Terrific With Some Surprises
Hoppy Doppelrocket | Atlanta, GA | 02/22/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This three Disc set from May 1981 (Nassau Coliseum)contains the usual healthy handful (over three hours of inspired, often improvised moments) of music by this great band (consisting at the time of Garcia, Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh, Weir, and Mydland).Disc One is a fairly laid back affair, but is smooth throughout. Disc Two picks up the pace a little (there is a very bluesy feel throughout this set) and concludes with an unlisted, rollicking 30+ minute performance of "Scarlet Begonias/Fire on the Mountain" which will prepare you for the fireworks on Disc Three. As is typical with the Dick's Picks discs, the energy continues to build and the band's last performance of "Caution" and "Spanish Jam" is truly something to hear. The disc closes with the oft-played "Good Lovin'" and a nice, restrained "Don't Ease Me In" closes a fine collection. A terrific performance from the somewhat inconsistent 80s and well worth purchasing. It's good! HHD."
Blues, grit, and some great playing
Hoppy Doppelrocket | 02/25/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"From the first track (Alabama Getaway) you know the band is on tonight! Jerry delivers a bluesy rendition of this Go to Heaven classic. Brent had a great sound in '81 and he fits in perfectly within the rythem section, and also delivers some nice solos. Check out the shifting tempo in Let it Rain, kinda disco, Kinda dark, beautiful none the less. Warning to all, Bob is enthusiastic tonight! Also worth noting on the first disc are the great versions on GSET, Red Rooster, and Cassidy.
The set on disk two is fantastic. Except for the average Minglewood, the High Time, Sailor and Saint are tremendously played! In addition, there is a hidden Scarlet/Fire on this disc which is mind-blowing... Disc three, what can I say? To sum it up, speed and virtuosity- After an inspired He's Gone, the Dead turn it out! He's Gone almost moves into an Irish jig. The rest you have to hear for yourself its just too much to describe!!!! One more thing, this version of Wharf Rat is one of the best!
Enjoy"
Very Nice Show
Scott McFarland | Manassas, VA United States | 07/02/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I quite enjoy this show. Brent Mydland's keyboards are prominent in the mix. He is a much more appropriate and productive player for this band than Keith Godcheaux had been for 7 or so years, and he helps to keep this set moving along nicely.The song choices are nice, the peformances good, the fidelity is good if not definitive. The jamming on discs 2 and 3 is pretty good - again, Mydland helps to keep things moving. On the whole a very good night for the Grateful Dead and for the audience."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1