There’s a lot of gold to be mined out here (you just don’t hear much about Summer 1979). There are actually a lot of shows like this somewhat lost in 1979. The song selections often enhance this, and make for an extra enjoyable ride. It overflows with that special timelessness. On July 1st, 1979 the Dead played a wonderful show that is ripe with this reflective power.
Before that year, they simply were that good old Grateful Dead, and didn’t need to “still” be them. In 1979, songs like Uncle John’s Band, Stella Blue, and Half Step not only feel timeless, but they draw beautifully from the past, making their present experience all the more sweet – a feeling like, “they’re still my good old Grateful Dead.” This feeling isn’t there for me prior to 1979. More than this, many classic tunes begin giving off a reflection to the wonderful history of the Dead. Certain songs in 1979 call back to many years earlier, and defy being described as 1979 versions. Not only is this a year that bleeds and fades into the crossover between decades (kinda can’t avoid it on the calendar and all), ’79 is also the first year where I start to hear that element of the Grateful Dead that displays a real timelessness. It enriches the enjoyment, and probably all Dead tape collectors have shared that experience. And that recognition that there may have been an entire year of music you overlooked is part of the journey. The music can only be experienced in real time, and one show at a time. It’s definitely the journey and not the destination. Part of the mystique and draw here is how we all grow into the music of the Dead.
More amazing Grateful Dead! Why didn’t someone tell me?! Well, it just doesn’t work that way, and that’s okay. I’ve heard that May ’79 was hot.”), there is the pleasure of discovering a whole universe of music that seemed to have been hiding from you. And once this exploration begins (like when you tell yourself, “I need to collect that entire run leading up to New Year’s Eve,” or, “I have to hear Brent’s first tour with the band. For many folks, getting deeply into 1979 comes long after scouring other years that first drew the eye and ear. They serve an interesting purpose for collectors. Some Grateful Dead years are meant for a more quiet and lurking seclusion. I don’t think it matters what goes on moving forward, 1979 is one of those years that is forever going to reside a bit in the shadows. Seattle Center Memorial Stadium – Seattle, WA
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