full of boundless energy and enthusiasm. Let the music carry them, and us as we go along on this ride, to places words don't describe. Enjoy.     Grateful Dead Family Dog at the Great Highway San Francisco, CA 8/3/69 - Sunday       Hard To Handle ; Beat It On Down The Line ; Hi-Heel Sneakers ; High Time ; Mama Tried ; Dark Star ; Alligator> Drums> The Other One> Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)> And We Bid You Goodnight   You can listen to this week'

For this 'Days Between' week, on the day following what would have been Jerry Garcia's 77th Birthday, we feature a wonderful set from July 29th, 1974. The band returns following a Seastones' set and leads off with an unusual 'He's Gone'. 'Truckin' follows and while Weir screws up the lyrics, Garcia breaks out into what becomes around a 23 minute jam, in and out of a hint of 'Spoonful' then 'Nobody's Fault' and the first verse of 'The Other One'. There's a great jam out of that into the tight 'Wharf Rat' 'Around and Around' follows them they doubleshift into 'Peggy O'. The 'US Blues' that follows is hot, as is the jam in 'Sugar Magnolia' to close the set. While 'Casey Jones' is listed as the encore, I've read that the band never left the stage...     Grateful Dead Capital Centre Landover , MD 7/29/74 - Monday   Three He's Gone [13:21] &gt; Truckin' [8:35] &gt; Nobody's Fault But Mine [2:49] &gt; The Other On

  Dog days of summer? Nothing beats them like some good 'old Grateful Dead - and this somewhat overlooked classic from the summer of 1974 is sure to leave you smiling.. This comes to us from July 29th, 1974 at the Cap Center in Landover Maryland.  This first set contains some of the classics, of course, as well as some surprises, like the stand alone Scarlet Begonias and the beautiful 'To Lay Me Down'. The highlight here I think, is the wonderful 'Weather Report Suite ' - Garcia is on overdrive here :)   At any rate, I hope you enjoy this touch of sunshine and it helps your week glide on by..       Grateful Dead Capital Centre Landover , MD 7/29/74 - Monday One     The Promised Land ; Sugaree [6:43] ; Black Throated Wind [6:08] ; It Must Have Been The Roses [5:09] ; Cumberland Blues [5:38] ; Scarlet Begonias [6:52] ; Jack Straw [4:21] ; Deal [4:37] ; E

'm hoping that this week's Deadpod will help keep you cool during this hot, hot weather many of us are experiencing this week. This second set starts off with a cover of the Beatles' 'Why Don't We Do It In The Road?' .. clearly a goof, or so I hope :) They get into the real show with a 'China Cat&gt;I Know You Rider' which features some nice work by Jerry and Brent (if a bit speedy :).  'Playin' In The Band' follows with some nice jazzy interludes and flows into a nice 'Uncle John's Band'. Brent follows with one of his darker tunes, 'Don't Need Love' which leads into a quite interesting Drums/Space. They come out of that into the highlight of the set (at least for me) a hauntingly beautiful 'China Doll'. They end with the 'Throwing Stones&gt;Not Fade Away' combo, but return for a great double encore of 'Brokedown Palace' and 'Johnny B. Goode'     Grateful Dead <p style="margi

This week's Deadpod features a show from a great run of shows that took place during the summer of 1984 from the wonderful Greek Theater in Berkeley California. We previously played the first show of this run and now we'll feature the last. This comes from 7/15/84, and while this first set is a bit short, and Jerry is a bit low in the mix, I love the recording and love how Brent shines here. This starts with a fun 'Dancin in the Streets' into a great 'Birdsong'.  'Cumberland Blues' really soars here as well, and the relatively rare 'My Brother Esau' is a treat to hear again. 'Ramble on Rose' rocks as always, and Bobby brings it on a great 'Hell In a Bucket' to close the set.        Greek Theater (U of California), Berkeley, CA (7/15/84) Dancin' in the Streets> Bird Song New Minglewood Blues Cumberland Blues My Brother Esau Ramble on Rose Hell in a Bucket <span style= "fon

On this fine summer weekend we get to listen to the second set of the Dead's 4th of July appearance in Austin Texas back in 1981. The set opens hot, with a great 'Feel Like a Stranger' followed by a very nice 'Bird Song' - Jerry rips it up. A nice stretched out 'Playin' In the Band' leads into Drums  and Space, and a great 'Not Fade Away' takes us into the post Drums segment of the show. 'Wharf Rat'  and 'Sugar Mag' close it out, and they return for a spirited 'One More Saturday Night' where Weir again has some fun with the lyrics..    '   Grateful Dead Manor Down Austin, TX 7/4/81 - Saturday   Two   Feel Like A Stranger [8:34] ; Bird Song [10:55] ; Playing In The Band [14:32] > Drums [7:#42] > Space [5:42] > Not Fade Away [10:41] > Wharf Rat [9:37] > Sugar Magnolia [9:23] Encore One More Saturday Night [4:28]   You can listen to this wee

While it is still a few days off, since this is the last Deadpod before the big 4th of July holiday I thought it appropriate to bring you a big 'ol party from that date in GD history. This one comes from Manor Downs in Austin Texas on July 4th, 1981.We'll hear the first set this week, which of course starts with 'Jack Straw'... leave it to Bobby to screw up the iconic lyrics :) It's an energetic set, Jerry has some very nice runs on Big River, Tennessee Jed is fine. Loser is always a favorite of mine, and the set-closing China>Rider is sure to please.     Grateful Dead Manor Downs Austin, TX 7/4/81 - Saturday One  Jack Straw [6:00] ; Peggy-O [7:03] ; Me And My Uncle [2:58]> Big River [5:35] ; Loser [6:48] ; Little Red Rooster [8:28] ; Tennessee Jed [8:14]> New Minglewood Blues [6:17] ; China Cat Sunflower [6:45]> I Know You Rider [4:58]    You c

This week we are fortunate enough to be able to hear the second set of the band's outstanding performance on October 2nd, 1972 in Springfield MA. If you caught last week's Deadpod you know this is a fine recording and that the band is at the top of their game. While the set starts out a bit slowly I think it more than makes up for it by the time we get to GSET. The Half-Step into Stella Blue is a wonderful surprise. The 'Truckin' has a great buildup into the short but sweet 'Nobody's Fault' jam that leads into drums..  The 'Morning Dew' is wonderful. Sugar Mag closes and they return for a delicious double encore,       Grateful Dead Springfield Civic Center Arena Springfield, MA 10/2/72 - Monday Two   The Promised Land [3:00] ; He's Gone &gt; Me And Bobby McGee [#5:15] ; China Cat Sunflower [6:21] &gt; I Know You Rider [4:56] ; Tomorrow Is Forever [5:25] ; Gr

This one's a keeper... a birthday request from Steve, a friend of the Deadpod, this comes to us from October 2nd, 1972, from Springfield MA. This is a fine recording from one of the high water marks of the band's history. This 14 song first set consists of well-played versions of many of their standards as well as some wonderful jamming and interplay - especially on 'Bird Song', 'Black Throated Wind' and the almost 21 minute 'Playin' In the Band'. Please excuse the short introduction - just had a cortisone shot in my hand and its still numb :(   Enjoy this beauty this summer weekend...   Grateful Dead Springfield Civic Center Arena Springfield, MA 10/2/72 - Monday   One   Cold Rain And Snow [#5:18] ; Mexicali Blues [3:17] ; Tennessee Jed [7:36] ; Beat It On Down The Line [3:16]  ; Bird Song [12:44] ; Black Throated Wind [6:#03] ; Big Railroad Blues [3:46] ;</

Here is the second set from the Grateful Dead's performance on Wednesday, May 17, 1978 at the Uptown Theater in Chicago Illinois. I love this recording, and the performance ain't half bad either ;) espcially the Dancin' In The Streets.. The Drums/Space is unusually long for this period but it is fun and contains some unexpected moments from Phil and Donna. Terrapin and Not Fade Away in particular return to the characteristic '78 sound that was a little slower and more twangy as it were, but a pleasure to listen to. Of coursea Werewolves encore ain't half bad either :)     Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chicago, IL 5/17/78 - Wednesday Two Samson And Delilah [7:05] ; Friend Of The Devil [8:44] ; Dancing In The Street [14:35] &gt; Drums [18:16] &gt; Space [1:48] &gt; Terrapin Station [10:54] ; Not Fade Away [13:53] ; Around And Around [8:56] Encore Werewolves Of L

Here's a pretty little set to send out the month of May in style.. This one comes to us form May 17th, 1978 at the Uptown theater in Chicago Illinois. This one starts with the first ever 'Mississipi-Half Step'>'Franklin's Tower' combo, and one that showcases some really nice licks from Mr. Garcia (and I should add some very nice work from Mr. Weir as well). The next two are Bobby's - 'Me and My Uncle' into a tight 'Big River'. Lovely versions of 'It Must Have Been The Roses' and 'Looks like Rain' showcase the more laid back side of the Dead as well as what Donna Jean could add  in terms of backing vocals. A rolling "Tennessee Jed' follows, with Keith adding some nice color and Jerry adding some spirited vocals to make for a real good time. Bobby encourages the crowd to wish Mickey and Billy a Happy Birthday.... then they play a full on Funiculi Funicula... They close with a nice 'Lazy Lightnin'>Supplication'...     Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chic

This week's Memorial Day weekend Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at Shoreline Amphitheater on May 12th, 1991. I'm a sucker for a Help>Slip>Frank opening and I quite enjoy this one. There are plenty of Phil bombs here and Bruce Hornsby's presence is heard here as well. Jerry is quite present throughout this set and is in relatively great voice.  For a post-Brent show I think this one is quite good, and the Weight encore was a favorite of mine in this era.  I hope you enjoy..    Grateful Dead Shoreline Amphitheater Mountain View, CA 5/12/91 - Sunday   Two Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower ; Looks Like Rain ; Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Throwing Stones ; Turn On Your Love Light Encore

I've been thinking it was time for a post-Brent show so I've decided on this one from Shoreline on May 12, 1991. This one has an interesting, well-played setlist, including the breakout of Dylan's "It Takes A Lot To Laugh It Takes A Train To Cry". Bruce Hornsby is with the band and I always enjoyed his contributions. 'Deal' is a smokin' set closer here.. Excuse the short intro - trying to type wirh a splint on one of my fingers (trigger finger ::)     Grateful Dead Shoreline Amphitheatre Mountain View, CA 5/12/91 - Sunday One Picasso Moon [6:15] ; Althea [8:05] ; C C Rider [3:23] > It Takes A Lot To Laugh It Takes A Train To Cry [3:14] ; El Paso [4:19] ; High Time [6:38] ; Black Throated Wind [5:53] ; Deal [10:20]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.l

There's alot to love in this week's Deadpod, and that's only appropriate for a Mother's Day weekend, I suppose. This massive second set clocks in at just under a couple hours, and it is filled with extraordinary jams, soulful vocals and wonderful ensemble execution. This comes to us from their performance in El Paso Texas, on November 23rd, 1973. This is a very fine recording of a show that I don't believe is widely shared. While it starts off well enough, things really take off following the 'Truckin'' with a tremendous jam into 'The Other One' and a jazzy wonderful 'Space' that follows. 'Me and Bobby McGee' is as sweet as possible and serves to set the mood for a lovely 'Eyes of the World' that really took me places. They bring things back to earth with the rockin' set closing grouping of 'Arond and Around', 'Goin' Down the Road' and 'Casey Jones'.   Hope you love this set as much as I do, thanks to Steve for the suggestion.     Grateful Dead

Here we are in the first weekend of May - and of course that means Saturday is Derby Day! In honor of the Run for the Roses I had to bring you a set with 'The Race Is On' - and boy what a set this is.. it comes from the boys' performance on November 23rd, 1973 in El Paso Texas! There are plenty of highlights here, including a dynamite 'Jack Straw', the 'mind left body jam' between 'China Cat' and 'I Know You Rider'  and the complete 'Weather Report Suite'. This is one of those shows you're going to want to play LOUD..       Grateful Dead County Coliseum El Paso, TX 11/23/73 - Friday   One   Bertha ; Mexicali Blues ; Deal ; Looks Like Rain ; Don't Ease Me In ; The Race Is On ; Loser ; Jack Straw ; China Cat Sunflower &gt; I Know You Rider ; El Paso ; Tennessee Jed ; Big River ; Row Jimmy ; Weather

Seemed to me that I shouldn't let April slip by without something from 1978 - the band had a very good month that year, so I decided to feature their efforts on April 21st at Rupp Arena in Lexington Kentucky.   Some think that this first set starts out a bit slow, personally I disagree. I love the 'Promised Land' opener. Unfortunately the 'Dire Wolf' that follows is is patched with a not-so-great audience version for the first 2:40 of the selection. While 'Mama Tried'&gt;'Mexicali' is not rare, Garcia has some spirited licks and I find it quite enjoyable. The 'Ramble On Rose' is perhaps not the most spirited, but its followed by a quite long 'Funiculi Funicula, A smart 'Passenger' is followed by a lazy 'Row Jimmy', but they flip a switch from her out.. the last 3 songs are cooking! All these three are wonderful, but they are capped by an off the hook version of 'The Music Never Stopped'.. whew!     Grateful Dead Rupp Arena Lexington, KY

    This week I have the pleasure of presenting the second set from the band's performance on April 23rd, 1983 at the New Haven Coliseum in New Haven Connecticut. A fine set, as most that start with a smoking Scarlet&gt;Fire, this set features some wonderful Garcia licks, especially in Space, combined with some excellent effects from Mr. Hart. A fine recording I'm a fan of the Saint of Circumstance, even if Weir gets a bit cheezy.. The Other One Wharf Rat is excellent as always. The double encore is an excellent touch.         Grateful Dead New Haven Coliseum New Haven, CT 4/23/83 - Saturday   Two Scarlet Begonias [12:47]> Fire On The Mountain [13:34] ; Lost Sailor [7:25] > Saint Of Circumstance [6:57] > Space [0:28] > Drums > Space [19:03] > The Other One [7:20] > Wharf Rat [9:28] > Throwing Stones [9:17]> Not Fade Away [#8:25]</p

This show, a special request to honor a brother who passed, comes to us from the New Haven Coliseum in New Haven Connecticut on April 23rd, 1983. I considered only playing set number two, as it exists in soundboard form, but this first set has such spirited playing that although it is an audience copy I quite enjoyed it - I hope you do as well.   The 'Alabama Getaway' jumps out of the box and shows the boys mean business on this night. Jerry's licks are fast and hot and it flows naturally into the 'Greatest Story'. While the vocals on 'Candyman' (and several others) are a bit far away, I suggest turning it up! :) 'New Minglewood' smokes.. this is one of the better versions I think... A nice little Garcia jam follows the return to Tennessee.. Bobby sounds a little rushed ;) during 'Lightnin&gt;Supplication' ...the sweet lead into a hot Supplication makes up for it. A lovely 'Peggy-O' follows, then Brent gets to bring out 'Far From Me'. The first set

This week it's my pleasure to bring you the second set from the band's performance on March 31st, 1989 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro North Carolina. This fine recording starts with a roaring 'Hey Pocky Way' into 'Truckin'. That one goes very nicely into 'Terrapin' which has a fine little jam at the end to take us into Drums and Space. The wishful 'I Will Take You Home' makes me miss Brett all over again. It goes into a smoking version of 'Watchtower'... it leads into the most powerful number of the night, a moving 'Morning Dew' Jerry kills it on this one, and by the end he's screaming and people are crying... The 'Brokedown Palace' encore is just the right choice to send us home sweet and sleepy...     Grateful Dead Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC 3/31/89 - Friday Two Hey Pocky Way> Truckin' > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > I Will Take You Home > All Along The Watchtower ></p

I decided to close out March with a really fun and energetic show from the Spring of 1989. This comes to us from March 31st, 1989 at Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro North Carolina. While there are no extended jams in this week's first set, the playing throughout is exceptionally energetic and quite fun to listen to. Some of the highlights for me are the fine version of 'Peggy O', the spirited 'Me & My Uncle>Big River' and Loser. The set closing 'Standing on the Moon' had yet to develop into the blockbuster ballad it would become, but I still enjoy this rendition. I've always enjoyed the band during this period, as they were really cresting from 89 through 90.. I hope you enjoy this as well.      Grateful Dead Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC 3/31/89 - Friday   One   Hell In A Bucket ; Sugaree ; New Minglewood Blues ; Peggy-O ; Me And My Uncle > Big River ; Loser ; Vict

Let's welcome Spring with this wonderful second set from March 26th, 1973 at the Baltimore Civic Center. Since I'm a bit under the weather this week I'll just point out a few (obvious) highlights - the jam following Truckin' including the Weather Report Suite Prelude, the wonderful Eyes , and of course Morning Dew.    I hope you enjoy this one, and feel free to join the Deadpod group on Facebook and offer your suggestions for shows you'd like to hear on the Deadpod!        Grateful Dead Baltimore Civic Center Baltimore, MD 3/26/73 - Monday   Two Ramble On Rose [6:10] ; Big River [4:09] ; Here Comes Sunshine [7:50] ; Greatest Story Ever Told [4:42#] ; Candyman [6:30] ; Me And My Uncle [2:41] ; He's Gone [10:#49] > Truckin' [14:45] > Weather Report Suite Prelude [2:02] > Jam [5:36] Wharf Rat [10:17] > Me And Bobby McGee [5:35] > Eyes

