Let The Good Times Roll, Feel Like A Stranger, Built To Last, Me & My Uncle-> Cumberland Blues, It's All Over Now, Row Jimmy, When I Paint My Masterpiece, When Push Comes To Shove, The Music Never Stopped China Cat Sunflower-> I Know You Rider, Playin' In The Band-> Uncle John's Band-> Standing On the Moon*, Drums, Jam-> The Wheel-> Gimme Some Lovin'-> Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad-> Not Fade Away, E: We Bid You Good Night, E: Johnny B. Goode

Source:



SBD > DAT > CDR > EAC > *Cool Edit Pro > mkwACT



*Beginning of LTGTR, We Bid You Goodnight and Johnny B. Goode patched with Matrix > MC > CDR source.

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comment Reviews

Reviewer: Jepp_The_Dead_Head - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 17, 2019

Subject: Happy 30th Birthday, Alpine Valley 1989! 30 years ago today! This is certainly my favorite home turf show. I was just at Alpine Valley last weekend for 3 nights of Phish and the venue is still just perfect <3



Love this show! - July 17, 2019Happy 30th Birthday, Alpine Valley 1989!

Reviewer: Anonymous - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 2, 2018

Subject: China Rider This show is my favorite '89 show. Listening to it again, I realized that this is one of the best China-Riders with Mickey, and my second favorite (6/26/74 is my #1). In addition, great versions of Let the Good Times Roll, Row Jimmy, and Not Fade Away (complete with the yelling back "You know my love won't fade away"). - March 2, 2018China Rider

Reviewer: Mind Wondrin - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 8, 2017

Subject: Peak night of '89's best run

This show's a re-player and a reminder of '89's heat (the runs at Shoreline, the Greeks, the NYE run, Pittsburgh, 10/9, 10/16). July was the hottest month since '87 and the best until March '90. At tour's end, the Alpine run was the late-Brent era's hottest 3-day run, and this show is an '89 best. People talked about this show for a while and it was heavily traded:

"Dude how was the show last night?"

"Pretty good"

"Alpine good?"

One reason is that the 1st set had a lot of rockers and another is the amount of carried-through energy in the second set fabric.



All but four songs from this show are on Downhill from Here. The first of these two (Row Jimmy, Masterpiece) aren't as important. Push2Shove however, was almost never pulled off like this. It's a definitive version and, what's weirder: the last! I saw something like 14 of these - none as good as this. The last of the four is Music Never Stopped, which is on Phil Zone; a song they killed consistently in '77, that had more drudged airings in the 80s, this is one that's just freaking nailed. It's good fortune that this show was captured during the infrequent complete-show vid tapings (but would be da kine if it were restored to a complete show).



1st set. Solid right out the gate with Good Times Roll and a super strong Built to Last (they didn't play this enough at the time). Remember how you'd be standing with your buds pre-show and somebody would say "this is the show where I get my !"? For many that was probably Dark Star, for me it was 'Bama, but I knew this cat that thought BTL was the E-ticket. He should've been there for this one .



2nd Set. Likewise made of win. This is an 80s Top Ten China>Rider, and the energy and perfection are carried straight through Playin' (well, except for a Bobby flub) and into UJB like it takes no effort, building on the energy. Like the machine is switched on and they just ride along. The rest of the second set is average '89 until GDtRFB, which is as hyper as a '71 and perfect (aside from Bobby flub, natch). The high plateau continues through the encores (two the first night!).



1st Set : A-

2nd Set : B+

Overall: 4½ stars



Highlights:

Good Times Roll

Built to Last - as good as it gets

Me & My Uncle - pat

When Push Comes to Shove - aced and put to bed

The Music Never Stopped - a ride

China Cat

I Know You Rider - an 80s best

Playing in the Band - 6/29/76, 12/41/76, 2/3/78...and this one

Uncle John's Band - One of Brent's best

Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad

Not Fade Away

And We Bid You Good Night - has slight accompaniment



17th - Most consistent overall - 4½ stars

18th - Variable, with the great 1st set streak and most interesting 2nd set - 3½ stars

19th - Best 1st set - 4 stars

'89 Landmarks from this Run:

China>Rider - 17th

Friend - 18th

Scarlet - 18th

Althea - 19th



SOURCES: The 17702 source is just fine (the SBD has voices via some ambient bleed or board patch), though Good Times and GSL have cut-outs on this upload. The Sokolow matrix is great.



@dr flashback - Thanx for the great review. It's no surprise your MP3 sounds good. MP3 was designed in a German lab to be CD quality - identical to human ears. If it wasn't, they would have just gone with a different spec that was. People get it in their heads that it MUST BE inferior somehow, but blind tests repeatedly and consistently prove that you can't tell a difference from a (properly rendered) MP3 and the original source. Observing A/B tests for "golden ears" can be enlightening (especially those subjects claiming to hear a difference between 192k and 320k). Lossless is great for archiving - that's what it's for. - April 8, 2017Peak night of '89's best run

Reviewer: ellieana - favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 14, 2015

Subject: Great '89 show! I was at these shows, 1989 was my first tour as I had just graduated from high school that June. It sounds even better than I remember! Big thanks to the tapers who recorded and (many years later) uploaded these! xo - October 14, 2015Great '89 show!

