The Deadpod

This week  the Deadpod presents the second set from the band's performance on September 22nd, 1993 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. The set features jazz saxophonist David Murray throughout, and with blues harmonica player James Cotton sitting in on the last two numbers of the set (although he is sadly not up very well in the mix). As you might expect this is jazzy throughout, so if you don't enjoy a bit of jazz mixed with your GD this might not be your cup of tea. This is a fine recording however, and the band is clearly energetic and enthused this evening. They start out with Weir's 'Easy Answers', not the most profound song in the catalog, yet played smartly here. Garcia follows with a beautiful 'Lazy River Road', one of his better later ballads. I really enjoy the 'Estimated Prophet' that follows, it goes to some sweet unfamiliar places. 'Dark Star' follows, although it is short, as was the practice during this period (1st verse only) it is still a pleasure to traverse.  An extra long Drums and Space follows.. 'Wharf Rat' follows, and here Garcia's' voice, a bit frail throughout, works to add to the pathos of the story. Murray's sax adds an unusual element at the conclusion, in particular. They follow with a well executed 'Throwing Stones'  (as relevant as ever) and 'Lovelight'. What was the least-liked encore of the 90s, 'I Fought The Law', closes out what was a special night for the band. Grateful Dead Madison Square Garden New York , NY 9/22/93 - Wednesday Two Easy Answers (1) ; Lazy River Road (1) ; Estimated Prophet (1) > Dark Star (1) > Drums (1) > Space (1) > Wharf Rat (1) > Throwing Stones (2) > Turn On Your Love Light (2) Encore I Fought The Law Comments (1) with David Murray. (2) with David Murray and James Cotton. You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod093016.mp3 I hope you enjoy this week's Deadpod, and my sincere thanks for the financial support that makes the Deadpod possible. 'We are on our own'........

We bid adieu to Summer this week with perhaps the best GD show of 1993.. this one is from Madison Square Garden, and took place 23 years ago on September 22nd, 1993. The show marked the first of two appearances of jazz saxophonist David Murray with the boys - he sits in during the first set on a wonderful 'Bird song' and throughout the 2nd set. One of my listeners recently informed me that I had never featured a show from this year on the Deadpod and asked that I do so. I can't think of a better show or time to do so than this one. I think the first set in general is quite well-played, and snappy, especially for this era. The Help-Slip-Frank is uptempo and alot of fun to listen to. Garcia is on point in the Minglewood that follows, and really energizes the song. Ramble On Rose follows, then a particularly good Masterpiece. The highlight of the first set is clearly the aforementioned 'Bird Song' with Mr. Murray. The band allows him to create an unusual solo yet weaves it into the tempo of the song allowing them to show that even at this late date, and with Vince and not Hornsby, they are capable of some great jamming. Madison Square Garden, New York, NY (Wednesday, 9/22/93) Help on the Way -> Slipknot -> Franklin's Tower Minglewood Blues Ramble on Rose Masterpiece Birdsong You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod092316.mp3 I hope you'll consider supporting the Deadpod, as it is through the kind donations of my listeners that I am able to publish it each week. Happy Autumn!

This week's Deadpod features set 2 from the Dead's performance at the Easttown Theater in Detroit Michgan back on October 24th, 1971. A fine recording, this set starts with a nice Truckin', especially enjoyable is the jam just before the last verse. What sounds odd here is that the song simply stops... They take up 'Ramble On Rose'. It being  only the 5th time they had played the song, the phrasing and even some of the lyrics are still being developed.. It is quite interesting to hear. Mexicali Blues follows (following an unusually loquacious introduction), this is a pleasure for me to hear. The Dark Star follows, and what is interesting to me, aside from the inherent originality of the jamming, is how the piece shows its development here from its earlier, more primal performances, towards where it will develop during the European tour to follow next year. As was their wont during this time, 'Me & Bobby McGee' follows, perhaps not the smoothest version ever, but still enjoyable. The old 'yellow dog' story gets pulled out afterwards..before we're treated to a 'Cumberland Blues' and one of the final 'St. Stephen's played until the band brought it back in 1976. Johnny B. Goode once again ends a fine performance.. Grateful Dead Easttown Theatre Detroit, MI 10/24/71 - Sunday Two Truckin' [8:24] ; Ramble On Rose [6:10] ; Mexicali Blues [3:26] ; Dark Star [20:47] > Me And Bobby McGee [5:29] ; Cumberland Blues [4:58] ; Saint Stephen [5:37] > Johnny B. Goode [3:46] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod091616.mp3 the Deadpod is made possible through the support of my kind listeners. thank you..

