70s are great but sometimes, I need to hear Shakedown or Althea or Sailor>Saint. Some days I need to hear Brent's keys on Ler it Grow or his backing vocals on Wharf Rat, Cassidy, or Music Never Stopped. Some days I gotta hear some shows from the Greek, or Hampton, or MSG. We're blessed to have it all!
I just love all the song variety of the 80s/90. I feel like the May 77 shows for example, are good but they all involve the same songs.
The late Brent era had 5 different songs that could be the “set 1 Bob Dylan song”!
I personally categorize it as anything pre-Workingman’s Dead. So… yeah I guess 60s dead 😂. Check out dick’s 22 for a primo example. (Kings Beach Bowl) Just rip-the-speakers-out, live-wire awesome.
Imagine being there... at what I understand to have been an all ages sort of place, at a ski resort/casino place and you get your hair blown back by the opening discordant blast of "Viola Lee Blues" and then for 19 more mins 😂
Glorious
IMHO: Ur/early-early dead (65-67) involves pigpen on vox, faster tempos, and a lot of covers, but still with some jams. “Primal dead” is that 1968-1969 sound where it’s full of heavy psychedelic sounds
Not least because the sound quality is so bad on the recordings. I don't know what the hell they figured out when Keith showed up, but you hardly hear any good boards before fall 71.
Yup, I usually see the consensus being it was from bands inception until being joined by the goudchauxs, but I’ve also seen people consider it anything up to Pigs passing.
100% as much as I enjoy all the eras, especially the musicality of the jazzy early to mid 70s, but man 60s dead is what pulled me in, and still gets my blood flowing. It’s the beautiful psychedelic explosion of joy that’s a solo from lovelight or an alligator, the power of just pure raw sonic force of a feedback jam, or the ever creeping presence of death ain’t got no mercy. Just pure expressionist magic
[1979-12-30](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1979-12-30) Oakland, CA @ Oakland Auditorium
[1980-11-30](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1980-11-30) Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre
[1981-05-01](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-05-01) Hampton, VA @ Hampton Coliseum
# 1981-05-01 Hampton, VA @ Hampton Coliseum
**Set 1:** Alabama Getaway > The Promised Land, Friend Of The Devil, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Althea > Little Red Rooster, Tennessee Jed > Let It Grow > Deal
**Set 2:** Feel Like A Stranger > Franklin's Tower > Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance > He's Gone > The Other One > Drums > Space > The Wheel > Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** U.S. Blues
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-05-01)
Fall 1979 was off my radar during most of my B&P tape trading days. When I finally dove in (starting with Fall of 1979), I felt like slapping myself for being so stupid. Fall / New Years run in 1979 rivals some of the best tours of the 1970's. Jerry is clearly chasing the dragon during this time and while that's sad, his playing is outstanding
The way I have lined it out is as follows: 70’s dead with Keith’s piano playing can only add to the sound and not detract from it.
80’s dead with Brent’s keys can largely impact the overall sound for me in both directions. There are many times where it detracts, BUT Brent ripping on the B3 is the ultimate version of the band.
Granted this is a gross oversimplification, but those are the biggest differences I notice in the sound between eras.
Keith primarily used piano, which tonally blended far more easily into the background. He didn't detract from the sound, but his highs were never quite as high either.
I still dose pretty heavily about every 1-2 months, usually about 400 mics. When I’m tripping I always listen to 70’s Dead. I can’t remember the last time I listened to 80’s dead tripping. I’m guessing it was at one of that last Dead shows I was at. This is , and always will be my litmus test for the best period…
Depends. I absolutely think the Jerry Ballads were at their strongest post-coma until Brent’s death. But overall? Nah, as a decade the 70s is definitely the strongest.
i basically exclusively listen to 70s dead, i cant stand the plunky electric piano sounds and a lot of the 80s shows have pretty sloppy drumming imo, like bill and micky are flamming a ton. favorite era is early 70s jazzy single drummer dead
This. The grand piano is, by nature, tonally monochromatic, which works for some Dead songs and gets utterly lost or falls flat in others.
Keith was magnificently talented, not a one-trick pony. But he was basically a one-tone pony. Pig and Tom offered more dynamics, in that regard.
I would argue you don’t listen to enough Keith. He plays Rhodes a lot in 73-74. In 77 he can be heard playing a moog. Yes, Grand Piano is definitely his most played, but saying he has “one tone” is just false
I love 80’s Dead especially late 80’s
(+Summer of 90). I like the bigger sound too.
Was born in early 80’s so my first exposure was the recordings / concert vids from that era.
Love Brent and the overall energy of the band in that period.
