Listen To The Music Play
@gratefulbook.bsky.social
Updated Grateful Dead music and performance reference books. New book - On This Day In Grateful Dead History: A Daily Listening Journal 2nd Ed. out now
1/3 The 7/27/82 Red Rocks show kicked off a three-night run in solid form. The venue’s natural acoustics and sense of space enhance this "grounded, energetic performance". Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 27, 2025 at 5:03 PM
1/3 The 7/27/82 Red Rocks show kicked off a three-night run in solid form. The venue’s natural acoustics and sense of space enhance this "grounded, energetic performance". Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/27/74 Roanoke show has long felt like one of the "great mysteries"—more whispers than substance due to tape scarcity. What we have clocks in at 2.5 hours & leaves you "wanting more in the best way". Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 27, 2025 at 4:01 PM
1/3 The 7/27/74 Roanoke show has long felt like one of the "great mysteries"—more whispers than substance due to tape scarcity. What we have clocks in at 2.5 hours & leaves you "wanting more in the best way". Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/27/73 Watkins Glen soundcheck isn’t just a warm-up—it’s a "full-blown performance with its own gravity," standing tall alongside the main event. The circulating tape has become legendary. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 27, 2025 at 3:01 PM
1/3 The 7/27/73 Watkins Glen soundcheck isn’t just a warm-up—it’s a "full-blown performance with its own gravity," standing tall alongside the main event. The circulating tape has become legendary. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/26/87 Anaheim show wrapped up the Dylan & the Dead tour with "undeniable flair"—it’s probably my favorite from the run! Officially released on View From The Vault, Volume Four. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 26, 2025 at 4:01 PM
1/3 The 7/26/87 Anaheim show wrapped up the Dylan & the Dead tour with "undeniable flair"—it’s probably my favorite from the run! Officially released on View From The Vault, Volume Four. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/26/72 Portland show is another "strong outing in a summer run that just kept on delivering." It's appreciated for its "breadth," featuring long sets, dynamic jams, and distinct '72 interplay. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
1/3 The 7/26/72 Portland show is another "strong outing in a summer run that just kept on delivering." It's appreciated for its "breadth," featuring long sets, dynamic jams, and distinct '72 interplay. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/25/74 Chicago show was a "ghost show" for years but is now a "fascinating glimpse into a slightly off-center but rewarding night" in the heart of the Wall of Sound era. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 25, 2025 at 4:05 PM
1/3 The 7/25/74 Chicago show was a "ghost show" for years but is now a "fascinating glimpse into a slightly off-center but rewarding night" in the heart of the Wall of Sound era. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/25/72 Portland show is one I always recommend to Bobby fans—his guitar work is "front and center" due to the mix, offering a rare focused listen into his rhythm. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 25, 2025 at 3:05 PM
1/3 The 7/25/72 Portland show is one I always recommend to Bobby fans—his guitar work is "front and center" due to the mix, offering a rare focused listen into his rhythm. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/24/87 Oakland show is the strongest night of the Dylan & the Dead tour. The chemistry "actually lands," with the band "unified, alert, and responsive" throughout. A rare collaborative gem. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 24, 2025 at 4:05 PM
1/3 The 7/24/87 Oakland show is the strongest night of the Dylan & the Dead tour. The chemistry "actually lands," with the band "unified, alert, and responsive" throughout. A rare collaborative gem. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/23/90 Tinley Park show carries deep emotional weight: it was Brent Mydland’s final performance and the 10-year anniversary of Keith Godchaux’s passing. A bittersweet lens on a vital night. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 23, 2025 at 4:05 PM
1/3 The 7/23/90 Tinley Park show carries deep emotional weight: it was Brent Mydland’s final performance and the 10-year anniversary of Keith Godchaux’s passing. A bittersweet lens on a vital night. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/22/90 Tinley Park show features Brent Mydland's driving energy. It includes his final performances of "Far From Me" and "Hey Pocky Way"—a song that became one of his signature tunes. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 22, 2025 at 5:03 PM
1/3 The 7/22/90 Tinley Park show features Brent Mydland's driving energy. It includes his final performances of "Far From Me" and "Hey Pocky Way"—a song that became one of his signature tunes. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/22/84 Ventura show wraps up the beachside weekend with a "laid-back but lively performance that’s soaked in sun and spirit." It's comfortable and well-paced, perfectly fitting the location. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 22, 2025 at 4:04 PM
1/3 The 7/22/84 Ventura show wraps up the beachside weekend with a "laid-back but lively performance that’s soaked in sun and spirit." It's comfortable and well-paced, perfectly fitting the location. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/22/72 Seattle show is a "tightly played, thoroughly enjoyable snapshot" of that "golden year." Even without massive jam excursions, the band’s cohesion and nuance make it a rewarding listen. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 22, 2025 at 3:05 PM
1/3 The 7/22/72 Seattle show is a "tightly played, thoroughly enjoyable snapshot" of that "golden year." Even without massive jam excursions, the band’s cohesion and nuance make it a rewarding listen. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/21/90 Tinley Park show is a "quietly excellent night" with a "satisfying arc." It includes Brent Mydland's final performances of "A Little Light" and "Dear Mr. Fantasy." A must-listen for late-era Dead. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 21, 2025 at 5:04 PM
1/3 The 7/21/90 Tinley Park show is a "quietly excellent night" with a "satisfying arc." It includes Brent Mydland's final performances of "A Little Light" and "Dear Mr. Fantasy." A must-listen for late-era Dead. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/21/84 Ventura show has that "unmistakable California magic"—"sun-soaked, relaxed, and alive." It perfectly captures the spirit of hearing the Dead by the beach, letting the music roll into the night. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 21, 2025 at 4:10 PM
1/3 The 7/21/84 Ventura show has that "unmistakable California magic"—"sun-soaked, relaxed, and alive." It perfectly captures the spirit of hearing the Dead by the beach, letting the music roll into the night. Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 Dive into the 7/21/74 Hollywood Bowl show! It has a "special flavor"—"loose, open," and "full of that Wall of Sound richness." Even on audience tapes, it's a treat. A true "sonic adventure". Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 21, 2025 at 3:07 PM
1/3 Dive into the 7/21/74 Hollywood Bowl show! It has a "special flavor"—"loose, open," and "full of that Wall of Sound richness." Even on audience tapes, it's a treat. A true "sonic adventure". Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
1/3 The 7/21/72 Seattle show is a "bright, punchy outing" from a year that "rarely disappoints." It features the first hints of "Weather Report Suite Prelude" and proves that even a "low-key" '72 night is "worth its weight in gold." Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
July 21, 2025 at 2:05 PM
1/3 The 7/21/72 Seattle show is a "bright, punchy outing" from a year that "rarely disappoints." It features the first hints of "Weather Report Suite Prelude" and proves that even a "low-key" '72 night is "worth its weight in gold." Listening Guide Link: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we...
