Sounds like the Dead blew the roof off the garden Saturday night...for any naysayers, please read below....
Saturday evening Jazzfest, NO, wasn't shabby neither! James Taylor delivered a soul wrenching performance, among others...
The Dead
Madison Square Garden
New York, New York
April 25, 2009
7:30 PM
Disc One/Set One:
Intro
Cosmic Charlie
China Cat
Shakedown Street
Ship of Fools
He's Gone
Cassidy
Sugaree
Drums/Space
Crypitical Envelopment
The Other One
Born Cross Eyed
St Stephen
The Eleven
Uncle John's Band
Unbroken Chain
Gimme Shelter
One More Saturday Night
Donor Rap
E: Brokedown Palace
The Band:
Phil Lesh
Bob Weir
Bill Kruetzman
Mickey Hart
Warren Haynes
Jeff Chimenti
Reviewer: G. Ganter - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: I'll meet you at the MSG
I went to this show with about 20 old Deadhead friends from the Vershire, VT high school and we danced behind stage just like the old days. One of my friends came out of this show saying it may have been one one of the best shows he had ever seen, Jerry or no. Regardless of whether it compares with pre-1995, it was a great concert. It's hard to please Deadheads who have seen a lot of old shows, but everyone I saw had a huge smile on their faces at the end of the night. It was a very moving experience for me to be with so many good friends, and be so blown away by the energy and focus at MSG. My first show was Cape Cod 79, and I've seen a lot of Phil, and Ratdog, and the 2003 Dead tour but was unprepared for how much they put out at this show.
Despite the nay-saying that Warren's-no-Jerry, I luckily caught a few shows on this tour and they seem to be self-consciously working on a group sound that doesn't rely on Warren's leads to carry every song. Sure, he shreds when he wants to (like the end of Sugaree) but he generally works on guitar support to let the rest of the band do cool stuff (check out that Mr. Charley, for ex., at Wilkes Barre--still gives me chills). It's not the guitar virtuouso approach like Jerry-era Dead, but wow, what color and enthusiasm and creativity. I love this stuff and they seem to be getting better every night.
And thanks Mr. Suraci--great recording, as usual.
Reviewer: mountaingypsy - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: MY FIRST SHOW!!! AND WOW!!!
I have been a GD fan forever, never saw a show till now..and boy did they spoil me!! There wasn't one song that wasn't fueled with passion..and Sugaree? well didn't want to stop dancin'!!! The energy level at this show was palpable and I think Jerry had a large part in that. Heaven was missin' an angel Saturday night cus he was with us at The Garden show!
Peace Love and Light to all!
MG
Reviewer: TheDeadAreAlive - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: can't stop smiling!
As another reviewer said below, the boys made NYC smile ear to ear all night long! I had my worries based on hearsay from earlier shows in the tour, but those worries evaporated as soon I heard the first notes of Shakedown Street following China Cat -- What A Treat! At that point everyone in the Garden knew we were going to get 110% of whatever energy and soul the band had to give.
IMHO, Bill and Mickey would get joint MVP if one were pressed to make such a call. They were inspired all night. They seemed to provide the band with the sure-footing it needed to jam and explore. And there was some exploring going on -- i.e. 10+ minutes for almost every 1st set song -- but it felt purposeful, like the band was committed to developing THESE songs with THESE members.
And holy sh*t can Warren sing! Whatever melody may have been lacking from his guitar at points was compensated for by his gospel-like singing, especially on Sugaree and He's Gone. I teared up for the whole 2nd half of He's Gone... MSG was filled with sad sweetness.
Being too young to have seen the Grateful Dead, I feel like tonight I got the genuine experience that history and circumstance otherwise would have robbed me of. Hope it's the first of many.
Oh, and keep singin' Phil!
Reviewer: M*rsh - [4.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: IN & OUT OF THE GARDEN
As always, there was alotta speculation and wishing in regards to what tonight's opener would be. In my wildest imagination, I never expected COSMIC CHARLIE! Then the Jerry tunes kept rolling: CHINACAT > SHAKEDOWN (again, who'd of thunk?) SHIP OF FOOLS. HE'S GONE. I know full well that HE'S GONE was written with Mickey's father in mind, but in this mix, it was evident that everyone was thinking JERRY. I for one, got choked up & teary-eyed. Relief came from Bobby's old familiar opening note to CASSIDY. It was very well-played tonight. SUGAREE closed the set with Warren ad-libbing "Shake it Sugaree, I'll meet you at the MSG." KUDOS!
Anyone that visited the restrooms during the show can tell ya; the place was rockin' (literally! One could feel the floor swaying under thousands of dancing feet. Even Phil commented on it and was inspired by it for the choice of encore.)
If COSMIC CHARLIE wasn't enough of a portender for the night, opening the 2nd set with DRUMS should have made it obvious that we were in for quite a ride.
