Saturday, October 29, 2011

Grateful Dead at the (possibly) Ivar Theater - 2/25/66


Poster from 2-25-66

The recording I have as 2-25-66 is the first actual live Dead show I've listened to. That is, it was put on without the Pranksters or an Acid Test. The playing here is excellent in its immaturity. The sound matches exactly what you'd expect out of '66 Dead, but there are glimpses of their (especially Jerry's) future sound. "On the Road Again" is a familiar tune, but unlike later versions I've heard, Jerry is the front-man on vocals instead of Bobby. Also, according to David Dodd in his Annotated Lyrics work, the "Cold Rain and Snow" from this recording is the first known live version of the song. You can hear the infancy of the tune when comparing it to later versions which, to me, seem to be more full.
The last half of the tracks available on archive.org are probably not from this date, but are instead from the summer of '66. Regardless, the Schoolgirl>Love Me>Schoolgirl is a great example of the killer segues I've come to love with the Dead. The songs absolutely mesh right into each other. It was a moment, while listening, in which I couldn't help but dance in the kitchen. High energy and great playing!
Take a look at the track list and give this one a go! Highlights include On the Road Ag, IKYR, CRS, and the Schoolgirl>love>schoolgirl. If you have any comments about the show, or care to weigh in about the music, please leave them!

Track List:
1. On The Road Again
2. Next Time You See Me
3. I Know You Rider
4. Hey Little One
5. Cold Rain & Snow
6. King Bee >
7. Caution
8. Stealin' //

Note: tracks 1-8 are reportedly from 2/25/66 Ivar Theater, Los Angeles.

9. Stealin'
10. Good Morning, Lil' School Girl >
11. You Don't Love Me >
12. Good Morning, Lil' School Girl

Note: Tracks 9-12 from mid-to-late 66

The exact date and location of the recording are certainly in question. Check out the comments on archive.org.

http://www.archive.org/details/gd66-02-25.sbd.unknown.1593.sbefail.shnf

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