The Dead played Madison Square Garden some 52 times. And, for our Dead of the Day, we check out their night there on the 5th of September back in 1979. Mississippi Half-Step crashes over thunderous applause from the crowd, providing a wondrous opening to the show. The band jams through the song with Brent’s computer-sounding keys providing a nice juxtaposition to Jerry’s soaring guitar. Then, the boys transition into Franklin’s, upping the ante even more as Jerry scorches off while Brent’s keys keep the jam a little more grounded, providing a tension in the playing that is deeply satisfying. The Mama Tried that rolls out next is a bit perfunctory, but it segues into a fun little Mexicali, which Phil almost pushes into a polka with some awesome bass lines. Peggy-O then rises majestically, going on to a silky flight. Cassidy is much the same, lusciously moving through some contained, bright jams. A great Loser and flighty Promised Land take the first set into the break. Then, a heady Scarlet, replete with serious jamming, takes it out of the break and into Fire On The Mountain. The Fire builds on the Scarlet as Jerry leads the way with heavy licks and purposeful exploration while the drummers lay in an incredible beat. Estimated keeps it going with that rich and sonorous wah-wah sound from Jerry and great accompaniment by Brent and Bobby. As you would expect, a sumptuous version of Eyes Of The World rolls out next, taking it into Drums and Space. Post-Space does not quite live up to the fireworks in the early portion, but it is still delightful.