This show has been commercially released as "Dick's Picks, Vol. 36"

Promised Land, Bird Song, El Paso, China Cat Sunflower-> I Know You Rider, Black Throated Wind, Big Railroad Blues, Jack Straw, Loser, Big River, Ramble On Rose, Cumberland Blues, Playin' In The Band He's Gone, Truckin', Black Peter, Mexicali Blues, Dark Star-> Mind Left Body Jam -> Morning Dew, Beat It On Down The Line, Mississippi Half Step, Sugar Magnolia, Friend Of The Devil, Not Fade Away-> Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad-> Not Fade Away, E: One More Saturday Night

SBD > reel > DAT > CDR > EAC > shn; via Mike Masse; see flaw notes in info file

plus-circle Add Review

comment Reviews

Reviewer: Mind Wondrin - favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 12, 2019

Subject: A year without shoulder room

This show sometimes appears on best show lists. Tough crowd, late '72, especially up against 9/27. In fact there are a few clunkers - but also serious heat. Notably, the second set has two serious, must-hear stretches.



First Set. Bobby was always great on Bird Song in late '72, and with Jer breaking a string he and especially Keith take it home. China>Rider is mostly standard, except for cool, rubbery solos. Loser is the first song on the set to really mark for the era. Everybody is ON and the harmonies are nailed. Billy pwns Big River by adding one of his trademark shuffles.Ramble on Rose wasn't really explored in '72 until September, and this is right where it started to really gel. This uptempo version is much like the Stanley, a few days later. Playin' is solid and, unlike most from the era, without much Donnaskreech™.



Second Set. The middle is average to below average for '72, but not to worry - there are two serious stretches on either side. Though it's an odd first song slotting, this is a superb He's Gone, becoming a great ride. Truckin' can be the most generic of the oeuvre, unless it really pops. This one pops. Black Peter too. Rather than so many plodders it's uptempo enough and fitted with fine fretwork. Dark Star is a 37min whopper that some seem to really like, but most of it is pretty formless and searching. Parts are nice but overall it doesn't stand above a dozen other '72s I can think of (such as 3/23 or 5/18). There's an average stretch (with a trainwreck of a Sugar Mag) until Friend of the Devil, which is a different, flavorful version; kush on a tray. The SBD is missing the beginning (the first 30sec on the official release are from 9/27). Jer really flies on Not Fade Away>Goin' Down the Road, and everybody is right there with him. Fall '72 was hot for One More Saturday; they played the hell out of it. This is a great example of why this song was written.



1st Set : B-

2nd Set : A-

Overall = 4 stars



Highlights:

Loser - near or at the top of the dozen from '72

Ramble on Rose - the exact point where it got better and more fleshed out

He's Gone - pretty much perfect, an A+ ride

Truckin' - wonderful tranny in and then energetic

Black Peter - building and not plodding version

Friend of the Devil - rhythmically different, fresh

Not Fade Away>GDtRFB - gets better and better

One More Saturday - probably as good as 5/26



SOURCES: The masse SBD and the mitchell-flaschner are the same. The entire SBD is on Dick's Picks #36. - April 12, 2019A year without shoulder room

Reviewer: c-freedom - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 22, 2018

Subject: across the Lazy River Check out DJG vocal wise on 1/2 step.

This is a hot show with really good sound.

Dig hearing Half Step, Sugar Magnolia,

towards the end of Set Two

FOTD is completely bizarre. (I wonder if they ever did the slow lude version in the last ballad of the night spot?)

While one might want to put one show up against another from 72 no way an outdoor show in Oregon (All Europe 72 in a day) gets taken down by a show from South Philly.

I listened to this somewhat out of order but the deeper in I got the more I am convinced this is one of the finer recordings I have heard.

Check out the harmonies (IKYR.)

Unique take on the bands sound.

Phil does that "Hi-ya Hi ya kids"

Oh yeah , they rock PROMISED super hard

and then BIRD SONG is just so mellow.

Always think of the BEE SONG by that Shannon brother. Hope he got inspired by the GD.

LOSER is a fierce tune. must comment on Keith just adding so much light & color on Piano.

Garcia probably heard echoes of KG when BH was sitting in.

Big River is an under the radar flamethrower.

I am not sure who s bringing that twang but wow is that cool. Just isolating on the various members of the band. Billy laying into those skins.Garcia's guitar work is just blazing and Weir just sparking.

Vocals are right there with the instruments.

Ramble On Rose- Great set-list

Aces back to back!!!

It seems to me that much of the Dead Air has been edited out of this recording. Which is a good thing as far as getting the full effect of the music building to crescendo after crescendo.

CUMBERLAND comes in over 6 minutes pretty impressive indeed and this is the full tilt version.

