Grateful Dead
Dick's Picks Volume 5
Oakland Auditorium
Arena
12/26/79
Review by Barry
Small © January 13, 2002
Dick’s
Picks Volume 5 was recorded at the Oakland Auditorium Arena on December 26, 1979.
This is a year that incorporated dramatic changes for the Grateful Dead as they
replaced keyboard player Keith Godchaux with Brent Mydland.
This release gives us an early taste of that period of their career.
It is a complete show with no filler.
The
first set of Dick’s Picks Volume 5 fits on the first disc. There are many high moments. Perhaps the best playing of the
set are the two songs to close it. During the solo of "Alabama
Getaway" Jerry gives it all he has, even still, Phil tops him. The energy carries over to the set closer "The Promised
Land."
The
second disc begins set two and the theme is carved with the first song, a fan
favorite, "Uncle Johns
Band" that is performed brilliantly. It flows into "Estimated
Prophet" where we begin to notice the difference in styles with the
addition of Brent. There is much more great music within the first segment
of the set, notably a great "The Other One," that includes Phil’s
famous bass line introduction.
The
third disc is outstanding too, but not quite as juicy as the second.
We get an early "Space Segment."
The ballad they chose to play, "Brokedown Palace" sounds good
and Brent's adds nice touches both with keyboards and back up vocals.
However, the real treat of the disc is the encore.
They perform one of my favorite songs "Shakedown Street," a
rendition to be proud of. To end the song they smoothly transition back to where
set two began, "Uncle Johns Band."
It is surely a treat to hear this pulled off.
Dick’s
Picks Volume 5 is not one to pass by. There are many good treasures on this.
In addition to good versions of the songs the set list is unique and the
sound quality clear.
Send me your review or comments of this
release.
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