March & May '81 have a handful of great shows, and this is definitely one. Super solid from top to bottom.

Highlights:
Loser
Let it Grow
Shakedown
Terrapin
Stella
Honorable mention: Althea

This Shakedown especially is one of my very favorite versions. Great Brent show here - he's fantastic on multiple tunes, but especially Shakedown. JG's playing is excellent throughout both sets. I think this is the show from the May '81 Nassau Coliseum run that Dick should have released for Volume 13 instead of the show 2 nights before (5.6.81).

Overall - this thing deserves more than 4 stars in my opinion, but possibly a shade under 5.

Grade: 4.5 stars

Not much to say about the first set, except that it smokes. No standout songs other than Let It Grow, which is always a standout (and Jerry was actually doing the work of jamming all the way through rather than playing the pro forma lead line of 87 and on). Brent is on fire the whole show, especially on the nice long Shakedown. "Long" is the key word, here, they don't skimp anywhere this show. A pretty typical Terrapin launches another long jam out of Playin'. This one stays typical of the 80's until about the 9 min mark, when they Jerry starts throwing in some sustained notes, and arpeggiated chords. Eventually, it dwindles into a John Cagian space segment, which builds to a final and unexpected climax before flowing into a hot drums/space and an equally hot Not Fade. Stella is typically gorgeous and Sugar Mag typically rousing. The sound is very fine for an audience tape.

Love this second set that kicks off with Jammin' Jerome getting funky slinky on Shakedown Street. Classic Terraplayin' (that's nearly 30 minutes) is my definite show highlight. Segues into 14-minutes drumz (with Kesey on harmonica) that makes its way out the other end through NFA into a sweet/tender Stella Blue. 

solid

Highlights: CC Rider

I have always loved this show, as it just rips all the way through. The first is excellent, and when you get to that Shakedown in about 3/4 time in the second, your hair will catch on fire. Definitely my favorite Shakedown. Thanks Charlie Miller for sonic perfection, you are masterful at what you do. Great show. Give it a listen.

isn't there supposed to be an easy to love you? where is it?