I attended lots of '80s Dead shows,and this one has always stood out as one of my favorites. I was thrilled when they released it as a Pick.

The first set is above average, and includes a couple of rarities with "To Lay Me Down" and "Ballad of a Thin Man". I honestly don't know why Thin Man didn't become a regular part of their repertoire. Of the Bobby Dylan covers, this was the most powerful. Oh, well. The set concludes with a strong "Cumberland Blues" and one of my favorite versions of "Deal".

The second set features some of the standard warhorses of the Dead's repertoire. The first 4 songs are solidly played, although nothing out of the ordinary.. The guitar solo on"Estimated Prophet" is real nice.

Where this show really shines is the post drums. A seriously intense Space jam leads into what I consider one of the best Other Ones of the '80s. Often, it either felt like they rushed through it or Jerry would get stuck repeating the main motif over and over again till it got monotonous. Not this version. It actually feels like their taking their time with it, and it seems to explore more than most of the later versions. It cranks at times and get quiet at times.

The last 4 songs are just solid Grateful Dead. Really good stuff.

This is a highlight show from the Spring 88' tour. It sucks that you didn't download this before they pulled it.

FYI, even when they announce at dead.net that they are releasing a show, you have until its release date (usually a month or so in advance) to grab it from the archive before they pull it. It's almost as if Rhino hands picks a release and you can get it before its for sale, if you pay attention to new releases.

At any rate, I'm sure you'll get this show somewhere along the line. I had to bite the bullet and pay for the 88' Hampton show that GD Download Series pulled. Its a great show and considering how much i've gotten from the archive I was more than willing to pay the 15 bucks.

Too bad.

My 1st ever was the night before and if I wasn't just a 15 y.o. "Touch Of Gray" head, I no doubt would have gone back for this. The second set is absolutely perfect; the 1st is no slouch either. I can give this 5 even with the 80s rasp in Jerry's voice because they're all spot on front to back. Dig on it, get your CD ripper rolling and enjoy!

The brokedown palace is one of the best versions you'll ever hear....



fantastic set, and really underrated by the archive IMO.

this was a really very fine performance, and it comes through in this very fine source. good sound, very solid playing. sections of the eyes reach brilliance. 5 overall for the show, the sound...and the memories.

CAUTION!!! East Coast Smoker!!!!This is one of the most outstanding, original,latter -day Dead first sets you will hear. It just don't STOP!!!! Miss. 1/2 and Jack are like the cork comin' off the bottle....To Lay Me Down>Ballad of a Thin Man is almost to hot to handle....SIZZLING!!!And a Cumber-land-of-the-lost-your mind!! The rest of the show just smokes, but after all the years of listening to this show---the first 4 songs have never left me anything other than totally blown away. NOTE: 5/3/1987 has the greatest Lil' Bunny Foo Foo of all time...you can find it specifically @ brentmydland.net....check it out!

As I listen to this outstanding source, I suddenly remember I was at this one and had forgotten how good it was. Thanks for this upload, too tasty. Really features Jerry in late 80's resurgence. Vocals are a touch raspy, but it only adds to the overall effect (especiall on a heart rending Lay Me Down). The band playing from start to finsh is outstanding. Perhaps my 5-star rating is a tad biased, but because I haven't listened to this in the 20 years since seeing it live, I feel I can be somewhat objective. Thanks again for putting this one up.