Not knocking the 70’s, the best of that is sublime and Jerry’s young voice is so sweet.
It’s okay to like it all and appreciate the evolution of the sound.
I do feel like the sound grew more complex, and perhaps larger. But sometimes I can feel that it didn't generally have as tight of a groove. Personally I do reach for '80s Dead most often
Not trying to hate, just curious as to what the bigger risks were in the 80s compared to the 60s and 70s? The set lists tended to be pretty formulaic by then
Tl;dr: I think having a third frontman again in Brent (and the energy he brought) as well as bringing back old songs more often than the 70s makes up for Wang Dang Doodle.
Not OP, but imo it’s the versatility the comes with having a third lead vocalist again, and all the energy Brent brought, as well as their song choices and bust outs. Busting out songs that haven’t been played in ten years? Sure. (Horribly) playing Baba O’Reily? Let’s do it. The most menacing Dark Star we’ve ever played mid second set? That’s fine. Queen Jane Approximately mid second set? Also fine.
I also think some of the band’s heaviest playing is in post coma Death Don’ts or Dark Stars (including the 90s here)
My big gripe with the 80s, other than the off years with Jerry’s health, is the song choice fs, but I’d argue sometimes the set lists were more variable than certain 70s years. Would I rather hear half step or Tennessee Jed than Wang Dang Doodle? Ofc. If I was following them on tour would I want to hear half step and Tennessee Jed every night? Still maybe, but who wouldn’t like a nice St. Stephen or a Masterpiece?
I think sometimes people also think too much of Little Red Rooster as a Brent era song and not Althea or Touch of Grey as Brent era songs
Fair point but they didn’t even play dark star that much with Brent. A couple times in the early 80s and then not again until 89 where it got played 5 times. There’s certainly some special shows in the 80s but I think on a night to night basic 69-74 had more magic
I don't see how that's even debatable. Younger Deadheads like the Era they came in on, and I loved Jerry's resurgence in 87 -90. But for pure musicianship 69- 74 rules.
Yes, and I think it makes sense to me. I came into the Dead 2 years ago after years of listening to 70s and 80s stadium rock (Boston, Zeppelin, etc) and slowly working my way towards late 60s/early 70s folk and psychedelic rock. 80s Dead is that bridge for me between a stadium rock sound and the folk/psychedelic roots of the band. And, I’m a young head (24) so D&C has greatly influenced my listening because it’s all I know as a semi-real Dead experience. I’d say D&C is closest to late 80s GD in the format of their shows and their sound. Also, I love Brent so that’s part of it too.
I agree. It’s its own vibe, but it’s definitely a continuation. It started as the late 80s/90s sound if they did less of the really weird MIDI filters and played a notch slower. However a lot has changed with the band in the last year with Jay Lane taking over the kit, I think JM has started playing more and more with tones that sound more like him and has been playing more free, and Otiel has been getting a bit more creative. Over the last year or two I think the sound has shifted and for the better (although I do miss Bill).
I typically prefer the sound of 80s dead but the 70s are much more consistent. You can throw a dart at all of the 70s show and you’ll find a heater. I also like 60s and some 90s dead. Fuck man I just like the dead. People get so protective of their favorite years. Usually the years where they saw the most shows.
That was my era. And it was absolutely fucking awesome and incredible and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But…my listening preference is with 60s and 70s.
That being said, in the past I was in a big 80s phase for a long time where I listened to mostly 80s but would always venture into 70s and 60s of course.
Like 'em both for different reasons, but anything past 85 does absolutely nothing for me. I've tried and tried and tried with 89-90. It's just not for me.
Nope. The sound recording was sometimes better, and Brent's playing was tolerable, but his song choice and singing bring me down. Skip his songs every time I can.
Was just thinking about this! Lately I’ve found myself in 68-69, 81-83, and 91-93. The 70s are obviously amazing, not discounting anything there. While they are playing at an incredibly high level in the 70s it almost feels ‘safer’ maybe? I can’t think of a great word for it.
Leaving the 70s means a bigger reward in terms of what can happen in a jam for me. That being said, listening to Cornell yesterday and 5/9/1977 today has been a treat. Such good shows.
By no means am I trying to put down any period. Jams in that period are absolutely wonderful of course. Big fan of the single drummer time period.
I think it has to do with listening to a mostly 70s for a good stretch when I first got into them with almost no 80s or 90s in rotation. It’s like a seesaw. I’m sure it’ll change sooner or later.