Remember when they used to break this out with Brent and some of his rockers?

This is mighty fine. Back in the day my knees got up around my head and my fingers knuckle dragged across the floor dancin to this tune.

PITB-only knock on 72 is they completely underutilized Donna Jean. It might be fashionable to knock on her nowadays but her harmonies helped smooth out some of the rougher edges the band could find themselves in. If there is one song that conveys the essence of the sound it would be BOX of Rain. Toward the end of the tune there is a make or break section that they have to make a tricky quick transition on and when they nail it they just ride the harmonies home but if they screw it up then it is pretty jarring. Although Garcia somehow always manages to create a bridge

but I think that is what they meant by 'without a net'

You got a 17 minutes PITB and 37 minutes plus of Dark Star.

The jam about 30 minutes into the STAR is GD creativity at its absolute best somewhere between GDTRFB and The yet to be invented Wheel - September 22, 2018across the Lazy River

Reviewer: Fishylips - - November 18, 2017

Subject: Bird Song Awsome Bird Song that really sets the tone for the rest of a awsome show ! - November 18, 2017Bird Song

Reviewer: gwelch0806 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 19, 2017

Subject: Best Grateful Dead show of all time I've heard many a dead show in my day. There are some really spectacular shows out there, 2/27/69, 5/2/70, 9/27/72,10/18/72, 10/19/73, 10/25/73, 11/11/73.... but this one is hands down my favorite. There's just something very special about this show. Dark star is my favorite dead song, and I strongly believe that this is the finest version ever played. But really the whole show is nothing but goods. The setlist is perhaps the finest setlist for a single show that exists (although 10/25/73 is a strong contender). This is what I tell people to listen to that are obsessed with may 77 or spring 90. Not even the slightest comparison folks, its not even in the same universe. Nothing will ever touch 72-74 dead. gwelch0806 -- May 19, 2017Best Grateful Dead show of all time

Reviewer: lilrichwhiteboy - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 12, 2017

Subject: Excellent Show. But Very Sterile SBD For This AUD Maven. I can appreciate all the superlatives given for this evening's offerings. Very nice DS > Dew, et al. But this review is coming from one who adores the "live" aspect of live shows - and that's atmospherics. Upon throwing in the first file into Soundforge, my initial response was "Wow, there is absolutely NO life to this SBD. None. It's as lifeless and sterile as Mars or the moon.



But being an optimist, I know there's water on Mars. So I was hoping I could put a little extra umph into this thing, thinking there seemed to be a lot of room for additional bass and midrange to give it some depth. And a goodly amount of reverb would help tremendously.



So after fiddling around with the knobs and sliders for a few minutes on the first test song and rearranging the set lists as I am regularly known to do, I sat back in the chair with my feet up, and with my eyes closed, let the show come to me fresh. And to my utter surprise, the show was 100% better. Granted, I prefer FOB-heavy matrixes to SBDs, as a crowd maven. But if you run in my circles, I can recommend this upload only if you have the software to soften what is probably the most sterile, lifeless board I've ever heard - and I've heard a lot of them. BTW, I much prefer mixing the Star after Black Peter. It's a really, really nice flow.



Speaking of flow, He's Gone > Truckin' is beautifully transitioned, very smooth - like sliding a blue point oyster. And Feather & Doug The Dude are correct - this Star > MLB is simply gorgeous. It's #2 in my book - right up there with 11.11.73, which is my all time favorite. Three stars for the straight board. 4 1/2 if you have the software - it makes that much difference. I can see why this is a DP. There's lots of matrix potential hear if a decent (and rare) audience tape is ever found to give this some live atmospherics, and it's mixed with this board (re-engineered as I've done it). I can see a matrix of this being a solid five some day, if it isn't already a five with this Star > Dew.



Hmm, forget the 4 1/2 kids. After hearing this a few more times this week, this is definitely a five - this show is just too good to give it anything less... mind you, that's with the added bass, midrange, and reverb. - April 12, 2017Excellent Show. But Very Sterile SBD For This AUD Maven.

Reviewer: wingmaninflight - favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 16, 2017

Subject: smokin' cumberland i am just reviewing the cumberland its a killer should get yer feets and ass a moving enjoy!!!!!!!!!!! - March 16, 2017smokin' cumberland

Reviewer: gyaltsen - - February 19, 2016

Subject: grateful day I just downloaded this from losslesslegs.net because i'm iso the ultimate darkstar. So I've heard that this show May be the one. This Happens to be the day i was born as well! 9/21/72 12:05 pm 45 deg. lat. about 2 hours north of where the boys were setting up their equipment I was making my way into this little section on the universe. At one point I suppose from exhaustion mom decided to do a little mlb jam of here own and floated away towards the beautiful light above a little voice told her it wasn't time yet and down she returned to her body and got me here (thanks mom). So i guess the mlb thing is something i'm akin to. looking forward to hearing this dark star and see we it takes me to. - February 19, 2016grateful day

Reviewer: jpotts3 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 11, 2015

Subject: Melting white hot molten core of the sun Ahhh!!!!!!!

