This was my first show, and it's like a movie burned into my brain.

I was walking around in a daze after chomping freshies. I had no idea what was going on, just that I liked it....the smells, the craziness, the vibe. Before I knew it I was in a throng of people, and the doors popped open. A mass exodus, lost my shoes and barely had the presence of mind to know that bending over to retrieve them could be potentially fatal...death by trampling apparently not on the agenda that evening. A rather haggard old head (think Fast Eddie) looked me in the eye and said "Welcome to your first show brother". How did he know? (now I know how he knew). So yes, I was one of the infamous gate-crashers at this venue, on this night. Admittedly, I had no idea what was going down, but there you have it.

I met up with my girlfriend at the time, and she was displaying this annoying habit of trying to free-dance with me, directing my arms like some sort of marionette....I had to get away, so I said I had to go to the bathroom. I watched someone being wheeled away on a stretcher, and it was all a movie...no fear, no emotion....just reality.

Estimated: This was when I became truly initiated into what was happening there. Here. Wherever. I knew the song, and was thrilled to be hearing it....and then I didn't know what I was hearing anymore. I didn't know where I was anymore, but I knew that sounds and color were moving through me. I was hooked. For me, this was an amazing show, a transcendental catalyst.

These recordings don't do it justice, but I don't have the heart to go on over to dead.net and buy it.

Personal rating: 5 stars.
Recording rating: 3 stars.

These audience recordings from Pittsburgh that sound so bad are because the left and right channels are reversed in polarity. If you download the flac files and load them into a DAW, it is easy to flip one side to match the other. Makes a huge difference and makes this show listenable.

skr213 - if interested there is a SBD available via dead.net's digital download series. excellent quality & only 10 or 12 bucks for MP3 & a little more for FLAC. IMO a small price to pay. didn't go the night before, but remember being freaked out coming out of this night to the riot police on horses in full gear. FRIGHTENING!! I've heard the night before & agree it's a better show, but this night was very nice & well played. Somehow I always managed to catch them doing Tom Thumb's Blues in Pittsbugh. LOVE IT. 4 solid stars.

Overall: good show, but not quite as strong as night before, IMO. Why is there a dearth of decent recordings of these Pitt shows? Of the multiple recordings on Archive of these two nights, this is the only decent recording.

The scene: after the disasters of the night before, this night had a cloud hanging over it. Police state in PA. I also remember hearing rumors that the band was really pissed off about the irresponsible behavior of people crashing the gates (duh, I was pretty pissed myself!). Nonetheless, they came out and still played a great show.

The music: Not quite the heavy hitter of the night before, but still interesting song selections and good play. El Paso was a bit of “break-out” as they hadn’t played it in quite some time. The Phil chanters got a decent Tom Thumb’s. Another second set Brent opener, with a ripping Blow Away. Whole second set is fairly strong. Brent is really prominent in these shows, which in my book is awesome, but some (crazy people!) don't agree.

There are a lot of good things to say about this show. Brent’s harmonies on Bertha are spine-tingling. Jack-a-Roe isn't any different than any other time you've heard it, but you gotta love that song. Blow Away’s pretty darn good. Crazy Fingers is practically perfect.

Right now, I’m rocking out to Stella. It’s an uplifting, energetic version.

Some songs (UJB, Black Muddy River) aren’t too great, but whatever.

The overall sound quality is slightly below average. There are the bursts of talking but the boys mostly drown them out. It's alright if you aren't too particular.

(alright, edited twice during my second listen-through...that's enough)