jw harding

Robert Greenfield's biography on Bear is a good read so far. An overdue analysis as one of the most important people from the era, and a truly unique American. If you found Jarnow's Heads to be a tedious and challenging read as I did, you will likely find this book to be enjoyable. A bit short though, but surprised at how often the reclusive Bear is quoted throughout.

Set 2 looks interesting. Set 1 seems to be one of the latest known shows to be undocumented or taped, as this can't be the whole thing: Promised Box Of Rain B. E. Women El Paso He's Gone> Truckin> Other One> Eyes> China Doll Sugar Magnolia Casey Jones

If coming from burbs to Wrigley, splitting a cab/uber/limo is the way to go. Otherwise you're probably fucked. But can't be much better or worse than a drive from the burbs to Alpine?

Wrigley is great if you can get on the field for the experience. Stands are a bit far away. Fun times in the neighborhood before and after, as there are actually enough bars to absorb the crowd. Will be nitrous everywhere, which is a plus/minus depending on your preference. Certainly weird to see tanks out on the street in Wrigleyville.

I'd imagine the remaining guys would continue to play Dead music in some configuration after the Core 3/4th's move on. Still don't care for Mayer's generic blues riffs inserted into Dead songs. Wish Bob would continue to pursue his cowboy project more, as I would think it has to be more musically gratifying.

Didn't see a lot of shows this year, so I'll just list the best: Ween - LA Palladium this fall.

This recording of the 11/15/16 show includes the live debut of Brown-Eyed Women: http://www.nyctaper.com/2016/11/hiss-golden-messenger-november-15-2016-music-hall-of-williamsburg/

Interesting about Crosby, as I know I've heard that sound in other shows from around that time, but I guess that was him as well. I knew he played with them at times, particularly with David and the Dorks et al, but guess I didn't know he was that much of a player so it didn't cross my mind. He seems to hang with them pretty well, despite the annoying tone.

Great show, particularly the post Space segment. Too bad they didn't pair Throwin'>Touch together more often. Fun combo. And Lovelight is a nice encore choice. MSG energy can't be beat.

First Joe Russo's Almost Dead show last night. Unfortunately San Diego House of Blues is as much of a hole as it was when I swore I'd never return 8 years ago. Hope it's another 8 years at least. But worth breaking my vow for these guys. Grateful Dead shows always have the ability to surprise you with just the right song when you need it, and the crowd sure was feeling the Touch of Grey opener, particularly when the chorus switched from "I will get by" to "We will get by." Poignant. Entire set was well played, but being off to the side the sound was incredibly muddy, like listening with ear mu

The jam in between Let it Grow and Box of Rain from this show is sublime. One of my favorite aspect of the Hornsby era were these drawn out piano lead jams, that could have kind of a celestial/cosmic vibe to them, for lack of a better description.

Happened to be listening to this show this week. The playing is astounding as noted, particularly the build ups in Other One. Real edge of the seat insanity there. One thing that bugs me about this and other shows from this period is the pedal Bob uses at times. Is it a flange or something? It could be cool in spots, say if used in a Spanish or MLB jam or other spacey improv. But I think it detracts from songs like Dew, as it is jarring, and I just prefer that classic sound from Europe 72. Bob didn't use the pedal for long thankfully, so it seems there was likely unhappiness with it within the

The 10/27/90 Paris show from the 30 Trips Box is pretty sublime. First set is pretty standard but solid. China Cat to open set two makes you wonder why that song tanked so hard in later years, but the Rider gets the blood pumping. Really solid version of Saint of Circumstance, and listening to it with headphones on there is a weird drone going on in the background, not sure if it's keyboards, Phil, or Mickey. Beautiful playing from there out, particularly a real purty Stella Blue. Thumbs up!

I agree with everything you wrote, yet I can write counterpoints explaining why I still think it is a bad choice. Phish is a multifaceted band, and the side this album shows doesn't play to my preferences. It is what it is. I was at the 14 Halloween show, which was a rock n roll cream dream for me. The bar is high. Better luck for me next time around. I bet it was a blast, just wish Fishman dressed as Ziggy.

A fine choice I suppose if you're going to cover an album, but I thought they were done with that concept after Wingsuit in 13 and Thrilling Chilling in 14. I don't think the album suits their strengths, or that the album's theme's are particularly relevant for the band (as Exile was). And the character Ziggy is bigger than the album itself, and Bowie's tours as Ziggy made it legendary. You're in Vegas, and you're not going out there in full Ziggy regalia? What's the point. I would've had fun if I was there, and those first 3 Vegas shows are legendary, but this album will rank low in Halloween

Yes, good cut. The song Lucia, from the Lateness of Dancers album, sounds like Franklin's Tower channeled through JJ Cale. Some Dead influences in their music for sure.

Tribune's review of the Chicago show, which I did not read before making my comments above: http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-bob-weir-grateful-dead-review-ent-1022-20161021-story.html And Weir on CBS Saturday Sessions: http://www.jambase.com/article/bob-weir-appears-cbs-saturday-sessions

Holy hell that China Cat is an abomination. I didn't think it could be played worse than Jerry did in 95, but Weir never ceases to amaze. It's one of the great guitar lines in all music, just play something that sounds like it, or act like you've played a guitar before. Oh well, the Dead stopped giving a shit about it after 74, so no big whoop. Enjoy the cowboy and stripped down stuff. Things fall apart from He's Gone on, when they open it up and reveal the band hasn't quite meshed yet. The drummer sounds pretty good though. And enjoy Kimock's lap steel on Stella Blue (and other tunes), kinda

Yeah, Victim was great. Bob has plenty of terrible songs. That is not one of them. Gotta give Bob credit for trying to bring strange, heavier sounds to the band in later years, when Jerry was sticking to a pretty standard template. Days Between being the exception.

Yeah, Phil Cook's album is real good too. I think Wilco fans would dig both these bands/musicians.

Heard a few good, weird Dead versions of Corrina. It could lead to some interesting places. Not sure about Weir playing it solo though. Especially with the catalog he has to draw from. Um, Jack Straw, Music Never Stopped. Fuck, play Mexicali. Looks like a cool show though.

Maybe not mindblowing, but that whole sit in was probably more musically satisfying than all of Fare thee Well.

The webcast from the other night is online. Thought the first set sounded real good. Haven't got to the 2nd yet. https://youtu.be/UONmFuXXzN4

I've watched a few videos from Weir's current tour. Wish I could attend a show, think it would be fun. Puzzled that he continues to sing Garcia tunes, like Althea, Standing on the Moon, Ship of Fools, Peggy O. Think it would make sense to focus more on his catalog that fits with the Cowboy genre, like Jack Straw, Blackthroated Wind, etc. And gotta say Weir does not sound great on the guitar. Sometimes just sounds like he's banging out chords like someone who has never played a guitar before, not listening to the rest of the band. Typical Weir stuff I guess. And again, I think there will be som

Lateness of Dancers is probably my favorite album of the last few years. So far like it a bit more than the new one.