A massive Deadpod this week - warning - this one is just shy of 2 hours long! While I considered splitting it in the end I'd rather eat the extra cost and give you one of these fine shows from the Spring of 1973!   This one comes to us from the Baltimore Civic Center on March 26th, 1973.   There are too many songs here to cover them all - suffice it to say there are many highlights, some of my favorite moments are: 'The Race Is On' - always love hearing this one, a sweet and sticky 'Row Jimmy', 'Brown-Eyed Women' - especially Jerry's solo here. and as always during this great year, the almost 20 minute long 'Playin' In the Band' where they really stretch it out and incorporate some innovative jazzy movements . This one is a very fine sounding recording as well...     Grateful Dead Baltimore Civic Center Baltimore, MD 3/26/73 - Monday One The Promised Land [2:52] ; Mississippi Half-Step Uptown

This week's Deadpod starts out with a sweet rendition of the Elizabeth Cotton classic 'Oh Babe, It Ain't No Lie' - the only electric version the Dead ever played and the last time they would ever play it. This is just one of the pleasures of the second set from the first Rex Benefit that took place back on March 28th, 1984 at the Marin Veterans Auditorium in San Rafael, California. The set proper follows, with a flat out rockin' version of 'Hell In a Bucket' (aside from Weir getting a bit lost in the lyrics :). They follow with an energetic version of  'China Cat Sunflower&gt;I Know You Rider', in a rather early location in the set list. They're in fine form here, and the transition into Rider is wonderful. Jerry gives us a 'wish I was a headlight' for the ages. 'Playin' follows, and builds to some interesting spacial explorations. Jerry leaves , and Brent breaks out 'Don't Need Love' for the first time, with Bobby on lead. I'm always a bit melancholy when I hear these kind o

This week we have an intimate performance, and the very first Rex Benefit show which happened to be the first show performed in 1984. This comes from the Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium in San Rafael, CA on March 28th, 1984. Even at this time, this was one of the smallest venues the band would preform in, and since it was a Rex Benefit show, you get the feeling that they were trying to put on a special show for family and friends. While the first set doesn't contain the surprises of set 2, its still a very nice and relaxing hour of music. I guess I'm continuing my 'audience tape appreciation' run of Deadpods - not planned, but I came across this recording and thought it deserved some exposure.  I  hope you enjoy it..    Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 3/28/84 - Wednesday   One   Iko Iko ; C C Rider ; Loser ; El Paso ; West L.A. Fadeaway ; Beat I

This week's Deadpod features the second set of the Dead's performance on February 27th, 1977 at the University of Santa Barbara, CA. As this was the second show to display the fabulous material from 'Terrapin Station' the band was still at a great place for this gig. The 'Samson' features a smokin' Garcia solo, and the 'St. Stephen', while missing the traditional bridge, was still very enjoyable, despite a cut in the tape at the start of the song. 'Terrapin' itself is of course a highlight, as the early versions were in a way unmatched. A nice 'Morning Dew' follows, then they close with a very good 'Sugar Magnolia' and a 'Johnny B. Goode' encore to cap off the evening.  I hope you enjoy this very good audience recording..        Grateful Dead Robertson Gym - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 2/27/77 - Sunday Two Samson And Delilah [6:34] ; Saint Stephen [#8:17] > Not Fade Away [9:08] > <

With the recent release of the classic show from 2/26/77 on Dave's Picks #29, I was inspired to bring you this fine recording of the excellent show that took place the following evening, Febuary 27th, 1977. While this is an audience recording, and the vocals are not as upfront as many of us prefer, I think you'll still find that the playing shines through. The band is definitely still 'on' this night, here in the first set they play 'Estimated Prophet' for only the 2nd time and the playing throughout is lovely.    I'm particulary fond of the arrangement of 'Music Never Stopped'; afterwards Phil implored Jerry for 'one more' and boy do they respond with an excellent 'Scarlet Begonias'.      Grateful Dead Robertson Gym - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 2/27/77 - Sunday One New Minglewood Blues [4:25] ; Loser [6:58] ; El Paso [4:29] ; Ramble On Rose [6:20] ; Estimated Prophet [7

This week we can forget our troubles with a fine second set from this early 1979 date in Kansas City. Scarlet starts a little slow, and Jerry's voice cracks a bit here and there, but he really starts soaring around the 3:30 mark. Around the 6:00 minute mark the calypso beat moves in, Donna's background vocals add just enough mystery not to be overpowering, and we float along waiting for the other shoe to drop. Eventually Jerry's notes flutter in like a bee, as the rhythm intensifies; a beautiful transition into 'Fire'. Again, while Jerry's voice is a bit strained, his playing is is unhurried, yet searing.. uplifting. Once you hear these two, you know you're in for a great musical moment. 'From the Heart Of Me' brings us back to Shakedown Street, and  in perspective, we're reminded of what was lost when Donna and Keith left the band. Excellent Jerry solo around the 4:00 min mark of the first one, all around a nice, unhurried jam, the boys spread their wings and you feel the mu

This week we have an intimate performance, and the very first Rex Benefit show which happened to be the first show performed in 1984. This comes from the Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium in San Rafael, CA on March 28th, 1984. Even at this time, this was one of the smallest venues the band would preform in, and since it was a Rex Benefit show, you get the feeling that they were trying to put on a special show for family and friends. While the first set doesn't contain the surprises of set 2, its still a very nice and relaxing hour of music. I guess I'm continuing my 'audience tape appreciation' run of Deadpods - not planned, but I came across this recording and thought it deserved some exposure.  I  hope you enjoy it..    Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 3/28/84 - Wednesday   One   Iko Iko ; C C Rider ; Loser ; El Paso ; West L.A. Fadeaway ; Beat I

This week, something I try not to do too often, but yes, another show from 1979! And better yet, another audience source! Yes, this is a short first set, but despite the fact that it is one of Keith and Donna's last shows (they were to play only two more times with the Dead), the band sounds tight and the versions for the most part sparkle. Keith certainly doesn't contribute much here, but the rest of the members make up for it in my opinion. My favorites here include a sparkling 'Big River' and Bobby on 'Minglewood'. Deal is short but sweet and 'Jack Straw' rages..   Grateful Dead Soldier's And Sailors Memorial Hall Kansas City, KS 2/10/79 - Saturday One Don't Ease Me In [2:36] ; Me And My Uncle [3:07] &gt; Big River [5:57] ; They Love Each Other [7:31] ; New Minglewood Blues [5:04] ; Brown Eyed Women [5:17] ; It's All Over Now [7:23] ; Deal [4:32] ; Jack Straw [5:51]

This week's Deadpod continues with the second set from the Grateful Dead's performance on January 10th, 1979 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale NY. This is a fine set packed with lots of great music.  A tight Shakedown Street opens the set, but the Miracle that follows is better than usual. Bertha goes into Good Lovin, then they follow with a rare Dark Star.. They played it 3 times during a 20 day period here then put it away for another seven  years. While this one is only one verse, there is some great exploration that follows in Drums and Space. Wharf Rat is always a pleasure, and a power Saint Stephen never failed to deliver. They close a nice set with two from Chuck Berry,  Around and Around and the Johnny B. Goode encore.        Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale, NY 1/10/79 - Wednesday   </di

While I missed the 40th anniversary of this one by a week, it's certainly a show that merits listening to, even if (or perhaps because) it only exists in a very good audience format. This one comes from January 10, 1979 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale NY. While the first set, which we will hear this week, is not as outstanding as next week's Set 2, it is certainly enjoyable, in my opinion and has some nice highlights. The boys start out by taking us to the Promised Land, which gets everyone up on their feet. The Dire Wolf makes his appearance, then a very nice Mama Tried&gt;Mexicali Blues with some nice Garcia flourishes throughout. Jerry's voice is a little strained at time, to my ears, but he makes up for it in the Tennessee Jed that follows with some excellent solo work inside. While this time marks the end of the great Keith and Donna period, Donna does some very nice work on the 'Looks Like Rain' that follows. This long first set has some ebb and flo, but don't miss

Winter Time is Good Ol' Grateful Dead Time!   I hope you're not sick of primal Dead, because in looking about for a show for this week I came across this set from January 17th, 1970 and decided that it tickled me in just the right spot so I'm going to share it this week. The boys are clicking and transitioning to new vistas and I love hearing them work out jams like Phil on this Cumberland Blues or the great 'Dark Star' jam here. Naturally hearing Pigpen in his prime is just another bonus, (although I've read the reason the organ sounds different is that it came from a nearby church *lol* not sure how true that one is).   It's not all peaches and creme, this 48 year old tape has some flaws, including the beginning of Dire Wolf and a cut in High Time. Most heartbreaking is the missing ending of Lovelight, but I do hope you enjoy what we have here - we are really lucky to be able to relive it!     Grateful Dead Gill Colise

We kick off our 2019 Deadpods with this energetic and unusual set from 1980. This took place on January 13th, 1980 at the Cambodian Refugee Benefit in Oakland. The band does one long set, and I've included all of it here this week. It is all quite worthy bu I'm especially fond of the laid back 'Franklin's Tower', As well as tight versions of 'Tennessee Jed', 'Looks Like Rain' and 'Don't Ease Me In'. The "second" set features a nice lenghty 'Playin' In The Band'. 'Not Fade Away' and 'Sugar Magnolia' feature Carlos Santana and John Cipolina sitting in, but their contributions are not especially noticeable on the tape, in my opinion.   I hope you find this a pleasant diversion on a Winter's day as we roll into what is usually, to me, a long month of January.   <span style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif;" data-blogger-escaped-style= "font-family: "t

We close out 2018 with the second part of the band's performance back on on April 3rd, 1970 at the Field House at the University of Cincinnati. A great representation of the band's raucous and spirited style this set features some great jamming on some real classics like 'Cryptical Envelpment' into 'The Other One', 'Cosmic Charlie' and a wonderful 'Turn on Your Lovelight'. It's easy to see why Pigpen was considered the real frontman during this period when you listen to that Lovelight.    I hope you enjoy this small slice of classic Dead as we turn the page on another year.  May the next one bring you and yours much joy and good health, and all of us peace and brotherhood.      Grateful Dead Field House - University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH 4/3/70 - Friday   part 2 Good Lovin' [#0:22] > Drums [2:16] > Good Lovin' [4:37];[0:02] % Cryptical Envelopment [2:01] > Drums [3:05] ></

Happy Winter Solstice!                 and of course Merry Christmas..........   While this is the last Deadpod before the holiday, I will naturally include some great acoustic Dead music for your enjoyment. However since it is also a few days before the holiday, I thought I would break with tradition a bit and include some electric Dead as well. The show I selected for this week really dictated this choice, its a fine show that was performed back on April 3rd, 1970 at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati Ohio. I bring you part one this week. Unlike most acoustic sets, this show features an acoustic set right smack in the middle.. so rather than try to rearrange the songs I thought I would bring you the first part this week and finish up next Friday night. Some of the highlights here include a great jam in 'China Cat'&gt;'I Know You Rider' , Pigpen on 'Hard to Handle' and Katie Mae', and the first ever preformance of 'Candyman' . Don't miss the alte

This week's Deadpod features a fine second set from the band's show in Oakland California on December 4, 1990. They open with a nice 'Eyes of the World' - Bruce's piano here really shines. 'Saint of Circumstance' follows then a strong Jerry vocal performance on 'Ship of Fools'. 'Truckin' is where things really get going though with a great Jerry jam especially into the 'Smokestack Lightning' which has some nice interplay between Jerry, Vince and Bruce. The band doesn't slow down, post-drums, with a strong 'Other One' (sans the Phil bombs) and a good Wharf Rat. Lovelight closes the set, but Jerry returns for a sweet 'Baby Blue' encore.     Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA 12/4/90 - Tuesday Two  [1:47:57]   Eyes Of The World [13:02] > Saint Of Circumstance [7:16] Ship Of Fools [7:31] ; Truckin [8:55] > Smokestack Lightning [6:00] > Drums [15:10] > Spa

This week the Deadpod will take you back to December 4th 1990 at the Oakland County Coliseum for a fine show that showcased the energy that Bruce Hornsby brought to the band when he joined them after the death of Brent Mydland. Highlights here for me include the Mississippi Half-Step and a wonderful Bird Song. While 'Walkin' Blues' is on no ones list of favorites, it is balanced out by a great set closing 'Valley Road'. I wish the band  would've chosen to practice some of these Hornsby tunes, I know that was one of Bruce's frustrations that led him to leave later on, but this one is spot on and has some great energy.     Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA 12/4/90 - Tuesday One - [1:10:58]   Jack Straw [5:38] ; Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo [8:46] &gt; Walkin' Blues [5:44] ; Candyman [6:24] ; Me And My Uncle [3:08] &gt; Big River [5:36] ; Brown Eyed

This week I thought it only appropriate to go back and feature the fine second set from the band's performance on November 14th, 1971, that we had featured the first set from two weeks ago. This second set features some outstanding interplay and jamming. While Keith is not yet fully integrated into the band's sound (as he would be later in 1972), the other members more than make up for it with their energy and inventiveness. You won't be wrong to assume looking at the set list, that the highlight here is the mighty 'Other One'&gt;Me and My Uncle&gt;Other One&gt;Wharf Rat. While this was released as a bonus 'Road Trips' cd, this comes from a Charlie Miller release a few years back. Enjoy.     Grateful Dead Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX 11/14/71 - Sunday Two Truckin' [10:30] &gt; Drums [4:24] &gt; The Other One [9:14] &gt; Me And My Uncle [2:58] &gt; The Other One [12:21] &gt; <p

Happy Thanksgiving!   As is our tradition, please enjoy this acoustic Grateful Dead set as my way of thanking you on this special day.   While we all have many things to be thankful for, I hope each of you realizes that I am thankful that you listen to and enjoy the Deadpod. I hope that you find this acoustic Dead enjoyable and relaxing on your holiday.   Peace my friends.   Grateful Dead Warfield Theater San Francisco, California September 27, 1980 Saturday   1. // Jack-A-Roe 2. The Monkey &amp; The Engineer 3. It Must Have Been The Roses 4. Dark Hollow 5. Bird Song 6. To Lay Me Down 7. On the Road Again 8. Oh Babe, It Ain't No Lie 9. Ripple//   Time: 48:04     You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a href= "http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/de

As we roll into Thanksgiving week, here is an outstanding first set from a great tour that took place during the Fall of 1971. This is from November 14th, 1971 at Fort Worth Texas. Part of this show was released as a (now out of print) Road Trips, but the entire show is a treasure and features a young band full of energy and fire. They open with a fine 'Bertha' with Keith's piano leading the way.. they follow with a 25-beat 'Beat It On Down the Line', but Billy stops at 24 so they reset with Garcia calling for '3'...it crackles. 'China Cat' follows with some wonderful soaring Garcia leads. the train starts rollin' in the fine transition into 'I Know You Rider' and I can just imagine the dancing! Don't overlook the fine 'El Paso' that follows, it has some beautiful Garcia throughout.. I won't try and describe each of these standards - some were new at the time others not, but this is a great recording of a period when the band was transitioning from its earlier more 'primal' s

A quite unique but delightful second set from November 1st, 1977 is on the docket for this week's Deadpod. A wonderful Terrapin opens it up, a great song from a great year. A quick transition into an excellent 'Estimated Prophet', with some really nice work from Keith and Garcia here, especially before the transition into 'The Other One', which has an interesting intro as well.  This 'Other One' has a wonderfully explosive yet controlled pace . After a fairly short 'drums' we have a beautiful intro to the 'Wharf Rat', probably my highlight of this set. The jam at the end just before they go into 'Truckin'  is transcendent :) While there is an unfortunate cut in this version of 'Truckin' its still quite interesting with a slightly different feel than usual to it. The crescendo towards the end is great, and is followed by an interesting transition into  the set-closing 'Around and Around'.       Grateful Dead Cobo Arena Detroit, MI 11/1/77 - T

1977 was a year in Grateful Dead history that offered many more highlights than just those famous shows in May.. this week's Deadpod is a case in point. This performance took place 41 years ago at Cobo Hall in Detroit Michigan. The band come smokin' out of the gate with a wonderful version of 'Might As Well'. They follow with very energetic performances of some of their classic numbers. Highlights from this first set include Tennessee Jed, Passenger and an amazing 'Music Never Stopped'. We will hear the second set next week which is even stronger..     Grateful Dead Cobo Arena Detroit, MI 11/1/77 - Tuesda   One   Might As Well [5:28] ; Jack Straw [5:33] ; Tennessee Jed [9:15] ; El Paso [4:25] ; Friend Of The Devil [#7:11] ; Looks Like Rain [8:38] ; Dire Wolf [3:39] ; Passenger [3:45] ; Peggy-O [7:41] ; The Music Never Stopped [7:21]   You

