While we are in high summer my thoughts turned to great summer tours and despite my reservations about some shows from this year, I couldn't help but realize that this year had to be represented - 1985. The band played an amazing summer tour with such a wide variety setlists filled with extraordinary breakouts that the year deserves to be honored despite the well-known problems with Garcia's voice and the all-too-obvious tendency to overindulge in certain stimulants..

This week's show is a great example.. this week we get to hear a stellar first set from July 13th at the Venura County Fairgrounds in Ventura CA. The show opens with a very unusual One More Saturday Night, which rolls into an exceptionally well-played 'Fire on the Mountain' .. as I've heard it told, there actually were fires on the hills behind the stage as controlled burns were being done during the show.. One of the best 'Walkin' Blues' follows, the the fun Dupree's, I imagine the Mama Tried->Big River got everyone dancin', but the Bird Song that follows is dope for sure. Love to hear the Music Never Stopped that follows, a great great Summertime tune!

Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura, CA (7/13/85) One More Saturday Night Fire on the Mountain Walkin' Blues Dupree's Diamond Blues Mama Tried Big River Bird Song Music Never Stopped You can listen to the Deadpod here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod071114.mp3 The Deadpod can always use your support. Please consider a donation by clicking on the 'Donate' button or dropping me a note for an address to send a check. If you have a business and are interested in doing some underwriting on the Deadpod, please let me know. Thanks!!