Dead of the Day: 11-17-1973
Pauley Pavilion, UCLA
Los Angeles, California
Me And My Uncle starts off the show, giving way to an exceptional Here Comes Sunshine. Jerry leads the way the entire time, but Keith and Bobby do such a wonderful job of sending out there own salvos. The Deal is also really good, with some powerful, streaking jams. A bit later a fun Race Is On comes out as Donna provides some nice harmonies while Bobby and Keith make a few lovely runs, all with an upbeat, rollicking tempo. Of course, the China> Rider is also one of the highlights of the first half with a particularly heady transition. But, really, there are no duds here. And things get even finer in the second set with an unbelievable Playin’> Uncle John’s> Morning Dew> Uncle John’s> Playin’, a beautiful Stella, and an amazing Eyes, all before a steamy Sugar Mags takes it out. Words really do not do this baby justice; just put it in and give it all a solid listen yourself.
The boys played six shows over the years at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. And, though there were some other good ones, including their first appearance in 1971 and a New Year’s Eve’s eve show in 1978 that featured a trippy Ollin Arageed out of Space (and a raucous locker room party), this show here in 1973 was probably the best of the lot. Pauley Pavilion was dedicated in 1965 and has a basketball capacity of 13,800, though can fit more for special events like the Dead.
The show was wisely picked to be an official release, as Dave’s Picks 5.
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