Both Aud and the Board of this show running at 20,000 plus views. I listened to both and for my ear i still prefer the BOARD.
Spent a lot of time searching for the sound. and not sure how anyone would trade the band's experience of the music for being out in the crowd.
Show itself is fine. I spent more time focused on the rockers like Promised and Samson but nothing wrong with the evenings festivities.
They started feeling it again somewhere in the middle of 1988
especially with the rise of Brent as a frontman.
This I would still classify as being on the comeback trail.
But make no mistake a comeback in Deadhead land was still better than any other outfit on the road at the time.

No Highlights

This sound quality for this show great, Jerry's vocals are coming through clearly. I love hearing the Dead play Dylan, and Jerry always chose my favorites. If you haven't heard Jerry and David Grisman's cover of 'Ballad Of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest', I recommend it. The Mighty Quinn included in this show does not disappoint either!

... that I actually attended. I only saw the Dead live a dozen times or so between about 86 and 90 so maybe that's not saying much. But I distinctly recall this the last of a 3 day run at Irvine Meadows and being one of the best times of my young life. Being able to hear a 2nd set that included Terrapin, a very weird The Other One, Wharf Rat and Not Fade Away plus a great Quinn encore seemed like an honor and a privilege. Plus it was cool how we all shouted for Phil and he gave us Box in the 1st set.

Anyway, I have to give it 5 stars; your mileage may vary. The recording quality is there and I think you have to agree that Spring 88 was a bit of a high point late in the life of the Dead.

By the way, if you ever attended the shows at Irvine and stood at the top of the steeply sloped grass common area and rolled head over heels toward the bottom (instead of lamely side rolling) YOU ROCK!

If you were going to shows during this period this one will take you back to the moment. This was a typical set list with strong playing. There was nothing exceptional but there are no flops either. Just steady throughout. I remember having a great time at this show. We met some guy who styled us with party favors, a room at a hotel, and 4th row seats. Lots of interesting substances being shared up in those front seats!

The first set starts slow and mellow but then builds. The vocals are up front on this recording..Jerry starts off sounding a little grey but then the energy picks up. Enjoyable!