beautiful aud from oades-- easy 4 star show (perhaps not generous enough). the wharf rat thru dayjob really lifts off.

Was lucky to be home on spring break and caught both nights at the PCC. We were really happy with this show, but the next night was even better. Certainly neither was a 5-star, but both were solid. fairly good recodings too.

This show is kind of up and down but features some great performances especially Sugaree, Ramble On Rose, Let It Grow and Spoonful.

Things starts off nicely with a mid-tempo Bucket that has some nice Garcia leads and passionate vocals from Bobby. An amazing, lengthy vrsion of Sugaree follows, featuring great solo by Garia and plenty of Phil bombs. Garcia is strumming furiously throughout and at one point his guitar is crying. Also, his vocals on this version are the best he sang in '85. You must hear this version. Uncle>Mexicali is uneventful and Garcia isn't really present at all until his solo in Mexicali. Another first set highlight is Ramble On Rose. Jerry's vocals again are excellent and Brent provides some nice background vocals. This version is very well played and the solos are all top notch. Jerry growls out a bunch of the lyrics with passion. Bottom>Superstitious is a romp with a great Brent solo on the B3. Jerry again sounds very good on Row Jimmy. This version is laid back but is well sung and played. They close the set with a hot Let It Grow. Bobby's vocals are good and Garcia' leads are white hot! The jam goes on and on and when you think it's over they launch back into it. A great energetic end to a nice set.

The second set maintains the energy but things really heat up with Spoonful. Terrapin is a great selection to start a set but thins one is a bit of a clunker with clumsy vocals and short jam. Man Smart is bouncy and fun but Jerry brings things down again with an average reading of Ship of Fools. Truckin' starts an extended jam that flows through the rest of the show. This version has some lyric flubs but the outro jam is powerful and segues into an amazing Spoonful. Bobby is singing with gusto and the jam is grimy, gritty and funky. There are some slick blues solos and great group interplay. This is my favorite version of this song and t goes on for a bit before settling into Drums. The Spae that comes out is very dark with some intense jamming that slowly winds down into a competent Wharf Rat. Jerry sounds decent and his solo is soaring. This segues into another great highlight, Throwing Stones>Sugar Mags. The Throwing Stones is energetic with a funky breakdown, great soloing and fiery vocals. This segues into a high powered Sugar Mags that brings the house down to end the show!

Too bad they are all dialing it in on this night.

Anyone who doesn't get Oades, doesn't get it, period! Back when I was collecting exclusively FM tapes, this was the sound of live Dead to me. Generous helpings of crowd, ambiance, but with clear instruments and vocals. The first time I heard a straight board I was put off by the complete lack of audience, I felt literally off-balance. God bless the Oades and all the fine recordings they've bequeathed to us, and to archive.org for making them available! :-D

Agreed, an excellent, flawless audience recording. Instruments are well balanced, with pretty tight phil.
Thanks for sharing!

Another fantastic Oade AUD. Together with the 4th, these are two excellent shows that sound great. Get them both.