So long 1986

Great work to Bob, really well done on that Desolation Row. All verses were hit at some point, the words were there...there's just so many damn words to sing. The song itself is not my ideal tune, but at least this is a good version of a tiresome Dylan song, that should be retired forever.

Sound quality on this is great, up to Charlie Miller's typical excellent work. Sounds to me like the band might have had a bit too much champagne between sets. Start of 2nd set has the enthusiasm but tons of dumb mistakes. Weir in particular. Gimme Some Lovin' might be best version I've ever heard. Which is a low bar to clear I suppose, but Phil is going nuts which is always fun. Decent listen.

This was my first N.Y.E. show. Arrived in town with only tickets to the first 2 nights of the 4 night run. The crowds were HUGE and wanting to welcome Jerry back from his illness. One of my buddies gave me his ticket for the 30th as he was coming down with the flu and wanted to rest up for the 31st. Then, on new years we were partying in my suite before those that had tickets would take off, when my buddy Danny slaps his ticket into my hand and tells me that the prior year was his first New Years show and that this show would be mine!! I couldn't believe that anyone would travel from Boulder for such an event and then give his ticket away:) I love to tell people this story as it is a perfect example of the love and generosity that is shared in our community. By the way, I was also in the early stages of the dreaded Taiwan flu. The mixture of hallucinogens and a high fever was a pretty weird experience. But, we had a great time and I thought the whole run was super tight and well played. If Jerry truly had to relearn how to play the guitar, he did an amazing job of it!! His voice sounded better that it had in some time as well. I'll never forget you Danny!!

To me this sounds as good as any other the folks who taped these shows wee one of the very best to capture the sound boards from the band itself. I have read that they had an in with Healy? or Bobby. Either way its why almost everyone of the recordings they put up here are top notch TOP TOP notch.
Happy New Year Everyone.... And big thanks for posting these memories. Giving 5 stars to balance out the rating.

I think a lot of folks have looked down on this show for years (myself included) because the 30th raised expectations for New Years. Nice recording, nice Millerization (as usual), and some nice playing overall. The segueway from the midnight Touch into Let It Grow was a treat; everyone celebrated, and then the lights went down and the band settled into things.