Dick's Picks 8 review
Dick’s
Picks Volume 8
is a monster. It is a complete concert less one song, “Cold Rain
and Snow.” The performance took place May 2, 1970, at Harpur
College, Binghamton, NY.
The
first disc begins with the first set which is acoustic. It includes
many folk cover songs as well as material from their Workingman’s
Dead and American Beauty CD’s. If you are familiar with
these songs it is hard not to sing along.
The
second disc of Dick’s Picks Volume 8 is exceptional
1970’s electric Grateful Dead. It begins the first of the two
electric sets. The
“Cryptical Envelopment” suite is long and energetic and leads
beautifully into a splendid “Cosmic Charlie.” Even the
often-played “Good Lovin’” is a keeper with a heavy “It’s
a Mans World” jam thrown in.
The
third disc of Dick’s Picks Volume 8 continues the second
set and includes the shorter third set. The first two songs bring
set two to a stunning finish. The “Midnight Hour” hints of
“Cosmic Charlie” giving it an interesting conclusion. With Jerry
Garcia penned songs playing a lesser role in the second set he takes
over the final one by taking the lead on all three songs. The
“Viola Lee Blues” is one of the best versions that I’ve heard.
The
songs on Dick’s Picks Volume 8 certainly have all been
heard before, but the renditions performed this particular evening
are all smoking. This is certainly top shelf material. Partner this
with Dick’s Picks Volume 4 another classic from this era. by Barry
Small
©
Grade A +
