The Boston 6/9/76 show shouldn’t be anyone’s first show, and it won’t be anyone’s favorite. But like November ’73, June ’74, or May ’77, June ’76 ranks as one of the most reliable months in the band’s three-decade career. The Dead…

In the liner notes for this set, Blair Jackson reflects on Philadelphia’s rep for tough sports crowds and exceptional Dead shows. He wonders if, just maybe, the guys were sort of afraid to play a bad show there. And sure…

While some folks would take grave offense at the occasional partial-show Dick’s Picks or Road Trips release over the years, I’m not a full show purist. One thing the choice to cherry-pick does do, though, is raise the stakes. Try…