Grateful Dead 5. "Help on the Way/Slipnot!/Franklin's Tower" Without a Net (Set 2)

Grateful Dead
Without a Net - Set 2 (Recorded live October, 1989 - April, 1990)
"Help on the Way/Slipnot!/Franklin's Tower" (Hunter, Garcia/Grateful Dead/Hunter, Garcia, Kreutzmann)
Musical Personnel:
Jerry Garcia - guitar, vocals
Bob Weir - guitar, vocals
Brent Mydland - keyboards, vocals
Phil Lesh - bass guitar
Bill Kreutzmann - drums
Mickey Hart - drums

[@JESSEverything]

I've met lots of people who say they don't like the Grateful Dead. My response: you haven't heard any good Dead then. This is one of my go to albums to convert new Deadheads. The first step to conversion is to find a show with clear, loud vocals. Their singing is one of their most underrated parts of them as a band, and it's the one thing that gets peoples attention immediately. Beyond that, listening to the dead at HIGH volume, as it was intended. It's powerful. I'm getting goosebumps as I listen to this right now, despite having listened to it maybe a 1000 times. Once I have their attention, I play songs that have the most powerful solos, as well as songs that slowly build like "I Know You Rider", which drops so hard you'd think you were at a rave. After that, they're hooked, and I can get them to listen to anything with a new perspective and attitude. Made at least 20 new Deadheads this way. Long live the greatest band of all time!

[@danyagood6132]

There are no new Deadheads. Just Grateful Dead fans.

[@stephenwelsch4728]

This is the best thing i have ever read online. And i disagree with the "no new dead heads" i started REALLY listening in 2019 (the worst time to start) i started seeing bands like DSO and JRAD all of 2019 until June when i got to see Dead and Company.. It all changed. I never tripped so hard besides that night. I really understood after that show. I never been the same since. In a the best way. The grateful dead changed me for the better.

[@MarcLiggett]

This is one of the best live albums I've ever heard. It's not mentioned, though, in discussions about great live albums, maybe because the Grateful Dead released so much live material. As far as them being the best band ever, they are certainly one of my favorites. However, I've never seen any band that's better than the Allman Bros.

[@guysalzmann9302]

JESS- such spot analysis...

[@thomasschmitt8189]

All dead is good dead there is more going on in there heads, lol peace

[@krisrodj]

crippled but free, i was blind all the time i was learning to see.

[@ianfinnneman4352]

This is prefect. I'll never forget the day I bought this cd. 1995. I was Sixteen and just got to see two spring tour shows and I wad getting my hands on anything Dead. I can actually remember the smell of the packaging opening it up.

[@guysalzmann9302]

Consider yourself blessed that you actually got chance to catch them before the end. First show here 1981- 60-70 total. Will always be “grateful” at least can say that-

[@badtexasbill5261]

This album is a perfect introduction to the Dead. If someone wants a glimpse into it, recommend this as a starting point. Just my opinion

[@markgilman1344]

Good opinion

[@SuperKoolDude]

Skull & Bones Aka BERTHA

[@josephnicholson7010]

Even Bobby agrees, Brother.

[@josephnicholson7010]

@@SuperKoolDude for sure S&B beautiful that wharf rat 🤯

[@greatfullytwisted7431]

I understand why you say this but it’s the unfortunate beginning of the end! Wish it wasn’t true but it is! Anyone agree ?

[@whittle4u]

Certainly one of the best Help Slip Franklins.

[@sterlingmartin3212]

Have you heard it at Vegas 93? That's my favorite

[@Tony-Jabroni]

this whole album always gives me chills

[@DoctorBlankenstein]

Heard it a 1000 times... And I hear something new every single time. You never stopped amazing me guys. Long live the grateful dead. .

[@DennisCampbell777]

So hot it's retarded.

