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Matt Vernon's Collection

Grateful Dead   07/31/1974

Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT
Recording SHNID 32353
Media SHN   4 discs
Notes Recording Info: SBD -> Master Reel (7inch @ 7.5ips 1/2 Track) -> Dat -> CD [2007-05-28]3 set show. I thought this review from the LMA captured the conumdrum with this performance "In the context of "Legendary" shows, this one probably doesn't show up on the radar, even though it is a mammoth of a show. When compared to many of the post-72 pre-hiatus shows, it proves its worth through a solid set list, diligent jamming and lack of dead spots. The jam-out of Trucking > Mind Left > Spanish is not a spectral masterpiece of acid euphoria but a subtle hummdinger of head nodding empathy - a wallflower that sparkles greatly if one knows where to focus the light. The Eyes > China combination is always powerful, even if the 'Stonger Than Dirt' segment is more ragged than usual. All of the shorter songs are played expertly and with emotion. I get the feeling this show could have been one of the "legendary" shows if there had been some major spark somewhere... instead we have a potential forest fire of smoldering proportions that, in contextual hindsight, is a more rewarding listen than a majority of '74 shows." or this one "I'm a big fan of 1969 and 1972, and I often make the mistake of underrating later 70's shows unless they have that mind-bending Owsley flavored jam somewhere in the show. This is one of those. I've gone back and forth on the merits of 7/31, but after repeated road tests,heh heh, I believe this one deserves a top spot. The Dead rarely played 3 sets in 1974 (see 2/22 and 6/16)and when they did it was usually for a reason - they were on! Jam-packed with good songs like Jack Straw, the unusual Half Step>Roses combo and another great 1974 Eyes>China Doll pairing (see 7/19). This is 4 CD's of 74 Wall bliss. Hey, any show that begins with Scarlet can't be all bad! And the long extended Truckin>MLB>Spanish Jam is not necessarily cosmic, but very exciting and well jammed nonetheless. From the first notes of Scarlet to the last harmonies of Uncle John, this is a great party show. A different show than 5/14 or 2/24 but just as fun. Recommended! Dr. Flashback ;-)"
Trades Allowed Yes
Ratings Show: A-    Sound: A-
Lists gd71-74
SHNID 32353
<b>flac16;</b> Recording Info: SBD -> Master Reel (7inch @ 7.5ips 1/2 Track) -> Dat -> CD Transfer Info: CD -> EAC -> Samplitude Professional v7.02 -> FLAC
Owned by Matt Vernon · Last Updated May 28, 2007