It's both rewarding and a bit frustrating, in that it's rather fragmented (for example, I'd like to have more of the "beautiful jam" from 2/18/71, if only for context). Don't miss the Playing in the Band from Laguna Seca on 7/29/88 on disc 4. It features a really violently abstract jam. Bobby was asked at some point later how he felt about being in that and his response was "I felt scared."
That's my feeling when listening to it as well. An incredible collection of amazing stuff throughout, and what it does quite often is make you go to a certain show to hear more of something that catches your ear.
I get what you're saying. I don't think I've listened to it nearly enough to have a strong opinion. I have to admit from what I've heard I do kinda like the fragmented feel in that it has sort of this home made feel-hence the mixtape comment I made.
Fair point. I think if I was a major Deadhead when this came out I might be a bit disappointed for reasons you guys have brought up. I just got into the Dead heavily this past year so while I've listened to a lot of stuff the So Many Roads set is just another set that supplements what I have/enjoy. So there was zero anticipation. I havent really even noticed no '77.
a cool 80's Playin' for sure......the return of the complete arrangement. I missed the discussion on Hartford 87 as was just wondering if there was any discussion on why the straight SBD tape was not used for 3/26/87. Here's how it sounds: Grateful Dead May 13- May 19, 2013 p.s. I got a lot of mileage recently out of the 1/24/69 New Potato Caboose (on the Aoxomoxoa (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition).
Just revisited Chicago, 6-22-91, and really do love Hornsby this night. He teases all kinds of stuff throughout...and Jer is in fine form, with no blown lyrics in Crazy Fingers! Lol.
That perfectly captures how my team played last night. The lack of pre-season games hurts the new line combos and D-man pairings.
14 January 1978- Bakersfield. The second set is short, yet the playing is great, and the song renditions as fine as you'll find in the time-frame. Yesterday: 13 January 1978- Arlington Theater, Santa Barbara. This second set is really worth a deep listen, as it features a long jam sequence that includes a "Close Encounters" tease and some very exploratory jamming.
have a 25 minute drive to the office. Weather Report Suite > Jam courtesy of Dick's Picks 31 did the trick nicely today
I'll add that in the second set Charlie did a masterful job of weaving the SBD together with needed audience recording patches to create a seamless listening experience.
Speaking of '77, I haven't visited that year in a while until last night when I started 3/19/77, got through most of the first set and of course it's great! I got to thinking that I may actually have never listened to this show before! I've spent so much time on May '77 plus the June Winterland shows, Englishtown and the fall run and the classic 12/29 release that I've completely spaced on the three March shows over the years. I did listen to 3/18 once a long time ago bc I think it has one of the most complete Terrapins ever performed. Anyway, 3/18, 3/19 and 3/20 are in the queue! 2020 was a LOT of '76 due to the box set! Looks like we need another box to get us through 2021!
I have hoped for years they would do a 3rd Winterland box with those three March '77 shows. Maybe someday.
Originally Passenger from 5/19/77 was supposed to be on the box because it was included on the sampler disc sent out to record stores. Never heard why it was removed, but it was probably for the better since it wouldn't have fit well with the rest of the box IMHO.