My head exploded, 'cause this is so good.... - November 11, 2015Melting white hot molten core of the sun

Reviewer: doug_the_dude - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 21, 2015

Subject: -- More September '72 perfection. Everything is beautiful here, but some particular standouts:



*Bird Song's lovely, acid-dripping jazz - maybe a personal fave highlight for me.

*Big River. In '72 this old fave had a real funky bounce, before they sort of smoothed it out.

*Playin'

*Cumberland

*Dark Star > MLB: I must say, this is one of THE absolute best Dark Star-related jams I've ever heard. Simply amazing stuff - the band is a furious ball of jazzified energy. - September 21, 2015--

Reviewer: reviewr - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 18, 2015

Subject: Outstanding! One of the best. - April 18, 2015Outstanding!

Reviewer: yamarva - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 4, 2015

Subject: Another review to add to the collection: Classic jazz era dead! When did Mile Davis open for them? Regardless, you can hear the influence here!



High points:



-Transition from Not Fade Away ---> GDTRFB, utterly smooth.



- Bird Song, is Keith the best thing that ever happened to the band? Obviously Pig was responsible for much of the dead’s early style and character, but Keith brought the piano/keys to the forefront and created the style of music I love so much in the grateful dead.



- Dark Star, what a build to an awesome new place at about 30mins! Holy Sh*t! - March 4, 2015Another review to add to the collection:

Reviewer: adam wron - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 27, 2015

Subject: What a pleasant surprise! What a joy as of late to see these previously restricted shows available for listening. Thanks for the 50th anniversary present! - February 27, 2015What a pleasant surprise!

Reviewer: Wang Dong - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 11, 2015

Subject: Top 3 show from 1972! Ok. Let's get to the highlights:



1) Birdsong-- this is a top 3 Birdsong from 72! Even with Jerry breaking a string early in the jam! After jerry breaks his string, Keith provides a vital stick save to make this jam good



2) El Paso-- I normally despise this song, but this might be not only the best version, but it made me enjoy this song for the first time EVER!



3) Ramble on Rose-- This here is aming the best versions I ever heard. Jerry's vocals are clear and the band is on the mark



4) Cumberland-- insanely spectacular version. My favorite version had always been the Europe 72 version, but this one is close.



5) Playing in the Band-- if it weren't for that incredible version on 8/27/72, this would be #1. Full throttle progressive jazz for the 1st 6 minutes, then it gets spacey for the final 4 minutes. But that full throttle jam part is out of this world.



To conserve time/space, I will simply state that this is the best pre-hiatus 2nd set I ever heard and arguably the best ever.

Or as the Grateful Deads own website review proclaimed:



"They can't all be the best, but this one might very well be" - January 11, 2015Top 3 show from 1972!

Reviewer: gordon hensley - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 8, 2015

Subject: best of the best this is just a great show with everything one could want... classic high energy and VERY creative birdsong, truckin' playin' dark star, morning dew, others



among the most intriguing parts of an across the board appealing show is bobby's playing in friend of the devil -- a true craftsman, playing 'lead' rhythm for much of the time. awesome. - January 8, 2015best of the best

Reviewer: boscomorgan - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 16, 2014

Subject: It doesn't get any better than this, it just doesn't If there is anyone out there that can find 1 negative i need to know what is. This dude keith and donna sucks or whatever . Wow a whole 33 shows you are making that up is there anyone as cool as you? You say that you got dicks picks all this re released stuff, albums and whatever else. The one thing that you don't have and never will is what the Grateful Dead was all about. From '78 up until brent passed we saw on average 43 shows a year afterbrent passed 10 a year because there was no reason to see more in fact it was pretty lame. Back to donna and keith........why did you go to shows anyway? You seem pretty geeky to me. I bet you did not see shows until vince welnick came around,which was way kool there was enough people already who had no idea why they were there. In closing this show 9/21/72 is very easily one of the top 20 shows the band ever played. There is nothing,not even 1 negative point about this show except for the fact i didn't go, i was still a little young. By the way you typed your little couple lines, the only point you make is you really did no get what the band had to offer on ay level. Completely without a clue. - January 16, 2014It doesn't get any better than this, it just doesn't

Reviewer: Donna_Sucked and We All Know It - favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 8, 2013

