Set 1



Might As Well

Jack Straw

Dire Wolf

Looks Like Rain

Loser

El Paso

Ramble On Rose

New Minglewood Blues

It Must Have Been The Roses

Let It Grow



Set 2



Bertha ->

Good Lovin'

Friend Of The Devil

Estimated Prophet ->

Eyes Of The World ->

Space ->

Saint Stephen ->

Drums ->

Not Fade Away ->

Black Peter ->

Sugar Magnolia



Encore

One More Saturday Night

Patch Info:



Sony ECM-990 -> Cassette Master -> Reel -> Dat -> CD supplies:



Eyes Of The World (5:37 - 6:11)



Sugar Magnolia (2:30 - 2:58)



Notes:







-- Set 2 is seamless



-- Patch source was also remastered

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comment Reviews

Reviewer: c-freedom - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 20, 2018

Subject: Jack Straw from Wichita! L

E

T



IT



G

R

O

W

Props to HashJ -for me I find this so much more of a better listen.

Absolutely MIND BLOWIN'

How exactly did they get to the point somewhere during Stephen>NFA

where they were playin' from right to left

kinda like Hebrew is read.

Also this PETER is hovering like a

Hot Air Balloon.

Interesting reading about the possible origins

of this tune. Lots of controversy in the Netherlands over BLACK PETE which i don't find half as interesting as the German roots

of LET'S GO RUN and SEE..

Climax is devastating.

Never considered PETER in the same way

as the MORNING DEW

like a reliable clothes dryer

they hit the Sugar Magnolia

A heart felt Sunshine Daydream

This show gives me more light

on the wonder & majesty of 77

Encore-And then

Phil sends the crowd warmly out

on an October Saturday Night. - November 20, 2018Jack Straw from Wichita!

Reviewer: hitmeister - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 26, 2018

Subject: Classic This is one of the best shows of one of the best years. The energy is amazing. This is perhaps my favorite post-hiatus Eyes. Also Bertha. The St. Stephen is on fire. NFA was pretty much always great in 1977. Then, after all that jamming, we get one of the all-time great Black Peters.



This show is a must hear. - May 26, 2018Classic

Reviewer: mcgrupp216 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 7, 2018

Subject: Dekalb '77: happiest day of Phil's life! Excellent SBD from an excellent night of music. Dekalb lucked out with this one. Perhaps the whole crowd would agree with Phil's post-Roses commentary: "I just want you all to know out there: This is the happiest day of my life." In short, from start to finish, this is a gem. Five-star dead, no question.



Fa77 right up there, in my book, with May '77. The band's a little grittier come the fall, perhaps closer even to that '78 sound, but still with the consistency and focus of '77. Think of what's received the official GD release treatment: Road Trips Vol. 1 No. 2 is a compilation of songs from 10/7, 10/11, 1014, and 1016; Dave's 12 (11/4, including 10-song 11/2 filler); Dick's 34 (11/5), and Dave's 15 (11/6). Enjoy! - May 7, 2018Dekalb '77: happiest day of Phil's life!

Reviewer: erveets - favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 31, 2017

Subject: destroyed this tape

Standard setlist for the year but great highlights throughout.

Great dark estimated.

There's one spot in eyes that I would rewind and play again and again. Right around Absolutely destroyed this tape in college when I got it.Standard setlist for the year but great highlights throughout.Great dark estimated.There's one spot in eyes that I would rewind and play again and again. Right around 1:28 in Phil is noodling a small lead, and Jer grabs it and runs with it. A mind meld for sure that shows them at their peak. - August 31, 2017destroyed this tape

Reviewer: gwelch0806 - favorite favorite favorite - June 13, 2017

Subject: More overrated 77 shows 77, along with 89-90, continue to be the most overrated years in Grateful Dead history. There isn't a show from this entire year that can remotely touch the greats from 72-74, including but certainly not limited to 9/21/72, 9/24/72, 9/27/72, 10/18/72, 10/19/73, 10/25/73, 11/11/73, 9/10/74, etc etc. I mean c'mon, they only played 1 dark star from 76-78, weak playin jams, weak other one jams, no china>riders, no black throated wind, no weather reports, no here comes sunshine, no bird song. But you do get the same scarlet>fire every night in 77! I'll pass gwelch0806 -- June 13, 2017More overrated 77 shows

