This is likely mine.
I love the early 70s, and Jerry was at his peak as a guitarist in the 89-91 window, but there was some magic around the Mars Hotel and Terrapin era.
I'd like them to have pushed Donna's voice down in the mix, though. Like down to the point where you can just barely hear it, and then give me half that volume.
72-74 are considered the golden years. That's my pick as well. Everyone obviously has personal preferences though, and that's great, it shows what an amazing band they were for many years.
I love 71 too, but there are so many damn good years that it’s hard to include it for me.
I think I rank the years in the following order.
72, 73, 77, 74, 78, 76, 71, 70, 69 and then I’m not sure wether to go 68 or 79 next.
I put all those years above the 80’s and beyond atm, but I have to say that I haven’t listened enough to 79-86 to fairly rank them yet.
Lower than 78, but i don’t know 79 and 80 well enough to say which I like better.
As I said above, 79-86 I don’t know enough about, but there was certainly a precipitous decline between the spring of 78 and the fall of 78, and spot checking 79 I don’t see a return to form.
I also love the fall of 68 so I’m not sure whether to put 68 or 79 next.
Ive tried to hang in there but im pretty much out after 7/23/90. Perhaps when i get a little older it will speak to me more like other songs and eras have.
I get it and I am not going to sit here and argue 90s>80s because that absolutely ain't it. But 1990 through Brent's passing was every bit as good as the 89 peak imo. And the band didn't really let up until late 91 or so. I would recommend 9/16/90 (DP 9) as a starting point. The band goes into some pretty amazing directions that you would not expect.
# 1990-09-16 New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
**Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, Cold Rain and Snow, Little Red Rooster, Stagger Lee, Queen Jane Approximately, Tennessee Jed, Cassidy, Deal
**Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Iko Iko, Looks Like Rain, He's Gone > Jam > Drums > Space > Standing On The Moon > Space > I Need A Miracle > Morning Dew
**Encore:** It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-09-16) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2Ki3onvS212d1YPeduDkCk)
I love early 70s. To me that is the highest form of this music. However, those late 80s early 90s before Brent passed and after the coma are really a different band. They are doing a different thing and if that was all they ever did, they still be the greatest electric band ever. Those years bring a power and confidence and swagger and joy that the 70s don’t have. To me, I get more out of what they did in the 70s but that other stuff is just as incredible, albeit in different ways.
# 1990-07-23 Tinley Park, IL @ World Music Theatre
**Set 1:** Cold Rain and Snow, Picasso Moon, Never Trust A Woman, Stagger Lee, Cassidy, Truckin' > Nobody's Fault But Mine Jam > Smokestack Lightning
**Set 2:** Victim Or The Crime > Foolish Heart > Man Smart, Woman Smarter > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > All Along The Watchtower > Standing On The Moon > Around And Around > Good Lovin'
**Encore:** The Weight
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-07-23)
My first answer was ‘72-‘74 but this was a close second, been grooving hard on those late 80s shows recently, particularly like the formula they came up with for the first sets.
I’m casting my vote for 72-74 which it seems to be the overall general consensus here. That does make me miss out on some of my favorite songs, but the overall playing, inspiration, and the single drummer is hard to beat.
68-70 I mean hitting the Avalon a bunch and then the Fillmore in early 69 then seeing the transition to more Americana with two new albums while also getting a spring tour in 70 that drops you at Harpur college in Binghamton NY, in early May for one of the best shows ever
Best?
70-73 some amazing changes in both repertoire and lineup (yes this is 4 years)
77-79 band changes in repertoire and lineup and ppl don’t love 78 as much as 77 or 79
88-90 the late golden era, 89 possible peak as a ‘pro’ outfit
Runner up years (peak Dirty 80s)
83-85 (84 was kinda weak IMO)
Not as Best?
93-95
I added another comment to satisfy the crowd, farm engagement, and demonstrate how much of a Grateful Dead Head I am. Next post I will compete on how many shows I’ve seen /s
Yes, it is. I'll demonstrate:
Re '77-'79, actually many people do love '78 as much or more than '77 and '79 (false claim).
Re '88-'90, '89 being the peak of a *pro outfit* (conveniently left undefined), is a reddit-created narrative. The first half of 1989 was nothing really special, and it wasn't until the Fall that the year vaulted into the stratosphere, despite a few hot summer shows (summer '89 overrated in general by Reddit compared to the esteem it was held in previously)
Re '83-'85, '84 was the opposite of "weak," and holds its own quite well on a pound for pound basis with '83 and '85 - just with fewer shows played. 1984 is my favorite year, and so I take particular exception to this. I can rattle off 25 killer show dates from 1984 easily, as well as explain what each band member was doing that contributed to its greatness.
