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    heatherlew
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    RFK Stadium 1989 Box

    LESS THAN 5000 LEFT

    The Grateful Dead battled the elements in July 1989, enduring drenching rains and stifling humidity during back-to-back shows at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in the nation’s capital. In spite of the bleak weather, the band thrilled the massive crowds both nights with triumphant performances that rank among the very best of a busy year that included 74 shows and the release of the group’s final studio album, BUILT TO LAST.

    ROBERT F. KENNEDY STADIUM, WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 12 & 13, 1989 includes two previously unreleased concerts taken from the band’s master 24-track analog recordings, which have been mixed by Jeffrey Norman at TRI Studios and mastered in HDCD by David Glasser. The collection’s colorful slip case features original artwork by Justin Helton and a perfect-bound book with in-depth liner notes written by Dean Budnick, editor-in-chief of Relix magazine. The set will also be available as a digital download in Apple Lossless and FLAC 192/24.

    When Jerry Garcia, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Brent Mydland, and Bob Weir rolled into D.C. in July 1989 for the Dead’s two-night stand at RFK, the band hit the stage running with a stellar rendition of “Touch Of Grey,” the group’s biggest hit from its only Top 10 album In The Dark, which was released in 1987. The following night, the band returned to its double-platinum commercial breakthrough when it opened the show with a fiery version of “Hell In A Bucket.”

    “RFK Stadium '89 fell right in the middle of one of the best tours of the last 15 years of Grateful Dead performances, with these shows being the sixth and seventh of an 11-show tour. This tour is widely considered the start of a nine month period of sustained excellence, which ran from Summer '89 through Spring '90. The RFK shows are as good as any of the more famous shows from this period, including July 4 in Buffalo, July 7 in Philadelphia, and the Alpine run,” says David Lemieux, Grateful Dead archivist and the set’s producer. “When Bob Weir has asked me to provide copies of Grateful Dead songs to give to his bandmates to learn and rehearse, he almost always requests Summer '89, and I've often drawn upon the RFK shows for this purpose. It's really that good!”

    Both shows feature standout moments, but the July 12 show is notable for a few reasons. Perhaps the biggest is that the first set featured at least one song sung by each of the band’s four lead singers – Garcia, Weir, Lesh and Mydland – something that rarely happened. Another surprise came when the band opened the second set with “Sugaree,” a song that almost always appeared during the first set.

    Pianist Bruce Hornsby — who briefly joined the band between 1990 and 1992 — is featured on both shows. He played accordion during “Sugaree” and “Man Smart (Woman Smarter),” with a touch of keyboard-tinkling, on July 12, and then played more accordion the following night for “Tennessee Jed” and “Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again.”

    For fans of Mydland’s tenure with the Dead – which began in 1979 and ended in 1990 with the keyboardist’s tragic death – these stellar shows capture that incarnation in peak form. Among the long list of highlights are performances of live staples such as “Eyes Of The World,” “Wharf Rat” and “I Need A Miracle,” along with rarities like “To Lay Me Down,” which was played only a few times in 1989. The July 13 show also features the band road-testing “I Will Take You Home,” a track Mydland wrote with Dead lyricist John Perry Barlow that would appear later that fall on Built To Last.

