I’m with you all on the 90’s. I generally don’t actively seek out anything past Brent’s death. And I was always sort of ashamed to admit that as a self proclaimed Dead Head. So seeing you all with similar feelings feels a little relieving to say the least.
Also, 72-78 is amazing, but man ‘68-‘70 (and even most of ‘71) are pretty damn great. And if you all haven’t delved in deep, you should give it a shot.
1968 contains the Dead at their most primal psychedelic. Some shows will literally make your hairs stand on end with its lysergic electricity. I recommend the Valentine’s Day show in which they dedicated to Neal Cassidy who they had just found out had passed.
1970 is my favorite year and I couldn’t really tell you why. I love the acoustic/electric sets. I love the acid drenched country sound they were beginning to bring in. The jams are excellent and the year brought a whole new quiver of songs to pull from.
I recommend 6-24-70. It’s my favorite show of all time. But I might say that because most people don’t speak of it. There’s no soundboards for it unfortunately, Bear was in jail at the time for LSD production.
Also check out 9-19-70. That Dark Star is sublime.