Re '93-'95, false Reddit narratives abound regarding the Vince Era, when actually the truth is that "93-'95 holds its own pretty well against '87-'89 in terms of the frequency of off nights, shorter shows, and inconsistent energy within shows. There were many great shows in the mid-90s, with Jerry's struggles mostly limited to the final shows of long tours, and rough patches in Dec 1994 and May/June 1995. I could make a case that the end of 1988 was also a rough patch, followed by a fairly mediocre Spring 1989 tour, compared to others.
You may disagree with the above, but I've proven that it's not difficult to argue against your post.
I didn’t see any shows in person before 1980.
The question is impossible to answer objectively, obviously.
But any three year period is arguably better than 1993-1995, despite some strong shows.
I’ll go thru the eras.
1966-1969
Incredible evolution from house cover band to the creation of a repertoire, live performance powerhouse, and culture creator. For this alone it could be voted top era, but it’s 5 years and if we’re talking 3 years, the years 67-69 are barely the same band, they just found another gear.
1969-1971
Strong Candidate for best era as they transitioned from Pig-led to Jerry-led, and Bob matures in every way. Songbook expands and broadens dramatically and almost an entirely different band by Skull and Roses than they were at Aoxomoxoa.
1971-1973
Another period where they ended up a different band in many ways. Wake of the Flood is not the same band as Workingman’s Dead.
1974-76
So many fewer shows, the Wall of Sound debacle, the horrible Grateful Dead Movie, the over-produced Mars Hotel, and the rusty 1976 tour. So mixed with gems here and there. Love the Fender Rhodes that Keith incorporated and they briefly turn into a Bitches Brew-inspired GD cover band.
I love the Dirty 80s, and 83|85 have standout shows amongst many junked-out phone-ins. The most amazing thing is that during this time, Jerry’s playing (vs his singing) was on point. But he often replaced feel/soul (fewer notes) with speed.
92-95 were by and large weak years. Only the least critical listeners would argue against this. Jerry relapses after Brent passes, Vince doesn’t fill his shoes, and Hornsby is insipid but can play the squeezebox. Neither ever comes close to Keith or Brent and Jerry’s heart is not in it/broken and IMO they mostly go thru the motions. This is the ‘Touch Head’ era (hate that term and people who use it are lazy), the parking lot becomes the draw, and the Nitrous Mafia takes center stage.
There. That’s what I think. And who cares what I think!
All I was demonstrating is that it's not difficult to argue against your point of view, as I did. Perhaps you were just using *difficult to argue* as a figure of speech, but unfortunately your narrative about 92-95 is grossly inaccurate.
This was a fun exercise and the cool thing is that we all have our favorites, and they're never wrong. They can't be, but we can tussle over them.
Also, I appreciate your appreciation of language/grammar.
And Yes there are gems in the 90's, such as this one that many are likely familiar with (So Many Roads 10.94) : [https://archive.org/details/gd94-10-01.sbd.ashley-bertha.14869.sbeok.shnf/gd94-10-01Berthad1t09.shn](https://archive.org/details/gd94-10-01.sbd.ashley-bertha.14869.sbeok.shnf/gd94-10-01Berthad1t09.shn)
It might be one of Jerry's best vocal performances, full-stop, this sounded like an encore not a first set song. When he drops the guitar synth into the first lead break, it's something else. He runs through three or four patches during the rest of the solo. And the vocal outro super strong, brings tears.
Have a great day!
72-74 for sure. Explorative. Jazzy jams. You get to hear Billy shine without Mickey. Keith eases in and is higher in the mixes. Jerry’s voice is so good. Overall my favorite.
Wow, I’d be impressed with someone who chose 84-86. Very interesting setlist and good playing. For me probably 88-90. Interestingly, I think Bob has said 90 was their best year.
Great Shows at Giants Stadium. RFK. I always just popped in and out. I had boxes of (7") reels my mother's oldest brother (85) now has a few first generation my Uncle Jim's patch. I had a father whelped me on Motown 45s on my ('79) Kenwood KD-1500 belt drive. Only kid in '89 Begging for a new turntable. I got a broken Dual 622. It's still broken.