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  • #671
    SPACEBROTHER
    Joined:
    7/12/89
    Already commented on the high energy renditions of Touch of Grey and an all time great Minglewood from 7/12/89. Here's my song by song take.... Missippi Half-Step - continuation of the high energy from Touch and Minglewood. The band is clearly on and feeling good. Inspired performance. Brent's embellishments are spot on perfect. Tom Thumb Blues - fairly stndard, but well played. Phil was definitely "on" this night, as was everybody. Far From Me - Brent proving himself to be an integral part of the Dead. He was channeling some dark emotions, but keeping it real at the same time. Life isn't always unicorns ands rainbows, and sometimes the most inspired performances come from "real life" emotions. As much as love, happiness and joy evoke inspired music, some of the most effective songs are born out of pain. It doesn't get much more real than that. Mad respect for Brent. Cassidy - Energy level has only increased by this point into this high energy show. Anyone catch the song Weir quotes at the beginning of the main solo section....nah...hah/nah/nah/nah...nah/nah/nah nah...nah-nah-nah...nah-nah-nah...? Cool stuff. A solid performace. The version from Without a Net (12/9/89 Forum) is the definitive electric released performance. FOTD - Despite Bob coming in a little early on the chorus, it's evident that the Dead are performing every song to near perfection. They were like a well oiled machine by '89. You have to go back to May '77 and '72 to find this level of consistency. I like Brent's choice of sound that begins with his solo. Usually he would implement a violin sound. Here he uses a saxophone patch. Cool stuff right there. Jerry's solo shines as well. Also of note, Jerry is in near perfect voice. Promised Land - This song had been such a standard in their setlists, that they usually performed it well, even in their off years. This version is a typically nice capper to what feels like too short of a first set. They were playing so well at this point in their career, that the songs breeze by. So far, I've found nothing to make me feel like they were dragging, or in "dirge" mode. High energy. Onto the second set... Sugaree - Back in the day, I used to say, "Oh no, there's that darn accordian again". I attended the Buckeye Lake show the previous summer in '88, so got to see the first Horsby accordian sit in. Now-a-days, I think the accordian actually added a nice different texture. Suprised Bruce didn't bust it out on Bob's cowboy/polka numbers more often. The '88 Buckeye Lake version still had that brand new accordian smell to it, where this version is executed as if it were pre-recorded, they are so tight. I loved seeing this song live, and this version makes me miss Jerry (and Brent) all that much more. Women Are Smarter - Hearing Bruce on the keys with Brent on the organ together, makes me imagine if Brent had survived, and Bruce were added as a second keyboardist, the two of them together pushed this so far over-the-top, that this becomes definitive by proxy. For this moment in their history, this two-keyboards approach is a true few minutes of magic may be the best "two-keyboardist" bit of music from the Dead's entire 30 year touring career. You'll never find a Pigpen/Constantan, Pigpen/Keith or Vince/Bruce moment that comes remotely close to how awesome this is. I only wish this track would have been mixed with the Key's in the right channel and organ in left channel. If you're not listening in headphones, like I am now, this doesn't matter much. Just my opinion of course. Ship of Fools - For some reason, the dead really seemed to dig deep into this song during the '89 Summer tour. This version is no different. played with precision and emotion. Estimated - Every version performed in '89 was stellar, and this one is no different. Eyes - Much like Estimated, another great version. I think my favorite estimated > Eyes combo from summer '89 might be 6/21/89 Shoreline. Watched the original "pay per view" broadcast, but these are also awesome. Like others, I welcomed the funky versions that began with Knickerbocker 3/25/90, and of course, that all time version with Branford. The uptempo ones from '89 will still quite epic. Another reminder of how much I miss Summer tours with Jerry. Nice little jam at the end of this 7/12 version. Drums - One thing I really liked about the '89 drums segments are how Bill and Mickey would switch up their approaches from show to show. Some shows they would approach with a more traditional drum solo with their trap kits. Other shows would be heavy sonic exploartions with the MIDI trigger pads, while other times they would expore a variet of hand drums that originate from ancient, and even prehisoric cultures. Of course the Beam comes in and we get a "Holy fucking shit!" from Bill. Nice. I remember that from the Meet-up showing. Space - One thing I wish would have translated onto tape were the surround sound effects from the '80s. I remember vididly how sound would bounce around between the front of house p.a. speakers and the repeater towers of speakers further back around the crowd. Dan Healy would control this with joysticks where he could mover any sound around an arena. I saw Pink Floyd do this at the one concert of theirs I caught in '94 (which happened to be the first complete Dark Side of the Moon performance since '76 or '77). I caught the Dead in Spring '89 for what would be among the final pre-MIDI Space segments, then caught them (first on the 6/21 PPV broadcast) at Alpine. '89 through '90 saw some major evolution/changes for the Dead. It was a great time to go to shows (except for Brent dying of course). Miracle - Nice solid version. Short, well played. Average. I really dig the 3/14/90 Cap Center version. Jerry treally digs in deep on that one. Mr. Fantasy - Awesome version. Jerry fully jumps right in on his solos and kills them. Another song that soared in '89, and this one follows suit. Another track that alone makes this set worth the price of admission. Black Peter - I always welcome this song in any setlist. Amazing how well the bands dynamics on this aren't hindered by the fact that it was performed in a massive sports stadium. The subtleties are impeccable. Lovelight - Coming out of Black Peter, it's always nice when a show ends on a bluesy/R&B note. Sure, it's not like the monsters from '70, that could strech for over a half hour, but it still captures some essence from that. Like Goof Lovin', there was ony one Pigpen to sing it. Of course every version that came after would never be the same without him.It's cool that they would still pay a tribute to him by performing these all the way up until the end. Black Muddy River - One of the last of the truly great Garcia/Hunter ballads (along with Standing on the Moon and Days Between), and this one delivers. Overall, the first show is a winner. Sounds awesome. Well performed. Inspired. More of these please! Now onto 7/13/89...
