Grateful Dead - October 23rd, 1970 at McDonough Arena at Georgetown U. (Why do I feel like Jerry looks more like Tommy Chong in this pic?) This is one of those beauties of 1970 wherein the evening starts off with the New Riders (included in this download) easing you into the GratefulDeadLand vibe. This is an audience tape not without it’s flaws - sure, the lows can get a little muffly and the highs a little ragged - but one we’re sure lucky to have.  The whole show is permeated with the aroma of “we are in for it with the Grateful Dead” but the ending sequence of Truckin’>Other One>NFA>GDTRFB>NFA just makes it.  Particularly, there’s something about the NFA>GDTRFBs of ‘70-‘71 that sets them apart from those that came later.  I think it’s Jerry’s approach.  Through NFA his guitar is driving, questing - once it gets into GDTRFB territory it’s full-on floating and euphoric.  It never makes me feel bad.  I know it’s crazy.  But it’s true.  This is also one of the first GDTR…s, as you can see from the phrasing - it’d be a couple more shows before they got it where they wanted it.  The heavily-leaned-on “I’m”s before the “goin‘“s would be dropped soon for the sake of flow - they are a little awkward.  But interesting to hear the transition. Anyway.  DO check this show.  You won’t be sad.

Grateful Dead - October 23rd, 1970 at McDonough Arena at Georgetown U.

(Why do I feel like Jerry looks more like Tommy Chong in this pic?)

This is one of those beauties of 1970 wherein the evening starts off with the New Riders (included in this download) easing you into the GratefulDeadLand vibe.

This is an audience tape not without it’s flaws - sure, the lows can get a little muffly and the highs a little ragged - but one we’re sure lucky to have.  The whole show is permeated with the aroma of “we are in for it with the Grateful Dead” but the ending sequence of Truckin’>Other One>NFA>GDTRFB>NFA just makes it.  Particularly, there’s something about the NFA>GDTRFBs of ‘70-‘71 that sets them apart from those that came later.  I think it’s Jerry’s approach.  Through NFA his guitar is driving, questing - once it gets into GDTRFB territory it’s full-on floating and euphoric.  It never makes me feel bad.  I know it’s crazy.  But it’s true.  This is also one of the first GDTR…s, as you can see from the phrasing - it’d be a couple more shows before they got it where they wanted it.  The heavily-leaned-on “I’m”s before the “goin‘“s would be dropped soon for the sake of flow - they are a little awkward.  But interesting to hear the transition.

Anyway.  DO check this show.  You won’t be sad.