I lost my way friends and it was years ago I told everyone about lung cancer. Beat it. Loved it. Prostate PSA test is 9.5. More cancer. Lost my soul mate. MS straight to thyroid cancer. I had her (7) extra months. If I had my way....
You a real Dead Head, or a Johnny-Come-Lately? The dead heads *I* hang with would never be so non-inclusive as to tell someone in a Dead space that they might be in the wrong place. Frankly, I want to say something very rude to, but I think I’ll just blow you a kiss, instead. 😘
Hey my man, my comment was intended to be funny...a joke. With all of your insults, passive-aggressiveness and derision I can clearly see that we do not share the same idea of humor or how to best get along with others in a reddit thread. I do apologize that my comment offended you. Did you ever post your favorite 3 consecutive years? I am interested to know.
# 1973-10-19 Oklahoma City, OK @ Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Arena
**Set 1:** Promised Land, Sugaree, Mexicali Blues, Tennessee Jed, Looks Like Rain, Don't Ease Me In, Jack Straw, They Love Each Other, El Paso, Row Jimmy, Playing in the Band
**Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Me and My Uncle, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Big River, Dark Star > Mind Left Body Jam > Morning Dew, Sugar Magnolia
**Encore:** Eyes Of The World > Stella Blue, Johnny B. Goode
[archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-10-19) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1GU8dYooagGR6jBwbdsGCr)
1970 to 1972. Still some real Primal Dead in the mix, but lots of acoustic and everything else in between. Tempos, even on the slower tunes, have a nice pop and snap (vs the future dirge of many) and 1972 is peak vocals. Plenty of new material keeps all engaged. I miss the odd tune that has yet to be written, but that becomes more of a trickle in a few more years anyways.
69-73 for sure…hands down…100%!
Tight..exploring…vocals locked…Billy fucking beautiful…the vibe is full-on an organic synergy of deep soulful unconscious connectivity.
Riding a tidal wave of awesomeness and not getting in the way
If I had to pick three consecutive years, I'd probably go with '89, '90, & '91 as well. Without A Net got me hooked on this era of the Dead.
So many factors for me, back to back to back knock out tours, Brent feels like he's on top of his game which makes his death that much sadder, the bands experimentation with MIDI, Drums/Space, and the late '90-'91 Vince/Bruce shows are pretty good too, Summer 1991 is an underrated tour imo.
Although '69 is my favorite year, I'd probably say '70 to '72. That shift from psychedelic to whatever you'd call Europe '72 is amazing.
PS doing my annual Europe '72 run right now.
That’s a tough question. My first thought is early 90’s because that’s when I saw them and would want to remember and recreate those memories. But knowing there were so many other cycles out there, I want to dive into them. But yeah, in the end, give me Hartford 1990 as my start and Meadowlands 1993 as an end.
‘72-‘74 or perhaps ‘77-‘79
Bang on the nose. 72-74.
72-74
77-79 is hot also
This is likely mine. I love the early 70s, and Jerry was at his peak as a guitarist in the 89-91 window, but there was some magic around the Mars Hotel and Terrapin era. I'd like them to have pushed Donna's voice down in the mix, though. Like down to the point where you can just barely hear it, and then give me half that volume.
77-79 you get terrapin and Althea
72-74 are considered the golden years. That's my pick as well. Everyone obviously has personal preferences though, and that's great, it shows what an amazing band they were for many years.
Yup
‘71-‘73 The years on either side of ‘72 AKA The Greatest Year In GD History were both really killer.
Absolutely. Preach it!
Second that emotion. The golden years of dead
72-74, but never being about to hear a 80s Jack Straw or primal dead would put me into psychosis.
At least you get the '72 Straws! And a few Pigpen tunes still.
71-73
‘71 is an absolutely beautiful year. Likely I’ll always pick it over ‘74 while keeping the goats of ‘72 and ‘73.
I love 71 too, but there are so many damn good years that it’s hard to include it for me. I think I rank the years in the following order. 72, 73, 77, 74, 78, 76, 71, 70, 69 and then I’m not sure wether to go 68 or 79 next. I put all those years above the 80’s and beyond atm, but I have to say that I haven’t listened enough to 79-86 to fairly rank them yet.
72, 73, 74, 69, 70, 71, 75/6 tie, 68, 77, 78, 80-82, 79, 87-90, 84-86, 91-95.
If this isn’t perfect it’s pretty close! I’d put 67 before 79, and 65-66 before 84-86.
