Yes, the X-Factor is alive and thriving in this show. It's so great to hear first-ever versions played so well out-of-the-gate, Estimated and Terrapin. I wonder why this show has never been released commercially by now. The performance quality certainly qualifies it- -could be due to the lyric misses in Franklin's Tower.
You won't find a more aggressive "Around & Around" anywhere. One of those rockers where you think Bobby's going to blow the roof off the joint, and ruin his vocal chords for good.

I hitchhiked about thirty miles from Arrowbear to see this show. It was so nice to be able to just walk up to the stage and cruise around where I wanted. I was thrilled to be able to see the guys (and girl) live. On my ride hitchhiking back, the driver got out of the car to help someone and the car started rolling backward down the highway. I leapt from the back seat and hit the brake pedal with my hand. A fun and exciting day all around. Scott

41 years ago today this first ever Terrapin Station was performed live.

They could have closed Set One after Deal and it still would have been great---- but-------Playing>Wheel>Playing!
and Set Two is mighty fine as well.

2 much 2 good enjoy all your favorites........
like a kid in the candy shop, sugar on snow !!!!
help>slip>frank>Music on and on...................
4 me this is the "breakpoint" 4 the DEAD , this being the 1ST terripin, estimated and 1 other,
sorta pre 2/26/77 and post 2/26/77
a good place to "cut the deck" if one could do so.
between 66-96
1 of the finest matrixes everenjoy my bookmarks
ms42466

You have to love this one in its own weird way. It's not the same as the spring '77 shows. I mean, you can tell, they were kind of feeling their way around a lot of the tunes. The band tightened up after a couple more nights and then went into that incredible stretch. But, there are certain little things about this concert that were really special. Sugaree is first rate, and Eyes (check it out at about the 6 minute mark) was the Deads version of jazz with Phil pushing the Band into the follow up. Yeh, a little different. But 5 star variety.

sounds mellow, but still launches into space.

SUPERB!!!never heard'em sound so good! Excellant sound quality!!!{This site is AWESOME!!!}

Does anyone know where I can find a downloadable soundboard of this show? This show got me hooked on the Grateful Dead and I am dying to find a SB of this. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

John

email
johnschambach@gmail.com

this show is just great! they took almost 3 months off and came back and killed it. highlights of the first set are the terrapin and playin>wheel>playin. the whole second set is a must listen. phil throws down some jazzy cool stuff from eyes into dancin. help slip frank is really good too. this show is just as good as any show from may.

this was one of my first tapes. Really glad to hear it again. Especially the Phil solo at the end of Eyes. One of the best of 77, by far

