Grateful Dead - China Cat Sunflower & I Know You Rider Pt 1

[fearaffect]

The greatest preachers in the world.....no one else could fill your soul with so much joy and love then they could.....others may imitate them, but none could/can bring that energy to the music.....its just not the same........and people that havent felt it will never understand why we love them so much.......

[WhomTheGodsDetest]

anybody know a date on this one?

[pigasus1226]

The Dead always seemed to play seamlessly at Alpine Valley. There were certain venues at which the band seemed to "feel at home" and consistently play terrificly. Alpine is one such venue. The documentation of this concert is a wonderful exposition of the band in the last years of their long strange trip as Grateful Dead. I love this video (the Live at Alpine Valley video)-probably as much as the GD movie.

[wermzor]

i swear my room didnt smell like patchouli before i started watching this...

[grandbbq]

I like Further but I really miss this. Brings a tear to my eye.

[eagle183]

I still don't care what anyone else says...Jerry didn't play a guitar -- he played a six-string magic box!

[nickthebold]

Who wears short shorts? Bob Weir wears short shorts.

[cosmkdbree]

Could be Essen.

[cunnidvd]

still remember the first time I ever heard this song. don't think I can say that about any other song. rest in peace Jerry

[d3ejmz]

Iffin i didn't say it before... I was there too, trippin balls and remembering what heaven looks like.

[bthornRPL]

@MrMeddled I put some of Brent's keyboard sounds in the same category as Bob's 90's shorts. Can't help but kinda laugh and love.

[Mu51ch3r3]

@bthornRPL Brent was the best keys man in the band in my opinion, he had soul and was very spirited. When he was on he was ON, listen to 1981-1986 especially those years are wonderful for him. Not tons of crazy SFX on the keys, just plain ole Hammond B3 action. He was a main factor in carrying the band the years leading up to Jerry's coma, just listen to him cover for an unhealthy Garcia, he does a wonderful job throughout these years and after. I like it when he sings devil with a blue dress

[mykmmc]

@Mu51ch3r3 was at the coma show it was my first of meny.........still one of the best . 3rd row you could see the sweat pooring down on jerry's face but he played so sweet

[blueoystercultmember]

@mykmmc

i completely agree with everything you say about brent. he's unreal. however im adament that ray manzarek could outplay any dead keyboardist. im a deadhead first but i have to give it up to manzarek, he was the best rock keyboardist of all time. manzarek was phil, jerry, and brent all rolled into one.

[mykmmc]

@blueoystercultmember never thaought about that? alot of people would(not me) say keith emerson, or dr. john

or elton john....lol, it's not about who is better it's about who you like : )

[blueoystercultmember]

@mykmmc yup music is cooperative and competitive. and ive whittled it down to i just like the polyrhythmic style that manzarek brings

[pigpenpigpen1968]

@Mu51ch3r3

As much as I loved Brent, Pigpen had the charisma. Im not a musician and Im sure that Brent was technically a better player but no one will beat Pigpen. I got to see Brent at his finest, and his worst, and will always cherish those shows but Pigpen was The Man.

[Mu51ch3r3]

@bthornRPL continued...I am not saying that other keys players were bad, Pigpens raps were incredible, Keith was good when he wanted to be but got in the habit of copying what Jerry played which is why the band was refreshed by Brent and to top that off no Donna, not that she's bad but I prefer the band without her. Blow Away and Easy to Love You are both good Brent songs, but most of his tunes had no base for jamming from so they didn't fit well with the dead's tunes, he sure could play though!

[Mu51ch3r3]

@bthornRPL Continued 2...Anyways this is just my humble opinion, but for those that have not explored the music of the early 80's I suggest these shows...6/20/80, 6/21/80, 11/29/80, 11/30/80, 12/13/80, 12/14/80, 3/24/81, 9/11-9/13/81, 4/17-4/19/82, 5/21-5/23/82, 7/27/82, 7/28/82, 8/7/82, 8/8/82, 8/10/82, 10/9/82, 10/10/82, 4/15/83, 4/22/83, 4/23/83, 4/26/83, 5/13-5/15/83, 6/18/83, 6/20/83, 8/21/83, 9/2/83, 9/13/83, 9/18/83, 12/28/83, 7/13-7/15/84, 10/12/84, 10/27-11/3/84, 3/28/85, 11/1-11/2/85.