Reviewer: gr8fuldad73 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 29, 2016

Subject: Dekalb 77' This is definitely one of my favorites from 77'.high energy and gr8 set list. - October 29, 2016Dekalb 77'

Reviewer: Niass200 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 20, 2016

Subject: Reviews are Fun, either way This is Great I tend to just randomly type dates in and see what happens. I get dragged to the favorites and the list goes to Cornell show and the like etc., yet if you don't poke around or care you'd never hear this. There's a show from Illinois 77 or 8 not sure where at some college,, BUT, call me crazy, there's a 20 minute space that sounds like a seal slaughter. WTF was that all about? Or is it WV? Huntington???? - August 20, 2016Reviews are Fun, either way This is Great

Reviewer: Mind Wondrin - favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 20, 2016

Subject: Good either way

There are enough good reviews here to suffice as introduction to what many list in their top ten for the year. There are too many great shows in '77 for me to say it's top 10 (Colgate, just a few shows later is probably the best show of the tour). I see why some dig it, and it's certainly the reason Deadheads have heard of DeKalb. It was one of the first '77 Bettys to disperse after Barton and Colgate and Englishtown and the quality is as astounding as the playing, which made it notable in the days before the archive and the accumulation of official releases. Donna is good for most of this show, but the way some people talked, when I revisited this show I was expecting it to be as tight as a Spring '77. It's not, but no matter - the vibe is different than that tour anyway. It doesn't have best-of-77 highlights as much as it's evenly above average. I once met a cat that was at this show and explained special it was (I was on a student council that booked a tiny Talking Heads show, so I can dig it), years before I heard it. While many rate the Betty (which is fine), I prefer comparing shows. For Fall '77 it's top 5 but for the year it's maybe top 20, and good either way.



First Set. Might as Well ain't bad at all but the next few are not the tightest. Jack Straw has shaky Donna and out of tune guitars and Dire Wolf is a little off for a '77. It all takes off for a standout Loser - perfection! The rest is hot with a unique and entertaining Minglewood (Jer going off and Keith employing weird buzzing) and a Let it Grow that starts okay but enters a brilliant jam.



Second Set. Bertha is a good, if casual stroll. Good Lovin' is a bit sloppy; things turning around on a major Friend of the Devil with really nice work from Phil, Jer, everybody - including Donna. Estimated isn't the level of most 77s until the last few minutes (Keith's tone for this show is going to be a deal-breaker for many) but Eyes settle into a major, exploratory, 77-funk groove. Check the drummers. Saint Stephen is in the slow grind stylee and is fine, if they never completely get on top of it until the jam. The drummers start NFA, then veer into rudimentaries before Phil joins and steers them to free jazz. Again it's the very end of the jam of Not Fade Away where things gel. Though very basic, Jer's slide work for Black Peter is emotive and perfect for the song; again it's the last minute that's remarkable. It's been Jer's show, carrying the drummers and Bobby in places, which is the case again on the last two songs.



1st Set : B

2nd Set : B-

Overall = 3¾ Stars



Highlights:

Loser - matched only by 6/9

Ramble on Rose - the quick, bouncy '77 stylee with amazing solo

Minglewood Blues - typical awesome '77 with buzzing Keith craziness

Let it Grow - Jer takes it and runs with crazy good stuff bursting in groups

Friend of the Devil - dynamic

Eyes of the World - sink down into the cushion



SOURCES: The There are enough good reviews here to suffice as introduction to what many list in their top ten for the year. There are too many great shows in '77 for me to say it's top 10 (Colgate, just a few shows later is probably the best show of the tour). I see why some dig it, and it's certainly the reason Deadheads have heard of DeKalb. It was one of the first '77 Bettys to disperse after Barton and Colgate and Englishtown and the quality is as astounding as the playing, which made it notable in the days before the archive and the accumulation of official releases. Donna is good for most of this show, but the way some people talked, when I revisited this show I was expecting it to be as tight as a Spring '77. It's not, but no matter - the vibe is different than that tour anyway. It doesn't have best-of-77 highlights as much as it's evenly above average. I once met a cat that was at this show and explained special it was (I was on a student council that booked a tiny Talking Heads show, so I can dig it), years before I heard it. While many rate the Betty (which is fine), I prefer comparing shows. For Fall '77 it's top 5 but for the year it's maybe top 20, and good either way.First Set.ain't bad at all but the next few are not the tightest.has shaky Donna and out of tune guitars andis a little off for a '77. It all takes off for a standout- perfection! The rest is hot with a unique and entertaining(Jer going off and Keith employing weird buzzing) and athat starts okay but enters a brilliant jam.Second Set.is a good, if casual stroll.is a bit sloppy; things turning around on a majorwith really nice work from Phil, Jer, everybody - including Donna.isn't the level of most 77s until the last few minutes (Keith's tone for this show is going to be a deal-breaker for many) butsettle into a major, exploratory, 77-funk groove. Check the drummers.is in the slow grind stylee and is fine, if they never completely get on top of it until the jam. The drummers start NFA, then veer into rudimentaries before Phil joins and steers them to free jazz. Again it's the very end of the jam ofwhere things gel. Though very basic, Jer's slide work foris emotive and perfect for the song; again it's the last minute that's remarkable. It's been Jer's show, carrying the drummers and Bobby in places, which is the case again on the last two songs.: B: B-Overall = 3¾ StarsHighlights:Loser - matched only by 6/9Ramble on Rose - the quick, bouncy '77 stylee with amazing soloMinglewood Blues - typical awesome '77 with buzzing Keith crazinessLet it Grow - Jer takes it and runs with crazy good stuff bursting in groupsFriend of the Devil - dynamicEyes of the World - sink down into the cushionSOURCES: The miller.92085 is the upgrade and perfectly patches the gaps that used to circulate (we need those steenking patcheez). The mix is among Betty's finest, which really makes the show stand out. - August 20, 2016Good either way

Reviewer: Judge Weed - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 16, 2016

Subject: Dang! Don't love Good Lovin BUT BUT .... First of all: Not a Good Lovin fan necessarily at all BUT: This is one of the finest, most electric and engrossing melody rifle's ever. Loved it since the first. Jerry is super excited to get there and blows out a gorgeous line leading to the 2nd chorus. Then its a note for note masterpiece with a high high piercing finish and the bell has been wrung indeed. He has to go for another run and the second finish will just pierce the chakra. Oh man, oh man. The Estimated has Jerry squawkin and hollerin and crying. You can hear him laughing the whole way through it. The first car I ever had had a cassette tape stuck in the player when I got the car. I fished out the tape and I shit thee not -- this was the tape. Just the second set. I was a youngster has seen my first show just 3 years before in 1979 ... and I didn't know enough. Remember writing in this little notebook I had "Grateful Dead at their worst" Hahahahah. Well I did KEEP the tape and circled back to it soon enough. I was more seasoned and the first Bertha bit was startling and on and on. The good lord bestowed many gifts on me and some of them had to be fished out of the tape deck with a butter knife. Love you ALL> - March 16, 2016Dang! Don't love Good Lovin BUT BUT ....