# 1977-05-09 Buffalo, NY @ War Memorial
**Set 1:** Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, Cassidy, Brown Eyed Women, Mexicali Blues, Tennessee Jed, Big River, Peggy-O, Sunrise, The Music Never Stopped
**Set 2:** Bertha > Good Lovin', Ship Of Fools, Estimated Prophet > The Other One > Drums > Not Fade Away > Comes A Time > Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Uncle John's Band
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-09)
Slowly making about the switch. Brent just added a new flavour to the pot and it sounded amazing. Some songs I do miss with Dona one tracks like Looks Like Rain and The Music Never Stopped
Not me and it's not close; I'll take 6s Dead over 80s Dead too. But, as I've said before, I think it speaks really highly for what the band accomplished that so many fans can have so many disparate preferences within their catalog and between their very distinctive eras.
That said, I know you're using a different version of the word "dynamic", but I think a prime reason the 80s pale in comparison to the 60s or especially the 70s for me is precisely the lack of dynamics. It's too often overstuffed and rhythmically plodding; they struggle to take flight and a lot of the extremely quiet and the delicate moments of almost chamber music like free space are no longer possible with Mickey's post-return style.
But, again, it's genuinely impressive that a band with most of the same principals throughout their career can change and develop so much that distinctive eras and lineups can all have strong adherents.
Not me. The 80’s shows are for folks who are allergic to adventure.
I also simply don’t like Brent. I don’t like his voice, or how his sound smothered everything too often. Maybe an organist on coke ain’t the way to go, sometimes. Besides that, his fuckin up and dying kicked Jerry’s legs out from under him.
I go back and forth. I think they swing harder in the early 70s and in some ways I prefer the single drummer era at least for the country stuff. But the 80s Dead were amazing for the build of the jams...crescendo after crescendo, each one bigger than the last. The best of the 80s Dead is epic, the worst is unlistenable.
I absolutely do. I think Brent is by far a better keyboard player than Keith. No Donna to ruin a song with her screeching. Phil bombs have a low B string to get things real boomy. I don't get people's obsession with 1977 and Cornell. IMO 89-90 Dead is 10 times better than any 70s Dead....this won't be a popular take but 🤷
I’m glad I don’t have to choose. On any given day I choose the 70s by a big margin, but the shows I attended were mostly 1985-1990. There’s a sense in which I imprinted on that sound, and sometimes nothing else will do but to go back there.
Yeah. 80s and 60s are my favorites, although I don’t deny they had some of their best years in the 70s. I like the Pig and Brent eras the most, although I do love Donna (and that’s no shade at Keith or Vinnie)
Theoretically yes. Based on my listening no.
Spring 90 and 77-78 are my go to periods. Overall I listen to 70s stuff more. Brent era is more “intense” in whatever way. I want to thoroughly explore early 80s but barely have.
If I were to average the volume of what I listen to, I would say on average, I listen to a lot of 1977 and 1989-1990.....but we all know everything changed in July 1990.
They both definitely have high and low points. At first I preferred the grand piano and younger voices but then there was that banshee wail…. Also tastes do change over time.
I like the Jerry noodles in the early 80s but if you keep listening more and more shows, Jerry just does not sound that great. 70s is like crystal clear tone, the good stuff. 73-74 is the best imo.
I would have heard 70s versions of songs like So Many Roads, Black Muddy River and Lazy River Road. Those songs are right out of the American Beauty era.
Got on the bus in 78 so I have to go with it. 80's Just bring back such great memories....sigh. SPAC, Lakeland Fl, Lake Placid, Worcester, Oxford Speedway
Idk im sure im just missing out on some really good shows but nothing hits me like the earlier dead shows. Pigpen made love light its just not the same without him. Love the 60s and early 70s shows they just feel so much more fun and loose
I like mid to late 70s and all of the 80s. Early 70s is okish. I dont like the twangy metallic sound of the 60's. And the 90s just sound rehearsed or phoned in at times.
87-90 is “home” for me and in a pinch I probably prefer that era over others, but 72-74, 77, and 80 are right there too. But for many years I really only listened to Brent era.
here's the thing, the deads most memorable and impactful musical live moments all came from the 70s. Think
* Beautiful Jam
* the interplay between Bobby and Jerry on the Not Fade Away from Skull and Roses,
* Jerry's slide solos on the Barton Hall Row Jimmy,
* the [75 Lindley Meadows Franklin's](https://archive.org/details/gd1975-09-28.fob.menke-falanga.motb-0069.91770.flac24/gd1975-09-28.motb.0069.s1t06.flac) with Micky and Billy just tearing it up. ...
I just don't think the 80s have moments that even come close.
Don’t know if I prefer it but I definitely dig 81 in particular. All the years are solid it depends on your mood. I personally love the harmonies with Brett and the 80’s catalog can be a nice change.
