Spring 1990 - So Glad You Made It (Live)

I remember this tour quite well- it was the beginning of my utter disenchantment with the Daed and, most especially, the Scene surrounding their shows. The band was well past played out by this time, regardless of how over romanticized some may make it sound. Compare these recordings with anything from '73 or '74 (my particular favorite era where, I believe, the band found it's sweet spot on stage and even to some exetent in the studio starting with Wake of the Flood, Mars Hotel and Blues for Allah). On stage they were clapped out and Jerry Garcia at this point was just a drag to watch. Sure, the mechanics were in place and he had some nice flurries but the guy's heart was way the f**k elsewhere and it shows here. Weir and Lesh were the animating forces onstage. Which is unfortuante, because there are tunes here that really do deserve a more fleshed out live treatment. Anyway, save your money and spring for the glorious ROad to Terrapin set from '77 or 72's Sunshine Daydream or the '71 Ladies and Gentlemen... packages. Or grow a pair and start delving into the Dick's Picks releases from '73-'74 (I'm quite partial to #1 which contains most of my favorite studio album, Wake of the Flood shortly before it's release). Or the master class contained in the amazing #4 Fillmore East show in 2/70. I was a frequent attendee at shows from '86-'92 and grew ever more non-plussed with the experiences. [Although there were a couple shows @ Hampton Roads in '86 that I'm surprised have never been released].

I don't see any, smoke another.

Jerry!!!!!

Hands down the best "Fadeaway" available here on iTunes. Just some info if your looking for a live version of that classic or cherry picking this release. Overall these are very tight versions and the mix is perfect IMO. Stolen Faces won't be disappointed.

The quality is good, and I enjoy the setlist, but I think Brent didn't sound very good, and Jerry should have sang more, but other than that, the album is a hit.

Not enough Jerry singing and too many Stone's covers. Come on.

I decided to pass on the box set mostly it was beyond comprehension why Nassau 3-29-90 wasn't included (the Branford show). This sampler somewhat justifies that decision. Jerry is spry and confident on these tracks. "Loser" is an all time best. Phil is more locked in with the drums than usual & he seems to delight in producing some earthquake bass booms throughout. However, Brent tends to detract rather than add much to the jam vehicles. He seems lost in the Eyes outro amid some really interesting midi space noises from Jerry and Bob. It's enough of a negative that it limits some (not all) of the my enjoyment. I would still recommend this to any fan who enjoys nicely remastered Dead & has a stereo that can shake the house a little (or a lot!).

High quality. This tour (and these shows in particular) were some of the very highest points in the late Brent era of the Grateful Dead. Great energy and sound quality. These shows are available in their entirety in the new Spring 90 box set (I have not ordered yet), but this download includes robust highlights from multiple nights over a 2 week period in March 1990. One of the best versions of "Loser" in 10 plus years prior to this version. And Brent is on fire in this "Blow Away". This stellar version of "Loser" is actually taken from a show (3/24/90) whose excerpts are heard on "Dozin' at the Knick", but "Loser" was not included. A high powered bonus track to be sure. I have a taper version of 3/22/90 (Copps Coliseum), but the audio quality in this release is superb. You will instantly hear the difference. Jerry is sharp and seems to really be enjoying these shows. Highly recommend.

Cant they just stick to the one show format instead this chopped up stuff. Brent sounds horrible on this and he probably would not want this released. There is a real good version of EYEs on here but you have to buy the whole album to get it. Sorry guys maybe you should check into these release before letting the record company choose them.