Reply to this post | Go Back

View Post [edit]

Poster:	stratocaster	Date:	May 28, 2015 7:55am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

The Grateful Dead played over 2,300 shows in their 30 year career. The line-ups and the music (and drugs ;P) changed over the years, but the musical ideology basically remained the same. The bands improvisational and organic style lends itself to discussion and review of the subjective nature. This list is a humble attempt to list the 10 most "essential" GD shows ever. Criteria include: musical and vocal performance, sound quality, historical significance, recording quality, among other things... 1. 08-27-1972--Veneta--The best and most psychadelic and spiritual performance in the Dead's career. The bootleg film "Sunshine Daydream" captures the afternoon's activities. Highlights are many...China-Rider, Playin', Greatest Story, Bird Song, Dark Star>El Paso, Sing Me Back Home... 2. 12-31-1978--Winterland--The best New Year's Performance. The Dead and Bill Graham close Winterland in style. A+ set list...they do everything... 3. 04-29-1971--Fillmore East--the last night of an excellent April run by the Dead. Hard to Handle , Alligator, Cold Rain>GDTRFB are some of the many highlights. 4. 05-08-1977--Barton Hall--Sure it might be over-rated, but to not have this show in a top 10 list would be asenine. Top shelf versions of Dancin, Scarlet>Fire, Estimated, St. Stephen>NFA>Morning Dew...the band's in peak form. 5. 02-13-1970--Fillmore East--This show capture the boys at their best during the American Beauty days...Smokestack Lightening, Dark Star (lysergic), Lovelight are huge... 6. 03-29-1990--Nassau Coliseum--Branford Marsalis guests on sax and the band finds heaven in set 2. Bird Song, Eyes of the World, Dark Star, Knockin' On Heaven's Door... 7. 03-01-1969--Fillmore West--best show of the 60s. The American version of the Magnificant Seven serve up the stew during Cryptical>O1, New Potatoe, Dark Star, Lovelight... 8. 06-18-1974--Freedom Hall--Incredible 74 show. Great sound quality and premiere versions of Wake of the Flood songs. Jazzy Dead. 9. 09-20-1990--MSG--This is the most intense show of the 90s. Bruce Hornsby is with the band at this point. Explosive set 2. 10. 08-13-1975--Great Amercian Music Hall--very unique show deserves a place in everyone's collection. Blues for Allah material is played beautifully in this intimate setting. (This is the official View from the Vault 1) Other Essential (no particular order) 02-14-1968, 10-25-1969, 05-02-1970, 09-19-1970, 08-06-1971, 04-08-1972, 05-11-1972, 05-26-1972, 05-26-1973, 06-10-1973, 05-19-1974, 06-28-1974, 10-18-1974, 06-09-1977, 09-03-1977, 12-29-1977, 07-08-1978, 10-21-1978, 05-06-1981, 10-16-1981, 10-15-1983, 06-30-1985, 07-08-1987, 09-18-1987, 08-19-1989, 10-16-1989, 10-09-1989, 04-01-1991, 09-10-1991, 05-27-1993, 09-22-1993 Just a few recommended runs...(so many...) Feb 27-March 2 1969, Feb 11-Feb 14 1970, Europe (April and May) and October 1972, May-June 1974, October 16-20 1974, July Orpheum run 1976, May 7,8,9 1977, April 1978, Oct 17-22 1978, Acoustic runs of 1980, October 1983, July 17-19 1989, March 90, September 16-20 1990, September 20-26 1991, May 26-27 1993 disclaimer: I do these posts all from memory, so I know that I may have an ommission or two ; >, so forgive my dustiness if I forget to mention something....
This post was modified by stratocaster on 2005-04-15 09:58:33
This post was modified by stratocaster on 2015-05-28 14:55:22

Reply to this post

Reply

Poster:	003phan	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 5:21am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

If anyone has GD 8-27-72, could you please seed it. Im currently dl it at 0.00 KB :( Also I would like to suggest 11-2-69 as a essential moment in GD history. This particular show has one of the best dark stars ever! It will make every single hair on your body tingle with joy. It truly is a moment where spirituality and psychedila collide and morph into a feeling of pure escasty.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Tripps86	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 7:14am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Yeah, that 11-2-69 Dark Star is insane. I believe that was a Family Dog show.
Definitely one of the best versions ever.
That whole list of shows is great. I must have great taste in music because I already have everyone of them! :)

