What a first set! A quintessential 80s Dead first set, not a bad one in the lot. Perfect. I mean, even El Paso is spectacular.

This Matrix is particularly excellent, and really captures the flavor of seeing a show at the Garden. I don't know what's rated as the "greatest" Ramble On Rose.....but there's NOTHING like seeing it at the Garden, and this version really captures that. High energy, impeccably played. Good, solid vocals also! Bobby particiularly is in excellent vocal form. Brent's solo in "Minglewood" which had me fooled, thinking there was a guest guitarist, is mind-blowing. VERY fun first set. This is the first set you wanted to catch. Right out of the gate, they're on fire.

Haven't even listened to the second set yet. But the FIRST set is getting a four-star rating, and there's very little reason not to give it five.

Looking forward to the second set, but as Bobby says, we're gonna take a short break!

EXCELLENT Matrix!! Sounds like a live album! Just enough feedback from the audience at key moments, not overdone. Outstanding.

****

Part 2: Second set is also great! Jerry is playing like Robert Fripp in Space! Like "Fracture". Excellent show. Drums is also very listenable and musical. Estimated-UJB is great. Other One is great. China Cat-Rider is nice once they get into the jam. Ship Of Fools nice. Samson fun. Stella Blue is nice. Good Lovin', which I usually don't like during this era, is good.

This is a great show, I listened to the whole thing in one sitting, with a short break between sets. Very fun, very high energy, and a great example of a NYC show, especially a show at the Garden. This Matrix is fantastic.

Great mix, Hunter's Matrixes are best listened to through headphones, it makes you feel as if you are in attendance at the show, minus the sights and smells of course.

As usual for Hunter's matrixes as well, each band member/instrument is represented equally in the mix and the vocals are mixed in perfect too.

Jerry is certainly on this night as he is ripping at any and every chance. His tone is crisp, clear, loud and up front. LOVE IT. Brent is represented nicely and Phil is thumping away, Bobby's little 'tic-tac' rhythms as I have always liked to call them are great and his slide work always adds a lot to the sound IMO. The Rhythm Devils are doin' their thing and holdin' it down and their power is often overlooked IMO. Bobby's, Brent's and Jerry's vocals have great tone and aren't ear piercing and high pitched as they can sometimes come out in other taper's mixes when you really have it turned up loud in your car or headphones.

Anyway, this is a must listen and is the best recording of this show as far as I'm concerned.

The Cleveland show from 3/2/81 is also a good one, check that out.

This show starts off monstrously with one of the best first sets I've heard in a looong time. Just a really awesome listen all the way through. The sound quality of this is spectacular. Silky smooth ride.