This week's Deadpod features the Grateful Dead's second set from June 4, 1978, at Campus Stadium, University of California, Santa Barbara—a show that captures the band in a confident and fluid late-'70s mode.
The set opens with a lively "Samson and Delilah," followed by a nicely rendered "Ship of Fools" that provides an early contrast in mood. The improvisational core begins with "Estimated Prophet," which unfolds patiently before transitioning into a bright and engaging "Eyes of the World." (nevermind Bobby stepping on Jerry's solo). The Eyes is a bit on the fast side, I wonder if the presence of Ken Kesey and the Thunder machine had something to do with that?
"Drums" and a concise "Space" serve as a bridge into the closing sequence, where a driving "Not Fade Away" builds into "Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad" and a high-energy "Around and Around." The set is capped by a pair of encores—"U.S. Blues" and "Sugar Magnolia"—that bring the performance to an upbeat conclusion.
Overall, this is a well-paced and cohesive second set, offering both strong song performances and a satisfying improvisational arc. As always, I hope you enjoy the listen.
Grateful Dead Campus Stadium - University Of California Santa Barbara, CA 6/4/1978 - Sunday
Two
Samson And Delilah [6:34] Ship Of Fools [6:57] Estimated Prophet [10:40] > Eyes Of The World [10:16] > Drums [10:#16] > Space (1) [4:21] > Not Fade Away [8:04] > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [6:29] > Around And Around [7:27]
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