Reviewer: scarletfirejulz - favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 12, 2015

Subject: To each their own I am not the best music critic. Many shows I went to people said were great I wasn't into. How I felt about the show had more to do with my experience at the show and not the music. I will be forever grateful for all the goods and bad shows. - October 12, 2015To each their own

Reviewer: Dandysan - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 22, 2015

Subject: Lesson in Life 1989 was the first year I saw the Dead and the three Alpine shows were 4, 5, and 6 for me. The first couple of times I saw them, I had no idea what I was about to experience and I was a bit nervous. The same was true at the beginning of the 7/17 concert until the first notes of Let the Good Times Roll danced around all my friends and with a deep breath, I relaxed and did't let the unknown concern me again. To this day, when I am bit anxious about trying something new, I recall this concert and then I relax and enjoy the moment. - September 22, 2015Lesson in Life

Reviewer: Teedawg Dancer - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 9, 2015

Subject: Alpine 89 was blissful! Starsynth, I also really really miss the shows big time. Life changed drastically for all of us on that dreadful day. These shows were near the top on the happiness scale moments in my life. Alpine was freaking magically those three days. Bobby himself 20 years later stated that he considered alpine 89 to be closs to perfect. Everyone on full cylinders and meshing sybiotically all 3 nights. What a time. - June 9, 2015Alpine 89 was blissful!

Reviewer: Jeddog99 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 16, 2015

Subject: My Second Show This was only my second show as a deadhead newbie on my way to 40plus shows...If only In knew what i was watching at the time. Awesome, awesome, show. - April 16, 2015My Second Show

Reviewer: starsynth - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 25, 2015

Subject: Ah, the memories I saw 14 shows between starting with Riverbend in 1985 and ending with Deer Creek in 1991. These happened to be my "coming of age years" and the Dead were the soundtrack for sure. Made a huge effort to scrape together enough money to buy tickets for all three days and make the road trip.



Boy did it pay off big time! These were great shows despite the rain and camping in a mud pit. After this show, we were on fire...raging in the campground all night with Dead playing and the sound of people hitting the nitrous, then attending another great show the next day and then again the day after!



Ah would but these days come again...I miss the dead... - March 25, 2015Ah, the memories

Reviewer: Schumster - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 22, 2014

Subject: Peaking at their peak This show is sure to give all the chills. - December 22, 2014Peaking at their peak

Reviewer: Anchovy Rancher - favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 24, 2014

Subject: Good Shows/Bad Times The shows were great but, the whole parking lot and camping scene was a nightmare on steroids. The Dust Bowl was full of Midwest Tweaker Types and my Buddy's tent got stolen while we were all at the second night's gig. Not some cheap-assed Kmart tent either, a nice, four season Walrus. Whole thing too, tent, sleeping bag(s), assorted personal items, etc.. It kind of set the mood for the rest of the days.



For me, it marked the "beginning of the end" of the coolness that had been my previous experiences with the crowd scene. These and the couple of shows leading up to the Pittsburgh Sports Arena "Cops On Horses Massacre" sealed it. Never went to another show after then.



Then again, I was 12 years old in 1966, in San Francisco and saw my first show with my wonderfully Bohemian Grandmother in Golden Gate Park. Nothing was ever going to top that anyway.



Long, strange, trip. Indeed. - October 24, 2014Good Shows/Bad Times

Reviewer: TheProdigalSon - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 8, 2014

Subject: Power Dead



Tight show. I often over look this year. Isn't this the show they wrote the letter to the newbie fans?



Get into Stranger fast -the drums around 5:00, also Brent on Cumbie Blues through 2nd jam approx



Power-Rider.

great show all around no question Power Dead -ok, except Let the Good Times (which although fun, is stressed) and Built to Last early but it's heavy good.Tight show. I often over look this year. Isn't this the show they wrote the letter to the newbie fans?Get into Stranger fast -the drums around 5:00, also Brent on Cumbie Blues through 2nd jam approx 4:40 then the tight connections through to the end. Row Jimmy is reminiscent of the old magic notes bouncing around the room.Power-Rider.great show all around no question - October 8, 2014Power Dead

Reviewer: atheistdeadhead - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 2, 2014

Subject: really a great show I didn't think a late 80s show could shred like this. bravo!! - September 2, 2014really a great show

Reviewer: JavaJoe37 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 17, 2014

Subject: 25 years ago today! One of my favorite of 30 shows I attended between 1985 and 1991! - July 17, 201425 years ago today!

Reviewer: Sentar - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 17, 2013

Subject: Wow! Wow! Yes! And again, wow! Great show, great energy, everyone is on the ball. Excellent recording. I don't care what you think the "best" era is for the Dead, this is a show to listen to! - July 17, 2013Wow!