Subject: This is ridiculous Actually no those were not his exact words, not even close, but you have the basic premise correct - Jerry wanted their music to be for the people and saw mno need to capitalize over and over and over again. Weir is the problem, he is the one who b*t ched and whined about the soundbiards on the archive, he is a complete toolbox. I saw the Dead over 33 times, risking my life more than once. I have to0ns of spouindboards in my collection, and you know what - I have every album of theirs, on vinbly, on CD, on remasterered CD, I have 75% at least pf everything else they have released - the dicks picks, the road trips, the garscia series, etc. I don't buy the releases they really chop up, which unfortunately is to many, but obviously I support this band financially several times over. That still wasn't good enough for Weir. Then they just bailed on the whole thing and put it in rhino's hands, an even dumber move.



In any event this is a great show from a great band at one of their peaks, and one of the small handful of Dicks Picks that is worth owning because they don't chop it up too badly, and they actually did a decent mastering job on that one, which is a,so rare for a dicks picks. - November 8, 2013This is ridiculous

Reviewer: rumpled - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 30, 2013

Subject: Beautiful Show I downloaded this show from an Aud. a while back. Great show and great sound. It's pretty upsetting to know that these shows are being sucked up to sell as "Dick's Picks". Little by little disappearing into the pockets of I don't really care. In my opinion this is selfish. I'm sure from above Jerry would not approve of profits made from his music. His exact words I believe, "When were done with it I don't care where it goes". I don't think he meant for people to make money from it. I love this music from the bottom of my heart and soul. I may be wrong but that's how I feel, compassionate as was Jerry. - January 30, 2013Beautiful Show

Reviewer: jjf47 - - September 22, 2012

Subject: how the fuck do you listen to this show when there's no audio listing for it! A lot of you guys seem to have been able to othewise you wouldn't have written a review - how the fuck did you get to listen to it when no audio is shown or available - ? Would appreciate any insight anyone can give. Thanks. - September 22, 2012how the fuck do you listen to this show

Reviewer: Pinetarjunky - - March 11, 2011

Subject: Why bother? What's the point of making a review if I have to pay 20 dollars first to get the CD. - March 11, 2011Why bother?

Reviewer: ShowLove_ShineLight - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 15, 2010

Subject: Incredible! Personal favorite. I recall a few years ago I had 2 dates... one friday, one saturday. They both ended up canceling on me in 10 minutes. I put on the second set of this show, Which I had never heard... And by the end of the set, I was in such a great mood. Totally humbled before all of existence. So grateful.



Bird Song is the among the best ever. Keith drips some serious goo and jerry, of course...Also, stellar He's gone.



This show is really all about the Dark Star> Grass Jam > Morning Dew... Jerry sounded like he was picking a banjo in that jam out of DS. and then to drop the dew like that? Just not fair! And that doesn't even tell the whole story for the rest of set 2! Just listen, I won't ruin the rest for you. Smile smile smile. - October 15, 2010Incredible!

Reviewer: feather0926 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 21, 2010

Subject: my alltime favorite Dark Star Isn't this show GREAT!!!! The most abstract Dark Star in existence. I just pulled out Dicks Picks 36.It was exactly 38 years ago today the Dead performed on this night at The Spectrum. Incredible. I LOVE '72 Dead. - September 21, 2010my alltime favorite Dark Star

Reviewer: FrankFoster - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 19, 2010

Subject: Jazz Bluegrass Dick's favorite DS, amazing show throughout, amazing month and a half of GD history, get DP36, nuff said. FrankFoster -- April 19, 2010Jazz Bluegrass

Reviewer: BIG_R - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 14, 2009

Subject: 9-21-72 Super grate performance. I have had this sbd for several years so I can't comment on the sound quality of this LMA offering but if it's the same version it is fantastic. - October 14, 20099-21-72

Reviewer: clementinescaboose - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 1, 2009

Subject: 2nd best show of '72... ...after Veneta, but honestly THIS show might be even better, if not equal. had it for a while now as a dick's pick, and god does it SMOKE!! all the aforementioned highlights are right on target; PITB, CHINA>RIDER, CUMBERLAND, TRUCKIN, SUGARMAG, etc. but the real standout STAR>DEW is something every deadhead HAS TO HEAR. it is one of the most special things about this band, and why we love them so much...so fluid, so entrancing, so exciting!



A MUST HEAR/STREAM/STEAL - October 1, 20092nd best show of '72...

Reviewer: scottie78 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 11, 2009

Subject: Dark Star aka 'Acid Jazzgrass' This is why love the Dead so much...well, there are other reasons too, but...such a phenominal Dark Star inspired me to kinda lay out what I hear...is it what you hear? Hope it helps you explore...



