Minglewood Blues, Loser, El Paso, They Love Each Other, Jack Straw, Deal, Lazy Lightning-> Supplication, Brown Eyed Women, Mama Tried, Row Jimmy, Dancin' In The Streets Scarlet Begonias-> Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet, Saint Stephen-> Not Fade Away-> Saint Stephen-> Morning Dew, E: One More Saturday Night

freshly remastered Betty Board with AUD splices, by Rob Eaton;







Betty Board Portion -- Master 7" Nagra reels 1/2 track @ 7.5ips>Sony PCM 501. Playback on Sony PCM 701>DAT (Digital Transfer) -- Rob Eaton DBX Decoding (Spring '99) Playback on Panasonic 4100 DAT>DB 924 D/A>Dolby 361's w/dbx K9-22 Cards>DB 124 A/D>Neve Capricorn (Digital mixing console)>DB 300S>Panasonic 4100 DAT>DAT>Digi Coax Cable>Tascam CD-RW 700>CDR (x1)>SHN (Rob Eaton remaster)







Audience Portion -- Steve Maizner's Sony ECM-990>Sony TC-152 aud master>First Gen Reel>played directly to hard drive. The excellent aud splices were normalized and patched using ProTools by Karen Hicks

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comment Reviews

Reviewer: TheBrownAcid - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2020

Subject: Happy Anniversary!

https://www.mediafire.com/?olr59ph3o1zii



As for whether this is the best Dead show or not, who cares? This is a great show. The 2nd set is simply amazing. If you claim to like the Grateful Dead its mandatory to have this in your music library. FYI, here is a great link to download Dead shows including this oneAs for whether this is the best Dead show or not, who cares? This is a great show. The 2nd set is simply amazing. If you claim to like the Grateful Dead its mandatory to have this in your music library. - May 8, 2020Happy Anniversary!

Reviewer: c-freedom - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 19, 2019

Subject: Dizzy ain't the word



Kind Veggie Burrito wrap-up-

-----------Himalayan peaks:

Dancin- key to igniting this show

NF

MORNING DEW-size up your "GOAT" right here

(One of the best DEW crescendo endings ever)

----------scenic overlooks-

Lightning>Supplication, Keith- Bob & Donna

Row Jimmy, -Keith

Scarlet>Fire, -Jerry flows

Saint Stephen-Focused and to the point

----------Meadows & Streams:

Everything else is solid and sound is top shelf

----------valley:

a few minor vocal flubs (but no trainwrecks)

-----------swamp:

dead air, pace or flow often an issue during 1977

(I admit not everybody considers that an issue)



Honorable mention- Phil, Billy, Keith, Mickey



Might be wise to treat this as being part

of any basic Dead Collection

like having all the studio stuff,

Europe 72 & Live Dead.

(rather than getting bent on a 'Holy Grail' trip)



My basis for a 5 star show * * * * *

-WOULD I HAVE GONE TO THIS SHOW

-WOULD I HAVE HAD FUN

-DID THEY GIVE US OUR MONEY'S WORTH

-WOULD I PASS THIS SHOW ON TO SOMEONE ELSE

-DOES THE SHOW STICK WITH ME

c freedom Goal- objective review of this show?Kind Veggie Burrito wrap-up------------Himalayan peaks:Dancin- key to igniting this showNF A.- Absolute panic of a Garcia jam-WOWMORNING DEW-size up your "GOAT" right here(One of the best DEW crescendo endings ever)----------scenic overlooks-Lightning>Supplication, Keith- Bob & DonnaRow Jimmy, -KeithScarlet>Fire, -Jerry flowsSaint Stephen-Focused and to the point----------Meadows & Streams:Everything else is solid and sound is top shelf----------valley:a few minor vocal flubs (but no trainwrecks)-----------swamp:dead air, pace or flow often an issue during 1977(I admit not everybody considers that an issue)Honorable mention- Phil, Billy, Keith, MickeyMight be wise to treat this as being partof any basic Dead Collectionlike having all the studio stuff,Europe 72 & Live Dead.(rather than getting bent on a 'Holy Grail' trip)My basis for a 5 star show * * * * *-WOULD I HAVE GONE TO THIS SHOW-WOULD I HAVE HAD FUN-DID THEY GIVE US OUR MONEY'S WORTH-WOULD I PASS THIS SHOW ON TO SOMEONE ELSE-DOES THE SHOW STICK WITH MEc freedom - October 19, 2019Dizzy ain't the word

Reviewer: Liquid Jerry - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 11, 2019

Subject: The Best? It's impossible, and as a result, pointless, to rank shows, individual performances, songs or anything else related to the Grateful Dead as "best" or "worst" or anything in between. To paraphrase Peter Parker, with subjectivity comes great ambiguity. We can talk all day about an individual's "best," "worst," etc. But a universal one? It's meaningless.

That said, it's clear this concert is one of the band's high points, from both a musical proficiency and sonically explorative standpoints. And it is my personal favorite, with 3-23-74 a close second. Speaking of which, while this is my favorite show, 1974 is my favorite year overall.

For my money, the "Morning Dew" here is worth the price of admission alone -- and without question my favorite version. To this day, this performance leaves me exhilarated, exhausted and awestruck by the end of it. I've managed to learn Garcia's two leads to the point I can play them fairly competently. My performance is a poor-man's version, at best, but it's the only Dead song I've done that for. It's that good, IMHO. The other highlights for me include "Brown Eyed Woman," "Mama Tried," "St. Stephen," "Jack Straw," and "Estimated," but every song on here is a treat in one way or another. - June 11, 2019The Best?

Reviewer: RiPHRaPH - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 29, 2019

Subject: Very well played but not the pinnacle We can begin by stating that this is a top show in the top month in the top year of the top band.

Listening to the concert in its entirety enables one to catch subtle nuances and tones.

I see many others assigning an overall rating based on recording quality or elevating shows that they attended or have a strong affinity for.

I just don't see the sustained energy that others see. First, lets begin with some facts. There are 6 cover songs here, allowing for Lazy/Supplication as GD songs due to their close proximity. There is no definitive Phil Zone here. It is nearly but not a 3 hr long show. The St Stephen is rare even for '77. Here are some observations.

Disappointing opening selection in Minglewood.

Loser is a top choice but not the raw emotion of 9/3/77

El Paso is nice but nobody is going to rate a show based on this song. Give me TLEO from '73, all others pale.

JStraw is nice but without the peaks of subsequent years (kudos to Jerry for nailing his 2 lines) Deal seems misplaced, won't find its legs and finish till it reached 1st set ending status. VG BEW but Hartford was best. Never been a fan of Dancin' --> nice 1st set, but no versions that transcend '77 (ex. Sugaree, 5/28/77 Hartford).

Not even the best Take a Step Back of that tour (9/3/77)

26 min Scarlet/Fire? Nice, but nobody will call it transitional. Top Estimated. Fantastic St>NFA>St. Best DEW of all time. OMSN falls flat as an encore.

2nd set is robbed of those great transitions between songs where you just float-->next song. Missing that texture and feel. Overall, very well played but seems a bit utilitarian.

Splitting hairs here as this week of shows bridges the gap between Swing show 2/27 and the beautiful Wonderland 3 night run 6/7-6/8-6/9.

The illustrious fall '77 tour never happens without this and other shows of May '77.

*disclaimer, my first show was 12/3/1979.Peace. - May 29, 2019Very well played but not the pinnacle

Reviewer: !drewski1972 - favorite favorite favorite - May 16, 2019

Subject: Not best Not Fade Away Winterland 3-18-77, Its the show when the only Allahmbra was played. And the NFA is great especially after the 10 min mark!! If you can find an uncut version. My old tape is not cut, and I wish I could upload it to archive.com . check it out tho. - May 16, 2019Not best Not Fade Away

Reviewer: a dyed head - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2019

Subject: Another Barton Hall Day Rejoice. And LISTEN to this show one mo' time. - May 8, 2019Another Barton Hall Day

Reviewer: Tio Pancho - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 30, 2019

Subject: Pinnacle Best Loser, Deal, & Row Jimmy I’ve ever heard. - April 30, 2019Pinnacle

Reviewer: books@fm - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 5, 2019

Subject: agree on the not fad best I ever heard - April 5, 2019agree on the not fad

Reviewer: dant56 - - March 16, 2019

Subject: I was there ....but who can remember? Thankfully there is the archive to remind me. I was living on a branch of Gaskin's commune The Farm in upstate NY and a bunch of decided to go. We had no money or tickets and BSed our way in at the back door with a line about St. Stephen Being about Stephen Gaskin.

I also saw them at Watkins Glen in '73 and Winterland in '74. I never thought the live shows were that great. I guess I wasn't stoned enough. - March 16, 2019I was there

Reviewer: pevsfreedom - favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 10, 2018

Subject: Unbelievable! As a relatively new head (~10 years?) I'm just starting to get more into individual shows. I made an account here just to comment on the Stephen -> NFA************. Unbelievable guitar playing; Jerry was absolutely f'kin smokin. LSD raining down from the heavens like mana unto the Earth. And of course I've been listening to the Scarlet Fire for years, thinking it's the best I've ever heard, never knowing it was from this show. A second set for the ages. -1 for first set. Glad to have my first review here be for this sweet gem. - November 10, 2018Unbelievable!

Reviewer: DeadReckoning - - October 13, 2018

Subject: Lazy Lightening? O man.....I've always loved this song and from the first time I heard it, it made a profound impact on my ears & cranium. How could you not dig this tune? Its got one of Jerry's most amazing jams ever & I've heard so many great versions. One of the few songs I never got to hear live but always wished I would. Be great if DeadCo brought it back....my life would be complete haha. - October 13, 2018Lazy Lightening?

Reviewer: Stevie_paaay - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 29, 2018

Subject: Lazy Lightning Amazing show, obviously, but it appears not many people like Lazy Lightning. I myself am partial to it. - August 29, 2018Lazy Lightning

Reviewer: CarrionCrow - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2018

Subject: Barton Hall Day!! Howdy! Its May 8th, Barton Hall Day!!! A nice day to be grateful for all things Dead. Required listening is, at the very least, Morning Dew from this legendary date. - May 8, 2018Barton Hall Day!!

Reviewer: Punny2404 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 9, 2017

Subject: 40 Year Anniversary of Grateful Dead LIVE at Cornell '77 Listening to it, again, now. And finally there's an official release of this famed transcendent concert in Barton Hall from 1977, 40 Years ago!