Reviewer: doug_the_dude - favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 17, 2013

Subject: -- Good show; it's cool they've left this board up in spite of Downhill. Why, oh *why* did they, on that DVD release, substitute these last three tunes with the 19th? While there's no arguing 7/19's Deal, this Music Never Stopped is absolutely stellar - certainly the highlight of a solid first set. Check how it starts "breaking apart" during the big final jam -



Set 2 is, again, well done - I absolutely *love* this China Cat > Rider (check Jerry's "headlight", yo!) and Playin' holds a steady groove. Some Close Encounters stuff going on in Space....



The Alpine '89 run is easily the most famous next to the Warlocks shows for this year. First night here of the three is a good one. A bit overrated? Maybe, but who cares... - July 17, 2013--

Reviewer: thedeadarealive56 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 7, 2013

Subject: Weir Claims late 80's were the very best years There is a piece written by Bobby Weir in a special edition of rolling stone that just came out on the dead. He says the late 80's were the best the dead ever played period! That's quite a comment coming from Mr. Weir. Just think about that, out all the great year and different periods Weir claims that the late 80's were when the band was at it's very best in "peek form". He gives much credit to Brent and also claims the dead could read each others next moves on stage, it was magical and unprecedented in their history. I saw about 15 shows in the late 80's and they were magical and sounded amazing while there but for some reason very few hold up on playback. - April 7, 2013Weir Claims late 80's were the very best years

Reviewer: MQ11 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 26, 2013

Subject: AMAZING Gotta be one of the best dead shows! - March 26, 2013AMAZING

Reviewer: spyguy29 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 2, 2013

Subject: Brent I have come across any number of fans that dismiss the Brent years. There's no question that this band is not the same as 69 or 73 or 77 or whatever. However, watch this video and watch the way Jerry and Brent interact. Jerry LOVES Brent, no question. That's good enough for me. - February 2, 2013Brent

Reviewer: ktownhead - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 3, 2013

Subject: My First Set Of Shows First off thanks to the archive top notch stuff!Grateful memories of good times,good people,the best damn shows/music I was blessed to see/hear/feel/taste in my life.I was blessed with 28 shows/6 yrs. (seems so short)/6 venues/577 songs.But this set of shows was IT MAN!The weather a roller coaster ride for sure but cool!And to ever was flying kites with glow sticks on them WOW!!!!!!!I MISS THIS GOOD TIME SHIT - January 3, 2013My First Set Of Shows

Reviewer: thebigols91 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 1, 2012

Subject: Great time listening to this show. I wouldn't know because I'm so young, but did everyone just go piss or something during built to last? - June 1, 2012Great time listening to this show.

Reviewer: vjcris - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 27, 2011

Subject: Good Times!!! I've checked out the DVD from The Los Angeles County Library, El Monte branch, at least ten times! It's great! - April 27, 2011Good Times!!!

Reviewer: Ficus - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 27, 2011

Subject: Alpine Box Set One of my favorite modern day NFA's here. So much energy throughout this entire show. Summer '89 was an excellent tour and here is it's best show. Ficus -- April 27, 2011Alpine Box Set

Reviewer: Faust_er - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 19, 2011

Subject: Gellin'

At about Don't know how anyone could give this less than five stars. Okay, it's not Carousel Ballroom '68 or Fillmore West '69, but for any rock n' roll band anywhere, anytime, this show is stellar. Great setlist, great playing by everybody. Pick a song and listen to Jerry's solo, and you'll hear it.At about 5:30 of Stranger Jerry plays a riff that's so funky and so different from anything I've heard him play elsewhere...he just continues to blow my mind. - March 19, 2011Gellin'

Reviewer: jocoshow1 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 11, 2011

Subject: Awesome The wife and I Flew all the way from Maui for this one and we were so glad we did. As Jerry broke in to "Standing on the Moon", a giant yellow full moon was rising over the stage (we were back on the lawn). I remember being blown away by Gimme some lovin' and the set list was perfect. The next week we saw The Who at Alpine Valley. By far, one of the best shows we've ever seen. This recording is absolutely awesome, a peak of peaks. - March 11, 2011Awesome

Reviewer: Fillmore1970 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 27, 2010

Subject: Just Gorgeous This one had it all - great pickin', nice sound, cool vibes. Of course, "great pickin'" qualifies as damnation by faint praise. The show began with a solid, if decidedly unspectacular, LTGTR. At that point, we had no idea what we were in for. But the intensity of the first set grew steadily, to the point where Jerry (as reported earlier) actually sort of jumped - as much as he could - to end "The Music Never Stopped." It's difficult to explain, but the crowd was already buzzing in recognition of what would become a very, very special night. And the legendary second set proved us all right - in spades. They never again hit the peak they did with China-Rider that night. Just beautiful. - December 27, 2010Just Gorgeous

Reviewer: bo_blackson - favorite favorite favorite - July 12, 2010

Subject: a lil weak on the phil side cool show but after watchin the dvd phil jus doesnt seem to be gettin in to it all that much , and his bass isnt very present. anyone else think this way? i jus dinnit get my phil fill from listenin to this - July 12, 2010a lil weak on the phil side