This week's Deadpod contains a great recording of a 'partial' second set from the band's visit to Bloomington Minnesota on October 23rd, 1973. This recording starts with an excellent version of  'Truckin', punctuated with some unusual organ effects from Keith, going into an amazing crescendo, then into a nice bluesy 'Nobody's Fault' jam... the 'throwback' organ is reminiscent of earlier, primal versions of the band.  It's so easy to lose oneself in the arabesque jam leading up to Phil's familiar entrance to the 'Other One'. After it dissolves into Drums, a wonderful jam leads into the 'Weather Report Suite', delicate and beautiful, perhaps my highlight of the set. The band closes with the classic 'Sugar Magnolia.    As for the encores:  "The band stops playing Casey Jones at 2:03 into the song as a fight breaks out in front of the stage. Phil is notably outraged at what is happening and the disturbance goes on for at least another two and a half minutes at which

While this tape may not be complete, and it does take a bit to for the crew to dial the sound in completely, I decided to bring you this gem from the fall of 1973. This took place on October 23rd in Bloomington MN. From the lists I've seen what I have is probably not the complete show and may not be in the correct order. What is certain is that there is some very fine music here that I hope you enjoy! We will hear set 2 next week..      Grateful Dead   October 23, 1973 Metropolitan Sports Center  Bloomington, MN   -Set 1--   The Promised Land Sugaree Black Throated Wind Loose Lucy Mexicali Blues China Cat Sunflower -&gt; I Know You Rider Beat I

This week we return to the Grateful Dead's first visit to the Frost Amphitheater on the campus of Stanford University in Palo Alto California on October 10th, 1982. This second set starts with a very unusual 'Throwin' Stones'&gt;'Touch of Gray' opener; both songs are relatively new and contain some different lyrics which makes them even more interesting. 'Estimated' into 'Eyes of the World' follows, and I think  you can really hear the color that Brent has brought into the band on this Eyes, its is very nice indeed. Post-Drums we have the 'Truckin'&gt;Other One&gt;Morning Dew' with that Dew being charged with emotion and clearly the highlight of the show for me.     Grateful Dead Frost Amphitheatre - Stanford University Palo Alto, CA 10/9/82 - Saturday Two Throwing Stones [6:57]&gt; Touch Of Grey [6:07] ; Estimated Prophet [11:34] &gt; Eyes Of The World [10:03] &gt; Drums [7:45] &gt; Space [6:

I don't often feature audience recordings on the Deadpod but this one is so clean and of such a great show that I decided to share it this week.. this comes to us from October 9th, 1982 at the Frost Ampitheater in Palo Alto, CA. This was by all reports, a fun, sunny day on which both band and audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves and each other. You can hear it in the songs.. some favorites of mine 'On The Road Again' with a nice transition into 'Beat It On Down The Line'.. a great version of 'West L.A. Fadeaway' a song I usually don't much care for.. 'Dupree's' is fun as well.. and the ending 'Music Never Stops' into 'Deal' is smoking.. This was supposed to be from Rango Keshavan's Master recording, as mastered by Charlie Miller.. wonderfully sounding tape.. I hope you enjoy it!     Grateful Dead Frost Amphitheatre - Stanford University Palo Alto, CA 10/9/82 - Saturday   One Alabama Getaway [4:58] &gt;</p

This week's Deadpod is the result of a request from a longtime listener/supporter of the show. It comes to us from early in 1972, March 5th, 1972, only the second show of that legendary year, and the last time that Pigpen played with the band in San Francisco. This show was a benefit for the American Indains, and the Dead were the third band on the agenda. It turns out that they were pressed for time a bit by the 2 AM curfew, and so the second set was a bit abbreviated and rushed. I've only presented here the songs that survive in soundboard format, and while there are several patches and glitches here the exuberance and magic of the performance won me over and I think it will you as well. The jamming, especially Garcia of course, comes at you in staccato bursts, in songs like Mexicali Blues and El Paso. The highlight of the show of course, is Pigpen's 'Good Lovin'. It is here, around the 6:40 mark, that some report the first occurance of the legendary 'mind left body' jam.</

This week's Deadpod features the 2nd set from the performance on September 19th, 1990 at Madison Square Garden in New York.   This is one of the better latter day Dead shows. Bruce brings a spark to Jerry, and the boys are jamming full blast here. The jam out of the great Let it Grow with Bob, Bruce and Jerry is outstanding! But don't overlook the fine Goin' Down the Road.. Stella Blue as always, pulls on the heartstrings..       Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York , NY 9/19/90 - Wednesday   Two - [1:46:11]   Playing In The Band [10:31] &gt; Ship Of Fools [6:33] &gt; Playing Jam [2:33] &gt; Uncle John's Band [10:41] &gt; Let It Grow [11:43] &gt; Jam [9:55] &gt; Space [2:17] &gt; Drums [9:52] &gt; Space [9:28] &gt; Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:34] &gt; Stella Blue [10:29] &gt; Around And Around [8:18] En

I always love to feature a show from the historic September 1990 run at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This week I decided to bring you this wonderful show from Wednesday, September 19th 1990. This first set is energetic, and played wonderfully. Of course, the band was finding itself anew after losing Brent, and Bruce Hornsby's fourth show as a member of the band, bringing a new vitality to the group. A great 'Jack Straw' starts thing soff, but don't overlook the energy on 'Big River'. What could be better than a set closing 'Help'>'Slip'>'Frank'?  Second set next week..      Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York , NY 9/19/90 - Wednesday One - [1:06:04]   Jack Straw [5:58] ; Bertha [6:55] ; Me And My Uncle [3:09] > Big River [6:01] ; It Must Have Been The Roses [5:15] ; Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again [8:31] ; Help On The Way [4:16] > Sl

It always feels special when I can reach way back in the archives for some truly 'primal' Dead, and this week's show certainly fits. This is a fabulous show from September 3rd, 1967 at a dance hall in Rio Nido CA. There were supposedly a very small crowd, perhaps as few as 25 there, but as Phil recalled later, " This was recorded at a Russian River resort ballroom on Sunday night of Labor Day Weekend - I don't think there were more than 25 people there, but we played our little hearts out for them anyway. " Garcia and Lesh are endlessly inventive on these songs; and while there are plenty of flaws and dropouts I think the pure joy of hearing the band at this time in their youth more than makes up for it. Pigpen in particular is outstanding, and the places Jerry takes the jams, for example in the opening 'Midnight Hour' is outstanding.  <span style="font-family: inherit;" data-blogger

For a long Labor Day weekend I think this week's Deadpod provides a perfect soundtrack - the second set from the band's smoking performance on August 24th, 1972 at the Berkeley Community Theater in Berkeley CA. Each of these standards are played most excellently. In addition we are treated to a true pinnacle of improvisational excellence with the 'Dark Star&gt;Morning Dew'. I would have thought they'd close out after that but rather than that they rev it back up with a hot 'Sugar Magnolia', 'Ramble on Rose' and 'Greatest Story'. Sing Me Back Home is sweet as always. While they close the set with a 'One More Saturday Night' (on a Thursday) they return with a most excellent 'Uncle John's Band' encore - a song that should have seen that spot more often.     Grateful Dead Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley, CA 8/24/72 - Thursday   Two Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [6:50] Mexicali Blues [3:21] Br

This week's Deadpod features a show from 46 years ago at the Berkeley Community Theater in Berkeley CA. This run, which lead up to the famous show at Veneta Oregon on the 27th, often is overlooked, but is a stellar example of why the band were at the top of their game during this period. While I previously featured the next night of this run, this may well be the better of those two. While the playing is wonderful throughout (and perhaps even more spacy and exciting in set 2) the jam between 'China-&gt;Rider', the 'Bird Song' and of course 'Playin in the Band' make this a memorable first set.         Grateful Dead Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley, CA 8/24/72 - Thursday   One The Promised Land [2:58] Sugaree [6:43] Jack Straw [5:51]  China Cat Sunflower [7:09] &gt; I Know You Rider [4:49] Me And My Uncle [3:02] Bird Song [9:12] Beat It On Down The Line [3:05]

This week another super long set from 1974 - this of course is the second set from August 6th, 1974 at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City New Jersey. What a way to start - a wonderful 'Uncle John's Band' with a great jammy intro.. other great highlights from this set include a personal favorite - a nice 'Black Peter', an excellent 'Loose Lucy' and 'Ship Of Fools' - a bit more uptempo which I think suits the song well. Again here in this set you'll see no dedicated 'drums-&gt;space' segment, but there is plenty of jamming here, especially in the long closing segment which features 'Sugar Mag' into 'He's Gone', a long jammed out 'Truckin' (where Bobby fugs up the lyrics :) then a nice 'Spanish Jam' into an  unusual 'Other One' jam.. they go out with a nice 'Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad' and top off the sandwich with 'Sunshine Daydream'. US Blues follows as the encore of a most wonderful show.   Grateful Dead Roosevelt Stadium Jersey City, NJ 8/6/74

As summer flies, it seems this might be a good choice to wrap up the 'days between' and lead us into the rest of August; a true classic from August 6th, 1974 at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, New Jersey. The band is full on throughout this fabulous first set clocks in at over 90 minutes with some of the best versions of some of these standards that you'll find during 1974. You can feel the energy pumping out from them from Bertha onwards.. the Jack Straw is great, and you wonder how Eyes found its way into set 1, then when they hit Deal you think this set is over only to be treated to a fabulous Playin>Scarlet>Playin' sandwich..      Grateful Dead Roosevelt Stadium Jersey City, NJ 8/6/74 - Tuesday One Bertha [5:25] ; Mexicali Blues [3:28] ; Don't Ease Me In [3:24] ; Beat It On Down The Line [3:20] ; Sugaree [7:29] ; Jack Straw [5:12] ; Eyes Of The World [18:56] ; The Promised Land [3

A wonderful second set to celebrate the start of the Days Between on this week's Deadpod from 6/11/76 Boston Music Hall.  What a way to open a set! St. Stephen!  They step it up even more by following that with a unique jam into  'Dancing In the Streets' into 'The Music never Stopped.. As you might notice there is no real drums or space in this second set, but an abundance of great tunes and fine playing..      Grateful Dead Boston Music Hall Boston, MA 6/11/76 - Friday Two Saint Stephen [9:34] > Dancing In The Street [12:03] > The Music Never Stopped [4:33];[1:30] ; Ship Of Fools [6:53] % Samson And Delilah [5:50] % Sugaree [9:47] % Sugar Magnolia [6:05] > Eyes Of The World [13:10] > Stella Blue [8:#36];[0:04] ; Sunshine Daydream [2:40] Encore Johnny B. Goode [#3:40]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  <a

The laid back rhythms of '76 make for a perfect compliment to the hot weather as we explore a wonderful show from June 11th, 1976 at the Boston Music Hall in Boston MA. A very clean recording and sweet solos by Garcia highlight this set.  Love the pace of this Tennessee Jed.. Big River will definitely get you up after a sweet and sleepy Candyman.. you'll feel the power building in the Scarlet as the music sweeps you away. A pretty and soulful 'Looks Like Rain' follows. Garcia continues to create more beauty with his solos in the following 'Must Have Been the Roses'.  I really enjoyed the 'Supplication' that follows..      Grateful Dead Boston Music Hall Boston, MA 6/11/76 - Friday One Might As Well [5:06] ; Mama Tried [2:42];[1:39] ; Tennessee Jed [8:03];[2:19] ; Cassidy [4:16];[1:51] ; Candyman [7:31];[1:50] ; Big River [5:16] % Scarlet Begonias [9#:39] > Looks Like Rain [7:46] 

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the beautiful Greek Theater in Berkeley CA that was performed back on July 13th, 1984. While this show is most famous for the 'Dark Star' encore (preceded by a shooting star), the set itself is quite solid with some outstanding performances for the year. They begin with a 'Scarlet>Touch>Fire' that is high energy and punctuated by some great work by Brent on the keys and of course Jerry's dancing notes. A nice long segway leads into 'Touch' (albeit it does sound a bit 'off' to my ears); again a nice bouncy version.. again a somewhat odd transition into Fire, but once it gets rolling love the backbeat.. 'Man Smart, Woman Smarter' leads into a fine drums and space. The post-drums setlist is highlighted by 'Stella Blue' and a very fine 'Sugar Magnolia'..    The Dark Star encore was the last time they played it until fall of 89..      Grateful Dead Greek Theatre - University of California Be

On this Friday the 13th I decided to bring you probably one of the most famous Friday the 13th shows the Grateful Dead performed - this one from Friday, July 13, 1984 at the Greek Theater in Berkeley CA. While the show is justifiably famous for the appearance of Dark Star in the 2nd set; I'm completionist enough to include the 1st set this week. All in all, this is a good 1st set and a fine example of early-to-mid 80s Dead. Always a beautiful place to see the band, the crowd is treated to a rocking 'Bertha-&gt;Greatest Story' to start the show. 'Dire Wolf' which follows is always a treat, and Bobby does a good job on 'C C Rider'. There are solid versions of the rest of the tunes, with the possible exception of 'Dupree's' where Jerry gets a bit lost. :)     Grateful Dead Greek Theatre - University of California Berkeley, CA 7/13/84 - Friday   One Bertha &gt; Greatest Story Ever Told ; Dire Wolf ; C C

For your post-July 4th enjoyment the Deadpod brings you the 2nd set from the Jai-Alai Fronton in Miami Florida on June 22nd, 1974. One of the great 'wall of sound' shows, this second set starts out strong with a wonderful 'China Cat Sunflower' into 'I Know You Rider'. A tight 'Me &amp; My Uncle' and 'Ship of Fools' follow. The 'El Paso' is surprisingly hot. Then a long jammy 'Eyes of the World' opens up the horizon; the band eases into the pathos of 'Wharf Rat', then busts out a great 'Sugar Magnolia' to close the set.  After a great show, the 'Johnny B. Goode' encore sends folks home happy and hungry for the next night's adventure.   Grateful Dead Jai-Alai Fronton Miami, FL 6/22/74   Two   China Cat Sunflower [9:52] &gt; I Know You Rider [5:24] ; Me And My Uncle [2:53] ; Ship Of Fools [5:57] ; El Paso [4:26] ; Eyes Of The World [15:03] &gt; Wharf Rat [9:52] &gt; Sugar Magnolia [

A year ago I played what many would consider the 'big brother' to this week's Deadpod selection - 6/23/74. This week I'm going to begin to feature the night before - 6/22/74 Miami Florida. This band may stumble on occasion here.. the levels take a bit to get 'just exactly perfect', but remember it was a 'wall of sound' show, and overall this is a great recording. The first set which we will hear this week has more 'studio' type versions than long jammed out pieces, however there is still plenty here to sink your teeth into. Some very unusual and fine jamming in 'Greatest Story', a fine 'Jack Straw' and stand-alone 'Scarlet'. 'The Race is On' is always a joy to hear, and the set closing 'Playin' in the Band' is fabulous; I'm especially fond of Phil here..   Grateful Dead Jai-Alai Fronton Miami, FL 6/22/74 - Saturday One The Promised Land [3:18] &gt; Bertha [5:24] ; Greatest Story Ever Told [5:34] ; Deal [4:42] ; Me

Happy Summer everyone!   This second set from May 11th, 1980 is really a classic set list with a powerhouse pre-drums set and a rare set-closing Johnny B. Goode.. I would've loved to have seen this one! Bet the place was rockin' after the Black Peter as well! Another example of 'never miss a Sunday show'!   Grateful Dead Cumberland County Civic Center Portland, ME 5/11/80 - Sunday Two Scarlet Begonias [6:42] &gt; Fire On The Mountain [8:19] ; Feel Like A Stranger [7:31] &gt; Terrapin Station [11:53] &gt; Playing In The Band [8:51] &gt; Drums [5:#31] &gt; Space [2:17] &gt; Black Peter [8:59] &gt; Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:02] &gt; Around And Around [3:50] &gt; Johnny B. Goode [3:57] Encore Brokedown Palace [5:27]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: <a href= "http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod

The band was on a roll not only during May of '77 but also during May of 1980 so I decided to bring you this smoker of a show from that month, 38 years ago. This one comes from Portland Maine on May 11th, 1980. This one gets up and roaring with a hot 'Alabama Getaway' into 'Promised Land'. Garcia's voice is great on 'They Love Each Other' which follows and throughout. The only flaw here for me is when Brent drops a verse on 'Easy To Love  You'. I'm always a fan of the 'Big Railroad blues' and the closing 'Don't Ease' into 'Music Never Stopped' is a fun way to close this first set..     Grateful Dead Cumberland County Civic Center Portland, ME 5/11/80 - Sunday One Alabama Getaway [4:33] &gt; The Promised Land [4:13] ; They Love Each Other [6:57] ; Cassidy [4:50] ; Loser [7:22] ; It's All Over Now [8:20] ; Easy To Love You [3:30] ; Big Railroad Blues [4:36] ; Looks Like Rain [7:59]

This week's Deadpod features a very nice second set from Deer Creek Music Theater in Nobelsville Indiana on June 6th, 1991. The set starts with China>Rider, which, after a bit of a warm up moves along very smartly. While this is most definitely a 90s sound, there is enough great Garcia licks (as well as a great 'headlight on a northbound train'  to please, I think. The band are definitely functioning together as a unit. Estimated follows..check out Bobby's screeches! a nice little jam leads us into 'Uncle John's Band'. (I hear Hornsby's accordion here). A fine transition leads into drums and space.. (my apologies for the distortion on some of the drums). A long and quite interesting space leads into a beautiful 'Wheel'. A rather shorter 'Watchtower' follows, but then we get a beautiful 'Stella Blue'. A rocking' Lovelight closes the set, but it is followed by a rare 'Box of Rain' encore..        Deer Creek Music Center, Noblesville, IN (6/6/91)  </p