A truly classic live performance. Between the caliber of the band, the set list, and it's mere location within time and space. What more can be said about this that hasn't already been said more eloquently. Right now, MAY we just enjoy the show, as it was so many years ago, today. Gratefully the 'Dead and this performance will continue to LIVE on forever through the archives and tapes.



..There's NOTHING like a Grateful Dead concert!



Edit: I wrote and listened to this on MAY 8th, don't know why it says the 9th... - May 9, 201740 Year Anniversary of Grateful Dead LIVE at Cornell '77

Reviewer: mtym1885 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2017

Subject: Forty Years Ago (Today) And still the very best.



I play it when I am working and when I am just hanging out.



Cornell Class of 1984 - May 8, 2017Forty Years Ago (Today)

Reviewer: nigeldavahah - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 27, 2017

Subject: DiscoDead. The show that never Happened. Dead sneaking some disco quality into their show of Rock , country , jazz , and R&B. I like the next night just as well!!! Help >Slip>Franklins Tower!!! - April 27, 2017DiscoDead.

Reviewer: cornell'77 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 19, 2017

Subject: I was there This was literally a few days before graduation in 1977. I knew it was a great show but never realized how great until listening to it now 40 years later. What memories! cornell'77 -- March 19, 2017I was there

Reviewer: grateful phishmon - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 18, 2017

Subject: Even though there are plenty better shows ... I can't give this any less than 5 stars. The sheer power of the St. Stephen>Not Fade Away>St. Stephen>Morning Dew sets this show above all others from 1977, IMO. I had a poor, Half-Step slow cassette of the second set for many years before I heard a good quality tape and before I heard any of the first set. I didn't really care that much for the Scarlet, too much Donna warbling, but it has grown on me, and of course Fire has got to be the absolute best version (except 3/5/81, of course). Estimated from those days is pretty raw, and Bob steps on Jerry's solo by coming back in with "Na-na-na-na" just as Jerry's hitting his stride, but Jerry just changes course and makes it sound planned.



Then the tape flips, and they start up St. Stephen, and we're off on a wild and crazy ride. There's a point about 3 minutes before the actual return to St. Stephen, which I thought would have been the perfect place to make the transition, but instead Jerry pulls up into NFA chording, followed by a mini-drum break. The transition is a gorgeous one when it does arrive. What more needs to be said about the Dew.



To be honest, I'm not that big a fan of the Dancing from this show; it kinda drags, IMO. There are better ones out there where Jerry makes equally heavy use of the envelope filter at a slightly faster tempo. (On relistening, the tempo doesn't seem that much a problem once the jam gets going.) And certainly it's a blasé first set otherwise --- no Help>Slip!, no Let It Grow, not even a Cassidy, Jack Straw drags, Keith is stuck in chord mode). And I can think of probably at least a dozen shows off hand from 72-74 that I like better than this or any 77 show. But this one carries so much emotional weight in the Heady community, and is so powerful towards the end, that now that it's been released, I highly recommend getting your copy while you can. Now they just need to release 7/18/76 and 1/22/78, and they'll have covered that period very well. - March 18, 2017Even though there are plenty better shows ...

Reviewer: AdamZ - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 10, 2017

Subject: No reveiws since May '16? Visiting Cornell this past summer I saw the Barton Hall being remodeled from the ROTC into a sports complex for indoor track etc. Couldn't go in with all the construction going on. - January 10, 2017No reveiws since May '16?

Reviewer: redfastback - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2016

Subject: Always Epic Listenng to now, 34 years later! Some truly epic jams. Really is a classic... - May 8, 2016Always Epic

Reviewer: Dabs LSD and DEAD - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 30, 2016

Subject: Unhuman This show is unreal.



That jam after the first verse of Fire.... JESUS. Beautiful.



Although my fav part of this show is that morning dew. The Band was simply on another level that night. All of em. - March 30, 2016Unhuman

Reviewer: boxhead - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 27, 2016

Subject: new find Although I have been a fan a long time and listen to GDRADIO.NET for hours a week , I've never heard about this gem of a show.

Taking my daughter to see Cornell, as we entered Barton Hall our twenty something tour guide merrily cranked out "if we have any old GD fans - some people say this was the sight of the best show ever". Listening to this i can see why. Even "Dancing" - I never cared too much for this song but what Jerry did on this version was fantastic. Only bummer is that i wasn't there.

You never know where your going to come across a treasure. - March 27, 2016new find

Reviewer: benjaminfranklinmusic - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 24, 2015

Subject: Keith on Keys This is definitely a great show audio-wise and what's even more interesting is that you can hear Keith playing the organ so clearly. It really comes to life right in the beginning during Loser. This is cool to me considering Keith wasn't really the strongest organ player but could still lay down some different colors from time to time for Jerry to solo over and accentuate the band. - November 24, 2015Keith on Keys

Reviewer: dreatimeland - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 26, 2015

Subject: It really comes down to the Morning Dew. I can see why this is so highly regarded. It is funny though as I navigate my way through a number of spring 77 shows, I find many of theses shows have their staunch advocates. That said, i see that each one of these shows (Boston, Buffalo, Alabama, Atlanta, Baltimore, NYC, Hollywood Florida, Winterland all have their strengths) The thing that separates Barton Hall is the exceptional Morning Dew. I have many of these spring 77 shows handy, but my favorite go to recordings are 8-6-71 Bertrando`s, 9-28-72, 2-13-70 and 3-15-90. I find this Barton hall is especially about Jerry being on top of his game where I like to hear the interplay of the early 70`s along with the ambiance and personal interaction of of the 60`s and early 70`s. I`m also a huge fan of Brent in the late 80`s. As far as the set list here and throughout spring 77, they played the heck out of Help-Slip-Franklins-Sampson. Anyway, it is a blessing to have access to all of these wonderful recordings. When, I get bored with one show or period then I can move on for a while. - July 26, 2015It really comes down to the Morning Dew.

Reviewer: Colo2112 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2015

Subject: N.F.A 1965-1995 !!! - May 8, 2015N.F.A 1965-1995

Reviewer: grateful hillbilly - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 8, 2015

Subject: I know the horse is dead...yet I am compelled to beat it anyway...



Additionally, every person has their own opinion, as well as their own subjective filter by and through which they interpret a show. Song choice/set list, era, and many other factors influence individual opinion.



That being said I keep coming back to this show over and over. Having listened to hundreds of shows, making my own list of top shows, revisiting those, etc. no show I have ever heard EXCEEDS this show. Personally I am a '73 fan, but there are valid arguments to be made for each era's superiority.



Here is why this show is one of, if not the best. All arguments about Jerry being the leader aside, he was definitely the heart and soul of the band, especially post Pig. Listen to the energy from the beginning to the end of this show. Listen specifically to the energy Jerry had throughout the entire show. Listen to what he is doing on the guitar in El Paso, Jack Straw, Deal, etc. and you will realize that there is an extra vibrancy even in the old standbys at the beginning of the show.



That doesn't even begin to consider the songs that everyone raves about, Row Jimmy, Dancin, Scarlet-Fire, St Stephen-NFA-St Stephen, Morning Dew...mere words cannot do justice. Words like amazing and unbelievable and incomparable don't capture the immensity of awe they inspire. The whole is far greater than the sum of the parts, transcending even time and space...



And PHIL, on PHIRE. Phil is the engine, driving the juggernaut. He and Jerry and Bobby were feeding off each other, inspiring each other, and the crowd was feeding off them, and they were feeding off the crowd. This is a shining example of how the Dead and the crowd all formed a cohesive, organic whole.



As a musician and a person who has observed many, many musicians over many, many years I can tell you that musicians are like athletes. Most especially, elite musicians are like elite athletes, there are days where everything you do is magical,



For the Grateful Dead this happened many times. For the Grateful Dead this happened on the stage of Barton Hall, at Cornell University, in Ithaca NY on the 8th of May, 1977. So this is simple, as the Grateful Dead were all actually human beings (contrary to various lysergically induced musings), it was not possible for them to play a perfect show. Every show has a missed lyric or someone hits a clinker.Additionally, every person has their own opinion, as well as their own subjective filter by and through which they interpret a show. Song choice/set list, era, and many other factors influence individual opinion.That being said I keep coming back to this show over and over. Having listened to hundreds of shows, making my own list of top shows, revisiting those, etc. no show I have ever heard EXCEEDS this show. Personally I am a '73 fan, but there are valid arguments to be made for each era's superiority.Here is why this show is one of, if not the best. All arguments about Jerry being the leader aside, he was definitely the heart and soul of the band, especially post Pig. Listen to the energy from the beginning to the end of this show. Listen specifically to the energy Jerry had throughout the entire show. Listen to what he is doing on the guitar in El Paso, Jack Straw, Deal, etc. and you will realize that there is an extra vibrancy even in the old standbys at the beginning of the show.That doesn't even begin to consider the songs that everyone raves about, Row Jimmy, Dancin, Scarlet-Fire, St Stephen-NFA-St Stephen, Morning Dew...mere words cannot do justice. Words like amazing and unbelievable and incomparable don't capture the immensity of awe they inspire. The whole is far greater than the sum of the parts, transcending even time and space...And PHIL, on PHIRE. Phil is the engine, driving the juggernaut. He and Jerry and Bobby were feeding off each other, inspiring each other, and the crowd was feeding off them, and they were feeding off the crowd. This is a shining example of how the Dead and the crowd all formed a cohesive, organic whole.As a musician and a person who has observed many, many musicians over many, many years I can tell you that musicians are like athletes. Most especially, elite musicians are like elite athletes, there are days where everything you do is magical, i.e . "in the zone". For musicians, this is where energy and creativity combine with inspiration to flow as if divinely sourced.For the Grateful Dead this happened many times. For the Grateful Dead this happened on the stage of Barton Hall, at Cornell University, in Ithaca NY on the 8th of May, 1977. - April 8, 2015I know the horse is dead...yet I am compelled to beat it anyway...

Reviewer: medegz9507 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 7, 2015

Subject: Amazing!! First, I would like to know how I can download the MP3s so that I can put these shows on my mobile device and I do not need to use mobile data to stream the shows. The links below did not work for me.



Secondly,



I have always loved the Dead, but since Phish returned to touring in 2009, I have really been caught up in their scene again. However, the recent announcement of the Deads 50th shows, with Trey onboard, I have had a wonderful resurgence of listening to past Dead shows. Unfortunately, I am old enough to only have been able to see one Dead show, in '94, then Jerry died. Phish has been more my generation and love em or hate them, they have continued a scene and amazing American subculture that needs to be perpetuated and I, for one, am over the moon about my two favorite bands and the two greatest figureheads of a culture I love so much, finally merging together to celebrate the Godfathers of our world. - March 7, 2015Amazing!!

