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This week's Deadpod comes from close to home for us here in Michigan: Ford Auditorium in Detroit on Monday, October 30, 1972. It was the last stop on the Dead's fall 1972 Midwest run, with Jerry, Bob, Phil, Keith, Donna, and Bill on stage just months after the band got back from Europe '72. This week we're playing the full first set, and it's a long one. It's the 1972 band at its best, mixing tight rock and roll with patient, open-ended jamming. Bertha gets things moving, and from there the Bob and Jerry songs trade off all night, with the cowboy tunes Me And My Uncle, El Paso, Big River, and Mexicali Blues alongside Deal, Sugaree, and Don't Ease Me In. Black Throated Wind and Jack Straw were both still fairly new songs in the fall of '72. The highlights for me are a long, exploratory Bird Song and a China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider that really flies. Phil also steps up to sing a lovely Box Of Rain near the end of the set. This is a fine audience recording, warm and full, with a real sense of being in the room. It isn't flawless: there's a splice in Bird Song, Big River gets clipped at the end, and it is said to be recorded by Owlsey. But the sound is so good for an audience tape from 1972 that the rough spots are easy to forgive. Grateful Dead Ford Auditorium Detroit, MI 10/30/1972 - Monday One Bertha [7:30] Me And My Uncle [3:27] Deal [6:03] Black Throated Wind [7:41] Sugaree [9:15] El Paso [6:36] Bird Song [12:54] Big River [4:52] China Cat Sunflower [6:19] > I Know You Rider [7:38] Jack Straw [5:21] Don't Ease Me In [4:28] Mexicali Blues [3:38] Box Of Rain [5:12] Playing In The Band [10:19] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod103026a.mp3 Thanks as always for listening and for supporting the Deadpod. Happy Halloween, and enjoy the show. Join the Deadpod community on Facebook — share your thoughts, favorite shows, and requests!

This week on the Deadpod we continue with the second set from the Grateful Dead's October 20, 1989 show at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. As you listen to this expansive set, you'll quickly hear how Brent was at the top of his game during this period. His keyboards and MIDI work really bring these songs to life. The highlight, in my opinion, is the "Other One Jam" out of "Truckin'." It's nearly 15 minutes of Brent and Jerry stretching out on "The Other One" theme, and DeadBase lists it as the band's first "Other One Jam" since 1975. From there the music flows into "Drums" and "Space," then into Brent's ballad "I Will Take You Home," before the band comes back to "The Other One" with a vengeance. This is the Grateful Dead at their most adventurous. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Grateful Dead The Spectrum Philadelphia, PA 10/20/1989 - Friday Two Hey Pocky Way [6:48] Scarlet Begonias [10:03] > Fire On The Mountain [13:44] Truckin' [7:07] > The Other One Jam [14:33] > Drums [10:35] > Space [10:48] > I Will Take You Home [5:06] > The Other One [11:11] > Wharf Rat [10:26] Sugar Magnolia [5:52] Encore Brokedown Palace [5:46] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod102326.mp3 Be well and thanks for your kind support. Join the Deadpod community on Facebook — share your thoughts, favorite shows, and requests!

This week we travel back to the fall of 1989 for the first set of the Grateful Dead's October 20 show at the Spectrum in Philadelphia—a performance that's been called their longest of the year. This was one of the band's high-water periods, in my opinion, and you can hear the energy and enthusiasm from the first notes of "Touch of Grey." Brent's contributions are a big part of what makes this show so enjoyable, not only on his own "Just a Little Light," but on "Tennessee Jed" as well. Played just three days after the Loma Prieta earthquake, the show also featured the Dead's first performance of Rodney Crowell's "California Earthquake," which closes the first set. Grateful Dead The Spectrum Philadelphia, PA 10/20/1989 - Friday Set One Touch Of Grey [6:19] Greatest Story Ever Told [4:10] Candyman [6:44] Picasso Moon [7:26] Just A Little Light [4:44] Tennessee Jed [8:39] Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again [8:56] Stagger Lee [5:39] The Promised Land [4:27] California Earthquake (Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On) [5:50] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod101626.mp3