As we head into June and the Summer concert season I decided to bring you a show from one of the favorite venues for summertime Dead - the Deer Creek Music Theater in Nobelsville Indiana, from June 6, 1991. I like the balance on this recording - everyone's sound  seems well blended and no keyboards overpower the music. The 'Jack Straw' opener is especially bright and snappy..  other favorites for me in this set include Row Jimmy and Big Railroad Blues. I admit I have always enjoyed what Hornsby brought to the band, and to Garcia.. I think this is a great example.      Grateful Dead Deer Creek Music Center Noblesville, IN 6/6/91 - Thursday   One   Jack Straw [5:47] ; They Love Each Other [9:18]; Wang Dang Doodle [7:28] ; Row Jimmy [9:34] ; Black Throated Wind [5:46] ; Big Railroad Blues [5:15] ; Cassidy [6:41] ; Might As Well [6:03]   You can lis

What a great set to share with you on this holiday weekend! This week we get to hear the third set from the band's performance on May 20th, 1973 at Santa Barbara California. The set starts out with a fine 'Truckin'.. but the magic starts right after that,  first in an exquisite jam out of Trucking, then, a 'Nobody's Fault' jam. I recommend letting the music take you where it will beyond this point.. if you've not heard this show before you've not been here yet. Words won't due justice to the paths traveled by the music, but the closest might come from the review of this show in the Grateful Dead Listening Guide here:   http://www.deadlistening.com/2010/02/1973-may-20-santa-barbara-ca.html   Clearly the musicians serve the music here... slowly you realize 'The Other One' is making an appearance.. and we are transported, farther.. deeper.. This is t

This week's Deadpod continues with the second set of the band's performance back on May 20th, 1973 at UC-Santa Barbara, CA. While this set appears more like a 'first' set setlist, but the playing is spectacular throughout. 'Big Railroad Blues' is always a keeper and these early 'Here Comes Sunshines' are spectacular.   Grateful Dead Campus Stadium - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 5/20/73 - Sunday Two The Promised Land [3:03] ; Brown Eyed Women [5:14] ; Mexicali Blues [3:41] ; Row Jimmy ; Jack Straw ; Big Railroad Blues ; Greatest Story Ever Told ; Here Comes Sunshine ; Big River ; Loser [7:09] ; El Paso [3:29] ; Casey Jones [9:01]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod051818.mp3   Thank you

This wasn't the show I'd planned on presenting this week.. I thought oh this was too long.. but after listening to what I had prepared, and listening to this again, well, it was no choice.. so from the great year of 1973, we bring you the band's performance from May 20th, 1973 at Santa Barbra California.. Now this isn't your typical 2 1/2 hour show.. this one is going to stretch out for probably 3 weeks, as this was a *full* three set show. There are a few imperfections in the recording but overall for its age it is remarkable and I'm certain you'll enjoy it....   Grateful Dead Campus Stadium - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 5/20/73 - Sunday One Bertha [5:39] ; Me And My Uncle [2:57] ; Box Of Rain [4:51] ; Deal [4:34] ; Looks Like Rain [6:33] ; Tennessee Jed [7:33] ; The Race Is On [2:56] ; China Cat Sunflower [6:05] &gt; Jam [1:26] &gt; I Know You Rider

This wasn't the show I'd planned on presenting this week.. I thought oh this was too long.. but after listening to what I had prepared, and listening to this again, well, it was no choice.. so from the great year of 1973, we bring you the band's performance from May 20th, 1973 at Santa Barbra California.. Now this isn't your typical 2 1/2 hour show.. this one is going to stretch out for probably 3 weeks, as this was a *full* three set show. There are a few imperfections in the recording but overall for its age it is remarkable and I'm certain you'll enjoy it....   Grateful Dead Campus Stadium - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 5/20/73 - Sunday One Bertha [5:39] ; Me And My Uncle [2:57] ; Box Of Rain [4:51] ; Deal [4:34] ; Looks Like Rain [6:33] ; Tennessee Jed [7:33] ; The Race Is On [2:56] ; China Cat Sunflower [6:05] &gt; Jam [1:26] &gt; I Know You Rider

We open the month of May here on the Deadpod with a great second set from 1977, as we continue our presentation of April 23rd, 1977 at the Springfield Civic Center Arena in Springfield MA. This set starts with the famous 'take a step back' exhortation to the crowd, but the band fires things up most excellently with a very tight 'Estimated Prophet'. Not only are the harmonies great here but Jerry has that twangy 77 sound that makes this one so sweet. Bertha follows, more melodic than rockin' here.. The familiar bass line of 'The Music Never Stops' follows, as the band high step into this favorite. Jerry really gets cranking here, even though the jam won't go on as long as we might like. The Help&gt;Slip&gt;Frank that follows is for my money clearly the highlight here. Such a joy to listen to.. I find myself wishing that Slipknot! could go on and on.. but then I'd miss Jerry's mindbending solos during Franklin's :) They close the second set with a great trifecta; 'Around and Ar

Well as we ease out of April it seems like a great idea to bring you s show from 1977... I have always tried to feature a show from that stupendous month of May '77, but all of those have either been featured already or commercially released, so I decided to go with this relatively unknown but excellent show from April 23rd, 1977 in Springfield MA. The show has an easy mellow feel to it, reminiscent of '76 Dead, yet it has the tight harmonies and unexpected dips and turns of those classic May shows. From a fine, flowing 'Sugaree' through the great 'Loser' and 'Row Jimmy' I found lots of favorites in this first set. The highlight however is probably the Scarlet&gt;Fire which closes the set, and marks only the 3rd time they performed 'Fire on the Mountain'. We'll play the second set next week...   Grateful Dead Springfield Civic Center Arena Springfield, MA 4/23/77 - Saturday   One   Sugaree [11:17] ; Cassidy

Happy 4/20!    This week's Deadpod features the 2nd set from the band's performance on April 15th at the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. I think you'll enjoy this one, as it continues the fine recording of set 1, with some strong playing as well. I'm especially enamored of the 'Playin' in the Band' and an unusually long and jamming 'Not Fade Away'. 'Morning Dew' follows, a song that is always poignant but seems especially so in this world.        Grateful Dead William And Mary Hall - College Of William And Mary Williamsburg, VA 4/15/78 - Saturday Two Bertha [5:43] &gt; Good Lovin' [6:18] ; Candyman [7:15] ; Sunrise [3:48] > Playing In The Band [14:16] > Drums [11:#41] > Not Fade Away [13:57] > Morning Dew [10:29] ; Around And Around [7:53] Encore One More Saturday Night [4:33] <table style="he

This week's Deadpod features a fine show from the great Spring tour of 1978. This one starts off with a wonderful 'Mississippi Half-Step' -love Jerry's enthusiasm here! 'Passenger' follows - a song that I always enjoyed as a real rocker in the band's repertoire. A nice 'Friend of the Devil' follows, then stand  alone 'El Paso'. 'Brown Eyed Women' is always a treat, and is followed by a long and nicely jammed 'Let It Grow'. A hot 'Deal' closes this set, but be sure and don't miss next week's 2nd set!     Grateful Dead William And Mary Hall - College Of William And Mary Williamsburg, VA 4/15/78 - Saturday   One Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [9:43] ; Passenger [4:12] ; Friend Of The Devil [6:28] ; El Paso [4:19] ; Brown Eyed Women [5:00] ; Let It Grow [13:45] ; Deal [6:49]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: <a href= "http://traffic.libsyn.com/

This week's Deadpod features the 2nd set from the band's March 30th, 1987 performance at the Spectrum in Philadelphia PA. In general, while Jerry's vocals may not be top-notch, his playing throughout is. We start out with a bouncy 'Iko,Iko', always flavored with Brent's tasty keyboards. A somewhat unique stand-alone 'Saint of Circumstance' follows and  flows into one of the highlights here, a long and well-developed 'He's Gone'. Drums and Space flow into a nice uptempo 'Truckin', which disolves into a very tasty, if short, 'Other One'. The Wharf Rat follows, and while I would have preferred a longer denounment here, the 'Throwin' Stones', 'Not Fade Away' was an enjoyable if somewhat predictable closing of this set. Jerry returns with a sweet 'It's All Over Now, Baby Blue' encore.    Grateful Dead The Spectrum Philadelphia, PA 3/30/87 - Monday   Two   Iko Iko [6:37] ; Saint Of Circumstance [6:21] > He's Gone [14:56

This week we go back 30 years to one of the boy's shows from the Spring tour of 1987. This took place at one of their favorite venues - the Spectrum in Philadelphia PA on March 30th, 1987. While this first set is rather short, I think you'll enjoy Garcia's enthusiasm on this set, besides who doesn't love a good Shakedown opener?      Grateful Dead - March 30, 1987 The Spectrum - Philadelphia, PA Set 1:   Tuning Shakedown Street It's All Over Now Stagger Lee Never Trust A Woman Box Of Rain Loser Cassidy   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod033018.mp3   I'm still trying to get over a bad case of the flu... so this is short and sweet..    I hope M

Hello Friends! I have to tell you, the ol' Professor has not had a great week.. been down with an awful case of the flu since last saturday night, which forced me to cancel a trip I had planned to the great Southwest :( However my week was brightened by a very sweet note and donation from Stephen and Kristi of New York City (who are dealing with their own nasty weather problems this week). Thanks my friends. I'm still running a fever and dealing with some nasty abdominal stuff so I'm afraid I'm going to make this introduction to this week's Deadpod short and sweet.. The first half of this second set is wonderful.. It's always a joy to hear Pig sing 'The Stranger' and the boys are really moving this one down the track so buckle up and enjoy the ride.        Grateful Dead Academy of Music New York, NY 3/21/72 - Tuesday   Two   Intro [1:11] (1) ; Truckin' &gt; [10:28] &gt; Drums [3:22] &gt; <

This week we go back to the start of a legendary run that took place in the Spring of 1972, in New York City at the Academy of Music on March 21st. Off and on there are a few sonic problems with the tape - Garcia's vocals are buried in the opening 'Bertha' and there is a hum here and there, but overall well worth a listen. Garcia is on fire throughout and while some of the songs are still being developed the band is clearly evolving toward the Europe 72 sound you are probably very familiar with. Love the 'Playing In The Band' one of the first versions with some really out there jamming after the first verses. 'Looks like Rain' features Garcia on slide guitar and Pigpen is fabulous throughout. 'Cumberland Blues' is simply explosive.       Grateful Dead Academy of Music New York, NY 3/21/72 - Tuesday   One Bertha ; Black Throated Wind ; Sugaree ; Next Time You See Me ; Greatest Story Ever

You've probably heard that Phil Lesh and Bob Weir have been playing some wonderful 'duo' shows together this month.. while I'm still contemplating playing one of the audience tapes of one of these gems, I decided to bring you another 'Phil &amp; Friends' acoustic show that started the genre - this took place back on September 24th, 1994 at the Berkeley Community Theater in Berkeley CA, a benefit for music in the local schools. It was of course the last 'acoustic' Dead performance, and for the most part is quite sweet and wonderful to hear. I hope you enjoy this performance, and I do envy those of you lucky enough to see Phil  &amp; Bob this tour!     <span style= "font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: medium;" data-blogger-escaped-style= "fo

March will come in like a lion for us with the second set from the band's performance at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles CA from February 11th, 1989. We are treated right off to a superb China&gt;Rider, with a very nice jam into Rider. I love hearing Brett here.. what better song to bring in March than 'I Know You Rider'? and Jerry sells that 'northbound train' line :) . 'Man Smart, Woman Smarter' follows - that bouncy tune always got everyone dancing! 'Standing on the Moon' follows, certainly not in the slot we might expect it, but this is only its 3rd performance, but one of the best.. also probably the main reason I wanted to play this set.. a nice, stretched out 'Estimated Prophet' follows.. they then travel to Space, but  Brent brings out 'I Will Take You Home' first, which always pulls at my heartstrings.. a very interesting drums follows, with Bill and Mickey being joined by Airto Moreira, Diana Moreira, and Flora Purim for some very spacey African sounding voca

This week's Deadpod features the first set from the band's performance on February 11th, 1989 in Los Angeles, CA. I love the opener, Mississipi Half-Step, and Jerry doesn't let me down here.. 'across.... the lazy river.. :) An energetic Minglewood follows, then a lovely 'Candyman'.. I love the color that Brent added here, but no one sounds like Jerry on this. Next a rockin' 'Big River', followed by the premier of 'Built To Last'.. such interesting lyrics. 'Queen Jane' is well played and followed by a short but always powerful 'We Can Run'. The Bird flies by to end this first set full of colors and feelings..    Great Western Forum, Los Angeles CA (2/11/89) Mississippi Half-Step New Minglewood Blues Candyman Big River Built to Last Queen Jane Approximately We Can Run But We Can't Hide Bird Song  <span style= "font-f

This week's Deadpod features the beautiful 2nd set from February 9th, 1973 from Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. Plenty of breakouts make this a rare and unusual set, including 'They Love Each Other' , 'Eyes of the World', 'China Doll' and 'Wave that Flag'. Some great exploratory jamming in Eyes marks a unique version that sounds unlike any other played that year. There are a few splices here and there, but I don't think they will effect your enjoyment of this fine show. Wavy Gravy does a brief political talk at the beginning of the set..    Grateful Dead Roscoe Maples Pavilion - Stanford University Palo Alto, CA 2/9/73 - Friday Two - 1:36:15 China Cat Sunflower [4:51] > I Know You Rider [5:49]%[0:45] ; Jack Straw [4:43]%[1:25] ; They Love Each Other [4:36];[0:07]%[0:09] ; Truckin' [7:#56] > Eyes Of The World [17:09] > China Doll [6:00];[0:06]%[0:08] ; Big River [4:54] % Ramble On

45 years ago today the Dead premiered the 'Wall of Sound'.. they also premiered the following classic songs: China Doll, Eyes of the World, Here Comes Sunshine, Loose Lucy, They Love Each Other, Row Jimmy, Wave That Flag (Later US Blues).. this week we'll listen to the first set from this spectacular show, from February 9th, 1973 at the Roscoe Maples Pavilion at Stanford University, Palo Alto California. I can't believe I never played this before on the Deadpod but it appears I have not.. my thanks to Steve for the suggestion for this week!      Roscoe Maples Pavilion (Stanford U), Palo Alto, CA (2/9/73) Promised Land Row Jimmy Black Throated Wind Deal Me and My Uncle

This week we feature the second set from the band's performance on April 10th, 1983 at Morgantown, West Virginia. This is a fine sounding, energetic set, in which I think Brent's contributions really shine. I love the intro out of space into 'the Wheel' and of course the 'China Doll' that comes out of the return into 'Playin'.  The jamming in Playin' may not quite get out there as far as you'd like but overall this is a very fun well-played show. I hope you agree..        Grateful Dead Coliseum - West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 4/10/83 - Sunday   Two Touch Of Grey [6:04] ; Man Smart (Woman Smarter) [5:54] ; Uncle John's Band[8:29] > Playing In The Band[10:10] > Drums [6:40] > Space [5:33] > The Wheel [5:41] > Playing In The Band[4:29] > China Doll [4:52] > Sugar Magnolia [8:07] Encore U.S. Blues [4:56]   You can listen to t

This week's Deadpod comes as the result of a request by a friend .. some say the highlight of this show is the opener, I wouldn't go that far but it is a surprise, even for a Sunday! The 'Samson &amp; Delilah' opener only happened a couple of times in the band's history but I think the rest of this set is quite entertaining as well. From April 10th, 1983 in Morgantown West Virginia.. I found the interplay between Garcia and Brent Mydland to be very entertaining here (Brent is certainly up a bit in the mix on this tape). 'Tennessee Jed' is a highlight here for me, as is a slow 'Friend of the Devil' that includes some nice surprises from Jerry.   Grateful Dead Coliseum - West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 4/10/83 - Sunday   One Samson And Delilah ; Friend Of The Devil ; Me And My Uncle > Mexicali Blues ; Althea ; Little Red Rooster ; Tennessee Jed ; My Brother Esau ; Might As

Here's hoping that this set of fine early Dead music will help warm  your bones in the middle of this cold cold January... We continue with the band's performance from January 16th, 1970 at Springer's Inn in Portland Oregon. While we start out with a Cumberland Blues that is a bit shortened, this tape more than make sup for it with early versions of classic songs that are delightful to me as I listen to their early development.  'Easy Wind' is a classic, as is the wonderful 'Dire Wolf'...   Because the set is a bit short, I've included a cut from a recently released set from one of my favorite bands, Joe Russo's Almost Dead.. this cover of Cream Puff War just seems to fit in perfectly here and I hope you enjoy it.. the rest of this wonderful set is available on archive.org..     Grateful Dead Springer's Inn Portland, OR 1/16/70 - Friday   part 2 Cumberland Blues [#4:13#] % Me And My Uncle [#2:52] ></

