Dave's Picks v.38 (2021 subscription) - 9/8/73

DAVE'S PICKS VOL. 38: the magnificent complete show from 9/8/73 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. This is a show that has been a long time coming in the Dead's archival release series. It, and the previous night, was the first run of live shows the Dead played after spending most of the previous month at the Plant Studio in Sausalito, CA, recording WAKE OF THE FLOOD. As soon as they were done mixing their new record, the Dead hit the road for the first leg of the Fall Tour of 1973 with a pair of sold out shows at the home of the New York Islanders.

When I first started working for the Grateful Dead in 1999, and was fortunate to work alongside Dick Latvala, who became my friend and mentor, I was turned on to 9/8/73 by Dick. He spoke so eloquently of this terrific show, certain that it would be released on CD some day as part of the Dick's Picks series. In Dick's own words, during a rundown of his thoughts on 1973 Grateful Dead, he said "That takes us up to the September run. Well right away 9/8/73 sticks out begging for attention. Even the night before (9/7/73) had fairly thrilling versions of "TLEO,""Jack Straw,""PITB," "WRS->Let it Grow." There is not a weak moment from "Truckin'" through the ending tune "Sugar Magnolia." Even as good as this night must sound, the following night things really explode. I really can't put my finger on it because from the songlist, there is nothing apparently compelling. Well, you guys will soon find out what I mean, since I intend to release this one whenever the time is right." For more than 20 years, I've listened to this show many times and have thought the exact same thing: every moment is exceptional. When you're looking for an example of the Grateful Dead when they were fully "on," firing on all cylinders, this is the one to check out. Now, coming in 2021, we're thrilled to make this show, and Dick's wishes, a reality. This is genuine, prime, A+ Grateful Dead music, one of the best nights of what is widely considered one of the best years. Dick, this one's for you!

As Dick alludes, the previous night on 9/7/73, features some exceptional music, and we're so pleased to include almost two hours of this show to go along with 9/8/73: more than a half hour is included on DAVE'S PICKS VOL. 38 with "Bird Song" and "Playing In The Band" included as bonus tracks, and for Dave's Picks 2021 subscribers, the always-incredible Bonus Disc featuring almost 80 minutes from this great show, including the first live "Let It Grow" (the first complete live Weather Report Suite was played the next night, and is, of course, included on DAVE'S PICKS VOL. 38) and the aforementioned "Truckin'" jam. Also to note: included on the Bonus Disc is the complete 18+ minute "Eyes Of The World" from 9/7/73, which has previously been released in an edited form on the 2003 WAKE OF THE FLOOD reissue. This Bonus Disc is my favourite in the series so far, and after 10 years and 10 Bonus Discs, all of them excellent, that's saying a lot. There's a lot of great music on this Bonus Disc! 

09/08/73 (Sat)  Nassau Coliseum - Uniondale, NY

Set 1: Bertha, Me & My Uncle, Sugaree, Beat It On Down The Line, Tennessee Jed, Weather Report Suite Prelude > Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow, Looks Like Rain, Brown Eyed Women, Jack Straw, Eyes Of The World > China Doll, Greatest Story Ever Told, Ramble On Rose, Big River

Set 2: China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, El Paso, He's Gone > Truckin' > Not Fade Away > Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away

E: Stella Blue, One More Saturday Night

09/07/73 (Fri)  Nassau Coliseum - Uniondale, NY

Set 1: Promised Land, Sugaree, Mexicali Blues, They Love Each Other, Jack Straw, Looks Like Rain, Deal, El Paso, Bird Song, Playing In The Band

Set 2: Here Comes Sunshine, Me & My Uncle, Loser, Let It Grow > Stella Blue, Truckin' > Drums > The Other One > Eyes Of The World > Sugar Magnolia

E: Around and Around