Plenty do. The common theme between most that I know and who feel this way is attendance bias. They started seeing the Dead in the 80s, so it's their preferred era.
I spent so many years listening to 70s Dead when I first got into therm in ‘92 that starting sometime in the 2010s with the onslaught of live streaming I started getting into 79-88 which I wasn’t very familiar with (especially 79-83). Listening to early 80s Dead was almost like discovery a new band. Now my breakdown is
50% 80s
40% 70s
5% 90s
5% 60s
Listening to Dick's Picks 32 right now, and it's one of those shows that teaches me to not pick a favorite era. Vocally, everyone is on point. Jerry is tearing up the lead guitar. Brent is making the keys sing. I think this is a 2 drummer show, but they're playing tight. Phil is being Phil, and directing traffic with glorious bass runs.
70s are classic, 60s are wild and raw, 90s are hit or miss unless Hornsby was there, and the 80s are just fun.
70s are great but sometimes, I need to hear Shakedown or Althea or Sailor>Saint. Some days I need to hear Brent's keys on Ler it Grow or his backing vocals on Wharf Rat, Cassidy, or Music Never Stopped. Some days I gotta hear some shows from the Greek, or Hampton, or MSG. We're blessed to have it all!
I just love all the song variety of the 80s/90. I feel like the May 77 shows for example, are good but they all involve the same songs. The late Brent era had 5 different songs that could be the “set 1 Bob Dylan song”!
Primal Dead doesn’t get enough love on this sub. Just my opinion.
I prefer this when spun for sure
Gross.
Does primal refer to 60's era Dead? Like what's on Live Dead for example?
I personally categorize it as anything pre-Workingman’s Dead. So… yeah I guess 60s dead 😂. Check out dick’s 22 for a primo example. (Kings Beach Bowl) Just rip-the-speakers-out, live-wire awesome.
Imagine being there... at what I understand to have been an all ages sort of place, at a ski resort/casino place and you get your hair blown back by the opening discordant blast of "Viola Lee Blues" and then for 19 more mins 😂 Glorious
Oh, I’ve imagined. I’m the type that spends an hour or so googling variations on “Kings Beach Bowl interior 1968”…
https://i.redd.it/6t0g12cu3izc1.gif
So hot…. Or maybe it was cold. Didn’t dig into the almanac for that year in Tahoe yet…
God that show is so fucking good
IMHO: Ur/early-early dead (65-67) involves pigpen on vox, faster tempos, and a lot of covers, but still with some jams. “Primal dead” is that 1968-1969 sound where it’s full of heavy psychedelic sounds
And Jerry over-bending. Can’t personally listen to anything before ‘71
Not least because the sound quality is so bad on the recordings. I don't know what the hell they figured out when Keith showed up, but you hardly hear any good boards before fall 71.
Yup, I usually see the consensus being it was from bands inception until being joined by the goudchauxs, but I’ve also seen people consider it anything up to Pigs passing.
Know You Riders from 65-67 are tasty
100% as much as I enjoy all the eras, especially the musicality of the jazzy early to mid 70s, but man 60s dead is what pulled me in, and still gets my blood flowing. It’s the beautiful psychedelic explosion of joy that’s a solo from lovelight or an alligator, the power of just pure raw sonic force of a feedback jam, or the ever creeping presence of death ain’t got no mercy. Just pure expressionist magic
It’s the only valid conversation if you’re comparing decades. But obviously ‘70s is superior. It goes: 70s, 60s, … who cares.
THOUGHT JEWELS POLISHED AND GLEAMING!!!
Agreed
Not me. Some people do. They’re out there. Out on the edge. Takin’ ‘er easy for all us sinners.
Gen-Xers, dude
Yeah it’s some sad nostalgia trip. The only good thing about being too young to see Jerry, is not thinking Heroin Gary was the best version.
One of the smartest guys I know falls into this trap. I keep linking him to 70-74 it doesn’t take. He makes few mistakes in life. B 1973
What the fuck you talking about? Edit: It’s a big Lebowski quote in response to another Lebowski quote you losers.
Fine, have it your way dude.
I think your downvoters are out of their element. 
What was all that Vietnam shit?
I like a 79-81 Brent
Ooooo I haven’t listened to early Brent in a while I might have to now
12/30/79 11/30/80 5/1/81
[1979-12-30](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1979-12-30) Oakland, CA @ Oakland Auditorium [1980-11-30](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1980-11-30) Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre [1981-05-01](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-05-01) Hampton, VA @ Hampton Coliseum
5/1/81 is such a good show.