A fresh new year brought to my mind a good time to hear the band when they sounded fresh and young - - thus this week's Deadpod from 1/16/70 at Springer's Inn in Portland Oregon.  This is the start of what was a momentous year for the band, and we can hear the enthusiasm and talent of each of them on this fine recording. While there are no long jams or songs on this recording, there is a passion and energy in each of these songs that is a treat to listen to. I'll play the first part of this recording this week and the second next; while there are some cuts and anomalies, I think you'll agree that it has held up its sonically remarkably well.   Grateful Dead Springer's Inn Portland, OR 1/16/70 - Friday   One  Casey Jones [4:33];[0:44] ; Mama Tried [2:28];[0:33] ; Black Peter (1) [7:59];[2:38] ; Hard To Handle [7:07];[0:24] ; China Cat Sunflower [2:58] &gt; Jam [2:28] &gt; I Know You Ride

We usher in the New Year with a long, fantastic second set from the Dead's performance on 12/30/78 at the Pauley Pavilion in UCLA, Los Angeles, CA. The bands opens with a trifecta of rock and roll -  'I Need a Miracle' (check out Weir's shouting here) into 'Bertha' into 'Good Lovin'. This leads into a fantastic, long Scarlet > Fire (almost 18 minutes). You might think they'd head into Drums and Space but no, tonight we get both a 'Playin' in the Band' AND a 'Shakedown Street' pre-Drums. This Drums is no slouch.. and leads into Hamza el-Din joining the band for 'Ollin Arrageed'. Jerry rather flubs the intro to the first 'St. Stephen' since January 78, but still great to hear, as is the 'Not Fade Away'>Goin' Down the Road'>'Around and Around' which closes this excellent set. They return for the obligatory 'One More Saturday Night' encore capping off almost a 2 hour set.      Grateful Dead Pauley Pavilion - University of California Los Angeles,

First off - Happy New Year! Always a significant date on the touring calendar, the NYE run has seen many great shows over the years. I've decided to bring you one from 39 years ago, 12/29/78 at Pauley Pavilion at UCLA in Los Angeles CA. This rather long first set is a combination of slower Garcia ballads and rockin' Weir covers.. but it all works and I hope you'll enjoy it.  An opening 'Jack Straw' is always a treat, and this one is quite welcome.. 'They Love Each Other' follows, then Bobby brings out a nice 'Mama Tried' into 'Mexicali Blues'.  Garcia again slows it down a bit with a soulful 'Loser'. Other highlights in the firs set include a great rockin' 'Passenger' followed by a 'Tennessee Jed' with a great Garcia solo. 'Sugaree' that follows the 'Minglewood' is very tasty as well!       Grateful Dead Pauley Pavilion - University of California Los Angeles, CA 12/30/78 - Saturday One Jack Straw [5:28] ; They Lov

First off - Happy New Year! Always a significant date on the touring calendar, the NYE run has seen many great shows over the years. I've decided to bring you one from 39 years ago, 12/29/78 at Pauley Pavilion at UCLA in Los Angeles CA. This rather long first set is a combination of slower Garcia ballads and rockin' Weir covers.. but it all works and I hope you'll enjoy it.  An opening 'Jack Straw' is always a treat, and this one is quite welcome.. 'They Love Each Other' follows, then Bobby brings out a nice 'Mama Tried' into 'Mexicali Blues'.  Garcia again slows it down a bit with a soulful 'Loser'. Other highlights in the firs set include a great rockin' 'Passenger' followed by a 'Tennessee Jed' with a great Garcia solo. 'Sugaree' that follows the 'Minglewood' is very tasty as well!       Grateful Dead Pauley Pavilion - University of California Los Angeles, CA 12/30/78 - Saturday One Jack Straw [5:28] ; They Lov

First off - Happy New Year! Always a significant date on the touring calendar, the NYE run has seen many great shows over the years. I've decided to bring you one from 39 years ago, 12/29/78 at Pauley Pavilion at UCLA in Los Angeles CA. This rather long first set is a combination of slower Garcia ballads and rockin' Weir covers.. but it all works and I hope you'll enjoy it.  An opening 'Jack Straw' is always a treat, and this one is quite welcome.. 'They Love Each Other' follows, then Bobby brings out a nice 'Mama Tried' into 'Mexicali Blues'.  Garcia again slows it down a bit with a soulful 'Loser'. Other highlights in the firs set include a great rockin' 'Passenger' followed by a 'Tennessee Jed' with a great Garcia solo. 'Sugaree' that follows the 'Minglewood' is very tasty as well!       Grateful Dead Pauley Pavilion - University of California Los Angeles, CA 12/30/78 - Saturday One Jack Straw [5:28] ; They Lov

First off - Happy New Year! Always a significant date on the touring calendar, the NYE run has seen many great shows over the years. I've decided to bring you one from 39 years ago, 12/29/78 at Pauley Pavilion at UCLA in Los Angeles CA. This rather long first set is a combination of slower Garcia ballads and rockin' Weir covers.. but it all works and I hope you'll enjoy it.  An opening 'Jack Straw' is always a treat, and this one is quite welcome.. 'They Love Each Other' follows, then Bobby brings out a nice 'Mama Tried' into 'Mexicali Blues'.  Garcia again slows it down a bit with a soulful 'Loser'. Other highlights in the firs set include a great rockin' 'Passenger' followed by a 'Tennessee Jed' with a great Garcia solo. 'Sugaree' that follows the 'Minglewood' is very tasty as well!       Grateful Dead Pauley Pavilion - University of California Los Angeles, CA 12/30/78 - Saturday One Jack Straw [5:28] ; They Lov

Our annual Christmas Deadpod features a very entertaining acoustic show from the summer of 1970. While it is true that the mandolin and the guitars are higher in the mix than optimal, I am of the opinion that the quality of the recording, and the originality of the set list, make this a worthwhile pastime on a cold winter's day. I do hope you agree.    I wish for all of you peace and happiness and hope that this holiday weekend finds you with the people you love, for that is the greatest of all gifts.        Grateful Dead Golden Hall - San Diego Community Concourse San Diego, CA 8/5/70 - Wednesday One - 31:06   Candyman [6:46]%[0:17] ; El Paso [5:44]%[0:10] ; Rosalie McFall [3:34]%[0:06] ; Tell It To Me [2:25];[0:15] ; Drink Up And Go Home [2:44]%[0:26] ; A Voice From On High [2:57]%[0:08] ; Cold Jordan [2:26] > Swing Low Sweet Chariot [3:02] [0:08]</p

This week's Deadpod features a one-set wonder (as it is only the 2nd set that we have a soundboard tape of) of a superb show from December 1st, 1971 from the Boston Music Hall in Boston MA. This is a beautiful recording of the young Dead and I'm quite certain you'll enjoy both the stand alone songs and the insane jamming of 'The Other One'. The ending 'Not Fade Away'>Going  Down the Road Feelin' Bad'>'Not Fade Away' is wonderful as well.         Grateful Dead Boston Music Hall Boston, MA 12/1/71 - Wednesday   <span style="font-family: inheri

This week - a really fun second set from the early Winter/late Fall of 79. This set starts out with a great Shakedown Street into a drummer's favorite - Samson and Delilah. Jerry slows things down a bit with a beautiful 'High Time' bu tthey pick back up with a long and well jammed-out Estimated-&gt;Eyes of the World. The jam going into Drums is particularly tasty. 'Black Peter' comes out of Drums, then they rock out the rest of the set with a 'Around and Around' into 'Johnny B. Goode', and a rockin'  'U.S. Blues' encore..   hope this gets you up and rockin' and keeping those bones warm:)     Grateful Dead Cleveland Public Auditorium Cleveland, OH 11/29/79 - Thursday Two Shakedown Street [11:49] -> Samson And Delilah [7:01] ; High Time [7:53] ; Estimated Prophet [13:29] -> Eyes Of The World [16:02] -> Space [8:13] -> Drums [7:#15] -> Black Peter [10:31] -> Around And

This week - a show I really don't think I've broadcast before :) this one from my old hometown of Cleveland Ohio back on 11/29/79 at Public Hall. The boys always seemed to rock in the Land and this night was no exception as they started out with a great 'Alabama Getaway' into 'Promised Land'. Je4ry slows it down a bit with 'Candyman' but the 'Mexicali' is smokin'. A beautiful 'They Love Each Other' follows with some great leads from Jerry. Brent is stlll new in the chair but 'Easy To Love You' is great. 'Brown-Eyed Women' smokes and the boys close with 'Looks Like Rain' into a stompin' 'Don't Ease Me In'.. second set next week..      Grateful Dead Cleveland Public Auditorium Cleveland, OH 11/29/79 - Thursday One Alabama Getaway [6:17] > The Promised Land [4:12] ; Candyman [7:18] ; Mama Tried [2:33] > Mexicali Blues [4:23] ; They Love Each Other [7:10] ; New Minglewood Blues [7:16] ; Eas

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm hoping you'll enjoy this early acoustic Deadpod as my holiday present to you... This comes to us from November 8th 1970 from the famous Capitol Theater in Port Chester New York. As is my tradition, we'll enjoy the fine acoustic set for Thanksgiving and then next week I'll present the tasty electric set. 'Operator' and 'Wake Up Little Susie' make their final appearance in this setlist, and be sure and catch the Godzilla discussion that (who else) Weir goes into.. there's even a little tasty dessert at the end of the set - don't miss it :)   Grateful Dead Capitol Theater Port Chester, NY 11/8/70 - Sunday   One - 43:09   Dire Wolf [4:15];[0:35] ; I Know You Rider [8:10];[0:17#] ; Dark Hollow (1) [3:00];[0:38] ; Rosalie McFall [2:57] ; El Paso [4:39] ; Operator [2:13] ; Ripple [4:13] ; Friend Of The Devil [3:30] ; Wake Up Little Susie [2:11] ; Un

This week we hear the conclusion of this great, fresh sounding show from April 14th, 1971 at Bucknell University. This set starts with a great and somewhat longish for the period, Bird Song, and just keeps getting better.. with a unique Sugar Magnolia, a psychedelic Crypical, and the Pig on 'Hard To Handle'. The closing jam on 'Not Fade Away'-&gt; 'Goin' Down the Road'-&gt;'Not Fade Away' is great and they come back for a nice 'Uncle John's Band' encore. Hope you enjoy this dose of early, Good 'Ol Grateful Dead!   Grateful Dead Davis Gym - Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA 4/14/71 - Wednesday   Two   Bird Song ; Sugar Magnolia ; Cryptical Envelopment &gt; Drums &gt; The Other One &gt; Wharf Rat ; Hard To Handle ; Not Fade Away &gt; Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad &gt; Not Fade Away &gt; Johnny B. Goode Encore Uncle John's Ba

This week's Deadpod takes us back to the early days of 1971, to a performance that was before a small crowd at Davis Gymnasium on the Bucknell University Campus in Lewisburg PA on April 14th, 1971. This is a wonderful tape, despite a little static here and there.. it has by and large excellent sound and the band is really energized. There's a great mix of rocking numbers like 'Truckin' and 'China Cat' along with quieter ballads like 'Me &amp; Bobby McGee' and 'Sing Me Back Home'. I love how clearly I can hear Phil's thundering bass on 'Bertha'!  A true treat here is one of the rare performances of 'I Second That Emotion' (only played 6 times) that happens here in set 1. (There is some dispute about the setlist order - Deadbase 50 puts it in set 2, I've left it in its traditional 1st set slot here).   thanks to Jim H for the suggestion -  remember I'm always happy to take requests!   Grateful Dead Davis Gym - Bucknell University Lewisb

This week we bring you the historic second set from the Dead's performance on Holloween night, 1991 in Oakland California. This one is powerful, dark at times, rocking at times. Very introspective I think. A great 'Scarlet->Fire' leads it off, followed by Bobby on Truckin' and Spoonful. The Dark Star is the heart of the matter of course, wonderful flights of imagination and highlighted by Ken Kesey's eulogy for Bill Graham. Words that resonate today. The Last Time is a great choice coming out and then a personal favorite 'Standing on the Moon'. The rest of the set includes a 'Throwin' Stones' (was this misplaced?) and then the great 'Not Fade Away'.Jerry celebrates the day with a Werewolves encore!      Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA 10/31/91 - Thursday   Two   Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain > Truckin' [7:10] > Spoonful [6:20] (1) > Dark Star [1

This week I've decided to bring you the first set of what might very well be the band's most historic Halloween show - 10/31/91 in Oakland. The run was historic because it occurred the week of the passing of Bill Graham in a tragic helicopter crash. A great friend of the Dead, Bill's passing was marked in the second set of this show during a eulogy from Ken Kesey, which we'll hear next week. This first set however is definitely worth hearing and should provide a great warm up to your Halloween weekend! It starts off with a great Help->Slip->Frank, with Phil out front and driving the train. The Slipknot is a beautiful ensemble effort, especially Vince and Bruce's contributions to the overall structure. It floats along beautifully, then, just as it reaches its apex, we're plunged into that great bouncy Franklin's Tower. Jerry's leads here are crystalline, soaring.. Jerry's voice contains just enough world weariness to make me feel the wisdom here. While 'Little Red Rooster' wouldn't h

This week's Deadpod features a rather historic show in the band's history - this was the very first show with Keith Godchaux, on October 19th, 1971 in Minneapolis Minnesota. Not only was this Keith's first show it features the premier of six songs that would all become staples in the band's repertoire, Tennessee Jed, Jack Straw, Mexicali Blues, Comes a Time, One More Saturday Night and Ramble On Rose. There's plenty of energy in this set, and the new tunes and the addition of Keith mark a turning point in the band's trajectory, as the sound begins its transition to the characteristic sound of 1972.   Its also a nice coincidence that I received an email this week from the author of a new blog, all about 'Comes A Time' .. it has a nice writeup about this show as well as other great versions. You can find it here: https://gotanemptycup.wordpress.com/, check it out!     Grateful Dead Northrup A

This week's Deadpod features the 2nd set of the band's performance on October 14th, 1977 from the Hofheinz Pavilion at the University of Houston in Houston Texas. They really come out rocking here with a great Bertha into a sweet Good Lovin'.  Candyman follows, with Garcia in fine voice. Then they move out into space with a fine, long 'Playin In the Band'... some great explorations here. They transition seamlessly into a short but interesting Drums, then back out quickly into that beautiful introduction to the Wheel.. ahhhhhhh.. I'm always taken back to sweeping vistas of beautiful open spaces when I hear this tune, one of my all-time favorites, and Donna's contributions here are on key and for me, enjoyable. It dissolves, slowly and beautifully into the Wharf Rat.. Garcia here is a such a emotive storyteller, both with his vocals and his playing.. simply lose yourself here.. Garcia's jam before the last verse is stunning.  Around and Around follows, and builds to a rockin' crescend

This week we'll feature a fine show from the Fall of 1977, a period which doesn't get as much attention as the Spring but which nevertheless contains some very fine music. This fine show from October 14th, 1977 at the Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston Texas has some wonderful harmonies - check out the wonderful Mississippi Half-Step and the really beautiful Friend of the Devil. Passenger and The Music Never Stopped show the band can still rock it this night as well.   Grateful Dead Hofheinz Pavilion - University of Houston Houston, TX 10/14/77 - Friday One Jack Straw [5:03] ; Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [11:22] &gt; El Paso [4:06] ; Brown Eyed Women [4:53] ; New Minglewood Blues [5:05] ; Loser [7:#09] ; Passenger [3:24] ; Friend Of The Devil [8:13] ; Me And My Uncle [3:08] ; Tennessee Jed [8:46] ; The Music Never Stopped   You can listen to this w

We'll close out September with the second set of this fine show from September of 1982.. September 21st at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It starts with an interesting combo of  'Touch of Grey' into 'Samson and Delilah'. 'High Time' follows, a song far too infrequently played, in my opinion. Estimated Prophet goes into He's Gone - marked by a loud M-80 which was set off during the song. Post-Drums, Jerry brings things home with 'Black Peter'.. then Bobby ends with a rockin' Good Lovin'.. US Blues seems like a great encore right now to me..     Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York , NY 9/21/82 - Tuesday Two Touch Of Grey [6:27] -> Samson And Delilah [7:40] ; High Time ; Estimated Prophet -> He's Gone -> Drums -> Space -> Throwing Stones -> Not Fade Away -> Black Peter -> Good Lovin' Encore U.S. Blues   You can listen to th

Happy Autumnal Equinox!  While it still feels like summer here, we have a wonderful show from 1982 to celebrate the arrival of Autumn. This comes to us from September 21st, 1982 at Madison Square Garden, N.Y., N.Y. This first set  has been called the best of the year and while I'm not quite certain I'm willing to crown it that I will say I found it very enjoyable and hope you do as well. This is one of those shows where they delighted the crowd with an unusual opening.. a wonderful Playin' in the Band. Right away you are swept up with Garcia's fluid playing.. then to add to our delight a delicious Crazy Fingers follows. The rest of the set follows a more traditional pattern but is highlighted by a early West LA Fadeaway, a great Looks Like Rain (Garcia's second lead here is sweet) and a great China-Rider closer.. I also admit a fondness for Brent's playing on this set which is easily heard.      Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York , NY

Always a great way to start out set 2, this week's Deadpod starts with a wonderful Scarlet -&gt;Fire. The boys do a nice job of exploring on this one, as the Scarlet is a bit more exploratory as usual, and that is a property of this entire set. Highlights for me include the great transition between Eyes of the World and Space, Garcia really explores some new areas there. The unusual post-drums setlist puts Not Fade Away before Wharf Rat and gives us a unusual double encore to end our evening!     Grateful Dead Greek Theatre - University of California Berkeley, CA 9/12/81 - Saturday Two Scarlet Begonias [11:40] ->; Fire On The Mountain [12:53] ; C C Rider [8:44] ; Estimated Prophet [10:55] -> Eyes Of The World [11:42]-> Space [7:35] -> Drums [9:36]-> Not Fade Away [10:08] -> Wharf Rat [9:27] -> Around And Around [3:57] -> One More Saturday Night [4:20] Encore<

