LMA Show of the Week -- Grateful Dead Live at Fillmore East on 1970-02-11

Grateful Dead -- Live at Fillmore East on 1970-02-11

It's been awhile since I've posted a show of the week from the Live Music Archive. Part of the reason is that I haven't been listening to the shows there as much since I've discovered Sufjan Stevens. I've been listening to his albums a lot the last month or so. Also, I've been listening to a lot of old stuff, stuff by Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Mississippi John Hurt, as well as a little Bill Monroe and some David Grisman, and topped with a helping of Mr. Bungle and a little Hella.

But this morning I woke up and felt like I needed something a little different. The snow was coming down, the wind was blowing, and I had little to do at work but research and write. I wanted something I could settle into, get comfortable, and just roll through the day. So, I located this gem of a Grateful Dead show from 1970, and I've been listening to it all day.

It was recorded from a night of long, high-energy jams and features guest appearances throughout the night from the Allman Brothers Band, featuring Dwayne Allman on guitar, Gregg Allman on organ, Butch Trucks on drums, as well as Mick Fleetwood dancing. This show gives you a wonderful taste of some of their straight songs, and the night ends with all out jamming on Dark Star, Spanish Jam, and a 30+ minute version of Lovelight. Bluesy, psychadelic, and full of crazy energy. This show is truly symbolic of what the Dead were all about in their early days.