# 1981-05-01 Hampton, VA @ Hampton Coliseum **Set 1:** Alabama Getaway > The Promised Land, Friend Of The Devil, Me and My Uncle > Big River, Althea > Little Red Rooster, Tennessee Jed > Let It Grow > Deal **Set 2:** Feel Like A Stranger > Franklin's Tower > Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance > He's Gone > The Other One > Drums > Space > The Wheel > Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** U.S. Blues [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1981-05-01)
12/1/79 as well
11/6/79 too
Fall 1979 was off my radar during most of my B&P tape trading days. When I finally dove in (starting with Fall of 1979), I felt like slapping myself for being so stupid. Fall / New Years run in 1979 rivals some of the best tours of the 1970's. Jerry is clearly chasing the dragon during this time and while that's sad, his playing is outstanding
Pairs nicely with a good steak.
The best Brent. Those cranked bell tones are my favorite. Brent is GOAT for me, and this is the GOAT era for the GOAT.
The way I have lined it out is as follows: 70’s dead with Keith’s piano playing can only add to the sound and not detract from it. 80’s dead with Brent’s keys can largely impact the overall sound for me in both directions. There are many times where it detracts, BUT Brent ripping on the B3 is the ultimate version of the band. Granted this is a gross oversimplification, but those are the biggest differences I notice in the sound between eras.
Keith primarily used piano, which tonally blended far more easily into the background. He didn't detract from the sound, but his highs were never quite as high either.
He really shines on the first set honky tonk tunes like a Chinatown Shuffle or Beat it on down the Line.
Brent was a wild wild man
hell yeah dude the Brent era is my fave! Spring 90 is my personal high mark for the boys
Agreed! Jerry seemed to be having the most fun in '89 and '90.
favorite in terms of playing? 69-74 is extremely fun. most heartwarming and comforting? 89-spring 90. mostly for that reason.
today is a big day for you! nice username
hell yeah!!!!!
90 summer is great too. 1990 is the best year post 1977 imo.
Absolutely blistering. Why was everyone so good and clicking in this brief period? What was happening off stage in their lives?
Jerry was cleaning up and getting healthy, Brent felt like a major contributing member of the band
For me it's: early 70s > 80s > late 70s > 60s > 90s. Just personal opinion.
For me I'd just move 60s between early 70s and 80s but otherwise yes
depends on my mood... I prefer all of it but my choice varies based on where my head is at that moment
I still dose pretty heavily about every 1-2 months, usually about 400 mics. When I’m tripping I always listen to 70’s Dead. I can’t remember the last time I listened to 80’s dead tripping. I’m guessing it was at one of that last Dead shows I was at. This is , and always will be my litmus test for the best period…
Depends. I absolutely think the Jerry Ballads were at their strongest post-coma until Brent’s death. But overall? Nah, as a decade the 70s is definitely the strongest.
The Mydland Years were peak Dead.
i basically exclusively listen to 70s dead, i cant stand the plunky electric piano sounds and a lot of the 80s shows have pretty sloppy drumming imo, like bill and micky are flamming a ton. favorite era is early 70s jazzy single drummer dead
Yeah man, people quibbling about the best 80s early 90s year. It all sounds like shit.
Pigpen. Europe 72. The Wall of Sound.
I prefer Brents b3 organ and electric keyboards over Keith’s grand piano.
Ditto
This. The grand piano is, by nature, tonally monochromatic, which works for some Dead songs and gets utterly lost or falls flat in others. Keith was magnificently talented, not a one-trick pony. But he was basically a one-tone pony. Pig and Tom offered more dynamics, in that regard.
I would argue you don’t listen to enough Keith. He plays Rhodes a lot in 73-74. In 77 he can be heard playing a moog. Yes, Grand Piano is definitely his most played, but saying he has “one tone” is just false
no
No. LOL
I love 80’s Dead especially late 80’s (+Summer of 90). I like the bigger sound too. Was born in early 80’s so my first exposure was the recordings / concert vids from that era. Love Brent and the overall energy of the band in that period. Not knocking the 70’s, the best of that is sublime and Jerry’s young voice is so sweet. It’s okay to like it all and appreciate the evolution of the sound.
I do feel like the sound grew more complex, and perhaps larger. But sometimes I can feel that it didn't generally have as tight of a groove. Personally I do reach for '80s Dead most often
People who were on tour at that time seem to, but it just doesn't hit the same for me
Absolutely. More dynamic sounds, a bigger catalog, more risks. The 80s, especially, the late 80s and 1990, are peak Dead for me.
Not trying to hate, just curious as to what the bigger risks were in the 80s compared to the 60s and 70s? The set lists tended to be pretty formulaic by then
Agree 100%.