Also, this is the only time I ever saw Phil do a distinct bass solo; during "Eyes of the World", of course. Those of you who saw them in '73-'74 may have, but after this, he pretty much stopped that. This is my third show, and believe it or not I actually think this was the weakest of my amazing first four, i.e. that's how great the other three were in my opinion! The best of these I think was the fourth one, namely at The Forum 1977/6/4 i.e. just prior to the more well known Winterland shows in June. The other two being the second of each of following the pairs: with "The Who" at Oakland Stadium 1976/10/10 and at L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium 1976/10/15!
The Swing was a strangely built building for a concert! (By the way it no longer exists because apparently a plane crashed into it after E.L.P., being the last band to play there shortly after Grateful Dead played there in Dec. '80; (which was also a great show, and the only one I ever passed out at, but that's another story)! (What the hell does E.L.P. have to do with it, nothing other than the coincidence which I explain below). The following if you'll bare with me, is some historical context of this show and as you know, it started a new era for the band, in addition to simply the new compositions that is, also new devices facilitating the new compositions etc.
Starting with what is simply weird about the Swing but of lesser significance, since it's only noticeably on the audience tape; I got from a fellow who recorded from "a" balcony. Why I saw "a" balcony is because, there were only balconies on either side, yet not in the back like most rectangular buildings, such as, for example, Winterland or the Oakland Aud. (Kiaser). Those had their long axis running to and from the stage.
The Swing on the other hand, was at a 90 degree angle to more common configuration, i.e. it's width was much longer than it's length from the stage towards the audience. Hence, the audience tape I had before the "Betty Board" came out, sounded very lopsided! Despite this, it had an uncut "Franklin's Tower" unlike the first board I got! However, unfortunately the fellow from whom I got my first board copy, was unwilling to let me do the dub it myself, yet he didn't pay enough attention to the contents of recordings were prior to copying it. So consequentially, I lost the intact audience "Franklin's Tower" having been recorded over with the board which was cut in "Franklin's Tower". So, I was relieved that it's been patched here!
What's more significant but not readily apparent, is the mention of "technical difficulties" by Bob Weir early in the first set; (not that equipment delays were very unusual but this one was unique). That is, here Steve Parish was rigging Garcia into a Moog synthesizer which Keith played ever so briefly!
One gets the distinct impression that Keith apparently disliked electric keyboards. This is understandable given how primitive synthesizers were at this early time! Moreover Billy K. was interviewed in B.A.M. magazine around the time of Brent's first show, stating there was room for improvement in the technology which came since obviously they used them extensively later on. How much did this have to do or not with Keith's eventual exit from the band? I did hear something when Brent came in the band, that they were looking for "more sustain", as can be produced with electric keyboards.
Other evidence for this is a show a Texas later this same year, but I wasn't in attendance so I can't say for sure yet Keith seems to have left the stage after very briefly playing an "electric" during the beginning of "Playin' in the Band"? (Perhaps it's not appropriate to characterize Keith in this way since at least the following year he played for example, at the outdoor show at my alma mater when I was a freshman, at U.C. Santa Barbara, an electric "Fender Rhodes" piano), as well as an organ on a few tunes during his first rehearsals in '71.
So, back to Garcia, who just started using the "Unity Gain" effects loop into his volume knob on his guitar five months prior to this, at the show the day before my first show (i.e. the 1st one with "The Who" at Oakland Stadium" 1976/10/9). Here at the Swing was the first use of the new "Mutron" envelope filter, (synthesizer-like device), which still at this early time apparently had to be piped through a Moog synthesizer, configured as such for this debut of "Estimated Prophet" yet it was odd to see Jerry plugged into Keith!
Now, I'm not saying Dead Heads in general feel as my personal friends at the time did who weren't too enthused by bands such as E.L.P. which among others used synthesizers extensively, however I was more open minded. I remember pointing out to my friend as Steve Parish was plugging Jerry into the Moog since we were up in the front of this $7.50 general admission concert.
The state of the art at the time was that synthesizers could only play a single note at a time i.e. monophonic, and only Keith Emerson at the time had a keyboard capable of polphony until later. Another coincidence, is that the only other famous professional guitarist that I ever saw play live using a "Travis Bean" guitar besides Jerry Garcia was Greg Lake, (Jerry's had a sticker on it saying "The enemy is listening"); not that that has anything to do with it but it is still true!
Some of you may remember around '89ish when briefly, (which I only saw once at The Forum in Inglewood, Ca.), Parish bring out a gray Stratocaster with a big box, (Roland Synthesizer?), attached to the bridge for Jerry to noodle on during the "Improvisation" section; (I refuse to call it "Space", since there is no air in outer space, hence no sound). I knew folks who felt this is one of the best early renditions of "Slipknot!" I myself am kind of bias, since it was the only one I saw before they brought it back out at Tempe, Ariz. in '83!

Augy
San Diego

Perfect start to '77!!
Email me @ gd_withouanet1@yahoo.com

i love this show it is awsome and i would love to blast it on my radio at home.somebody tell me somethin.

I have had this show on tape/cd for years - and love it to death. I always thought this show, overall, was one of the best nights for Billy and Mickey I have heard. Check out the absolutely irresistable driving beat in Dancin for the clue of which I speak. It is an "on" night as well for the rest of the band, don't get me wrong. But I would give the game ball to the tub thumpers on this one.

