81 among my fav years, and this show representative of one in which a switch gets turned on and the show perceptibly elevates in energy and vibe -- a lil' bolt of inspiration... happens here at spanish jam and goes through rest of show, which gets 5 stars.

Good first set that surprises. I agree with Mind Wonderin, everything after Cassidy just feels like bonus and I love it. Third quarter is legit. Show highlight is the whole Space -> Spanish Jam sequence through Truckin' to Black Peter.

As I have stated elsewhere my first show was Jerry Band Summer of 84.
When I started collecting tapes I did not have much Grateful Dead from 79 to 83. In fact i think Alaska 80 was pretty much it. (Oh, and Official Radio City)
So the more I hear at this late date of this entire time period the more I like.
This particular show has outstanding sound and the band sounds great IMHO.
I have made a hash of the night listening all out of order,
so really i still have to get this in one sitting.
This even gets a 4 from Mind Wonderin' and he would be like the professor you would not be getting any slack or easy 'A' from.
Really good reviews on this one, all the way around.
"Way up the middle of the air"

Madison was always a hardcore DeadHead region and, as you know, they delivered some of their best shows in Dairyland. This night gets much of the Dec. '81 attention, but don't miss the even-slightly-better next show.

First Set. Starts with PA problems, compounded by flubs, but the set keeps improving up to the final sequence - which is incredible. Jer takes an extra measure on Big River but the first that really gels is Loser. Althea has some neat sections, though it's not a particularly spry or punchy version; likewise for the solid-enough Beat it on Down the Line-13. Cassidy is much better, and that should signal the break - but wait, there's more! A terrific Deep Elem and a Miracle into Bertha is the golden sequence. The latter takes risks that pay off big with glorious, teetering explosions.

Second Set. Scarlet>Fire is average '81 fare. By Estimated you can see that Jer is great but Bobby is having an iffy show. It takes awhile but He's Gone pays off big. Truckin' has the dated sex change lyric but the end jam is fine. Black Peter is just a stone classic version. After double Berrys comes an It's All Over Now Baby Blue that has been deemed classic (...and it is as good as 12/31/84).

1st Set:  B-
2nd Set: B-
Overall = 3½ stars

Highlights:
Deep Elem Blues - this is how it's done
Bertha - from I Need a Miracle; golden explosions
He's Gone - a 15min monster
Black Peter - came out original this night
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue - perhaps a top-ten-ever version

SOURCES: The best SBD is the miller_108335, which has clarity, correct pitch and perfect patches. The munder_6143 is an impressive AUD for '81 (but runs too fast). It's All Over Now Baby Blue is on Postcards of the Hanging. The vid is usually up on YouTube.

just listened to 2:11 in big river three times ....
man I hope he does that again!
This ones a beaut folks!

I listen to a show in Grateful Dead history everyday on here. Well maybe a few shows from this day in history because I can hear the evolution and different stages of the band. I've been really into the early 80's as of late. But this show is good no doubt... Heading to the Uptown Theater next

neverevenbeen to Madison, but I heard its a coolplace or was I the past, nowadays Wisconsin must be hard for non Republicans,but I digress, this is good. Period and Thanks again to the master. Taper, even God listens to CM versions, as he/she/it knows these are the best and when you find one like this and you have time to actually listen you can say you always knew which rock and roll band is was and will be the best. Its That one. Rating I don't dig likert scales I give it a umm 7-8 I didn't see any shows til 82 how would I know I think 10/12/84 is the best show in the 80's but that is probably not true when 9/11/83 exists....and others...... but sounds good on many levels, even the cow tipping allusions are very well done. 4 stars at least. 4.169302 How do I get there from here?

Oh sweet mama, daddy's got them Deep Elem Blues!

Is this the Baby Blue that was in Dylan's Masked & Anonymous?

Outstanding show and outstanding quality. Thank you Charlie and Rob for sharing this. I used to have a tape of this that I played until it quit. What a treat to hear it again with much better fidelity (I don't remember the whistle coming in quite so distinctly on my tape, but it catches your attention here).

They were just smoking this night. Jerry's lead in Bertha is exquisite: Blisteringly fast, yet with Jerry still managing to bend his notes, and just note perfect. Amazing stuff.

The Scarlet-->Fire is a superior version. Actually, most of the songs are way above average -- they were really hot.

Even if you tend to just listen to their early stuff, you want this show.

Apologies for not commenting on the show as a whole, but I have to review this because it was a truly remarkable listening experience that only a select few Dead performances have provided me.

I've been on a pretty big Scarlet>Fire kick, and while I've have heard a ton of awesome new-to-me versions, this particular segue is just unbelievable. It's a masterpiece of jazzy and melodious "noodling" that takes you on a journey through musical heaven like only Jerome John Garcia can provide. Oh yah, and the Fire has some hot jamming too. This beats 11/30/80, 5/11/81, and 8/8/82 for my new favorite S>F of the Brent era.

And...if you aren't bothered too much by my hyperbole, hopefully you will do yourself the favor of checking this out as well :)

http://www.vimeo.com/17169752

i dig the black peter, an extra jam on its tale

oh, the thing above is a nice friend

this show is another great offering from the most fabulous Charlie Miller give that man a hand, woo hoo thank you

Charlie, you have done it again. Wow! This show sounds great. Thank you for sharing a classic show from the Frozen Tundra Tour. I wish Phil was a bit more present in the mix but hey I am not complaining (just a personal preference). I pass the Dane County Coliseum every day on the way to work. It is your classic dome that looks like a giant onion. The Dead always stepped up and performed well in Madison - 73,78,81,83. Check this one out for sure.