Dick's / Dave's picks

You won't actually hear the wall of sound on the recordings, but perhaps it influenced their playing.  I don't think so though.  I favor everything from 1970-77, with just a tad less love for 72.  My suggestion is that you get a trial membership for spotify (get premium for better sound quality).  I think you can listen to quite a few Dick's Picks there.

Also, listening to soundboard recordings you can really hear how raw, unadulterated recordings also sound much better than highly processed studio recordings, even with their warts exposed!

I like warts and all, Peter.

Dick's Picks, Vol. 10. December 1977 at Winterland. Their performance of China Cat Sunflower was magical that night.

Yep, '72 & '77 were magical years in the GD arsenal.

I've been buying Dick's Picks since around the time that Jerry died.  My favorites are #1 from '73, every song is excellent except "Weather Report" which I never liked.  #2 from '71 has a great, jazzy "Dark Star".  Volume #3 from '77 is excellent and widely regarded as one of the best.  #4 from '70 is also outstanding especially Rider-High Time-Dire Wolf-Darkstar.   I also really like #7 from '74.  I have to say though that my all time favorite live show was from '80 - their superb Reckoning cd.  I haven't been compelled to buy any Dave's Picks.  Maybe you could recommend a show or two that I should check out.