Reviewer: musicphotos77 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 1, 2016

Subject: Best GD concert, in my opinion

https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-Jp4zbS/ I agree with Grendel, I think this is the best concert performance by the Grateful Dead. If I had only one to bring to a desert island, this would be it! My top 3 are this one, 9/3/1977, and 4/23/1977. If you are a fan or 1977 , check out my photos taken front row, from 5/7/77 Boston - - February 1, 2016Best GD concert, in my opinion

Reviewer: Dabs LSD and DEAD - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 1, 2016

Subject: Top 5 show in '77? This one is stacked. I am NOT a Black Peter fan, and I don't like this version either, i'll be honest. But everything else in this show is great. For me, the highlight of this show is the slow moving, jazzy and amazing eyes of the world. It moves along unlike any other version i've ever heard.. and its one of my favs. Then you have this UNREAL St. Stephen, its dripping with jazz and jams. This show has almost no dull moments and jams from estimated to a raging sugar mag. YES PLEASE!! Its not Barton, but its close. 1 day before my birthday too :)) - February 1, 2016Top 5 show in '77?

Reviewer: DMTrue13 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 28, 2015

Subject: one of my favs ya this is a great copy of a really good show. used to listen to this all the time and came to love it. check out let it grow, eyes, estimated, devil, and so on. thanks everyone! - December 28, 2015one of my favs

Reviewer: tanman82 - favorite favorite favorite - November 8, 2015

Subject: MIGHT AS WELL one of if not the best ever. The only negatives from perfection is Kieth, although He's still 'PLaying' at this point in late 77 he's 'electric' (piano) and Im not a fan of that tone and timbre. Plus I ike the 76 versions where they end it with multiple breaks with Jerry playing scales.



So the 'Perfect' version for me would have been this version with Kieth on piano and the end via the 76 arrangement. Hey, I know people I going to say it's a bit 'anal' of me. That being said THIS IS A GREAT IF NOT GREATEST version but not the perfect version I envision - November 8, 2015MIGHT AS WELL

Reviewer: mklsgl - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 3, 2013

Subject: Just Exactly Perfect! Start to finish, this masterpiece is as close to what it is all about. Want the SBD for your collect? Contact me, tchfgra@ comcast.net - November 3, 2013Just Exactly Perfect!

Reviewer: kcprice - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 6, 2013

Subject: My Favorite Eyes I had a crappy old tape of this show, but I listened to it to death for the brilliant Eyes. Love it. Now this beautiful recording is here. It's glorious. I love the archive!!! - October 6, 2013My Favorite Eyes

Reviewer: GermanShepherd - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 12, 2013

Subject: Travel the Elegant Way! I have never heard a more energetic Might As Well. Love to rock out to this song, but listen to Jerry in the opening tune! - August 12, 2013Travel the Elegant Way!

Reviewer: chris phillips - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 7, 2013

Subject: To Elijah D Definitely up there, but do compare 5/19/77 Playing jam, 9/2/78 set 2, 9/6/80 and 9/11/81. - January 7, 2013To Elijah D

Reviewer: doug_the_dude - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 29, 2012

Subject: -- Eyes. - October 29, 2012--

Reviewer: ElijahD - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 13, 2012

Subject: Might be might not ...the best ever, but if I were to pick a concert I'd play for a musician who 'doesn't like the Dead', from what I've heard this would be it. Anyone got a better choice, I'd love to hear... - August 13, 2012Might be might not

Reviewer: Milli Fungus - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 6, 2012

Subject: When Phil is feelin it, magic happens

God I love the Dead.

check out this website, its how I got pointed in the direction of this show.

happy lurking and listening!!!!!! This show is so good, which everybody that has listened or is going to listen knows. But what I wanted to point out is that after Must Have Been the Roses, Phil comes on the mic and says "I just want all of you to know, that this is the happiest day of my life". And then that magnificent Let it Grow happens. So basically what I am trying to say is when Phil is feelin it, it's going to be good.God I love the Dead.check out this website, its how I got pointed in the direction of this show. www.gratefuldeadprojects.com happy lurking and listening!!!!!! - March 6, 2012When Phil is feelin it, magic happens

Reviewer: dem219 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 13, 2011

Subject: holy ... how have i never heard this show before? i have been listening to the dead for over 20 years and somehow missed this one. its fast become one of my favorites. just goes to show you can still always find something new from the dead. - October 13, 2011holy ...