Reviewer: Johnny-Mac - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 1, 2015

Subject: REALLY? Um - you know, there's a reason why Cornell 5-8-77 gets referred to as "Legendary" "Best" etc., etc.

Because IT IS Legendary and rightfully so.

Unless someone cut your feet off so you can't dance AND poked out both of your eardrums so you can't hear before you ever listened to this show you know it is undeniably a FANTASTIC show.

I wasn't there, unfortunately, but my 1st show was Flushing Meadows, July '69, at the New York Pavilion at the old Worlds Fair Sight (think Men In Black) so I have been listening for a long time and this is one of my favorite shows. Even way back when was all I had was a many generations old Aud. Cassette like everyone else had, I would put this sucker into my Walkman, or whatever it was, before I'd go for a run in Wilbur Park in Oneonta, NY. I RUN not jog. I'd cue up Scarlet-Fire and take off. Sometimes I'd be dancing as I ran - couldn't help it - and like I said - I RUN. And it was magical. Dangerous, maybe, but magical. I would be sailing along in our own little world - the one Fantastic Dead tunes allows us admission to. So Haters: don't hate just to hate. LISTEN. These fresh, cleaned-up recordings are a treat, so treat yourself. You may well be pleasantly surprised if you let go your prejudice. Enjoy - God Bless

And Thank You, Guys, for making this sound so great. Nice work! - January 1, 2015REALLY?

Reviewer: jerrygarciafan - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 13, 2014

Subject: What can I say Sounds pretty darn good to me. Soundboard, Cornell '77, and a Scarlet/Fire that rocks your frigging socks off? No more need be said. Classic performance with excellent sound quality. jerrygarciafan -- December 13, 2014What can I say

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

Subject: Streaming only Keep it up, ya' knotheads. Eventually everything will go streaming only. Remember the big shit-storm when the SBD tapes were pulled? Get ready for round 2.



That little crab-fest done with, this really is a great show. I was on the other side of the country and was too busy to go to shows back then. Unless they were in Seattle or Portland.



The sound quality and the pure energy of the show is chilling, even all these years later. Hence, the "5" rating.



I know how I get these recordings into hard copy but, I sure as Hell wouldn't talk about it here. - October 24, 2014Streaming only

Reviewer: mocha1coop - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 9, 2014

Subject: MP3 Conversion



Good luck! Hhahn56, I know I've converted the files to play in iTunes, though I don't recall exactly how. I think I used WinAmp to do it, but not sure how. This is what I pulled up online that should save you from downloading another application: http://www.ehow.com/how_6571691_change-m3u-mp3.html#page=0 Good luck! - May 9, 2014MP3 Conversion

Reviewer: hhahn56 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 4, 2014

Subject: Excellent Show Not the place to ask this question I'm sure but am new to this and wonder if there is some way to get itunes to recognize this on my ipod. Plays on computer only. Probably nothing I can do because of Apple. - May 4, 2014Excellent Show

Reviewer: chris phillips - favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 7, 2014

Subject: consistent This show has my vote for best Estimated.

Loser is killer.

Everything else is played well. - April 7, 2014consistent

Reviewer: toledoj - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 25, 2014

Subject: Download Links



Links provided are direct to



1. Minglewood Blues:



2. Loser:



3. El Paso:



4. They Love Each Other:



5. Jack Straw:



6. Deal:



7. Lazy Lightning -> Supplication:



8. Brown Eyed Women:



9. Mama Tried:



10. Row Jimmy:



11. Dancin' In The Streets:



12. Take A Step Back/Tuning:



13. Scarlet Begonias-> Fire On The Mountain:



14. Estimated Prophet:



15. Tuning/Dead Air:



16. Saint Stephen:



17. Not Fade Away:



18. Saint Stephen:



19. Morning Dew:



20. Saturday Night: Here ya go everyone. Dead is meant to be shared!Links provided are direct to Archive.org servers so it is the exact MP3 files you're listening to in the streaming app.1. Minglewood Blues: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d1t01_vbr.mp3 2. Loser: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d1t02_vbr.mp3 3. El Paso: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d1t03_vbr.mp3 4. They Love Each Other: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d1t04_vbr.mp3 5. Jack Straw: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d1t05_vbr.mp3 6. Deal: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d1t06_vbr.mp3 7. Lazy Lightning -> Supplication: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d1t07_vbr.mp3 8. Brown Eyed Women: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d1t08_vbr.mp3 9. Mama Tried: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d1t09_vbr.mp3 10. Row Jimmy: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d2t01_vbr.mp3 11. Dancin' In The Streets: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d2t02_vbr.mp3 12. Take A Step Back/Tuning: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d2t03_vbr.mp3 13. Scarlet Begonias-> Fire On The Mountain: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d2t04_vbr.mp3 14. Estimated Prophet: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d3t01_vbr.mp3 15. Tuning/Dead Air: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d3t02_vbr.mp3 16. Saint Stephen: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d3t03_vbr.mp3 17. Not Fade Away: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d3t04_vbr.mp3 18. Saint Stephen: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d3t05_vbr.mp3 19. Morning Dew: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d3t06_vbr.mp3 20. Saturday Night: https://archive.org/download/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf/gd77-05-08eaton-d3t07_vbr.mp3 - March 25, 2014Download Links

Reviewer: chinacatsunflower420 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 4, 2013

Subject: So many "Best Version" songs here Contrary to popular opinion, this show is NOT overrated. First off I wanna state that this is one of the best Dead shows I have ever heard.

Dancing in the streets is hands down, THE BEST version the Dead have ever pulled off. It's funky, the playing is tight, the jamming is loose, Jerry is making some crazy spacey, lazer beam sounding notes, and the rest of the band are all in sync to the jam. It is seriously my favorite jam from the dead, from any song. I honestly cannot get enough of it. My absolute favorite part of the jam is definitely the last 2 mins before they go back into the chorus one last time. It is the CLEANEST they have ever played that particular part in any version of "Dancin'" The funk is exploding thru the roof at that point. WOW. 100/100! 5 Stars! Two thumbs up! I'm telling you, this is the best "Dancin'" you're gonna hear from the Dead.

Next, Scarlett Begonias>Fire On The Mountain. Again, this is gonna be one of THE best version of S>F you are gonna hear from the Dead, (My number 1 choice for best S>F has to go "2/5/78", or the one from "Dick's Picks vol 18", but that's another review). What makes a good S>F combo? "Scarlett", the transitional jam, and "Fire", all need to be good and consistent. This "Scarlett" is smoking! Exploding with energy throughout. The playing is so dead on, Jerry's vocal delivery is exceptionally good (throughout the whole night for that matter)Phil is in top form, never hitting a wrong note, the drums are perfect and bobby is on fire. The jam in between the two songs are Grateful Dead at their best. So psychedelic, so mellow, so inspired, so free flowing, so real. Then "Fire" begins. Wow. Keep in mind that the Dead were playing this song more than over a year before it would actually be released in 78 on the album "Shakedown Street". The crowd must've felt their mind being blown away from their head after hearing it. Yeah Jerry flubbs on a couple of the lyrics but like I said, this was more than a year before they would release it commercially. Anywho. Amazing!! - December 4, 2013So many "Best Version" songs here

Reviewer: Slewfoot_2012 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 21, 2013

Subject: SBD I haven't given the SBD of this a healthy listen in a number of years since the Matrix recordings surfaced. After the recent May '77 Box Set I figured it was overdue.



Wow! Pleasantly surprised! The energy comes through more than I remember and Keith truly shines. On the SBD you every inch of his keyboard at all times. Jerry and the rest of the band are no slouches either. Hearing every bended note while Jerry shreds his solo in Row Jimmy is sublime.



A wonderful show worthy of the respect we give it. Slewfoot_2012 -- July 21, 2013SBD

Reviewer: Yades - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2013

Subject: Everyone has their own Best Show The Best Dead Show show is the one which *you* like the most. That said, this is a really great show, though not my personal favorite. Really great sound, with Phil's bass coming through full and clear. - May 8, 2013Everyone has their own Best Show

Reviewer: doug_the_dude - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2013

Subject: -- The most overrated Dead show of all time is simply just Another Amazing Grateful Dead Concert. No more, no less. But, let's not kid ourselves here - to deny the mythology of Cornell '77 is to deny that looming white elephant that makes this show more or less impossible to look at with any sort of objectivity. If you're a brand-new deadhead, and know nothing about Cornell '77, just stop right here before reading any further reviews and take advantage of your position. Cornell looms large for the weary Deadhead, sometimes irritatingly so, like someone you love dearly but whose reputation precedes them. I do love Cornell '77 so, but to insult the entire legacy of the band by declaring with all the other minions this "the greatest show of all time"? Puh-leeeeze.



I actually find the patch on Minglewood distracting - gimme the good ol' cassette tape days - hearing it fade up and in, swallowing us into the journey. Although, I must confess I really am happy to have the patch on Supplication.



Loser, El Paso, the lsd-blooper-paranoia drive of TLEO - all of these are noteworthy for how the *sound* simply envelops and swallows the crowd - you can hear them, the on-edge, the soaking-dosed minions trying to be heard over the opening chords - that has long been one of my favorite things about Cornell - hearing the crowd's total, without-choice submission to the band.



Listen to the line "sun so hot..." in Jack Straw. The band is, to my mind, columns of Americana-as-celestial light singing towards the spheres. The is by far my favorite rendering of this tune.



Listen to the opening bars of Row Jimmy - it's just a little too slow, a little too molasses-laden. The crowd, again, knows it and fully "gets it". I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a finer version.



I've converted people to deadheads from Dancin' alone. One particular friend I remember was amazed that this was the Grateful Dead (he used to the Workingman's FM-radio stuff). Was a fan from then on.



Scarlet > Fire - the tap-tap-tap hi-hat, signaling the explosion, *still*, after all these many years, gives me the chills. As does the perfect, absolutely beside-ourselves 'fall' into Fire. You know the moment - when Mickey and Billy give up the rhythm and fall 'in', Jerry and Phil trading off those little notes back and forth to signal the start of the song. No matter where I am I stop and let these moments sink in, like they've done so many times before. The goosebumps come from underneath. It's a deep, deep chill, guys.



