I'm a day behind you guys, but the tone of this version really struck the right note with me.

Thanks for all the dl's, DJ. Made the last couple of days more bearable.

I'm stalled on Tennesee Jed until I get off a conference call. My first impressions went straight to the sound mix, which started off too heavy on vocal and muffled guitars. My ears adjusted (and likely so did the boards), and since then it's gone down pretty smooth.

Tennessee Jed

Just going through the motions...

Hell In A Bucket

The snarling vox make this version. Its almost like Weir is doing karaoke after a few beers.

Big River/Althea swung nicely for me, while CC Rider/Tennessee Jed are killing me slow. I'm eying the doorframe.

Keep Your Day Job

Meh. I could never listen to this and not be upset. I've never really found a groove in this song. Maybe I just haven't heard a definitive version? Rec's?

Scarlet Begonias

Another song I really like normally. Not crazy how they start off here, and there are some definite "off" moments here. Still, the translation of the song in essence is there, so I'm happy.

The jam is what makes this version. Loving the lines that the lead is taking.

Scarlet>Fire - after the shaky xylophone/bell start to SB this really cranks up nicely. I've got no beef with a nice long "Fire" and this one did not disappoint.

"Estimated" is kicking up and I'm not minding Brent as much.

This alarmed both my dogs.

Fire On The Mountain

I think if I went to a Dead show around this era and I didn't hear FotM, I would've been disappointed. Even though I knew this was coming up after SB, it still surprised me and I got a little excited as the first strains trickled into the mix. Agreed Yail, I can definitely handle a long FotM.

Estimated - A song that I generally like a lot especially during my treasured '77-'78 but this does nothing at all for me. Also I was in the other room when Bob started doing his little screams and was sure that the baby was being electrocuted. Thanks for nothing, Bobby.

Eyes>Drums - A nice, fast paced, post-disco, funky, "Eyes". I enjoy this song most of the time but this is a pretty nice reading. Drums is just starting but I'm guessing it'll be two guys playing drums for a few minutes.

This is also killing me. I've already stepped out for a smoke break and am contemplating another one.

Estimated Prophet

Yeah, the screams of "hey" during the 7-minute mark are quite, interesting.

After that the noodling becomes a little too much, though the pick-up into EotW is nice.

Really? I think that this is one of the better tracks so far.

Spinach Jam>Other One "Spinach" isn't doing much for me until they get into the Middle Eastern-y thing that leads into the Other One. Pretty nice, muscular playing in The Other One, short and sweet. I like it.

Stella Blue - is surprisingly good once it kicks in, i was expecting a sludge fest. We'll see where it goes...

I am NOT looking forward to the 9+ minute Sugar Mag.

I'm only a third of the way through 'Eyes of the World' but I'm starting to feel rejuvenated. This is improving my mood greatly.

Eyes of the World

Just kinda keeps going, huh?

I keep hoping this is going to explode into something at some point, but it just keeps on the same pace.

DJ, I think we're on opposite spectrums with this show. If I don't like, you like, and vice versa.

Drums

Surprisingly short. I looked at the time and had to do a double-take. The crowd sound kinda swells towards the ends, presumably when the rest of the band emerges for Spinach. Clown horn=used once, and that was too much.

At the start of Scarlet I thought my blackberry was making a new (undesirable) sound.

Marginally off topic, but do they even play Franklin's Tower or other cuts from Blues for Allah? I haven't seen it in any set lists so far.

Spinach Jam, The Other One

Not bothering me in the least. Actually digging most of what's going on. At around the 10 or 11 minute mark of Spinach Jam I was in bliss. TOO is working on me quite nicely.



http://www.deaddisc.com/songs/Franklins_Tower.htm

Plus, any and all live recording database.

Oh yes, we've just been skipping the mid-late 70's Golden Era so far.

All the more reason to stick with this. How many credits does this class provide?

Stella Blue

Guess I didn't post about this...could've sworn I did. This reminds me of some live versions of Wilco tunes..."One Wing" in particular. I'm sure someone in that band dug the Dead.

Transition to Sugar Mag...yikes, again.

Sugar Magnolia

Man, what started as a turd sure did turn into a blast. Wish they would've kept going on that strain rather than stop and start. They never recovered.

U.S. Blues

Not a show-stopper by any stretch, and really I'm a bit baffled as to why you would end a show on such a so-so note. Sure, its a great song, but definitely no "wow" moment.

Which really just leads to my review as a whole of the show. Yes, it has a great setlist a Loog said. I definitely was all about hearing this, but without getting too down on this or the period that spawned it, there really isn't any defining moment in the show. Some great versions of songs, and it kept my attention, but there were some definite flat points.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's show.

I took a break and am back starting on 'Drums'. Mercifully short, but 'Spinach Jam' awaits.