These three Nassau shows were general admission, with no seats on the floor. It seemed to really change the vibes for the better. All three shows were fun and hot. Kind of short, but the playing was strong throughout the run. At the time, I lived 3 miles from the Coliseum, which was convenient.

@skuzzlebutt --

You are right man, the Oade Bros. definitely did know their shit. The shared then and now. Very cool.

These Nassau shows are insanely high energy shows captured ever so well here.

smoking two packs of unfiltered camels per day, freebase, and heroin does not leave your voice unscathed. despite jerry's voice this is a great show. well played, high energy. great oade recording.

I once heard Jerry's voice from this era described as a "tuneless rasp" and that pretty well sums it up. The decay in his voice since the late 70s is on painful display here.

HOWEVER...

This show is pretty damn tight, with some real moments of inspiration and a great setlist. For all the knocks on east coast audiences, it's pretty undeniable that there was an energy to the shows there that was sometimes lacking on the west coast and it seemed to inspire the band a bit (New York, Philly, Hampton, etc.). This seemed to hold true as much in 1970 as in 1980 or 1990. While it's quite true the east coast crowds could be a bit obnoxious and unruly, they were also less easily impressed and I suspect the Dead enjoyed the challenge of having the bar held higher. This tape is one of the best examples of that vibe.

As for the tape, this is another in a series of excellent auds made by the Oades in 1985. These guys definitely knew their shit when it came to making field recordings, and this is another fine example (although not their best by a long shot).

Super sounding Aud. recording. Thanks, Oade Brothers!

this was one hell of a show. I was on the floor, fifth row thirty feet from ole Jer. the first set alone was worth the price of admission. truckin was smokin hot to open. matthew kelly came out to spice up smokestack. garcia echoed loudly during high time which helped everyone gauge their buzz. peggy o was super. china > rider ending the first set was a well delivered.

You need the audience recording of this show, at least the second set. During Sugar Magnolia, Bob blows the verse, "She comes skimmin'..." It is hilarious to hear the entire audience sing to Bob, "Waits backstage while I SING TO YOU!" One of the great Grateful Dead bobo's.

High energy throughout, but Jerry's voice is toast.