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Grateful DeadGrateful Dead Live at Old Renaissance Faire Grounds on 1972-08-27 (August 27, 1972)

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Collection: : GratefulDead
Band/Artist: Grateful Dead
Date: August 27, 1972 (check for other copies)
Venue: Old Renaissance Faire Grounds
Location: Veneta, OR

Source: Soundboard
Lineage: SBD>16 Track Master Reels>DAT@44.1K>DAT>DAT>WAV>SHN
Keywords: Live concert

Description

Set I: Promised Land, Sugaree, Me & My Uncle, Deal, Black Throated Wind, China Cat Sunflower >I Know You Rider, Mexicali Blues, Bertha
Set II: Playin' in the Band, He's Gone, Jack Straw, Bird Song, Greatest Story Ever Told
Set III: Dark Star> El Paso, Sing Me Back Home, Sugar Magnolia, E1: Casey Jones, E2: Saturday Night

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Reviewer: redsled98 - - November 8, 2009
Subject: Veneta '72
It's still possible to download this show on nugs,net/free stash...hope that helps....
peace

Reviewer: A. Teix - - November 8, 2009
Subject: Tell the folks back home, this is the Promised Land...
Personally, a hands-down a Top 10 Show. Right from "Go" the boys are on fire, really delivering under pressure (the heat is alluded to many times throughout three sets). The playing is extraordinarily tight, concrete setlist ("Bird Song" flies into the stratosphere), and the M.C. Ken Babbs (along with Bobby's heckling of him) is really great.

If nothing else, you'll be hard pressed to find a finer "Playin'", even more so to find a show with such a caliber "Dark Star" too!

The festivities were filmed, too, by Kesey & his crew. Unfortunately it doesn't look like they ever released it commercially, though you can find clips online. If anyone has any knowledge of how to get a copy (seeding or uploaded) I'd be extremely Grateful!

Peace, enjoy the show.

Reviewer: samstein66 - - July 2, 2009
Subject: best of the soundboard sources on here
I did some pretty close listening and decided I liked this one the best. Sounded most "full," and without the echoing quality that the other "full" sounding mix gave off.

Surprising... usually the newer soundboard SDB sources end up being the better ones.

Reviewer: clementinescaboose - - February 11, 2009
Subject: #1 Show from '72!
i really don't know how the only 4-star rating for this show said this is good but not great. impossible, this to me and many others is one of the dead's best shows ever. easliy my very favorite of '72 for 4 main reasons: China/Rider, Bird Song, PITB, and Dark Star.

This China/Rider is sooo great i just can't stop listening to it sometimes. bobby's rhythm jam is perfect and then jerry just takes off in the last 2 minutes or so...really unique and exciting stuff...the seuge into rider is so sweet.

Bird Song is hands down, without question the most incredible version ever imho. i don't know if i've ever heard sweeter sounds come out jerry's guitar. just listen to it it's f-ing perfect.

Playin' is also my favorite ever just because of it's sheer energy. starts so and spacy and then garcia just SHREADS! keith is no slouch in this one either. anyone who doubts him should check this out. the band takes off so high you think they might not come back and then...

Dark Star...i dont know if this is my favorite one, but if it isn't i can't really say what is. the last half especially just sucks me in every time. phil starts doing some nasty stuff round the 20:00 mark and then keith and jerry lead them into the rabbit hole. the segue into el paso is so fluid too, it's just beyond words.

I've said WAY too much already. this show gets a lot of hype but it is well deserved, more so than cornell i think. just get it!!!

Reviewer: scottie78 - - December 7, 2008
Subject: Re: Clover leaf town???
I love the 'BT Wind' from this show, one of my favorite Bobby tunes. Any one notice after he messes up the opening verse that he sings alternate lyrics...or am I just going nuts? It sounds like he says "running around, this clover leaf town" I'm uncertain about the running around part, but I am certain he does not sing "I'm running aground" am am pretty certain he says "clover leaf town."

Can anyone correct me? Does anyone have any notes on that? I know it's different than the alternate lyrics sung in 1990.