Reviewer: Pangolin22 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 8, 2011

Subject: Absolutely amazing Any fan of 77 (and who isn't?) could predict that this second set is going to be fantastic before hearing it. What took me by surprise was the tight, heavily energized first set. Jerry was in perfect form from Might as Well onward. As if Bobby was trying to one-up him, he unleashes a absolutely superb Let it Grow to end the set.

Oh yeah... that second is set is equally incredible.

More Charlie Miller sound magic as well makes this as close to a perfect show as you're likely to find. - August 8, 2011Absolutely amazing

Reviewer: bear06460 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 20, 2011

Subject: a gem One of the most underrated shows of 77. Two very strong sets. Might As Well, Must Have Been The Roses and Let It Grow stand out the most. Let It Grow is a masterpiece in itself. The magic continues for the second set. One of my favorite versions of Eyes Of The World. Jerry and Phil both got the slow groove goin nice. Both of them are just spittin out guitar & bass licks that sound incredible. St. Stephen starts off at a nice slow pace and by the end they've picked it up full steam. The space jam and Drums/bass jam are somewhat of a treat for a 77 show. Not Fade Away is hot like usual and leads into a beautiful Black Peter. One of my top 10 all time favorite shows. - July 20, 2011a gem

Reviewer: clementinescaboose - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 8, 2011

Subject: not that anyone gives a rats ass, but... i have always loved the fact that this great show occurred at my alma mater. i'm not even that big a '77 fan these days, and i really dig this, so i guess that should tell you something... - March 8, 2011not that anyone gives a rats ass, but...

Reviewer: jakester76 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 30, 2010

Subject: GRATE SHOW!!!! This is an absolute GEM! Sound quality is superb. Grate playing throughout. The "eyes" sounds amazing. I love the aud patch thats in the eyes. Its like I am at the show on the floor, and I get up and go into the hall or another room of the venue. The echos...

Next night is up to par as well. (~);} - October 30, 2010GRATE SHOW!!!!

Reviewer: kneadles1 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 29, 2010

Subject: Oh What a Year! My Real introduction to the band, 1977. Winterland, the spring. only 16 at the time. This show absolutely rips. Can't remember much about the shows i was at in the mid 70's, but know that it is my favorite time for the band.

Friend of the Devil just perfect here, and St. Stephen is rockin as well. As one reviewer put it, Jerry comes out with Might as Well, and says, "put on your dancin shoes! we're rockin tonight!!"...enjoy, amazing quality to this recording...20 stars - October 29, 2010Oh What a Year!

Reviewer: Hashjihad - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 27, 2010

Subject: St. Stephen pretty fricken GOOD ALSO! And its my BIRTHDAY no wonder they played amazing version of my favorite songs. Well shit they are all good, I swear when you hear the bass clear it doesn't even resemble any music I have ever listened to before. Hashjihad -- September 27, 2010St. Stephen pretty fricken GOOD ALSO!

Reviewer: jfinkel - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 27, 2010

Subject: Best show I ever saw This was the best show I ever attended. Jerry and Donna were walking around campus before the show looking happy and content.



The story I heard (from someone in the student association) was that the tickets were set at $12.50. The Dead came into town and said that they would not play at that price but would be happy to play if the ticket prices were lowered to $7.50. The box office closed (this was the day before) and reopened the day of the show with new tickets.



I was in the top row of the bleachers...as far away from the stage as possible. They were rocking so hard that I reached up to make sure I could hang on to the rafters in case the bleachers collapsed.



At the beginning of every set I heard from then on--hundreds--I would yell out "Might As Well!" Never heard it again.



Talked with Dick years later and suggested this show. He told me later that he couldn't find recording that was good enough to release.



I once had an opportunity to ask Phil what was going on in 1977. He knew just what I was asking. He said he didn't know why, but agreed that 1977 had the best shows. - January 27, 2010Best show I ever saw

Reviewer: JPenney - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 3, 2010

Subject: Very Nice, Indeed! Why isn't this a Dick's Pick? Simply Awesome. That jam into St. Stephen is amazing. I have an old cassette version of this. Nice to see it here! - January 3, 2010Very Nice, Indeed!