Explore the Grateful Dead's July 20, 1994 show at Deer Creek! This '94 performance has a lot going for it, showing the band was still willing to take chances, even deep into their journey. It's filled with surprises and sharp playing. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
July 20, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Explore the Grateful Dead's July 20, 1994 show at Deer Creek! This '94 performance has a lot going for it, showing the band was still willing to take chances, even deep into their journey. It's filled with surprises and sharp playing. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
Anyone at 4848 festival? Colby T Helms and the Virginia Creepers are killing it right now. Love these guys. Looking forward to Sam Grisman and Greensky later today/tonight!
July 19, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Anyone at 4848 festival? Colby T Helms and the Virginia Creepers are killing it right now. Love these guys. Looking forward to Sam Grisman and Greensky later today/tonight!
Wrap up the two-night stand with the Grateful Dead's July 19, 1990 show at Deer Creek (Dave’s Picks Vol. 40/41)! This deeply satisfying show offers enough uniqueness to make it worth returning to. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
July 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Wrap up the two-night stand with the Grateful Dead's July 19, 1990 show at Deer Creek (Dave’s Picks Vol. 40/41)! This deeply satisfying show offers enough uniqueness to make it worth returning to. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
A stunner from start to finish: the Grateful Dead's July 19, 1974 show at Selland Arena (Dave’s Picks Vol. 17)! The Wall of Sound was in full force, offering clarity & depth. Jams are as rich as any from the era. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
July 19, 2025 at 4:04 PM
A stunner from start to finish: the Grateful Dead's July 19, 1974 show at Selland Arena (Dave’s Picks Vol. 17)! The Wall of Sound was in full force, offering clarity & depth. Jams are as rich as any from the era. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
Kick off a run with authority: the Grateful Dead's July 18, 1990 show at Deer Creek (Dave’s Picks Vol. 40)! The band sounds sharp and joyful from the start, with energy that doesn’t let up. A true standout of that summer. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
July 18, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Kick off a run with authority: the Grateful Dead's July 18, 1990 show at Deer Creek (Dave’s Picks Vol. 40)! The band sounds sharp and joyful from the start, with energy that doesn’t let up. A true standout of that summer. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
Close out a strong run with the Grateful Dead's July 18, 1982 show at Ventura County Fairgrounds! This fired-up performance under the California sun is filled with punchy standouts. It features the final performance of "Easy To Love You". Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
July 18, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Close out a strong run with the Grateful Dead's July 18, 1982 show at Ventura County Fairgrounds! This fired-up performance under the California sun is filled with punchy standouts. It features the final performance of "Easy To Love You". Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
Celebrate the Grateful Dead's July 18, 1976 show at the Orpheum Theatre! This performance capped a six-night run, with a celebratory undercurrent as the band peaked one final time, refining a new sound. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
July 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Celebrate the Grateful Dead's July 18, 1976 show at the Orpheum Theatre! This performance capped a six-night run, with a celebratory undercurrent as the band peaked one final time, refining a new sound. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
Immerse yourself in the Grateful Dead's July 18, 1972 show at Roosevelt Stadium! This marathon night offers three full sets, each with its own personality, and essential moments from the ‘72 canon. It's pure 1972 magic. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
July 18, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Immerse yourself in the Grateful Dead's July 18, 1972 show at Roosevelt Stadium! This marathon night offers three full sets, each with its own personality, and essential moments from the ‘72 canon. It's pure 1972 magic. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
An absolute gem from the Grateful Dead's July 17, 1989 show at Alpine Valley! Captured on Downhill From Here, this beautifully played, emotionally rich night kicks off a strong three-night run. It balances historical weight & communal joy. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....
July 17, 2025 at 4:06 PM
An absolute gem from the Grateful Dead's July 17, 1989 show at Alpine Valley! Captured on Downhill From Here, this beautifully played, emotionally rich night kicks off a strong three-night run. It balances historical weight & communal joy. Listening Guide: www.gratefuldeadbook.com/post/this-we....