This week on the Deadpod we go back 54 years, to October 9, 1972, for the second set of the "benefit for the roadies" at Winterland in San Francisco, CA. It opens with a somewhat amusing, clearly well-lubricated rap from Grace Slick, who was eventually led off the stage by Bill Graham, before the band eases into "He's Gone." The set features some really fine vocals from Garcia and great versions of "Mississippi Half-Step" and "Brokedown Palace." There's also some unique improvisation in "Truckin'" and "The Other One" that I'm sure you'll enjoy. Unfortunately, the set-closing "Casey Jones" is cut off, and the reported "Johnny B. Goode" encore isn't on the tape. Nevertheless, this one earns its place in the pantheon of fine shows from the fall of 1972. Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 10/9/1972 - Monday Two Banter (God Is Gonna Understand) [3:13] > He's Gone [11:46] Big River [4:38] Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo [9:32] Greatest Story Ever Told [4:47] Brokedown Palace [5:53] Truckin' [11:36] > The Other One [13:33] Wharf Rat [11:16] Sugar Magnolia [8:33] Casey Jones [1:20] (incomplete, fades out) You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod100926.mp3

This week on the Deadpod we go back to the fall of 1972 for a show at Winterland that was billed as a benefit for the band's road crew. The night is remembered for two things: a brief, unplanned cameo by Grace Slick at the start of the second set, and the first electric performance of the much-loved "Box of Rain," which the band hadn't played since its acoustic debut in September 1970. This episode covers the first set, which is where "Box of Rain" turns up. The fall of '72 was a very busy touring stretch for the band, and one of the high points of a great year. This show features some excellent vocals from Jerry and Bob. Phil, I guess, was warming up for "Box" when he tried to add his own contribution to "Tennessee Jed." I'm glad it didn't scare him off from bringing out "Box of Rain" later in the set. One of several highlights here is the set-closing "Playing In The Band," which, despite being cut at the end, has some wonderful exploration. Grateful Dead Winterland Arena San Francisco, CA 10/9/1972 - Monday One The Promised Land[3:19] Deal [4:34] Me And My Uncle [3:06] Tennessee Jed [7:30] Black Throated Wind [6:48] Friend Of The Devil [3:24] Beat It On Down The Line [3:14] Loser [6:23] El Paso [2:08#] Box Of Rain [#6:24] China Cat Sunflower [7:09] > I Know You Rider [5:13] Sugaree [7:02#] Playing In The Band [20:36#] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod100226.mp3 My thanks for your continuing support of the Deadpod!

Here's a fine second set to close out September on the Deadpod. The setlist may look short, but there's plenty of tasteful jamming and exploration to round out a strong selection of classic Dead tunes. Bruce Hornsby is a great addition to a rousing "Samson and Delilah," and "Eyes of the World" gets stretched out nicely for this period in the band's history. After "Saint of Circumstance" there's an interesting little exploration that some have labeled a "Dark Star" jam. I'd take exception to that, but it's still fun to listen to. "Drums" is also quite good, with a lot of MIDI textures, and there's plenty of Phil after drums. For the encore they break out "Attics of My Life," its first appearance since March 1990, a gap of 112 shows. Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York, NY 9/8/1991 - Sunday Two Samson and Delilah Eyes of the World Saint of Circumstance > Drums > Space > The Other One > Wharf Rat > Good Lovin' Encore Attics of My Life You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:   https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod092526.mp3 'I'll get up and fly away... '

This week on the Deadpod, I'm heading back to one of my favorite September stops: Madison Square Garden in New York City, for the opening night of the band's nine-show run in September 1991. By this point, the post-Brent lineup has had time to settle in, and Bruce Hornsby adds plenty of color to the proceedings. Phil makes his presence felt right from the opening "Touch of Grey," providing a strong melodic foundation throughout the set. While Garcia's vocals sound a little rough at times, his playing is right on the money. Give "Loser" a listen for a good example of both. I really dig the "Big River" > "Maggie's Farm" pairing, too. It's always a treat to hear them trade verses on that Dylan number. "Row Jimmy" and "Let It Grow" round out this week's selection. I hope you enjoy this opening visit to the Garden. Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York, NY September 8, 1991 (Sunday) Set One Touch of Grey > Greatest Story Ever Told Loser New Minglewood Blues Candyman Big River > Maggie's Farm Row Jimmy Let It Grow   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod091826.mp3  My thanks for your kind support of the Deadpod

On this week's Deadpod, we continue with the second set from September 2nd, 1983, in Boise, Idaho. The boys keep up the energy from the first set throughout this one, with a jamming pre-drums segment that runs non-stop through a string of favorites. A highlight, however, comes just before Drums, when Bobby and Brent stay out front together for an intense jam of their own. Following Drums and Space, we get a pairing that's somewhat unusual for the era: "Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad" leading straight into a particularly fine "Black Peter" — two Jerry-fronted tunes back to back, and a highlight for me. And, of course, a "Baby Blue" encore is always a fine way to close out a great show Grateful Dead Boise Pavilion - Boise State University Boise, ID 9/2/1983 - Friday  Two      Help On The Way [3:00] > Slipknot! [8:10] > Franklin's Tower [14:06]  Estimated Prophet [13:02] > Eyes Of The World [12:23] > Jam (1) [3:11] > Drums > Space [10:06] > Throwing Stones [7:54] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad[7:54] > Black Peter [8:17] > Sugar Magnolia [8:36] Encore      It's All Over Now, Baby Blue [7:02] Comments     (1) Bob, Brent, and Drummers You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod091126.mp3  My thanks for your continuing support of the Deadpod!

