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Poster: Cliff Hucker Date: Jan 12, 2010 9:18am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I know some participants here dont care for quantitative analysis, lists and such, but I recently had a bit of time on my hands and updated my top ten lists. In response to the previous thread I thought I would share them now. For those of you who do compile top ten lists, I'd love to see yours, for any years... 02/25/66 (100) actual date is 3/12/66 03/25/66 (97-98) 05/19/66 (95) 07/16/66 (99) 07/29/66 (91) 07/30/66 (93) 09/16/66 (95+) 11/19/66 (97) 11/29/66 (93) 12/01/66 (94) 03/18/67 (97) 05/05/67 (96) misdated 06/18/67 (96-97) 08/04/67 (95) 08/05/67 (95) 09/03/67 (97) 09/04/67 (90) 10/22/67 (97) 11/10/67 (98) 11/11/67 (97+) 01/20/68 (100) 01/22/68 (99) 01/23/68 (98) 02/02/68 (100) 02/14/68 (100) 06/14/68 (99) 06/19/68 (97) 03/17/68 (98+) 08/24/68 (99-100) 10/12/68 (100) 01/26/69 (99) 02/07/69 (98) 02/27/69 (99+) 02/28/69 (100) 03/01/69 (100) 04/06/69 (98-99) 04/21/69 (100) 05/23/69 (99) 11/08/69 (100) 12/30/69 (100) 01/02/70 (100) 01/23/70 (99+) 02/11/70 (100) 02/13/70 (100) 03/21/70 (98-99) 05/02/70 (100) 06/24/70 (100) 09/19/70 (100) 09/20/70 (100) 11/08/70 (100) 02/18/71 (100) 04/28/71 (100) 04/29/71 (100) 07/02/71 (100) 08/06/71 (99+) 10/31/71 (100) 11/07/71 (99-100) 11/14/71 (99) 11/15/71 (99) 12/05/71 (100) 03/25/72 (97) 04/08/72 (99+) 04/14/72 (100) 04/24/72 (99) 04/26/72 (99) 05/11/72 (100) 05/26/72 (98) 08/27/72 (100) 09/21/72 (99-100) 09/27/72 (98) 03/24/73 (100) 06/22/73 (98+) 09/11/73 (99) 10/19/73 (100) 11/10/73 (99) 11/11/73 (100) 11/14/73 (98-99) 11/30/73 (99) 12/06/73 (100) 12/18/73 (99) 02/24/74 (100) 05/19/74 (99) 06/16/74 (98-99) 06/18/74 (100) 06/20/74 (98) 06/23/74 (100) 06/26/74 (99) 06/28/74 (99) 07/19/74 (100) 09/18/74 (99+) 03/23/75 (99) 06/17/75 (98) 08/13/75 (100) 09/28/75 (99+) 06/03/76 (95) 06/09/76 (95-96) 07/14/76 (95) 07/16/76 (96+) 07/17/76 (98) 07/18/76 (97) 09/27/76 (93) 10/03/76 (95) 10/09/76 (96) 12/31/76 (97+) 02/26/77 (97) 05/08/77 (100) 05/09/77 (99+) 05/17/77 (98) 05/22/77 (99) 05/25/77 (100) 06/09/77 (97) 10/29/77 (99-100) 11/04/77 (97) 12/29/77 (98) 01/18/78 (92) 01/22/78 (92) 07/08/78 (93) 09/16/78 (96+) 10/21/78 (94) 10/22/78 (94) 11/17/78a (91) Rambler Room 11/20/78 (93) 11/24/78 (96) 12/31/78 (97-98) 01/08/79 (92) 01/10/79 (94) 01/20/79 (93) 02/17/79 (93-94) 10/27/79 (98) 10/28/79 (96) 10/31/79 (93) 11/24/79 (93+) 12/01/79 (91) 12/26/79 (92) 05/07/80 (90) 06/20/80 (89) 06/21/80 (90) 09/06/80 (91) 10/10/80 (93-94) 10/14/80 (92) 10/31/80 (95) 11/29/80 (91) 12/06/80 (95+) 12/31/80 (93) 03/09/81 (91-92) 04/25/81 (90) 05/06/81 (94) 05/16/81 (97) 05/22/81 (94+) 10/11/81 (92) 10/15/81 (93) 10/16/81 (96-97) 10/19/81 (96) 12/31/81 (93+)
This post was modified by Cliff Hucker on 2010-01-12 17:18:21