Just wondering if I'm the only one that wonders about that.

peace

*****As for the show itself, IMHO this is certainly a top ten GD performance, almost perfect all the way through, 5 starts for sure. Great song selection, Keith rips on an unbelievable 'Playin' In The Band,' Jerry being Jerry : ), Phil and Billy keep things very tight all day and night long. I love this show very much, I never tire of it. The China > Ryder is nice and smooth.

I understand how some would have liked to hear a 'Dew' come out of 'Dark Star.' It seemed that's where the band was going as you hear Phil's pre-dew distorted bass, and even the intro licks by Jerry. But then Bobby (and Billy) take a sharp turn as they quickly head in a completely different direction. I really don't mind the 'El Paso' as I tend to dig the odd combos when they come and really shows the bands versatility and ability to improvise.

My only real dissatisfaction with the show is the encore. I'm unhappy with Jerry's choice of 'Casey Jones' and feel Bobby's 'One More Saturday Night' is was too predictable...oh well...can I imagine???...brokedown, black peter, ripple, dire wolf...???

Reviewer: gravyinthebeard - - June 20, 2008
Subject: Seeking Sunshine Daydream video/dvd
I can't get enough of this show. China/Rider alone is worth a listen over and over again. I watch the clips of this show on youtube with envy as well, and wonder if anyone knows how to get a hold of the Sunshine Daydream video/dvd?

Reviewer: jhender501 - - June 19, 2008
Subject: Holy Cow
I had downloaded and recorded this show months ago and believe it or not stuck it in a bin where I keep CDs and forgot about it until cleaning out my garage over the weekend! This show is all it's cracked up to be and more..perfect sound, perfect set list..This, my friends, is the finest band in the land, The Good Ol' Graateful Dead.

Jim

Reviewer: high time... - - June 3, 2008
Subject: What it was all about
Grateful Dead at their best. Pure Sickness. Mandatory listen & must have. Quality is outstanding. Ahh to have been there on the Grounds that day on the Kool Aid.

Reviewer: Stelling_fan - - April 27, 2008
Subject: Unsung Gem
What a wonderful show! Check out China Cat /New Rider (always a good test) and find it played any better. And the whole show is up there.The energy just crackles. Great sound quality, great little onstage comments/announcements to set the atmosphere. I can't praise this show highly enough

Reviewer: bomberman - - April 14, 2008
Subject: What it's really all about!
What was in those salt tablets Bobby's been taking? Oh my, this is one fantastic performance. The band shoots out of the start gate on fire and roll along like a well-oiled machine! They play nearly everything to perfection and even the tiny imperfections remain just that, tiny. And as for the Dark Star, holy s__t! Are you kidding me?! I've never seen this "Sunshine Daydream" video, but I will be looking.

10 stars for sound, another 10 for the show and 10 more for the laughs in between! Guess that rounds to 5 stars...

Reviewer: Chris U. - - March 5, 2008
Subject: I Guess It Doesn't Matter Anyway
YouTube has some nice clips from the Sunshine Daydream video, if anyone is interested.

Always loved this show. The weather is hot -> the band is hot.

With the possible exception of I Know You Rider, the song selection is perfectly back and forth between Bobby and Jerry. The only possible misfire in the song selection (in my humble opinion) is the Dark Star->El Paso.

Should have been a Morning Dew. You can hear Jerry trying to make it happen but Bobby isn't having any of it. So what might have been the best Morning Dew ever becomes a rather ordinary version of El Paso. So it goes.

Reviewer: danmolnar - - March 4, 2008
Subject: This is what it is all about
Hot Damn!!!
Listen to the little run that introduces the solo in Bertha. You can tell that Jerry was feeling it this night.
The sound quality is fantastic.

Reviewer: Doc Hollywood - - February 25, 2005
Subject: Can't Download
I have been unable to download this show as well. It's killing me...I hope this means the show will be released soon on DVD, a little wishful thinking.

Any thoughts anyone?

Reviewer: busterb - - February 22, 2005
Subject: I can not download this show , why?
I really want to hear this what's up?

