Dick's Picks 23
review
The
music from Dick’s Picks Volume 23 is a complete concert
performed September 17, 1972, at the Baltimore Civic Center in
Baltimore, MD. The
first CD of Dick’s Picks 23 begins set one that starts in
high gear and does not let up.
They run through outstanding versions of many great songs.
"Friend of the Devil" is played in the up tempo
style similar to the studio version.
Personally, I prefer the slower rendition of the later years,
though, this one is a welcome change of pace. There are many more
high moments here most notable, a great version of "Bird Song";
great "New Speedway Boogie" tease just after the 9:00
mark.
The
second disc of Dick’s Picks 23 continues the first set with
its last two songs. The
“Playing in the Band" is top notch with great extended
jamming. The
"Casey Jones" is noteworthy as the song improves with
Keith in the mix. At the end of the song when the boys are throwing
those power chords out of their instruments, Keith pours out melodic
riff after riff.
The
second set starts out with "Truckin’" and it is a gem.
It takes a more bluesy tone than usual and even has a bluesy
rhythm during the instrumental.
The "Mississippi Half Step" is still in its infancy
as it debuted July 16, 1972; I heard the July 26 version on tape and
there is no ending instrumental.
Here they begin to develop the song and it has quite a good
jam to finish the song.
The
third disc of Dick’s Picks 23 continues the second set and
contains the meat of the show, with “The Other One” clocking in
at close to forty minutes. This
version goes in many different directions and will certainly not
disappoint fans of their exploratory songs. This leads to a stunning
version of “Sing Me Back Home.”
After
hearing Dick’s Picks 23 I have two questions. First, why don’t I listen to more from 1972?
Second, what took the Grateful Dead so long to release this?
The answer to both questions is there is so much good stuff
to choose from, a good problem to have!
Dick
Pick’s 23 is a
top shelf. by Barry
Small
©
Grade A
