We finish off our animal theme week with an acoustic Bird Song. This version has long been a favorite of mine, and I suspect a good many other Dead fans, given that Reckoning is one of those must have albums.
Of course the appeal to Reckoning is that those October 1980 shows were the first time in a decade that the Dead revisited acoustic sets with any degree of consistency or frequency. It would be nice to have the entire run from either New York or San Francisco released as a box set, but unfortunately a number of reels from these shows were recorded over for a Brent solo album that was never released. Despite this there are plenty of choice cuts from these shows on both Reckoning (acoustic) and Dead Set (electric).
There is a bit of video from these shows as well that is available on the Dead Ahead DVD, which can be found in the All The Years Combine DVD box set (definitely a worthwhile investment!).
Here we have a great example of the value of two percussionists. Billy laying it down on the kit and Mickey adding just the right amount of extras – it sounds like bongos or some other type of hand drum. But in my opinion Brent really shines here. The acoustic piano does beautiful justice to the infectious melody line and is aided by the acoustic guitars which allow it to take a central role in the mix. You can almost hear the extra force that Jerry uses on his fretting hand in his solo. The acoustic guitar is so visceral and authentic. But it’s unforgiving nature is also what makes it such a job to listen to. The fact that Weir translates his unique playing style to acoustic guitar to effortlessly is a compliment to the man and his trade. Phil seems to be hiding in the background, but the pokes his head out during the second chorus? refrain? whatever you want to call it. Another run through the first verse escorts the song out and the crowd is clearly thankful for what they just heard.
Complete Setlist 10/14/80
Previous Bird Song DFAY Selections
A couple of quiet telegraphs from Garcia signal the entrance to this. The band catches up and plays it in the quick tempo he has established. The conga flavor is strong and that is okay here. Plenty of piano playing the guitar licks in unison also helps out. Jerry sings the tune sweetly. This is kind of a companion to “Cassidy” as it jams out beginning around 2:30. There is no doubt that this song gets more outside than any other on this album. Its jazzy jam passage probably would have found no favor with its earthy subject (Janis Joplin) but it is the Dead’s tribute to her anyway. Garcia, Weir, Mydland and Lesh all vie for MVP as the instrumental segment crescendos. It is really quite swell. The return to the last verse happens seamlessly and the final chorus is actually perfect. There is not a better version of this song in any format. When someone asks you to make that impossible “essential” Grateful Dead compilation, please include this one.