[@jasondiamond7737]

Maybe I'm cheesy but I love it when Bobbie says "yeah". Although I'm not hearing in this version. I had been a casual fan in the late 80s early 90s. Caught 4 shows. Picked Allah up on vinyl from the thrift store. Having never herd it before I was blown away by the complexity of the arrangements. Instantly became my favorite record. It just pops on vinyl.

[@robertdigian3938]

Same song played the next day is a different song . > Jerry

[@kevincollins9293]

30 years, and the sound quality is amazing!

[@scott83074]

Bob Weir is an absolutely incredible player.I was going to say rhythm player but that cuts him short.The most under rated player in Rock history. Smart, punctual and lays great grooves on everything. Between the 3 minute and 7 minute mark he is off somewhere in the right side of my headphones that is completely blowing my mind.Unreal.

[@MercurySunlight]

+Scott Arnold he's dyslycics

[@wtangodelta1715]

Hey Scott~thanks for noticing! His technicality is the most incredible I've ever heard when he's On It and I rarely hear anyone point out the fact. If you like this era of Dead look for Madison Square Garden 9/10/91. Bob is real easy to hear in the mixes I've heard and his playing is outstanding as usual.

[@kevincooper3697]

Scott Arnold ii

[@haleymay1119]

@@MercurySunlight Learning disordered individuals are often the most creative and brightest life has to offer. Their brains are wired differently and they organize and conceptualize information, music, art, painting, writing, poetry, etc in a completely fresh and unique way many non learning disabled individuals cannot dream of. They have to, because it's their only way of overcoming their learning deficits! No criticism to normal wired individuals, I'm just saying this affords them people like Bob and myself (I have ADHD) the opportunity to create some really great art, and Bob is one of the most brilliant musicians on the planet. Their not necessary brighter IQ wise or smarter, they just create differently.

[@danfeeney956]

One of us has our headphones on backwards.

[@DennisCampbell777]

Buy the CD. A must have. If I were stranded alone on an island and could choose five records, this would be one of them.

[@cosmicflippinhiggins2204]

Dennis Campbell yep! This one and To Terrapin: Hartford '77. Then again, there's so many to choose from . . .

[@setharkin2768]

I have this on CD, maybe bought it around 1998...

[@benmoore701]

Just got it on Amazon for 15 bucks.i got lucky, I've hsd the cassettes since the 90s but hadn't got to listen to them forever...and here i am on here lol, at work jamming. It feels good to know i got it though and cornell77 coming, everybody' has kept telling me I need it so I'll try it out. I just absolutely love the speed of all of without a net. The boys were more than just "on", they were doing the trapeze artist gig breaking through to other dimensions, at least, helpin me to

[@MyCleverHandle]

And what would be the other four? Reckoning, Europe '72, American Beauty, Workingman's Dead,...my island is full!😋😻

[@patricknevin2703]

@@MyCleverHandle but it’s happy full island

[@inreellife8258]

Was in college when this came out...what a treat to have clear live dead on CD, in those days it didn’t get better!!

[@auroraborealis13579]

Paradise waits On the crest of a wave Her angels in flame She has no pain Like a child, she is pure She is not to blame Poised for flight Wings spread bright Spring from night Into the sun Don't stop to run She can fly like a lie She cannot be outdone Tell me the cost I can pay Let me go Tell me love is not lost Sell everything Without love, day to day, Insanity is king I will pay Day by day Anyway Lock, bolt and key Crippled but free I was blind All the time I was learning to see Help on the way I know only this I've got you today Don't fly away 'Cause I love what I love And I want it that way I will stay One more day Like I say Honey, it's you Making it too Without love in the dream It will never come true

[@guysalzmann9302]

Missed a line... after Honey it’s you should be followed by “Making it too.”

[@auroraborealis13579]

@@guysalzmann9302 thanks, Guy! 🤘🏼

[@guysalzmann9302]

@@auroraborealis13579 You’re welcome. Didn’t mean nit pick but love the lyrics from this song. Grateful (haha!) for your posting. Btw- love the name. We are just travelers of space and time... 🌌!