[Mu51ch3r3]

@Mu51ch3r3 Continued 3...6/30/85, 7/1/85, 10/28/85, 10/29/85, 11/10/85, 11/11/85, 6/14-6/16/85, 3/23/86, 3/24/86, 3/25/86, 3/27/86, 3/28/86, 4/18-4/22/86, 6/20-6/22/86 and many more.

[bthornRPL]

@Mu51ch3r3 Brent's my favorite, just to be clear. I think his voice was a great compliment. He and Bob's 80s-early 90s-ness just cracks me up from time to time. He could hit all of the highs that Donna would, but sounded cooler. The IKYR that follows this is a great example of how I think he adds an awesome vocal texture (and could hang with anyone on the keys). I like how they really had really developed their sound during this era, down to a science. I think Brent had a lot to do with that.

[notmefuckingname]

where is this at

[JoshuaTaylor]

The term "magic" gets thrown around a lot too often, but that's what this night was...I'll never forget the "vibe" in the surrounding campgrounds after this show. We all knew we had just seen "the shit" and it left many of us speechless. 22 years later, and it might as well have happened yesterday. Those who were not there and those who make fun of The Dead will NEVER understand. Myself ? I just feel privileged to have experienced the closest thing to "magic" I'll ever see on this earth.

[JoshuaTaylor]

The term "magic" gets thrown around a lot too often, but that's what this night was...I'll never forget the "vibe" in the surrounding campgrounds after this show. We all knew we had just seen "the shit" and it left many of us speechless. 22 years later, and it might as well have happened yesterday. Those who were not there and those who make fun of The Dead will MEVER understand. Myself ? I just feel privileged to have experienced the closest thing to "magic" I'll ever see on this earth.

[Bridgeknapek]

I was there, it was unbelievable!

[spazjandsis]

doesnt get better

[TacomaPaul]

I can hear 2 notes from Jerry's guitar..... and everything is OK.

[bthornRPL]

my favorite china cat

[ozsweet]

downhill from here @ 5:06 -->

[ImAxCrAcKeR]

@ozsweet we miss u jerry

[seussicall]

Who disliked China Cat-Rider?!

[jdodd82]

1989 was a good year for Jerry. He played well, he sang well, he looked well.

[sparkomatic]

You can see Bobby signaling the end of the jam. At about 5:15 he takes a demonstrative step forward and looks at Jerry, who is watching Bobby, probably for his cue. Then he does it again a few seconds later. Finally the third time at 5:25, with a nod to Jerry. I actually think Bobby's head flip there is a wave to the drummers...here we go. That last time, you can see it's as if Bobby hits a button with his foot. He did that on a lot of jams. Cassidy jam comes to mind. Improv within a framework.

[sea0lestial]

I was there! epic show of 89 tour for sure. never forget it. love is real not fade away <3

[wayneindus]

this footage is fucking sacred.

[odanak100]

they were lighting it up here , it was working

[mlodata]

b est dead show

[lovesdrumsalot]

AWWWW look at jerry (:

[Cabinator]

May one of the finest moments in Grateful Dead history -

[GumbyDunby]

Great "switch" into I Know you Rider...4:45 and a great shot of Bill right after. Def feelin' that jam.

[spagNsc]

they would tease you with partial riffs of songs throughout a tour and then would finally play it at thee end.

[neondusk60]

Bill's having a great time!

[hicks727]

Brett was the best keyboard player they ever had but sometimes I don't like that kinda cheap, chimey, electric piano sound. Wish he played his hammond more.

[jordanfan1023]

does anybody know the year on this?

