Bobby made a hash of Looks Like Rain the last time it was played in the '84 New Years run. This is not nearly such a mess, but listless in its own way - as if the passion for the song had left him.

..but quickly settles into a mostly lethargic, apathetic performance.

They show starts off with a jumpy, funky Iko that has some nice soloing and vocal performance. This is always a fun sung choice to start a show and here the boys deliver. Next is a rousing Red rooster with some amazing solos from Jerry and Brent. Grimy and bluesy with some nice slide work as well as some passionate vocals from Bob. Unfortunately the rest of the set is a bit of a downer with few highlights. Dupree's is nice because of the rarity but the vocals are pretty spotty. Not much else of interest in the set.

Set 2 starts off with a brutal rendition of Touch of Grey. They playing is sloppy and Jerry sounds terrible. It's a nice choice to start a second set but this version is pretty bad. Touch is followed by the highlight of the show, a fifteen minute Playin' that has an amazing dense, dark jam that sounds like it could have been played in '72-'73. Unfortunately there are only two songs pre Drums but at least the Playin is incredible. The end of Space sound as if they are going to go into Throwing Stones but they go a different route and segue into an average version of He's Gone. Again, nice song selection but not a great performance. Afterward they do go into a lazy, plodding reading of Throwing Stones which is pretty boring. It does however transition into a very enthusiastic, energetic NFA>Lovelight combo to end the show.

Overall, there are some nice moments but most of the show consists of lackluster performances. 2.5 stars.

I didn't like this show, I rember coming out thinking I had just seen garage band during a bad rehersal. Really, show is that bad. I have not seen copys of this show over time for good reason, but I am going listen for first time since then. But at the momemnt the Boys were having a BAD NIGHT !!

I was flipping thru Deadbase...and was listening to the next nights show the 13th (solid)...and the extreme shortness of this one caught my eye...Touch > Playin...Drumz!!! My heart went out to those at this show...almost a cheat ...but a second set opening Touch is always cool.

The AUD recording is really solid, good mix overall, and really gives a great feel of this show. a wee bit of crowd, but not overwhelming like some others. The Touch is nice...and the Throwing Stones is solid...has a really mellow feel to it..but then again ..this is Berkeley right?

This one is a good addition to the collection for the good AUD quality. Any time you can say ..."this is a kick ass aud recording"....snag it! Yea the boys forget a few lyrics here and there....but thats all part of the fun for me. This show is worth a listen. Enjoy.