  • #672
    Vguy72
    Joined:
    Thin posted "fun listening"....
    ....can't argue with that. Perfect mix. Liking the MIDI "clap" effects that Billy/Mickey throw out there during Eyes. Fun indeed. I recall those MIDI "claps" very well live. Who is this band and why do they keep following me, even now?....1989 was my most attended year. I will wait patiently for a Cal Expo box. Grate run worthy of release....
  • #673
    Thin
    Joined:
    first impressions...
    agreed - Man Smart is a fun ride. Always good for a jam, and this one rocks. Anyone else notice how the pace on Sugaree in the last verse and chorus is inconsistent, with factions trying unsuccessfully to pull it in different directions? It definitely wobbles, but it works - adds character. Raking leaves with RFK rockin' the headphones. So far I like it a lot - Reminds me of the impressive RT '88 shows (3/30 and 4/1/88) in terms of that late '80's "full-band sound", consistent execution - but in '89 they're a little more polished - especially Jerry. The mix is so uncluttered, and they're playing so well that you can HEAR them responding to each other from moment to moment. Fun listening.
  • #674
    Vguy72
    Joined:
    Little boy sits on the corner and cries....
    ....big man come and asks him why? This set has a Man Smart, Women Are Smarter for the ages. Never thought I would say that, but yet, here I am, saying it. Dueling keyboards anyone?....
  • #675
    JimInMD
    Joined:
    The great unanswerable question
    Why no video with this box? Beats the hell out of me.
  • #676
    One Man
    Joined:
    1989
    That "Formerly the Warlocks" box sounds really bad to me. They let someone other than Jeff Norman mix it, and why? If you ever wonder why digital sound gets a bad rap, listen to that. I can't even. Why no video on this new box?
  • #677
    Forensicdoceleven
    Joined:
    Finite to fail, but infinite to venture…………..
    Everybody polka!!! Hey there rockers, rollers, lovers, and others……….. The first of the wonderful three Fall 1971 Texas shows: https://archive.org/details/gd71-11-12.sbd.clugston.4759.sbeok.shnf Or, if you prefer the Millerized version of Set 2: https://archive.org/details/gd1971-11-12.sbd-set2.miller.14916.sbeok.sh… In either case, the Live/Dead groupmindmusicmelt running like a well oiled machine, fantastic recovery from the Atlanta fiasco. If 11/11 was a bad acid trip, 11/12 is the mellow mushroom rebound. Some new things, some oldies, cowboy tunes, rockers, Black Peter (love me those 71 Black Peters!), and a mammoth Other One. What’s not to like about this fine fine show? Looking forward to my possible upcoming sabbatical, perhaps more later……………….. Rock around the clock, Doc Death is not an event in life: we do not live to experience death. If we take eternity to mean not infinite temporal duration but timelessness, then eternal life belongs to those who live in the present……….
  • #678
    guit30
    Joined:
    RFK
    I had the 89 show at Philly with 3 CDs and DVD. That was a great show. They did a lot of videos in 89,What I don't get is why the Dead were not really even in the ballpark of popularity compared with like the Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin. I mean they did very well with their fanbase, They had a large set of material, They had 1 hit song, but musically they were more talented and played very well together, but it seems without Jerry Garcia, they dropped down a lot. Jerry was something special, even playing on a lot of opiates. I mean they didn't even consider going on without him. The group now sounds really pretty good, and they look like they are enjoying it ,I don't think I would enjoy a show now. But at least we have access to tons of their past shows. I would love to see them release the RFK stadium weekend from 73. I went to Saturday where the Dead played the afternoon and the Allman Brothers at night . It was a grate day!
  • #679
    MinasMorgul
    Joined:
    Booklets Good
    You don't love the smell of the fresh booklets and new CD packages? It's like the xerox copies from high school. No, not at all a failure, quite the opposite. Will sell out eventually, and I believe a little more than 2/3 sold already has got to be enough to turn a profit.
  • #680
    JimInMD
    Joined:
    Re: Awesome Smelling Booklet?
    Did you get the sweepstakes winning, soaked in Kush Oil, linter notes made from Owsley blotter paper special edition? Mine smelled.. like a CD. I think this is a fine release. Honestly I have not finished a full listen, but the Lay Me Down Let it Grow is enough to at the very least not call this a failure. ...and really, hat's off to the care that went in to making it sound as good as it possibly could. This is really important.. they seem to not get a second chance on re-mastering.. once it's done, it's done, so do a great job on the first try, which they did here. If there's something to learn from this release it's that Senor Norman can do a fine job if only we don't give him 30 shows to master in like 31 1/2 days or something. Plus.. it keeps the price tag a shy under $700. These two, three, four and five show mini boxes are the way to go. A big plus for allowing them to fit on our CD shelves. Easy on the wallet, closet space and they just seem to sound better then monster efforts.. how about two or three mini box sets a year instead of a cardiac inducing monster box every year? Those with significant others would greatly appreciate it.
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Dead Store Products