[@auroraborealis13579]

@@guysalzmann9302 same! Hunter is a poet! I don’t mind the correction a bit. 💫⭐️⚡️✨🌟

[@guysalzmann9302]

@@auroraborealis13579 Thx. Know true Deadhead when come across one. Yeah, without Hunter don’t think would have ever reached such heights- RIP Robert, Jerry, Brent, Vince, etc.

[@irishelk3]

I discovered the Dead on an ipod i found years ago, and this album was on it, absolute hours of enjoyment.

[@Susana.Ventura]

Damn. They get me every time. GD fan for life!

[@ChrisT-lm4lx]

Absolutely perfect music...great lyrics...and wonderful playing by the whole band. When people ask me about my favorite album...studio or live...Without A Net is always the answer. Great versions of China>Rider, Althea, Mississippi Half Step, Eyes w/ Branford Marsalis (sp?), and this Help>Slip>Franklins. I love this stuff...it's not for everybody...and I respect that...but those of us that are fans are lucky! Jack Straw, Music Never Stopped, Stella Blue, Morning Dew, U.S. Blues, Shakedown Street, Scarlet>Fire...so many more...LOVE IT ALL!!!

[@RadioactiveSpaceman]

this is by far my favorite version of help on the way/slipknot. it's so fucking tight n brent is playing fanfuckingtastic. jerry's playing in this is also purely amazing.

[@Yapostadodat]

R.I.P. Brent, his voice and bouncy keys gave The Dead such a warm sound during this period. Great album, great post.

[@dakotaboysnomadicadventures]

Paradise waits, on the crest of a wave, her angels in flames.

[@darthvader3465]

Maybe my favourite Dead three-song-section ever

[@jonathanbanks5439]

A band beyond description, indeed.

[@goodkawz]

Franklin's Tower one of the best songs ever. Love Hunter's exposition on the lyrics (on Internet). This jug band sounding version is "more" unique than usual. I'm grateful.

[@daveaustintx5858]

god, they were on.

[@badtexasbill5261]

Yes they were. LD- RR TX

[@3681pokey]

Help/Slip/Frank is one of the Dead's crowning achievements, as well as Eyes of The World...

[@billbryson3808]

know the show info on the h/s/f? where, when?

[@billbryson3808]

per wikipedia

[@billbryson3808]

"Help on the Way/Slipknot!/Franklin's Tower" recorded at Nassau Coliseum on March 30, 1990

[@stjames8888]

This run is like taking a mental road trip to a far away place that gets exponentially further with each part help is level 1 into slipknot! Is level 10 and as the ascending decent to Franklins tower is at 100, and it still gets me every time i hear it. Music is truly the language of the Gods! RIP Jerry, Pigpen, Keith, Brent and vince y'all are missed! Especially you JerryBear!

[@longhaircafe]

I had my next door neighbor introduce me to this album. I was already on the bus, but he had the 2 disc set AND the poster when I knocked on the door! Lucky Me!

[@williamedge2277]

Mydland is a monster...

[@markstarr66]

Some come to laugh the past away. Some come to make it just one more day. Which ever way your pleasure tends, If you Plant Ice, you're gonna Harvest Wind...

[@kevionhempshire2804]

Without love day two day insanity is King.

[@robertdigian3938]

Crippled but free, I was blind all the time I was learning to see ....

[@kimockman1]

Paradise waits on the crest of a wave!!

[@KeyserSoze685]

8th row in front of Phil....great show!!!! 😁😎✌

[@aarondrake4695]

The greatest band of all time and the following gets bigger everyday. Miss u Jerry, Brent, Pigpen. Hope you are dancin to Dead and Co in Heaven and passin one around

[@MrMushrooms420]

Aaron Drake Dancing,yes. But to John Mayer, no. Haha

[@ryanmoore2779]

@@MrMushrooms420 amen brother 😂

[@seancassidy7188]

Incredible

[@parkdigwig3447]

Spring 1990 was awesome. Saw them in Hamilton for the Spring show. Then with CSN in Buffalo for the 25th show. Fantastic. The amount of people at Rich Stadium Orchard Park was incredible. And flippin hot!!