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Poster: William Tell Date: Jan 11, 2010 6:57pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Thanks, CLIFF; I don't actually keep track, and I'll bet mine have changed a bit over the four yrs I've been here...in the interest of keeping it "fluid", I'll just copy and paste yours and then respond with a "*" for those I listen to often enough the past six months to confirm a potential top ten for me, and "**" for sure, if that makes sense (thus, this in NO way is definitive, but rather based on actual "listening time" of late):

05/05/67 **
10/22/67 *
11/11/67 *

01/22/68 *
01/23/68 *
02/14/68 *
06/14/68 **
08/24/68 **
10/12/68 **
10/13/68 **
12/07/68 *
12/29/68 **
XX/XX/68 ** (mystery 4 disks)

02/11/69 **
02/22/69 **
02/28/69 *
03/01/69 *
04/05/69 **
04/06/69 **
04/21/69 *
04/22/69 **
05/23-24/69 *
11/08/69 **

01/02/70 **
02/11/70 *
02/13/70 *
05/01/70 **
05/02/70 **
05/15/70 **
06/07/70 **
09/19/70 **
09/20/70 **
10/04/70 **

02/18/71 **
07/02/71 **
08/06/71 **
11/07/71 **
12/05-06/71 *

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Poster: elbow1126 Date: Jan 12, 2010 12:31pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

4-29-71 doesn't even make your list? I have come to the conclusion that it is a better show than 8-6-71 and the H2H is equal if not better. I think the key to the 8-6-71 H2H is the audience reaction. If you listen to the RT1-3 bonus disc or the sbds from that show it is not nearly as electric a moment. That tape, regardless of where the taper was, is magic.

As for 4-29-71, I have listened to this show recently and honestly forgot how great a night Bobby had. He gives it his all and all his rockers rock (Minglewood!!), and the electric Dark Hollow is fantastic. I think the band wanted to send their east coast home off with a memorable one and succeeded.

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Poster: William Tell Date: Jan 12, 2010 3:13pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Oh, say it ain't so my friend! Right there with DMax and GoP with the "4-29"...yikes!

I know, I know--it's better "played" whatever that means, but the cre--SEND-O reached in 8-6 is forever, in my mind, the best...damn. I am a member (?) of a smaller and smaller group, methinks.

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Poster: elbow1126 Date: Jan 13, 2010 1:43pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

But do get that same feeling about the crescendo when you listen to the sbd or the bonus disc from RT1-3? Its still a great version, i just think its the audience reaction that pushes it over the top.

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Poster: William Tell Date: Jan 13, 2010 3:16pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I do know what you mean, but still think it has it over the Apr version, even in the sterile RT format.

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Poster: cush212 Date: Jan 12, 2010 3:34pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

You'd better believe it Brother T... You and SDH are the only Zonies left now...

;)

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Poster: SomeDarkHollow Date: Jan 13, 2010 7:58am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

A hardier breed has yet to be found.

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Poster: cush212 Date: Jan 13, 2010 10:58am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

And I am looking froward to becoming a total wimp here in La Jolla come june > September!!!

;)

How you doing Brother?

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Poster: SomeDarkHollow Date: Jan 13, 2010 12:53pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Doing well, thank you very much. As always, hoping your change of scenery holds nothing but good things for you. And, yes, still dry and dusty round these parts. Don't think you're missing too much.

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Poster: cush212 Date: Jan 13, 2010 3:35pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

;)

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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 12, 2010 12:56pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I really should know this I guess, but was 1971 the only time they played Dark Hollow electric?

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Poster: elbow1126 Date: Jan 12, 2010 12:58pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

The did it once in '70. Here all the shows it was played and I believe the only ones that didn't have an acoustic set were the 2 in '71 and this one.

http://www.archive.org/details/gd1970-10-31.sbd-early.cousinit.29192.shnf

I think there is an acoustic set at every other show that it was played.