RFK Stadium 1989 Box

LESS THAN 5000 LEFT

The Grateful Dead battled the elements in July 1989, enduring drenching rains and stifling humidity during back-to-back shows at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in the nation’s capital. In spite of the bleak weather, the band thrilled the massive crowds both nights with triumphant performances that rank among the very best of a busy year that included 74 shows and the release of the group’s final studio album, BUILT TO LAST.

ROBERT F. KENNEDY STADIUM, WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 12 & 13, 1989 includes two previously unreleased concerts taken from the band’s master 24-track analog recordings, which have been mixed by Jeffrey Norman at TRI Studios and mastered in HDCD by David Glasser. The collection’s colorful slip case features original artwork by Justin Helton and a perfect-bound book with in-depth liner notes written by Dean Budnick, editor-in-chief of Relix magazine. The set will also be available as a digital download in Apple Lossless and FLAC 192/24.

When Jerry Garcia, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Brent Mydland, and Bob Weir rolled into D.C. in July 1989 for the Dead’s two-night stand at RFK, the band hit the stage running with a stellar rendition of “Touch Of Grey,” the group’s biggest hit from its only Top 10 album In The Dark, which was released in 1987. The following night, the band returned to its double-platinum commercial breakthrough when it opened the show with a fiery version of “Hell In A Bucket.”

“RFK Stadium '89 fell right in the middle of one of the best tours of the last 15 years of Grateful Dead performances, with these shows being the sixth and seventh of an 11-show tour. This tour is widely considered the start of a nine month period of sustained excellence, which ran from Summer '89 through Spring '90. The RFK shows are as good as any of the more famous shows from this period, including July 4 in Buffalo, July 7 in Philadelphia, and the Alpine run,” says David Lemieux, Grateful Dead archivist and the set’s producer. “When Bob Weir has asked me to provide copies of Grateful Dead songs to give to his bandmates to learn and rehearse, he almost always requests Summer '89, and I've often drawn upon the RFK shows for this purpose. It's really that good!”

Both shows feature standout moments, but the July 12 show is notable for a few reasons. Perhaps the biggest is that the first set featured at least one song sung by each of the band’s four lead singers – Garcia, Weir, Lesh and Mydland – something that rarely happened. Another surprise came when the band opened the second set with “Sugaree,” a song that almost always appeared during the first set.

Pianist Bruce Hornsby — who briefly joined the band between 1990 and 1992 — is featured on both shows. He played accordion during “Sugaree” and “Man Smart (Woman Smarter),” with a touch of keyboard-tinkling, on July 12, and then played more accordion the following night for “Tennessee Jed” and “Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again.”

For fans of Mydland’s tenure with the Dead – which began in 1979 and ended in 1990 with the keyboardist’s tragic death – these stellar shows capture that incarnation in peak form. Among the long list of highlights are performances of live staples such as “Eyes Of The World,” “Wharf Rat” and “I Need A Miracle,” along with rarities like “To Lay Me Down,” which was played only a few times in 1989. The July 13 show also features the band road-testing “I Will Take You Home,” a track Mydland wrote with Dead lyricist John Perry Barlow that would appear later that fall on Built To Last.