This week we celebrate going back to school with a trip back to one of our favorite schools - the Univ of California at Berkeley with a wonderful show at the Greek theater on September 12th, 1981. The show is rad throughout, but this first set is off the hook with a great Shakedown Street opener and a rousing Greatest Story to open the set. Friend of the Devil follows in a slower but quite pretty tempo. El Paso is improved with some Jerry trills.. but the Birdsong that follows is clearly the highlight of this set. The rest of this quite long first set is absolutely first-rate, including a great transition between China Cat and I Know You Rider to close it.   While this is an audience tape, I think the quality is still quite good and hope you enjoy it as much as I have.   Grateful Dead Greek Theatre - University of California Berkeley, CA 9/12/81 - Saturday   One Shakedown Street [13:46] ; Greatest Story Ever Told

This week's Deadpod opens with a classic combo the band did justice to as they opened the second set on August 22nd, 1993 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. This Help->Slip->Frank is, and always was, a wonderful way to open a set, and I hope, a great way to open your Labor Day weekend.  The jam into Slipknot is particularly tasty. They follow with a rockin' Samson (it was Sunday after all). Corrina makes a rare but welcome appearance on the Deadpod going into Drums and Space.. The post-drums highlight of course is 'Days Between', one of those latter day ballads that are so powerful in the last few years. Not Fade Away is an excellent way to close the set, and they come back with a joyful 'Liberty' encore.        Grateful Dead Autzen Stadium - University of Oregon Eugene, OR   Two Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower ; Samson And Delilah ; Ship Of Fools ; Corrina > Dru

Usually in the month of August I'm drawn to playing some latter day Dead simply because the power of Garcia's ballads seemed to grow as his other abilities diminished. I also enjoy hearing some of the songs that the band debuted in the latter phase of their existence. Many listeners of the Deadpod only had the chance to see the band live in these latter day concerts as well, so its great to revisit them occasionally. I think the show I've chosen this week is one of the better ones. This occurred on August 22nd, 1993 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene Oregon. While as usual during this time, the first set is not as long as we'd like it is pretty well played. It starts with an interesting Jack Straw - Weir has equipment problems and is absent for most of it, leaving it up to Jerry and Phil to create some interesting interplay. Broken Arrow is a later day Phil addition I always enjoyed, and this is a fine version. The set-closing 'Music Never Stopped' is probably the highlight of this set as

We have a very fine second set to usher in the start of 'full eclipse' weekend on this edition of the Deadpod! Shows at the Uptown in Chicago were usually great, and this one was no exception. They start with a song they hadn't played since 1965! - Little Red Rooster - while you may have grown tired of it - the audience that night couldn't say the same :) The rest of the set is well played and I really enjoy hearing Brent as he fits into his role with the band at this early stage of his tenure. The highlight here is the wonderful 'Comes A Time'  in the midst of a Playin' sandwich - excellent emotion and playing. The boys do a wonderful Alabama Getaway finale here! Shame that didn't happen more often, then treat the crowd to a Johnny B Goode encore .. I'm sure they were feeling it this night..      Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chicago, IL  8/19/80 - Tuesday   Two Little Red Rooster [7:42] > China Cat Sunflower [6:00] ></p

Version:1.0 StartHTML:000000211 EndHTML:000002646 StartFragment:000001205 EndFragment:000002614 StartSelection:000001205 EndSelection:000002614 SourceURL:https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7847493 This week we have a really fine show from the summer of 1980 - this one takes place at the Uptown Theater in Chicago IL, on August 19th, 1980. They start with a trifecta that really takes off and was only done on two other occasions, the Mississippi Half-Step-&gt;Franklin's Tower-&gt;Minglewood. Personally I always enjoyed when Franklin's found its way into unusual combinations, and the Minglewood here is really rockin' as well. Other highlights in this fine first set include an excellent Althea, and an extended jam in the (unsual) set closing 'Feel Like a Stranger'. Next week's set 2 is at least equally as fine.       Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chicago, IL  8/19/80 - Tuesday One Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [

Here is the second set from the band's performance on July 25th, 1972 at the Paramount Theater in Portland Oregon. I think its a great performance to hear during these 'Days Between' as it showcases the band at one of the peak times of their career. Check out the rousing 'Greatest Story Ever Told' and the unusually languid 'China Cat->I Know You Rider' that follows. The Other One and the jams around it are the stars here however. I'm happy that this one includes a fine 'Wharf Rat'.. while the ballads during this period didn't match the intensity of the later years, it still holds a special place when I'm thinking about Jer.        Grateful Dead Paramount Theatre Portland, OR 7/25/72 - Tuesday   Two He's Gone [8:46] ; Greatest Story Ever Told [5:15] (6) ; China Cat Sunflower [6:38] > I Know You Rider [4:55] (7) ; Mexicali Blues [3:25] ; (8) Truckin' [11:58] > The Other One

As we approach what would have been Jerry Garcia's 75th birthday on Tuesday, I always struggle with finding the appropriate show to feature. I settled on a classic show from the summer of 1972 which showcases the band during one of their best periods. This comes to us from July 25th, 1972 at the Paramount Theater in Portland Oregon. It is surely not the 'best' show of this year, perhaps not even the best show of the run, but it is surely a good show; the band is listening to each other and playing together well. Jerry soars. This is a long first set (especially compared to later years). I hope you enjoy it as we take some time to reflect on what could have been.    Grateful Dead Paramount Theatre Portland, OR Date 7/25/72 - Tuesday One   The Promised Land [3:06] (1) ; Sugaree [7:06] ; (2) Me And My Uncle [2:53] ; Bird Song [8:49] ; Black Throated Wind [5:20] ; Cumberland Blues [5:05] ; Jack St

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the excellent performance the band gave us from March 24th, 1973 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia PA. This performance is solid throughout, Jerry's vocals are spot on, and the entire band is on the top of their game. This set contains one of the great jams ever, coming out of Truckin' and through to the Dark Star. The China-&gt;Rider is no slouch either. Settle back and be transported..     Grateful Dead The Spectrum Philadelphia, PA 3/24/73 - Saturday   Two [1:27:42] ; The Promised Land [2:58] ; China Cat Sunflower [8:16] &gt; I Know You Rider [5:16] ; Big River [4:17] ; Stella Blue [7:26] ; Me And My Uncle [2:51] ; He's Gone [3:42] &gt; Truckin' [31:57] &gt; Spanish Jam &gt; Dark Star [4:02] &gt; Sing Me Back Home [9:50] &gt; Sugar Magnolia [7:07] Encore Johnny B. Goode [3:39] <

This week's Deadpod is a request from Steve, a great friend of the Deadpod's, who wanted to hear this phenomenal show from March 24th, 1973 at the Philadelphia Spectrum. The first set clocks in at over 90 minutes and is an excellent example of the early 1973 sound, where the band is moving from towards a more jazzy fluid style and its reflected even here int he first set numbers although perhaps more so in next week's set 2. Too many highlights to list here, but of course there is 'The Race Is On', always  a great fvoirte, a nice version of Cumberland Blues. They do the precurssor to 'U.S. Blues', the 'Wave That Flag' here, and a great version of 'Here Comes Sunshine'. Billy is prominent throughout this mix and really drives the band. The band is playing with swagger and I am sure you'll enjoy this classic show from 1973.      <p

Lucky 7's today :) and I hope you'll feel lucky after listening to this week's fine second set from the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mt. View CA on June 21st, 1989. This is a fine set for the period, Jerry is in excellent voice, and Phil is energetic and out front throughout. Jerry breaks out the Fender -Midi outfit during space, which is quite interesting and the addition of the late, longtime E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons adds a nice fill to several spaces in the music, I think. The highlights for me are a fine Estimated Prophet, the wonderful transition from Truckin' to the Other One, and of course a fabulous Morning Dew. A fine show from one of best periods of the latter day Dead.     Shoreline Amphitheater (6/21/89)   Comments: Summer Solstice Show Pay-Per-View   Two Scarlet Begonias [7:46] -> Hell In A Bucket [5:44] (1) ; Ship Of Fools [7:44] (1) ; Estimated Prophet [10:14] (1)

Here we are already at the end of June.. summer is flying by and for alot of people this is the start of a big 4th of July celebration.. I decided to bring you what I consider a very good show from the summer solstice of 1989 - June 21st, 1989 from the Shoreline Ampitheater. This was originally offered as a Pay Per View broadcast so some of you may have watched it. Despite playing this first set in a hot, sunny afternoon (to accommodate East Coast viewers), I think they put on a fine performance here of first set standards..    Grateful Dead Shoreline Amphitheatre Mountain View, CA 6/21/89   One   Jam [0:47] ; Hide Away [1:39] ; Touch Of Grey [6:10] ; New Minglewood Blues [7:04] ; Ramble On Rose [6:00] ; Box Of Rain [4:47] ; Dire Wolf [#3:07] ; When I Paint My Masterpiece [5:07] ; Row Jimmy [9:55] ; Cassid

Version:1.0 StartHTML:000000211 EndHTML:000002909 StartFragment:000001205 EndFragment:000002877 StartSelection:000001205 EndSelection:000002877 SourceURL:https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7847493 This week we are back in Miami for the 2nd set of an incredible show the Dead played back on June 23rd, 1974. This set starts with a beautiful jam into Ship of Fools. The pace picks up with a sprightly Big River, featuring some great Garcia runs. Jerry slows the pace again with a soulful, 'Black Peter'. 'Around and Around' gets the show swinging again and them we're transported to deep space for a wonderful 'Dark Star -&gt;Spanish Jam' - this one was chosen to appear on the 'So Many Roads' compilation for good reason.. sit down and soak this up. The jam dissolves into a swinging 'U.S. Blues'; I really enjoy Keith's contributions here, a great jazzy take. A nice 'Uncle John's Band' follows and goes into a set closing 'One More Saturday Night'. They return with a 'Casey J

Version:1.0 StartHTML:000000211 EndHTML:000002909 StartFragment:000001205 EndFragment:000002877 StartSelection:000001205 EndSelection:000002877 SourceURL:https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7847493 This week we are back in Miami for the 2nd set of an incredible show the Dead played back on June 23rd, 1974. This set starts with a beautiful jam into Ship of Fools. The pace picks up with a sprightly Big River, featuring some great Garcia runs. Jerry slows the pace again with a soulful, 'Black Peter'. 'Around and Around' gets the show swinging again and them we're transported to deep space for a wonderful 'Dark Star -&gt;Spanish Jam' - this one was chosen to appear on the 'So Many Roads' compilation for good reason.. sit down and soak this up. The jam dissolves into a swinging 'U.S. Blues'; I really enjoy Keith's contributions here, a great jazzy take. A nice 'Uncle John's Band' follows and goes into a set closing 'One More Saturday Night'. They return with a 'Casey J

This week's Deadpod features a classic from the Wall of Sound era - June 23rd 1974 - from Miami FL. This is a great big first set, to go with that great big sound stage - clocking in at over 1:47, and featuring some excellent versions of Dead standards along with the only time they ever played the great 'Let It Rock'. The sound is a bit muffled at first, but clears up fairly nicely, there are some anomalies here and there -this setup had its issues - but overall it sounds great. There's a fine lead in to Mississippi Half-Step and Jack Straw is really rockin'. Jerry does an excellent version of 'To Lay Me Down' and getting the entire 'Weather Report Suite' is a treat. A China Doll closer to set 1 shows us just how unusual this first set was..    Jai-Alai Fronton, Miami, FL (6/23/74)   One   Ramble on Rose Black-Throated Wind Mississippi Half-Step Beat it on Down the Line Row Jimmy Jack Straw Let it Ro

Version:1.0 StartHTML:000000211 EndHTML:000002910 StartFragment:000001205 EndFragment:000002878 StartSelection:000001205 EndSelection:000002878 SourceURL:https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7847493 This week's Deadpod continues with the band's second set from their terrific performance on 6/19/76 at the Capitol Theater in Passaic NJ. The tempo, as in much of this period is more controlled and a little slower.. but everyone is blending in and doing a great job. They open with a nice 'Might As Well' (not yet over played :), then follow with Samson and Delilah. A terrific High Time follows - a song we don't get to hear very often. Let It Grow follows, split by a short drum segment, then a rocking Dancin' in The Streets. A real Cosmic Charlie follows, again, with a slower tempo, then the band gets everyone moving with Around and Around, Goin' Down the Road, and since it was Saturday, One More Saturday Night. They return with a great Not Fade Away encore, not the usual choice

Once in awhile I stumble upon a request that for some odd reason or other I never got around to playing .. that's what happened this week and that chance discovery leads to the happy selection for this week's Deadpod, June 19th, 1976 from Passaic New Jersey. While this concert was broadcast on FM radio, and many of you may have had it on tape, I think the quality of the performance merits its' selection for the Deadpod. The band, recently coming out of its 'retirement', performs most of these songs flawlessly. I really enjoy the exploration in 'Slipknot' and Garcia throughout. Certainly they are tighter and more controlled during much of this first set, but the 'Playin' in the Band' which closes this first set and clocks in at just under 18 minutes, brings back the great jamming of the earlier 70s Dead.    <span style= "font-family: Tim

Wow, Memorial Day weekend already! Hope you have some fun plans to welcome in summer! Hopefully you'll find this wild show from 1969 to be the perfect complement to some your times this weekend..  This comes to us from May 31st, 1969 at McArthur Court at the University of Oregon. Always a crazy show as you know the Pranksters will be out in force - and are they ever - especially on the first few songs as you will hear. (if you don't care to listen to Ken Babbs insane rap, just fast forward about 10 minutes after the Cold Rain and Snow :) The band settles down afterwards and puts on a typically manic 1969 performance - Garcia is if anything, overly excited at times - but this is quintessential early Dead and I hope you enjoy it! Pigpen is excellent on an alltime 'Lovelight' , Garcia gives a very extended version of  'He Was A Friend of Mine' and the 'Dark Star' that follows is to me, the highlight of the set, played in the familiar 'Live Dead' style. Sadly 'Cosmic Charlie' is

This week we get shown the light with the second set from the band's performance on May 5th, 1977 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven CT.  Just as solid as the first set, this is an example of just how finely tuned the group was during this time. Garcia in particular is outstanding throughout. Bertha starts this off and while it is played a bit more slowly than usual, the tempo is pleasing and Garcia's soaring solos highlight a great opener. A solid 'Estimated Prophet' follows, 'Scarlet->Fire' comes next (after a long tuneup) and leads into the heart of this show, as the Fire goes into a somewhat abbreviated 'Good Lovin' (no drums/space here) then into a wonderful St. Stephen.  The boys close with a nice Sugar Magnolia, and return with a Johnny B. Goode encore as befits this great show.    Grateful Dead New Haven Coliseum New Haven, CT 5/5/77 - Thursday   Two   Bertha [6:43] ; Estimated Prophet [8:41] ;

Version:1.0 StartHTML:000000211 EndHTML:000004483 StartFragment:000001205 EndFragment:000004451 StartSelection:000001205 EndSelection:000004451 SourceURL:https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7847493 Every May I try to pay tribute to the mindblowing music the band produced 40 years ago.. This may be one of the last times I'm able to as I've featured almost everything that hasn't been released. But this week's selection I have yet to feature and it is simply one of the best first sets of that very special year. This comes to us from May 5th, 1977 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven, CT.  Ass the features that make this time special in the band's history are here, and evidenced right away in the outstanding version of 'Promised Land' that starts off the night. But they don't let off the gas after this smoking version of the Chuck Berry classic... Garcia follows with one of the very best versions of 'Sugaree' that the boys every did together - almost 15 min

This week we continue with the second set of the Grateful Dead's performance on April 21st, 1971 at the Rhode Island Auditorium in Providence Rhode Island. This is one of those rare shows where the 2nd set is probably shorter than the first set, but it still contains some excellent music. Clearly the highlight of this set is the almost 15 minute long 'Good Lovin'' featuring some classic Pigpen don't overlook the Not Fade Away-&gt;Goin' Down the Road-&gt;Not Fade Away trifecta that closes the set. They return for a sweet double encore of 'Uncle John's Band' and 'Johnny B. Goode'.   Grateful Dead Rhode Island Auditorium Providence, RI 4/21/71 - Wednesday Two   Bertha [5:27] ; Sugar Magnolia [5:51] ; Good Lovin' [14:46] &gt; Not Fade Away [4:00] &gt; Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:05] &gt; Not Fade Away [2:31] Encore Uncle John's Band [5:41] &gt; Johnny B. Goode [3:37]  <

This week's Deadpod features a really fine show and recording from April 21, 1971.. often overshadowed by the 'closing of the Filmore East' recordings which happened soon afterwards I am certain you'll enjoy the fire and energy on this recording. The highlights of this first set are numerous but I'm sure you're going to enjoy Drums with only Billy on the kit and Pigpen both on the 'Big Boss Man' and a classic 'Hard to Handle' love his harp!  Wharf Rat is superb as well, as is a personal favorite, the Cumberland Blues.    Grateful Dead Rhode Island Auditorium Providence, RI 4/21/71 - Wednesday   One   Casey Jones [5:13]  Mama Tried [2:33]  Big Boss Man [4:52]  Loser [6:27] Truckin' [7:48] &gt;  Drums [4:16] &gt; 

