So I'm listening again, and like I've sort of said - I'm in a different boat then you guys, because other than American Beauty and Workingman's Dead (which I've listened to obsessively for about 6-7 years), I don't have much knowledge about Dead shows (as I always ask questions). I've been enjoying the hell out of this set, and some of the other shows recently so thanks.
The first disc on this really kicks my ass. I'm assuming by your guys' comments, that the fidelity that I'm experiencing is sort of unusual for these shows, so I'm glad I didn't just think that out of the blue. It's really a great sound for live music. I love the opening, wasn't really familiar with "Greatest Story Ever Told", though I had heard it on GDradio recently, but "Sugaree" is one of my favorite Dead/Jerry songs - I think it's a perfect song for beginners like me to latch onto. While I've played this first disc a half dozen times or more already, I've played "Sugaree" about twice as much. Just great for the summer. The version of Me and My Uncle is good, not the best I've heard, but I love that song from other points in life, so I'm happy any time I get to hear it. I LOVE the transition from "China Cat Sunflower" to "I Know You Rider" - and I even love the version of "I Know You Rider" on here, considering it's typically one of my least favorites when I listen to these sets. Enjoy the solos a lot, even if the chorus seems a little off.
"Big Boss Man" is fucking awesome, totally one of the highlights from the first disc, Pigpen does sound great and the instrumental fucking rips. Wasn't familiar with the song really, and I typically like the more folky songs rather than the bluesey numbers, but yeah this rules. - though I don't get why it fades out to silence. Story behind that?
and then "Black Throated Wind" slays me. I love that chorus. His voice breaks a couple times, but it just sounds rad. "Loser" isn't my favorite song, but I can totally see the appeal. Can't really explain it. When the instrumentals come in at 4:10, I like it more, just don't like the song itself that much. Not a huge fan of "Mr. Charlie" either, but I love the way "Beat It On Down The Line" explodes. I mean the way they're playing here, it's basically the most American sounding song I can even think of. Totally fun. And then closing this disc with "Tennessee Jed" is great, it's one of my favorite Dead songs and though the vocals aren't as clear on this as some of the other songs on the set, I still love it. Really reminds me of The Band in this one.
Ok, moving onto disc 2...
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