[MrSharkey11]

@jordanfan1023 , Probably 88 or 89 I think?

[Pucknut3ond]

@MrSharkey11 This is Alpine Valley 1989. It's from Downhill From Here. :D

[wharfrat3000]

they did this combo at shorline a couple years ago. Warren Haynes did great.

[SativaBeliver]

china cat what can be better?!?!?!?!

[ClueSign]

It was pony-tail hair day!

[womenrsmarter420]

feb.23rd cant wait bday n furthur at the theatre in msg feel like its been yrs since the hammerstien shows dec8/9th.....

[avoraluke1990]

simply amazing

[JKSuccess1]

This is Billy and Jerry locking in like only

two musicians can, after playing together

for 24 years...and thousands of concerts...

best ever!

[tngrnmn]

who is billy?

[MrSharkey11]

@tngrnmn ,The drummer I think! At least after 40 years, yes ! definitely the drummer aside from micky hart....peace bro !

[womenrsmarter420]

@JKSuccess1 brent u mean its all good just like jerry forgeting a verse to funny...

[barcarn22]

PHIL ZONE!!!

[barcarn22]

wow...my favorite part of all chinacat/i know you riders is when they hit the part that corresponds to 5:26 in this version.  That part gives me goosebumps

[TacomaPaul]

and... lemme say 'the other day" again HA!!!  flashbacks.... heheheh

[TacomaPaul]

I never listen to the Dead... BUT !!!.... I can hear 3 notes from jerry and I'm instantly in a better mood no matter what is going on.

Saw a guy the other day with a Dead sticker on his iPod the other day... as I was leaving the bus I pointed to it... he asked if I had ever seen them.... I just smiled. 'Nuff said. ;-)

[Pucknut3ond]

Great version. It's up there with the China > Rider on Ladies and Gentlemen from the Fillmore. IMO WOW

[deadheaded71]

great to see the band just havin fun

[ozsweet]

"MUST PLAY LOUD".......downhill from here........Jerry is rare form & fun watching the band have fun keeping up.

[bearswilleatme]

happy on the ball jerry:) when he calls out the word "one" he looks at everyone to make sure they're on count

[sistersuetube]

They were wonderful I can't believe this was 20 years ago feels like yesterday.....!!!

[womenrsmarter420]

nothin left to do but smile smile smile..

[caseyjones67]

man usually in this era jerry can barley sing cuz hes doped up, but apparently hes not cuz this is amazing

[Cardphan]

Jerry's expression at the 1:40 mark "crazy cat peaking through..." is my favorite part of this entire show!

[wrombola]

20 years ago

[racknricky]

yeah...was there too.we rented motorhome and it was so hot, we ran outta water 1st day. dillan and the dead!great weekend fer sure.

[rstanton3]

80's Dead bums me out. It was an early warning sign that the Boomers were selling us down the river to a bankrupt society

[Chudhole]

really? I think this is when they were at a performance peak. (Looking at the music and performance, not the goofy republicans)

[fv593duys]

Great shows with Brent. He and Jerry fed off each other and made for some great music. This part one and two is amazing! They made it look so easy.

[pcburgh01]

Just curious; are you a boomer?

[gb342002]

the next iknow you rider will be the most exictiedyousee jerry in 20 years

[fv593duys]

Great huh? Loved it!

[mrhjsimpson]

Being Alpine, the first summer with diamond-vision screens, it was crazy. If you listen closely the crowd is going nuts! At 1:40, Garcia is hamming it up for the cameras, as the band can see themselves on the sides. The pavilion is so small that the screens were just to the side that summer. This is a peak musical moment for us 80's Deadheads. A night that lives in infamy. Little did we know- hurricane Jerry would slam into the eastern seaboard twice that fall! '89 baby!

[JNdigital]

whoa cool story!