date venue city state
2/14/70b Fillmore East New York NY
7/11/70 Fillmore East New York NY
7/12/70 Fillmore East New York NY
7/14/70 Euphoria Ballroom San Rafael CA
8/??/70 KSAN Studios San Francisco CA
8/5/70 Golden Hall - San Diego Community Concourse San Diego CA
8/18/70 Fillmore West San Francisco CA
8/19/70 Fillmore West San Francisco CA
9/17/70 Fillmore East New York NY
9/20/70 Fillmore East New York NY
10/31/70a University Gymnasium - State University of New York Stony Brook NY
11/6/70a Capitol Theater Port Chester NY
11/8/70 Capitol Theater Port Chester NY
2/19/71 Capitol Theater Port Chester NY
4/29/71 Fillmore East New York NY
11/17/78a Rambler Room - Loyola University Chicago IL
9/25/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
9/26/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
9/27/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
9/29/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
9/30/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
10/2/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
10/3/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
10/4/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
10/7/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
10/9/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
10/10/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
10/11/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
10/14/80 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
10/19/80 Saenger Theatre New Orleans LA
10/23/80 Radio City Music Hall New York NY
10/26/80 Radio City Music Hall New York NY
10/30/80 Radio City Music Hall New York NY
4/25/81 Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley CA

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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 12, 2010 2:07pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Many thanks for that comprehensive list, Larry. I wasn't aware of the electric version from 1970. So that makes a grand total of three electric SDHs, then. You think our eponymous posting friend might chip in with a definitive answer..?

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Poster: cush212 Date: Jan 12, 2010 2:38pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Only if we dose him...

:)

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Poster: elbow1126 Date: Jan 12, 2010 2:39pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Not sure I want hear anything definitive he has to say about Dark Hollows. Could get messy.

It is a great song and I do really like the electric versions from '71. I think that one from '70 is okay and at least people can listen to it here.

Reply [edit]

Poster: cush212 Date: Jan 12, 2010 3:03pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I still think it would be fun to dose him though! Would you prefer red, white or green!!! :) It's been a while... I'm thinkin' the green might be fun! 'Specially now that I can't have Tequila!!!
This post was modified by cush212 on 2010-01-12 23:03:03

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Poster: cush212 Date: Jan 12, 2010 2:00pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I came out here to California travelling pretty light... The only Discs I brought were the '68 Cliffs picks that Tell sent me! Don't really have a sound system here to play them, but reasurring to know I've got 'em!!! Do have a Sirious (sp) boombox though... It can be on and off, have heard quite a few Elevens and 70's shows lately though... Sumpin' better than nuthin!

:)

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Poster: wineland Date: Jan 12, 2010 2:10pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Totally off topic, but your handle reminded me of a bit of GD trivia. Brent Mydland used the alias Clifford Hanger to check into hotels while on tour.

Good list. Inspired me to fire up an old favorite, 4.21.69.

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Poster: Jacky Hughes Date: Jan 12, 2010 12:05pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Methinks, someones been doing too much lurking at the lost sailor's pub by the looks of it Dennis.

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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 12, 2010 12:23pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Give it a rest.

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Poster: SkyDawg Date: Jan 14, 2010 2:48am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

No 2/14/70 in a 1970 list? Why? Early Show: Introduction; Cold Rain And Snow; Dark Star > Saint Stephen > The Eleven > Turn On Your Lovelight Late Show: Introduction Set 1; Electric set: Casey Jones; Mama Tried; Hard To Handle Acoustic set: Monkey And The Engineer; Dark Hollow; I've Been All Around This World; Wake Up Little Susie > Black Peter; Uncle John's Band; Katie Mae Set 2: Dancing In The Street; China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > High Time > Dire Wolf Alligator > Drums > Me And My Uncle > Not Fade Away > Mason's Children > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > Feedback > And.. We Bid You Goodnight This show is sublime..... I just can't understand why this show is not a "Top Ten" show.. I'm not trying to start an argument or anything,, I'm just wondering why?
This post was modified by SkyDawg on 2010-01-14 10:48:21

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Poster: Cliff Hucker Date: Jan 14, 2010 4:24am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

"No 2/14/70 in a 1970 list? Why?"

2/14/70 is a fantastic show, I score it at 99-100 points.

Its very difficult choosing only ten shows from each year, but those are MY top shows from '70. There are shows in quite a few years that I score higher than some of my top ten selections.

Its very easy to point out individual shows that you feel are top tens. But its a subjective list. Why dont you provide your top ten from 1970 and then I can point out your glaring omissions? Which show(s) from '70 would you replace? 1970 is an extremely difficult vintage to select ten from, there are so many treasures!

Its so hard and thats why its fun!

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Poster: ghostofpig Date: Jan 14, 2010 3:09pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Although I can't be wholly objective on this one, I'd place it in th4 top ten PERIOD. The acoustic set alone is miraculous.

