Grateful Dead - Dick's Picks 24 - Cow Palace 3/23/74 (2-CD Set)

This Dick's Picks volume, which presents excerpts of the Dead's March 23, 1974 show at the Cow Palace, is not only historic but a hot show to boot! First, the history: this concert marked the first appearance of the famous (or infamous, depending on which Deadhead you ask) Wall of Sound concert PA, with the crystal-clear sound to show for it; it also features the debut of two songs, "Cassidy" and "Scarlet Begonias," that were to become staples of the band's repertoire. As for the quality of the performance, for many the clear highlight will be the "Playing in the Band"/"Uncle John's Band"/"Morning Dew"/"Uncle John's Band"/"Playing in the Band" medley (making its third and final appearance in a set list), which on this occasion stretched its "Playing in the Band" segments almost to their breaking point. A peak show from a pivotal period in the band's development, first time available at retail in years!