Skimming through the setlists of the shows to be released from last week’s announcement of the Spring 1990 (The Other Ones) box set I noticed that there are a handful of Crazy Fingers. This is most welcome because the first box set didn’t have any and the band was so tight on that tour that Crazy Fingers is an extra treat.
This version may not be the best ever, but even a sub-par Crazy Fingers is better than a lot of stuff as far as I’m concerned. Besides, posting this now will help facilitate a comparison with one of the Spring 1990 Crazy Fingers that I will inevitably select sometime after I’ve had a chance to digest the box set after it comes out in September.
Looking at the history of Crazy Fingers performances I now remember that there was a large lacuna in its performance history from 1977-1981. I’m sure I’ve lamented it before, but I will do so again… Just imagine a Crazy Fingers in 1977 with how the band was playing that year, or even a bit more rough and tumble version in 1978. It really seems to be quite a streaky song until about 1988 or 1989 when it gets played with more regularity. Else the song tends to pop up a couple times on a tour in a given year, but otherwise remain on the shelf. This version is a bit rough, but they hadn’t played it in concert for a few months so its a bit understandable that re-entry might be a bit rough at times. That what happens out in space, right?
Lunchbox, do love this quirky song. For me it’s kind of a paradox in that it seems to be missing something, yet complete at the same time. Don’t own much Dead post 79, but do give a spin every now and then for a listen which usually saddens me. There is no other way to describe the way it makes me feel. This tune from this show might be the perfect example of why. Couldn’t get thru half of it and I’m sure there’s some good playing, but the sound of Jerry’s voice comes across as someone given the choice of goin on the road to pay off debt or being evicted. Like you, know enough history why they kept touring, but with so much great stuff to listen to in comparison this is painful.
In all fairness there is a few times I’ll some post 70’s that I appreciate, but not much. You mention the new box coming and am happy for the folks who like it, but doubt I could thru the whole box without forcing myself to do so. Get that Spring 90 is a major upgrade over 89, but the entire sound from this era irritates my ears. For those that enjoy it this should be a wonderful collection with the great list of songs they play. Really wish I liked it, just not to be.
Never sure if posting a dislike is PC, but I am someone that blurts it out, good, bad or somewhere in between. Have a hard time hating anything, but not getting excited about something comes pretty easy.
Joe, any opinions are welcome here as long as they’re civil. I admit this isn’t the greatest Crazy Fingers, but I think what I like about it, and I may have overlooked stating this above, is that even in a version that is pretty rough around the edges there are some redemptive passages within it. I’m not saying that those can “save” a song, but they can certainly temper any ill will felt toward a particular show or version, at least for me.
I’m somewhere in between. I certainly prefer pre-Brent incarnations, but if I’m in a charitable mood I can get into any era for an hour or so. The shows I saw were mostly in the 80s and I had a great time, yet I rarely want to hear any of that vintage now. I understand, it’s like any taste in life. I don’t want a liverwurst sandwich every day, but once a decade or so, not so bad! And I’m really glad we are free to post opinions without getting into name-calling, etc. Thank you Lunchbox for that.
I’m a big fan of this song. You’re right, Lunchbox, this version is certainly rough around the edges but I’m okay with that. I’ve never felt that I needed to listen only to the “best” shows available; this is what the Dead sounded like on 4-3-89, and I love that. In that sense, the Spring 90 box would be great for me but no way can shell out that kind of cash. If I had a ton of money I’d love to have many typical shows from that tour but the truth is I tend to reach for pre 1980 GD the majority of the time.
I will say that occasionally this site has led me to listen to a later era release that I hadn’t heard in awhile. The Bobby Sands version of He’s Gone is a good example. Somewhat embarrassingly, I had forgot that I even owned that Dick’s Picks, but gave it a listen after the song was on DFAY and really enjoyed the second set.