Reviewer: crimsonwhite&indigo - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 12, 2010

Subject: Alpine was the best IMO this is in the top 10 best shows of all time. July 1989 was exceptional as a whole, but this show (and the two nights that follow) is amazing. Everyone is playing inspired with a TON of energy. China/Rider is the best later era version ive ever heard. Chills thru-out Rider. Amazing LTGTR. The best Built To Last- no midi trumpet effect on the solo!! Hands down the best SOTM ever played. Jerry rips your heart out with the outro solo. like i said high energy ALL THE WAY through the show, and VERY, VERY good singing by ALL the guys (yes even bobby). The Alpine '89 run NEEDS to be commercially released as one of the "complete recordings series". crimsonwhite&indigo -- May 12, 2010Alpine was the best

Reviewer: myhungryhippo - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 11, 2010

Subject: my listen @ gratefulvince



77-78

9-1990-1992 - May 11, 2010my listen

Reviewer: gratefulvince - favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 10, 2010

Subject: Loveliness My least favorite of this run but still a great show. I am still kinda new to diving deep in the Dead's live work, but I must say 1989-1991 seems to me as good as years as they ever had, am I wrong? - May 10, 2010Loveliness

Reviewer: FrankFoster - favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 3, 2010

Subject: Cumberland and ChinaRider Great show all the way around from a really good tour. The band was on for all of these Alpine Valley shows. There are some fabulous harmonies in this Cumberland in the 1st. It has always been one of my favorites from the '80s. The 2nd set starts out with a very hot China/Rider, which I don't think is overrated. Lots of energy in both sets. Great summer '89 show that is well worth the download. . FrankFoster -- May 3, 2010Cumberland and ChinaRider

Reviewer: childofthemoon - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 17, 2009

Subject: one of the top shows of the modern era for me this is right up there with 10.9.89 and 9.20.90 as the best shows of the modern dead era. stranger and cumberland are both ridiculous, just exploding with energy. is the china-rider better than others from this (1989-1990) period? that's doubtful, but it's still pretty fantastic. not fade away has a nice funky crunch. this is classic stuff here people and should be part of any serious collection. - November 17, 2009one of the top shows of the modern era

Reviewer: badnem - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 17, 2009

Subject: happy birthday! right on big r, i just so happen to be listening to the 6/30/07 eh show, was my first time at that venue, going back tonight and the waterbear is nice



and



20 years baby! forever grateful - July 17, 2009happy birthday!

Reviewer: BIG_R - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 5, 2009

Subject: YES Everything promised is delivered to you. Incredible legendary three shows with perfect sounding recordings. Deadheads check out Ekoostik Hookah. Start with 6-30-07, 10-19-07 & 3-28-08. I'm sure alot of deadheads will like them. - July 5, 2009YES

Reviewer: twickertweeds - favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 11, 2009

Subject: I agree I agree that in almost every cumberland blues ive ever heard this was the best harmonized, and captured my attention vocally out of any. The playing is pretty good and frantic too. God Brent is awesome - May 11, 2009I agree

Reviewer: DocLysrgik26 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 14, 2008

Subject: Wicked, just plain wicked. I am always amazed when a show is not as mind-blowing as it semmed at the time. Such is not the case here. This is as good as I remembered it. Alpine Dead shows were always special. Having had both seats on the lawn and seats in the pavillion, I can recall that the pavillion felt like a separate theater, it was shaped in such a nice little bowl, the sound was clean and LOUD in the seats. Obviously these shows just rocked, hard. The boys were happy and so were us Heads. It makes me sad to face the fact that in his later years, when Jerry was clean(er)and somewhat healthy, he still had that intensity and fire and virtuosity, but when he was too f*ck*d up he just couldn't put it all together. God rest his soul (Brent too,) those magnificent bastards. The next night, with the SugarMags sandwich in the 2nd set was even better, imho. I miss those days. At least we have the music. - October 14, 2008Wicked, just plain wicked.

Reviewer: skr213 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 27, 2008

Subject: Don't hate me - just calling it like I see it Overall: great show for sure. Phil is really on in particular. But like Deer Creek, I honestly think these shows have been blown out of proportion over the years. Cal Expo and Greek, just after these shows were at least as good, IMO, and many of the fall shows were better.



The scene: 88 was the dustbowl. 89 was the mudbowl. I’d skipped many of the east coast stadium shows, and then started my tour in earnest at Deer Creek (then here and then Tanner and I continued out west). I remember PhC and Tanner were in the bus, but don’t remember exactly who else was there (Sissy or was he in his own vehicle?). In 88 it was Blackbird, this year it was Bid You Goodnight. In this pre-Dark Star-break-out era, BYG was really something to celebrate – and celebrate we did.



