Dick's Picks 10 review
Dick’s
Picks Volume 10 is most of a Grateful Dead concert performance
that took place at the Winterland Arena in San Francisco, CA on
December 29, 1977.
Two songs were eliminated from the second set, “Maybe it
was the Roses” and “Sunrise” that fell between “Good
Lovin’" and “Playing in the Band.” The benefit of
eliminating those two songs is that it made enough space to include
outstanding filler from the next evening.
Dick’s
Picks Volume 10 first disc includes the entire opening set. It
is great with no weak moments. In particular, the “Jack Straw”
opener is superb and hits on all cylinders in the instrumental. In
addition, the several Garcia ballads such as “They Love Each
Other” and “Loser” can be characterized as melodically
beautiful.
In 1977 “Sugaree” was sure played well and the one on Dick’s
Picks Volume 10 was made to be listened to often. The four Bob
Weir songs are strongly displayed, even the over played “New
Minglewood Blues” is a keeper.
Dick’s
Picks Volume 10’s second disc begins set 2 of the concert,
which is famous for the return of their classic “China Cat
Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider.” It hadn’t been performed
since their retirement in 1974, and that was a great moment of the
set.
Like set one, it is solid from start to finish.
The
third disc begins with the two encores from the featured show.
After, the final 45 minutes includes the best segment from the next
evening. The bonus tracks are spectacular and that is an
understatement! The “Estimated Prophet” is everything one could
ask for, and Jerry counters with a just as pleasing “Eyes of the
World.” I generally prefer the early “St. Stephen’s” but
this one makes me reconsider.
Dick’s
Picks Volume 10 is a great!
I really love the decision to eliminate two short songs from
December 29 enabling enough space to include the filler.
Dick’s Picks Volume 10 easily receives an A. by Barry
Small
©
Grade A
