Grateful Dead

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Heynow-Instead of a review, here are my opinions and random thoughts after roadtripping back from that Denver Dead show. Although I loved hearing Crazy Fingers and several of the acoustic set (MAMU, Weight,etc), yet I left not feeling quite satisfied. The Dead had me going in, but it is like going to a restaurant that you love and they don't have the dish you want and the 'special' that get substituted, just does not hit the spot. IMO, the Dead saved the 'beef' for the coastal shows (apology to you vegetarians), no real song that was a 'jam vehicle' ala Other One or Eyes (which I desired) to link and pull the whole show around it. More disparate songs that were loosely "grouped' together. It was weird to me that the segues in the first half sounded more smoothly executed than those in the second half. I have seen this before (speaking as a former 'disgruntled' midwestern deadhead who didn't get to see the show that I wanted to see) and knowing that 'my show' would then be played down the line. But actually I am not disgruntled anymore and I do truly appreciate the show that I was lucky enough to witness. More review, Phil is the Maestro there. Bobby is the eccentric whimsical who struggles at times, (NOT with his exquisite shimmering rhythm chops..er... but what about those mutton chops! ;o}), Warren was great both on vocals (Easy Wind & China Doll!) and his lead & slide guitar work, he is such a talent and needs to propel the boys along with him. Mickey and Billy were simply tremendous and amazingly, I wish there would have been more drums that night (on Billy's birthday no less) at least King Solomon's Marbles gave them a chance to stretch the drumming a bit. Chimenti is very versatile but he has potential to be more of a force with the band. There were times when his keys could have hammered the boys ahead, to shake them a bit, like some of the keyboardists of old. At times I wondered if they all could hear each other as well, to cue off of, hint another tune, etc. I did hear many 'teases' and wondered several times if the band did as well. That said, these guys rock! They just need a little more playing time to weave it together. On balance, their vocals sounded improved from show I heard on the radio on 5/2. I would like to hear Warren sing more esp. the Garcia/Hunter tunes, as Warren does nail the phrasing of those tunes much better than Bobby does AND he can remember the words (which helps ;o}). It seemed like the Dead were playing and playing well however their pace or ability to accelerate like with the GD or even the prior versions of the Dead that I have seen, were just not the same. At this point anyway. Denver was just not the 'mind-meld' that I was hoping for, or maybe it was just the song selection for me. Maybe it is I just wanted to be able to hear a Jack Straw, or Wheel or Eyes of the World or Brown Eyed Women or a fine 1/2 Step. I am old school, you know. However, I recall "one man gathers what another man spills" and consequently the coastal shows will be classics. Maybe when I give Denver another listen and get these pesky synapses to refire, I may think differently and reevaluate. That said, I learned long ago, to not attend too much to what I didn't hear. I am so happy I went and glad for what I did hear. The boys do look energized. Billy was grinning ear to ear and nodding enthusiastically to Phil and Bobby at the conclusion of their acoustic take of Me & My Uncle. That was a treat seeing them like that and reminded me of 'the old daze'. I am spoiled rotten by the wonderful shows that I was lucky enough to attend, and often I am an incurable critic/cynic, so I do have to give myself a reality check (or my wife or friends will.) This band will only get better and I wish I was able to take in a couple more shows from this tour to witness it happening. BUT I am so excited that Heads who have not seen the Grateful Dead or other versions of the Dead, will have this tour to see & be the dance. At the end Bobby pointed out to the audience and said "It was you that got us back together." If I win the lottery, I will head out to the show at the Gorge. Without any doubt. The Dead will be hitting their stride. I just wish they were meeting me at 10KLF! The Truth is realized in an instant, the act is practiced step by step.

CBS2 AND KCAL9 HAD SOME EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE DEAD IN LA.WE GOT A CHANCE TO SPEND A FEW MINUTES WITH MICKEY HART. HE WAS VERY COOL... AND WILLING TO TALK ABOUT WHATEVER. THE RAW INTERVIEW AND CLIP FROM THE SHOW CAN BE SEEN HERE: http://cbs2.com/entertainment/Grateful.Dead.Forum.2.1006907.html

patiently waiting your 'review' of that show and any photos you have to share... also, not sure if it is 'cricket' to mention it here,but really glad you got to see that other thing yesterday, too!! I seen your above post, that it was only about 20 minutes before I sent you the email and private message. Glad it worked out! timing is everything!! peace my brother, cc

And all I can say is I wish I was able to head west and see/hear more. You all are in for a treat out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Truth is realized in an instant, the act is practiced step by step.

Have they been serving Pancakes at any of the shows ? I could catch the end of the tour if they have Pancakes ! Gotto have Pancakes !

Last nights show had to of been BANGIN:) Viola must have been sweet to go into it 3 times:) And don't get me started on the 2nd set:) WOW..........Opener...Shakedon st.....Scarlet/Fire....Wow Peace- Moye

WOW..........Wrote a letter....Mailed it in the air......I think our friend JackstrawfromCo had a grooooovin time last night:)Peace- Moye

Happy Mothers Day to all you Hippy Moms out there!! Hope you have a nice day. :-)

:) Have a great show tonight my friend:) Lots and lots of beautiful, energetic, positive vibes for tonight and tomarrows shows for you my friend!!!! And lots of great vibes for everyone else thats catchin the rest of the shows!!!!NOTHIN LEFT TO DO BUT SMILE:) SMILE:) SMILE:) Peace- Moye

You all are are grate .. hugs to you both .. Even though my butt was draggin today I haven't stopped smiling!! We're off to CA tomorrow. "Dont you drink hard liquor just a cup of cold coffee .. gonna get up in the mornin' and go" I'll report back on Monday. Peace and love to all!! "Escaping through the lily fields, I came across an empty space. It rainbow then exploded, left a bus stop in its place. The bus come by and I got on, thats when it all began. It was Cowboy Neal at the wheel of the bus to never ever land"