Reviewer: revolutionaryhamstrung - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 1, 2009

Subject: Just exactly right This is one of those shows that is flawless. Hard to say if it's the bet ever, but I sure would have loved to have been there. Every song is played with intensity, fun setlist - they come rockin out the gate with Might As Well right into a killer version of J Straw. Other highlights are Let It Grow and pretty much the entire 2nd set.

Essential listening IMO and vintage late 77. - November 1, 2009Just exactly right

Reviewer: BIG_R - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 13, 2009

Subject: 10-29-77 Wonderful both in performance and sound quality. Thanks Charlie. - September 13, 200910-29-77

Reviewer: pulp79 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 13, 2009

Subject: I find it hard not to agree with grendelschoice I've always loved this show, but the gaps in the other version would get a little annoying, but now there's absoulutely nothing to complain about. Amazing sound, just an all around perfect show, with a scorching 2nd set that's one of the best of '77. Estimated>Eyes>Space>St. Stephen>Drums/Bass>NFA>Black Peter>Sugar Mag, played to perfection.....ummm wow. This show's definitely a top 10-er for the year, and it's in my personal top 5, along with 5/8, 5/21, 6/9, and 10/11. Get this now!



Charlie Miller is the shiz-nite! - May 13, 2009I find it hard not to agree with grendelschoice

Reviewer: Cliff Hucker - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 2, 2009

Subject: 100 points club? I too rather enjoy Keith's harpsichord sound. In a year where virtually every show sounds precisely like any other, regardless of the set list, and jamming is practically non-existent, subtle differences are refreshing. Especially since its difficult to listen to any show from 1977 without getting bored after about fifteen minutes.



I've always felt the May '77 shows are uniformly much better than those in the fall, but this show is the exception. (99 pts) - April 2, 2009100 points club?

Reviewer: Star Struck Lunatic - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 10, 2009

Subject: Keith's Keyboard Tone In Estimated I read that somebody didn't like it and they said it was the worst. So I came right over to check it out for myself. I clicked Estimated, and about two minutes in, I notice the harpsichord style. I think to myself, hmm, do I hate this? As I'm trying to figure it out, I notice that everybody is playing really good and at 3:46 my head blew off my body like a bottle-rocket. - March 10, 2009Keith's Keyboard Tone In Estimated

Reviewer: grendelschoice - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 13, 2008

Subject: One fan's opinion: Best Show Ever Yep. Uh-huh. This is it.



Charlie Miller comes through again with a very essential upgrade to what this head feels is the Greatest Dead Show Ever Played. I expect no one to actually share that opinion, but I will lay out the case nevertheless.



First, it's 1977, and the band is charging towards the end of their greatest year like a dam burst forth. May '77 has the best collective run of shows to be sure, with nary a clunker anywhere, but if you want that extra charge, that hard-driving rock & roll edge to go along with the perfect flow and practically ESP-like melding of minds that marked the May run, you need to dip your toes into the fall tour.



And this show is the one that rules above all.



We begin with Jerry charging out of the gate with a vocal rendering of MIGHT AS WELL that says "Hey, I'm here for some serious fun. You'd better be too." Flawless rendition (as is virtually every song on this night), and the rest of the gang joins in on the flurry of chorus repeats at the end.



A scintillating JACK STRAW follows. Note if you will Bobby's own vocal commitment (perhaps not to be outdone by Jerry on the opener) when he holds the note on "...not with aaaaaaaaalllllll." This is followed by simply the best bridge into "Jack Straw from Witchita" these ears have ever heard. Yes, there are longer jams, but I would argue none better in this version in terms of intensity, build up, and picture-perfect touch-down into that final verse. Not a note wasted and each one infused with runaway energy.



DIRE WOLF fans...standard greatness here.



LLR...My one complaint with this show, but only because I hate this song. Fans of it tell me this version is terrific, so if you fall in that category, you're all set.



