favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite

I have to agree from start to finish this was my favorite show of the run, although the next night is quite special. The show starts off with a rocking Touch, Jerry voice does sound dramatically better than it did on the previous spring tour, which you have to admit may have been the worst period for his vocals ever.



Minglewood starts off after a long break and is scorching. The ending has Phil playing some cool notes that just rumble through the Greek. This is followed by sweet FOTD with Jerry really playing some of his best stuff so far. They follow this up with a stellar Cassidy that features some signature Garcia work.

I always loved hearing Dupree's and this one is good except for Jerry misplacing a verse and then singing it twice to get back on track. The Me and My Uncle> Big River is good although Jerry kind of holds back on Big River. Suddenly we get a set ending Might as Well, which was a great homage to the weekends festivities and is an outstanding version, with Jerry voice holding up quite well and him nailing every verse.



This second set is one of may favorite from the 20th Anniversary tour.It features inspired playing, great song selection, the best double encore in awhile, well since Stamford :) and Jerry voice may be the best it was all of this year. I would also recommend the second night in Merriweather as another fine example of this.



A classic China> Rider starts things off and builds to a emotional peak. Brent really is on fire for this one. What follows IMHO is clearly the most dramatic and haunting Lost Sailor ever played, once again Brent really helps creates something quite special. Phil does hits one sour note but the ending is so powerful and Bob's vocals are perfect, it is simply awe inspiring.

They follow with a worthy Saint that onces again sets the Greek into a frenzy. Jerry raises the bar even higher following with a majestic Terrapin, that is perfect.

The D>S is excellent and this matrix makes you feel like you are sitting right in front of the board. They bring it back down gently with a moving Wheel that features great harmonies and Jerry and Phil really soar on it.

Since Phil is in such a grand mood it is only appropriate that we get him and Brent delivering a crowd pleasing rousing version of Gimmie Some Lovin' that is smokin'.



This is followed by a ragin' version of T- Stones that has Bob really getting into it big time. They bring it on home with a fun loving NFA, played extra fast, and features a couple loud "Bop bop" from Bob.Just to give you a heads up you for it.



You might wonder no late second set ballad tonight? Do not worry children, Jerry got you covered. I could rave all day about She Belongs to Me. I will only say that this was simply one of the best songs this band played period. All the versions from this year are note worthy, emotional and spellbinding and this one is no different.



I would put this one as number three on the all time list. It is hard to beat number one, Chula Vista and a close second of Stamford, but this one features some incredible playing and Jerry's vocals are oh so sweet.Maybe the best of the nine they played.One breath taking moment after another and Jerry's solos are pure bliss. I have to say that Brent and Phil are really are outstanding on this one as well, actually the whole freakin' band is. That is why we love them like we did. When they blown you away you are just awe struck. Listen and float away on this one.



Obviously this was the highlight of the night and the crowd wanted more and so did the band. For the icing on the cake you get a incredible version of US Blues, which features Jerry at his animated best, just listen to when he sings " I'll steal your wife" verse. It is a freakin' hoot.

I have to say that these matrix recording can be quite special and you can add this one to the list. Nice work Chappy.

1st set a four. Second set a 5.

God bless the Grateful Dead.

- May 18, 2010"Can't find a ride like that no more"