Yes! I've also got the stand-alone Cornell, but not the full May '77 box. If it's still on sale in a couple of weeks I'll grab it!
If you have enjoyed Cornell, you will love the whole set, which includes, among other gems, the 5/9/77 Buffalo show (in my opinion, the best in the box set).
Absolutely marvelous, and the transition from "Comes A Time" to "Sugar Magnolia" is breathtaking. The show is filled with remarkable moments.
And a smokin' Big River...perhaps the smokinest of all time. Always loved the 5/9 Music Never Stopped too...Unfortunately there's a cut in the last solo but it's still one of the best versions...along with 5/7.
I ordered the PNW box during the Rhino July 4th 20% off plus free shipping. $162 all in with the free shipping plus tax. This box is a must. I’m listening to the first show Vancouver 73. Love the rather short 18 minute Playing to close the first set. And then you get Here Comes Sunshine to open the 2nd set. Definitely no regrets picking this up despite a couple scuffed discs. Not sure how many are left, but better to jump on it now while it’s on sale if you are interested.
This box has really grown on me. Amazing how I can’t really pick a favorite show from it- and it’s only because they’re all so good! But that St Paul show is perhaps the most underrated show I’ve come across in an official release.
Who underrated the St. Paul show? Not on my watch they didn't! Now folks have not spoken much of St. Paul because before this there was no SBD, only mediocre audience recordings. The show just never got any PR, and we all know what too much PR can do for any given shows reputation.
That St. Paul show may very well be the star of the box, for me. Then again, I'm only midway through the second Red Rocks, so I really don't put much stock in my opinion at this point. It may all change, second time through. Hope this helps...
It just stone-cold hit me as I was listening to it. For some reason, it was the first show of the box I played and I couldn’t believe how good it was. I hadn’t yet really read much on this forum about the show so, to me at least, it’s my “diamond in the rough”.
As a complete show I'll also go with 22 June 1973. There are certainly sections in each show that dwell in the Realm of the Gods.
Don’t overlook the 7/5/78 Omaha show. One of the greatest Estimated>Eyes ever. Only issue is Sugaree comes in a bit late and although I like Bobby’s odd slide playing, some don’t. First set filled with all kinds of 1978 Grateful Dead energy. Set list looks standard as most 78 set lists, but the band is smoking hot throughout.
Weir's slide playing had a bizarre beginner's luck charm in 1978, went downhill into the abyss for the next 15 years, somehow bounced back sounding like something akin to competence in 1993. <how did that happen
6/22/73 has to be the stand-out show in the box. I mean, feel free to disagree, but it oozes their true essence. Take Here Comes Sunshine as an example. I don't even like that tune all that much but this version may be a top 5 all-time performance by them; it's that good.
Cool — 22/06/73 will be the first one I play once my box set arrives. All shows look like they have great set lists. Really looking forward to this arriving!