The music: why is it that when Brent starts swearing, the hairs on my neck stand up, and I know it’s going to be a good show? Everything in the first set is well played, but nothing crazy. Is this one of the last, if not the last, Push/Shove? Never one of my favorites, but not sure why they dropped it. Brent trinkles the keys nicely on this one. Music Never Stopped is the first sign that this show is going to be anything really above average, but near the end you can hear that Bobby and Jerry are not on the same page, with Bobby trying to bring the song to a close quite a while before Jerry wants to do so. China>Rider is very good, but I’m not sure why it gets quite the hype that others have given it. Same goes for Playing. I can think of at least 4 others from this year that are better and even the one from Laguna back in 88 (an underrated year, IMO) was better. Then there is very little jam out of Uncle John’s. Really nice SOTM though, for sure. Space through the end of the show is outstanding. This is where I think the show really gets its reputation. As I said above, the Bid You Goodnight was really amazing at the time. I put it up there in my memory with the Landover Ripple from 88. When they started tuning to play some else after, I remember some people calling out for a third set. Ha. Would’ve been nice, though, eh? - June 27, 2008Don't hate me - just calling it like I see it

Reviewer: hull3551 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 31, 2008

Subject: Fun... These are the shows you recall as being great, and when you hear the bootlegs, you realize they were. There was magic in the air these three nights, and the music, the vibes, the set list, the scene made for some of the fondest shows and memories of touring. Thanks Jerry. - March 31, 2008Fun...

Reviewer: closetomyheart - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 22, 2008

Subject: three fantastic shows I attended these three and they were absolutely marvelous. All are must haves for your collection. Listen to all of these Alpine shows all the way through and enjoy forever. - March 22, 2008three fantastic shows

Reviewer: mtbrehm - favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 11, 2006

Subject: close encounters I'm really surprised no one has mentioned the "close encounters" theme that Garcia pops out starting at about 7:40 during space. deadbase doesn't mention it either (the online version, anyway) ... it doesn't last very long, but it's unmistakable. bwah-BWAH-bwah-bwah-bwaaaaaaahhhhh - April 11, 2006close encounters

Reviewer: jfolks - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 29, 2006

Subject: alpine valley run 89 is god



jfolks@ so i've decided i could establish a major religion based off the tapes from this run. the only way to describe the three shows is ambrosia; an orgasmic ecstacy of pleasure. summer 89 was the peak of latter day dead and alpine valley attests to that. all three nights were professionally video recorded (exerpts on downhill from here). i have a transfered video from the master pro-shot footage of the 3rd night. this means that videos exist for all three nights.... does anyone have the 17 or 18 on video? if so email me and i will send you my list of "liberated" GD vidz and we'll trade. BTW, i'm also looking for a cleaner/crisper video source for the 19th as my copy lost some quality through a makeshift transfer.jfolks@ ucok.edu - March 29, 2006alpine valley run 89 is god

Reviewer: Trannyman - favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 10, 2006

Subject: Solid I like the review below. I don't hear a top ten show at this one myself, but it's a good show no doubt. I continue to listen to the DVD soundtrack though, which hacks the first set. 2nd set is classic stuff, but not as "out there" as Summer 1990 shows, which I think were even stronger.



Regarding getting these SBD's still. Why use VHS when you can just stream the MP3 directly into your home CD Recorder (if you have one)! It's more work but you can mark your tracks and enjoy. But, MP3 is inferior to the SHN's or FLAC's by a wide margin. I have bought every monthly download at GD Merch so far for the best available sound. They do a great job and $19 is a good price for what they give you. - March 10, 2006Solid

Reviewer: dr. flashback - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 18, 2006

Subject: Top Ten! well the good Dr. has been stuck in 1989 and 1990 lately, so this show is a good place to start. Sadly, near the end of Brent's life and ironically, he was playing perhaps as strong or better than he ever had. Brent's performance here equals anything Keith achieved in 1973. His organ work, in particular really shines here.

Even if you're a hard core 70's fan, and I certainly am - you've simply got to include this show in your collection. The intensity in the playing is evident from the first song, and it's immediately clear the band is here to rock tonight. Stranger is well jammed, and then by the time they get to Cumberland and All Over Now, Jerry's just on fire. He delivers what was to be the last version of Push - too bad, because this one is so strong, Jerry sounds so comfortable and in the groove - as if it's the JGB band instead. The closer Music is just off the charts and guaranteed to curl your hair. Warning - heart patients should skip this song!!

As expected, Set Two is where they really show the crowd that by summer 89, the group had achieved a new peak in their career. The China>Rider opener is surprisingly fresh and inspired for such an old horse. The jams in Playin and UJB are a bit short, but magical and the ensemble playing is just so on target it's easy to forget it's live. SOTM - what can you say? Jerry's voice is fine and strong, a classic version for all time. When Jerry sings -

"A lovely view of heaven, but I'd rather be with you" - well if you don't get a lump in your throat check your pulse. The solo brings the house down and leads to Drums.

Now - the Space. Each one of course is totally different, which is why I love them. This one remains one of my favorites of the late 80's. Never too harsh, yet inventive enough to not get boring. Only 7 minutes, but very mystical and introspective - a kalidoscope of different sounds and colors. Gets very weird near the end before blossoming into Wheel, with great spacy effects from Brent that just levitate you out of your chair.