When Jerry was alive in this plane, there were alotta nay-sayers always complaining that "The Dead were better in the 60's." Now, we hear "It's not the same w/o Jerry." I agree, we collectively lost someone very important and no one could ever fill that void.
Tonight's 2nd set should have pleased the former nay-sayers. It was straight out of the early Grateful Dead setlists. Out of an all too-short DRUMS, we were treated to CRYPTICAL ENVELOPMENT > THE OTHER ONE > BORN CROSS-EYED >ST. STEPHEN > THE ELEVEN > UNCLE JOHN'S BAND > UNBROKEN CHAIN >GIMME SHELTER. ONE MORE SATURDAY NIGHT. I'm sure many Heads, like myself, were hoping for that St Stephen, as soon as Garden tickets landed in my hands. But who expected it to be gift-wrapped in such a retro-set. Repeats from Albany, last week: The Other One and Unbroken chain were played better tonight, as was Sugaree. I've never heard an UJB I didn't like (even Jimmy Buffett & Indigo Girls' covers). It's our anthem and my heartbeat. Tonight's version was no disappointment, with the fellas giving it back that old 70's flavor. And to hear Warren rip out my favorite Stones' tune was reminiscent of the first time I saw Bobby play Satisfaction in Hampton. Is there nothing these guys can't pull off?
Phil added some comments to his his DONOR RAP regarding the magyck of Madison Square Garden and NYC before we were serenaded with a BROKEDOWN PALACE encore. I thought they'd save that tune for The soon-to-be-demolished Spectrum next week, maybe we'll here it again.
I walked out of The Garden & into the city streets with a thought that is gonna bring me alotta criticism and probably cost me some friends: Tonight's show was better than SOME of the early 90's shows I went to. Let's be honest, kids... Those last few years were not good ones for Jerry. Even with the tele-prompters, he still got lost, forgot lyrics. The last time I saw him alive (The Knick '95), he did not look well. I love Jerry as much as the next Head (probably more). Even I can admit, his addictions got the better of him. Like so many other music icons, we lost our dear leader to the evils of society. Jerry just fought back harder & longer than the others were able to. "The trouble with you is the trouble with me, ya got 2 good eyes, but ya still don't see." (*sob*)
Reviewer: pyite74 - [4.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: kudos to Tony Suraci
Thanks for your efforts! Nice sounding rig to boot!
Reviewer: keneebeck court - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: Yippeee Doooo Daaa Day
You never realize how much you miss something until they come back. WOW!!!!!!! I closed my eyes and it brought me back to the 80's when they used to to 3 or more at MSG in a row. Each show vastly different. The boys are sounding good and tight. Hopefully this will lead to a Summer tour of stadiums. Would love to see them at Gillette and the new Meadowlands. Thanks tapers and thankyou Phil and Bobby for mending your ways.
Reviewer: revjustin - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: This show owns it!
The boys are ON FIRE! Love it. Second set opener of Rhythm Devils > Cryptical > Other One must be heard to be believed. That was a good choice.
Rob is more prominent in the mix here, as well, which is nice, since he brings lot to the table. His solo in Sugaree is nice.
Reviewer: darazn1 - [4.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: Getting better every day!
The band is getting tighter and tighter with every show.
Beginning to sound like a band capable of going out and doing some consistent touring. They are playing with originality, good ears, and lots of soul. Recreating the songs for the new band format is likewise a great move. Good music as far as I can tell.
Reviewer: OldSchoolJersey - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: Off...The...Hook
Firstly - thank you tapers.
Secondly -- IMHO this was one of the best Dead shows I have ever seen, with or without Jerry, since 1990. Certainly the best show at the Garden since '91.
Thirdly -- it's a shame I can't do the whole tour!
Reviewer: Harmony Koruption - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: oh wow!!! this MSG show was GREAT!
all i've heard this tour is a mass of bellyaching negatives about the band,the ticket prices,the lot scene...ect. this has never swayed my decision to attend. im there for the music. man,this show is just intense...you can hear more confidence in them here! more soul more heart...its like its all comming together and they are on fire! yeah man,bob is sounding way better then the start of the tour...but im thinking they are just workin' out the kinks...just playin and playin'and as always just getting better and better...all tour there has been great sets...i've heard some tunes i thought didnt have the energy it should but at this one...nothins' lacking...SEE YOU IN CHICAGO!
Reviewer: SobeHead - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: Happy to be @ MSG
WOW! What an amazing show! It was my first time seeing the Dead at MSG and i was totally blown away! The vibe was really great, lots of true heads at the show, every song was a singalong and i really felt at home among the family of fans. Every person i met at the show was special and it really made me want to stay on the bus and keep trucking through the rest of the dates. I think this show was definitely a highlight of the tour so far and in the end may prove to be one of the best if not the best show of the tour. He's Gone was happy and sad at the same time, the drums/space track was really great it reminded me of the good old days my only complaint is that it wasn't longer, St. Stephen was dead on, and they really rocked the joint with One More Saturday Night. This recording is top quality, it really captures the energy of the show. Thanks to those who made it possible and I'll see you at ROTHBURY!!!