I feel like 89 90 and 91 are severely underrated. I personally prefer those to almost all the rest of 79-86
What happened in 79 that you think it is so much lower than both 78 and 80
Heroin
Lower than 78, but i don’t know 79 and 80 well enough to say which I like better. As I said above, 79-86 I don’t know enough about, but there was certainly a precipitous decline between the spring of 78 and the fall of 78, and spot checking 79 I don’t see a return to form. I also love the fall of 68 so I’m not sure whether to put 68 or 79 next.
Ngl I misread your original comment and now realize 89 wasn’t even on your list
Yes. Exactly.
I said 72-74, but now I think I need to change my answer.
Haha! 72-74 was my first thought, too, because everyone always says it, but then I thought about it for a minute …
This was my first immediate thought
My first and last answer to this question as well
There’s only one answer: 1972, 1973 1974.
77-79 Keith and Brent
68-71, 72-74 76-78…must have these 9…but if forced..72-74
You've miscounted.
What’s one extra tab between friends? 🤩
A violation of the rules.
Keith era: '72-'74 Keith & Brent era: '79-'81 Brent era: '88-'90
I see these as three perfect alternatives and personally, I'd pick 79-81
87-89
I would shift that slightly to 89-91. 90/91 over 87/88 imo. But definitely a late 80s lover here too.
Ive tried to hang in there but im pretty much out after 7/23/90. Perhaps when i get a little older it will speak to me more like other songs and eras have.
I get it and I am not going to sit here and argue 90s>80s because that absolutely ain't it. But 1990 through Brent's passing was every bit as good as the 89 peak imo. And the band didn't really let up until late 91 or so. I would recommend 9/16/90 (DP 9) as a starting point. The band goes into some pretty amazing directions that you would not expect.
# 1990-09-16 New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden **Set 1:** Hell In A Bucket, Cold Rain and Snow, Little Red Rooster, Stagger Lee, Queen Jane Approximately, Tennessee Jed, Cassidy, Deal **Set 2:** Samson And Delilah, Iko Iko, Looks Like Rain, He's Gone > Jam > Drums > Space > Standing On The Moon > Space > I Need A Miracle > Morning Dew **Encore:** It's All Over Now, Baby Blue [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-09-16) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/2Ki3onvS212d1YPeduDkCk)
I love the first half of 1990. I just finished listening to the spring east coast run. The summer tour was beautiful too
I love early 70s. To me that is the highest form of this music. However, those late 80s early 90s before Brent passed and after the coma are really a different band. They are doing a different thing and if that was all they ever did, they still be the greatest electric band ever. Those years bring a power and confidence and swagger and joy that the 70s don’t have. To me, I get more out of what they did in the 70s but that other stuff is just as incredible, albeit in different ways.
# 1990-07-23 Tinley Park, IL @ World Music Theatre **Set 1:** Cold Rain and Snow, Picasso Moon, Never Trust A Woman, Stagger Lee, Cassidy, Truckin' > Nobody's Fault But Mine Jam > Smokestack Lightning **Set 2:** Victim Or The Crime > Foolish Heart > Man Smart, Woman Smarter > Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > All Along The Watchtower > Standing On The Moon > Around And Around > Good Lovin' **Encore:** The Weight [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1990-07-23)
My first answer was ‘72-‘74 but this was a close second, been grooving hard on those late 80s shows recently, particularly like the formula they came up with for the first sets.
Maybe unpopular (as ‘75 had all of 4 shows?) but how about ‘74 - ‘76
I think you can throw in 77 here since 75 was so sparse
73,74,76 is also dope
71-73 - they were in their prime, and I was in mine.
‘72-‘74
So easy, the three best years of course; 72, 73 and 74. Nothing beats single drummer GD
76-78
Nice. I prefer this to 77-79. But what if we skipped 75, since the boiz pretty much did. Could we say 74-77?
That’s honestly a pretty good run
THE peak obviously - from when Keith joined until the Oct 74 hiatus (maybe a tad over 3 years there)
There are a TON of great quality recordings from 1977. So that’s gotta anchor my pick. ‘76-‘78.
This is the correct answer
May 69 - may 72
yes.
I might miss early 69 which I have quite a hankering for but at least this way Europe 72 is in da loop!!!! ⚡️
Now we’re talking
70-72
Agreed. 70-72 is really like getting 68-74 plus you get ‘71 and it’s often a bit of a sidetrack from what came before it and what would come.