The suite has such a tough act to follow I've never given it as much attention as the first 2/3rds of the show, but there's no excuse for that - it's beautiful. Morning Dew is all about perfectionism in music.



So that's that. - May 8, 2013--

Reviewer: Mr. Tulip - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 26, 2013

Subject: Bottom line of the whole scene is very simply stated: If you truly respect music as an art form, then this show will not only give you chills, it will bring tears to your eye, because this is the pinnacle of live music, perfection and poetry in its purest form.



I can only quote something said by a deadhead from the Grateful Dead movie:



'Bottom line of the whole scene is very simply stated: There is nothing like a Grateful Dead Concert. Period. Never will be.' - April 26, 2013Bottom line of the whole scene is very simply stated:

Reviewer: ThreeFingerStyle - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 11, 2013

Subject: nuclear music well, here it is, one of the fundamental horizons of Rock and Roll. Don't be deceived by your familiarity with this music folks - this isn't only a defining moment for this band, it's one of the beautiful moments in American Music. This is what happens, folks, when you mix Earl Scruggs, Chuck Berry, the nuclear bomb, and LSD. This band was already immortal before 1977, but here we have the consolidation of a New Sound, which you can hear them still reaching on 10.9.89, for instance. I was lucky enough to hear them touch it here and there during my first show at the Omni in March of 93. I feel like a privileged member of the human race to have seen and heard these guys still rubbing up against this horizon on occasion in the early 90s. - March 11, 2013nuclear music

Reviewer: pjnyc - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 26, 2013

Subject: Highest quality Dead With fresh ears (first time hearing Barton Hall end to end) and some experience (200+ shows), I came to this "legendary" Dead show for the first time this am after being prompted by a cute rave call out for it on Google Maps, of all places. While I'd missed being at this one, I was at the Springfield show 2 weeks earlier and the Hartford show 2 weeks later ... anyways, after listening to this beautiful - and beautifully recorded - gig, I have to agree with the posters who feel this timeless music is best understood in its entirety, not in bits of this night or that. Somehow, some way, this eclectic group of musicians, led by the gifted Garcia enjoying one of his great creative and physical peaks, and anchored by fellow genius Lesh, achieved and sustained a musical summit for about 6-9 consecutive months that feels unparalleled in their long career. Sure, there may have been "higher highs" or more amazing moments, but, listening to the evidence, did they ever have a run like '77 when everyone was on his (or her) game all the time? To the Keith-bashers, pls consider his Barton solo on "They Love Each Other" - wowza! To the "disco Dead haters," pls consider "Dancin'" once again - they never sounded tighter or lighter ... they're clearly having a great time, and giving one! So the verdict, to me, has to be Highest Rating/5 Stars - not just for this specific show (there are a few imperfections, as if that ever mattered at a Dead show!) but for the period's entire body of work. - February 26, 2013Highest quality Dead

Reviewer: santarosajoe - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 16, 2013

Subject: chills.. Morning Dew will give you chills, as will much of the rest of the show....Simply stellar. - February 16, 2013chills..

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

Subject: Excellent show But the best? Hell it's not the best from May let alone the year. There are better first sets and better played and jammed second sets. Bob and Donna both blow vocal cues and the St. Stephen>NFA>St. Stephen is way too slow for my tastes and looses focus at the end of NFA. It almost falls apart. 2/26/77 Swing Auditorium is better than this show (first Terrapin) as is the next night at Buffalo 5/09/77. The show at the Mosque 5/25/77 is more wildly jammed and has a much better set list. The Dick's Pick for Englishtown NJ is a better show. Anyway, you get the point.

Now that what this show isn't has been established, what this show is is wonderfully recorded, slightly above average '77 Grateful Dead with one of the best Morning Dews they ever played. It would be nice if Grateful Dead would officially release this show, but I'm not holding my breath. - February 2, 2013Excellent show

Reviewer: Flying Spaghetti Monster - favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 4, 2012

Subject: Nice. I like this recording. - December 4, 2012Nice.

Reviewer: cbuilds - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 31, 2012

Subject: Downloading Help!



If I want to download a show I follow the following:



Open my desired show in Firefox, IE, etc., and grab the url. (see below) and I copy it to my clipboard.



http://archive.org/details/gd77-05-08.sbd.hicks.4982.sbeok.shnf



I would then open my Real Player that I downloaded for free. Go to the button that says "Featured" on the main player home screen.



This opens up some crap for advertising. The best way I have found to activate the "Web" function of RealPLayer is to paste the Cornell url into the upper right search box labeled "video."



It will say it cant find the video in my machine and will give a second option to search the web. Click web and re-paste the Cornell url and feel the power of cookin' with Phire.



Voila! Now you can download the songs by the same process:



left click - song 1 - to select



right ckick - song 1 - select "download this video" (it wont be a video and will be playable in RealPlayer or WindowsMediaPlayer.



Do the same for song 2 and 3 etc. until you have the whole show. RealPlayer puts them in it's My Videos file so that is where you go to find them, move them around, burn them etc.



Hot Damn! You have yourself a true 5 star show.



Enjoy daily and spread the word, My Grateful Dead Made Mine Free, Yours Too. It's crazy hey.



Oh yeah, go on Sugar



Take care of yourselves and your neighbors. This is my first review. My comment is that when I listen to it I feel Phull.If I want to download a show I follow the following:Open my desired show in Firefox, IE, etc., and grab the url. (see below) and I copy it to my clipboard.I would then open my Real Player that I downloaded for free. Go to the button that says "Featured" on the main player home screen.This opens up some crap for advertising. The best way I have found to activate the "Web" function of RealPLayer is to paste the Cornell url into the upper right search box labeled "video."It will say it cant find the video in my machine and will give a second option to search the web. Click web and re-paste the Cornell url and feel the power of cookin' with Phire.Voila! Now you can download the songs by the same process:left click - song 1 - to selectright ckick - song 1 - select "download this video" (it wont be a video and will be playable in RealPlayer or WindowsMediaPlayer.Do the same for song 2 and 3 etc. until you have the whole show. RealPlayer puts them in it's My Videos file so that is where you go to find them, move them around, burn them etc.Hot Damn! You have yourself a true 5 star show.Enjoy daily and spread the word, My Grateful Dead Made Mine Free, Yours Too. It's crazy hey.Oh yeah, go on Sugar Megs.com and download JGB 1978-02-18. If you haven't, I just blew your mind twice. Enjoy your downloads, I hope the last computer they find on this planet has a fucking Dead file the size of whatever the other crap is.Take care of yourselves and your neighbors. - October 31, 2012Downloading Help!

Reviewer: elwd021 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 28, 2012

Subject: How to capture he answer by "infromthestorm" on May 31, 2006 works nicely. The result is WAV format files.



You can also download the .MP3 files rather than stream them.



1. Right-click on the "VBR M3U" link, and save the .M3U file somewhere, such as your desktop.



2. Change the file's .M3U extension to .TXT - this makes the next step a bit easier.



3. Open the file in Notepad, Word, or any text editor.



4. Select (highlight) all of the text in the file, and COPY it.



5. Open an email program, and PASTE the text into an email message to yourself. Send the message.



6. Open the email message you sent yourself. Each line should now be a clickable link to an .MP3 file.



7. Right-click on each line, and save the .MP3 file somewhere.



Hope that helps. - October 28, 2012How to capture

Reviewer: buckster - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 26, 2012

Subject: rafst29 See if I can help......buckster310@ yahoo.com - October 26, 2012rafst29

Reviewer: rafst29 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 26, 2012

Subject: I need a copy I love this version...

I listen to this at work, at home, streaming on my iphone in the car etc..but I want a copy that I dont have to stream all the time.



It's been asked many time below, but not for about a year or so none of the solutions I see below have worked for me.



I would love to have my own copy of this particular version of this show.



Can someone help me with that? Thanks in advance. - October 26, 2012I need a copy

Reviewer: ms42466 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 23, 2012

Subject: cream, sonic joygasm, jack straw scarlet>fire, ditto all others yes the best, matrix playin, energy, 5x5x5x5x5star

worship@mornin Dew, jerrys gutair on jack straw is pure music-atmospheric. some much to love.

thanks archive masters all of you. - October 23, 2012cream, sonic joygasm, jack straw scarlet>fire, ditto all others

Reviewer: brownroux - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 6, 2012

Subject: hello wow is all i can say,so wow!!! this is what we heard saw and felt back in the day!listen and relax,great stuff here kids. - October 6, 2012hello

Reviewer: barreramusic - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 4, 2012

Subject: Scarlet/Fire Thanks for not making a track change between Scarlet Begonias and Fire on the Mountain. - September 4, 2012Scarlet/Fire

Reviewer: DeadHead78 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 28, 2012

Subject: One of The Best This Show is Sick from Start to End! NFA is unreal DeadHead78 -- July 28, 2012One of The Best

Reviewer: GlenWatkins - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2012

Subject: Happy Anniversary Happy anniversary, Barton Hall 77. You're 35 today and still sound as good as the day you were recorded. Way to go. - May 8, 2012Happy Anniversary

Reviewer: legba23 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2012

Subject: Happy Anniversary 35 years ago today, got some mean green and gonna celebrate - May 8, 2012Happy Anniversary

Reviewer: zzzboxofrainzzz - - May 8, 2012

Subject: Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile..... After all these years, still one of my top 5 Scarlet/Fires [MSG Sept. '79, Saratoga '83, Hartford '83, and the Scarlet from my 1st show Hartford '74]. And still my favorite Morning Dew. Yes, there are folks that will take issue with my opinion, but that is what makes this Archive so cool. We can say what we think in a safe, friendly environment, and when someone disagrees and points to another show, it gives us a reason to "visit" that show..... At the end of the day, no rating. Why? Because there isn't the 10 star rating some of these '77 shows deserve. Instead, I'll keep on streaming and keep on smiling. Just like I have since that brutally hot Harford day at the very end of July 1974. Thank you boys [and Donna], for a real good time!!! - May 8, 2012Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile.....

Reviewer: JasW - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 21, 2012

Subject: The best of one of the best I've always had a twinge of regret that I abandoned college in upstate NY (Syracuse) and moved to the SF Bay Area six months before this show (in large part because I wanted to be nearer the whole SF Bay Area scene and the Dead). All of my fellow Deadhead friends from college went to this show, and they rave about it to this day.



For my part, I caught the Dead's June homecoming from this tour at Winterland exactly a month later.



But the Barton show became legendary. Why?