Reviewer: Here & Now - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: Best show of the tour so far!
Im my opinion, This is the best show of the tour so far. Greensboro was close. With a great setlist and excited energy inside and out but I have to say MSG F---ing rocks! A triple threat!
Venue/Show Energy, Setlist, & Sound. A+.
Thanks again to the tapers. You all are deadicated and awesome!
Please guys keep on truckin and do a fall tour.
Happy Head!!!
Reviewer: guy in fiji - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: The greatest so far...
It's been an emotional few weeks for me being so far from my favorite band's resurgence. On paper, these sets are so beautiful and the kind of stuff which would get any head excited.
This MSG show was bleeding energy even before I heard these tapes...following along with the various twitter feeds from that evening, I could tell something special was going on.
The tapes from this show are just so sweet and big respects to all the tapers providing this service. This Sugaree was one of the finest I've ever heard. What an energy this band is showing right now. The entire show rocked and I'm just so thankful to be able to listen.
To all attending these shows, you'll never have any idea how envious I am. Enjoy your rides...
Reviewer: Skippy61 - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: WOW tapers you ssooooo ROCK
Once again my review is split on the wonder that this Band is capable of it's making me smile a ton at each show...MAN. Was it like this back in the DAY?? I was already on the bus but this shit makes me rear back and howl!! If a person had never heard a Dead show this would be a grate first one i think.
I can hardly keep the smile off my face as I am listening to He's Gone and the crowd singing along making the magic as Phil is wont to say... ok yes I am singing too
Thank you tapers you are doing a great thing that maybe society at large doesn't respect but to us DeadHeads you people are HEROS, keepers of the sacred fires, watchmen on the Wall. Epic acts
of courage,getting the equipent ,huge expense, I would think,going early to set up, getting it all together and uploaded in DAYS maybe even from the ROAD!!! THANK YOU from my DeadHead heart
PEACE:SKippy
Reviewer: BataviaSparky - [4.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: I am a changed man.
Goodness gracious. I was NOT there but I just finished listening through headphones to the entire show front to back. That should tell you something right there. The energy compares to the Chicago Bulls' team energy in today's huge win over the Celtics in 2OT (I WAS at that show and I'm still pumped 6 hours later!) Back to the show- Sugaree rocks OUT! Superb Jeff lead! He reminds me of Brent- I am really digging his playing! The drums to open Set2 is unique as hell- sounds like f'ing Shpongle! Seriously! The Cryptical is deliciously weird- damn good! Look at all the exclamation marks! I JUST CAN'T GET OVER WHAT I HAVE JUST WITNESSED WITH MY EARS. The two Chicago shows just became can't-miss for me. St Stephen sounds jazzy like 6/9/76 so,so, hot! Gimme Shelter rocks. Did I mention Sugaree? Wow. Man. I'm blown away. BTW- I TORE UP the 3-30 show in my review- justified IMO- this just is not the same band.
Reviewer: Loser_Boy - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: thanks for the magic
probably like looking through the hubble telescope eh taper? awesome
Reviewer: SJD_Debo - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: Thanks!!!
Thanks Tony for your effort and adding yet another fine recording to the archive.
Reviewer: Gr8tefloyd - [5.0 out of 5 stars] - April 27, 2009
Subject: Jerry would be proud...
Let's face it folks, The Dead are not the Grateful Dead...but a 3 hour and 45 minute show of amazing Dead tunes cannot be beat at the Garden.
In all my years at MSG as a concert goer, I have never experienced such a packed house. The aisles turned to standing room. The crowd gets first thumbs up, energetic and involved, I even saw a security guard smile as he hit a giant floating balloon.
As for the music, set 1 was outstanding, China Cat, play me one note and I am happy, play for over 11 minutes I am happier.
Shakedown-Ship of Fools-He's Gone...like Ewing having a triple double in the playoffs, the crowd responded accordingly. Imagine 20,000 deadheads singing "oooooo...nothing's gonna bring him back...." If I were the Academy, He's Gone would get the Oscar for "Best Song of the Night"
Jerry would be proud.
Even the drums, which we sat roughgly 20 feet from Mickey, was a different experience. Sounds like a Floyd show at first, built into a percussion parade. My right ear is still recovering.
Rather than rave about every song for Set 2 (minus Phil's voice) Set 2 was solid.
I think the overall highlight was St. Stephen. With a 20 minute lull, hearing the opening riff was a much needed burst of energy. Once the band joined....well...Jerry would be proud.
Gimme Shelter, gimme 8 minutes of a great cover.
Ending on a sad note, the final bow was truly a pinnacle moment for the remaining members of the Grateful Dead. Even with a slight sweat, I had chills, as did most people who might never see these guys again.
They came to rock MSG, they came to give us a taste of the music we all love, they came to honor Jerry, they came to prove that the music has and will never stop...
Listening to:
MSG The Dead 4.25.09
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