(0:01)

- Theme

- Theme exploration

- Drifting away from the theme, getting spacey

- Jammy, trying to find their groove

(4:38)

- Jerry reminds us it’s Dark Star

- Jammy, exploratory

- Instruments really speaking to each other, you can hear the progress

- Space Jazz

- They can’t maintain bliss for too long, by law, so they fall back and keep exploring

- Phil sneaks up on you, then drops a Dark Star hint

- Jerry follows suit into the theme

(11:43)

- Theme in full

- Phil drops his post verse theme lick

- They drop quickly out of the main theme and into its 2nd cousin

- They become very mellow and exploratory, you can tell they have somewhere to go

- They pick up pace, they have left the launching pad

- They begin to dabble in some real pure jazz, but they remain afloat and uncommitted

- Acid Jazz

- Jazz

- They just keep flowing, really beautiful stuff

- They draw back a bit and get more exploratory, spacey

- Jazz (you think they’re peeking…)

- Space Jazz

- They ease off and get more spacey

- They’re afloat, very mellow (is that ‘the wheel’ I hear, ‘China Doll?’)

(30:00)

- They pick a direction and begin building

- It begins to morph into something beautiful

- Acid Jazzgrass --> THE SONG/SHOW PEEKS

- Jazzgrass

- Rock Jazz

- GDTRFB Jazz (a different take on an awesome theme, they stick to it, yet play a brand new song)

- They quickly slowdown, flow, and become ‘Morning Dew.’



...and it's still early in the second set...great show... - February 11, 2009Dark Star aka 'Acid Jazzgrass'

Reviewer: banksmc311 - - April 19, 2008

Subject: Nugs.net Thanks about the nugs.net tip. Good stuff. Still available even today. Looking forward to the Dark Star. - April 19, 2008Nugs.net

Reviewer: skuzzlebutt - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 20, 2006

Subject: Show of the year? As great as it was, I get a little tired of hearing the Springfield Creamery "Field Trip" show deified as though it is far ahead of its counterparts from this year. No doubt it was a fantastic show with a monster "Dark Star", but I feel it's a yet another case where great sounding copies have been in circulation for so long it's just become habit to anoint it as the year's best. To my ears, this outstanding show from the Spectrum has it all over 8/27/72 as a complete performance, and the Dark Star>Dew may be the best example of that combo ever played. A must have. - April 20, 2006Show of the year?

Reviewer: jfk62 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 24, 2006

Subject: Thankful for nugets.net I don't know how or why, but the SBD is still available for DL at the site. It sounds great as others have mentioned. Get it before they take it away!!! - March 24, 2006Thankful for nugets.net

Reviewer: gsvguitar - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 14, 2006

Subject: tasty Definitely one of the finer shows i have heard. grate half-step, and the saturday night is rockin'. I found myself bouncin all over my drivers seat the first time i heard it. the bird song as well has a great feel too it. Sound quality is solid. a little backround buzzing, but nothing out of the ordinary. Music gets 5, sound gets 4. I'm still gonna give the show a 5 because the music is soo good. Definitely worth the download......well...stream : ( - February 14, 2006tasty

Reviewer: orca54 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 2, 2005

Subject: First Show There is not much I can add to the discussion regarding the music but I can tell you all that the scene inside the Spectrum that night was electric if it was your first show- and laid back if that was what you wanted -there were ring dances going on at the rear of the hockey rink - you could cruise up and get close to the stage if you wanted to - the Dead came on early and played late.They were so good that it is no wonder that many of the songs they did that night became my favorite tunes to this day.There were many great shows in Philly but this one is truly special. - December 2, 2005First Show

Reviewer: Purple Gel - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 2, 2005

Subject: Great Show This is a great show through and through. As an aside, Keith didn't "have to die to get her out of the band", in fact, he actually died in a car crash sometime after leaving the band. The reasons for Keith's departure were more complex. He was getting stale on the keyboards, and doing too much smack, and supposedly he was not open to expanding his sound from the Grand piano to synthesizers and organs. Also there were allegations at the time of his departure of domestic abuse. While i agree that Donna was not always an asset to the sound, I think Keith was more at fault for their leaving the band. - September 2, 2005Great Show

Reviewer: jackiestraw - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 5, 2005

Subject: across the rio grande oh! This show deserves way more than a 5, it's supersonic, un freakin real, the sound is near perfect with every instrument and voice right there in the mix. if this dosn't have the # 1 versions of alot of tunes thay are #'s 2 and 3's.