LOSER, EL PASO, RAMBLE, MINGLEWOOD, ROSES...all flawlessly rendered, great gritty guitar from Jerry...it's standardly wonderful '77 fare.



LET IT GROW. Hang on, this is where things start to get hairy. Garcia rips it up, throwing in liberal hints of "Spanish Jam" and other fuzz-guitar madness...it all holds together under Bob's impassioned vocals and Donna does not get in the way. If not for 5/1/81 I'd call this the all-time best version. It certainly ranks in the Top 5.



BERTHA. Oh, this Bertha. I hardly know where to start, but at the beginning: Listen to how Phil drops his bass notes one after the other in the opening notes, and how when he gets to the end it all rolls into one as the rest of the band jumps in at exactly the right moment to bring the chords into focus. The Garcia jams during the bridge reach new heights every time I listen...I simply cannot fathom how he was able to rip such ever-climbing notes into a coherent symphony of sound. It then passes seamlessly into an extraordinary GOOD LOVIN', also featuring rolling Phil bass lines and more monster jams by Jerry.



FRIEND OF THE DEVIL. Just exactly perfect and Phil booms his bass at all the peak moments.



ESTIMATED is a Jerry Wah-Wah fest of the highest order...there are spacey elements to the post-lyrics jam that will mesmerize the mind, bringing us to a phenomenal, epic, jaw-dropping EYES OF THE WORLD. In the intro before a word is sung, we have Jerry channeling his inner Wes Montgomery. This is jazz guitar meshing perfectly in this Rock & Roll band. Note the ease and flow which marks this intro...nothing rushed; a beautiful up and down and all around journey that sets the tone, with almost no hint of the fury to come...It's lovingly sung...no flubs...and then we get the first jam break as Garcia teases with a crescendo that finishes perhaps a tad earlier then we expect...but it's a set-up for the next instrumental break, which busts open the gut of rock, jazz, psychedelia and more...Garcia rises, falls, rises again, and crashes it all down with band in tow into a frenzy of musical ecstasy that defines what the Grateful Dead were and what they meant to their fans. And then he steps up and sings "Sometimes we live no particular way but our own", and we know exactly what he means.



Had enough? Please. A short SPACE,and it's time for a ST STEPHEN of raw blues power. Blues? Really? Hear for yourself. Listen to the oprning and tell me Garcia hasn't turned this late 60's acid tune into a gritty blues number. And it just takes off from there. Hard crashing drumming (it's at this point in the show that Mickey and Billy REALLY start to assert themselves), and again, flawless stuff charging headlong into a brief drumming stint and then a NOT FADE AWAY that rocks the house hard.



No wonder they had to bring it down a notch for a melancholy BLACK PETER. Except, ummm....no. This PETER is focused and intense and by the time Jerry implores all to "Come run and seeeee..." we're all wailing at the wall of a tortured soul.



But Bobby refuses to end the night on a down note, and Mickey and Billy have their own plans for a scorching SUGAR MAG. (Caveat: Most SBD versions feature an edited version--expertly done, but an edit still...we jump right from verse one to "Sometimes when the cuckoo's cryin'") but that should not deter you.

*** And, as it turns out, this excellent Miller upgrade includes a patch so you get the FULL Magnolia. Accept nothing less.***



This just jams and wails and rocks and if that wasn't enough the rhythm devils go ballistic on an impromptu drum roll at the end--neither one wanting to be the last to beat the skins...by the time SSDD begins, you can actually hear Weir laughing at what they've done. They've given it their all, and the SSDD keeps a movin'.



A lot of SBDs don't contain the SAT. NIGHT encore. (This one does). But I could care less. If you're not breathless by the end of this masterpiece you're hard to impress.



This incredible show should be enshrined in history. It is my favorite Dead show of all time, and even if you do not agree, I am willing to bet dollars to Dead Donuts it will fall somewhere in your Top 10.



Enjoy. - September 13, 2008One fan's opinion: Best Show Ever