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Poster:
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unclejohn52 |
Date:
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November 01, 2011 10:45:22am |
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Forum:
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GratefulDead
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Subject:
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Re: Lesh |
! ! 71 ! (I know I shouldn't, but I'm taking the bait anyway. Just for fun.)
I realize at this point I should dig back and find all your posts supporting your preference, and I realize I'll never convince you otherwise. Heck I'd even agree with you on most of it - limited shelf life with the life style, youthful energy, early is better for most bands - but that misses the point. I would contend, as others before me probably have, that the the band certainly got better after 71 even as the candle of your messianic zeal for the band sputtered and died.
Case in point (for me anyway): the songs - I really enjoy a lot the songs post '71, like Help/Slip/Franklins, Eyes, Miss.HS, Scarlet/Fire, WRS etc. I think these can hold their own against anything from WD/AB. Adding Keith was crucial as well - I love the Dark Stars from the early era, but I think KG helps to kick it up another notch.
Point 2 - Garcia's playing was MUCH improved though the 70s - more sophisticated, more lyrical and musical, more technique, more inventive, better tone. I know many think his playing was sharper and more energetic in 68-69, but for me a lot of that was machine-gun notes... yes very boisterous and fast, but occasionally strikes me as frenetic flailing and overly simplistic on repeated listens. He really communicates more with the guitar throughout the 70s.
As to "general lack of punch" - We can disagree. I think Wall of Sound or spring '77 packs a wallop. Maybe not as agile as 71, but I couldn't ask for more power.
For this listener, the superb ingredients are all there by 70-71, but the dish hasn't cooked long enough. Or, another way - the vintage needs more time in the cask - it hasn't reached the full-flowered, chewy complexity of greatness fully achieved. And I'd agree with you, lots of the later vintages don't hold up well over time, even though there's a few sparkling varietals here and there.
If my GD glass consisted only of 68-71, I don't think I would be satisfied at all with such lack of variety. I realize you've listened to your fill of "latter" era, but I was a little bemused at the thought of holding 72 in that category.
just IMO. (~);-) Kindly pour me a glass of that New Potato, would you? very refreshing on ice...
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Poster:
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William Tell |
Date:
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November 01, 2011 05:22:36pm |
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Forum:
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GratefulDead
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Subject:
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Re: Lesh |
Yup; as I always end with in these discussions, since I literally lived with them from 74 to 82 live (I think everyone agrees Jerry has serious health issues by then, and Bob talked his way through songs, etc.), I had more than I need of that sound. So now, when I have the interest, I go for what I missed...that's really what it boils down to.
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