Set Lists

December 16, 1992

Oakland, CA

Dick's Picks 27 review

Dick’s Picks Volume 27  is a complete concert from the Grateful Dead's December 16, 1992, at the Oakland Coliseum, with some additional tracks from the following night.  There are several rare items on Dick's Picks 27 such as new and seldom released songs, but most important, is that it is the first Grateful Dead release featuring Vince Welnick as the lone keyboard player.

The first set of the featured concert of Dick's Picks Volume 27 is dominated by Bob Weir compositions.  Overall the band is tight, and it is a very well played set.  The strongest song is the closer "Let it Grow." Also  featured is the first live commercial version of "Loose Lucy" and the first modern rendition of Willie Dixon's "The Same Thing" (There is a version from 1967 on So Many Roads), but neither are a big deal.

While Jerry Garcia's compositions were low key in the first set, they took center stage for set two. The second set starts off with an overdue version of "Shakedown Street";  the other two live commercial releases are on Dick's Picks 5 and So Many Roads).  I am a big fan a good version of the song, and this one is fine.  It takes a very rhythmic groove with the whole band participating.  After the "Space" segment we are treated to a short, but melodically sweet  "Dark Star." Just as it was beginning to develop and get interesting Weir bust into the second Dylan song of the evening, "All Along the Watchtower." While "Dark Star" was short,  it sure was preferable to another version of "The Wheel" that could have easily appeared in this spot of the set. Bob Weir's songs had many fine moments too, with him leading the band to major energy peaks during "Samson and Delilah" and "Good Lovin'," and a good version "Playing in the Band."

The bonus material on Dick's Picks Volume 27 from the following evening is the show closer and encore.  The encore is a medley of The Who's "Baba O'Riley" >  the Beatles "Tomorrow Never Knows."  It sounds good, and was probably much better in concert. The songs are miles below the original compositions.   

The first release featuring Vince Welnick is a super Grateful Dead concert, particularly the second set, though, the first set has some fine moments too.   

Regarding Welnick, Dick's Picks 27 confirms that he is a competent musician.  In my opinion, he holds the background and melodies fine.  Though, his instrumentals are ordinary, and he is not a leader in the area of jamming. And that is what sets the Grateful Dead apart from the typical rock band. Conversely, check out Dick's Picks 9, which is a few days after Hornsby joined the band. Listen how Bruce is able to push the band into new territory.  To Vince's credit, he does not attempt to do more than he is capable of.

Disc 1  

1 Feel Like A Stranger  (Weir, Barlow) - 9:20
2 Brown-Eyed Woman  (Garcia, Hunter) - 5:22
3 The Same Thing (Dixon) - 8:09
4 Loose Lucy (Garcia, Hunter) - 7:21
5 Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again (Dylan) - 9:18
6 Row Jimmy (Garcia, Hunter) - 10:10
7 Let It Grow (Weir, Barlow) - 13:05

Disc 2

1 Shakedown Street (Garcia, Hunter) - 12:59
2 Samson and Delilah (Trad. Arr. By Bob Weir) - 7:28
3 Ship Of Fools (Garcia, Hunter) - 7:39
4 Playing In The Band  (Weir, Hart, Hunter) - 12:33
5 Drums (Hart, Kreutzmann) - 14:41
6 Space (Garcia, Lesh, Weir) - 10:56

Disc 3