I edit diamond-vision videos for motor sport events and I dig the Dead too

[sparkomatic]

Awesome camera work. The way they zoom into Billy right around the 5:00 mark is awesome. Perfect shot of the peak with the cymbal crashes. Band is SO in sync. Phil is going nuts as they go "over the hump". They tease and linger at the end like they could easily go for a whole 'nuther round if they want. They are totally driving. They are so free and at liberty leading Rider, they all can take a pause, don't worry. It's there.

[bthornRPL]

I love '80's Phil.

[sparkomatic]

There's a moment right around 1:40 where Jerry starts smiling, lookin stage left and right, finishes the verse, you hear the crowd getting excited, they go into the solo section, and bam, you can tell they are hot, the song is chuggin'. the audience knows it...YES!

[markablanton]

China rider is one of the best two dead songs ever.... but they have alot of really good songs.

[sparkomatic]

Agree about China-Rider. It's always on short list of jams to use as an example of the GD at their best.

[ih8tbush]

show details?

[Mcgrup420]

this is my second comment lol phil is fuckin rippin it!

[medicatedmind420]

Bob and Jerry were on fire this night!

[sooperpoop12]

Sweet!

[Mcgrup420]

sick china cat!!!!

[RosicrucianAlchemy]

The baptism of Jerry: is it from heaven or from man?

[theduffmanben]

bob kept on wearing some really terrible shorts in this era

[ih8tbush]

Hey duff, he evolved right?

1970: Brokeback mountain look

1980: Lacoste shirt every show

1990: Am too a bay area hippie

[barracudatheband]

more like incredible shorts!

[deadhead1130]

that was such a good show. i was there, one of my favorites

[wolfeman339]

This is great Garcia...

[volcom1551]

I love listening to the music and reading all the posts about peoples dead memories....It always brings me back to a very special place.

[keamacat]

If I remember correctly, didn't it rain that night? Mudslide and musice great combo!! Ok what's up with Bobbie in shorts? And Uncle Jerry looking soo happy, damn I miss those days!!

[DugelzEscobar]

It was the rain year..& yes I do miss those old days...good grins & memories...traveled from Ann Arbor with a bunch of old friends who a Gratefully still in touch...albeit with more Gray!

[dohertykaki]

Bob wears short shorts :)

[singingabc123]

i bet its comfy

[giberwitz]

I've always maintained that there is no funk so bad that a good China Cat can't rip you out of it and make you smile. Nice post!

[wildmthyme]

Outrageous jam...i love it!!!

[minnesotabobby]

This show was the best time of my life. Any remember the mud slide there and the mess in the parking lot? The who played there the next night. This was the last show the Grateful Dead played there.

[muckstar23]

no doubt,..so much fun,...there was a little heliport next to a little challet in woods behind stage we all stayed at ..anyway helicopter lands > jer bops out like 10 of us start running at him screaming PILE ON JERRY IN THE MUD...man he starting running back for the helicopter-security started grabbing a few of us ,..im pretty sure we were all kidding ,..pretty sure??? 8/9/08=13.....edaf ton

[Darrylizer1]

My but that fat man and his friends sure can play. Taken from 7/17/89 Alpine Valley show Downhill from Here dvd. I gotta buy that thing.

[DrAugustusValdes]

phil is one of the best bass players ever

[mrb3213]

he is THE best 'rock' bass player, way past john entwistle, john paul jones, paul, anybody else. still, i dont think hes as good as Jaco or Stanley Clarke (best ever).

[pettyblue440]

this is the downhill from here dvd/alpine

[coolglober]

I am willing to bet this is Alpine Valley in East Troy Wisconsin on June 17, 1989. I am pretty certain this is excerpted from the Downhill From Here DVD release of the show.

[gjdaniel25]

wow phil rips this song to shreds....i dunno that much, but jerry looks like early 90s to me.

[lala4493]

what show is this?>

[jaws420]

Judging by the clothes/hair its 80's lol ! Nice Show!

[epidimos]

hear hear

[jkoenigs]

jerry hits a magical note at 2:41. great vid

[damnright4]

luv it.