From what I think is the last strongest year of the Grateful Dead, this week's Deadpod comes to us from Denver Colorado on December 14, 1990. This was the last show of a three show run at the old McNichols Arena there, and is a fine culmination of what was a very strong run (you can go back in the Deadpod archives to hear the previous two shows).

There is no Bruce Hornsby this evening, and Vince stands out throughout - most of the time in a good way I think. The opening Shakedown is quite nice - long and bouncy.. 'Picasso Moon' - a song withe some of the perhaps silliest lyrics ever - is better here than earlier in the year. The 'Peggy-O' that follows is quite sweet and I actually think the 'Little Red Rooster' here is one of their better versions of this one.

The highlight in this set has to be the fine soulful 'To Lay Me Down' - not played often, but done with great emotion here. The transition into a great version of 'Let It Grow' leaves the audience excited for what is to come in set 2..

Grateful Dead McNichols Arena Denver, CO 12/14/1990 - Friday Tuning Shakedown Street Picasso Moon Peggy-O Little Red Rooster Stagger Lee When I Paint My Masterpiece To Lay Me Down> Let It Grow

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod121523.mp3

As we near the end of 2023, thank you for your support which keeps the Deadpod rolling...