Reviewer:
c-freedom
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October 6, 2017
Subject:
Right outside this lazy summer home
fast moving twenty minute EYES!!!
This is very good and yes Brent has a major impact on the musical feel of this show.
love that train whistle
"What's this?
Watch out it's loaded"
Reviewer:
garp6600
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May 13, 2008
Subject:
Killer Brent Show!
Brent lovers, 5/13/83 is for you. Brent was in his fourth year with the band during this run and he absolutely glows. His vocals are crisp with soulfulness, as always, complimenting Garcia’s perfectly. Eyes of the World is a nice litmus test to the quality of an overall show. Although I am sure there are exceptions; a killer Eyes usually equals a killer show. This performance of Eyes at the Greeks (which I bet a lot of us like me had a cassette of ) is a Brent’s keys performance so typical to the time yet so unbelievable and timeless in its raw quality today that it sounds brand new. The man could play, and more importantly shows like this demonstrate he played well as part of The Grateful Dead.
Mydland’s uncanny ability to stand back and let the boys move in, was not only unobtrusive but mature in his respect and approach to the music. His luscious pauses during this version created a breakdown in the middle of the Eyes jam. One would hope and can almost feel a collective grin as at that point that the boys may have shared, “Where to go now…” They settle into this pause and Mick and Billy prop er, up and then cruise right back into it again. Definitely one of those moments that brought every ones eyes open for a moment to see where they were going next. Nice recording guys, Charlie and Darryl you rock! The hometown family was not disappointed on this night and it translates to the other side.
Phil is formidable on a four string for what I am guessing is one of the last few times. It is 1983 and they roll out: Hell in a Bucket (interesting arrangement), West L.A. and Throwing Stones. These were common for 83’ but still interesting to give another listen to unpolished. Phil is invincible this night. From what he mentions in his autobiography this was not the most incoherent era of his career. This night in 83’ proves he was on more than he perhaps gives himself credit for. He never seems to run out of neck!
05/13/83 is the kind of show in the day shows kept (and keeps) us coming back whenever we can. This show; which is clear, loud and thumping (except for some impromptu sound check issues during West L.A.) and has that nice tight quality so familiar with the early 80s shows. Garcia’s last year stage left does the trick.
Give it a listen kids and enjoy! Don’t worry about the rough spots; there are some diamonds here!