Reviewer:
CaptainToke
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August 19, 2021
Subject:
Not a run-through, not an "ordinary setlist"
These reviews can be odd. My read on this show is different from other reviewers, perhaps? To my ears, none of this show feels cursory, this is no "run-through", this is the band exploring and going afield and somehow still holding things together.
First set: Odd pairing of a 'Cumberland' in part 1 of the cowboy medley, and it's a rager. Then the 'Mexicali' keeps up the energy, with Bobby even calling out for polka before one of the breaks. Then a 'Box of Rain'. Ordinary closer, well played, with 'Don't (Pl)ease' ... A taut festive 4 minutes to end the set.
2nd set: Unfortunately Brent wasn't doing a verse in 'Woman Smarter' until later years. Fun opener, and I guess it's a bit routine. But then we get into stranger territory: 'Crazy Fingers', which stretches out for a while, then an extremely zealous reading of 'Saint' by Bob, with the drummers thumping like a 2nd line in the final section. Then a relatively rare pre-drums 'China Doll', sung with great emotion by Jerry. The guitar solo section gets pretty intense, same like how 'Ship of Fools' used to get. And then, even though they could have yielded the stage to Billy and Mickey, they dropped into a 'Playin' that quickly veers off into insane territory. The drums/space are not rushed, and there's plenty in them ... and then .... 'Masterpiece', with lovely gong sounds at the beginning.
Then, _finally_, this show gets more "routine" with some nice post-drums songs in their usual positions, played well. Fun show, and the pre-drums segment from 'Crazy Fingers' through 'Masterpiece' definitely holds up to repeated listenings.
Reviewer:
GermanShepherd
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April 11, 2016
Subject:
Tight Rope walkers
Came damn close to falling off the bed in Masterpiece, but as usual, the Masters pulled it together. Nice run through of an ordinary setlist. Bring Donna Back!
Reviewer:
Franchi$e
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June 21, 2010
Subject:
Good times
A real nice 87 show. Lots of energy and you can tell they're having a good time. "We're thinking" (Bob, before Cumberland Blues).
A couple gems in the 2nd set. Nice Crazy Fingers and Masterpiece.
Also a couple of great versions of tunes I don't normally love to see on a setlist (this is what I like about this show the most): Man Smart, Black Peter, Throwing Stones... All these are great, energetic versions, and they really work. Good times.
3 stars because it's the Dead and there is so many shows that kill this one out there in their catalog. (Compared to any other band this is 4)...
Reviewer:
VDub757
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May 27, 2010
Subject:
Promis land...what?
Love the part in Promis Land where Bobbi forgets the words (like Bobbi will do some times) and he starts laughaning and joking with the crowd "what are you Laughaing at?" he sats at a kind face, HA! Wuld have loved to have been there to share the fun.