Well, of course the quality of the performance. As more and more performances from the spring '77 tour have become available (including the Winterland show I attended), it's pretty clear the Dead were as close to "on" that night as they ever get. Yet they were also pretty much "on" at, among others from that tour, the Pembroke Pines and Hartford shows, too. (I will add that I tend to agree with Latvala -- the 5-22-77 show in Pembroke Pines was the closest to a peak show on this tour.)



The difference is that the Barton show has been available for ages -- passed from hand to hand through multiple tape generations -- and is probably the first (and for a long time only) tape many Deadheads had. Because of that -- and because it was certainly one of the Dead's better shows on a tour that is arguably one of the Dead's best tours ever -- it has acquired an almost sacred if not mythic status.



As a former recording engineer, I can attest that this version is the best of the copies available in the Archive. There are no perfect ones, that's for sure. Some prefer the Stevenson SM57 audience copy for reasons many like audience copies -- the sense of actually being in the audience and the like. Me, I prefer soundboards. This an excellent matrix, however. Unlike most soundboard snobs, I think matrixes have their place (see Fillmore East 9-19-1970) -- and this show is definitely one of them.



Technically, there are two faults with this copy that must be pointed out. One is well-known: the splice-ins of the audience copy to replace the fade-in at the beginning of Minglewood and the gap in the Lazy Lightning -> Supplication transition.



The second is the bottom heavy EQ on the SBD. (Betty loves bottom, if you don't know by now.) If you like Phil -- and who doesn't? -- this is great, though his prominence in the mix sometimes overpowers a bit. The bottom heaviness also brings Bill's kick drum to the fore, and the kick is oddly EQ'd and/or miked, making it both jolting and a bit muddy at the same time.



(If you are streaming this with WinAmp, put the EQ on and knock the 60Hz fader down about 6dB. If you're using WMP, level the 30Hz and 60Hz bands down a good 6dB or so. One of these days, I'm going to run the whole thing through Audacity and make this permanent.)



I'm not going to critique the individual songs. Is this the best Scarlet > Fire from the tour, or any Dead show? Maybe. My personal favorites from this show are Jack Straw, Lazy Lightning/Supplication, Scarlet/Fire (of course!), and last but certainly not least St. Stephen/Not Fade Away -- in which Jerry is on absolute fire.



By this point, most Deadheads will have a nice '77 spring tour collection as a playlist on their handheld or other dee-vices. This show is undoubtedly a highlight. - March 21, 2012The best of one of the best

Reviewer: MAYMAN97 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 20, 2012

Subject: Reference I had gotten into the Dead before from time to time, but this was one of the shows that hooked me for good. I've listed to a lot of shows now and a lot of folks argue about whether this show is the best or overhyped. I guess for me I agree with the earlier comment that its the show that you always end up comparing against other shows. Its a 'reference' show for the Dead. A very high benchmark. It may not be the best or your personal favorite, but its the reference against which many a show is judged. For good reason. - January 20, 2012Reference

Reviewer: lbforlb - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 17, 2011

Subject: The "it" factor It's not always about how impeccably well the band played, or solos and crescendos for all eternity. Sometimes a show lives on in the heart of every Dead Head because of something intangible, or a combination of subtleties that create the perfect storm of a bootleg. That's

Cornell '77. For many of us, it was our first introduction to crystalline perfection as far as the sound of a Dead Boot on an XL II. Getting baked and blaring Cornell '77 from the friend who had the best tape deck and speakers, or the friend with the best sound system in the car each of us drove in high school. For a long time, and hundreds or maybe thousands of listens, this was the best performance with the best sound we had ever heard. That doesn't mean we weren't introduced to shows with better musicianship later on, but within that capsule of time Cornell '77 stood on its own. It has the "it" factor in spades, and deserves as many stars as the archive allows one to give. - May 17, 2011The "it" factor

Reviewer: wharfrat77 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 16, 2010

Subject: Concert By God's row jimmy, morning dew, st. stephen->Not fade away->st. stephen estimated prophet are all versions that are hard to beat some what suprised that they didnt close the second set with the music never stopped but hey dancin in the streets was quite jerrtastic, anyway phenomenal concert all around easily top 5 best shows - December 16, 2010Concert By God's

Reviewer: bornindasixties - favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 19, 2010

Subject: Guitar Hero I have poo-pood this show for so long, but something interesting happened to me the other day, I actually LISTENED to it. What got me to do this was listening to Loser at the Springfield show of the same year. If you have not heard that version of this song, go NOW (yes go right now) and do so. Unbelievable. What I realized was that this run of shows was simply amazing for so many reasons. First of all, Donna sang backup vocals very well, and she and Jerry had great harmonizing going on. Jerry's singing was clean and consistent, his playing was sublime, maybe the best and most soulfull I have heard from any series of shows. Bobby, too was consistent and very strong throughout. So when you add this all together, you get an amazing run of East Coast shows that really should be considered as a whole, not this show in particular, IMHO. That sound that sound, they had this stony haunting slow rolling thing going at the time that was just amazing. Overall for this particular show, still can only give it a 4, but it is not as overated as I once thought. - November 19, 2010Guitar Hero

Reviewer: brorazor - - August 1, 2010

Subject: problems streaming I'm having trouble streaming the show. Using windows xp. This is the only show i've found in vbr format so maybe that's my problem. I click play and then .... nothing. Any advice? Thanks. - August 1, 2010problems streaming

Reviewer: Ed Grimley - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 2, 2010

Subject: Scarlet/Fire Magin I agree with deadheaddave in that this must be the best scarlet/fire they ever did. That being said, I think that all of us have special shows that we hold dear. It is also true that everyone has different tastes and the Dead did a great job do different genres with their music. This show is one of my favorites because the second set was my baptism of the Dead in 1988. I meet a dead head in college who sparked my interest in the Dead and it has grown from there. - July 2, 2010Scarlet/Fire Magin

Reviewer: deadheaddave - favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 14, 2010

Subject: My Review Heard this one so many times that I'm just going to review it and not even stream it again. This Scartet/Fire is indeed the best one they ever did. It is pure alchemy and magic. It always just makes me smile when I hear it, it is just so groovy (to borrow an outdated expression). However, my deadhead brothers and sisters, when considering greatest all-time shows, one must be a bit of an historian. Were talking about a legendary band here with deep roots stretching out a long way. Just off the the top of my head, I streamed a 72' Paris show yesterday and honestly it was pretty F . . . ing good. I think to actually consider greatest shows, one has to consider the entire performance and how it leaves you in the end. This one is disqualified based on its first set which is basically unremarkable. The second set, taken as a whole, is a doozy, no doubt about it. However, (Brace yourselves) considering their entire performance career, I don't think this even makes the top ten. At any rate it is popular for good reason, the second set is real nice. Peace. - June 14, 2010My Review

Reviewer: Crookedsmiles - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 15, 2010

Subject: Heads up Kazzzz Totally agree with the previous reviewer. If you could have put the Dead's sound from 1972 into their ability from 1977, they would've been even more incredible. I don't like the disco Dead particularly either, but if you listen to Jerry and Bob's chops (especially during Jack Straw and Brown Eyed Women) you should be able to recognize that they actually put some effort into practice during this era. This wasn't about riding the energy here and just letting things happening, they were making the energy by executing. You can here that Jerry was getting back to his roots and practicing scales a ton this year and the year prior. Too bad Bob was starting to get that annoying twang to his guitar and losing the fuzz from the early days. Also sad that Keith was near the end of his career and his life. - February 15, 2010Heads up Kazzzz

Reviewer: kazzzz - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 10, 2010

Subject: Jerry OK, here's the thing about the '77 shows. I am not huge on the disco dead-type thing. Dancin in the Streets doesn't really do it for me. And you are hard pressed to find any of the great early 70's stuff like The Other One and Dark Star. And that is a shame. But the reason I LOVE the '77 shows is Jerry is simply on fire. The band in general is more musical in '77 than. I think, at any other time. Just listen to Brown Eyed Women in this show vs, say, Dane County '73. Jerry is just too good for words in '77. Every time I listen to it, I just shake my head in amazement. And the Scarlet-Fire might be the best ever. Don't know if it's the best show ever -- too many great '77 shows to chose from -- but it is up there if you want, in my opinion, the pinnacle of Jerry's playing. - February 10, 2010Jerry

Reviewer: surfric - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 5, 2010

Subject: I was there on a late spring evening. Right in front of Jerry. Great show that reached a peak with Morning Dew. He kept going round and round with the chords until you thought it had to stop, but it didn't. Out of 15 or so shows I saw, I think it was among the best. even better to go outside and see the snow in May, not quite sure if it was real or the pharmaceuticals. - February 5, 2010I was there

Reviewer: cacahootie - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 30, 2009

Subject: Best of '77 I have to agree that this show (of course) is not the best dead show ever. My personal vote is for 1971-08-06... But this is definately the best show I've heard of '77. Better than some of the more downloaded '77s.



I was a particular fan of Jack Straw, Scarlet Begonias and Estimated. Great renditions that fit the '77 feel perfectly.



Made for a great day at work today... - December 30, 2009Best of '77

Reviewer: clementinescaboose - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 29, 2009

Subject: THE PINNACLE??? revised 12/29/09:



i really can't add much of anything else here other than to boost this amazing show's rating.



one thing i will say is that this is the greatest, most beautiful row jimmy ever performed...you MUST hear it



IMHO: is this the best show of all time? arguable. (i say it's 8/27/72)

the best of 1977? without question.



this, my newbie friends, is the beginning of your journey, along with 6/18/74, 8/27/72, 9/21/72, 2/13-14/70, 5/2/70, 11/17/73, 3/1/69, 2/14/68 (can't speak for the 80's/90's, but you get the idea) - December 29, 2009THE PINNACLE???

Reviewer: JackStraw77 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 18, 2009

Subject: good but not the best Grossly overrated show BUT, a few things I found to be consistently excellent were the drumming and a lot of the vocals.



Everything else was good but nothing to write home about. I honestly think Jerry has been FAR better in other '77 shows.