I'll leave you to discover the rest of the set on your own. Needless to say, they saved the biggest fireworks till last. How hard can they rock out NFA? This is it folks, the real 1989 in all its glory and a top show for the year.

I have this SBD in a 128K MP3 version from you-know-where, and the sound quality is astounding - every bit as good to my ears as a SHN show. The other 2 nights are special as well, and I hope to review them soon. But this one holds the trophy. Find it, you gotta have!

cheers,

Dr. Flashback - February 18, 2006Top Ten!

Reviewer: Ewig - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 1, 2006

Subject: Help

Gratefully Yours,

Ewig

eaxelson3@ Obviously, without question this three night set was a very special event from pulling in the night before to packing it all up just covered in mud. Anyone who was fortunate enough to catch these shows knows, and for those who missed them all you have to do is listen. Truly a magical event in my life, filled with great stories and I am sure I am not alone in that regard. Unfortunately, I stumbled upon this awesome web site just a tad too late, and missed being able to download these three nights in their entirety as they were played. So I am asking for a little help to see if someone could upload AUD versions of these three nights to share with the community at large. Or if for some reason there's some sort of rule against that could you shoot me a line on how I might be able to get a copy. I don't have much to trade just some awesome memories that were getting awfully dusty, THANK YOU everyone who makes the sharing of such great music and great times possible.Gratefully Yours,Ewigeaxelson3@ comcast.net - February 1, 2006Help

Reviewer: David Bolewski - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 16, 2005

Subject: Ive got some good news for people who want the SBD's on tape. I have some good news. Although not perfect as far as obtaining digital transfer or the best transfer for that matter. There is a way of getting these soundboards and starting a collection to cherish for the rest of your life. You can stream the soundboards directly through a Hi-fi VCR,Super VHS,Beta or Reel to reel, or better,DAT.There should be an Output on your hard-drive and of course an input on recording systems. There you have it. For those who dont know, VHS tape is suprisingly very good quality. It brings out the bottom end very well,plus alot of us allready have many of the boards allready on disc,I know for sure that Deadheads will desperatly seek out others fans disc's. It will never be like the old days, where quality was such a big issue because too many people allreaDY have 'Literally' the master tapes or very good ones on disc.The disc trading could be a new thing taken to a new level,We will survive. - December 16, 2005Ive got some good news for people who want the SBD's on tape.

Reviewer: jefeweiser - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 8, 2005

Subject: Boycott Boycott GD merchandising - December 8, 2005Boycott

Reviewer: captain_trip_420 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 23, 2005

Subject: Franklin's? Shakedown? Hey man, You with the FUzz? or just don't know what show you are talking about? - October 23, 2005Franklin's? Shakedown?

Reviewer: Liamfinnegan - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 8, 2005

Subject: Shakedown Transition Fabulous show so far- listening to the Franklins right now. But I have to say that transition from Shakedown, where the boys play through the minor chord progression into the opening strumming of Franklins is one of the most seemless transitions I have EVER heard them play- coming from a musician's standpoint- simply amazing.



Now I am grinning ear to ear after listening to this Franklins!! - October 8, 2005Shakedown Transition

Reviewer: lobster12 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 30, 2005

Subject: given This is a no brainer. Start to finish a beauty. the level of playing at this show is as high as I have heard. What a night!



Revise: I only revise because having listened to most of this year, I feel this is the best of 89. Miracle shows included. I think that highly of this show. - September 30, 2005given

Reviewer: drgnw/mtchs - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 7, 2005

Subject: THANK YOU!



David

terrapyn@ What a wonderful present to spend my 19th birthday at Alpine w/ the Grateful Dead on that gorgeous summer night. In fact, it rainned cats and dogs the next two nights, but this night couldn't be better, complete w/ a full moon, or neary full moon. Definitely one of my favorite shows of all I attended, and now a favorite to listen to and reflect on. Even at the time I realized I was witnessing something special. Years later, it still blows my mind. What more can be said? SMOKEN!!!!!!Davidterrapyn@ gmail.com - September 7, 2005THANK YOU!

Reviewer: hyperboy - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 16, 2005

Subject: Beautiful!!! I agree with Trannyman. Why didn't they just release all three nights in their entirity on DHFH DVD? There are too many incredible songs left off the DVD. IMO, these three nights are the best "post coma" dead shows....PERIOD! They have it all...and the boys are playing so well together...the energy is electric from the first note of Good Times on 7/17 all the way through the last note of Lovelight on 7/19. Actually, if I were older and could have seen any shows after 1978, these would be the ones. PURE MAGIC!!!!!!!!!!!! - August 16, 2005Beautiful!!!

Reviewer: mustabeenthedoses - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 15, 2005

Subject: Great Show All I can say is I am glad I was there :) It was rainy and so damn cold! - July 15, 2005Great Show

Reviewer: samson - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 29, 2005

Subject: Beautiful Show Solid show with incredible sound! First set highlights for me include an amazing Jimmy, Stranger, Masterpiece, Push, and of course Music Never Stopped. Hey, its the one from Fallout from the Phil Zone! You gotta love it when Brent hits that high note and sustains it over the rest of the band during the jam! Set two is a monster with the most intense China Rider I have heard from this period followed by a great SOTM. I love this song and the placement before Drums is pretty cool IMHO! Don't forget about the We Bid You Goodnite- the first since Winterlands closing according to Deadlists!



