Micah has the right idea about the sound for this show. I have listened much GD and this is unique. Had this on tape and yes favored Set ONE. Besides what has already been positively stated about Set 1 Alabama>Greatest, Ship, Estimated>Other One. [HOT] a night like this rekindles in my mind the notion that just about any SHOW with better sound is really going to stand out. This Set list would be fairly easy to breeze pass. but this show is an absolute keeper.

favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite

I have had this show since '86 (bought it from a street vendor in Edinburgh) and listened to it with equal consistancy- though the first set much more then the second. There is a unique sound to this show. Vocals upfront that add to the efforts with all their nuance- it is a somehow quiet, determined but focused and satisfying performance throughout. There are many good to excellent sources for this mix, but I have settled on this one as my fav.



The first set is the goods. J/S settles in to a rousing finish. Franklins is one of my top 5 ever. It is during this song that the unique atmosphere of this show presents itself. The cowboy tunes are good fun- Mexicial is polka time! FOTD is one that others are measured by (with the later arrangement). Heavy emotional content from Jerry vocally and musically. A nice solo by Brent. LiG would usually signal the end of a set during the last fifteen years, but this blistering version marks the mid-way point in the set and precedes the titanic Althea (only other time this combo was played was 5-14-80). This is the Althea for me. What a great GD muse. Among Hunters best>



You may be Saturday's child all grown

Moving with a pinch of grace

You may be a clown in the burial ground

Or just another pretty face



You may be the fate of Ophelia

Sleeping and perchance to dream

Honest to the point of recklessness

Self-centered in the extreme



There are over 9 minutes after Althea w/ 2 tunings and ETLY- which it is not at all do-able with this song- which I skip. Sailor is Weir painting evocative vocal pictures, as he and Garcia have been doing all set long. Not a top notch version but very good as is Saint. Hell, I even listen to this Deal- and enjoy it.



I have listened to the second frame much less in total, but usually include it when I listen to this show now. It is not as incredible as the first set, but it is very good nonetheless. TOO & NFA>Black Peter receive the top marks.

- February 12, 2013Althea, the first set, the sound & more