Saturday Dead (Zimmer's Picks): 1.22.68

Words By Andy Zimmer

I definitely have the easiest “job” at MusicMarauders. Most folks who are into the jam/improve-scene are fans of the Dead and like myself, enjoy most anything Dead-related. Plus, with such a vast archive of spectacular performances to dig through, selecting some quality jams isn’t exactly rocket science. That being said, I love being able to do my little Dead write-ups... especially when it helps me discover (or re-discover) great shows that may have been lurking off of my radar for some time. This week’s pick is a perfect example.

It’s been a while since I’ve listened to much material from 1968. I wanted to feature a show from that year, so I went digging through my vault. Lo and behold I stumble upon the 1.22.68 show from Seattle, WA. Man, it’s been a long time since I’ve listened to that show. I forgot how incendiary it is. Simply put, this is one helluva show from start to finish. Well, not exactly “start to finish”, because we only have a record of the first set... but you catch my drift.

It’s hard to talk about stand-out tracks from this show, because everything is so solid. There never seems to be a lull in the energy levels on stage and the entire performance is played in the typical balls-to-the-wall ’68 fashion. If you only have time for two tracks, make sure to listen to Pigpen do his thing in an excellent "Alligator” and an exceptional take on the “Spanish Jam”. But, truthfully, do yourself a favor and carve out 75ish minutes from your schedule and give the entire show a listen.

Grateful Dead Live at Eagles Auditorium on January 22, 1968.

Set 1: Alligator ->Drums ->Alligator, Cryptical Envelopment ->The Other One Cryptical, Envelopment ->New Potato Caboose ->Born Cross-Eyed ->Feedback ->Spanish Jam ->Dark Star ->China Cat Sunflower ->The Eleven ->Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) Jam ->Feedback ->And We Bid You Goodnight

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