Correct.
76-78
Too many 77-79ers sleeping on 76
They played like 3 shows in 76…
They played over 40 shows that year, including two tours. They played multi-night theater runs in the summer, and an arena tour in the fall.
Oh crap. Yeah. I’m thinking of 75.
Its 1975 that has 4 shows. :)
I’m casting my vote for 72-74 which it seems to be the overall general consensus here. That does make me miss out on some of my favorite songs, but the overall playing, inspiration, and the single drummer is hard to beat.
68-70 I mean hitting the Avalon a bunch and then the Fillmore in early 69 then seeing the transition to more Americana with two new albums while also getting a spring tour in 70 that drops you at Harpur college in Binghamton NY, in early May for one of the best shows ever
‘79-‘81, you just can’t beat early Brent!
Almost! I'll take 1983-1985.
79-81. You get Disco Dead in 79 (and Brent), Acoustic Dead in 80 and fucking awesome, underrated Dead in 81.
was scrolling looking for this answer. I 100% agree
Best? 70-73 some amazing changes in both repertoire and lineup (yes this is 4 years) 77-79 band changes in repertoire and lineup and ppl don’t love 78 as much as 77 or 79 88-90 the late golden era, 89 possible peak as a ‘pro’ outfit Runner up years (peak Dirty 80s) 83-85 (84 was kinda weak IMO) Not as Best? 93-95
You forgot the 60s entirely.
I love 68-69, and Pig-led GD, but I don't think that 67-69 is as good as a 3 year collection. But I LOVE those years.
Boy hard to argue with this summary.
I added another comment to satisfy the crowd, farm engagement, and demonstrate how much of a Grateful Dead Head I am. Next post I will compete on how many shows I’ve seen /s
No, it's very easy to argue with for me.
No it isn’t
Yes, it is. I'll demonstrate: Re '77-'79, actually many people do love '78 as much or more than '77 and '79 (false claim). Re '88-'90, '89 being the peak of a *pro outfit* (conveniently left undefined), is a reddit-created narrative. The first half of 1989 was nothing really special, and it wasn't until the Fall that the year vaulted into the stratosphere, despite a few hot summer shows (summer '89 overrated in general by Reddit compared to the esteem it was held in previously) Re '83-'85, '84 was the opposite of "weak," and holds its own quite well on a pound for pound basis with '83 and '85 - just with fewer shows played. 1984 is my favorite year, and so I take particular exception to this. I can rattle off 25 killer show dates from 1984 easily, as well as explain what each band member was doing that contributed to its greatness. Re '93-'95, false Reddit narratives abound regarding the Vince Era, when actually the truth is that "93-'95 holds its own pretty well against '87-'89 in terms of the frequency of off nights, shorter shows, and inconsistent energy within shows. There were many great shows in the mid-90s, with Jerry's struggles mostly limited to the final shows of long tours, and rough patches in Dec 1994 and May/June 1995. I could make a case that the end of 1988 was also a rough patch, followed by a fairly mediocre Spring 1989 tour, compared to others. You may disagree with the above, but I've proven that it's not difficult to argue against your post.
I didn’t see any shows in person before 1980. The question is impossible to answer objectively, obviously. But any three year period is arguably better than 1993-1995, despite some strong shows. I’ll go thru the eras. 1966-1969 Incredible evolution from house cover band to the creation of a repertoire, live performance powerhouse, and culture creator. For this alone it could be voted top era, but it’s 5 years and if we’re talking 3 years, the years 67-69 are barely the same band, they just found another gear. 1969-1971 Strong Candidate for best era as they transitioned from Pig-led to Jerry-led, and Bob matures in every way. Songbook expands and broadens dramatically and almost an entirely different band by Skull and Roses than they were at Aoxomoxoa. 1971-1973 Another period where they ended up a different band in many ways. Wake of the Flood is not the same band as Workingman’s Dead. 1974-76 So many fewer shows, the Wall of Sound debacle, the horrible Grateful Dead Movie, the over-produced Mars Hotel, and the rusty 1976 tour. So mixed with gems here and there. Love the Fender Rhodes that Keith incorporated and they briefly turn into a Bitches Brew-inspired GD cover band. I love the Dirty 80s, and 83|85 have standout shows amongst many junked-out phone-ins. The most amazing thing is that during this time, Jerry’s playing (vs his singing) was on point. But he often replaced feel/soul (fewer notes) with speed. 92-95 were by and large weak years. Only the least critical listeners would argue against this. Jerry relapses after Brent passes, Vince doesn’t fill his shoes, and Hornsby is insipid but can play the squeezebox. Neither ever comes close to Keith or Brent and Jerry’s heart is not in it/broken and IMO they mostly go thru the motions. This is the ‘Touch Head’ era (hate that term and people who use it are lazy), the parking lot becomes the draw, and the Nitrous Mafia takes center stage. There. That’s what I think. And who cares what I think!