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Tripps86	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 7:23am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Also, thanks for mentioning October 1983 and March 1990. Two incredible months for the Dead.
I would also add May 5,19, and 21, 1977 to your list in the recommended. Actually, just get the entire month of May 1977. In my opinion, the greatest month in Dead musical history; still unmatched to this day by any other band, and it will NEVER be matched.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Ole Uncle John	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 1:09pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Great topic for argument, Ha Ha. Only glaring omission from my perspective is NO EUROPE 72 shows in top ten OR essentials. Not even ahead of some 90's shows??(of course you did include May 72 as a run at least) I would include 5/11/72 Rotterdam in my top ten for sure. I also have to agree with a previous post that although the closing of Winterland, 12/31/78, was an historic event in Deadland it isn't a top ten in my book. Also a little surprised no 73 made the ten. Oh well. I'm glad I grabbed Veneta from here months ago while it was still available, definitely worthy of MANY listens. Shame on you Diana! Doesn't Brad work with you and he hasn't been enlightened to 8/27/72 until Now?? ;)
This post was modified by Ole Uncle John on 2005-04-13 20:09:32

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Diana Hamilton	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 9:51pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Shame on you Diana! Doesn't Brad work with you and he hasn't been enlightened to 8/27/72 until Now?? ;)

I recommended 12/2/73 or Hundred Year Hall to Brad instead. :)

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Ole Uncle John	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 10:21pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Alright you're off the hook.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Brad Leblanc	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 10:43pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Just ran out of hard drive space! :P

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Ole Uncle John	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 11:20pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

ALL 480MB??????

"I have 4 120GB drives that are between 2 and 3 years old now. In the next year I'll probably pick up a couple new ones and move the collection over for my peace of mind."

So much for waiting 'till next year: )

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Brad Leblanc	Date:	Apr 14, 2005 3:11am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Haha, yes - those 4 drives have been full for awhile, I'm trying to ween out the stuff that is up here and replace it with stuff that is harder to find (lots of Phish).

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	direwolf2003	Date:	Apr 14, 2005 12:31am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

hey uncle - are you using some external?? If so, what brand are you using - I am looking to pick one or two up and would appreciate some feedback. thanks

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Ole Uncle John	Date:	Apr 14, 2005 1:59am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Actually I'm in expensive-by-the-minute-56k-hell overseas right now, stuck grabbing mp3. I've been planning my SHN downloads and some hard drives to put them on for when I'm stateside in the fall.

The large sucking sound you will hear come Sept. will be me + my hard drives + and a cable connection!!! : )

I'm doing some research online now regarding external HD's and this recent thread by Brad and others has given me something to go on.

http://www.archive.org/iathreads/post-view.php?id=32394

Happy Collecting.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Jim F	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 5:16pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

I could write pages in here, but I jsut wanted to say that 12/31/78 bores me. It's alright, but it just doesn't have that extra powerful stuff that makes a good show great.

8/27/72 is similar, in that the Dark Star is great, the playin is good, and the bird song is nice, but there's no real unique combinations or anything to make it really special.

I like the weird combos like 5/24/69.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Tripps86	Date:	Apr 14, 2005 3:44pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Yes, I completely forgot about Europe '72 shows not making the list. I'd include 5-26-72.
Also, what about 6-10-73 with the Allmans at RFK??? It's the most downloaded show on the Archive for a reason.
Still, this list is awesome. Once again, thanks for starting a really good discussion. :)

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	horsemuth	Date:	Apr 15, 2005 12:33am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

To use the word "essential" without mentioning 02/14/68 would be a mistake.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	stratocaster	Date:	Apr 15, 2005 2:45am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

You are correct. 02-14-1968 is quintessential Early Dead...good call

It's been added to the other essential list...

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	horsemuth	Date:	Apr 15, 2005 4:38am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Thanks. It's definitely in my top 5, and as you can see, I feel very strongly toward it. Excellent list, though. Nice mix.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	hazbeen	Date:	Apr 14, 2005 7:02am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

i'm streaming 9-20-90 right now, strat, and hornsby adds a whole new element. never a 90s fan before, i think i've been converted, yes i've been saved... i'll be on to brandford next.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	J Coz	Date:	Apr 22, 2019 6:41pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

That whole 5 night run at MSG in September of 87was good. I’m partial to 9/18/87. Also try 6/17/92 at Giants Stadium. One of the best shows ever ...in my humble opinion.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	J Coz	Date:	Apr 22, 2019 6:44pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

6/17/91....sorry my mistake

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Trips are for kids	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 4:09am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Most of the shows Stratocaster has listed are in my top-ten as well. However, I have one small bone to pick: the glaring omission of 12/29/77 (DP vol. 10). In my mind, it is the prototypical Dead show - full of the unexpected, and rippling with energy and tact.