...first Estimated Prophet!

I was there. It was like, 73 hippies and every Hell's Angel on the planet! I remember the green dots.

This was one of the best Dead concerts I ever experienced. Check out the next night at Rob Gym. I was there, too.

It is one of my favorites among 1977 shows. From the very beginning you understand that it’s a perfect show. Sound quality is superb, playing is excellent and inspired. The mix is ideal, a great pleasure to feel Phil’s playing in every song clearly

First ‘Terrapin” is the highlight of the concert, fantastic intro with beautiful insertion of some bass lines (0.40). I love this version of the song just because of the way it begins. Jerry’s solo after the 5th verse also is very nice. “New Minglewood Blues” is powerful and energetic, one of the best I’ve ever heard. Concerning “Sugaree”: I agree with those reviewers, who consider this version well-played, it’s really great. The psychodelic jam in “Playing”, segueing to “The Wheel” is 14 minutes of admiration, a long way with many surprises. You follow Jerry’s guitar and don’t know what to expect next minute. I was quite surprised by the way guys began ‘The Wheel”.

Never was a fan of “S&D” but this version smokes. “Help>Slipknot!” is another reason to listen to this show, but I draw your attention to “Eyes”. It’s the best “Eyes” since 75/8/13 (One from the Vault). I’m so grateful to Phil and Jerry for these touching solos after each of the choruses, and Phil’s work at the end is incredible, he couldn’t do it better.

...is the Eyes>Dancin'. Truly ill! Of course, the firsts here are insane: must have been mind blowing to roll up and see them open up with this new effort called terrapin station, flawlessly displayed in its context, which in my mind truly was and is jerry's master work.

but the rest is really good too... recording is low, but the tones are rich. just turn it up!

been listening to this forever, for some reason today i decided to review. go figure. 4 for the sound really, but still have to go with the 5 star rating. the show is just that good.

This place was it,until the plane crashed in to it a couple of years later!This is truly in my top ten of shows I saw.Can't seem to find a downloadable version.Dancin in the streets was a boogiefest if my memory serves me well.1st est. was truly a delight!Ahh memories!!!!!

This show has one of the best soundboard recordings of that era. The band was tight throughout and it is an excellent show to introduce to potential new Deads.

Just add a little reverb to this thing, and wow...This is one of the most continuously fun and well-rounded concerts I have. And the Franklin's and he Eyes and the Dancin' are for the /ages/. Download it now!

Instead of letting this go by like on recent Eyes of the World listens, I'll ask for a reality check. When I listen to this Tennessee Jed I'm hearing bits of Ramble on Rose and Throwing Stones between approximately 6-8 minutes but esp around the 7 minute mark.

Is this right?!

I have to rate to post, so I like the show but the order of songs is odd so my experince isn't jammy smooth.

To whoever may know how to download this show, let me know! This is the concert that turned me on to the Grateful Dead, so if anyone knows, it would be grately appreciated! Thanks!

Swing Auditorium's name has always been tainted in my memory. My first taste of the dead at this venue was a horrible copy of the 12/12/80 show. That show from 80 was boring, and the recording made it feel like there was no atmosphere in the hall. This performance however, was very well played and the recording allows you to imagine what this night early in 1977 was like in person.

I just was breezin through, trying to find a show to share with a pretty girl, who's never really listened to the dead, to help her cheer up a little bit. I stumbled upon this. Wow!

First Terrapin and Prophet?! And, my 3 fav songs...Help>Slip!>Franklin...damn man!

Ok, so heres the question....WHERE CAN I FIND A COPY OF THIS TO DOWNLOAD!? This is a must have for me (i try hard to get the "firsts" if i can, and have a pretty big handful) (although, the firsts of help>slip>franklin is totally strange,a nd fantastic)....

so, DEADHEADS UNITE!.....HELP me find this show, so i can SLIP away, in to the, FRANKly...beautiful beyond.

killer show.