This week's Deadpod features a really fine show and recording from April 21, 1971.. often overshadowed by the 'closing of the Filmore East' recordings which happened soon afterwards I am certain you'll enjoy the fire and energy on this recording. The highlights of this first set are numerous but I'm sure you're going to enjoy Drums with only Billy on the kit and Pigpen both on the 'Big Boss Man' and a classic 'Hard to Handle' love his harp!  Wharf Rat is superb as well, as is a personal favorite, the Cumberland Blues.    Grateful Dead Rhode Island Auditorium Providence, RI 4/21/71 - Wednesday   One   Casey Jones [5:13]  Mama Tried [2:33]  Big Boss Man [4:52]  Loser [6:27] Truckin' [7:48] &gt;  Drums [4:16] &gt; 

A somewhat uneven second set from April 8th 1985 is featured on this week's Deadpod. The set starts out with a cover of the Beatles' 'Revolution' which to my mind is one of those songs they never should have tried to cover. Luckily things pick up after that, they  follow with  a 'Hell In a Bucket' and 'Touch of Gray' are played quite energetically (they were working on those In the Dark album songs even though the album wouldn't be released until 1987). I quite enjoy the 'Estimated Prophet' that follows, Jerry has some nice licks and Bob has the spirit. Of course, we've heard 'Eyes of the World' follow out of this many times, still its nicely played with an  unusual jam out of Estimaed.  Although Jerry's voice does seem a little more tired now, and the pace is a bit rushed, I always enjoy it.  After an interesting Drums and Space, it takes Jerry and Bob a bit to settle on that 'Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad', but that just makes for an interesting intro. 'Stella Blue

This week I decided to perk up your spring with a high energy first set from a year I don't often feature (for good reason) 1985.. This one is from April 8th, 1985 from the Spectrum in Philadelphia PA. The boys are clearly playing with their setlists this year, and this is one of the most innovative first sets of the period. They start off with 'In the Midnight Hour' and between Weir's vocals and Healy's effects we know we're in for something different.. then Jerry goes into 'Walkin' the Dog'.. Garcia's voice is a bit rough throughout but not as bad as on some days this year and he delivers with gusto throughout. The 'Big Boss Man' which ends this trifecta features a nice little jam. The 'Me & My Uncle-> Cumberland Blues' is also quite well played and features some nice jamming.  The rare 'Down In The Bottom->Ain't Superstituous' is not really as interesting as one would hope, but 'Althea' is nicely done especially given Garcia's vocal state. 'Tons of Steel' is quite excellen

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

This week's Deadpod features the second set from the band's performance at a Rex Foundation benefit on April 1st, 1984. There's lots of Garcia to love here, from the Help->Slip-Frank, through Terrapin and Morning Dew.. We even have a Touch of Grey encore.. really this one is a 'greatest hits' set list, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have..   Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA 4/1/84 - Sunday   Two   Help On The Way [3:12] > Slipknot! [5:29] > Franklin's Tower [11:27] > Samson And Delilah [7:32] ; Terrapin Station [12:18] > Drums [4:37#] > Space [4:48] > Morning Dew [12:19] ; I Need A Miracle [3:18] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [7:29] > Good Lovin' [8:27] Encore Touch Of Grey [6:35]   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: htt

An early April Fool's present for my Deadpod friends this week. This show, from April 1st, 1984 is much better to my ears than it appears on paper (and the second set, scheduled for next week, is even better). This show was the last show of the first Rex Foundation runs, so it was held in the very small Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Personally I enjoy hearing Brent so upfront in the mix. The other general point that stands out to me is that Garcia is out front and outstanding on most of these songs. Jack Straw, big Railroad Blues, and Tennessee Jed are outstanding.      Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA  4/1/84 - Sunday One Jack Straw [5:48] ; Friend Of The Devil [8:30] ; Me And My Uncle [3:14] > Mexicali Blues [4:51] ; Big Railroad Blues [5:33] ; Cassidy [5:15] ; Tennessee Jed [#7:33] ; My Brother Esau [4:30] > Don't Ease Me In [3:12]</

An early April Fool's present for my Deadpod friends this week. This show, from April 1st, 1984 is much better to my ears than it appears on paper (and the second set, scheduled for next week, is even better). This show was the last show of the first Rex Foundation runs, so it was held in the very small Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Personally I enjoy hearing Brent so upfront in the mix. The other general point that stands out to me is that Garcia is out front and outstanding on most of these songs. Jack Straw, big Railroad Blues, and Tennessee Jed are outstanding.      Grateful Dead Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium San Rafael, CA  4/1/84 - Sunday One Jack Straw [5:48] ; Friend Of The Devil [8:30] ; Me And My Uncle [3:14] > Mexicali Blues [4:51] ; Big Railroad Blues [5:33] ; Cassidy [5:15] ; Tennessee Jed [#7:33] ; My Brother Esau [4:30] > Don't Ease Me In [3:12]</

I'm guessing that if you listened to last week's Deadpod you know that this week's second set from 3/31/73 is going to be great.. great sound.. great playing.. great X factor. I love this show and hope you do too. It may not have some of the big 'hits' of the day (Dark Star, etc) but there is some really wonderful explorations. I think if you listen closely you'll hear themes from all sorts of places in this music. Appropriately we start with a Chuck Berry tune - Promised Land.. then move into a hard rockin' Bertha. That flows into a pretty interesting GSET. He's Gone is slower.. but they then move into the real funhouse of the set.. Truckin' into Drums then a wonderful Other One-&gt;Spanish Jam.. this one is quite unique.. then they somehow end up in 'I Know You Rider'... This is a fun ride.. hope you enjoy it!!!   Grateful Dead War Memorial Buffalo, NY 3/31/73 - Saturday Two The Promised Land -&gt;; Bertha -&gt; Greate

Happy St. Patrick's Day! This week we have a fine request from a great friend of the Deadpod for a show from March 31st, 1973 - Buffalo N.Y. You really never go wrong with a show from that year so I'm happy to oblige.. we'll hear set 1 this week. While there are many great highlights here, overall I simply love the sound of Garcia's guitar. Watch out for Donna on Playin' In the Band ;) War Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo NY (3/31/73) Mississippi Half-Step The Race Is On Sugaree Mexicali Blues Box of Rain Tennessee Jed Jack Straw Big

Happy St. Patrick's Day! This week we have a fine request from a great friend of the Deadpod for a show from March 31st, 1973 - Buffalo N.Y. You really never go wrong with a show from that year so I'm happy to oblige.. we'll hear set 1 this week. While there are many great highlights here, overall I simply love the sound of Garcia's guitar. Watch out for Donna on Playin' In the Band ;) War Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo NY (3/31/73) Mississippi Half-Step The Race Is On Sugaree Mexicali Blues Box of Rain Tennessee Jed Jack Straw Big

This week we have the second set from the band's performance on March 10th, 1981 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. A fine set from an underrated tour, this one opens with a nice long Scarlet->Fire,  which leads into a surprisingly powerful 'Sailor->Saint'. Drums and space follow, serving as an extended prelude into a sweet 'Wheel'. 'China Doll' is a welcome addition to any second set, followed by a rousing 'Truckin'. |See if you hear the Smokestack tease as Truckin' heads into the Sugar Mag closer. They return for one of their very best versions of  'Satisfaction' followed by a great Brokedown to send the fol

As March blows in we go back in this week's Deadpod to the spring of 1981, and one of the fine shows from the band's run at Madison Square Garden. Last year we played the previous evening's show, but this performance from March 10, 1981 deserves a spot on our favorites as well. The show beings with a Mississippi Half-Step that starts off great, then a shocking bit of feedback/reverb blows through the sound system - the band simply plays through it like the pros they are, but don't let it throw you off, this is a great version! This flows into a fine, stand alone version of Franklin's Tower. I always enjoy these, and this one is no slouch. Me and My Uncle follows with Weir joking that the earlier feedback was all planned. They slow it up a little with 'Roses'. Don't Easy Me In occupies a rare mid-set position, and there is some nice improvisation in the Lazy Lightnin'->Supplication transition. A strong first set that I hope puts you in a fine space as we roll into early March!  <

This week we bring you the second set from the Dead's Mardi Gras performance back in 1993 - 2/23/93 - at the Oakland Coliseum. Of course this is 1993 Dead - nevertheless it is an interesting performance especially given the fact that Ornette Coleman sits in for the post-drums segment of the set. I've included the Mardi Gras parade drums segment and an Iko Iko  that was admittedly on the weak side. Corrina follows - I had been told not so long ago that I'd never included a performance of this on the Deadpod so I'm glad ot include one here. Lazy River Road follows, a rather curious choice in this slot, as it is surely not high energy. Playin' follows, and signals the beginning of the heart of this set. The drums that follows includes Graham Wiggins on dideridoo..as well as Coleman's appearance on stage. Now the real wierdness follows, with a wonderfully unique  'Space' going into the 'Other One'. If you're not a fan of the more improvisational jazzy side of the band, you might not enj

It won't be long before Mardi Gras is here so I decided to bring you one of the better Mardi Gras shows the band performed in their later years. This is from February 23rd, 1993 at Oakland California. Part of me wanted to only play the second set, which features an excellent collaboration with Ornette Coleman, however the completest in me demanded the entire show, so this week I'm featuring set 1, which contains some nice highlights as well as the premier of Phil Lesh's version of 'Broken Arrow'.  I quite enjoy Garcia's solo in Loser as well, and the unusual 'Johnny B. Goode' set closer.    I decided to also include in this week's Deadpod part of a wonderful set by Joe Russo's Almost Dead. This comes from their performance on 12/30/16 at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester NY. They simply tear up this Viola Lee Blues .. I hope you enjoy it!!!    Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA  2/23/93 - Tuesday   <

This week I'm pleased to present the second set of the band's performance at the Uptown Theater in Chicago Illinois on February 1st, 1978. They come out of the chute smoking with a great 'Samson and Delilah' - one listen and you know they're taking no prisoners tonight. They slow it down with a beautiful.. and powerfully sung,  'Must Have Been The Roses', Those voices start talking to Weir as 'Estimated Prophet' follows and takes us on a great ride..nice transition leads into 'He's Gone'. this leads into a nice Drumz and a great jam that follows which flows into 'The Other One'. Some great Phil here.. and Garcia soars.  The pathos of 'Wharf Rat' follows, then we're led back into the light with a great 'Sugar Magnolia'.  The band follows with a rocking 'Around and Around' to close the Wednesday night show..    Grateful Dead Uptown Theatre Chicago, IL  2/1/78 - Wednesday   Two Samson And Delilah [8:24] ; It Must Have Been

We're going to welcome in the  month of February with the band's performance from February 1st, 1978 at the Uptown Theater in Chicago. I believe you'l enjoy this excellent recording of the start of a wonderful swing through the midwest in the winter of 1978. This first set starts with a smokin' 'Jack Straw', then moves through a longish 'Friend of the Devil'. 'Mama Tried' and 'Me &amp; My Uncle' follow then a great 'Ramble on Rose'. Following 'Cassidy' the tape is missing the 'Sunrise' that followed, but we do have the spirited 'Sugaree' which closed the first set. I've decided to follow that with an excellent 'Candyman' which was recorded a few days following up in Milwaukee. Sadly not all of that gig, or of several of these performances during the first week of February '78, are available in soundboard format (although parts of several performances were 'picked' to be included in an excellent, now out-of-print Dick's Picks' 18).     Grateful Dead Uptown

This week the Deadpod continues with the band's performance on January 3rd, 1970 with the late show from that evening at the Fillmore East.  I'm sure you'll enjoy this fine performance. I am especially enamored with everything from the Other One on..in particular Black Peter and Dire Wolf.  What an encore as well! Be sure and enjoy Tom Constanten on organ as he wouldn't be with the boys much longer..        Grateful Dead - January 3, 1970 Fillmore East - New York, NY Late Show: Casey Jones Mama Tried Big Boss Man China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider Mason's Children That's It For The Other One > Cosmic Charlie Uncle John's Band Black Peter Dire Wolf Good Lovin' Dancin' In The Street Encore: Saint Stephen > <span style= "font

This week's Deadpod features a show just released by the esteemed Charlie Miller, 1/3/70 Fillmore East. While I realize that I just played a show from this great year back around Christmas, I think this one more than merits your attention this week. Here at the beginning of what would be a seminal  year in their development the band puts on a jamming clinic - especially in this Alligator in the early show!    While there are some issues with the recording I hope you find it enjoyable. If I hear no objections, I'll bring you the late show next week..    Grateful Dead - January 3, 1970 Fillmore East - New York, NY   Early Show: Morning Dew Me And My Uncle Hard To Handle Cumberland Blues Cold Rain And Snow Alligator > Drums > Jam > Alligator > Feedback   Encore: Uncle John's Band   You can listen to this week's Deadpod h

This week's Deadpod, featuring the second set from the band's performance on January 2nd, 1972 features Pigpen giving us a fantastic Good Lovin' to open the set in his next to last Bay Area performance. The band really cooks behind him on this one, I'm sure you'll enjoy this. The rest of the set is quite good as well, and what the set lacks in length it does make up for in quality. While the Not Fade Away->Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad->Not Fade Away is not as unusual as the Good Lovin' ->China Cat Sunflower->Good Lovin' to open the set it is almost as excellent.  This is a harbinger of what will be one of the most outstanding years in the band's history.    Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA (1/2/72) set 2   Good Lovin' China Cat Sunflower I Know You Rider Good Lovin' Ramble On Rose Sugar Magnolia Not Fade Away Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad Not Fade Away   One More S

For the first Deadpod of 2017, I decided to go back to the first show of 1972.. January 2nd, 1972.. As Bill Graham says in his introduction 'there aren't many groups that would get us to come out on January 2nd'.. but I bet the folks who came out on this night were glad they did as they turn in a sparkling performance, highlighted, for me, by some great work by Pigpen. At the beginning of what will be a monumental year in Dead history, the band brings us a ripping first set which we are fortunate to have in a great soundboard recording. Mr. Charlie, Jack Straw, Big Railroad Blues and Next Time You See Me are just a few of the highlights here. Playing in the Band is here as a first set number; it hadn't yet developed into the monster jam vehicle it would become later in the  year, but still nicely played. I'll bring us set 2 next week..   Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA (1/2/72) Truckin' Sugaree Mr. Charlie Beat it on Down the L

Happy New Year!   As we look to put 2016 behind us, I decided to bring you a fine New Year's Eve performance from December 31st, 1989.  With a show like this I couldn't just bring you a first set so we have the entire performance this week. Naturally this performance has some special moments, as well as some quirks. They open wiht Sugar Magnolia - instead of saving it for the first sone of the new year. Touch follows, then a bouncy 'Man Smart'.. Bonnie Raitt joins the boys for 'Big Boss Man', very nicely done. Weir does a nice version of  'Memphis Blues Again' and the first set ends with a great 'Shakedown Street'. Bill Graham makes his entrance at midnight as a chicken ..and after the countdown the boys do a great Iko, Iko to usher in the new decade. They move the proceedings in a more psychedelic direction with 'Victim or the Crime'. Victim then dissolves into the swirl of Dark Star, which was still a huge rarity and while short, certainly was sweet. Dr

Merry Christmas .. Happy Hanukkah   This year's holiday edition of the Deadpod features one of the best acoustic performances of 1970. This takes place at the Fillmore East in New York City on September 20th, 1970. The acoustic set, which we present today, is not only a fine performance but also a fine recording. David Grisman plays mandolin on 'Friend of the Devil' and David Nelson joins with another mandolin on a slow soulful,  'Big Railroad Blues', both continue through Ripple. There is some speculation that Jerry plays piano on 'To Lay Me Down', clearly a wonderful highlight here. Nelson and Grisman are back with mandolins on a fine  Rosalie McFall, following a rare acoustic 'Truckin'. I love  'Cumberland Blues' here.. but then again I usually love this song.. Jerry plays an electic during 'New Speedway' but the vibe is very acoustic. 'Brokedown Palace' provides a fitting conclusion to the set..   Following, I decided to feature one more cut from Holl

Merry Christmas .. Happy Hanukkah   This year's holiday edition of the Deadpod features one of the best acoustic performances of 1970. This takes place at the Fillmore East in New York City on September 20th, 1970. The acoustic set, which we present today, is not only a fine performance but also a fine recording. David Grisman plays mandolin on 'Friend of the Devil' and David Nelson joins with another mandolin on a slow soulful,  'Big Railroad Blues', both continue through Ripple. There is some speculation that Jerry plays piano on 'To Lay Me Down', clearly a wonderful highlight here. Nelson and Grisman are back with mandolins on a fine  Rosalie McFall, following a rare acoustic 'Truckin'. I love  'Cumberland Blues' here.. but then again I usually love this song.. Jerry plays an electic during 'New Speedway' but the vibe is very acoustic. 'Brokedown Palace' provides a fitting conclusion to the set..   Following, I decided to feature one more cut from Holl

