This weekend, as we celebrate all those people and things in our lives that we are thankful for, I can think of nothing better to share with you than this wonderful music, music which has changed my life and touched my soul and which I'm sure means so much to all of you as well. Thanks for letting me bring this to you each week, and I hope you all enjoy this week's show as much as I do.. Grateful Dead11/20/73Denver Coliseum, Denver, CO Weather Report Suite Prelude ; Weather Report Suite Part 1 ;...
Nov 25, 2011•2 hr 8 min
I'm afraid that when I think of an iconic year for Grateful Dead music in the month of November that 1973 always pops into my mind. This, combined with a long-time request for this show on my request list, led to this week's show. Yes, this is only a day before the show released as Road Trips vol 4 no. 3, and that release does contain a few songs from this set 2, nevertheless, this music is far too wonderful not to be heard and treasured. In this week of Thanksgiving I can think of no better way...
Nov 18, 2011•1 hr 15 min
This week I'll make good on my promise to play the second set from the Dead's performance at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago Illinois on March 11th, 1993. If you're not familiar with the spoken word work of Ken Nordine you're in for a treat here as he recites two of his wonderful word poems, "Fliberty Jib" and "The Island".. the music is quite good also.. I won't say much about 'Wave to the Wind' - I always thought it dreadful, but aside from that its a very good second set, especially from The ...
Nov 11, 2011•1 hr 40 min
Sometimes we all need to be flexible, right? Well this week I hope you'll forgive a change of plans. I'm going to push back the second set of 3/11/93 for a week to bring you a show that was played 26 years ago on November 5th, 1985 at The Centrum in Worcester, MA. The entire first week of November 85 was marked by a number of wonderful shows and this one is no exception. I decided to bring you the *entire* show this week -in honor of the birthday of a friend of the Deadpod and because I hadn't d...
Nov 04, 2011•2 hr 33 min
I've had a fair number of requests for 90's Dead shows recently, and this week's shows features one of the best shows that took place back in 1993. This one is a favorite not only because the second set features an appearance by Ken Nordine, but also because I really enjoy Jerry's playing and the rest of the band puts in a solid performance. This starts with a tight Help->Slip into a nice long Franklin's Tower. Althea is always a favorite, and the Masterpiece as well as So Many Roads is quite...
Oct 28, 2011•1 hr
The second set of the Grateful Dead's performance at Wembly Arena on October 30th, 1990 features a great Foolish Heart and Looks Like Rain.. of course I readily admit a soft spot for a good Terrapin and this show has that as well. Listen for the Pink Floyd like phone calls during Drumz.. Grateful Dead - Oct-30-1990Wembley Arena - London,England SET2Picasso MoonFoolish HeartLooks Like RainTerrapin StationJam>Drums (1)>SpaceThe WheelI Need A MiracleBlack PeterTurn On Your LovelightE: The Wei...
Oct 21, 2011•1 hr 34 min
This week's Deadpod came as the result of two requests I received this week - its not unusual to get requests but it is to get two requests for the same show, both from brothers in Europe! Its a fine show, and even though I'd played a show from this year recently I think its worth hearing this one. Besides, something in the ether is wanting me to play this so here it is :) This comes to us from Wembley Arena in London England, from October 30th, 1990. This week's first set, features a nice start...
Oct 14, 2011•1 hr 8 min
This week's Deadpod takes us back to some early "primal" Dead, back to the Winterland Arena in the fall of 1967. While we don't have all of this show, I think you'll enjoy how tight and well played these songs are. The band is clearly listening to each other and hitting on all cylinders. Pay attention to the lyrics used here on "The Other One". This show's a blast.. afterwards, I've included a cut from the Europe 72 vol 2 CD, the fabulous "Sing Me Back Home" from the last show of the tour.. I'm ...
Oct 07, 2011•1 hr 8 min
This week as we end the month of September, we get to listen to the 2nd set of a wonderful show from the seminal Madison Square Garden run that occurred back in the fall of 1990. This second set starts out with a tight and wonderful Eyes->Estimated->Foolish Heart. We then go into quite a nice drums->space, which takes us to a nice quiet place ripped open by Phil as the band turns into the Other One.. The Wheel and Sugar Magnolia end the set. Jerry's Knockin' on Heaven's Door ends the sh...
Sep 30, 2011•1 hr 44 min
Well Fall has officially arrived, and this season inevitably brings to my mind the fond memories of one of the greatest later-era Grateful Dead runs - Madison Square Garden in the Fall of 1990. When the band arrived in New York the jury was still out on their future following the passing of Brent Mydland. By the time they left after these shows, they had a new member, and any questions were answered as to their desire and capability to keep producing great music. The show I'm featuring the next ...
