supernatural performances
the guys really tapped into something special during these sets. The music comes alive and the sound quality is phenomenal.This is One album I return to again and again, and i always come away with a deeper appreciation of the talent and genius of all the guys in the band. Cassidy is one of the best, but then all the songs on here have a little something extra that makes it so listenable and truly enjoyable on many levels. One album I would have in my stranded on an island survival pack.

Near Perfection
Whenever you think of what your "favorite" album is, it's always a very tough, or basically impossible, decision. This album consistantly tops my list. Every track shows the Dead at their best; heartfelt vocals, beautiful solos and instrumental work, a set list that seamlessly blends original and traditional material.

Critics of the Dead will often complain of miscues due to the live performance, excessive "diddling", or sub-par recording quality. You'll have to stop complaining with this album. Was it edited? Who cares.

If you're a fan of acoustic, folk, country, or classic rock and roll, you owe it to yourself to pick up this phenomenal work.

Change those psychedelic light shows
I dont know what you are but dont put swastikas on light shows. It offends my sensibilties. Microsoft had its' head exmained. Their video light show that plays when you listen to the music is a real outrage!

Viva Toledo!

A live album for Dead fans who don't like the long jams....
This was my first Dead album (live or studio), and I still enjoy it. I love American folk/old country music, and the Dead were great practioners of this music (check out their studio work on American Beauty and Workingman's Dead). Their live stuff usually concentrated on long jams (some of which were wonderful, others not so good), but here (and on Dead Set, a companion piece to this album), they concentrated on great arrangements and singing with soul and depth. There are a lot of wonderful songs here, such as Dire Wolf (better than the studio version), George Jones's The Race Is On, Dark Hollow, the hilarious, wonderful Monkey and the Engineer, and a fine version of Ripple that concluded the original album. For those who don't really dig the Dead's long jamming (there are a lot of people who fall into this category), I suggest buying this album. I don't have the CD reissue, just the original LP, but the original LP is wonderful.

Grateful Dead's Reckoning is even better!
I had an album recording of this on cassette tape years ago. Then in the early nineties I bought a CD version, and was a little (just a little) dissapointed to discover that "oh, babe it ain't no lie" wasn't on it.
Not only does this double CD have it, but it also has an alternate take.
In addition to all that, I found the second disc a great addition, particulary tunes like "sage & spirit," and "heaven help the fool." This is a great buy!