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Grateful Dead - Crimson White & Indigo (3 CD and DVD set)

by Mrs. Brodie

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This wonderful 3 CD and DVD set chronicle an entire show. Recorded in Philadelphia on July 7, 1989 � it's as close as any of us will get to experiencing a Dead show again.
Opening with Hell in a Bucket, the band is energetic and on the mark. The bar is set for an incredible concert. Iko Iko follows; a fantastic rendition here and always a fan favorite. The bluesy riffs of Little Red Rooster kicks the crowd into high gear. By the time Weir and company tear into Let it Grow, you can feel the energy between the band and crowd hit a crescendo. Ah, but then Brent Mydland doesn't let it slow down with Blow Away, ending disc 1 with electrified vocals not to be missed.

Disc 2 opens with one of my personal favorites, Box of Rain. But � Phil Lesh's vocal work leaves much to be desired here. No doubt they were all live, no vocal tracks; however�.this time I would have welcomed it. No matter, a Dead show is perfect because of its imperfections. The band led with its heart, and sometimes that makes for some less than technical moments. The last song on disc 2, Rhythm Devils is what is lovingly referred to as "drum space". Now, it's no Tommy Lee upside down circus of a drum solo. No, this is a careful duel of two spectacular drummers � Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann. If you're at a show, you may think this is when you hit the port � a � potties or the beer garden. You would miss out on an audio duel like none other. Coupled with the amazing laser show that would play out in time, it's a drum solo you would smack a kitten for missing. 10 minutes of tribal interplay, showcasing two of the best in the business. This does not disappoint!

Disc 3 opens with "space", more musical interlude by the group. Delicate, rollicking music filled with feeling �leading seamlessly into The Other One. Hope you made it back from the lines in time! Wharf Rat and Turn on Your Lovelight are both high energy. Then the finale, Knockin' on Heaven's Door. Tender and sweet, Jerry Garcia's indelible vocal stamp � while felt all throughout the three disc set � is heart achingly prominent leading this ballad.

For those of us who fondly miss those summer tours, this CD set is as close as you can get to being there. Crimson White & Indigo captures a night when the band was at its prime. Recommended for the hardcore fans and the casual dabblers alike.



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Grateful Dead - Crimson White & Indigo (3 CD and DVD set)
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