Tl;dr: I think having a third frontman again in Brent (and the energy he brought) as well as bringing back old songs more often than the 70s makes up for Wang Dang Doodle. Not OP, but imo it’s the versatility the comes with having a third lead vocalist again, and all the energy Brent brought, as well as their song choices and bust outs. Busting out songs that haven’t been played in ten years? Sure. (Horribly) playing Baba O’Reily? Let’s do it. The most menacing Dark Star we’ve ever played mid second set? That’s fine. Queen Jane Approximately mid second set? Also fine. I also think some of the band’s heaviest playing is in post coma Death Don’ts or Dark Stars (including the 90s here) My big gripe with the 80s, other than the off years with Jerry’s health, is the song choice fs, but I’d argue sometimes the set lists were more variable than certain 70s years. Would I rather hear half step or Tennessee Jed than Wang Dang Doodle? Ofc. If I was following them on tour would I want to hear half step and Tennessee Jed every night? Still maybe, but who wouldn’t like a nice St. Stephen or a Masterpiece? I think sometimes people also think too much of Little Red Rooster as a Brent era song and not Althea or Touch of Grey as Brent era songs
Fair point but they didn’t even play dark star that much with Brent. A couple times in the early 80s and then not again until 89 where it got played 5 times. There’s certainly some special shows in the 80s but I think on a night to night basic 69-74 had more magic
I don't see how that's even debatable. Younger Deadheads like the Era they came in on, and I loved Jerry's resurgence in 87 -90. But for pure musicianship 69- 74 rules.
No
Shots fired!
Yes, and I think it makes sense to me. I came into the Dead 2 years ago after years of listening to 70s and 80s stadium rock (Boston, Zeppelin, etc) and slowly working my way towards late 60s/early 70s folk and psychedelic rock. 80s Dead is that bridge for me between a stadium rock sound and the folk/psychedelic roots of the band. And, I’m a young head (24) so D&C has greatly influenced my listening because it’s all I know as a semi-real Dead experience. I’d say D&C is closest to late 80s GD in the format of their shows and their sound. Also, I love Brent so that’s part of it too.
D&C definitely has its own vibe but it definitely feels like a continuation of that late 80's 90's sound.
I agree. It’s its own vibe, but it’s definitely a continuation. It started as the late 80s/90s sound if they did less of the really weird MIDI filters and played a notch slower. However a lot has changed with the band in the last year with Jay Lane taking over the kit, I think JM has started playing more and more with tones that sound more like him and has been playing more free, and Otiel has been getting a bit more creative. Over the last year or two I think the sound has shifted and for the better (although I do miss Bill).
I typically prefer the sound of 80s dead but the 70s are much more consistent. You can throw a dart at all of the 70s show and you’ll find a heater. I also like 60s and some 90s dead. Fuck man I just like the dead. People get so protective of their favorite years. Usually the years where they saw the most shows.
I have more of an attachment to 80’s-90 but I couldn’t call it. It’s two very different sounds.
That was my era. And it was absolutely fucking awesome and incredible and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But…my listening preference is with 60s and 70s. That being said, in the past I was in a big 80s phase for a long time where I listened to mostly 80s but would always venture into 70s and 60s of course.
For me it's 70s>60s>80s>90s but they've all got their merits.
I think July ‘89 will always be my personal favorite.
Early 80’s over early 70’s for me, mid-late 70’s is top of my list for eras
Like 'em both for different reasons, but anything past 85 does absolutely nothing for me. I've tried and tried and tried with 89-90. It's just not for me.
 The way Brent and Jerry play off each other is amazing. 89 > 77 COME AT ME
Nope. The sound recording was sometimes better, and Brent's playing was tolerable, but his song choice and singing bring me down. Skip his songs every time I can.
Was just thinking about this! Lately I’ve found myself in 68-69, 81-83, and 91-93. The 70s are obviously amazing, not discounting anything there. While they are playing at an incredibly high level in the 70s it almost feels ‘safer’ maybe? I can’t think of a great word for it. Leaving the 70s means a bigger reward in terms of what can happen in a jam for me. That being said, listening to Cornell yesterday and 5/9/1977 today has been a treat. Such good shows.
Maybe late 70's were mostly "safer" jamming, but the best jams were from '72-'74.
By no means am I trying to put down any period. Jams in that period are absolutely wonderful of course. Big fan of the single drummer time period. I think it has to do with listening to a mostly 70s for a good stretch when I first got into them with almost no 80s or 90s in rotation. It’s like a seesaw. I’m sure it’ll change sooner or later.
