JGB 9-1, 2-89 Merriweather Post Pavilion
Dark Star-The Other One | The Bus To Never Ever Land | 09/10/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This release collects two shows around three months before the shows for Jerry Garcia Band were recorded and as a result, these release does have a somewhat similar set list. On the plus side, I find several of those songs to be better performed here. On the minus side, John Kahn's bass doesn't sound as loud as it sometimes does and there's a bit of an overall echo in spots. It sounds like John Kahn's bass is having problems during Run For The Roses. The recording sounds like a DAT from the house mix.
9-1-89:
The first set opens with the often played How Sweet It Is which is nice but nothing to write home about. Stop That Train and Get Out Of My Life Woman are very good while Run For The Roses sounds a little disjointed. Like A Road is a sweet song and is played very heartfelt here. My Sisters And My Brothers is very nice while the set closing Deal generates energy. Set two starts with a good The Harder They Come and is followed by a standout Mission In The Rain. Think is it's blues best while Mississippi Moon is always welcome and a good version too. Waiting For A Miracle and Lucky Old Sun are nice while Tangled Up In Blue ends the show in style.
9-2-89:
The second show gets off to a better start with a strong I'll Take A Melody followed by a good They Love Each Other. Forever Young is one of my favourite Dylan numbers. That's What Love Will Make You Do is very good. Knockin' On Heaven's Door was done better by the Dead and their arrangement. And It Stoned Me is a great Van Morrison song and the JGB always did a great job with it. Midnight Moonlight ends the first set in fine style. The second starts with a strong Cats Under The Stars followed by the run's second Waiting For A Miracle. Simple Twist Of Fate is it's usually lovely self. Evangeline is a fun song and a nice nod to the guys in Los Lobos. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is done well and Don't Let Go ends the run on a strong note."