I read somewhere that this show is so well liked because of the setlist and sound quality. Seriously, if you're going to rate a Dead show primarily by the setlist and the mix then you are missing the point. - December 18, 2009good but not the best

Reviewer: kona_bean - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 29, 2009

Subject: Hah, all these times and I just noticed the complete "china cat" tease thrown out by Bobby @ 21:55 during Fire. Whether its to tease or to have something to play after 20 minutes I don't know but great shows like this keep on giving in subtlety and charm. - November 29, 2009Hah, all these times and I just noticed

Reviewer: bluedream1252 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 11, 2009

Subject: I NEED HELP



If you can help email: bluedream1252@



THANKS!! Please, I am not good with computers being as I grew up with none. Whats the easiest way to download these performances?If you can help email: bluedream1252@ yahoo.com THANKS!! - November 11, 2009I NEED HELP

Reviewer: purejerry123 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 5, 2009

Subject: VERY GOOD People all u got to do is download orbitdownloader.com very easy to do u can grab the music with pro grab and u got it on ur hard disk very good stuff works well with any music site i like using it on ideem but works well here got all the good shows on here well have a good day peace - October 5, 2009VERY GOOD

Reviewer: tutacht - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 26, 2009

Subject: Row Jimmy I dont think I can adequately describe how beautiful this version of Row Jimmy is. In my opinion, it is the highlight of a show of all time highlights. - September 26, 2009Row Jimmy

Reviewer: coradin - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 5, 2009

Subject: Great show I think the whole 77 spring tour was amazing but this show still rates as one of my favorites. The first set was great esp BEW, and Jack Straw. The Estimated was out of the world, and the Steven>NFA just rocks.



Best show ever? Not sure but it ranks. I think this may have been the best quality recording many of us had long ago and that figures in but it was well played no doubt IMHO. - September 5, 2009Great show

Reviewer: zuke1 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 25, 2009

Subject: Hey Now! Would have loved to have been there! Had this show on cd for years, it's now skipping like crazy, how the hell do you download this show from this website!? - August 25, 2009Hey Now!

Reviewer: Johnnutz - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 21, 2009

Subject: no sense arguing It seems painfully obvious to me that all attempts to label ANY show "the best show" will be fruitless.



With that being said, I think most would agree that in any discussion of the top 10 (or 20,50, 100 etc.) shows, this show is in the discussion. So lets all agree its a great show and move on! Five Stars! - August 21, 2009no sense arguing

Reviewer: BIG_R - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 19, 2009

Subject: YUP I agree with dalsh327. This is the one to get the newbies hooked.Super performance. Super recording. The Grateful Dead in grate form. Deadheads check out Ekoostik Hookah. Start with 6-30-07, 10-19-07 and 3-28-08. They ain't no Grateful Dead but then again no band can compare. I think alot of you will like them though. - August 19, 2009YUP

Reviewer: souprman - - August 11, 2009

Subject: 1st tape, 1st taste, now i cant stop coming back for more i will never forget the day in 1988 my friend told me to copy this show on his duel tape deck. a marantz i believe. he only had the second set. i'd heard a little bit of dead, seen thier video, thought they were interesting as a cultural phenomenon, but wasnt really grabbed by the music i'd heard.



after that it was on. the dead hour was brand new then and i never missed a show, taping every episode.



back then it was hard to find tapes of this vintage with the sound quality this tape had. i don't think i ever had a tape even of the period that were this hot. the dead hour yield this finest sb recordings.



i think it's funny when people dog this show, i usually think they are just trying to get a rise out of our more sensitive fellow junkies. i read some where on here that this show was "sloppy and full of miscues" i think jerry omitting the second verse of 'fire' is as sloppy as it gets, and it's not really a gaff or miscue, it just aint there. oh well. it's a phil show as they say. now i'm gonna say things i never read or hear about this show.



donna sounds pretty, ya i said it. you know it's true.



row jimmy is fucking amazing. sheets of sonic love and sorrow.



2nd jack straw since 1974 and it is totally reborn in that 77 throttle of bass and reverb.



dancing in the streets sucks in 77. sorry, i'm not an envelope fan. turn that shit down so i can hear the guitar. do not put wharf rat in the middle of that fucking sonic equivilent of of a coked out disco orgy. sorry. but thats why we love them right? they can move us to tears dancing and piss us off in the span of just a couple of hours.



also i think its funny when people say "rare" when referencing kg's organ playing. he only played the organ on every version of scarlet,china doll,black peter and many others from 74 on. i think alot of times people can't tell the difference btween a rhodes and a piano. also alot of times it's nearly impossible to ditiguish bobby's wierd jazz licks from kieth's punches. sometimes i'll listen to a whole show just trying to focus on one instrument, it's hard to do.



it's seems to me people react strongly to the idea of "best" anything. it doesnt really make sense to have that kind of mentality in reference to...well anything, but in this case were talking dead. taste is subjective, set and setting are as crucial to how you enjoy a dead show as to how you enjoy or exp anything. emotions get attached to places they dont really belong.



is this the best dead show? best soundboard?



no, how could it be? back when i was 17 and the dead were brand new to me, my friend asked me which show was the best. i told him i hope they havent played it yet.



that cant be true today bcause jerry is gone or at least it's much harder for us to hear him play now, but i think a similar philosophy can be applied to these recording we are blessed to have access to.



the best show ever is the next one you hear. - August 11, 20091st tape, 1st taste, now i cant stop coming back for more

Reviewer: Folkhippy - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 24, 2009

Subject: Dancin', dancin', dancin....dancin' in the streets... There is so much said about this recording but I would like to focus on just one track that makes this one of my favoirite Dead shows...Dancin' in the Streets. This is without a doubt the best Dancin' they ever did. I challange anyone to find me a better version. The guitar solo is incredible and I can't believe the guy below me dosent like the Mutron III! I'll never forget the first time I heard this track on my Beyond Description boxed set as a bonus track on Terrapin. I'll admit, I wasn't a big fan of their late 70's studio work in my early unexpirenced days as a Dead Head, but after hearing Dancin' I sought out all their live material from '77. I have never heard a guitar solo come close to the musical genius on this song. It sounds like a psychedelic flute soaring through the clouds. If you close your eyes and listen to this in the right mood, it will take you afloat with it! Jerry Garcia must have been totally dialed in to give us that solo. Row Jimmy has this effect as well. Everyone has different tastes and different styles they would prefer to hear the band play, but when it comes down to the performance and the skill required to play, this show is one of the best. May 7th, 8th, and 9th are the crest of the Grateful Dead wave for me. These shows were distinct and masterful, they display the band's incredible penchant for intricate soloing and synchronized jaming. The Dead met each other on a sonic plane and conversed with their instruments for these shows. Thanks to Betty for preserving this moment in such great sound quality, and this great site for putting it up! I LOVE THE ARCHIVE! - July 24, 2009Dancin', dancin', dancin....dancin' in the streets...

Reviewer: JustAnotherDH - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 8, 2009

Subject: Listen and compare the NFA here with Jeff Stevenson's (same date) This is a great show and great recording, but I think the Jeff Stevenson recording for this date gives you a better taste of BEING THERE on the floor with the Dead going crazy just feet away from you! This and the other SBDs have been d/l far more often, but Jeff's is worth a sampling too. For my money it's the best thing I've yet heard on archive. - June 8, 2009Listen and compare the NFA here with Jeff Stevenson's (same date)

Reviewer: dalsh327 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 1, 2009

Subject: The gold standard for newbies Some say it's overrated, some say it's worth its weight, but I think if you're delving into thousands of hours, this is one of the best ones to start off with, and can get into debates/discussions with the more seasoned Deadheads about what the best shows are. A lot of people don't know where to start with the live recordings...start here, work your way back, then work your way into the 80s and 90s. - May 1, 2009The gold standard for newbies

Reviewer: aes6487 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 23, 2009

Subject: where can i donwlaod this album? where can i download this album? - April 23, 2009where can i donwlaod this album?

Reviewer: carltonave - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 16, 2009

Subject: Barton Hall This is an opinion from a person who definitely doesn't consider themself to be an expert on Dead performances.

Starting as far back as the early seventies,I've seen some Dead shows and Garcia Band shows . I recently read the NYT's articule about the Dead where some Deadheads rated shows. Then afterwards I took a long car ride and was able to listen to non-stop Dead music.

This is not an objective studently analysis --- the day that I did that trip was April 7th and the radio station played a show from April 7th 1972 in England.

I'm not sure whether it was that, for a long time, I hadn't listened to the Dead in that way or maybe it had something to do with being on the road, I'm not sure what it was --- maybe a flashback. Nevertheless, the point, I found the April 7th 1972 show to be better than this Barton Hall show,(which is some sort of holy grail) not that this is bad, but the April 7th 1972 show seemed to be more trippy/creative. I could be totally wrong but was interested in knowing what others thought about that. - April 16, 2009Barton Hall

Reviewer: michael_labriola - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 16, 2009

Subject: Why can't I download this one? This seems to be the best quality version - April 16, 2009Why can't I download this one?

Reviewer: pulp79 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 15, 2009

Subject: Still great to this day As (over?)hyped as this show is, I still come back to it regularily, as it was the show that got me obsessed with the Dead 12 years ago. Back in high school, almost everyone in the school was a Deadhead(walking into my school was like walking into a sea of tie-dye), and I never really gave them much of a chance. I was more of a Floyd guy. The Dead were always playing in the background wherever I went, but it was mostly studio albums or 80's/90's live stuff. Nothing against Mydland-era Dead, or the studio stuff, but it took me hearing this, after recieving it from a friend, to fully appreciate all aspects of the Dead. Now I have too many shows to count, from 66-95. It all started here, hearing Loser, Row Jimmy, Scarlet>Fire, Morning Dew, etc. Not the most jam-heavy show by a long shot, even for '77, but the playing is so tight, and the sound so pristine thanks to Betty, that this is a perfect show to introduce a newbie to the Dead. Out of all May '77, I come back to this, 5/7, and 5/21 the most. I agree with the reviewer below me who said that after hearing this, especially if it's early in your Deadhead career, you will always compare various live Dead songs to the versions found here. When you listen to a live Minglewood, you will always compare it to this version, and so on. Definitely NOT overrated. Great work on the remaster Rob! It really makes me appreciate this show even more. - April 15, 2009Still great to this day

Reviewer: Sir-Mix-Alot - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 20, 2009

Subject: The Mothership of Betty Boards Thank you Betty Cantor! This is one of the finest recordings in the Archive! Along with 2-26-77, this recording is soooooo fine, with lots of rich, thick bass. Phil is in the zone, so turn up the sub-woofer! Sure there is a lot of hype surrounding this show, but I think it is warranted. The performance is awesome, and not much else compares to the sound quality. Also listen to 2-26, and 5-5 thru 5-9, 1977, and judge for yourself! - March 20, 2009The Mothership of Betty Boards

Reviewer: GratefulGolfer - favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 16, 2009

Subject: SSS-SevenStarShow-BUT WARNING- there is a mood-altering break between St. Stephen and Morning DEW. In 31 yrs. I've never experienced a break in this transition. It stunned me enough to comment.