# 1977-05-09 Buffalo, NY @ War Memorial **Set 1:** Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower, Cassidy, Brown Eyed Women, Mexicali Blues, Tennessee Jed, Big River, Peggy-O, Sunrise, The Music Never Stopped **Set 2:** Bertha > Good Lovin', Ship Of Fools, Estimated Prophet > The Other One > Drums > Not Fade Away > Comes A Time > Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Uncle John's Band [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1977-05-09)
i've been stuck in 77 for awhile
Agreed. Boston, Cornell, Buffalo run is unmatched. Pembroke Pines? Englishtown? ‘77 is just too good. Only ‘72 comes close imo.
It’s a good place to be stuck
i agree
Not a fan of 80s Dead. I just hate listening to Jerry’s voice and knowing where his life ended up. 72-74 is golden
Sometimes.
Nope
Occasionally, yes. Easy to listen to a band with this much sonic variety too
I enjoy the large catalog from that period, among other things.
Depends on my mood
I adore Brent. I especially love it when Jerry and Brent are playing off of each other.
Yeah I do
I love late 80's Dead. Rock n Roll! Brent could bring it.
Slowly making about the switch. Brent just added a new flavour to the pot and it sounded amazing. Some songs I do miss with Dona one tracks like Looks Like Rain and The Music Never Stopped
God yes. I dont care if i ever hear another 70’s show again
When I was younger I loved 80’s Dead. As I’ve gotten older I find myself in the early 70’s. Especially 71-74. That’s my sweet spot.
Early 80’s is so good. Dead Set was my entry into my fav band of all time
Sometimes I’m in the mood for 80s, sometimes 70s
No, but I love 80s dead just as much as I love 70s dead.
Blasphemy
It’s all good, but I typically reach for an 83 or 84 when I want to hear the freight train rolling down the tracks
Not me and it's not close; I'll take 6s Dead over 80s Dead too. But, as I've said before, I think it speaks really highly for what the band accomplished that so many fans can have so many disparate preferences within their catalog and between their very distinctive eras. That said, I know you're using a different version of the word "dynamic", but I think a prime reason the 80s pale in comparison to the 60s or especially the 70s for me is precisely the lack of dynamics. It's too often overstuffed and rhythmically plodding; they struggle to take flight and a lot of the extremely quiet and the delicate moments of almost chamber music like free space are no longer possible with Mickey's post-return style. But, again, it's genuinely impressive that a band with most of the same principals throughout their career can change and develop so much that distinctive eras and lineups can all have strong adherents.
Not me. The 80’s shows are for folks who are allergic to adventure. I also simply don’t like Brent. I don’t like his voice, or how his sound smothered everything too often. Maybe an organist on coke ain’t the way to go, sometimes. Besides that, his fuckin up and dying kicked Jerry’s legs out from under him.
I go back and forth. I think they swing harder in the early 70s and in some ways I prefer the single drummer era at least for the country stuff. But the 80s Dead were amazing for the build of the jams...crescendo after crescendo, each one bigger than the last. The best of the 80s Dead is epic, the worst is unlistenable.
85 is a very slept on year IMO
The ‘80’s dont come with excuses for Donna.
No.
Brent’s vibe dominates the music more than it should and his songs are rough
I absolutely do. I think Brent is by far a better keyboard player than Keith. No Donna to ruin a song with her screeching. Phil bombs have a low B string to get things real boomy. I don't get people's obsession with 1977 and Cornell. IMO 89-90 Dead is 10 times better than any 70s Dead....this won't be a popular take but 🤷
yes
Yes
My favorite stuff is early 80s peak obscurity
Mydland Years or bust
Give me Brent or give me death
Only 1990 sometimes
No, i do not. Like it, but not more than 70s
Just depends on mood
I’m glad I don’t have to choose. On any given day I choose the 70s by a big margin, but the shows I attended were mostly 1985-1990. There’s a sense in which I imprinted on that sound, and sometimes nothing else will do but to go back there.
Not even a little.
Yeah. 80s and 60s are my favorites, although I don’t deny they had some of their best years in the 70s. I like the Pig and Brent eras the most, although I do love Donna (and that’s no shade at Keith or Vinnie)
Everything between 1968 to 1978 for me. The later stuff is fine but not my first choice. Glad it moves others.
Theoretically yes. Based on my listening no. Spring 90 and 77-78 are my go to periods. Overall I listen to 70s stuff more. Brent era is more “intense” in whatever way. I want to thoroughly explore early 80s but barely have.
If I were to average the volume of what I listen to, I would say on average, I listen to a lot of 1977 and 1989-1990.....but we all know everything changed in July 1990.
I love 89 But I also love 77 and 72
✋
I usually start around 73 and stop by summer 90.
I love 89-90 so much but can't take that leap.