Sound is one thing I am very picky about with late 80/90's shows and this show delivers. If they got lazy they could release this as is; it sounds that good, just like you were there. Lots of color and crispiness! Everyone is nicely balanced unlike other SBDs I have come across from this era.

This is definately one to take with you to that "desert island" if you choose to go there- otherwise enjoy with some headphones or in the yard with close friends! Five stars- this one's "Absoutly Perfect!" - June 29, 2005Beautiful Show

Reviewer: birdsgosouth - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 29, 2005

Subject: I concur I'd say this is the 2nd best show of the post coma era, just behind 10/9/89, which is a totally and completely different kind of show. Obviously that's a subjective statement. I'd have to say that the GD planned the Warlocks shows as they happened since they had just banned camping in parking lots and wanted to get folks more excited about the music. On this night in Alpine Valley, they were just psyched to be there and simply destroyed. I would bet anything that the Bid You Goodnight was not planned at all, they knew they played the second set of a lifetime. This entire run is a breed apart. - June 29, 2005I concur

Reviewer: Matty Kid - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 22, 2005

Subject: Nasty Hands down, one of the top 10 shows of all time. China-Rider is superb. Awesome show. - June 22, 2005Nasty

Reviewer: early 80's meltdown - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 18, 2005

Subject: Jerry blow's a midi gasket during Candyman crowd goes off. early 80's meltdown -- June 18, 2005Jerry blow's a midi gasket

Reviewer: PUFFtronica - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 13, 2005

Subject: Great Show I love this show A++++++++++ - April 13, 2005Great Show

Reviewer: Doug Nawrocki - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 5, 2005

Subject: encores I saw several shows where they played multiple encores. This, however, was the only show I had the joy of watching them come out and play an encore, leave and return for a second encore. That was a treat. I can't think of too many shows where I thought they should have done this more deserving than this one. It rained like crazy some time after the end of this show until we all left the third night. Soaked, muddy and cold... - April 5, 2005encores

Reviewer: wdman - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 29, 2005

Subject: Get r down I've only listened to the first 8 songs and I'm already downloading it. sound 5 energy 5.(period)

Masterpiece yes!! Something or someone had the boys on this night. get r downloaded! - March 29, 2005Get r down

Reviewer: budfox - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 19, 2005

Subject: Alpine 89' This show was definetly a breakthrough. The 1st set is solid but no way would it lead you to belive that the boys were going to pull off one of the best shows of the Decade. China- Rider is perfect and ends with an amazing solo by Garcia. Playin'is hot with all the right acccentuations during the Bridge the jam is very jazzy and melts into a very clypso style Uncle Johns. During the final jam Weir and Brent lock into a powerful groove and Garcia goes with it. The Standing is very soulful and just fades out into the drums beautifuly. Post drumz is as good as it gets pure Rock and Roll. After the Wheel Brent stays on the Hammond the rest of the show he really Takes the show home. We Bid you Good Night is a great treat. I hope most of you have the Video of this show it is by far the best of any releases to date including the seventies. Again the Finest China Rider of All Time. - March 19, 2005Alpine 89'

Reviewer: Cucumber - favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 11, 2005

Subject: Nice I love the energy. Fantastic second set! These types of shows simply weren't maintained too far into the 1990s. Jerry's got focus and inspiration, and it shows. A second set that makes me up the volume, open a heineken, have a "smoke", boogie around, maybe piss off my neighbours - hee hee.



Love the band, saw many shows, tortured many friends with my favourite bootlegs on cassette over the years. But, with all due respect, damn they can't sing together. One at a time - no problem at all. I always wondered why they persisted in even "trying" to harmonize. C'mon, we've all heard many a teeth-grinding UJB (although the one in this show is really good and intense).



Played Cumberland Blues from this show, thought my dog was going to start howling from the "harmonies".



And this show is one of the better ones, in terms of singing. Especially the Row Jimmy, Masterpiece, NFA



Jerry plays a wicked China/Rider, UJB! Band is tight on The Wheel! Check out Phil and Jerry on GDTRFB! - February 11, 2005Nice

Reviewer: durhamman - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 6, 2005

Subject: best show ever! ive collected hundreds of shows but by far this is the all time best . my fav show for well over 10 years..get downhill from here ...the video from this show - February 6, 2005best show ever!

Reviewer: GoatMotor - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 24, 2005

Subject: Three words... GREATEST SHOW EVER!! - January 24, 2005Three words...