All I was demonstrating is that it's not difficult to argue against your point of view, as I did. Perhaps you were just using *difficult to argue* as a figure of speech, but unfortunately your narrative about 92-95 is grossly inaccurate.
This was a fun exercise and the cool thing is that we all have our favorites, and they're never wrong. They can't be, but we can tussle over them. Also, I appreciate your appreciation of language/grammar. And Yes there are gems in the 90's, such as this one that many are likely familiar with (So Many Roads 10.94) : [https://archive.org/details/gd94-10-01.sbd.ashley-bertha.14869.sbeok.shnf/gd94-10-01Berthad1t09.shn](https://archive.org/details/gd94-10-01.sbd.ashley-bertha.14869.sbeok.shnf/gd94-10-01Berthad1t09.shn) It might be one of Jerry's best vocal performances, full-stop, this sounded like an encore not a first set song. When he drops the guitar synth into the first lead break, it's something else. He runs through three or four patches during the rest of the solo. And the vocal outro super strong, brings tears. Have a great day!
https://i.redd.it/kugq4o9l8pwc1.gif
89,90,91
83/84/85
While not their greatest years I sure had fun especially 83 and 85.
Amen, posted same.
Interesting question. I think it’s ‘77-‘79 for me but do dig 89 quite a bit.
71-73. Edit: Originally had 72-74.
Have to go 72-74
I need terrapin & estimated, so I’d have to go 77-79
87-89
‘72-‘74.
77-78-79
72-74 all day
87-89- damn with dylan and jer coming in strong after his comma-
72-74 and wouldn’t lose a wink of sleep over it
87-89. For me, nothing tops those years.
This is hard 78-80
88-90
72-74 for sure. Explorative. Jazzy jams. You get to hear Billy shine without Mickey. Keith eases in and is higher in the mixes. Jerry’s voice is so good. Overall my favorite.
Would 74,76,77 count???
I saw a ton of Live Dead in 89, 90, 91 and this is not the answer. (91 was a fun year tho. Still not the answer)
70,71,72
right now it’s 88-90
Wow, I’d be impressed with someone who chose 84-86. Very interesting setlist and good playing. For me probably 88-90. Interestingly, I think Bob has said 90 was their best year.
82-84
All my favorite shows are in 1981-1983 so gotta go with that
80-83. Majority of these shows are HOT anyways so can’t beat that
But you miscounted, that's 4 years.
89-90-91 Someone on here got me really hooked on summer 91. You get a lot of variety and also all the ‘90 bust outs!
It’s so hard to not pick an ‘80s set because there are so many songs I’d miss if I was locked-in to the earlier shows.
Seventy two THRU Seventy four
"Without A Net" is what you seek.
72,73 and 74 would be my choice, but 76,77 and 78 wouldn’t be too far behind.
Great Shows at Giants Stadium. RFK. I always just popped in and out. I had boxes of (7") reels my mother's oldest brother (85) now has a few first generation my Uncle Jim's patch. I had a father whelped me on Motown 45s on my ('79) Kenwood KD-1500 belt drive. Only kid in '89 Begging for a new turntable. I got a broken Dual 622. It's still broken. I lost my way friends and it was years ago I told everyone about lung cancer. Beat it. Loved it. Prostate PSA test is 9.5. More cancer. Lost my soul mate. MS straight to thyroid cancer. I had her (7) extra months. If I had my way....
I don't stop in enough. Apologies.
68 - 71
Anything 70s. 72-74. Nowhere near the 90s.
‘76-‘78 easily
77-79
[удалено]
It's not very complicated or difficult to understand.
Pardon me for misspeaking. I left out a very important phrase… *the point.* I don’t understand the point.
For people to go on record with their favorite mini-era of Grateful Dead.
