This disc(s) is on the "re-discovered and listening again for the first time" list of music that is now one of my absolute favorites. Bill Graham made the right decision to have his favorite band close down the famous San Fransisco venue and The Grateful Dead truely did it justice.
The first set is just and onslaught of some of the best music I have ever heard. Opening with Sugar Magnolia (one of my favorites to hear live...everytime is different and great) and going immediatly into "Scarlet Begonias >> Fire on the Mountain" brings about and energy amungst the band and the crowd that is infectious and cannot help but put you in a better mood; and from there it continues through out the entire show. The 7:59 version of "Stagger Lee", the 19:35 version of "Not Fade Away", "Me and My Uncle", "Terrapin Station", and "I Need a Miracle" are a couple of notables in the set list. In my opinion, however, the highlight is the "Dark Star >> The Other One >> Dark Star" jam...17 minutes of the Dead at their finest.
One of the reasons out site of the track list that makes this such a great album is the sound quality. Even with modern technology sometimes the live recording from that era are not as great as some of the more recent recordings but this one is as good as it gets. Every instrument and vocal discernible with out one overpowering another.
Truly and amazing album that encompasses much of what the Grateful Dead were and still are. Bill Graham once said that the Dead are more than a band, they are an environment and this album/ concert/ show explains that so well.
In closing I would welcome any and all feedback. This is what I hope to be the first of many more to come. Let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions of what you feel is great music regardless of the genre.
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