The Grateful Dead's performance at the World Music Theatre in Tinley Park, IL, on July 22, 1990, is a standout show from their summer tour. This concert is notable for several reasons, including its setlist, the band's performance, and the historical context within the 1990 tour.

Setlist Highlights:

First Set:

1. "Feel Like a Stranger": The band kicked off the show with this energetic opener, setting the tone for the evening.
2. "West L.A. Fadeaway": A laid-back groove that showcased Jerry Garcia's vocals and guitar work.
3. "Me and My Uncle" > "Cumberland Blues": This classic pairing brought a touch of Americana to the set, featuring tight harmonies and spirited playing.
4. "Far From Me": A Brent Mydland song that highlighted his keyboard skills and soulful singing.
5. "They Love Each Other": A favorite among fans, delivered with warmth and enthusiasm.
6. "Cassidy": Known for its intricate interplay and lyrical depth.
7. "Tennessee Jed": A quintessential Grateful Dead tune, filled with Southern charm and catchy riffs.
8. "The Music Never Stopped": An exhilarating closer for the first set, bringing the energy to a peak.

Second Set:

1. "Victim or the Crime": An intense and somewhat dark opener, displaying the band's more experimental side.
2. "Foolish Heart": A newer addition to their repertoire at the time, with melodic complexity and heartfelt lyrics.
3. "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)": Injecting some upbeat Caribbean flavor into the mix.
4. "Terrapin Station": One of the highlights of the night, this epic composition took the audience on a musical journey.
5. "Drums" > "Space": The percussive and exploratory segment that allowed the band to venture into uncharted sonic territories.
6. "All Along the Watchtower": A powerful cover of Bob Dylan’s classic, driven by fiery guitar solos.
7. "Stella Blue": A beautifully melancholic ballad delivered with emotional depth by Garcia.
8. "Around and Around" > "Good Lovin'": A high-energy rock 'n' roll combo that closed the second set with a bang.

Encore:

1. "U.S. Blues": A patriotic and upbeat encore, leaving the audience on a high note.

The July 22, 1990, show is often praised for its tight musicianship and the band's ability to seamlessly transition between different musical styles. Jerry Garcia’s guitar work was particularly notable, and the contributions of Brent Mydland on keyboards added a rich texture to the overall sound. The show occurred just a few weeks before Mydland's untimely death, making it one of his final performances with the band.

The summer of 1990 was a pivotal period for the Grateful Dead. The band was experimenting with new material and pushing the boundaries of their live performances. The World Music Theatre show exemplified their ability to balance new songs with classic favorites, keeping their performances fresh and engaging for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

This concert is a favorite among Deadheads and is frequently circulated in fan recordings. The quality of the performance, combined with the historical significance of the period, makes it a must-listen for those exploring the band's live catalog.

For more detailed reviews and to listen to recordings of the show, you can visit resources like Archive.org and Setlist.fm. These sites offer comprehensive insights into the setlists and audio recordings that capture the magic of the Grateful Dead’s live performances.