Reviewer: Row Jimmy - - February 20, 2005
Subject: Two words
Playin Jam........... Unreal, best playin Jam I have ever heard.

Reviewer: zkdunn - - February 18, 2005
Subject: let Phil sing!!
Listen to the harmonies on 'I know you Rider'...
Phil sounds GREAT...The Crosby Stills & Nash influence is evident...too bad Phil got those nasty throat nodes... Bobby's nice Rhythm Guitar is out front...(pre Healy days?!) Thank You Betty!

Reviewer: phleshy - - January 8, 2005
Subject: Can anyone question the greatness
of this show? I guess, but if you don't have or love this show, you're not really a true Deadhead. It was a hot day in Oregon, over 100 degrees farenheit, but this amazingly had almost no effect on the tuning of the Dead's instruments. In fact, the group's intonation is consistently excellent. There are several landmark Dead performances of songs such as "Bird Song," "Playin'," "Greatest Story," "Jack Straw," "Dark Star," and "Sugar Magnolia." Is the "Sunshine Daydream" coda used to any more appropriate effect than it is here? I didn't think so, because this show really was a sunshine daydream in itself.

The SBD recording, it being a Betty board, is fabulous as usual. You are not going to believe this show when you play it through a good set of speakers and a subwoofer. Or better yet, try and find a pirated copy of the Sunshine Daydream movie. Perfection.

Reviewer: zarah'sdad - - December 8, 2004
Subject: Toooo goood
This show flows like nobody's business. It seemed like I just popped it on and next thing I know I am floating amongst Playing in the Band-fantastic. Greatest Story- not one of my favorite songs, but listen to the drums. They get pounded into oblivion, stronger and harder and cripser than any I have heard.

Jerry, of course, is on fire throughout, but I can't say enough about the drums- I am listening to Sugar Mag right now and the pounding all fierce just too much to bear. I am going to follow the advice of another reviewer and crank this one start to finish and just relish the joy!

Reviewer: zarah'sdad - - December 8, 2004
Subject: Toooo goood
This show flows like nobody's business. It seemed like I just popped it on and next thing I know I am floating amongst Playing in the Band-fantastic. Greatest Story- not one of my favorite songs, but listen to the drums. They get pounded into oblivion, stronger and harder and cripser than any I have heard.

Jerry, of course, is on fire throughout, but I can't say enough about the drums- I am listening to Sugar Mag right now and the pounding all fierce just too much to bear. I am going to follow the advice of another reviewer and crank this one start to finish and just relish the joy!

Reviewer: drewstar11 - - December 5, 2004
Subject: Unquestionable Greatness!
I truly believe that this show is as important a moment in Grateful Dead history as there was. The truly visionary music played still can take me to areas of thought and visions that is beyond words. The Dark Star, Playing, Bird Song are what I listen to shows for, that sense of "Meaning of Life" clarity at the same time as chaotic sinisterism and limitless possibilities! Please take the time to explore this show!!

Reviewer: drewstar11 - - December 5, 2004
Subject: Unquestionable Greatness!
I truly believe that this show is as important a moment in Grateful Dead history as there was. The truly visionary music played still can take me to areas of thought and visions that is beyond words. The Dark Star, Playing, Bird Song are what I listen to shows for, that sense of "Meaning of Life" clarity at the same time as chaotic sinisterism and limitless possibilities! Please take the time to explore this show!!

Reviewer: Fitz1 - - November 10, 2004
Subject: One of the Greatest
While I agree that Cornell 5-8-77 is a little over-rated, this show cannot have enough praise lavished upon it. IMHO, several of the best versions ever played. Simply brilliant!!!

Reviewer: Fitz1 - - November 10, 2004
Subject: One of the Greatest
While I agree that Cornell 5-8-77 is a little over-rated, this show cannot have enough praise lavished upon it. IMHO, several of the best versions ever played. Simply brilliant!!!

Reviewer: mikeydead - - November 2, 2004
Subject: One of top 5 Shows of All Time
I can't even begin to tell you how many of *these songs*--i.e. these 8-27-72 versions--got me listening to the Dead in the first place. Just listen to this China Rider and Dark Star...phonomenal. Undoubtedly one of the best shows the boys ever busted out!

