NP 11: Late '73

In case you haven’t checked out much 1973, I hope this compilation encourages you to do so. It is truly one of the most consistent times in the Grateful Dead’s history of live shows - so consistent that I stretched this compilation into two “shows” using very clean lossless tapes. There are plenty of outstanding segues throughout the tour, but I couldn’t include them all without duplicating songs. 

Night One

Night one starts with one of my favorite opening segues, and it's one that slams three openers together: “Promised Land > Bertha > Greatest Story Ever Told”. After this, check out Keith’s arpeggios throughout “Sugaree”. An early fast version of “They Love Each Other” showcases Billy’s syncopation chops. 

A mini western set follows, with “The Race Is On” shining in the latter part of its heyday. The rest of the set flows with a soulful “Brokedown”, then “Jack Straw” and “Big Railroad Blues”. The closer is “Weather Report Suite”, which is a highlight of this compilation. Something about the guitar reverb and Keith’s phased-out Rhodes complement each other in ’73. 

“Half Step” rings in the second set with a roar, and “Mexicali Blues” is festive to say the least. Keith brilliantly accompanies a wah solo from Jerry on “Candyman”. The meat of the set is the “Playin’ in the Band > Uncle John’s Band > Morning Dew > Uncle John > Playin’ in the Band”. The first PITB is very jazzy - this sandwich is a highlight from the incredible 11.10.73 show. This date is one of only 8 times “Wharf Rat” appeared in the same set as “Morning Dew”.

“Stella Blue” and a loose “Sugar Magnolia” close the set before a “Casey Jones” encore. “Casey Jones” would be retired in 1974, before being pulled out for small runs periodically. This version is as slow as molasses but still fun. 

Night Two

Night two starts with “Here Comes Sunshine”, performed almost exactly one month following its release on the studio album Wake of the Flood. The show this is pulled from, 11.17, is very good with highlights in both sets. 

“Me and My Uncle”, “Brown Eyed Women”, “Cumberland Blues”, “Dire Wolf”, “Looks Like Rain”, “Ramble on Rose” and “El Paso” make for a versatile western set. “Dire Wolf” and “Ramble” share a jazzy lilt, and are laid back. “China > Rider” is energetic, and “To Lay Me Down” is sobering. “Beat it On Down the Line” and “Deal” close the set largely without surprises. Great background vocals can be found on both tracks.

Set Two kicks off with an album-faithful (for what that’s worth) and reggae tinged “Row Jimmy”. The next 70 minutes are must-hear Dead. A dark “Truckin’” evolves into the first of 3 “The Other One” segments. The first “Other One” is 15 minutes long and borders on what I’d consider a primitive Space. From here, Bobby takes a wild turn into “Big River”. In the context of this sequence, “Big River” is surreal. 

The second “Other One” leads into a 12-minute “Eyes of the World”, including the modulated jam section at the end. Then it’s back into “The Other One” and finally a contemplative “Wharf Rat”. Check out 11.14 if you like this sequence; it’s a great show.

Bringing the energy back up are the closer and encore “Around & Around" and "Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad”. Bookending the “Promised Land” opener from night one set one, the final encore for this show is another Chuck Berry cover: “Johnny B Goode”. This compilation showcases the band’s ability to master styles and make a change in genre on a dime. The diversity of any setlist is fun, and the western songs are at their best.

Night 1

Promised Land >

Bertha > 

Greatest Story Ever Told

Sugaree

Me and Bobby McGee

They Love Each Other

Black Throated Wind

Don't Ease Me In

The Race Is On

Brokedown Palace

Jack Straw

Big Railroad Blues

Weather Report Suite >

Let It Grow

Running time: 77min

Mississippi Half-Step 

Mexicali Blues

Candyman

Playin' in the Band >

Uncle John's Band >

Morning Dew >

Uncle John's Band >

Playin' in the Band

Stella Blue

Sugar Magnolia

E: Casey Jones

Running time: 84min

Night Two
Here Comes Sunshine
Me and My Uncle
Brown Eyed Women
Cumberland Blues
Dire Wolf
Looks Like Rain
Ramble On Rose
El Paso
China Cat Sunflower >
I Know You Rider
To Lay Me Down
Beat It On Down the Line
Deal
Running time: 74min

Row Jimmy
Truckin' >
The Other One >
Big River >
The Other One >
Eyes of the World >
The Other One >
Wharf Rat
Around and Around
E: Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad
Johnny B Goode
Running time: 96min

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