Several years have passed since Disaster Amnesiac enthused about anything Grateful Dead, and as stated at that time, there just isn't that much to be said anymore. At least if I don't want to be construed as a complete cult member. That said, I did in fact get a subscription for 2024's Dave's Picks series, and as such was ensured the bonus disc that annually shows up for others that have done the same, within the Spring installment.
Recorded during the vaunted Spring 1977 East Coast tour, and a mere four days before that show, the material on this disc has the Dead playing with some seriously locked motion. Second set anthems such as Estimated Prophet, Scarlet Begonias (great quote of China Cat Sunflower from Bob here), Fire On the Mountain, Terrapin Station, and an epic Playing In the Band that features a dip into an absolutely haunted Comes A Time (where not even a bit of bewilderment on the drummers' part can stop the sublime) are all trotted out and rocked out and swung. The legendary quickness with which all the band's members were working is fully audible across the disc's entire duration. Donna sounds especially inspired throughout, and in fact it's her performance that Disaster Amnesiac has enjoyed the most and inspired this post into being. Well done, Mrs. Godchaux, especially during the transition into Fire On the Mountain from Scarlet Begonias!
If you're not a Dave's Picks subscriber, this CD that documents 5/4/1977 in New York City will be tough to find. Pester your local hardcore Dead Head I guess.