I struggled a bit deciding what to play this week - I was pulled this way and that but finally settled on an overlooked gem of a show from the Fall tour of 1971. This was Keith Godchaux's first tour with the band, and Pigpen is not with them on this night due to his declining health. This show was the second of two (and the fourth show in four nights) which took place in Detroit Michigan on October 24th, 1971 at the Easttown Theater. I think you'll find every one of these numbers to be a real treat. Highlights for me include a great China>Rider (listen for Phil on this one!), and a beautiful Black Peter. The band's sound is clearly growing - transitioning into what they will sound like in 1972.  Set 2, on tap for next week, includes a wonderful Dark Star.. Grateful Dead Easttown Theatre Detroit, MI 10/24/71 - Sunday One Sugar Magnolia [5:46] ; Deal [5:11] ; El Paso [4:36] ; Tennessee Jed [6:06] ; Jack Straw [4:54] ; China Cat Sunflower [5:08] > I Know You Rider [5:15] ; Playing In The Band [6:11] ; Black Peter [8:33] ; Candyman [#6:11] ; One More Saturday Night [4:14] ; Casey Jones [5:50] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod090916.mp3 the Deadpod is made possible through the kind donations of my listeners and supporters.. thank you!

Happy Labor Day weekend! I'm hoping that this second set - from 8/28/81 in Long Beach California, will provide some sweet musical accompaniment to your your long weekend (assuming you will have one! if not my sympathies!). This is an excellent set, starting off with a rockin' 'Shakedown Street'. While the 'Lost Sailor' provides a bit of a counter-point, the 'Saint of Circumstance' should put you back in the groove. Garcia's 'Wheel' that follows is a real treat - especially the jam afterwards that goes into Brent's 'Good Time Blues'. Following Drums and Space is a wonderful  'Spanish Jam'. A great bit of music to drift away on! 'Truckin' follows, and I'm afraid Weir is once again a bit lyrically challenged.. 'Wharf Rat' follows in the ballad slot.. once again combining the pathos of August West with the hopes and fears of us all. A rousing 'Sugar Magnolia' closes the set, with the boys returning, and helping us bid adieu to summer, with 'US Blues'. Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA (8/28/81) set 2 Shakedown Street Lost Sailor Saint of Circumstance The Wheel Good Time Blues drums Spanish Jam Truckin' Wharf Rat Sugar Magnolia U.S. Blues You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod090216.mp3 I want to thank the fine folks whose contributions make the Deadpod possible! Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

This week's Deadpod, a request from a supporter of the show, comes to us from Long Beach CA, on August 28th, 1981. They open with "Jack Straw" (the beginning here is patched from an audience source).. and Bob does the 'we used to play for silver now we play for Clive" line.. but still a solid effort as is most of the first set. I'm particulary fond of the Big River, Althea and the closing 'Let It Grow'->China ->Rider which is an unusual first set ending. Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA (8/28/81) Jack Straw They Love Each Other Me and My Uncle Big River Althea Little Red Rooster Brown Eyed Women Let it Grow China Cat Sunflower I Know You Rider You can listen to this week'd Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod082616.mp3 Thank you to my kind friends whose contributions keep the Deadpod afloat! next stop... Labor Day! 

This week I'm going to try something a little bit different on the Deadpod and bring you a sample of this summer's Dead & Company tour. Personally this happened to be the only show I had the opportunity to attend, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and since I've had some requests for this material I thought I'd share some with you... This is the first set of Dead & Co's show at the DTE Energy Theater in Clarkson MI on July 7th, 2016. It was a beautiful night and the scene was quite relaxing and kind. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I was quite pleasantly surprised, and while you may have heard some of this band before I am hoping you'll enjoy this selection.  Dead & Company July 7, 2016 DTE Energy Music Theater Clarkston, MI  set 1Jack StrawBig Boss ManWhen I Paint My MasterpieceFriend of the DevilMinglewood BluesSugareeDon't Ease Me In You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod081916.mp3 Enjoy and be kind to somebody today! 