One drummer dead at it's roarin best and mr kieth is tickling them ivories right fine like, it's amazin how he seamlessley blended into this band. i just wish he woulda left the missus at home to cook.. his fix and not ruin the mix. how can she live with her self? she must cringe when she hears some of the shows. to bad kieth had to die to get her outa the band! Anyway get this show it;s american r&r at it's best. In an ice rink for christ sakes! - August 5, 2005across the rio grande oh!

Reviewer: happy420 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 7, 2005

Subject: Dark Star Chronicles



At about



I'm gonna make two copies in case I lose one tripping... This recording is exceptional. It hurts my feelings that I wasn't born in time to witness this music first hand. All praise be to the Archive that I may at least know what I was missing!At about 8:20 in the Dark Star Jerry lets fly with some feedback that had me about tripping here at my desk. I locked my office door and just leaned back with my eyes closed. Sleep-dep probably helps, but I swear the eyelid movies were as real as yester-year...what seemed like a lifetime later (at only 10:20 my trusty Starcounter revealed) Jerry and Bobby were tickling my brain toward the first verse. At 11:30 the theme grounded me just in time for the lyrics to set me off in another direction. By 15:00 or so I had definately acheived lift-off, but the initial adrenaline of that gave way to the tranquility of interstellar travel...until about 19:06 when Jerry's wah ripped a whole in hyperspace...down the rabbit whole we go!!!I'm gonna make two copies in case I lose one tripping... - July 7, 2005Dark Star Chronicles

Reviewer: gphishmon - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 28, 2005

Subject: Great show, but ... I'm getting severe static on the last verse of China Cat, some more later in disk 1, and bad again just as Dark Star is getting intense. The Dark Star static tails off but doesn't go away entirely until partway into the Dew. I tried reburning disk 1 and got the exact same result (using Nero 6.0 demo version at 24x). Anyone else have this problem? Should I try a slower burn?



It's a great show, and I'd love to have a clean copy.



Edited to say: To answer my own question, it worked fined at 8x. Sad that it can't go faster, but glad to have a clean copy. The psychedeligrass/Mind Left Body jam is serious stuff! - June 28, 2005Great show, but ...

Reviewer: ChinaGoovyRider - favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 15, 2005

Subject: kieth's kick save kieth picks up the bird song jam as deftly as i have ever heard the dead. the MLB that leads into AN Dew is one of my favorite jams to wistle to. huge show, steller perfomences from the whole cast - June 15, 2005kieth's kick save

Reviewer: PUFFtronica - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 9, 2005

Subject: WoW WoW !!!!!!!!!! - June 9, 2005WoW

Reviewer: PHIL FACTOR - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 24, 2005

Subject: WHAT?? In response to the pouch guy below: Jerry started using smack in ' 77(listen to the first half of the eighties for that sound); and in response to the quality of the show... IT F**KIN' ROCKS BEYOND DESCRIPTION!!! Jerry is freakin'on fire. If this is what a smacked out Jerry sounded like then we as mere mortals couldn't handle his ass straight!!

NAMASTE! - May 24, 2005WHAT??

Reviewer: BigJDogg - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 6, 2005

Subject: Why don't you have this show yet?



Giving this show 5 stars is sort of a slap in the face to this show considering all this show has done for humanity, but alas, that's as high as the ratings go. Ah well. First of all I know pretty much everything there is to know about the Grateful Dead, and therefore my opinion is right ( i.e . fact). Secondly, in a history of mostly fine shows, this is one of the finest they ever did. This show has been known to divert hurricanes from hitting land, save children from orphanage fires, and clean off baby seals and ducks harmed in oil spills. Hell, just the Dark Star->Morning Dew alone could solve the Middle East crisis, if only our dolt of a President would let it.Giving this show 5 stars is sort of a slap in the face to this show considering all this show has done for humanity, but alas, that's as high as the ratings go. Ah well. - May 6, 2005Why don't you have this show yet?

Reviewer: darkstarpat - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 3, 2005

Subject: Monster Had to take a breather after the Morning Dew the first time I listened to this show, its f'in intense. The first set is fantastic, culminating in a near-perfect Playin' (right up there with 8/27 as my favorites for the year). Monster of a Dark Star. One of the best of the year, and thats saying a lot for 1972 - May 3, 2005Monster

Reviewer: dead trail - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 25, 2005

Subject: Five star Extravaganza While a fine performance is turned out by all involved, this show is Jerry, Jerry, Jerry! The Dark Star opening is unique with Garcia wailin' like a wildcat. Check out the fantastic Jack Straw intro. and ChinaCat erupting with fire. I only bother rating the shows I love, this joins the short, sweet list of five star extravaganzas. Is it me, or did the boys have a special affinity for Philly? - April 25, 2005Five star Extravaganza

Reviewer: markgugs - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 23, 2005

Subject: Obviously the person who reviewed this show before me is in the minority, and rightfully so.



