Disco de Grateful Dead: “Three from the Vault”

There seems to be a little "mystery" about why this release took so long. Phil Lesh didn't like it and nixed it for release back in early 1993. Copies had already been made up and David Gans was even playing it on his show. Basically, what happened was, at the time, Phil didn't want to use any shows that had gone into already released albums and Dan Healy only wanted to use multi track tape so this show (from a run)which was recorded for Grateful Dead(aka Skull & Roses) but not used, was pulled out. This was the second night. The first night found the debut of 6 songs(Bertha, Greatest Story, Johnny B Goode, Wharf Rat, Loser and Playing In The Band) and was the last show for Mickey Hart(Ned Lagin also played Keyboards at that show). This was the first show with just Billy again since September 1967. This show also found 2 new songs(Bird Song and Deal) being pulled out as well as repeats of some of the new stuff from the night before. When it was brought out in Dupree's Diamond News that songs like Bird Song made it's first appearence here, Phil said "Yeah, but the problem was, it sounds like the first". Later in the year, the band asked Dick to start picking 2 track tapes for release and Healy was fired early the next year. As for the performance itself, I like it. The Truckin' blows away the so so version on Ladies And Gentleman. The Pig Pen songs are strong. Many(including Phil) have said that spring tour of 1971 might have been Pig's strongest period. Dark Hollow is always welcome and a nice That's It For The Other One. Yeah, I like it but then I liked it back in 1993 too!!!

After many years of delay, "Three From The Vault" was finally released. Nice digipak design, nice booklet, nice front cover with emblematic "steal your face" logo. As always, outstanding sound quality (sometimes I wonder: did The Dead have the best sound engineers of those times???).

Now, regarding what brings us here, the music, this is an obviously transitional Dead. This recording is, most of all, of historical interest, due to the fact that it was the very first concert after the departure of Mickey Hart and that many songs were premiered that night. Of course, these historical facts affect the group sound. First of all, Bill Kreutzmann had no trouble AT ALL with supporting the band alone. In fact, he started playing better than ever. Regarding the new songs, well, they are played generally in a rush, the lyrics are not always remembered (although it also happens with songs which were not new) and the band interaction does not flow freely as always. They generally sound instable, a little bit akward, but that is absolutely normal, of course. Anyone who has ever written a song knows it takes time to find the suitable vibe for each tune.

When playing the "old ones" ("That's It For The Other One", "Smokestack Lightnin'", "China Cat Sunflower"), the Dead do it with the usual absolute authority.

So, even though it does not seem to be a mind-blowing recording (as many other Dead releases), it is still extremely interesting to hear the band in the process of changing, learning and taking new risks. Far from anchoring in audience favorites, chances are taken and the future is set off. But, as we know, the Dead were always looking for something new, and once these songs were properly learnt, the group was already writing new ones with new challenges. Just a test to perceive of the ever-evolving nature of the band: compare the version of "Playing In The Band" in this release with that of "The Grateful Dead Movie Soundtrack".

Once again, a delightful and interesting record.

Hey why would anyone spend hard earned dollars on ANOTHER Grateful Dead album? I must have thirty of them so why spend precious dollars to hear songs I heard back in 1971? Here are the reasons "why" I love this album. 1) It's a different mix than the usual GD. Healy mixed it. Someone said that Phil didn't like it, The reason could be that the bass is mixed off to the side. No problem for me but having worked with musician since the sixties I understand the politics of keeping everyone happy.

2) Joe Gastwirt. Joe mastered this and has some nice words in the notes. Joe is the very best. NO ONE touches his quality. As I said in other posts I listen to my music through my recording studio. I hear it much as it left the studio. Beautiful production blows me away. Few reach the highest quality. This album is beautifully recorded, mixed and mastered.

3) Great history recorded. This was the turning point for the Dead. They broke into the theaters in 71 and traveled America. A true Deadhead still could make it down to the lip of the stage and trip magic with the band. It would never be any better than this! Soon this community would disappear with the huge audiences of insane eyes.

I'm vey glad I spent my money on this treasure. It hopefully will provide me decades of enjoyment. Unlike most Americans I turn off my TV and put on my studio headphones when I have time to be free.

There are very many Dead album to choose from, my suggestion, buy this one if you are on a limited budget like we all are these daze. It's not a perfect concert. The Dead came ready to play and it shows. Garcia and the band are on fire! The full magic was captured.

This was the first full-length concert CD of the Dead's that I purchased. Previously I had bought "Live/Dead" and the "Skull And Roses" albums. The band starts off with the short and sweet "Two Ditties." Then they burst into the best version of "Truckin'" that I've ever heard with the appreciative audience clapping right along. "Bertha" and "Playing In The Band" are a little shaky, but it's understandable since the band had just debuted both songs. For me, the longer Pigpen tunes are hit-and-miss. I love the version of "Smokestack Lightning", but "Good Lovin'" drags on and on for a far-too-long 18 minutes. The shorter "Hurts Me Too" however, is great.

This is an excellent purchase for Deadheads everywhere, especially at the present price.

Short and sweet, this is one of the dead's best recordings and the best of the vault releases. Buy it, you'll love it.