The first China Cat > Rider since '74? After a ripping Playin'? And as a segue into the most beautiful China Doll ever?

That and the fact that Bobby starts off the show with a great line referencing the "just exactly perfect brothers band" before the band plays my personal favorite (and perfect, in my mind) version of Jack Straw.

This show actually provided the inspiration for an out-of-body experience. I found myself floating, without the aid of psychadelics, in the middle of the room and looking down on my body while Phil and Jerry led me to a blissful near-oblivion beginning with the post-chorus Playin' and continuing through NFA.

Any self-respecting Deadhead has to recognize the quality of this show. Other greats that went unmentioned are 10-29-77 (Estimated>Eyes>Space>St.Stephen and Let it Grow from the first set are highlights) and 12/29/79 - the intro to NFA and the Uncle John's>Estimated>He's Gone being the highlights.

I judge Dead shows based on the sound, period. My one and only qualification is that a show should be able to persuade a mere civilian that they ought to spend some more time listening to the band. Does anyone else agree?

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	stratocaster	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 4:47am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

12-29-1977 is a great show, not one of my all time favorites, but definitely a great show...I did a 1977 post a week ago and 12-29 and 10-29 were both included...for me personally I prefer 05-08, 05-09, 06-09 and 09-03-1977 over either show...but what do I know? : P

I love the Terrapin from 12-29

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	craze	Date:	Apr 19, 2005 5:03am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Veneta has been my favorite since I first heard it way back on a tape called "Ken Kesey's Farm." A powerful show with an insane Playin' and especially, a Dark Star, exploding with Phil’s power chords at the end (I always wondered why it is not a Dick’s Picks or some other thing). An interesting later show is the Philly show from 9/13/1993 where the band blazed though a set including Dark Star into Terrapin into an amazing Tubular Bells. The whole band was on fire that night.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	direwolf2003	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 2:42am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

i think my harddrive is about to have an aneurysm from trying to keep up with all your suggestions that i dont already have :)
thanks for all these posts
(how you are doing this from memory is beyond me dude - very nice)

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Tripps86	Date:	Apr 15, 2005 3:05am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

One more I'd add:
8-6-71
"Hard to Handle"---This song alone makes the show one of the best. Also, it is one of the crispest audience recordings I have ever heard, from any era.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	touch heads rule	Date:	Apr 15, 2005 12:58pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Congratulations to all for not poluting this thread with any weak 94 or 95 "essentials".
Good to see there are a few people on board who know as much as me.

Touch Heads Rule
LMA Quality Control Officer

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	direwolf2003	Date:	Apr 15, 2005 1:08pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

LMA Quality Control Officer???
Hey, I didn't vote for you....

:)

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	rkassirer	Date:	May 21, 2015 10:22am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Stratocaster, My name is Rich... I publish a small online music mag called Modern Acoustic out of Boston. I'm doing an issue on Grateful Dead shows and I'd like to use your list... it's a very solid top 10... If you are OK with that, can you email me at rich@modernacoustic.com. I'd love to get your real name or at least your first name. anyway, thanks. Great list. My mag website: www.modernacoustic.com
This post was modified by rkassirer on 2015-05-21 17:22:58

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	barrywhiterules	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 3:09am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Boy, if there was ever a post that could topple this board under an avalanche of GD comments, this one is it.

Like any Deadhead, I'd disagree on a couple things (f'rinstance, I don't think the Dead played THAT hot on 12-31-78, no matter how great the set list was.)
But you make your case well, and that's a real nice 10-pack of shows.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	stratocaster	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 3:37am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Yes, the list by it's very nature is subjective. However, most will agree that 08-27-1972 is their best show ever...from that point, it's personal taste...

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	kapowsin	Date:	Apr 17, 2005 12:46pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	1/2/72

I discovered and devoured 1/02/72 on this lazy sunday, and I think it really deserved a mention.
Cheers

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Jack o' Roses	Date:	Jun 8, 2015 3:28pm
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Thanks!
Due to this time traveling thread I found that GDLive.com still exists (or is it a wayback trick?)...

