Terrapin Station
2-26-77 will go down in history as the first time the Dead played Terrapin Station live for the people. It isn't the best I've heard, but it is wonderful and fresh. The piano and bass playing are as good, perhaps better than any Terrapin I've heard so far. Crucial times here, as Jerry hadn't gotten too lost in magic fingers or dope yet. Don't get me wrong, he was there, but not to the point of going completely midi-illegal and loosing his noodle to the noodle.
Help
Slipknot
Franklin's Tower
A real pro-burner of the supreme trio. Early on in the '77 sets and Donna isn't singing quite as much as she will go on to in later dates (esp. May!!!), but these are just pulled off with so much delight and freshness that i wanted to include them. Dig Phil all the way, he's like the commander of the strut going down hard on help and just keeps it so nested, bubbled and alive through these three tracks. Jerry just flies and tickles, Keith slapping keys and hi fives with every motherfucker bad enough to man an instrument on that legendary day.
Check out this monster jam
'77 has become my 100% preferred vintage.
Benchmark Devil
You can tell they were miraculous based on the way they rock one of their classics. Another gem from '77.
Loser
Some nice organ for Dr. Bobby. A little behind in the mix, but keen that ear up. This band could rip a jam about a card game or a gambler like no other. Man Jerry could sound so creeped, strung and sinister. He had a rough life.
This Ry Cooder performance is powerful! Every dude on there cut the shit so long ago and you can just feel it in their vibe. Moves only slightly cooridinated, unthought, but locked. Harmonies perfect. Clothes casual, musicians 100% professional. London for the gig on a Thurs, maybe an LA jam on Sat and a session in Phoenix on Monday. You know they don't forget to send some money back home to take care of their people. Ry's the man cuz he knows what he needs to look good.