The Grateful Dead - 9.21.72 -

September 1972

My parents were less than a year from being married and I was but a twinkle in the eye of their future. The Arab terror group Black September executes eleven Israeli athletes after storming their dorm at the Olympics in Munich, and M*A*S*H makes its debut on CBS television. Martial Law is declared in the Philippines and half a world away, Bobby Fischer becomes the first US Chess Champion after defeating Boris Spassky in "The Match of the Century." The most innocent of highs crashing with the most devastating lows. The duality of life.

It was on the 21st of this month that the traveling troupe of musicians known as The Grateful Dead made a stop at The Spectrum, in the birthplace of Freedom, Philadelphia. I came across this show very early in my Deaducation, and it remains one of my favorites to this day. It is available on disc or mp3 as part of the vaunted Dick's Picks collection, volume 36.

The show opens with an uplifting rendition of Chuck Berry's Promised Land which, with an inspired melody and chugging bass line, signals the beginning of an evening without care or worry. As only The Dead can do, the tempo soon blends into a soothing and carefree Bird Song.

Weir regains control of the vocals and belts out a delightful El Paso before the musical roller coaster takes you ears first into a head-spin of Dead Standards, beginning with a beautifully juxtaposed China / Rider and ending with the pensive Black Throated Wind.

The night continues in this fashion - interspersed toe-tappin' ditties, psychedelic riffs and thought provoking lyrics - the Dead manage to never let you get too low, but always get too high. Exactly what was needed during September 1972, if only for one night. The Dead, of course, played thousands of shows during their 30 year run (with Jerry) - and a case could be made for each of them having a significant impact in peoples lives, but the clarity, song choice and composition of this night makes it one of the Grates.

More show highlights:
Dark Star, Ramble on Rose, BIODTL, Mississippi Half-Step, Sugar Magnolia, Mexicali Blues and GDTRFB.

Enjoy!

Coming Attractions

Hey everybody!

This past weekend we went to Norwalk to visit Aunt Darcy, Uncle Marty, Cousin Anika and special guests Nana, Aunt Tina, Cousin Heather, little Cousin Joe, the bun in Heather's oven and Heather's buddy Miki. In the madness to pack the lads into the car, the camera was left behind. As soon as I get pictures, I will post them along with a brief narrative, of sorts, of the days events.

As a teaser - I would like to proudly declare that Ryan has started walking. T'was about a week ago he took his first steps, and this past weekend was a great test of his newest skill. It was a lot of fun to watch him hone his bipedal skills amidst the havoc and chaos that can only be wreaked by 4 people aged 3 and under.