The Deadpod

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Dead Show/podcast for 9/11/15 Sep 11, 2015

Show notes

A request from one of my supporters, as well as the fact that this past week marked Pigpen's 70th birthday inspired this week's Deadpod selection from the Berkeley Community Theater on August 14th, 1971. This is a great tape that showcases the early versions of many classics like 'Sugaree' and 'Playin' In the Band' as well as some outstanding Pigpen performances. Highlights include the opening 'Bertha', 'El Paso' played nice and slowly, 'Big Railroad Blues' (a personal favorite), and of course Pigpen on 'Big Boss Man' and 'Hard To Handle'. I'm always a fan of this period of the Dead's history and of course it helps that there are such great sounding tapes that we are lucky enough to be able to enjoy.

Grateful Dead

Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley, CA

8/14/71 - Saturday

One

Bertha [5:43] ;

Me And My Uncle [3:09] ;

Mr. Charlie [3:13] ;

Sugaree [6:08] ;

El Paso [5:03] ;

Big Railroad Blues [3:26] ;

Big Boss Man [4:58] ;

Brokedown Palace [5:20] ;

Playing In The Band [4:28] ;

Hard To Handle [7:16] ;

Cumberland Blues [5:29] ;

Loser [6:31] ;

The Promised Land [2:53]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod091115.mp3

My sincere thanks to all of you whose support helps to keep the Deadpod alive...

Be kind.

Dead Show/podcast for 9/4/15 Sep 04, 2015

Show notes

This week's Deadpod continues with the second set from the band's performance on September 6th, 1980 at Lewiston Maine. Wildly praised by those in attendance, I think you'll enjoy this recording even though it has its share of flaws, and several of the songs are only from an audience recording. The set starts with one of those funky 80's Shakedown Streets.. always a great way to get the crowd on their feet and moving! A fairly standard Sailor->Saint leads into a nice Althea, but the magic starts to happen after that with a great Playin->Uncle John's->Space->Drums->Space..this recording, being a matrix, really captures the energy of the crowd when that Uncle John's starts up.. they follow with an excellent drums, then following space a really excellent NFA into the Wheel. I love how they come out of this and back into Uncle John's then into a Playin' reprise.. short but nicely done!

A strong Sugar Magnolia closes the set, and the band returns for a double encore, featuring, of course, One More Saturday Night and a sweet Brokedown Palace..

State Fairgrounds, Lewiston, ME (9/6/80) set 2 Shakedown Street Lost Sailor Saint of Circumstance Althea Playin' in the Band Uncle John's Band drums Not Fade Away The Wheel Uncle John's Band Playin' in the Band Sugar Magnolia One More Saturday Night Brokedown Palace

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod090415.mp3

Have a GREAT and safe Labor Day Weekend!!

Dead Show/podcast for 8/28/15 Aug 28, 2015

Show notes

This week we feature yes another show from 1980.. this one was the last show of the summer tour that year, and took place up in Lewiston Maine, at a big outdoor festival there at the State Fairgrounds on September 6th, 1980. This is a wonderful show, and while this recording does suffer some issues (this is a soundboard/audience matrix) it still captures what is a superb performance and I'm certain you'll enjoy it.

The boys come out strong out of the gate, with a rocking 'Alabama Getaway' into 'Greatest Story Every Told'.. when Garcia starts out with 'Sugaree' you might think things are about to settle down, but hold on for one of the better versions of this number you are likely to hear.. this is fantastic! The band is not about to slow down however as the remainder of set one contains plenty to like, including a rare, mid-set 'Feel Like A Stranger' and a great China->Rider->Promised Land to close out set 1.

While we will hear set 2 next week, with its own spectacular jamming, I hope you find this set a great way to spend a late summer day...

State Fairgrounds, Lewiston, ME (9/6/80) Alabama Getaway Greatest Story Ever Told Sugaree Me and My Uncle Mexicali Blues Tennessee Jed Feel Like a Stranger Friend of the Devil Far From Me Little Red Rooster China Cat Sunflower I Know You Rider Promised Land You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod082815.mp3 As I send off my two sons to college this weekend, I'm left with the feeling best expressed by the boys when they sang: "Wo Oh, what I want to know, where does the time go?" I wish all of you well, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this magic music with you...

Dead Show/podcast for 8/21/15 Aug 21, 2015

Show notes

Here is the second set of the Grateful Dead's performance at the Glen Falls Civic Center in Glen Falls New York on May 8th, 1980. This set displays the same energy as the excellent first set, starting off with an unusual 'Uncle John's Band' opener. Estimated->Eyes follows, certainly not an unusual combination, but nevertheless Garcia makes the transition worth listening to. The Truckin' into Stella Blue is also very sweet and sad.. lovely. The set ends with some of their favorite rockin' numbers, an unusual Johnny B Goode set closer (instead of an encore).

