In June 1980, the Grateful Dead went to a very nice high school gym in Anchorage, Alaska, for three nights that included the summer solstice. The venue had previously hosted artists such as Dave Brubeck and Leonard Bernstein, and it held 2,000 people. The promoter sweetened the gig offer with a hunting and fishing trip for the band.
The Alaska run (June 19-21) came five days after the band dashed through Portland, Seattle, and Spokane on consecutive nights (June 12-14). A week after Alaska, the band performed in LA and San Diego and then took six weeks off.
This mix offers a 3-LP (2h 15m) Alaska “album” derived from eight hours of soundboard recordings (mastered by Miller), which I find exceptional.
The vocals are very forward, and every voice and instrument is clearly separated, while blending nicely. The resulting sound experience is very detailed and intimate-feeling, while also having plenty of oomph.
With very few exceptions, I was able to segue these picks, such that they provide an unbroken listening experience.
- Feel Like a Stranger
- The Music Never Stopped
- Sugaree
- Far from Me
- Loser
- Let it Grow
- Althea
- Estimated Prophet >
- The Other One
- Not Fade Away >
- Black Peter
- Playin’ in the Band
- Supplication
- Ship of Fools
- Brokedown Palace