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Poster: Cliff Hucker Date: Jan 14, 2010 5:25pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Good point, and if you guys have it in your top ten, I certainly couldnt argue with you, its a bonafide 100 pointer, no doubt!

But so is 5/15/70...and I score 1/3/70 at 98-99 points, and 5/1/70 at 99 pts...all of these are worthy of anyones top ten!

Its so hard...but so easy to point to one show. Of course its entirely subjective! I give the edge to the performance on the 13th. Perhaps 3/21/70 is not as fine a performance, but its just as amazing in its own way!

Its so hard to pick just ten! Where are your top tens?

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Poster: ghostofpig Date: Jan 15, 2010 5:47am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

5/15 is up there, but gets a few too many subjective points from my having been there. Four sets of dead; two sets of NRPS in the early stage. Everything was superior, but the jams arem' as adventuresome as some in 197o. Plus--here's a question in a way--these were TWO shows. We actually had to vacate the Fillmore and present second show tickets to get back in. So you have to look at them in terms of 5-15 a) and b). Ditto 2-13/14. But there, it is clear tha the second shows rule the day.

1/03? Even though I was there for those, they seem solid, but not spectcular. Not like 5-2 or 2-08 or 9-19/20, or perhaps 12/28/

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Poster: elbow1126 Date: Jan 15, 2010 6:08am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I have always wondered how Jerry held up that day having to play all 6 sets. I know he wasn't the most physically active musician but it must have been if nothing else mentally exhausting to perform so much in one day. Oddly enough I think I favor 5-15-70b so he was holding up fine to my ear. I haven't given them a proper listen in a while though.

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Poster: ghostofpig Date: Jan 15, 2010 6:35am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Many of these dates were marathons--with the Riders. But this is probably the longest jerry was on stage for one night. He had a blast. It was the last two show night at the East--and perhaps forever?

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Poster: SkyDawg Date: Jan 14, 2010 8:45pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I was only curious why 2/14/70 didn't make the cut. It wasn't meant as criticism. My top 10 shows tend to change, but this would be my top 10 for 1970.

6/24/70
3/21/70
2/14/70
5/2/70
2/13/70
11/8/70
2/11/70
9/19/70
9/20/70
6/7/70

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Poster: Cliff Hucker Date: Jan 14, 2010 9:40pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Perfect!

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Poster: SkyDawg Date: Jan 16, 2010 12:13am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Yeah 1970 is a tough one for me, because it's my favorite year for sentimental reasons.. my first show was that year 4/3/70 in Cincinnati. Thanks for not pointing out my glaring omissions such as 5/7/70 at M.I.T., 5/15/70 Fillmore East and 11/6/70 and 4/15/70. I hated not to put them in a top 10 but couldn't bring myself to bump any of the other shows.. not to mention how much I regret leaving out the January, February, July and August shows at Fillmore East and West. I had to leave out some favorites of yours that I love too, such as 1/23/70 and 1/2/70. I also love the Pirate World show on 3/24/70 in Dania FLA. It's maybe the ONLY show that I actually WANT to hear "Don't Ease Me In"! Even the "regular" songs like "Mama Tried" and "Me & My Uncle" sound like the whole band was really jacked up and having a great time!! http://www.archive.org/details/gd70-03-24.sbd.hollister.2990.sbeok.shnf I also really like the Honolulu show of June 1970, (except the sound quality on it is so uneven). It's an incredible show though! The band on vacation in Hawaii playing a gig while visiting friends like Dan Healy and QMS, who had built a recording studio in an abandoned WWII bunker. Santana used to come and rehearse and record there then too. http://www.archive.org/details/gd70-06-13.sbd.hanno.9079.sbefail.shnf
This post was modified by SkyDawg on 2010-01-16 08:13:45

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Poster: Cliff Hucker Date: Jan 16, 2010 5:40am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

1970 is my second favorite vintage, second only to 1968. So many excelent performances worthy of being top tens...

The Pirates World show is a personal favorite, and though it has made it onto my top ten in the past, I score out the Charlie Miller file at 98+.

The percussion driven jamming of The Other One on 4/15 is certainly an extraordinary passage and the show a 98 pointer.

Another of my favorites has to be 4/12 which I also score at 98 pts.

I'm not surprised that you have 6/7 in your top ten, I consider the acoustic set to be among the very best, but I'm not as impressed with the electric set, other then the Main Ten jam, but I still score this one at 98-99.