Reviewer: Aiko - - October 27, 2004
Subject: mexibertha
one of my favorites here. Listen to the fatman rip on bertha. Download this one you will love it.

Reviewer: Terrapin31590 - - October 21, 2004
Subject: Missing The Magnitude
This is a good, not great '72 show. Better versions of, for example, China>Rider and Bird Song are easily available from this era. Taper/Head rankings consistently put this show at the top of the mountain along with Cornell '77 and I just don't see/hear it. No question this is a good show, but the 2d best of all-time? I don't think so. For those looking for shows from this era, that in this reviewers opinion, should be pulled before this one:

11/11/73
2/24/74
6/16/74
9/26/73

RECOMMENDED

Reviewer: southernflavour - - October 8, 2004
Subject: playin'
the craziest, most energetic playin' ever. rest of show is good too

Reviewer: Wampeteer - - October 4, 2004
Subject: Best Playin' Ever
Single Handedly the best breakdown in a Playin. Keith opens up a cavernous romp into musical brilliance and Jerry just goes off. Thanks Boys. I think I have listened to this jam more than any other ever. WHoo hooo.

Reviewer: stealyo'face - - September 19, 2004
Subject: certified dankness
the second set of this concert is ridiculous, my favorite set of all time, best playing and birdsong.

Reviewer: velociraptor - - August 28, 2004
Subject: ...
This one sounds better

Reviewer: flashbackmagic - - August 20, 2004
Subject: promise's broken
smokin show. I threw on the headphones, plugged in the 6 string, and had myself an evening with The Dead. I streamed the show, and the Promise was broken as it was not there. Not to worry. Plenty of good grooves lie ahead. About 1/4 of the way thru China/Rider, I broke my Hi E, (first broken string really playin since 89'). Not the greatest C/R, but it certainly got me off!~ To me, its all about that moment. Not the entire lead, song, or show, just that sudden explosion you feel, that makes it all worthwhile. I cannot count how many times they have brought me there. Time and time again, GD envelopes me, in what the rest of my life cannot provide. If it were not for the Archive, Tapers, and the love of great music, I'd have an entire piece of my life missing.

Gratefully Yours-

Reviewer: Wallyworld - - August 20, 2004
Subject: This IS the one
this is the upgrade from the dankseed version, I certify this is the one, this is better than the one we certified as dank. really. get this one. it's better than the copy I have.

and the show was a fun as hell show.

you aren't going to find a better version of a rarer show than this.

YOU listen to it and tell me I'm wrong.

Reviewer: Kwork - - July 17, 2004
Subject: stage banter included
For those who are saying to get the other sbd copy of this excellent show, I disagree. The stage banter is included in this one, just at the end of the tracks of the songs before, rather than as their own tracks. I love the sound quality on this one, and the playing? The others have said it better than I could. For me, the only advantage of the other sbd copy on this site is that the banters are their own tracks. Otherwise, get this one. Everything's included, even if the tracks don't show that.

Reviewer: Sal Paradise - - June 20, 2004
Subject: Don't Forget...
This Greatest Story Ever Told is the Greatest Story Ever played! Jerry comes riding out from a quasar. I challenge you to listen to this song without playing air guitar and mouthing the wahwah. A must listen.

Reviewer: Susep - - June 1, 2004
Subject: Day break on the land
Above all else this show is significant for the Playin' which found the Dead orbiting above the Earth using Veneta as fuel to usher in and trasmit their collective cosmology.

Reviewer: Teaklee - - May 25, 2004
Subject: This is the ONE!!
Through the years I have steadily been getting upgrades of this show ever since my first crappy, hissy tape was given to me. At the time it was barely listenable, but the music was sooo hot I had to have it. Now this source is excellent and I'm sure it about as good as it gets for now until the much rumored and promised official release of the Sunshine Daydream Video finally comes out. I do see that Jay Ashley released a Bertha upgrade. That should be very nice!
There has been plenty written about this show. John Dwork wrote an excellent review in DDN and the Deadhead's Taping Compendium. All that you have heard about this show is true. This represents the Dead's greatest triumph. The music is played at an unmatched level of intensity, Particularly the China Cat>Rider (A rollicking goodtime) the Playing (absolutly breathtaking)and the Dark Star( a mind boggling musical journey)! 1972 was a excellant year for the Dead, there are dozens of hot shows, and unbelievable Dark Stars, Playings, Other Ones ect.. But this show stands out above all others. D/L it and savor it!!! You will not be disappointed!!