Labor Day is here! I've found what I think is a rather overlooked show to celebrate the holiday this week with this gem from September 2, 1983 in Boise Idaho. This was the only show the band ever played in Idaho, and I have to believe that the unique location gave them some extra energy that shows through as we listen to this show.  After a unique introduction by Phil, the band powers into a funky 'Wang Dang Doodle' which then goes right into a sweet 'Jack Straw'. The energy comes through in numbers like 'Big River' and 'Big Railroad Blues'. I find the set tight and well-played and hope that it makes you smile as well.. Grateful Dead Boise Pavilion - Boise State University Boise, ID 9/2/1983 - Friday  One      Wang Dang Doodle [6:20] >  Jack Straw [5:23] ;  They Love Each Other [7:38] ;  Mama Tried [2:43] >  Big River [6:00] ;  Brown Eyed Women [5:28] ;  New Minglewood Blues [7:39] ;  Big Railroad Blues [7:12] ;  Looks Like Rain [10:26] >  Deal [9:27] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod090426.mp3  Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Hey Now -- this week we have a wonderful second set from one of the most memorable times in the band's storied career.. This second set from the Berkeley Communitiy Theater in Berkeley California has a mix of straight ahead rockin' and deep exploratory jams that showcases the band's versatility and innovation. I call your attention to the incomparable 'Other One' here that goes in previously unknown dimensions, as well as the closing trifecta of 'Not Fade Away", Going Down the Road Feelin' Bad' and 'Hey Bo Diddley' which pay homage to their musical heritage. Two      Brown Eyed Women [5:02] Mexicali Blues [3:34] Truckin' [9:56] > Drums [2:24] > The Other One [29:56] > Stella Blue [8#;50] El Paso [4:42]  Ramble On Rose [6:16] Not Fade Away [6:01] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [5:51] > Hey Bo Diddley [4:09] > Not Fade Away   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod082826.mp3 My thanks for your kind support of the Deadpod

This week on the Deadpod we have one of the fine shows the band played in late August 1972 at the Berkeley Community Theater in Berkeley, CA. In this small, hometown venue, the band plays together and listens to each other at a high level — something that would bloom beautifully a few days later at the Old Renaissance Fairgrounds in Veneta, Oregon. They're relaxed and loose here. In this first set especially, they take their time between numbers, and I've taken the liberty of editing some of that dead air out of this presentation. I hope it makes for a more enjoyable listen. There are a couple of small cuts, but I don't think they'll affect your enjoyment. There are some notable excursions here — a first-set "Playin' in the Band" and "He's Gone," as well as a beautiful "Bird Song." I trust you'll find the entire set worth your time. Grateful Dead Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley, CA 8/22/1972 - Tuesday One Bertha [#5:11] Greatest Story Ever Told [4:51] Loser [6:40] Black Throated Wind [%6:27] Bird Song [9:57] Beat It On Down The Line [3:03] Tennessee Jed [06:37] Me And My Uncle [3:13] Friend Of The Devil [3:35] Playin' In The Band [15:%41] He's Gone [8:30] Promised Land [2:47]     You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod082126.mp3  Enjoy these 'dog days' of August, soon enough we'll have 'snow and rain'....

We return to St. Paul this week for a wonderful second set from August 6, 1982. The set hangs together beautifully, with the band locked in from start to finish. The opening Scarlet > Fire features some fine interplay between Jerry and Bob, with Garcia's lines dancing around Weir's rhythm. That same energy carries into Lost Sailor > Saint of Circumstance, which spills into Space and an 11‑beat, "Eleven"-style jam that sets up some exuberant drumming. Truckin' is not your usual 1982 fare either, with Brent and Phil adding plenty of snap and color. Post‑drums, a rare all‑Weir vocal segment brings a different flavor, highlighted by a lovely Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad into a rare non‑encore Johnny B. Goode. Jerry closes the night with a tender Baby Blue encore that feels very much of a piece with the mood of the set. Grateful Dead St. Paul Civic Center Arena St. Paul, MN 8/6/1982 - Friday Two Scarlet Begonias [13:16] > Fire On The Mountain [11:23] ; Lost Sailor [7:13] > Saint Of Circumstance [7:21] > Space [4:04] > Drums > Space [11:51] > Truckin' [7:13] > Wharf Rat [9:31] > Around And Around [4:15] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [8:34] > Johnny B. Goode [4:04] Encore It's All Over Now, Baby Blue/pre> You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod081426.mp3

