Dick's Picks
5 review
Dick’s
Picks Volume 5
was recorded at the Oakland Auditorium Arena on December 26, 1979.
This is a year that incorporated dramatic changes for the Grateful
Dead as they replaced keyboard player Keith Godchaux with Brent
Mydland.
This release gives us an early taste of that period of their
career.
It is a complete show with no filler.
The
first set of Dick’s Picks Volume 5 fits on the first disc.
There are many high moments. Perhaps the best playing of the
set are the two songs to close it. During the solo of "Alabama
Getaway" Jerry gives it all he has, even still, Phil tops him.
The energy carries over to the set closer "The Promised
Land."
The
second disc begins set two and the theme is carved with the first
song, a fan favorite,
"Uncle Johns Band" that is performed brilliantly.
It flows into "Estimated Prophet" where we begin to notice
the difference in styles with the addition of Brent. There is
much more great music within the first segment of the set, notably a
great "The Other One," that includes Phil’s famous bass
line introduction.
The
third disc is outstanding too, but not quite as juicy as the second.
We get an early "Space Segment."
The ballad they chose to play, "Brokedown Palace"
sounds good and Brent's adds nice touches both with keyboards and
back up vocals.
However, the real treat of the disc is the encore.
They perform one of my favorite songs "Shakedown
Street," a rendition to be proud of. To end the song they
smoothly transition back to where set two began, "Uncle Johns
Band."
It is surely a treat to hear this pulled off.
Dick’s
Picks Volume 5 is not one to pass by. There are many good treasures
on this. In addition to good versions of the songs the set
list is unique and the sound quality clear.
by Barry
Small
©
Grade A -
