This was one of the top 5 hottest Dead shows I ever saw (out of about 70 between 82 and 92). Yes, there are some ragged moments vocally (words and otherwise), but the energy is/was off da hook and for me that is far more important. WangDang was a breakout or close to it (at least rare at the time), and therefore notable. Jack Straw and Birdsong were also first set highlights, but there were no weak links. As is most often the case, they really stepped up their game in the second set. The entire pre-drums run was just rockin, especially Bertha. And if I recall correctly, China Doll was not in rotation much or at all at that time, and I think it was a big deal because Phil sang on that one (had his own mike), and that was a first in several years. I dont think much more needs to be said about the St Stephen rendition, except that the ragged moments were nothing in comparison to the energy coming from the stage. And the energy coming back at the stage when the crowd recognized and appreciated the song, was never topped at any other show I attended (matrix or aud a must for this show). In my opinion, the Stones that followed might be the best rendition they ever played (before it got all locked down in the jam section). The rest of the set finished just as high energy and it was a night I will never forget. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that as luck would have it, I had a large bag full of original St Stephen t-shirts I made the night before with some friends tucked under my seat that were to go on sale after the show. Holy crap what a cosmic coincidence!!! They had a border of roses with a SYF scull in the middle. But instead of the lighting in the center of the skull there was a three color rainbow in the yin-yang shape (blue and red on either side of the rainbow with the two dots). the rainbow came spilling out of the scull jaws and spread into a pool below. It said on top: "One man gathers" and on the bottom: "What another man spills." needless to say they were an almost instant sell out. but the next night, I couldn't get a ticket, and outside the show, some asshole cop ripped open my bag of shirts and threw them into the crowd/street. and of course it being NYC, everyone grabbed them and ran. People asked me how I knew the Dead were gonna break out St Stephen and my reply was: "how did the Dead know I made the shirts the night before?"

It was my 18th birthday and my 3rd show, didn’t realize it would be the only St Stephen I’ll ever hear in over a hundred shows! Thanks for putting up some great music, I listen every day

this how really kicks especially the Loser with a real decent Wang Dang opener & the Bird Song was tight had a nice jam in it to save the 1st. this China/Rider is a good one not quite as good as 3/9/81 and China Doll is sweet but the Stephen and stones really rocks although short Stephen. nice show really decent sound love the matrix best of both worlds. easy 4.5 fer both

Excelent in both performance and sound quality. Thanks Jay.

Well...that's what everybody tells me!

How misguided!

Great show.

"1983, a mermen I should live to be."

Gordon Sharpless and Charlie Miller, If there is anything in the world you want or need, just let me know.....
Forever in you your debt!!!!!!
SG

My favorite all time Throwing Stones AND Touch. Jam in Stones (original arrangement) is classic acid rock from a bygone era. Must have!!!!!

This show sucked!!!...................Just kidding, I was there this night ...never seen any thing like it ..we rocked into history!!

Funny how two people can see/hear the same thing and have different impressions ; )
I listened to the explosive beginning strains of St. Stephen on the AUD, and got goosebumps! While I prefer the "clean" sound of this SBD of the three options for this show, I think I will collect the files for the AUD, too.
When I listen to this show - overall - not just during St. Stephen - I detect a decent energy level throughout most of the show. Not electrifying, but a nice groove. Wish I had been there! For an excellent-sounding recording (thanks, Jay Ashley!), and a solid show, I'm giving this one 4 stars.

When they broke-out the St. Stephen for the first time on the East Coast in 5000 years, MSG literally rocked!

Maybe I'm biased for being there, but this was a much talked about show in 83.

A so-so show. China Doll was the main highlight with Brent's synthesizer harpsichord and band interplay. Most everything else was passable but kind of loose, aside from reliable Phil's dancing bass lines. The sound was a little weird in places; definitely could tell that the original's digital limiter had some effects on the naturalness of the sound.