Reply to this post

Reply

Poster:	003phan	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 5:18am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

I would like to request that more people seed the GD 08-27-72 show. Im currently dl at 0.00 KB :( I would also like to suggest 11-2-69, it has one of the best dark stars ever performed. This dark star really demonstrates how the dead were excellent improvisers.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	TimePilot	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 2:54am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Do you have a good copy of 3-1-69 or 9-3-77? You should upload it to the archive...it is not here! Thanks in advance...:)
This post was modified by TimePilot on 2005-04-13 09:54:47

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Diana Hamilton	Date:	Apr 15, 2005 3:14am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

GD uploads have not been opened to the general public here at this time, so please don't upload any GD. Thanks! Edit: FAQ ref: http://www.archive.org/about/faqs.php#215
This post was modified by Diana Hamilton on 2005-04-15 10:14:20

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	TimePilot	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 4:15am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

You're right...forgot...

Thanks Diana!

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	stratocaster	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 3:05am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

09-03-1977 is a Dick's Picks release and is definitely worth getting...03-01-1969 is decent quality, sounds like a soundboard run through a flange...

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	StrawRider	Date:	Apr 16, 2005 3:40am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Disregard this post...sorry. Too much coffee.
This post was modified by StrawRider on 2005-04-16 10:40:56

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	StrawRider	Date:	Apr 16, 2005 3:27am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

I've been meaning to post on this thread for some time now but haven't been able to get the computer time. I applaud strat's learned yet humble attempt to produce a Top Ten Dead Show List. I would have a tough time of it. Anyway, I just wanted to add some more emphasis to Ole Uncle John's advice about 5/11/72 from Rotterdam. It's still available (unlike so many that have disappeared since I began this euphoric exercise of show downloads) and anyone who is remotely a DeadHead should get it...now!
Cheers,
Straw

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Brad Leblanc	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 4:24am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

08-27-1972--Veneta--The best and most psychadelic and spiritual performance in the Dead's career.

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=12583

Hope it stays up till I get home from work tonight.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	stratocaster	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 4:43am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

thank you for the post Brad...

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Brad Leblanc	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 4:59am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

I'm not seeding it, I meant I want to download it after all the fluffing I've read of this one! :) If you have this one, please jump on as a seeder.
This post was modified by Brad Leblanc on 2005-04-13 11:59:30

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	stratocaster	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 5:00am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

I'm new to the digital game, is this "seeding" process explained on this site?

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Brad Leblanc	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 5:04am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Here's some info: http://wiki.etree.org/index.php?page=BitTorrent

They use bittorrent.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	TomHorton	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 5:08am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

It can also be downloaded in shn format from GD Live. Found here:

http://www.gdlive.com/shn/gd1972-08-27orf.shnf/

It's a different remaster but it's the show none-the-less.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Brad Leblanc	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 5:33am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

Ah ha! You rock Tom! There's also a Serafin remaster too. Probably has SBE's all over the place... http://www.gdlive.com/shn/gd72-08-27_sssb.shn/ And a Betty Board. http://www.gdlive.com/shn/gd72-08-27.shnf/
This post was modified by Brad Leblanc on 2005-04-13 12:33:29

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Diana Hamilton	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 5:56am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: GD 8/27/72 Veneta classic

If you want the full experience, get a version that has all the from-stage announcements, edited out in some versions. Don't miss the lost wallet, or *especially* the whole water truck saga. :) I'm really looking forward to whenever an official video release would come out- someday...
This post was modified by Diana Hamilton on 2005-04-13 12:56:05

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	mkrack	Date:	Nov 8, 2005 10:31am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: GD 8/27/72 Veneta classic

[post edited- mod]
This post was modified by Diana Hamilton on 2005-11-08 18:31:55

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	Diana Hamilton	Date:	Apr 13, 2005 10:10am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: GD 8/27/72 Veneta classic

AFAIK the Grateful Dead don't allow video trading, although they do allow audio trading.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	mkrack	Date:	Apr 14, 2005 1:06am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: GD 8/27/72 Veneta classic

Oh boy. Isn't that tragic.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	tigerbolt	Date:	Nov 8, 2005 10:55am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: GD 8/27/72 Veneta classic

Hang Tight.The Dvd And CD Will Be Out Sooner Than You Think.No Later Than Christmas 2006.

Reply to this post

Reply [edit]

Poster:	king of infinite space	Date:	Aug 16, 2016 11:17am
Forum:	etree	Subject:	Re: The 10 Most Essential Grateful Dead Shows

02-18-1971 is easy one of the hottest shows of all time. Beautiful Dark Star>Wharf Rat>Dark Star but I thought everyone knew that?

Also try 7-18-1976 ~ that whole week long run from the Orpheum is cool.