Set Lists

2/26/73 - Lincoln, NB

Dick's Picks 28 review

Dick's Picks Volume 28 is most of two concerts on four discs from 
2/26/73 - Pershing Municipal Auditorium, Lincoln, NB, and 2/28/73 - Salt Palace - Salt Lake City, UT. It captures the Grateful Dead on their spring of '73 tour. What is notable about this period of the Grateful Dead's career is the introduction of seven new songs a few weeks earlier at their infamous concert at the Stanford campus on February 9. Many of those songs went on to staples in their repertoire including classics such as "Eyes of the World," "Here Comes Sunshine," "China Doll," and others. During this spring tour some of the most gorgeous renditions of "Eyes of the World" were played, as they began gave the song lengthy instrumentals, while they explored the songs potential; this addition of Dick's Picks includes two versions. 

The first disc of Dicks Picks Volume 28 begins with highlights of the first set from the February 26 show. The version of "Loose Lucy," an average and even unforgettable composition, is included on the second Dick's Picks release in a row. This rendition is much better than the version on Dick's Picks 27, with a superior guitar solo and stronger vocals. That is followed by "Big Railroad Blues," which is characterized by the whole band working furiously to keep up with Garcia's blazing fast soloing. The major improvisational portion of disc one is during the set one closer "Playing in the Band," featuring some trippy playing with all the bands making their mark. Disc one also includes the first three songs from the second set that features "Tennessee Jed," which has some fine back up harmony vocal contributions from Mr. Lesh, and a more than satisfactory closing instrumental as Bobby and Keith spill out their counterparts to perfectly to complement Jerry's phrasing.

The second disc of Dick's Picks Volume 28 begins with a bible story, "Greatest Story Ever Told," which impresses strongly with Keith and Jerry throwing some riffs back and fourth in stunning fashion. The instrumental is slightly weakened by some poor back up vocals from Donna. The meat of the show begins with "Dark Star"; it has a nice friendly approach to it. Jerry and Phil are the two leaders, but the rest of band are certainly not on break. This version includes a Phil led  "Eyes of the World" jam;  the concluding portion of song that they performed in '73 and '74. Aware  that they are playing "Dark Star", they do not take the jam too far, they just give a little tease. After the vocals and some experimental playing. Phil takes over and busts into mini bass solo with Billy behind him, eventually segueing into "Eyes of the World."  Throughout this lengthy version, we are treated to wonderful passages and interplay. By far the two MVP's are Phil and Jerry, as anytime Garcia takes a pause Lesh tosses out an idea that is immediately countered. As the song concludes it hits a climatic peak so perfect that it should be illegal.

The transition into "Mississippi Half Step" is splendid with Keith handing the baton to Garcia; though, for my taste, the tempo is a bit too quick. The version of "Me and My Uncle" is blazing hot, and there are still over fifteen minutes of solid music left.

Released - January 2003
Tape Archivist - David Lemieux
Label - Grateful Dead Records

Eyes of the World lyrics
The version of Eyes of the World on 2/28/73 use the lyrics "right outside this lazy country (not summer) home.

Songs performed at the concerts, but not on the CD. 

Even though several songs have were left off of Dick's Picks 28 that were performed at the concerts, all but one was played the opposite evening.  The lone missing song is "Deal" from 2/26.  We basically have two complete 1973 shows in one release. To me, that is a grand slam.  

2/26/73
Set 1 Deal, Mexacali, Box of Rain, China Cat > Rider, BIODTL, Row Jimmy, El Paso, from the first set are cut out.

2/28/73
Promised Land from the second set is not included.