This show is an absolute monster, easily a top 5 overall performance for the year. And yes, that's with realizing that 1972 was so strong. "China > Rider," "Playin'," "He's Gone > Truckin'," "Dark Star > Dew," "1/2-Step," "Sugar Mags," and "NFA > GDTRFB > NFA" are **ALL** stand-out tracks, with furious, dance-infested jamming taking place throughout.



This is absolutely a must-have show. Period.



Sound: A+

Show: A++ - April 23, 2005Obviously

Reviewer: JerryInaPouch - favorite favorite favorite - April 16, 2005

Subject: FIVE stars? Maybe four... OK here's the deal: I'm not trying to be overly harsh, but because there are so many shows out there, we "deadheads" (whatever that means) must be picky. I can't see myself listening to this whole show just because Jerry sounds smacked up. I know, I know... he was half his life. The Looser is alright, (not the best), and I'd say the highlight is Darkstar. The intruments were there; the vocals weren't. Sorry guys...three stars, four- tops. - April 16, 2005FIVE stars? Maybe four...

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

Subject: Phenomenal! This show already has a lot of reviews but I'm going to throw another log on the fire.



This is one of the best shows I have ever heard. Every tune just sparkles. The first set is a strand of f*ckin' pearls! The Bird Song, Loser, Cumberland, Playin are all some of the best versions ever. Truly amazing stuff.



The second set continues where the Playin' left off. The He's Gone is bliss, the Truckin' is crankin' and the Black Peter is blah, blah, blah. I haven't even mentioned the Dark Star>Morning Dew. I don't have time to try and come up with a better way of putting it except to say, that this was a special night and the band plays like the bad-ass jam masters they were. The worst I can say about this show is that the remaining songs can't possibly top what preceded them (even though they are also well played).



Erase what you have to on your hard drive and just down load the damned show! Make it happen! It's free (for now at least). This will probably be made into a Dick's Picks and yanked (temporarily from the line up). One of the best deals on the internet.



I agree that a lot of reviewers on this site get a little too happy with the 5-star rating but this show is a 10. - March 19, 2005Phenomenal!

Reviewer: gd_expert - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 16, 2005

Subject: Very High Energy This is the first show I'm rating. Glad its one from philly my hometown. Trust me when I say I've listened to tons of Dead. This show is worth all the five star reviews. Very High Energy. Nice seperation in sound and clarity. Definelty one of my top 5 first sets ever!! Get this show now if your a true Dead Head! - March 16, 2005Very High Energy

Reviewer: student_of_life - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 2, 2005

Subject: yikes this is a great, great show. I was born in 1982 so I cant say that I toured with the dead at their prime, but this show in particular is the best for me. This long show showcases the talent and originality of the dead. Truely unbelievable show. Dark Star, Morning Dew, Friend of the Devil...greatness - March 2, 2005yikes

Reviewer: Steak - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 28, 2005

Subject: What can I say Obviously one of the best. Im not downloading this because I already have it, but if you're actually reading this and dont have it then stop NOW and download it now... It really is stellar. The Big River is the best ever, like rolling water. Even the songs you dont like are amazing. The darks star, cumberland, dew, nfa>gdtrfb>nfa, half step, hes gone> Truckin- TRUCKIN? one of the best ever. Seriously, why are you wasting time reading this crap, just get it. - February 28, 2005What can I say

Reviewer: phleshy - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 26, 2005

Subject: An all-time great show... You CANNOT be without this show, folks. Everything else smokes but the DS>MLB>Dew should easily justify the download alone. The Dark Star in particular is one of the all-time best, up there with 12/6/73, 2/13/70, 4/24/72, 11/2/69, and 11/11/73. It is NOT to be missed. It is the Dead at their peak. - February 26, 2005An all-time great show...

Reviewer: Mountainman1969 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 17, 2005

Subject: A Wonderful Journey I had parts of this one on tape. I remembered that Dick played the Dark Star at Jerry's wake. This trully is a smooth, vast, eerie ride. The sound is wonderful. Each note just sits there... It's in my top ten. - February 17, 2005A Wonderful Journey

Reviewer: southernflavour - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 10, 2005

Subject: Dark Star - Morning Dew This part of the show really sticks out. - February 10, 2005Dark Star - Morning Dew

Reviewer: floydtrane - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 20, 2004

Subject: Holy Crap! Get this show! Let me repeat that, Get this Show! I am a huge 73-74 fan, and have recently been turned on to the '82 spring tour...but my god. This show is mammoth, the sound is incredible, and the music is scorching. The Dead stretch out intensly here, and at times, they can't be stopped... - December 20, 2004Holy Crap!