[@TheTweeco]

best live i have heard..and i have heard a lot

[@raddadray7535]

Man ,I love how franklins tower rolls in after slipknot.My favorite dead album.Sublime at its best….long live.

[@melissasegal5079]

may the four winds blow you safely home

[@MrFunkMD]

Go to 2:16 and listen to that lick Jerry plays for the turnaround to 2 27. It's just a beautiful, what I would call an antecedent & consequent. A question & answer of sorts. From 16-20 it's a ridiculously interesting question and the answer from 20-27 is equally compelling. The entire thing has this rhythmic pulse to it, the backbeat is dialed in. I don't get into "best ever"s too much but I am extremely infatuated with this lick right now. It's vintage Jerry. It's divine.

[@markhorton3041]

Mr Funk Hell Yea man!! And even the audience gets louder at 2.28.

[@jimaleff5136]

A discription

[@jimaleff5136]

Roll away.

[@juantour2352]

This is such an AWESOME Version! Thanks for posting! GoJerry!!!

[@jimbeard2952]

anyone who gave this a thumbs down is just stupid try to play any part of this song on any of the instruments besides the amazing guitar work hello wake up

[@dubfishone]

Without love in the dream, it’ll never come true

[@naomiradtke7433]

Without Love, nothing can really Happen!

[@davefadkins]

To plainly put it, just magical and amazing I miss you Papa Bear!

[@chrismmahalick9001]

There are Bobby fans too but Jerry made Bobby what he was and Bobby made Jerry what he was perfect pair

[@georgemcelroy3058]

Jerry made Bobby what he was.

[@declanjoyce4768]

Amazing!

[@TIMSTRUMENT]

always reminds me of about '91 this brother in the lot when i was selling paintings -cooking tacos out of the top of a shopping cart with his boom box overplaying this wonderfully , may 'shopping cart taco wookiemans brother' be grooving on where ever he is !

[@zitahermann166]

:).. I just went to the dead and company show in Chula Vista and I think I saw him! Had a shopping cart, boombox, all of it.. also looked like he's been on the road from before 91! ;) My friends and I bought like 10 fresh quesadillas from him. AMAZING!!

[@darrenmillen2435]

hopefully hes chillin with the dude sellin bucket burgers

[@Icegang47]

The boys were tough on this one. Wow!!

[@DennisCampbell777]

From Nassau 3/30/90. I was in attendance. They cleaned up the lyrics a bit.

[@timbaldwin9951]

Doc and I also attended that show. Spring 90 was the dope.

[@user-td7nj7fp8x]

I bought this album right when it came out.

[@codyeynon8467]

Fire!

[@jameswhite7629]

Awwe, I honestly miss brent, also!

[@adamfeldman8713]

This was the crossroads, yet again for Jerry, and played beautifully

[@1369jsj]

Sweet good intro album for sure

[@TheWaters222]

Mmm. Forgot how peppy this is. Love it.

[@teaguef.molloy7640]

excellantee!

[@Druantia121212]

all hail Brent! IMO best version. id love to hear other peoples though

[@codybarker1471]

Drew Hallett War Memorial '77 takes the cake for me, but this Help>Slip is on fire!

[@dreamcouncil25]

Brent is my fav. He def tore apart the Help Slip.

[@DennisCampbell777]

Buffalo 5/9/77. My other favorite.

[@fabers92]

I think mine might be the most popular on yt, Capitol '76 i believe. Not on cd/ wax though which is a shame

[@22hogfan94]

Personally I love the Keith years, 74 to be exact, but god when Brent was around the band was absolutely electric.

[@jeffreygawthrop8749]

This recording is like Beethoven's fifth. Incredible!