ON the PLUS SIDE - There is NO BURP to disrupt the transition in Scarlet Mountain(PTL).

I'm sure there is a stream with no break, none of the AUDS seem to have one.

GREAT show - ENJOY - PEACE - March 16, 2009SSS-SevenStarShow-BUT

Reviewer: dylan&theded - favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 10, 2009

Subject: yes indeed this is a pretty good show dylan&theded -- February 10, 2009yes indeed

Reviewer: bomoski - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 24, 2009

Subject: Being There I am blessed to have attended this amazing show. Obviously, at the time we had no idea of the historical significance of this performance in GD lore, but I do remember thinking this was the best Dead show I had ever witnessed (first 3/73 at the Nassau Coliseum) when we exited the show in the wee hours to a fresh blanket of snow from a freak spring storm. That winter was the blizzard of '77 in Buffalo and caused me to transfer to Arizona State the following fall. Amazingly, I had to miss the next night's show in Buffalo as we were heading back to Long Island (another incredible performance that I only got to enjoy on tape/CD). 1977 was simply magical.



I do not know if this was the "best ever" but it is definitely in my personal Top 3 attended shows. I do know one thing though, the "Scarlet/Fire" may have been the most beautiful performances of a Dead tune I would ever witness. After all these years and countless (mostly West coast) shows, I still believe that to be true.



Maybe we will get a Scarlet/Fire when The Dead come to LA in May with Warren blazing away while channeling Jerry. We are all blessed that these mid-60 year old guys still have a passion for what can only be described as the most incredible catalog of music in contemporary history. Let's just say THANK YOU! They ARE truly a "band beyond description." May the Music Never Stop. - January 24, 2009Being There

Reviewer: grizz2 - - October 3, 2008

Subject: Overrated ? Yeah, right..... ..maybe overplayed.Let's face it, there have been killer copies of tbis show circulating since it went down. And it seems we all have had one, and worn it out.But this IS a KILLER show,with every song being well-played,and HIGH spirited.

We all know '77 was a great year,and it's hard to find an off show.But this one is as good as ANY and better than most ( with the exception of the 10-29-77 DeKalb show. This I believe to be their best show that year ). And the Cornell versions of " Dancin' in the streets " and " Saturday Night " are quite possibly the best the boys ever performed. - October 3, 2008Overrated ? Yeah, right.....

Reviewer: robertm - favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 26, 2008

Subject: Way over rated A good 77 Dead show ????....yes ofcourse, the best ??...NO...I have never understood why this show is soooo talked about...never!!!! All of 1977 is just as good, there was not a bad show the whole year...why???...mostly they rehearsed more they ever & also the set list's are pretty much the same, after playing the same songs over & over they should have them so well played they could do it in their sleep. please don't get me wrong 77 is my fav year, but 77 is more then this show. Also listen to Winterland's 1975 Peggy-o...the bomb!!!! - September 26, 2008Way over rated

Reviewer: gibson83 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 25, 2008

Subject: It's very good, but...ehh, it's not the "best ever." I have to agree that this one is overrated. It's 'measured' and 'even' as one reviewer said and the playing sits comfortably, but it's not that inspiring. The sound quality is superb and the mix makes it a pleasure to listen to. But let's face it, the first set just drags. They kick off with a promising energetic "Minglewood," but then play several sleeper tunes in a row, with long silent gaps between every song. This version of 'Jack Straw' is especially lethargic and disappointing. It's like they took the entire first set to warm up.



There are some standouts, the second set is much better than the first and the grooves are nice and tight. Overall it's very good and worth a listen, but let's not get carried away! If this is the "best ever," I'd hate to hear what the bad stuff sounds like. - September 25, 2008It's very good, but...ehh,

Reviewer: rgc410 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 14, 2008

Subject: Bozone Bozone, email me about the show, rgc410@ hotmail.com . and about the show... couldn't have a better sounding mix if you tried. for all the lesh fans out there, you will love this one. classic indeed. - September 14, 2008Bozone

Reviewer: Bozone - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 27, 2008

Subject: Help? I had these shows on disc and then ultimatley on my iPod, long story short I had to wipe out the iPod and when i went to rip my CD's back on the computer, i only had one disc from this show. this is my all time favorite, dancing in to scarlet fire is unbelievable. Phil Lesh sounds so pure and fully rips those songs its crazy. so where does a guy who is mediocre at best on finding music online go to get back what he loves the most? - August 27, 2008Help?

Reviewer: dangerbird1 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 13, 2008

Subject: Dancin' Am agreeing with all that's been said about Dancing. Another perfect surprise. - August 13, 2008Dancin'

Reviewer: cryptical19 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 13, 2008

Subject: 5/8/77



By the way, am I the only one to find



Here's the url: It's hard to say that it's the best of all time, but this show just feels good. Whether it's Jack Straw, Row Jimmy, or Scarlet>Fire (not to mention the whole second set), this show rocks.By the way, am I the only one to find nugs.net? It has free downloads of many of GD's best shows, including 5/5-5/9 '77.Here's the url: - August 13, 20085/8/77

Reviewer: ugenldorji - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 10, 2008

Subject: Streaming Not a problem The Audio Files are all still there on the Archive servers. Just the links to download them are removed. If you stream them you are downloading to your browser's temporary cache from there you can recover the files.

There are also other ways of locating the files on the servers (incl the Lossless .Shnf files) if you are a little creative. - August 10, 2008Streaming Not a problem

Reviewer: shakinthembonesdownthestreet - - July 5, 2008

Subject: good show but stinks on streamin format only. estimated prophet n lazy lighting are awesome. just to bad the show is only on streaming. im fortunate to be able to listen while the others who cannot get dsl or whatever cant even hear the good jam. - July 5, 2008good show but stinks on streamin format only.

Reviewer: gphishmon - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 29, 2008

Subject: This is it, folks! This is the one they all talk about. It surely has the greatest number of separate recordings on the LAMA, and probably the most reviews. Yes it's overrated, only because so many consider it the best show of all time, but for Dick Latvala to have said it doesn't belong even in the top 30 of 1977, come on! St. Stephen to the end alone puts this in the top 5 of 77, and then you have a pretty solid first set and perhaps the best Fire of all time.



Oh, and ignore the troll, zaorish, he's obviously not a Deadhead. Fortunately, the number of 5 star reviews is great enough to swamp his pathetic attempt to bring the rating down. - June 29, 2008This is it, folks!

Reviewer: Zaorish - favorite favorite favorite - July 19, 2006

Subject: Pretty Underwhelmed I knew you guys were Deadheads, but I didn't expect groupthink.



Frankly, this sounds like a studio album. The only positive thing I can say about it is that it's "measured" or "regularly paced". It feels lifeless and mathematical. In my opinion, this "Fire" rivals the one on the "Shakedown Street" CD in lukewarmness.



Oh, and the mike is placed well. Yeah. - July 19, 2006Pretty Underwhelmed

Reviewer: johnny rotten - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 17, 2006

Subject: Great board, energy, but... anything with Donna, cant be the best Dead ever. The Dead died when pigpen did, and was resurrected when Brent sat down at the keys. - July 17, 2006Great board, energy, but...

Reviewer: notenuff - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 12, 2006

Subject: Hmmm.is it the BEST I find it very odd after reading the reviews about this show being the best ever or not....that almost every song is in one way or another mentioned by some reviewer as being "the best version ever" of that particular song.Imagine, almost everyone agrees that at least one of the songs on this FUCKING INCREDIBLE sounding board is, in their opinion, the best version ever.Pretty amazing stuff in its own right.In reality,this is probably the most circulated TAPE back in the day that was BY FAR the best sounding TAPE we had heard.Before Dick's Picks,before this wonderful site,there was Barton Hall 5-8-77.We all had it and it was the best sounding TAPE in our collections.It holds memories for us all.For me ,this tape was an annual passage into the rite of spring.You know,that first day when the weather was finally nice enough to roll all the windows down in the car and go for a little cruise on that glorious first day of spring,this was the TAPE that You put in and cranked,just to make it that much more glorious.Now the only difference is it's in CD form(yup,still the annual rite,to this day).Bottom line,this show is an absolute 5 anyway you slice it.QUALITY - July 12, 2006Hmmm.is it the BEST

Reviewer: austin nyc - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 5, 2006

Subject: Year of the Dead This show is just more proof that 1977 was their

peak,and mid 77 at that.The Morning Dew is kick ass. - July 5, 2006Year of the Dead

Reviewer: wavethatflag - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 27, 2006

Subject: Thanks infromthestorm Excellent musicianship and the clarity is tho tho thpethial! Merci beaucoup for the tip, "storm." - June 27, 2006Thanks infromthestorm

Reviewer: Scottro - favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 24, 2006

Subject: pinnacle of clarity for the dead I grew up in the late 70s listening to GD. I know I may get some riled up but here it goes. Somewhere in the early 80s Jerry toasted his brain. I went to one show in the eighties and it was so bland and lifeless. I could tell it was going thru the motions. Creativity was something of the past. It was now a paycheck. Though they tryed a little they stopped the creativity not many years after this show. This type of show is why I became a dead head. There is a HUGE difference between the 70s and the rest of there career with a few exceptions during the early 80s. This is very good IMHO - June 24, 2006pinnacle of clarity for the dead

Reviewer: Tar Rat - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 17, 2006

Subject: Sensuous Beauty I agree with most of the positive reviews here. I thought "Row Jimmy--" particulary the guitar--- was otherwordly. Every note was perfect, both in choice and tone. Sometimes that's how it goes. The Dancin jam was impressive, but I'm not a big Disco Dead fan. - June 17, 2006Sensuous Beauty

Reviewer: rvaDUBfan - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 13, 2006

Subject: want this show?



rvadubfan@

email me!



or just send a b&p to:



make up a name

1575 winbury drive

midlothian, va 23114-1209



don't know what a b&p is? check this site for info: [ I have this show (actually it's the Betty Board remaster) if you want it feel free to email mervadubfan@ yahoo.com or just send a b&p to:make up a name1575 winbury drivemidlothian, va 23114-1209don't know what a b&p is? check this site for info: [ http://mcnichol.com/bnp] or click here - June 13, 2006want this show?