I hope you enjoy this one..

Grateful Dead Glens Falls Civic Center Glens Falls, NY 5/8/80 - Thursday Set Two Uncle John's Band Estimated Prophet Eyes of the World drums Truckin' Stella Blue Around and Around Johnny B. Goode U.S. Blues You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod082115.mp3 The Deadpod only exists because of the kindness and generosity of my listeners. If you might care to contribute, just click on the 'donate' button at the top right of this page, or drop me a line for my address.. thank you!

Dead Show/podcast for 8/14/15 Aug 14, 2015

Show notes

This week's Deadpod is the result of a request from one of my long time listeners' who reported that his wife had one of those annoying incidents where some lout dumped a beer on her during this, her very first Grateful Dead show and nevertheless remained tolerant enough to accompany him to yet another Dead show 15 years later where the same thing happened to the poor lady!

Despite all that this is a great show, and I'm happy to bring it to you this week, this comes from Falls Church NY from May 8th, 1980. It opens with a rockin' Alabama Getaway, and shows that the boys are ready to rock on this night! Other highlights for me include a fine 'High Time' and a great version of 'Lazy Lightnin'->Supplication'..

I'll be playing the second set of this show next week..

Grateful Dead Glens Falls Civic Center Glens Falls, NY 5/8/80 - Thursday Set One Alabama Getaway [4:21] > The Promised Land [4:10] ; Friend Of The Devil [9:15] ; Mama Tried [2:28] > Mexicali Blues [4:11] ; High Time [8:06] ; Lazy Lightnin' [3:54] > Supplication [7:06] ; Ramble On Rose [7:35] ; Lost Sailor [6:09] > Saint Of Circumstance [6:07] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod081415.mp3

Dead Show/podcast for 8/7/15 Aug 07, 2015

Show notes

This week we present the third and final portion of the Grateful Dead's performance from the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Racecourse in Watkins Glen NY on July 28th, 1973. This may not be the best show of the year, but there is certainly some fine music here to recommend itself and to fuel many a thought as you listen. This section begins with a nice Stella Blue, and when you think well there is the Jerry Ballad, they go into a stunning 'Eyes of the World'. For my money the highlight of this set, this one features some amazing jams, especially after the chorus, with hints of 'Stronger than Dirt' and even 'Help on the Way'.. I hope you dig this as much as I did. Weir brings us down to earth with a shiny happy 'Sugar Magnolia' to follow, and then they give us a wonderful 'Sing Me Back Home' (patched however from the audience source and with a nasty cut at the end).. Not Fade Away' probably comes from the same audience patch, but features some high energy Keith on piano. The Mountain Jam featuring members of the Allman Brothers and the Band sounds better from a soundboard copy, and while it is a bit sloppy at times it is still a joy to hear again. While clearly not the most structured jam ever, this is still a fine way to celebrate the Days Between by listening to Jerry on this one. When the jam finally ends, you'd think the band would be finished.. but we get a Johnny B Goode encore (with a cut and somewhat muddled vocals).. despite its flaws, I hope you enjoy this week's Deadpod..

Grateful Dead

Grand Prix Racecourse, Watkins Glen, NY (7/28/73) end of set 2: Stella Blue Eyes of the World Sugar Magnolia Sing Me Back Home Not Fade Away Mountain Jam Johnny B. Goode You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod080715.mp3 Be well my friends and be kind to everyone.

Dead Show/podcast for 7/31/15 Jul 31, 2015

Show notes

On this Blue Moon Friday, we present the 2nd installment of the Grateful Dead's performance at Watkins Glen Speedway on July 28th, 1973. We start with the last song of the 1st set, but arguably the highlight of the show, a classic 'Playin' In the Band'. This one is in my opinion, on a par with the famous soundcheck of the previous day. It doesn't take them long to jump off on a psychedelic musical exploration here. Garcia's leads us on a fantastic voyage here, with a sound that at times I've heard described as a 'swarm of hornets', he leads us way out there. While this jam perhaps doesn't last as long as the day before, I would argue its clearly top shelf jazz improvisation. The second set starts with an 'Around and Around' patched from an audience copy, but we're back to the soundboard for a unique, funky, Loose Lucy. He's Gone develops nicely but transitions rather abruptly into Truckin'. This one suffers some audio problems but nothing to detract from the nice jam that follows the chorus.. where Jerry winds into a "Nobody's Fault' line .. the last minute or so they get a bit lost before going into .... 'El Paso'! .. like coming out of a dark room into the sunshine.. :) Our trip back to the summer of '73 closes this week with a China->Rider.. ahhh that sweet waterfall coming from Jerry's Guitar.. then that engine rolling down the track :) . see you in August!