This week, as we approach the end of the "Days Between," I thought this recording—emblematic of what I think of as the Dead's 'third' period—would be a fitting choice as we remember Jerry. This one comes to us from St. Paul, MN, on August 6, 1982. It's an energetic show with a tight ensemble throughout. Jerry is playing at a high level, and Brent, along with the rest of the band, is right there with him. There's a lot to like here, but one of the highlights for me is the 10+ minute "Bird Song," which flows nicely into "El Paso." I'm also partial to the "Lazy Lightnin' > Supplication," where Garcia adds some particularly nice color in his solos. It's a solid first set, and I think you'll enjoy it. There are a few audience patches, but they don't detract much from the overall experience.   Grateful Dead St. Paul Civic Center Arena St. Paul, MN  8/6/1982 - Friday One     Bertha > New Minglewood Blues ; Candyman > Little Red Rooster ; Bird Song > El Paso ; Tennessee Jed ; It's All Over Now ; Lazy Lightnin' > Supplication ; Might As Well   You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod080726.mp3 "Tell me all that you know, I'll show you... snow and rain"

This week on the Deadpod we head back to the Family Dog at the Great Highway in San Francisco for a superb show from August 3, 1969. This is the kind of set that reminds us just how quickly the Grateful Dead were evolving in that remarkable year, moving from the raw energy of their early material into the open-ended exploration that would define so much of what followed. The set opens with a fine run of songs including "Hard To Handle," "Beat It On Down The Line," "Hi-Heel Sneakers," "High Time," and "Mama Tried." From there the show opens up beautifully with a long and searching "Dark Star," followed by the powerful sequence of "Alligator," "Drums," "The Other One," and "Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)," before closing with "And We Bid You Goodnight." There are two guest artists - an unknown sax player and David LaFlame from 'It's A Beautiful Day', and they add a rich extra dimension to the sound that I really dig.  There's a lot to enjoy here: the contrast between the concise song-based first half and the expanded improvisational stretch that follows, the relaxed confidence of the band, and the sense that they are really finding their collective voice in real time. It's a strong late-summer 1969 performance and a great listen for anyone who loves this transitional era of the Dead. Grateful Dead Family Dog at the Great Highway San Francisco, CA 8/3/1969 - 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's Deadpod here:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod073126.mp3  Enjoy!

This week on Deadpod we're back at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco for the second set from 7/12/76, a show that has that special midsummer 1976 feel I've always loved: relaxed, open, and full of musical space, but with plenty of spark still in the band's step.  The set gets underway with a very nice "Sugaree," followed by a spirited "Samson And Delilah," and then we move into one of the great touchstones of the era — "Help On The Way" > "Slipknot!" > "Franklin's Tower," played here with real assurance and flow. From there the band keeps the momentum going with a lively "Dancing In The Street," and then settles into the deep emotional current of "Wharf Rat." After that comes "Drums," and then a wonderfully expansive "The Wheel" that helps push the set into its final stretch. "Around And Around" closes things out with some good old-fashioned punch, and "U.S. Blues" brings us home in the encore with just the right amount of swagger. It's a set that really shows what was happening with the Dead in 1976: the band had found a new balance, and they were making music with patience, depth, and a real sense of possibility. I hope you enjoy it. Grateful Dead Orpheum Theatre San Francisco, CA  7/12/1976 - Monday     Two      Sugaree [10:53] % Samson And Delilah [6:46] % Help On The Way [4:32] > Slipknot! [7:44] > Franklin's Tower [14:11]  Dancing In The Street [11:26]  Wharf Rat [12:24] > Drums [4:41] > The Wheel [4:47] > Around And Around [7:07] Encore      U.S. Blues [7:20] Grateful Dead Orpheum Theatre San Francisco, CA  7/12/1976 - Monday     Two      Sugaree [10:53] % Samson And Delilah [6:46] % Help On The Way [4:32] > Slipknot! [7:44] > Franklin's Tower [14:11]  Dancing In The Street [11:26]  Wharf Rat [12:24] > Drums [4:41] > The Wheel [4:47] > Around And Around [7:07] Encore      U.S. Blues [7:20] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod072426.mp3 "summertime done, come and gone my oh my"