Man, the Dead always played great at UCLA. Some vibe for them down in LA. Some connection that was real, but not as overt as their connection to NYC and such. This was about my fourth show, and for Good Lovin they turned to house lights on for the whole song. They used to seat people behind the stage back then. It was then, seeing the insane dance-machine that was going on, that I got how much the crowd played the band and the band played the crowd. We "were" part of the show -- it was "us." I had never experienced that at a concert, and that's why Dead shows had such a revivial vide to them. Anyway, what a great performanace by Garcia, and all. He's Gone, Stella Blue = chills, smiles and tears. LA - don't tell that town ain't got no heart, you just had to poke around!

At this time of year I am thankful for many things, including this excellent show (love those '79ers). It is well played throughout and the sound quality is very, very good. God bless the Grateful Dead!

I am not a deadhead, but I can discern technically excellent music when I hear it. ALL the vocals on this 25Nov.1979 version downstream are clear and well-balanced. I can understand some fans (aka "deadheads") apparently want only to hear the band and already appreciate the lyrics, but I like the blend of the lyrics that this version has. Charlie Miller must have "cleaned up" the digi-noise mentioned early. But perhaps when I get all songs d/l and on a CD-R so as to listen to them on a real stereo rather than my computer, I will notice more audio disturbances. Great listening!

Even though it was probably the best sound they ever had at U.C.L.A. and consequently my best recording, since a soundboard came out I eventually taped over it with the board!
I too liked the "Stella Blue", but I liked others versions better for example, the one I recorded at Winterland '78, (mine doesn't cut like the board), Denver McNichol's, (since it rained at Red Rocks), this year or San Francisco Orpheum '76.
I vote this as one of the best "Shakedown Street"->"Bertha" with the revolving accent on a chosen beat! The whole show is fairly good just like the San Diego shows before it.

Augy
San Diego

I seeded this to etree a long time ago as there was no other version around. The version Charlie Miller put out 8/30/2004 is much better.

Otherwise, this is my favorite 1st set. They are the Grateful Dead orchestra. They play with a rich, full, tight sound. Jack Straw rocks. Jerry WAILS on Tennessee Jed, Big River, Loser and Althea. Lost Sailor is the best I've heard, and throughout the set, Jerry uses distorion that you won't hear on most shows, which adds to the grunge of Deal. Get this show. You won't be disappointed!

This copy has noise reduction applied to it. It is most noticable between songs. Watch for an upgrade soon..cm

This one gets my vote for Best Stella! Also a very killer Althea, Sailer>Saint, and He's Gone>Other One

Another good show overall. The Shakedown jam sounds great, with Jerry kicking out some more sick horn-like notes, and Brent getting funky on his synths, although it is not the tightest playing.

The digi-noise are the short spikes, easy enough to see and remove with your favorite wav editor, but they are in tracks d1t4, d1t5, d2t1(4-min mark), d2t3(19-sec), d2t4, d3t3, and a few hidden in the O1. Too many to ignore, therefore 3 stars instead of 4 or 5. Terrific sound otherwise.