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Honestly, the vocals in the band peaked in the late 70s. Jerry's voice (and memory for lyrics) is pretty shot by the time the 90s rolled around. That being said, I really enjoy 2 "eras" of the Dead the most. The first is the 90-91 period when Bruce Hornsby joined as an official member of the band. He really brought out the best in Jerry and woke the band up musically to a high degree. The other is the late 60s when Pigpen was at his peak and they were playing Dark Star > St. Stephen > The Eleven > Turn on your Lovelight every night.
The last few that I've been really blown away by were:
10/26/89 - vicious, scary Dark Star
6/23/74 - Spanish Jam > U.S. Blues
8/2/68
12/26/79 Dick's Picks 5 - Caution jam > He's Gone > Other One is a spectacular piece of music
10/27/79 Cape Cod - EPIC show, Dancing > Franklin's Tower!
My next listening will probably be the 1972 Creamery Benefit, 8/27/72, a truly psychedelic affair.
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