[@user-lp9sf5qd9f]

Love u

[@3681pokey]

Besides Dark Star, St. Stephen/The Eleven, Turn On Your Lovelight this is the Dead's greatest trilogy (IMO)

[@kimberlyisherwood4564]

I know this gets low grades but I think it's awesome anyway. I got the double cassettes from Columbia House when they were released.

[@auroraborealis13579]

Franklin’s Tower Lyrics: In another times forgotten space Your eyes looked from your mother's face Wildflower seed on the sand and stone May the four winds blow you safely home Roll away the dew Roll away the dew Roll away the dew Roll away the dew I'll tell you where the four winds dwell In Franklin's tower there hangs a bell It can ring, turn night to day It can ring like fire when you loose your way Roll away the dew Roll away the dew Roll away the dew Roll away the dew God save the child that rings that bell It may have one good ring, baby, you can't tell One watch by night, one watch by day If you get confused, listen to the music play Some come to laugh their past away Some come to make it just one more day Whichever way your pleasure tends If you plant ice you're gonna harvest the wind Roll away the dew Roll away the dew Roll away the dew Roll away the dew In Franklin's tower the four winds sleep Like four lean hounds the lighthouse keep Wildflower seed on the sand and wind May the four winds blow you home again Roll away the dew Roll away the dew Roll away the dew You'd better roll away the dew Roll away the dew You better roll away the dew (roll away) Roll away the dew You better roll away the dew (roll away) Roll away the due Roll away the due (roll away) Roll away the due Roll away the due (roll away) You better roll away

[@3681pokey]

Help/Slip/Frank is one of the Dead's greatest trilogies....

[@codybarker1471]

3681pokey Ze greatest!

[@markgilman1344]

Always fun!

[@heyitsmespider6792]

Brent was the best ever!!!

[@mikedrum4275]

nice knot!!!!

[@peacefulmatthew]

...to the bone!

[@davidsnow6171]

[@yofryman100]

god damn im listening to this and im like "where am i, thought i was on planet Earth"

[@rainonocean]

paradise waits

[@KavaKavana]

One of the best live CDs and this era was their best (according to Phil (and me). Phil produced this CD so maybe he’s a bit biased and this is right when I started going to shows but I have to agree with Phil.

[@dragisaantic6568]

❤

[@doceleven6581]

Danke grateful Dad always up here in lake Tahoe it's dr11 grateful Dead country

[@nixcool]

fuuuuuuck i love this song(s)

[@doceleven6581]

I agree this is a go to album right now I am up in lake Tahoe in a blizzard on the West shore this is Doctor 11s this is the land of the grateful Dead I feel like Jerry's here right now the day after Christmas 2021 it's howling out it's dumping feet of snow I'm isolated with smartphone technology I hope anybody finds this interesting Californians are crazy but this is the land of the grateful Dead Bob weir dead and company I love John Mayerso it's interesting when I'm not listening to Steve by I'm listening to the grateful Dead live without a net or in the dark incredible band incredible music when it's 15° out nothing like Franklin's tower

[@josephthephish3024]

Some more please sir

[@VibesvilleStudio]

If you get confused, listen to the music play.

[@noone-ft9lw]

yes

[@darthvader3465]

roll away... the due

[@georgemcelroy3058]

All the talk about Bob (and Brent?)? WTF? Jerry was, is and always will be the man in GD World. His passing effectively ended an era. The rest is nostalgia. This is awesome because Jerry was awesome.

[@markgilman1344]

Total jerry here

[@user-nh5db4fo5y]

The music never stopped

[@franciscolau]

Brent get those Heavens Dead Heads to dance

[@jonathansmilestein3034]

I was there...lol

[@davidsnow6171]

BRENT!

[@ronhulka8654]

There was nothing like a really tight Help>Slip>Frank. This is among the tops, although the one that opened Deer Creek in '90 was the best I ever heard personally...

[@andrewburen1412]

+Ron hulka they didnt play help slip franklins in 90', they didnt play it for years until the charlotte 'Warlocks' show in the 90's.