Reviewer: John B. - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 4, 2004

Subject: great show pulled out all the goods for this one. brent rocked in his day. great show. they fired it up for this one! would've loved to be there! - December 4, 2004great show

Reviewer: Mike Andrews - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 21, 2004

Subject: Tight tight tight!!! The beginning of the last "golden age"... late '89 through Spring '90. What more can be said? Despite a sluggish start (really only the opening tune), the band played its tightest show in years. Not a dud on the setlist. Both of Jerry's feet left the ground - simultaneously - at the conclusion of MNS (he knew this was a special night, and so did the crowd). A bloody perfect July evening. - November 21, 2004Tight tight tight!!!

Reviewer: Joe Shlobotnick - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 20, 2004

Subject: Superior sound High quality sound, high quality show. Isn't this on a video? ("Downhill From Here"?)



Anyway, great show all around. The Bid You Goodnight is the portent for what became a year and a half of dream-shows... the boys busting out all the old goodies (Attics, Dark Star, Loose Lucy, Help on the Way, etc...). 1989-1991. So glad to have been there! - November 20, 2004Superior sound

Reviewer: Chester Burnett - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 19, 2004

Subject: Smokin' Show The boys are truly firing on all cylinders in this show. For me some of the highlights include a tasty Row Jimmy (excellent vocals). a super jammin' phil-bomb droppin' TMNS, a high flyin' China/Rider, and great covers of It's All Over Now and Gimme Some Lovin'. The sound quality is also EXCELLENT. The vocals are crisp clear and out front and the instrumentation is well-balanced and fully audible. This is not one of the those echo-plagued 80's shows or a show that suffers from the vocals being drowned out by the instruments. This is a show that you will listen to alot. Not only because of the great sound, but because of the performance and the nice set list.



Peace. - October 19, 2004Smokin' Show

Reviewer: Mike Zichella - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 26, 2004

Subject: Great second set. I can't even think of how to describe this second set. If you like the Dead at their best, you should hear this show. Mike Zichella -- September 26, 2004Great second set.

Reviewer: Mike Zichella - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 26, 2004

Subject: Great second set. I can't even think of how to describe this second set. If you like the Dead at their best, you should hear this show. Mike Zichella -- September 26, 2004Great second set.

Reviewer: Jeffrey Flaws / UMR - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 6, 2004

Subject: This is what I miss ... Unless you have already fallen in love with 6/23/88 or 7/04/89, then this is the one show to take to heaven with you.

*****

Jerry's intro to Uncle John's Band is the complete expression of why we miss him so.

If it makes you cry, then you get it.

***** - September 6, 2004This is what I miss ...

Reviewer: boomer1987 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 10, 2004

Subject: Must have what might just be the best show played in the 80's, I knew before it started that tonight would be the night. Sometimes you just know. Such is life. Smokin china cat.........playin>Uncle John's..never get tired of that one......GDTRFB.........r-i-g-h-t..........killer soundboard.......everyone needs to have this show.......if you were not there.....it's as close as you can get to the magic without having a ticket!!!! - August 10, 2004Must have

Reviewer: TheGuppie - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 8, 2004

Subject: Alpine '89 run These were excellent shows! The first one was a nice, hot day, the rest of the time in rained and rained until after the 3rd night was over.



Does anyone remember the full moon over the back of the stage during 'Standing on the Moon' ? I got a bit lost the second night and actually asked a policeman directions - I also asked him how many people the police were estimating that were present and he told me over 400,000!!! The place only holds about 40,000 ...



I was up by the tree on the first night - the only tree on the lawn. The show really got going during 'It's All Over Now'. Then it just got better and better. Excellent 'Row Jimmy' as I remember! Of course who could forget the 'We Bid you Goodnight'! That was a nice suprise ;-)



Also - nice first set closer - 'Music Never Stopped'. Excellent 'China->Rider' too!.



I'll never forget these shows and hold the first one in my memory very fondly.



A long trip from PA but worth going and I highly recommend having a copy of this show with you wherever you go! - August 8, 2004Alpine '89 run

Reviewer: Alpine7784 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 5, 2004

Subject: One of the best ever The fact that the Dead released this night on video as "Downhill From Here" should tell you what THEY thought of the evening. In The Grateful Dead Taping Compendium, Vol 3, John Dwork comments on the entire three-show run at Alpine in 1989, and lists the highlights of this particular show as "...every damn note."



Two of the many notable hightlights:



1) Not Fade Away. Usually a throw-away tune, this version sparkles. Raunchy, energetic, full of life. Jerry was bobbing back and forth while playing this, and during his second solo, bends a note so forcefully that he knocks his head back with his eyes closed, a shit-eating grin on his face. I was there, and I recall that plain as day. We all went "Whew!"



2) The first And We Bid You Goodnight since the closing of Winterland (11 years). There was a momentary scream of joy from the audience when the first notes came out of Jerry's mouth, then everybody just as quickly shut up and enjoyed.



This show will rank as one of the best Grateful Dead concerts of all time.



Sean K. - August 5, 2004One of the best ever

Reviewer: Docter - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 19, 2004

Subject: well yeah #1 Built IMHO. I think when Jerry uses the horn effect on Built solo's it blows. There is a great solo on Row Jimmy by Jerry. Great China>Rider, and the JBG encore is rather bouncy. - July 19, 2004well yeah