(And you just can't beat the sound quality that these discs have to offer. I swear, you can even hear the boys breathe!)

Wow, there is just so many goodies on these discs to keep one interested for a lifetime. Yes, I might be a bit biased, as I am a Deadhead, but, trust me (as one who appreciates the musical and spiritual gifts these guys had to offer), this is the ONE that you should purchase (followed by: Live Dead, One from the Vault, and many of the Dick's Picks releases).

Thanks Jerry, Bobby, Phil, Billy, and Pigpen for the music. Thank you DL and the rest of the GDP staff for the spreading this gem to the masses.


DEAD FOR THE AGES   October 11, 2000
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

With Pigpen still in fine form and a multitude of new songs, this actual recording looks similar to many a "dream set" this reviewer has imagined over the years. First and foremost, all of Pigpen's signature tunes are here together on one recording for the first time. Where else can you find "Lovelight," "Next Time You See Me," "King Bee," "Good Lovin'," "Hard to Handle," "It Hurts Me Too," "Alligator," and my personal favorite, "Midnight Hour," all on one excellent quality recording. This concert marks the perfect combination of raucous rock n' roll and free-flowing jams that took center stage about three years after the Fillmore East concert. I could go on to list off great song after great song, or I can simply say that IT IS ALL HERE. This is desert island Dead for sure. If you love the group or if you've never loved them before, this is the album to buy.


A very solid 5 stars   April 30, 2001
17 out of 18 found this review helpful

Every Deadhead has thier personal favorite live Dead show. Maybe you were at a particular show and the recording brings back fond memories. Maybe it was a highlight of your favorite band line-up. Or maybe it has that one Jerry solo that makes your hair curl. This show however stands out as perhaps thier finest recording ever commercially released. I know it's a pretty ballsy thing to say, but one listen and you'll be carting this 4 disc set around with you wherever you go. First, the quality of the recording is flawless. The mix is perfect, it doesn't have that flat "soundboard" sound some of the Dead's tapes have. There's a real presence to the mix, like you can locate where everybody is just by listening. But that's just the beginning. The versions of the songs are some of the finest I've ever heard. Jerry's "Second That Emotion" is amazing. The jam in the middle of Pig's "Too Hard To Handle" is some of the best blues ever played by anybody. Bobby's version of "Me And My Uncle" is actually inspired. I could easily go on & on about every song in this collection, but I'd be wasting your time. Even if you think you don't need another live Dead album, you've GOT to have this one. (I actually haven't played a Dick's Picks in about a month!)


Quite pleased with the new "box set"   November 3, 2000
James Wax (San Diego, CA)
25 out of 29 found this review helpful

I am disapointed by the previous reviews of this box set which documents the final shows at the Fillmore in 1971. These CDs offer insight into one of the bands greatest runs at one of their greatest venues. Now if you've never heard any live grateful dead before, I'd actually recommend starting with "Live Dead," "Dick's Picks Four," or "Two From the Vault." For those who are acquainted with the band in a live setting, these shows are must have. By '71, they were mixing their full-blown psychedelia of the 60's with solid originals off American Beauty, Workingman's Dead, etc. So with this compilation taking the best of five nights, there's plenty to choose from. The last night of the run is widely considered an all-time top show, and the quality here is superior to bootleg versions that any one might find. The Jam>GDTRFB with a Saint Stephen tease is simply awesome. The biggest suprise for me was the third CD, which is incredible, possibly even stronger than the forth. It is from the 28th and consists of a mind-blowing Dark Star>Saint Stephen>NFA>GDTRFB>NFA. The reason I am giving only four stars, as opposed to five is the mediocrity of sections of discs one and two (when compared to the latter two.) But if you enjoy live grateful dead, be sure to pick this set up!


A classic goes digital...   October 23, 2000
17 out of 19 found this review helpful

I was introduced to the Grateful Dead back in 1983 when I was 16 years old. One of the first "bootleg" tapes I procured was a section of this CD-set-- the Alligator>>>Jam>>>Going Down the Road>>>Cold Rain and Snow. I don't know how many hours I spent back in those days with the headphones on being absolutely blown away by the Garcia, Lesh & Weir telepathic-guitar synthesis. Now 17 years later it's back in my life--this time clearer--and at the original speed!--(my tape was a little bit fast due to too many recording generations)

If you love the Grateful Dead already, then you, like me, have probably already heard this, and it will no doubt blow your socks off once again.

If you aren't familiar with the Dead, contrary to other reviewers here, I wouldn't suggest this as a starting point. Buy American Beauty, then Europe 72', then Skulls & Roses--then you'll be ready for this little gem.

One thing I have to admit...and this is why I give this CD-set 4 stars instead of five...is that while the Dead hold a special place in my heart, and they're eclectic beyond comparison, they are sometimes hard for me to listen to. The often out-of-tune guitars--(too bad they didn't have electric tuners back then)-- and the often out of tune harmonies make them often a band only a Deadhead can appreciate. Still, the imperfections also enhance their attraction in some sort of weird way.

My suggestion: Employ your relaxant of choice, make sure you're very relaxed, and just enjoy.