Sep 23, 2011•1 hr 21 min
This week we get to hear the second set from the Parmount Theater in Seattle Washington, September 29th, 1977. I think this is quite a nice set with an outstanding He's Gone, Stella Blue and an Uncle John's Band encore to soothe your soul... I hope you enjoy it! In other news - the Europe 72 Vol. 2 CD contest is OVER! I received a goodly number of entries and I want to thank each of you for all the kind things you had to say! I'd love to respond to each of you but I probably don't have time so I...
Sep 16, 2011•1 hr 29 min
This week on the Deadpod I decided to feature a show from the fall of '77.. probably not the time of that year that usually comes to mind but this show, in my opinion, deserves some recognition.. this was performed on September 29th in Seattle WA. Not only does this show exhibit its wonderful '77 pedigree, but the last three songs really ... rock.. out. In a sense this is a show that looks forward as well as back.. and showcases where the band is going and where it has been.. I find it quite enj...
Sep 09, 2011•1 hr 20 min
On this holiday weekend I decided to bring you a complete show from one of my very favorite venues - the Starlight Theater in Kansas City, MO.. This show took place 26 years ago on September 3rd, 1985. While Jerry may not have been in the best of voice that summer, I do have to give the boys props for mixing up the setlists on that tour, and this is a great example of that. I hope you enjoy the show - for me the highlights are a wonderful Eyes of the World, and I suppose I've never heard a 'Come...
Sep 02, 2011•2 hr 13 min
High time for some classic '68 Dead.. this week's show contains a wonderful classic Dark Star from 1968.. its from 'Betty Nelson's Organic Raspberry Farm' in Sultan WA., and took place on September 2nd, 1968. While the tape does have its share of rough spots it really is a quite spectacular record of the band as it is nearing maturity.. the incredible Pigpen vocals on 'Alligator' are another highlight.. Sit back and let this one carry you.. Grateful DeadBetty Nelson's Organic Raspberry FarmSulta...
Aug 19, 2011•1 hr 13 min
This week's Deadpod, by listener request, is a great sounding show from Eugene Oregon, home of many fine shows. This one comes from May 7th, 1984. I'm sure you'll enjoy the sound quality on this one and the band really does rock it on this night. Next week's second set is not to be missed! Grateful Dead 5/7/84 - Monday Silva Hall - Hult Center for the Performing Arts - Eugene, OR Set One:Iko Iko ; C C Rider ; Loser ; Mama Tried > Big River ; Bird Song ; My Brother Esau > Deal You can liste...
Aug 12, 2011•1 hr
This week we have a fine second set from July 29th, 1988 to entertain us as we reflect on how fortunate we were to have Jerry Garcia share his talents with us. This is a great example of a late 80s second set, with an unusual China Cat->Crazy Fingers->I Know You Rider to open the set. This is followed by a Playin' in the Band which really gets out there - Barlow remarked that this one would separate the true believers from those who weren't:) I also just love the rare but wonderful 'Believ...
Aug 05, 2011•1 hr 32 min
This week's Deadpod features a show that took place 23 years ago - July 29th, 1988 at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey CA. This first set is quite nice - and you'll hear Brent prominently throughout. I felt this was only appropriate given the anniversary of his passing this last week. I think you'll enjoy not only the Iko Iko and Blow Away but also the wonderful Althea and Deal.. We'll play set two next week... Grateful Dead - July 29, 1988Laguna Seca Raceway - Monterey, CA Set 1:Iko IkoWalki...
Jul 29, 2011•1 hr 6 min
This is really premium, classic Grateful Dead. This second set from may in Montana rolls out from an unusual US Blues, El Paso opener into a nice Row Jimmy. The Weather Report Suite that follows is quite perfect and the transition into Dark Star is impeccable. Listen to how it flows into China Doll.. my words won't add to that experience.. enjoy it and feel it fill you. Not Fade Away->Goin' Down the Road is flat out rockin'. No way you won't enjoy this music my friends. Grateful Dead - May 14...
Jul 22, 2011•1 hr 46 min
Here's a show that caught my eye this week from the Wall of Sound era - this one is from May 14th, 1974 in Missoula Mountana.. this is probably not the finest show of the era, but nevertheless there is plenty here to like. In this first set, the band really gets cranking on the Scarlet->Roses.. what a delicious segway.. The Tennessee Jed and Mexicalli Blues are equally inspring, and all in all this is a fine first set of classic Grateful Dead. Set 2 will follow next friday.. Grateful Dead - M...
Jul 15, 2011•1 hr 33 min
This week's Deadpod features the second set of the show that marked the introduction of Keith Godchaux to the Grateful Dead family. This is quite an interesting second set, and really shows the band in transition from its earlier sound to the sound that would characterize it throughout 1972. In particular listen to the sound on 'That's It for the Other One'.. it leads into a heart breakingly beautiful Wharf Rat.. Grateful Dead - October 19, 1971Northrup Auditorium - Minneapolis, MNSet 2:Truckin'...