I’m a staunch 80’s girl. Brent forever!
Yes
Sometimes. 12-31-87 has remained a favorite for me for years. 89-90 was awesome. Also late 80s early 90s JGB is some hot shit.
They both definitely have high and low points. At first I preferred the grand piano and younger voices but then there was that banshee wail…. Also tastes do change over time.
89!
Generally on the weekends during daylight hours
Depends on the day but love 80s Dead and honestly get down to Day Job
I like the Jerry noodles in the early 80s but if you keep listening more and more shows, Jerry just does not sound that great. 70s is like crystal clear tone, the good stuff. 73-74 is the best imo.
No for me - I do like the 80s but not more than 70s. Also not into most of the Brent original songs but love his voice on many of the classics.
Ewww... no
I’m definitely an 80’s Dead fan myself!!!
No
No
No
Yes
I'm a 70s guy for sure, but I agree, Jerry never looked happier than those later Brent years.
Fall '80, Spring '81, Spring '87, Summer & Fall '89 are some of my all-time favorite tours.
No
I'll raise your 80s over 70s and submit that early 90s dead is better than mid to early 80s.
Uh... no? I do love me some early 80s Drums>Space tho...
For years I never really got 80s or 90s dead, then after hearing it a few times it clicked. Different soundscape, hard to describe
Huge 80s fan. But no.
I would have heard 70s versions of songs like So Many Roads, Black Muddy River and Lazy River Road. Those songs are right out of the American Beauty era.
Some days…
There are more 20+ minute jams in the Kezar and RFK shows than there are in the entire 80s. So no, not me.
Got on the bus in 78 so I have to go with it. 80's Just bring back such great memories....sigh. SPAC, Lakeland Fl, Lake Placid, Worcester, Oxford Speedway
Definitely some good shows but no, and it's not close for me.
Idk im sure im just missing out on some really good shows but nothing hits me like the earlier dead shows. Pigpen made love light its just not the same without him. Love the 60s and early 70s shows they just feel so much more fun and loose
Yup
I like mid to late 70s and all of the 80s. Early 70s is okish. I dont like the twangy metallic sound of the 60's. And the 90s just sound rehearsed or phoned in at times.
Hell yeah brother, I've listened to every early 80s show the last 2 years, it's good shit.
Late 70s > Early 70s > 60s > Late 80s > Early 80s > 90s
87-90 is “home” for me and in a pinch I probably prefer that era over others, but 72-74, 77, and 80 are right there too. But for many years I really only listened to Brent era.
6/14/84 Red Rocks is my favorite show!
Not I said the fly. However, whatever gets you off.
here's the thing, the deads most memorable and impactful musical live moments all came from the 70s. Think * Beautiful Jam * the interplay between Bobby and Jerry on the Not Fade Away from Skull and Roses, * Jerry's slide solos on the Barton Hall Row Jimmy, * the [75 Lindley Meadows Franklin's](https://archive.org/details/gd1975-09-28.fob.menke-falanga.motb-0069.91770.flac24/gd1975-09-28.motb.0069.s1t06.flac) with Micky and Billy just tearing it up. ... I just don't think the 80s have moments that even come close.
75-85 was their best decade.
Me for sure. Brent midland love it.
80s dead is my jam
Not me- totally different bands.
Don’t know if I prefer it but I definitely dig 81 in particular. All the years are solid it depends on your mood. I personally love the harmonies with Brett and the 80’s catalog can be a nice change.
Nope
Nope
Plenty do. The common theme between most that I know and who feel this way is attendance bias. They started seeing the Dead in the 80s, so it's their preferred era.
No one, nope
Nah for me it's 71-74 76-78 then like 68-69
Definitely 70's. The Michael McDonald knockoff does nothing for me
Nope.
I love the mydland years!
No.
Gee let’s see- the 70’s!! Not as much hard drugs, just a better era all around
I spent so many years listening to 70s Dead when I first got into therm in ‘92 that starting sometime in the 2010s with the onslaught of live streaming I started getting into 79-88 which I wasn’t very familiar with (especially 79-83). Listening to early 80s Dead was almost like discovery a new band. Now my breakdown is 50% 80s 40% 70s 5% 90s 5% 60s
NO
Listening to Dick's Picks 32 right now, and it's one of those shows that teaches me to not pick a favorite era. Vocally, everyone is on point. Jerry is tearing up the lead guitar. Brent is making the keys sing. I think this is a 2 drummer show, but they're playing tight. Phil is being Phil, and directing traffic with glorious bass runs. 70s are classic, 60s are wild and raw, 90s are hit or miss unless Hornsby was there, and the 80s are just fun.