Grateful Dead

Grand Prix Racecourse, Watkins Glen, NY (7/28/73) end of set 1: Playing in the Band set 2: (partial) Around and Around Loose Lucy Big River He's Gone Truckin' Nobody's Jam El Paso China Cat Sunflower I Know You Rider You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod073115.mp3 I really appreciate the support of those friends who can contribute to keep the Deadpod on the air.. thank YOU! Hope you're 'dancin' in the moonlight' tonight!

Dead Show/podcast for 7/24/15 Jul 24, 2015

Show notes

This week I'm going to start to present the Grateful Dead's performance at the famous Watkins Glen racecourse from July 28th, 1973. Not only was this the largest rock concert attendance wise ever up to this point, it of course is most famous perhaps for the soundcheck the band did the day before the actual performance which I'm going to showcase these next 3 weeks. I think that is somewhat unfair, as this is a great show, as most are from 1973, and I think it is a fine show to use to celebrate Jerry's Birthday coming up as it does on August 1st.

This first part which I'm bringing you this week starts out with\ a hard charging 'Bertha' - Phil is leading the pack here, followed by a great 'Beat It On Down The Line', with some very nice keyboard work by Keith. Brown-Eyed Women follows, then a very fast tempo'd Mexicali Blues. Box Of Rain is very nicely done, and "Here Comes Sunshine' showcases Jerry doing some very nice explorations. Row Jimmy and Jack Straw follow, and then an explosive Deal is where we will leave off this week's Deadpod, with more to follow in the next two weeks.

Grateful Dead

Grand Prix Racecourse, Watkins Glen, NY (7/28/73) set 1 - partial Bertha Beat it on Down the Line Brown Eyed Women Mexicali Blues Box of Rain Here Comes Sunshine Looks Like Rain Row Jimmy Jack Straw Deal You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod072415.mp3 Thank you to those of you whose kind support makes the Deadpod possible!! Good wishes to everyone!

Dead Show/podcast for 7/17/15 Jul 17, 2015

Show notes

On this week's Deadpod the band shows plenty of excitement and enthusiasm throughout a pretty great second set during their first visit to Red Rocks back in 1978. I've always been a fan of Cold Rain and Snow, and this is a great way to open the set. Garcia starts several of these songs rather slowly but they tend to build up to a great climax, and I think that is apparent especially on the Scarlet->Fire. The Dancin' in the Streets is one of the best versions ever, you'll want to move when you hear it! Not Fade Away is quite unique as well, as Jerry goes into a tease of Nobody's Fault but Mine before returning to the Not Fade Away lines.. The double encore of US Blues and Johnny B Goode is a sure sign they had a great night out in the Rockies this day!

Grateful Dead

Red Rocks Ampitheater, Morrison CO

7/7/78 - Friday

set 2

Cold Rain and Snow Beat it on Down the Line Scarlet Begonias Fire on the Mountain Dancin' in the Streets drums Not Fade Away Nobody's Jam Not Fade Away Black Peter Around and Around U.S. Blues Johnny B. Goode

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod071715.mp3

THANK You! to everyone whose contributions keep the Deadpod afloat!

Have a great week........... enjoy the summer..

Dead Show/podcast for 7/10/15 Jul 10, 2015

Show notes

As I pondered what show to bring you this week, in the shadow of the emotion and excitement of last weekend's Fare Thee Well shows, I settled upon this show which marked the band's first visit to one of their very favorite venues, Red Rocks. This took place back on July 7th, 1978, and while I've previously played the next night's show, which is perhaps a bit more famous and of which probably better tapes circulate, I think you'll be entertained by this effort as well, which certainly displayed all of the excitement and energy present on both nights. This first set is exceptionally well played, starting out with a rousing 'Jack Straw' and containing a number of well-played favorites, including 'Candyman', ' Friend of the Devil' and 'Tennessee Jed'. The set closing 'Music Never Stopped' is of particular interest, as it has a wonderful bit of Garcia jamming both at the beginning and the end.. really superb.

The source for this show is a audience/soundboard matrix, as the only circulating soundboard tape is a split mono source with some annoying omissions. I hope you enjoy it.

Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison, CO (7/7/78) Jack Straw Candyman Me and My Uncle Big River Friend of the Devil Cassidy Tennessee Jed Passenger Peggy-O Music Never Stopped You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod071015.mp3 The Deadpod only exists due to the kind generosity of my listeners. If you would like to contribute to keep the Deadpod rolling, just click on the 'contribute' button on the left, or drop me a line to get my mailing address.. Have a great week everyone! Be Kind!

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