Grateful Dead
Dick's Picks Volume 12
Providence
Civic Center 6/26/74 and
Boston Garden 6/28/74
Review by Barry
Small © December 27, 2001
Dick's
Picks 12 is
most of the second set and the encores from two nights of their summer 1974
tour, from June 26 at Providence, RI and June 28 at Boston, MA. What is omitted
is the "Ship of Fools" and the "Me and My Uncle” from June
26; although, "Ship of Fools" is represented from the June 28 show on
disc 3 as the encore.
The
first disc of Dick's Picks 12 begins with a little "Jam"
that leads into "China Cat Sunflower." Then it is another four
minutes of noodling before the singing begins. With an introduction like this
you know you are in for a treat, but who knew it would be this delicious, well,
maybe Phil? In my opinion, this rendition of "China Cat Sunflower” >
“I Know You Rider" is one of the best they've ever done.
Between
the "China Cat Sunflower" and "I Know You Rider" the CD is
labeled "Mind Left Body Jam." This is inaccurate, but the
important thing is that Grateful Dead Merchandising realized the interplay was
special enough that it was worthy of naming it, enough said. During the songs
transition the interplay is incredible with the whole band making
significant contributions. Bobby and Phil get things rolling. Jerry soon
takes over where he and Phil build a foundation. And not to be left out Keith
throws in his rolling piano runs in all the right places. Perfect! They
finally get around to playing "I Know You Rider" and in brilliant
fashion, Phil fans will not be disappointed.
Next
up is "Truckin'." As the singing concludes and they begin
the instrumental Garcia throws out one quick riff of an old Freddie
King Blues song, "Hideaway," a song they've performed twice.
This leads to lots of interesting playing most notable is "The Other One”
> “Spanish Jam."
Disc
2 features the encore from June 26, "Eyes of the World," a sampling of
"Seastones," and the beginning of set two from June 28, 1974.
That set begins a high charged "Sugar Magnolia." Rather than conclude
the song they opt to forego the ending and play an early version of
"Scarlet Begonias." It is quite good and I like hearing it not being
paired with "Fire on the Mountain," but be warned about some of
Donna's notes. The rendition of "To Lay Me Down", a truly
great love song, is a real treat.
The
third disc of Dick's Picks 12 concludes the second set from June 28 and
there are many high moments. Perhaps the best part is the "U.S.
Blues" that includes some playing that is not typical. The encore
that night, "Ship Of Fools" is one of the best versions I've heard
thanks to Phil’s brilliant bass lines.
DP12
is a must have top tier release. One only needs to play the first song
"China Cat Sunflower” >
“I Know You Rider" to deem this pick worthy; the other two and a half
discs are a bonus.
A
+
Send me your review or comments of this
release.
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