Then there's 2/28 (another favorite), 5/1, 8/5, 11/16, 12/12...

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Poster: ghostofpig Date: Jan 12, 2010 8:02am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Cliff--what do the parenthetical numbers mean?

Some very intersting choices here.

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Poster: Cliff Hucker Date: Jan 12, 2010 9:11am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

The parenthetical numbers are my scores for those shows. Its a 100 point scale based on the system Robert Parker, Clive Coates, the Wine Spectator Magazine and others use for rating wines. Its based on the performance with the sound quality of the available files factored in. I find rating shows by (5) stars to be too restrictive. Of course it's purely subjective...

98-100 pts

An extraordinary show of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic show. These are "the best of the best". Profound musicianship and jamming, a thrilling setlist, and perfect or near perfect sound quality. Shows of this caliber are worth a special effort to find, download, own, and consume!

96-98 pts

An outstanding show of exceptional complexity and character. Absolutely must own shows. The playing/jamming is performed at an extremely high-level. The sound quality is excellent by the standards of the period, however minor sonic anomalies (hiss) or cuts may be present. In short, these are phenomenal shows!

94-96 pts

An excellent show. High-level playing/jamming, but perhaps with some lapses or inconsistencies. Shows may contain some sonic anomalies, however they are still easily enjoyable. These are shows that you absolutely must hear, and most aficionados will still wish to collect.

92-94 pts

Well above average shows, definitely worth the listen and likely a download as well. There may be some moments of brilliance, but perhaps marred by significant sonic issues or lapses/inconsistencies in playing.

90-92 pts

Barely above average to very good for the period displaying various degrees of finesse and flavor as well as character. The set-lists and playing may not be entirely inspiring, sonic annoyances may detract somewhat from the listening experience, but these shows still provide enjoyment!

89-90 pts

An average show with little distinction except that it is competently played. In essence, a straightforward, innocuous show.

Reply [edit]

Poster: ghostofpig Date: Jan 12, 2010 10:32am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

It's good that you don't narrow your focus to one set of criteria. With the Dead, you could have a sloppy first set and a magnificent second set. Or a well played but not astonishing show. It's hard to rank them if you don't know them intimately and if you don't have a system.

I find that it's also hard not to be biased towards shows that one went to.

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Poster: William Tell Date: Jan 12, 2010 3:24pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I don't...not at all. I wouldn't rank ANY of my shows, 74-82, ANYWHERE...but that's just me.

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Poster: bluedevil Date: Jan 12, 2010 3:31pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Lindley Meadows not worthy of any recognition? Weren't you there? http://deadlistening.blogspot.com/2008/06/1975-09-28-lindley-meadows-golden-gate.html
This post was modified by bluedevil on 2010-01-12 23:31:40

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Poster: William Tell Date: Jan 12, 2010 4:15pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Best of what I saw, of course, but I'd listen to any of my 68-71 shows over that in a heartbeat.

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Poster: Cliff Hucker Date: Jan 13, 2010 6:43am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

"I find that it's also hard not to be biased towards shows that one went to."

Thats my biggest complaint with show reviews at LMA. Everyone thinks that the shows that they attended were fantastic and rate them highly because they were there and had a good time, even though plenty of them were real stinkers.

Youre lucky, in your case its completely different. Many of those shows you attended would still be 100 pointers, even if you werent there ;)

Unfortunately I have only attended stinkers, with the exception of a couple half-decent performances between '79 and '81...

Reply [edit]

Poster: William Tell Date: Jan 13, 2010 8:20am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Oh yeah, I actually subtract points from a show when GoP was in attendance. I am absolutely certain he was the guy they mocked repeatedly for yelling out "I KNOW YOU RIDER!!!" and "Saint Stephen!"....this clearly bothered the boys. He was also the guy that Pig was ALWAYS looking at when he said "you...yeah, YOU!...get your hands outta your pockets!" He was really pissed when he noticed one night that his hands were actually in the pockets of the guy next to him, but that's a long story.

JK gramps...I know you were cool; but you gotta take some abuse for beating us all on the "best shows you attended" theme...it's not fair, it ain't right, BUT I am never gonna get over it!

Reply [edit]

Poster: ghostofpig Date: Jan 13, 2010 8:39am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I find this true when assessing any band. And, once in a while, a show that I thought sucked sounds great on tape. Off night for me. But I do feel kind of exhonerated when GDP releases something I was at!

