favorite favorite favorite favorite

Well with this review the Dr. embarks on my new mission to pick my top ten shows for 1987.A complex year to be sure. Some feel that since Jerry was just recently back from his coma in 1986, that the playing during most of 1987 was a bit subdued, the jamming kept within safe bounds. Plus you have what should have been the "dream shows" with Bob Dylan during July 87 - in fact being a bit lackluster compared to other shows that year, especially in the Fall tour, 9/18/87 being one example.However, when the 80's shows are viewed from a whole decade's perspective, 1987 certainlybelongs somewhere near the top of the list. The band and Jerry was revitalized, new songs likeMasterpiece and Watchtower were added, and over the years, runs such as Spring 87, the Fall run at MSG and the Shoreline shows in October have now become favorites of many.This fine show at the Frost is an easy pick to be sure, but I have to start somewhere!The first set starts off with a bang and features an interesting mix of tunes. Jerry's voice is ingood form on West LA and Stagger Lee. The crowd howls during Rooster and sends Garcia off into a nice slide solo. Then Brent takes a chunky funky B3 solo that really brings it to a new level. Bobby behaves himself on slide pretty well, and then by the second half the whole chicken house is on fire! Dire Wolf is rollicking fun and a nice surprise. Far From Me is acceptable, if the weak link in the chain here. At least it's better than Tons of Steel. Jack Straw really takes it into high gear, with clean sparkling leads from Jerry and the drums driving the train. The jamming near the end takes no prisoners.Okay, they've played an old favorite like they meant it, what about a newer song? Push fills the bill here, a song that sadly was not played enough. A great Jerry vehicle. The mandatory OMSN ends the set (it was Saturday night after all). A good first set, no bad songs, strong playing throughout, if lacking in jams.But it does the job of a first set, putting a smile on your face and generating lots of energy that makes you ready for some serious Dead in Set Two. The band does not disappoint those expectations.Set Two contains songs that in my opinion, found new ground, new heights in the 80's. China>Rider, Terrapin and Morning Dew to name three. China Cat features the great counterpoint interplay between Jerry and Phil that made the song what it is. Phil and the drums build to an exciting intensity before rolling into Rider. An up tempo Rider that doesn't let go. Jerry nails every note, he soars, he twangs, he soars again. "Wish I was a headlight" is belted out by Jerry and gets a roar from the crowd. Okay, you're either on the train or it's run over you by this point.And by the way, this new Miller upgrade has a just the right mix of crowd to give you thetrue concert experience. Great!Time to get cosmic. Playin in the Bong, I mean Band sets the tone for the rest of the set.Another song that was waiting for Brent's B3 to achieve a new and richer sonority and a good sound platform for Jerry and Phil to launch from. A very spacey and for the most part mellow jam ensues with some fine wah work from Garcia. Then they drop perfectly into a mythical Terrapin. Nice dynamics here, from tinkling quiet to monster drum explosions and Jerry blazing away. The jam at 4:30 is almost Dark Star like and pretty. Then at 8:00 Jerry unleashes the tiger and Phil starts dropping the bombs. One of the more raunchy and energetic Terrapins of the year. The Who who?1977 fans take note - this second set could well be a 1977 set, except for the encore.Space immediately takes you through the portal of the 4th dimension with heavy Mickey sub tones on the Beam and Jerry sailing above the fray with laser like leads bouncing from star to star. A very deep and introspective Space. Those present and dosed probably discovered the meaning of the universe during this portion of the show.A few Truckin teases commence at 8:00, and the crowd hears it, but Garcia decides to draw it outto oblivion and stretches time and space, finally lighting the fuse into a full blown tie-dyedTruckin. Bob even remembers the words. Caution - Phil bombs ahead!!How can they top that? With a powerhouse Morning Dew. Garcia delivers the goods like a man who has stared death in the face and come back to testify. Because he did and he does.The band is in synch and makes the song sound brand new, not an easy task for one this old. By 4:20 into the song (I'm not lying) the band has found the "11" knob on their amps and seemingly brings back the Wall of Sound. Jerry's solo at 5:20 is nothing short of outragious. What guitar could survive such abuse? Crowd applause, then they drop it back down to just Garcia's voice alone ringing out in the hall. Chills and thrills. Will it get loud again?You betcha. Brent pulls a fire breathing dragon out of his organ and Jerry is just stupendous.Such fury, such pathos.A very strong show, four stars and a top ten for 1987.Recommended!cheers,Dr. Flashback