Reviewer: hooperme - - May 23, 2004
Subject: This is it!!!
This is the version I have been looking for ever since I got my 1st crappy analog version & deadbase.

Reviewer: xonix - - April 14, 2004
Subject: best to get the version with the banter
this version doesn't include any banter, which is really great to listen to on this show, get the Orf version which is still 3cds and also on this site.

Reviewer: xonix - - April 14, 2004
Subject: The bees knees of Dead Shows
This is the show that got me, and many many others, into the Dead.

So many of the songs on this setlist are my favourite ever live performances of them. Why? Because Jerry's riffs are perfectly chosen. The jamming is inspired. Everyone is playing in perfect harmony with each other. And the banter between tracks is entertaining, making you feel like you were there (what I wouldn't give to have been there....). I have never heard a better Me & My Uncle, Deal, Black Throated Wind, China Cat Sunflower, I Know You Rider, He's Gone, Jack Straw, Bird Song and Greatest Story Ever Told. That 11 of my favourite performances of those staple Dead songs in one single show, and I pretty close to including a few more...

The Dark Star performed on this show while not my favourite ever (that would have to go to Live/Dead), is my favourite excluding 1969. The jam is amazing, its so progressive... starting of really relazed and low key and building to a chaotic yet somehow ordered climax. You have surely heard how Dark Star can be like a steller journey, this version surely lives up to that. Its the story of dying star... a supernova.

I have often wondered why this day stands out so much amoungst so many other excellent '72 shows. The video of this concert, Sunhine Daydream, offers a partial insight: A free outdoor concert on an absolutely schorching day, children playing everywhere, running up onto the stage in front of the band, everyone relaxing having fun eating icecream, dacin naked, and Jerry is playing his Fender Strat... that explains the lovely tone he's getting which complements the country & western style songs in the setlist so damn well.

Get this show... its as simple as that. Put this on your best sound system, sit down or lie down, and do whatever you do to relax. Listen to the whole show straight through... let the Grateful Dead take you on a long strange trip.

Notes

The songs from the reels were originally edited down to DAT very
tightly, almost no banter is present in this version.

Known Flaws: the first few notes of Sugar Magnolia were missing
and were patched in from the circulating Gans CD source.

The following spots were edited using pencil tool in Soundforge
(small bits of analog static removed):
d1t1, 2:18 - left channel click - smoothed, still slightly audible
d1t1, 2:20-2:23 - left channel static - smoothed, still slightly
audible
d1t06, 2:12 - pop - fixed
d2t01, 14:28 - right channel crackle - fixed
d2t05, 3:37 - right channel click - fixed
d2t05, 4:13 right channel click - fixed
d2t05, 04:18 - right channel static - smoothed, still audible
d2t05, 04:45 - right channel static - fixed
d2t05, 04:00-05:00 - some other static, smoothed, but still audible
d2t05, 5:05 - right channel click- still slightly audible
d3t01, 0:28 - two right channel clicks - fixed
d3t01, 0:38 - right channel click - fixed
d3t01, 8:06, 8:11 - right channel crackles - fixed
d3t01, 26:29 - right channel click - fixed

There are a few other minor analog anomalies that were left alone:
d1t01, 2:02 click in right channel
d1t01, 2:26 slight pop
d1t07, 3:48 click
d2t01, 6:00 faint click
d2t04, 10:12 pop
d2t05, 3:36 click
d2t05, 3:42 click
d3t01, 28:24 click
d3t04, 5:10-7:50 intermittent analog buzzing in right channel


There's probably some more to be found, however, all are quite minor