As Christmas approaches, Hanukkah continues, and the big snowstorm closes in on many of us, I hope that this week's Deadpod brings you some joy this week! 

I bring you the first set of what is a really great show from December 30, 1989 in Oakland California. The opening 'Bertha' flows into a rare first-set 'Good Lovin' which then flows into an excellent version of 'Sugaree'. The entire set is quite well played, and while Airto joins at 'Sugaree' and remains the rest of the show, his contributions are a bit hidden most of the time.  The set-closing 'Music Never Stopped' features some interesting Midi Horns from Garcia, but the entire set is energetic and a pleasure to hear. I hope you enjoy it. 

 

Grateful Dead Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena Oakland, CA 12/30/1989 - Saturday One     

Bertha [6:22] > Good Lovin' [4:02] > Sugaree [9:30]    Walkin' Blues [6:42]    Jack-A-Roe [4:10]    When I Paint My Masterpiece [5:02] West L.A. Fadeaway [6:58]    The Music Never Stopped [7:32] 

 You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: 

http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod122322.mp3  

My best wishes for a Happy Hanukkah, and a very Merry Christmas!