We seem to have entered the dog days of August.. lots of heat and humidity, but I'm hoping you don't find this second set from April 22nd 1986 to be a dog too! It starts with a nice China->Rider, and following a 'Looks Like Rain' we get treated to a nice long Terrapin Station.. clearly the highlight of this pre-coma show. Post drums and space is dominated by Weir, with a 'Spoonful ->Throwin Stones' combo followed by 'Black Peter' then 'Lovelight' to close the set.  The boys return to end the show and the spring tour, with a nice 'Brokedown Palace'.. Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley, CA (4/22/86)set 2China Cat Sunflower I Know You Rider Looks Like Rain Terrapin Station drums Spoonful Throwin' Stones Black Peter Turn on Your Love Light Brokedown Palace You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod081216.mp3 The Deadpod exists through the kind support of my listeners. Thank You!  Love Is Real. Not Fade Away.

This week's Deadpod is the result of a request for something from 86 or 87 from a longtime supporter of the Deadpod so I decided to pull out this show, which is one of my favorites from the early 86 shows.. This comes to us from the Berkeley Community Theater, April 22nd, 1986. The set opens with a wonderful coupling of Box of Rain -> Visons of Johanna.. the last time the band would play that Dylan tune until the final year of 1995. This is a very fine version indeed. The remainder of the set is quite well played as well, with a nice Bird Song and Deal among the highlights.. Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley, CA (4/22/86) Box of Rain Visions of Johanna Mama Tried Big River Bird Song Little Red Rooster Deal You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod080516.mp3 Happy Birthday Kevin ;)  and thanks to all of you whose support makes the Deadpod possbile..  Have a wonderful week! 

A quintessential 1972 Grateful Dead second set is on the docket for this week's Deadpod. This set from July 26th, 1972, at Portland's Paramont Theater clocks in at a little over two hours.. It features a number of wonderful highlights, including one of the last performances of 'You Win Again', and early  'He's Gone', and to top it all off, a 30 minute+ Dark Star. While this Dark Star is clearly the highlight of the set, there are stunning performances throughout - capped off by a smoking hot 'Not Fade Away->Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad->Not Fade Away'.. don't miss it!! Grateful Dead Paramount Theatre Portland, OR 7/26/72 - Wednesday Set Two The Promised Land [2;58] (4) ; He's Gone [8:46] ; Me And My Uncle [3:05] ; You Win Again [4:02] ; Greatest Story Ever Told [4:57] ; Ramble On Rose [6:09] ; Dark Star [31:13] (5) > Comes A Time [7:03] ; Sugar Magnolia [7:56] ; Brown Eyed Women [3#:38] ; Beat It On Down The Line [3:06] ; Stella Blue [8:06] ; Not Fade Away [5:15] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [8:20] > Not Fade Away [3:22] Encore One More Saturday Night [5:32] You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod072916.mp3 As summer flies by and we roll into the Days Between, I want to thank the kind folks who have chosen to support the Deadpod. I deeply appreciate it. 'Without Love in the Dream it will never come true'.

This week I'm bringing out a show that was requested quite a while ago.. just goes to show that you should always let me know what you hope to hear and be patient :) This is a fine show from a fine tour - the spring of 1982. This show happened to be the last one on the east coast leg of that tour and took place on April 19th, 1982 in Baltimore MD. The first set we'll hear tonight is emblematic of the band enjoying itself, having fun with each other and really putting out some great songs. They start out with a wonderful Jack Straw, They Love Each Other follows - listen for Brett's solo here, he really puts out some fine work throughout this set.. Bobby follows with a fun 'On The Road Again'. One of my favorites of this set is the fine 'It Must Have Been The Roses'.. which I will always stop and soak in.. The Cumberland Blues, as always is a great rockin' treat, and the Might As Well which closes the set is played in a most unique way.. Grateful Dead 4/19/1982 Baltimore Civic Center Baltimore, MD --Set 1-- Jack Straw They Love Each Other On The Road Again Peggy-O Cassidy It Must Have Been the Roses Little Red Rooster Cumberland Blues Man Smart (Woman Are Smarter) Might as Well You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod040414.mp3 Thanks so much for picking us up, and for your support.. I really appreciate it my friends.. Hope you enjoy!! Take it slow ;)

