This week we present the third and final portion of the Grateful Dead's performance from the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Racecourse in Watkins Glen NY on July 28th, 1973. This may not be the best show of the year, but there is certainly some fine music here to recommend itself and to fuel many a thought as you listen. This section begins with a nice Stella Blue, and when you think well there is the Jerry Ballad, they go into a stunning 'Eyes of the World'. For my money the highlight of this set, this one features some amazing jams, especially after the chorus, with hints of 'Stronger than Dirt' and even 'Help on the Way'.. I hope you dig this as much as I did. Weir brings us down to earth with a shiny happy 'Sugar Magnolia' to follow, and then they give us a wonderful 'Sing Me Back Home' (patched however from the audience source and with a nasty cut at the end).. Not Fade Away' probably comes from the same audience patch, but features some high energy Keith on piano. The Mountain Jam featuring members of the Allman Brothers and the Band sounds better from a soundboard copy, and while it is a bit sloppy at times it is still a joy to hear again. While clearly not the most structured jam ever, this is still a fine way to celebrate the Days Between by listening to Jerry on this one. When the jam finally ends, you'd think the band would be finished.. but we get a Johnny B Goode encore (with a cut and somewhat muddled vocals).. despite its flaws, I hope you enjoy this week's Deadpod..
Grateful Dead
Grand Prix Racecourse, Watkins Glen, NY (7/28/73) end of set 2: Stella Blue Eyes of the World Sugar Magnolia Sing Me Back Home Not Fade Away Mountain Jam Johnny B. Goode You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod080715.mp3 Be well my friends and be kind to everyone.