Reviewer: rollandfin - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 3, 2006

Subject: TOP KNOTCH



Email me at fieldhouse11277@ This stuff is goooooooooood, I feel everyone should have the chance to roadtrip with Barton Hall.Email me at fieldhouse11277@ hotmail.com happy to share among some good listeners. - June 3, 2006TOP KNOTCH

Reviewer: infromthestorm - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 31, 2006

Subject: Easy way to capture I don't know why more people don't suggest this, but you can stream any of these shows with winamp. Winamp comes with a "disk writer" option. If you do the following:



1. start a stream in winamp. press CTRL-P



2. CTRL-P will display the output method being used. the default is "directsound Output"



3. use your mouse to select the "Nullsoft Disk writer plugin"



4. Once you select the disk writer, a rectangle button that reads "configure" appears at the bottom of the preferences menu.



5. All this button does when you click it is ask where you want the output files to be written. Choose or create a directoy. It automatically writes each file to wave format.



6. You'll have to restart the stream once you switch the output, but it's a hell of a lot easier than capturing the sound with a wave recorder and cutting the tracks up. It also takes less time as the streams are no longer in real time when you're using the "disk writer" option.



You can also write the files with DSP/sound enhancers (like isotope)enabled. It's the easiest way to grab this music. Maybe a pain the 1st time you try, but it's the best way to capture streams & I've tried them all. - May 31, 2006Easy way to capture

Reviewer: WarfRat - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 19, 2006

Subject: Take heed of this and get plenty rest Saw the boys a lot, I listen to as much music as I can and I Love this show, Great Sets, Great Audio.....For everyone that thinks this IS or IS NOT the best show ever...its not about that....

Bob Dylan said ....."Nothing is better, nothing is best,Take heed of this and get plenty rest"..... He's right about that. - May 19, 2006Take heed of this and get plenty rest

Reviewer: michaeljames82 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 17, 2006

Subject: outstanding As a long time Deadhead and hearing so many shows through the years. And I sure I say this for anyone who enjoys the dead this show is a staple for the power of the deads music, when they are driving on all cylanders. Truly Awesome Man! - May 17, 2006outstanding

Reviewer: stuffyhead - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 11, 2006

Subject: It's over The answer is sadly simple. - May 11, 2006It's over

Reviewer: Dillshank - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 11, 2006

Subject: How can I download?!?!? I am highly confused by this new page layout. How can I download this show in order to burn it to CD? Can someone please help? - May 11, 2006How can I download?!?!?

Reviewer: lpenoza - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 9, 2006

Subject: Why not add one more? Yes, I had my first tape of this show over 25 years ago, and it set the bar early in my tape-trading days. Generally I find that the '77 performances trade off passion and emotion to gain precision. This show has tons of precision, like they couldn't even do this well in a studio. I love it for the guitar solo in Brown Eyed Women, and for the power of the NFA. The Stephen is among my least favorites, but at least Donna is on-key for a change throughout this show.

LP - May 9, 2006Why not add one more?

Reviewer: FreePeace - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2006

Subject: Its been 8 years since i first heard this show I am 24 and I first heard 5/8/77 when I was 16 years old. I am a dead fan and this is where I truly saw the light. I can not tell you how many dead shows and song variations ultimately get compared to this show when I listen to them. Scarlet>Fire. These put the meaning into scorching hot, and heavenly graceful. It is hard to find a better version of these two juxtaposed songs that played such a crucial part of the late Dead's late 70s repertoire. Now it is 5.8.2006 and it has almost been thirty years since this show. I don't know if there is one show out there for any other band that comes close to topping what 5.8.77 did for the dead. This is the tops in all of the archive in terms of sound, and musicianship quality. - May 8, 2006Its been 8 years since i first heard this show

Reviewer: eman039 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 3, 2006

Subject: Woohoo All I have to say is DANCIN IN THE STREETS!!! I heard some other critic claim that barton hall's minglewood is the best but i have to disagree Another great show of 77 is Swing Auditorium at San Bernadino, CA and that minglewood i believe is one of the best u will ever hear - May 3, 2006Woohoo

Reviewer: pottersclay75 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 29, 2006

Subject: Just Superb I am by no means an expert on live Dead recordings. I do know, however, that some sound better than others due to equipment issues or the band themselves. This show is one of the best I've ever heard. The band is on, their singing is great, and the recording itself is superb. Out of all the shows in the Archive, this is one I gravitate to the most. Im glad the Archive is streaming the shows at such good quality. Who needs to download anything when you can pull it up anytime you want.



Enjoy! - April 29, 2006Just Superb

Reviewer: sid weiss - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 7, 2006

Subject: stream the show how to get the new streamed shows

Stream the show ...go to sleep ..wake up in the morning and drag and drop from your internet cashe'..just don't forget to increase your internet cashe' folder meggage..all files will be there just like before ... - April 7, 2006stream the show

Reviewer: gruUbic - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 5, 2006

Subject: Best there is... Are there really people out there who like the Dead who haven't eatin, drinked and slepted with this tape for at least 2 years outta their life? If this is a five, is heaven a 4.5?



This is the tape we grew up with - --- if the 3 sources, upsized mix with a banana split on top version is what will make you appreciate the Dead w/o fear, so be it

- that's really all that matters...



Otherwise, this is the SB of this epic night a person needs. The SB, now -- not a remixed merged techno-tape.



Don't get me wrong, that version is interesting and has louder output. But whatever.



THIS is what B Cantor did that lovely summmer.

This turned on a generation.

Many many many folk consider this THE best show -no edit/ mixing needed



...try it and let us know.



>>> To those of y'all who were at this one - many thanks for the 411 about your 1st hand view of this very special night <<<



So, you're leaving the building, getting your jacket/ shirt/ smokes, looking for the doors...dazed.

You get outside ---- and it SNOWED!!!



Gotta be one of the 7 Signs, yo -

Were the Boyz signalin' the beginning or end?



2012 will be when it all comes down -- so Jerr says... - April 5, 2006Best there is...

Reviewer: johnnycomelately - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 3, 2006

Subject: Smooth Agree with other reviewers, nice balance here, nothing too high or too low, very pleas'n. Maybe late 70's is the right time. - April 3, 2006Smooth

Reviewer: cornell77 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 30, 2006

Subject: Rob Eaton's Transfer is the Best I originally got a copy of this magical show in 1987 when the Betty Board source was first released. It is an amazing performance and what got me hooked on the Dead. I have listened to this show hundreds and hundreds of times. I have compared all the sources out there and feel this Rob Eaton transfer is the best. The Matrix - 3 source mix is a great effort, but it just seems to be missing something - not as smooth and consistent as Eaton's transfer. On a final note, I have several friends who were fortunate enough to have actually attended this show. In fact, it was their very first Dead show. Lucky them! They also prefer this Eaton version over the others. - March 30, 2006Rob Eaton's Transfer is the Best

Reviewer: kidkarma66 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 15, 2006

Subject: An All-Time Value On So Many Levels It was a product of the time, the vibe, the work of supremely gifted artists, synchronicity...and what did we pay for tickets to this-easily one of the finest of 2500+ performances-wasn't it something like five bucks a ticket, or were we paying seven by '77? Certainly one of the biggest bargains in music history! - March 15, 2006An All-Time Value On So Many Levels

Reviewer: smgarcia - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 22, 2006

Subject: I think my favorite show I just got into the dead Dec 2005. This is my favorite show. You have to get the 3 matrix version though, not this one. It sounds better, and is a better cut (song wise) version.



This is super tight playing. - February 22, 2006I think my favorite show

Reviewer: Rider384 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 1, 2006

Subject: 3 source matrix dudes.....quit listening to this version. the 3 source matrix smokes this one. - February 1, 20063 source matrix

Reviewer: soapbox3 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 28, 2006

Subject: Send three discs This is a superlative show. Contact for availability. Soapbox3@ hotmail.com - January 28, 2006Send three discs

Reviewer: Earl B. Powell - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 24, 2006

Subject: Cliche It's said, as Phil goes...so does the band. Well this one is proof positive, smoking Scarlet/Fire. '77 has a ton of good stuff - no real digs at Donna here...she's holding up her end of the bargain quite well. Good singing, good Bob, good Keith...oh and Jerry...listen to this one and know what we all miss. Every Day. - January 24, 2006Cliche

Reviewer: dr234 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 21, 2006

Subject: words can't describe the opening is awesome, i love the AUD patch for the first 20 seconds or so, then it blasts off into high quality SBD.



excellent morning dew - January 21, 2006words can't describe

Reviewer: CrzyFngrs - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 16, 2006

Subject: Puttin' the Jerry on Top Jerry's hittin' on all cylinders most of the show; especially dug his Estim. Prophet guitar effects and sweet solo. The boys (& Donna) came out smokin' and played a real tight show. Excellent sound throughout; my compliments to the techs for givin' a clean live feel to the sound. - January 16, 2006Puttin' the Jerry on Top

Reviewer: waitrose - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 16, 2006

Subject: why it's good 1 singing isn't sloppy

2 lead guitarist is on fire

3 unusually, the rythmn section isn't rubbish - January 16, 2006why it's good

Reviewer: Stu A - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 16, 2006

Subject: A night I'll never forget... I became a Deadhead during the Fall of '76. Cornell was my second show...truckin' in from Buffalo...I don't remember where we got the tickets...the windowpane was orange...fast forward to the second set..."take a step back"...the crowd opened up...they started playing Scarlet Begonias...everyone was dancing...I found a train that was snaking it's way up front...we joined right in...that was great...we came very close to Jerry...then the crowd started closing in...ashes from behind fell on my shirt...I turned around...strange looks from behind me...definitely time to take more than a few steps back...get some breathing space...not so easy...we wanted a place just to hang out peacefully...sit on the side maybe...no seats on the side...we moved back until we couldn't anymore...only one place to go...through one of the exit doors...we stepped outside right into a time warp...we sat down...deadheads from shows past were walking up and down a spiralling path behind us...in perpetual motion...people coming from nowhere and going to nowhere...like an Escher painting...and where were we going?...well we had our breathing space...but we were bummed that we actually had to leave a Dead show...like lost souls sitting on a park bench...what was that they were playing anyway? (Estimated Prophet)...kind of strange...wait a minute...what are they starting to play now...St. Stephen...what are we doing outside?...how can we get back in?....got to get back to where we belong...the exit door opens...another lost soul comes out..the security guard motions us back in...we start dancing on the floor again...wide smiles on our faces again...we do belong here...st. stephen...not fade away (best R&R guitar work I've heard)...st stephen...morning dew (where have all the people gone?)...saturda