Search - Grateful Dead :: Dick's Picks, Vol. 20: Landover, Maryland and Syracuse, New York, 9/25/76, 9/28/76

One of the top 10 of the current 36+ issues in this series

Birdman | Minnetonka, MN USA | 09/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not sure why more classic rock listeners and Dead-heads don't focus on the extraordinary music on this release. It features two complete shows, each minus one song, from Landover, MN in 1976 and Syracuse, NY 1976.



Some purists dislike the prominence of Keith's electronic and accoustic pianos and Donna Jean's occasionally off-pitch wailing. In truth, discs 3 and 4 are worth the full price of the set. They are phenomenally recorded from 2-track analog soundboard tapes. The pace of the 21 songs is flawless and the jams are earthy and creative.



By comparison, the MD set on discs 1 and 2 is slightly weaker, with disc 1 holding dominance and disc 2 stumbling because of some jams that are downright annoying.



At four discs for $6 each, this is one of the best historical and aural documents of this wonderful, joyous band. Disc 3, in particular, is a standout, with 10 Dead standards in rare form and fine sound.



I've read the many posts of those who find #23 (in this issue) to be far superior to these recordings, but for the life of me, I can't figure it out.



These are sad and grievous times. A good Dead album can help the most fearful and sad break through and feel happy. The performances of Cold Rain and Snow, Big River, Friend of the Devil, Playing in the Band, Comes a Time -- all rival other live recordings I've heard.



A real bargain, a comfort, and 1-1 /2 outstanding and classic rock concerts. Go for it.



Rhino's quality-control adds to the value. And the price has dropped considerably, too."

Excellent Pick - Prelude to all the great shows of 1977

robb0117 | Seattle, WA | 05/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was late in buying this pick; the playlist seemed a little dull compared to other DPs out there. All in all DP 20 seemed a bit of a sour pick. When I finally did pick this up I was very surprised. The list may be on the 'standard' side, but the playing is incredible. Both first sets are strong, the perfect set ups for the second set. Highlights include the opener Bertha and Sugaree on Disc one. Both second sets are stellar. Disc 2's (9/25/76 show 2nd set) highlights include one of the best Scarlet Begonias you will ever hear without Fire on the Mountain attached, the last (I think) performance of Cosmic Charlie, and a perfect St. Steve > NFA > St. Steve. The band is having a blast and after the line "One man gathers what another man spills" you can hear Garcia say "Yes he goes..." one second before the rhythm section kicks into NFA. Awesome.



Disc four is everything you could ever want from a second set at a Dead show. It starts with PITB with the mystique of '74 but with Hart and Kreutzman togeher again behind the drums. Plus, Phil is bouncing all over the place in the into. It segues into Wheel with a great outro jam that segues perfectly into Sam and Delilah (never heard this transition before) then into the ballad Comes a Time, then Drums > a short/ fast 8 minute Eyes of the World > before jamming and closing PITB.



Though it does not have that unique sound of 1977, it is a great intro to the Dead and a nice prelude to '77. And with two shows on one DP, with only a song edited (I think) from each show to get it to fit on 4 discs, this set is a bargain. Don't hesitate picking this up like I did. Well worth it."

Great performance - mediocre recording

Jeffrey E | Austin, TX | 03/26/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I probably would rate this at 3.5 stars if given the option, but I'll err on the low side. The main reason is the quality of the recording.



It is hard to nail down exactly what is wrong with the recording. It is clear enough but therer is a genuine lack of vibrance. The sound quality can best be described as "flat".



I have listened to this several times and I am confident that their is zero stereo separation between the two channels. The result is that you have a good quality recording of a really nice concert, but you listen to it in a monotonic replay. Another way to describe it as if they were playing outdoors and you were listening to the concert on the other side of a large wall with a hole cut into it. You can hear it all clearly, but there is no fidelity to it.



If this is your first venture into a live recording of a Dead show, kep looking; there are better selections out there. If you are a long time fan, then this is a nice addition to your collection but it won't be your favorite."