A request from one of my supporters, as well as the fact that this past week marked Pigpen's 70th birthday inspired this week's Deadpod selection from the Berkeley Community Theater on August 14th, 1971. This is a great tape that showcases the early versions of many classics like 'Sugaree' and 'Playin' In the Band' as well as some outstanding Pigpen performances. Highlights include the opening 'Bertha', 'El Paso' played nice and slowly, 'Big Railroad Blues' (a personal favorite), and of course Pigpen on 'Big Boss Man' and 'Hard To Handle'. I'm always a fan of this period of the Dead's history and of course it helps that there are such great sounding tapes that we are lucky enough to be able to enjoy.
Grateful Dead
Berkeley Community Theatre Berkeley, CA
8/14/71 - Saturday
One
Bertha [5:43] ;
Me And My Uncle [3:09] ;
Mr. Charlie [3:13] ;
Sugaree [6:08] ;
El Paso [5:03] ;
Big Railroad Blues [3:26] ;
Big Boss Man [4:58] ;
Brokedown Palace [5:20] ;
Playing In The Band [4:28] ;
Hard To Handle [7:16] ;
Cumberland Blues [5:29] ;
Loser [6:31] ;
The Promised Land [2:53]
You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod091115.mp3
My sincere thanks to all of you whose support helps to keep the Deadpod alive...
Be kind.
Howdy, Professor! I have neither commented nor donated for a while, but I wanted to drop you a quick note to say "Hello!," and also express my continued appreciation for the service that you provide to our music community.
ReplyDeleteThe last several shows have been strong, and this week's is no exception. Great sound quality, and everyone is singing and playing well. Phil is very prominent in the mix, which is great. I particularly enjoy hearing early versions of songs, and it was only about 6 months prior to this show that Bertha, Loser, and PITB made their debut in the band's repertoire. It's fun to see "where they came from," per se. It's interesting to compare earlier versions to later ones, and to notice subtle (and sometimes significant) lyrical and musical differences. I appreciate a nice, 22-minute, jammed-out PITB all the more when I hear it's 4-minute, 28-second progenitor (not that the latter wasn't fun and well done).
Anyway, thanks again for all you do, and I hope all is well with you and yours!
Hi. I was the listener who asked for this show - well at least I am one of them! This show was on my 21st birthday - although sadly I was not able to attend this concert. If only!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great show for this period. Jerry, in particular, is cooking with something strong. He sparkles throughout. And the jam late in the show is fantastic. All in all, one of my favourite shows.
Thanks John both for this show and for all the tunes.