Reviewer: Godchauxfan - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 25, 2004

Subject: Probably the best This is it folks! The Dead climaxing at their best. 4 Cds of great playing, what more could you ask for? Despite a couple of small glitches, this is probably my favorite show. Sound quality is superb and the volume is high!



The Dark Star > Morning Dew is phenomenal. Dark Star is a monster! The players descend into uncharted territory of deep space and then sum it up with a great closing jam into Morning Dew.



And then you're treated with an energetic, early version of Half Step. Not one song on this concert is bad. It is truly amazing, and if there is ever a concert that can be life-changing, this might be it. - September 25, 2004Probably the best

Reviewer: sid weiss - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 18, 2004

Subject: great sound quality - September 18, 2004great sound quality

Reviewer: ouija - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 15, 2004

Subject: It's Amazing! It never ceases to amaze me that GD live tapes sound better than some current bands produced in studios and put out by big recording companies - crap that is overproduced, over processed, over compressed, over sampled, etc.....and the recording companies wonder why I do not buy music anymore.



Okay off my soapbox....



The sound is incredible on this show. When I think I have heard the best show elsewhere, it's always pleasant to run across gems like this.



Playing in the band is incredible and caused my alpha/beta waves to spasm and I swear I was getting flashbacks at work listening to this. My coworkers were wondering why I had grin on my face. I'll probably get drug tested tomorrow :)



He's Gone is one of my favorites - I can really feel this one... great song to come down home to.





Download this and save for your future grandchildren to have ....so they can rediscover the dead, understand what it is to feel the music, and save the world. Rent "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" and you will understand what I'm talking about. - September 15, 2004It's Amazing!

Reviewer: Thymer - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 30, 2004

Subject: Kind 72' Words cannot describe the second set of this show.



Jerry is in peak performance mode. This guy was Mozart of guitar... - August 30, 2004Kind 72'

Reviewer: dhs28 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 23, 2004

Subject: Perhaps the best of 72' Hard to pick a best show in such a consistently amazing year, but if I had to pick just one, this would be it. Jerry is his usual stellar self, but really of note is that this might be Bobby's finest night on stage - his singing and playing is very strong throughout. As stated before the Dark Star > Dew is beyond description - amazing. - August 23, 2004Perhaps the best of 72'

Reviewer: Ox Fall Down - favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 22, 2004

Subject: Is the FOTD apocryphal? Seems really out of place. - August 22, 2004Is the FOTD

Reviewer: spinyn - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 16, 2004

Subject: Monster This is an amazing show! So well played, from beginning to end. Great versions of everything. This is a classic!!! - August 16, 2004Monster

Reviewer: n8 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 31, 2004

Subject: Perfection



We get almost three full minutes of Mind Left Body teases, then at about



Morning Dew. Perfection.



You need this. Dark Star>MLB>Morning DewWe get almost three full minutes of Mind Left Body teases, then at about 33:30 Jerry rips into it in earnest, masterful, in tune (thankfully)right into...Morning Dew. Perfection.You need this. - July 31, 2004Perfection

Reviewer: dr. flashback - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 7, 2004

Subject: Top 5! It's a crime this was never a Dick's Picks. It heartily deserves it. Every show from Sept 72 (and I have them all thanks to LAMA)is just stellar. I can recommend them all. This show's highlights include,well, Jerry! The Bird Song, the RR Blues,the Cumberland, the Black Peter!!!! And Dick was correct, the Dark Star>Morning Dew is the best version ever of this pairing. It always gives me cold chills. In its own way, this show stands up to 5/11 and 8/27. Highly recommended!

Dr. Flashback ;-) - July 7, 2004Top 5!

Reviewer: xonix - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 7, 2004

Subject: One of Dick's favourite shows ever This is what Dicks wrote about this show in a essay/review of the year 1972.



"Now to the really exceptional material. First up is

9/21/72- Philadelphia Spectrum. This show is one of my favorite shows

ever. This version of "Dark Star->Morning Dew" might be the best one!

(there is a jam segment that is very unique and thrilling, and one that I

don't really think that I have ever heard before.) The "Not Fade

Away->GDTRFB->NFA" is another delicious morsel from this power packed

evening. Each song is well played and worthy of attention. I think the

other major highlights are "Sugar Magnolia", "Bird Song", "Loser",

"Playing in the Band", "Truckin", and "Cumberland Blues".



An awesome show. China Cat > Rider is also really really great. I don't think the Dark Star comes that close to 27/08/72's greatness, but it is pretty damn good overall and as Dick says there are some really unique parts of it (same with 27/08/72). - May 7, 2004One of Dick's favourite shows ever