Jul 08, 2011•1 hr 33 min
This holiday weekend I decided to share a really great and unique show from the history of the band. This show marked the first time that Keith played with the band, as well as the breakout of *many* classic Dead songs - Tennessee Jed, Jack Straw, Mexicali Blues, One More Saturday Night, and Comes a Time from this first set! This is definitely a watershed show, and I think you'll enjoy it.. Grateful Dead - October 19, 1971Northrup Auditorium - Minneapolis, MNSet 1:IntroductionBerthaMe And My Unc...
Jul 01, 2011•1 hr 32 min
This week the music world lost a true star - Clarence 'Big Man' Clemons.. Aside from his pivotal role in the E. Street Band Clarence was a friend of the Grateful Dead and played with Jerry Garcia as well. In honor of his passing, a listener of the Deadpod requested this show, and it is absolutely perfect to play this week. This was the longest segment Clarence played with the Grateful Dead and occurred on Dec. 6th, 1989 at the Earthquake Benefit that took place at the Oakland Coliseum. (This als...
Jun 24, 2011•1 hr 37 min
This week I decided to bring you a very fine show from the late period of the Grateful Dead. This one comes to us from March 21st, 1994 from the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield Ohio. I think the band usually played well here - and I think this is quite a fine show. I decided to bring you the second set - it is especially well played - right from the Picasso Moon, through the New Speedway and an excellent Victim.. The highlight of this set however is the Stella Blue - Jerry is so expressive on th...
Jun 17, 2011•1 hr 43 min
This week we get to listen to the second set from this fine show that took place at the Greek back in 1984. I think you'll find that while the Help->Slip->Frank isn't remarkable, the Estimated->Eyes->Drumz is more than worthwhile. I also really like Jerry's work in Truckin', and the Wharf Rat is a keeper for sure. Grateful DeadGreek Theatre - University of CaliforniaBerkeley, CA Set Two: Help On The Way [3:52] > Slipknot! [6:37] > Franklin's Tower [10:34] ; Estimated Prophet [1...
Jun 10, 2011•1 hr 35 min
Another fine suggestion by a friend of the Deadpod sets the stage for this week's show - July 14th, 1984 from the Greek Theater in Berkeley CA. It seems to fit right in with the last few weeks' and the boys do not disappoint on this one.. From our correspondent's email: "The first set features really high energy versions of Jack Straw and Big Railroad Blues. I'm not normally a big fan of Little Red Rooster, but this is a truly great version" I can second that recommendation and hope you enjoy th...
Jun 03, 2011•55 min
As summer (unofficially) starts this weekend I can't think of a better way to bring it in than with the rousing Scarlet->Fire that starts off this week's Deadpod. Jerry really does this justice and I hope you can take the time to listen to how Jerry and the band really did justice to these works of art... this is a fine second set.. I'm a fan of the Dear Mr. Fantasy... Satisfaction is not my favorite cover but It's All Over Now, Baby Blue ends things on a fine note :) Grateful Dead7/1/85 Merr...
May 27, 2011•1 hr 41 min
This week's show is the result of one of those wierd acts of synchronicity that led me to believe that it was meant to be... I had been thinking that it was about time to feature a show from 1985. I was thinking of which show to play and had seriously considered the show from Hershey PA on 6/28/85.. While this is a fun show, it has some problems - the weather was bad, the playing a bit sloppy even for 85 standards.. As I had pretty much concluded I wouldn't play this show I got a great email fro...
May 20, 2011•1 hr 2 min
This Friday the 13th we're in for a real treat as we get to enjoy the second set of the Grateful Dead's performance at the Boston Gardens on May the 7th, 1977. The second set opens with a splendid Terrapin Station into Sampson, and while the entire set is quite good, what really sends me over the top is the fabulous Wheel->Wharf Rat.. one for the ages to be sure.. Grateful Dead 5/7/77 - Saturday Boston Garden - Boston, MATwo: Tune Up (Aud patch)Terrapin StationSampson And DelilahTune UpFriend...
May 13, 2011•1 hr 43 min
Ah how I love the month of May! Spring has come late this year, but I still find this month to be the most delightful... and I can never help but feature one of the Grateful Dead's classic performances from this month back in 1977. Clearly one of the greatest periods in their live performance history, while this month is well-known and well-liked I still can't resist pulling out one of these classic shows to feature this week. I can't begin to say what particular performance was the best during ...
May 06, 2011•1 hr 37 min
This week's second set from 1/15/79 is a really classic show for the end of the Keith and Donna era... It starts with an unusual but very successful sequeway - from the I Need A Miracle opener into Shakedown Street.. very powerful and it works seemlessly.. I'm also a fan of the Terrapin Station->Playin' In The Band combo that follows, as I really enjoy a powerful live Terrapin.. While this may be a short second set by some standards the band is clearly on during this show and I hope you enjoy...
Apr 29, 2011•1 hr 33 min