[@ronhulka8654]

Um, no, Andrew. They most certainly played H>S>F at Deer Creek on 7/18/90. The show you're thinking of was at Hampton, VA, and that was in October of '89. You can either trust me or find it out for yourself.

[@ronhulka8654]

They also played it several times on the Spring '90 Tour.

[@timbaldwin9951]

I believe this trio is from 3.30.90 Nassau Col.

[@markgilman1344]

HSF in Landover fall 94 was a lot of fun. Drummer boys were on fire that night

[@outlaws9295]

It's unfortunate that the Grateful Dead was a bit before my time. I'm sure their live shows were an experience. I normally toss live albums aside in any band's discography, but this actually sounds fantastic.

[@mrandersonxd]

go see dead and company

[@outlaws9295]

Nick Anderson I want to, but the places they typically go to are at least a 12 hour drive from where I live. I'm not located near any big cities (not the ones they stopped at recently anyway.)

[@mrandersonxd]

Go once you won't regret it

[@richardstever5135]

They're all tossed

[@markgilman1344]

Haha, they were

[@darthvader3465]

Apparently, I was named after Jerry Garcia.

[@jefferysmith4787]

Beyond possibilities I am....not countable

[@halfstep44]

@Joseph ravin. Im not sure if view from the vault volume 1 is from this tour but it is from around this time and would have a similar sound. I didn't look it up but it might be on KZbin

[@rlee6503]

Jerry does the most interesting synth sound 5:06 to about 5:16 never been able to duplicate it.

[@izdethdethizthebassist]

3:31 3:37 3:39 diminished here

[@chadcooper3183]

????????

[@jeffreygawthrop8749]

Branford makes this great!

[@halfstep44]

@Joseph ravin. Dead.net has i think everything they've ever released

[@davidsnow6171]

190 us dollars on vinyl lulz

[@John-xe5kr]

Franklins is at 9:35 I think

[@lauriefay6797]

WHEW>>>>> :)

[@lenphish]

is this broken up into sets or was this set too awesome to break up

[@thebluecollardrummer9032]

You can learn how to count the complex rhythm and time signature changes here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoDRiYCEpdegrdk

[@evearmst]

Clifton Hanger

[@DennisCampbell777]

RIP Brent.

[@jimaleff5136]

Don’t fly away

[@maxymetalman]

Anyone which concert this was?

[@DennisCampbell777]

@@jonathanbanks5654 It was a Friday, I missed the Branford show because I had a mid term in Boston that morning. When I got there, the place was still buzzing from the night before.

[@wonjorden]

Best franklins?

[@paulferranti8536]

Someone please define the song "Slipknot" musically.... what makes it a " song" and not just a jam

[@danyagood6132]

I wish these young Dead fans knew what a real Deadhead was. Those of us who saw them many, many times before Jerry died. This Dead & Company is nothing alike at all. The energy and culture is long gone. People don't understand what it was really like. EVERYONE danced hard....jumping, all limbs flying. Kindness, acceptance, warmth, and camping. People are not kind the way they were. The huge smiles and family culture is dwindled down to a sad echo. I can't see Dead and Company again, because the music is on life support, and what was is gone. It died with Jerry. People actually BUY live shows now. That breaks my heart. Nobody understands why the band insisted on the free taping section. Buy shows? Really?

[@JP-mb2pk]

Lots of people tripping, eating grilled cheese and running around naked. Those were the days.

[@markgilman1344]

Im happy for people who dig dead and co. I just cant and never will. Ill go see phil and bobby solo. Dead and co. never. I just cant. Nothing bad against them

[@hymedude7378]

compared to what is out there now,dead and company is a bright shining beacon..........

[@user-nh5db4fo5y]

Dead and Co are incredible, shine an incredible light for young fans, Old heads should lighten up, and realize how cool it is that the young heads get to experience the scene, even if Jerry is no longer with us, he'll always be in every fans heart, young and old.

[@michaelbruin8972]

Way too cleaned up. Without a net is fine but there's a ton better versions of this classic.