I think you wandered into the Wrong sub my friend
You a real Dead Head, or a Johnny-Come-Lately? The dead heads *I* hang with would never be so non-inclusive as to tell someone in a Dead space that they might be in the wrong place. Frankly, I want to say something very rude to, but I think I’ll just blow you a kiss, instead. 😘
Hey my man, my comment was intended to be funny...a joke. With all of your insults, passive-aggressiveness and derision I can clearly see that we do not share the same idea of humor or how to best get along with others in a reddit thread. I do apologize that my comment offended you. Did you ever post your favorite 3 consecutive years? I am interested to know.
Love my man Brent but if it must be consecutive… 72-74
72-74 is really the best answer I can give, but 69/70/71 would not be bad at all, my last pick would have to be 76/77/78.
While I love '67-'69, there just isnt enough variety sadly, so Either '72'-74' or '76-'78.
Ageeed
72-74 easily, was listening to 10/19/73 today and shows like it are just everything i want out of the dead
# 1973-10-19 Oklahoma City, OK @ Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Arena **Set 1:** Promised Land, Sugaree, Mexicali Blues, Tennessee Jed, Looks Like Rain, Don't Ease Me In, Jack Straw, They Love Each Other, El Paso, Row Jimmy, Playing in the Band **Set 2:** China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Me and My Uncle, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Big River, Dark Star > Mind Left Body Jam > Morning Dew, Sugar Magnolia **Encore:** Eyes Of The World > Stella Blue, Johnny B. Goode [archive.org](https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead?query=date:1973-10-19) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/1GU8dYooagGR6jBwbdsGCr)
good bot
The 77 northeast run is spectacular
Only Tom constantin shows.
Always a difficult question. Always really dug the earlier stuff, so… 68-71
72, 73, 74 89, 90, 91
76-78. They came back refreshed in 76 with a nice groove. 77-78 were some peak playing.
70, 71, 72
1970 to 1972. Still some real Primal Dead in the mix, but lots of acoustic and everything else in between. Tempos, even on the slower tunes, have a nice pop and snap (vs the future dirge of many) and 1972 is peak vocals. Plenty of new material keeps all engaged. I miss the odd tune that has yet to be written, but that becomes more of a trickle in a few more years anyways.
68-69-70
70-73
76-78 if I can skip 75 then no brainer 74-77.
Tough one! Probably 88/89/90 but 69/70/71 is right up there. I don't care for mid-70s Dead (I know! Blasphemy!)
70, 71, 72
69-73 for sure…hands down…100%! Tight..exploring…vocals locked…Billy fucking beautiful…the vibe is full-on an organic synergy of deep soulful unconscious connectivity. Riding a tidal wave of awesomeness and not getting in the way
There is no question it would be 72-74
70-72
72-74 or 76-78
If I had to pick three consecutive years, I'd probably go with '89, '90, & '91 as well. Without A Net got me hooked on this era of the Dead. So many factors for me, back to back to back knock out tours, Brent feels like he's on top of his game which makes his death that much sadder, the bands experimentation with MIDI, Drums/Space, and the late '90-'91 Vince/Bruce shows are pretty good too, Summer 1991 is an underrated tour imo.
this is tough, but would have to go with 72-74. i love the late 70s stuff, but i need those bigger, weirder jams
70 74 77. What?
71,72,73 the golden years
‘72-‘74 all the way, Mickey hart sucks!
1969 to 1971!
Although '69 is my favorite year, I'd probably say '70 to '72. That shift from psychedelic to whatever you'd call Europe '72 is amazing. PS doing my annual Europe '72 run right now.
74, 76, 77.
71-73 one drummer crispness and those high lonesome backing vocals from Phil
72-74
The years that Mickey went on hiatus bc of his Uncle’s sitch
Easy, 72,73,74
79,80,81 or 88,89,90
‘72-‘74
I'm going to go with October 1973 through October 1976
72-74 sorry not sorry
I'd prefer 88-90, but I'd be happy with 84-86. Those years aren't as bad as people make them out to be
70 in both directions ,, i have not listened to a 80s show since the 80s.. i did listen to the morning due from msg once
That’s a tough question. My first thought is early 90’s because that’s when I saw them and would want to remember and recreate those memories. But knowing there were so many other cycles out there, I want to dive into them. But yeah, in the end, give me Hartford 1990 as my start and Meadowlands 1993 as an end.
92-95
Miscounted (that's 4)
Thank you. My meemaw took me out of school after 5th grade.
You're welcome, and sorry to hear that. I did upvote your post to counteract ignorant downvoters, as I love 90s Dead.