The second set of the Dead's performance at Winterland on March 18th, 1977, is often singled out because of the fact that it was the only time the band performed the 'complete' Terrapin Station, including the instrumental section labeled 'At A Siding' and here noted in the track listings as 'Alhambra'. This performance most closely resembles the studio version released on the album of the same name and the band never again (until their most recent ensembles) played the complete cycle. There are of course other notable highlights in this second set, including excellent versions of Samson & Delilah, and Brown-Eyed Women , a furious drums and an over the top version of Not Fade Away... The song placement is quite unusual as the Not Fade Away goes into a St. Stephen (rather then the other way around) to end the set. The band returns for a lovely Uncle John's Band to complete what was a most excellent way to usher in the spring tour of 1977. Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA (3/18/77) Set 2 Samson and Delilah Brown Eyed Women Good Lovin' Ship of Fools Estimated Prophet Terrapin Station The Alhambra drums Not Fade Away St. Stephen Around and Around Uncle John's Band You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod032814.mp3 I hope the sun is shining through your backdoor today.............. thanks for listening and for your support of the Deadpod.. 

I often wait until later in the Spring to pull out a show from 1977, but the anniversary this week of this run of shows moved me to pull this beauty out of the archives and select it for our next couple of Deadpods..  This show took place back on March 18th, 1977 at Winterland in San Francisco. The band is already jelling into the tight unit they're going to become later that spring, and you can hear the excitement in their playing and singing as they bring out new arrangements and new tunes for the first time.. This is a show that Blair Jackson has written about on dead.net as one of his most memorable experiences.. The band was not at all perfect (check out the mistakes during the still-new Mississippi Half-Step) but still reached the sublime (as evidence listen to the Sugaree).. This set features the first live performance of Fire on the Mountain and the transition from Scarlet into Fire is wonderful..  Next week we'll get to hear the wonderful second set..  Winterland Arena, San Francisco, CA (3/18/77) Promised Land Mississippi Half-Step It's All Over Now Sugaree New Minglewood Blues Peggy-O Cassidy Scarlet Begonias Fire on the Mountain You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod032114.mp3 Happy Spring!! I do want to take the opportunity to encourage you to consider a donation to help keep the Deadpod rolling.. I really want to thank you for your invaluable support!

March of 1969 was a seriously good month for the young Grateful Dead. The classic run at the Fillmore which opened the month showed us exactly how on fire these guys were at the time. I came across this little gem and was reminded of the energy and power of those days and thought I'd share it with you this week. This set starts out with the very first 'Hard To Handle' and while Pig isn't at his best here I still find it quite fascinating to hear, knowing what the song would become. Following is a nice Good Morning Little Schoolgirl and the Dark Star->St. Stephen->The Eleven triad that was emblematic of this 'Live Dead' period of their history. The set closes with a good-old long Lovelight that should be sure to get your juices flowing! Grateful Dead Hilton Hotel San Francisco, CA 3/15/69 - Saturday Hard To Handle Good Morning Little Schoolgirl Dark Star  > Saint Stephen > The Eleven > Turn On Your Love Light You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod031414.mp3 Thanks for picking up the Deadpod this week! And special thanks to those of you who are able to make a contribution to keep the Deadpod going!! I couldn't do this without your help! And LEAVE IT ON! :)

This week I'm bringing out a show that has been on my request list for some time, I believe the reason I hadn't played it before is probably because I only have the first set in a soundboard format - the show is certainly good enough to warrant a listen as this first set contains the very first performance of 'Visions of Johanna' .. but that's not the only highlight of this first set.. Beat It on Down the Line and Big Railroad Blues are very solid as is the Music Never Stopped.. I think you'll enjoy this one and want to send out a special thank you to our friend who requested this!   Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton, VA (3/19/86) Hell in a Bucket Stagger Lee C.C. Rider Cold Rain and Snow Beat it on Down the Line Big Railroad Blues Looks Like Rain Visions of Johanna Music Never Stopped Don't Ease Me In You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod030714.mp3 My thanks to all of you who help keep the Deadpod alive! I am indebted to you for your support!