As to Mr. Tell: yeah that was me. Only Pig was exhorting me to get my fingers out of nostrils and my head out of my ass.

Reply [edit]

Poster: high flow Date: Jan 12, 2010 3:40pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I've resolved to forget each show as quickly as possible. That way, I can approach each listening experience as a first time(ooh-la-la). Except for those shows I know intimately(Remember, you're listening to every show with which that particular show has been intimate.). I recommend a thorough Q-tip session after each show. Especially the Pig years. Yes UU, it is difficult not to favor the shows we've attended, but also the shows which we had on tape way back when we were sitting in cars on hills a-drinkin' and a-smokin'. Those days when you knew every note and you closed your eyes and played that solo from Morning Dew 9/18/87 for your stoned buddy, who looked at you as if you were an air-guitar god. Yeah, I AM Batman.
This post was modified by high flow on 2010-01-12 23:40:05

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Poster: cush212 Date: Jan 12, 2010 4:05pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

You know, the last 10 of every year were always the best for me... Maybe not musically, but every GD Concert was an experience! Where else could you spend that much time with so many High & Happy people??? Sure, I've got stuff I like to listen to on tape, err cd better than others, but there was nothing like just being there just for the experience & fun...

Isn't that what it was really all about anyhow?

No dis on you Cliff, I know you know your shit and have always respected your suggestions (fishing been a little slow though?) Your recommends are always very good and I suggest anyone not familiar with them... Check 'em out!!!

:)

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Poster: csaw44 Date: Jan 12, 2010 1:29pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

i completely agree with you cliff, but, for sentimental sake, i would have to throw in 6-28-69 in there because it was the first show i ever had. its not the best or anything, but i would have to put that in there. other than that you pretty much nailed it

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Poster: Cliff Hucker Date: Jan 13, 2010 6:34am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I love both of those "Slewfoot" Santa Rosa shows! Both of those countryfied performances have a groovy vibe, but I have to give the edge to 6/27/69 with its top-notch Dark Star (98+ pts)...

http://www.archive.org/details/gd69-06-27.sbd.samaritano.20547.sbeok.shnf

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Poster: ghostofpig Date: Jan 13, 2010 5:56pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I remember when they played "Slewfoot" at the bandshell in Central Park. I'd never even heard OF a pedal steel before. We taped that show--another really shitty cassette. I spent the next thirty years trying to figure out what Bobby was singing. I loved the tune. I suppose if we'd had Google back then . . . .
This post was modified by ghostofpig on 2010-01-14 01:56:01

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Poster: Cliff Hucker Date: Jan 13, 2010 5:55pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Bear tracks!

Great tune, the Grateful Dead honestly did a better job with it than Johnny Horton! Love Billy's rim-shot rifle fire. Shame it didnt make it to 1970!

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Poster: ghostofpig Date: Jan 14, 2010 1:57pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

I suspect that the pedal steel tunes fizzled when Jerry realized he couldn't keep it in tune with the rest of the band for very long. He had the thing tuned when he bought it, and I don't think he learned to tune it himself until 1970 when he got together with Narmaduke. I gather that it's a tough instrument to play. Considering his lack of experience, Garcia does well, even in 1969 (save for those few Hard To Handles which Tell will agree don't hold up to 1971).

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Poster: cush212 Date: Jan 13, 2010 5:28pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

How many is "throty"? Somewhere between 3 & 300 years???

;)

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Poster: ghostofpig Date: Jan 13, 2010 5:55pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Directly in the middle.

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Poster: elbow1126 Date: Jan 13, 2010 7:13am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

agreed. I would have included 6-27 because it is so unique. Don't forget Bobby singing Dire Wolf while Jerry works the steel pedal and the primordial Casey Jones that sounds more like motown at the start.

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Poster: csaw44 Date: Jan 15, 2010 4:33pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

yea, when you compare the two shows 6/27/ and 6/28, its pretty obvious that 6/27 was a better show. but like i said, the first ever bit of grateful dead i heard was "this dance is a ladies choice!' haha love it. when i go back, the 6/28 show, setlist and length wise, is very strange

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Poster: groovernut Date: Jan 13, 2010 10:31am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Your Top Ten Shows By Year?

Hey Cliff,

Thanks for the list. WOW! I'm blown away by some the 66 stuff have not made it to the rest.