Progressing chronologically, I've managed to listen to everything through March 1970. While it's interesting to be methodical, I've had to take a break and go for some highly-reviewed items to change things up. This is among the clearest and most balanced recordings on the Archive, and it's one of the hottest shows to boot. Tight, clear, thumpin' fun Grateful Dead. Thank you, Archive!

Believe it. Everything you've ever heard is true. Swing is the balls!

wow i was really surpirsed by the sound of this one, for about an hour in school we have "work period". Guess when I get cought up on my dead shows. Most of the ones I stream sound flat but this concert really has a good sound to it. No idea that this was the first live terrapin station!

How about the harmonics on sugaree, places right at 3:05 so cool, nice touch

That's so funny, I read the reviews before I started listening to the show, hit stream and went back to work. All of the sudden I felt the magic of the Grateful Dead and noticed what I was hearing and it's DEAL. A ripping Deal! I could go either way w/ Donna, but they sound great and Jerry's voice sounds good too.

I treasure this show emensely... it was the day i was born, Terrapin and Estimated Prophit debut.... wow!!!!! beautiful feeling knowing this..... i dont leave home without this one

I'm sitting here listening to this show for the first time in the middle of Jerry's solo during Deal and saying to myself- "This is the one!"-'nuff said :)

I downloaded the same song from both these sources. The highend frequency is clipped quite a bit on the other download. The clipping might be distinguishable on highend audio gear. If you play this show at twice the volume, it sounds basically the same. But people who want to edit songs with a WAV editor will want this download for the best fidelity. Great show and sound either way.

The other version was clipped (overloaded) in the transfer from analog to digital, so it's going to sound louder. The clipping is very obvious if you look at the waveform, but you're not likely to hear it. This version is not clipped. Personally, I prefer more of the up-front sound in the other one also, but my guess is that it came from a lower generation analog, as if the lineage is correct, this one should sound better.
Show is great, though, and I think anyone would be happy with either version.

as mentioned, the other one sounds a little crisper and the instruments are a little more clearly differentiated.

There are some reviews that say this is a superior recording than the other SBD here. I am not so sure... I have been comparing by listening to individual songs from each source and I keep drawing the the same conclusion: the "inferior" SBD has better levels and a crisper sound.

I have not listened to each show completely, so my question is what am I missing here? Why is this recording superior when a cursory glance at individual songs says otherwise?

This was my favorite show, all time! This show had a number of firsts, the first liquid bottles appeared on the scene, the first terrapin and the incomparable Rick Griffin's amazing mural of a bony claw clutching the Eternal Scroll, the Imperial Message, was hoisted behind the stage by Griffin, Jose Kent and Richard Lippincott, totally unbeknownst to the Dead. This piece of art
(which was huge) disappeared after the show and was the most psychedelic thing I ever witnessed. 77 was the best for me - started seeing shows in 72 and the people back then said I had just missed the really fun stuff but 77 had a great scene where the east and west coast heads really came together. The Swing, which has since been torn down, was really seedy and populated by a lot of bikers, the next year they were waving poolsticks around like Altamont, but the danger contributed to a very powerful event. My car turned into a winged dragon on the way out to the parking lot and my friend Richie who had never drove before had to drive us to Santa Barbara... For all those who were participants and players during that wonderful time I say - Remember Peter Jester!

this is the first review i have sent in to archive. this show is awesome!!!! i listened to both the sbds and i think this one sounds much better. it sure is nice to have so many quality cds to listen to these days. much better than the old tapes i had with poor sound quality. thanks to archive for giving us such a nice database for such a great band.

"I will not forgive you...if you do not take the chance", (Shivers to the spine!!!) To quote the FIRST Terrapin in the life of a tried and true musical master.

Freakin'-ay right!!! You tell 'em Jerry.

I must've had the other circulating soundboard of this show. This one sounds much better. I'm really going to enjoy. Thanks for posting.