This week the Deadpod presents the second set of the band's performance from the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden on December 7th, 1971. A fine performance and recording here.. not one marked by any long jams.. nevertheless a great representation of the band as it heads into one of their peak years - 1972. Strong performances by Pigpen - especially on 'Smokestack Lightnin'.. I'm willing to bet you'll dig the ending of this set as well :)       Grateful Dead Felt Forum - Madison Square Garden New York, NY  12/7/71 - Tuesday   Two   Sugar Magnolia ; Ramble On Rose ; Big Boss Man ; Mexicali Blues ; Brown Eyed Women ; Me And My Uncle ; Smokestack Lightnin' ; Deal ; Truckin' ; Not Fade Away -> Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad -> Not Fade Away Encore One More Saturday Night   You can listen to this we

This week the Deadpod presents the second set of the band's performance from the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden on December 7th, 1971. A fine performance and recording here.. not one marked by any long jams.. nevertheless a great representation of the band as it heads into one of their peak years - 1972. Strong performances by Pigpen - especially on 'Smokestack Lightnin'.. I'm willing to bet you'll dig the ending of this set as well :)       Grateful Dead Felt Forum - Madison Square Garden New York, NY  12/7/71 - Tuesday   Two   Sugar Magnolia ; Ramble On Rose ; Big Boss Man ; Mexicali Blues ; Brown Eyed Women ; Me And My Uncle ; Smokestack Lightnin' ; Deal ; Truckin' ; Not Fade Away -> Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad -> Not Fade Away Encore One More Saturday Night   You can listen to this we

This week the Deadpod presents the second set of the band's performance from the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden on December 7th, 1971. A fine performance and recording here.. not one marked by any long jams.. nevertheless a great representation of the band as it heads into one of their peak years - 1972. Strong performances by Pigpen - especially on 'Smokestack Lightnin'.. I'm willing to bet you'll dig the ending of this set as well :)       Grateful Dead Felt Forum - Madison Square Garden New York, NY  12/7/71 - Tuesday   Two   Sugar Magnolia ; Ramble On Rose ; Big Boss Man ; Mexicali Blues ; Brown Eyed Women ; Me And My Uncle ; Smokestack Lightnin' ; Deal ; Truckin' ; Not Fade Away -> Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad -> Not Fade Away Encore One More Saturday Night   You can listen to this we

This week the Deadpod presents the second set of the band's performance from the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden on December 7th, 1971. A fine performance and recording here.. not one marked by any long jams.. nevertheless a great representation of the band as it heads into one of their peak years - 1972. Strong performances by Pigpen - especially on 'Smokestack Lightnin'.. I'm willing to bet you'll dig the ending of this set as well :)       Grateful Dead Felt Forum - Madison Square Garden New York, NY  12/7/71 - Tuesday   Two   Sugar Magnolia ; Ramble On Rose ; Big Boss Man ; Mexicali Blues ; Brown Eyed Women ; Me And My Uncle ; Smokestack Lightnin' ; Deal ; Truckin' ; Not Fade Away -> Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad -> Not Fade Away Encore One More Saturday Night   You can listen to this we

This week the Deadpod presents the second set of the band's performance from the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden on December 7th, 1971. A fine performance and recording here.. not one marked by any long jams.. nevertheless a great representation of the band as it heads into one of their peak years - 1972. Strong performances by Pigpen - especially on 'Smokestack Lightnin'.. I'm willing to bet you'll dig the ending of this set as well :)       Grateful Dead Felt Forum - Madison Square Garden New York, NY  12/7/71 - Tuesday   Two   Sugar Magnolia ; Ramble On Rose ; Big Boss Man ; Mexicali Blues ; Brown Eyed Women ; Me And My Uncle ; Smokestack Lightnin' ; Deal ; Truckin' ; Not Fade Away -> Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad -> Not Fade Away Encore One More Saturday Night   You can listen to this we

As we head into December I decided to bring you one of the classic December '71 shows from the Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY. This week's show comes from 12/7/71 ... While I featured the classic from 12/5 a few years back I think you'll enjoy this one as well. This is an early Keith show, but Pigpen is here as well and does a fine rendition of 'Run Rudolph, Run' to get you in that Holiday spirit :) While none of these songs may go off into extended jams I am certain you'll appreciate the musicianship they show in each and every one..       Grateful Dead Felt Forum - Madison Square Garden New York, NY 12/7/71 - Tuesday   One   Cold Rain And Snow ; Beat It On Down The Line ; Mr. Charlie ; Sugaree ; Jack Straw ; Next Time You See Me ; Tennessee Jed ; El Paso ; Brokedown Palace ; Run Rudolph Run ; You Win

This week the Deadpod returns to the second set of the band's performance in Oklahoma City Oklahoma on November 14th, 1972. I think you'll enjoy their performance here as they bring the crowd well executed versions of some great songs.    The highlight of this 1hour 41 minute set is probably the 'He's Gone'->'Truckin'->'The Other One'->'Sing Me Back Home' combination that occurs in the middle of set 2. Listen closely and you'll hear some interesting interplay as they try to decide which song to go into next. I think you'll enjoy the unique 'Uncle John's Band' as well..    Grateful Dead Oklahoma City Music Hall Oklahoma City, OK  11/14/72 - Tuesday   Two Greatest Story Ever Told [5:15] ; Brown Eyed Women [4:12] ; Me And My Uncle [2:58]  ; Deal [4:26] ; Me And Bobby McGee ; He's Gone [15:18] > Truckin' [8:25] > The Other One [15:57] > Sing Me Back Home [9:57] ;

Happy Thanksgiving my friends! If  you've listened to the Deadpod for awhile you know I enjoy bringing you acoustic music around the holidays - this year is no different and I think I've got an excellent show lined up for you. First off, one of the famous acoustic shows form the fall of 1980, this comes to us from the Warfield in San Francisco on October 4th, 1980. There's not a bad song in this set.. but some of my favorites are the 'Race Is On', 'It Must Have Been The Roses', 'Dark Hollow' and 'To Lay Me Down'.. the set-ending 'Ripple' still brings chills..   Following this wonderful set, we have a marvelous performance of the complete Terrapin Suite from some great musicians honoring the Dead tradition today - Joe Russo's Almost Dead. A little over a month ago they performed an acoustic Terrapin Station that surely deserves to be heard. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.....   Grateful Dead Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA 10

Here's a top-notch show from the Fall of 1972 to start off your Thanksgiving week right.. this is from 11/14/72, Oklahoma City Oklahoma.. I consider this a very well played 16 song first set.. After an opening 'Promised Land' Garcia gives us a slow, rolling 'Sugaree'.  After the 'El Paso' that follows we get 'Loser' - a personal favorite of mine and a perfect song for the western setting.. the set is full of favorites from the GD catalog.. Bertha, Tennessee Jed, and a smart China-&gt;Rider with a smoking transition. Garcia's notes lift us up as we move into that Rider. Box of Rain follows, then he band rocks it out with a quadruple serving of rocking standards - Beat It on Down the Line, a bouncy up-tempo 'Friend of the Devil', 'Around and Around' and the archetypical warning to Casey to watch his speed...     Grateful Dead Oklahoma City Music Hall Oklahoma City, OK Date11/14/72 - Tuesday One   The Promised Land [2:56] ; <p

Well in some ways I guess this one is appropriate this week....   The second set from Nov. 8th, 1985 has some great highs and some lows. It starts with a version of 'Revolution' with some nice jams but Garcias stepping all over the lyrics ;) Estimated Prophet follows with an excellent jam, especially as it goes into a less than stellar 'Eyes of the World'. Drums and Space follow and then a nice 'Other One' into a short 'I Need A Miracle'. The highlight of the set, if not the show follows, with a wonderful version of Dylan's 'She Belongs To Me'. They close the set with a spirited 'Sugar Magnolia' and return for an encore of the Stone's 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction'..   Grateful Dead Community War Memorial Auditorium Rochester, NY  11/8/85 - Friday    Two    Revolution ; Estimated Prophet -&gt; Eyes Of The World -&gt; Drums -&gt; Space -&gt; The Other One -&gt;

This week, on the eve of the election, I decided to bring you what I consider to be a really fun show from the fall of 1985. This comes to us from Rochester New York on November 8th, 1985. The boys are really loose and having fun and deliver a really good (if uneven) performance. We have a nice sounding recording to share, and I think you'll find the first set quite entertaining this week. This one starts with a rockin' Iko, Iko, into a down and dirty 'Little Red Rooster'.  Garcia provides a nice reading of  'Peggy O'; 'My Brother Esau' and 'Brown Eyed Women' follow, then the band performs an excellent version of 'Baby What You Want Me To Do' with Brett and Bobby trading verses on what would be the Dead's last performance of this tune. A frantic 'Jack Straw' follows and leads into a fun 'Might as Well' to close this first set.. (these two from an audience recording, by the way).        Grateful Dead Community War Memorial Auditorium Rocheste

Happy Halloween!   Always a favorite among Deadheads, while Halloween doesn't happen until Monday I thought it only appropriate to share one of the classic Halloween performances with you this week. This set is one of two the band played on Halloween, 1970 from the gym at the State  University of New  York at Stoney Brook. A fine show, as most are from this era, it starts with quite a rare treat - 'Till the Morning Comes' - sadly they don't do the very best with this, but  then we get a great 'Hard To Handle'. The China->Rider is especially enjoyable (although marred with a nasty cut at the end ). Some of the other highlights include an electric 'Dark Hollow', a nicely done 'Brokedown Palace' and the very last performance of 'Viola Lee Blues'. This is far from the best version of this, but it is interesting to see them go into 'Cumberland Blues' out of it.  This is raw Dead, not polished, not the best performance of this classic year, and probably not the best r

This week's Deadpod features the second set from October 15th, 1976 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. I think this set has several very interesting moments. The first is the fine transition from the opening 'Eyes of the World' to 'The Music Never Stopped'. This was a the only time they ever played these two in this order, but I wonder why when listening to this performance. A long He's Gone leads into a short drums but then a mighty 'Other One'. The 'Comes A Time' that follows is one of the best, and probably the highlight of the set. A great 'Franklin's Tower-&gt;Sugar Magnolia' which closes the set is marred a bit by the fact that we only have the audience tape here. I hope you enjoy this performance from the Fall of 1976..     Grateful Dead Shrine Auditorium Los Angeles, CA 10/15/76 - Friday   Two   Eyes Of The World [10:05] &gt; The Music Never Stopped [5:54] ; It Must Have Been The Ro

How about a show this week from 40 years ago out in Southern California? The boys' first trip back since their 'retirement' found them playing a pair of shows in L.A. at the Shrine Auditorium. Despite some heavy handed law enforcement, they delivered a solid performance, especially here on the 2nd night - October 15th, 1976. The first set which we feature this week, starts off with a surprisingly good 'Might As Well' - I especially enjoyed the ending jams! The set is consistently well played. I always love 'Loser' - Jerry's guitar has that plaintive wail that is just perfect. I also enjoyed Keith's piano throughout. 'Bertha' has an interesting pacing. 'Lazy Lightning-&gt;Supplication'  is well played with some very nice licks especially in the transition and Jerry follows with a smokin' 'Sugaree' which is probably the highlight of this first set. They close with a nice 'Promised Land'..       Grateful Dead Shrine Auditorium Los Angeles, CA 1

A real classic recording of some outstanding good ol' Grateful Dead this week, as we enjoy the band's performance on June 27th, 1969 at Veterans Auditorium in Santa Rosa California. This is one long set, as there were several bands on the bill this night and we get to hear some of the first performances of several songs destined to become classics. Slewfoot - the opening number wasn't one of those, but this is likely to be something you've never heard before - an old Johnny Horton number, with Jerry on Pedal Steel (he would also be on pedal steel guitar on Dire Wolf and Green Green Grass of Home on this set). Mama Tried follows, the 4th time the band has played it, even more country sounding than it would sound in years to come. A beautiful High Time follows, in only its third appearance.. Dupree's Diamond Blues follows then Me & My Uncle, still new in the band's rotation. A very different opening to Casey Jones is a treat to hear, as is Bobby handling the vocals on Dire Wolf. Other

This week  the Deadpod presents the second set from the band's performance on September 22nd, 1993 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY.  The set features jazz saxophonist David Murray throughout, and with blues harmonica player James Cotton sitting in on the last two numbers of the set (although he is sadly not up very well in the mix). As you might expect this is jazzy throughout, so if you don't enjoy a bit of jazz mixed with your GD this might not be your cup of tea. This is a fine recording however, and the band is clearly energetic and enthused this evening. They start out with Weir's 'Easy Answers', not the most profound song in the catalog, yet played smartly here. Garcia follows with a beautiful 'Lazy River Road', one of his better later ballads. I really enjoy the 'Estimated Prophet' that follows, it goes to some sweet unfamiliar places. 'Dark Star' follows, although it is short, as was the practice during this period (1st verse only) it is still a pleasure

We bid adieu to Summer this week with perhaps the best GD show of 1993.. this one is from Madison Square Garden, and took place 23 years ago on September 22nd, 1993. The show marked the first of two appearances of jazz saxophonist David Murray with the boys - he sits in during the first set on a wonderful 'Bird song' and throughout the 2nd set. One of my listeners recently informed me that I had never featured a show from this year on the Deadpod and asked that I do so. I can't think of a better show or time to do so than this one. I think the first set in general is quite well-played, and snappy, especially for this era. The Help->Slip->Frank is uptempo and alot of fun to listen to. Garcia is on point in the Minglewood that follows, and really energizes the song. Ramble On Rose follows, then a particularly good Masterpiece. The highlight of the first set is clearly the aforementioned 'Bird Song' with Mr. Murray. The band allows him to create an unusual solo yet weaves it into the t

This week's Deadpod features set 2 from the Dead's performance at the Easttown Theater in Detroit Michgan back on October 24th, 1971. A fine recording, this set starts with a nice Truckin', especially enjoyable is the jam just before the last verse. What sounds odd here is that the song simply stops... They take up 'Ramble On Rose'. It being  only the 5th time they had played the song, the phrasing and even some of the lyrics are still being developed.. It is quite interesting to hear. Mexicali Blues follows (following an unusually loquacious introduction), this is a pleasure for me to hear. The Dark

I struggled a bit deciding what to play this week - I was pulled this way and that but finally settled on an overlooked gem of a show from the Fall tour of 1971. This was Keith Godchaux's first tour with the band, and Pigpen is not with them on this night due to his declining health. This show was the second of two (and the fourth show in four nights) which took place in Detroit Michigan on October 24th, 1971 at the Easttown Theater. I think you'll find every one of these numbers to be a real treat. Highlights for me include a great China&gt;Rider (listen for Phil on this one!), and a beautiful Black Peter. The band's sound is clearly growing - transitioning into what they will sound like in 1972.  Set 2, on tap for next week, includes a wonderful Dark Star..   Grateful Dead Easttown Theatre Detroit, MI 10/24/71 - Sunday   One Sugar Magnolia [5:46] ; Deal [5:11] ; El Paso [4:36] ; Tennessee Jed [6:06] ; Jac

Happy Labor Day weekend! I'm hoping that this second set - from 8/28/18 in Long Beach California, will provide some sweet musical accompaniment to your your long weekend (assuming you will have one! if not my sympathies!). This is an excellent set, starting off with a rockin' 'Shakedown Street'. While the 'Lost Sailor' provides a bit of a counter-point, the 'Saint of Circumstance' should put you back in the groove. Garcia's 'Wheel' that follows is a real treat - especially the jam afterwards that goes into Brent's 'Good Time Blues'. Following Drums and Space is a wonderful  'Spanish Jam'. A great bit of music to drift away on! 'Truckin' follows, and I'm afraid Weir is once again a bit lyrically challenged.. 'Wharf Rat' follows in the ballad slot.. once again combining the pathos of August West with the hopes and fears of us all.  A rousing 'Sugar Magnolia' closes the set, with the boys returning, and helping us bid adieu to summer, with 'US Blues'.  </p

This week's Deadpod, a request from a supporter of the show, comes to us from Long Beach CA, on August 28th, 1981. They open with "Jack Straw" (the beginning here is patched from an audience source).. and Bob does the 'we used to play for silver now we play for Clive" line.. but still a solid effort as is most of the first set. I'm particulary fond of the Big River, Althea and the closing 'Let It Grow'->China ->Rider which is an unusual first set ending.    Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA (8/28/81) Jack Straw They Love Each Other Me and My Uncle Big River Althea Little Red Rooster Brown Eyed Women Let it Grow China Cat Sunflower I Know You Rider     You can listen to this week'd Deadpod here:  http://traffic.libsyn.com/dea

This week I'm going to try something a little bit different on the Deadpod and bring you a sample of this summer's Dead & Company tour. Personally this happened to be the only show I had the opportunity to attend, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and since I've had some requests for this material I thought I'd share some with you... This is the first set of Dead & Co's show at the DTE Energy Theater in Clarkson MI on July 7th, 2016. It was a beautiful night and the scene was quite relaxing and kind. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I was quite pleasantly surprised, and while you may have heard some of this band before I am hoping you'll enjoy this selection.    Dead & Company  July 7, 2016 DTE Energy Music Theater  Clarkston, MI    set 1 Jack Straw Big Boss Man When I Paint My Masterpiece Friend of the Devil Minglewood Blues Sugaree Don't E