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Submitted by MLavallee on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 13:10

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Was a pretty good year for me too. Started off with three fun shows at The Forum in my hometown of Inglewood in February, nice To Lay Me Down and jammy Playin' on the first night, Eyes out of Space on the second then the just weird third night with Spencer Davis (I had no clue who he was, hey I was 16!) and then Dylan, Monkey And The Engineer? Sure, why not! Not the tightest show, but an awful lot of fun. Then the band swung around again at the end of April to Irvine Meadows, three very solid shows, the band was just on fire this year, whole run is really well played, last shows at Irvine. Riots in the parking lot so it's understandable... And to cap off the year, they returned to The Forum in December, opening night was real good, another solid show, Blow Away turned out to be a real nice addition to the repertoire. I for one was a fan of the MIDI but I seem to be in the minority. I like silly sounds, sue me! This show ended on a bad note with a police officer breaking my jaw with his baton (no arrest, ticket, nothing...), didn't deter me from going back the next two nights! Touch Of Grey was the perfect opener for the 9th, another solid show and then the 10th, best show of the 9 I caught by far, with the return of Spencer Davis (even better than in February) and Hornsby joining the band as well. This was a really solid run of shows that would make a nice mini box. Didn't realize how good we had it back then, 3 great runs of shows right in my backyard in one year. Great times.
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Submitted by boblopes on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 13:49

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These shows are like hitting the multi-bonus - shows with both Wolf and Tiger recorded on multi-track, throw in Hornsby with Brett, good times abound. I didn't see any shows this year - got a really cool tie dye (Love to Cook) from a girl I was dating from the Foxboro show - I was away visiting my brother in Paris that week. Been a great year of releases - hard to imagine next year topping this year, but if that's true time to do the happy dance.
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Submitted by bohlint on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 14:54

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This release got me thinking on how much good music there still is in the vault that needs to be given the royal treatment and released. Especially with the return of the Betty's! More boxes please, from the 60's to the 90's you can count me in on all of it. What should be next?......?.......? ARK BOX!!!!! So many of us missed out on the FW box, please, please please bring us an ARK box! I don't think these shows are limited, will probably run like the Warlocks box... available until it isn't.
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Submitted by Scott-O on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 15:02

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While I'm personally disappointed in this box, DL has said more than once they will follow the sound and only release the best quality sounding shows. I would gobble up any box from 1983 but the cassette recordings aren't worth it in comparison. Fortunately the found trove of Betty shows still has much left to mine.
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Submitted by Gary Farseer on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 15:12

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Got my first listen to DiP26 Labor Temple/Electic Theater. Man that is a beast mode Pick. Loved, can't wait to revisit soon. I also revisited D&C in Atlanta. Watched the entire show, it was very tasty. Forgot about the Days Between that Bobby ripped on. Great Job guys. It hit me like a ton of bricks that just stumbled across that during this years days between. Really made me feel the Karma. As soon as finished it, You Tube served up live Phish, #13 of the dozen. Not going to add my two cents worth on the multiple discussions on Phish. I like them, but to get served up a live freebie (well say 50 minutes) was a great way to close out the weekend before the big crash. Phish can still find those weird jams at will, good job to those guys. Keep up the good work. Also over the weekend got my 2nd listen to DaP23, close encounters. Loved it even more. GSTL has been played a couple times through as well. All in all, a great jamming weekend. Thanks to all involved, including the folks in Colorado that make it all extra special. G
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Submitted by MadDoc on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 19:21

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Couldn't agree more. I'd love to see an 83 box, or a box with a run anywhere 83-86. On the other hand I'm going to buy the flacs for these 89 shows. That was a special year. Always loved 04/19/86. One strange show where they tried something different. But as you said, the tape quality just isn't available. Still, if they could fix up what they have I'd be all over that. As far as Dave's goes and the recent boxes, I couldn't be happier with them. The sound quality is just jaw dropping. Betty is one amazing "taper". Before I had any tape resources back in the mid-70s I used to buy bootleg Dead LPs in the back room of a barber shop in Amherst, MA. I could never have imagined having what's available today.
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Submitted by Jason Wilder on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 19:38

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And I 100% agree that we should not get all pissy about someone elses favorite era. It's all Dead & it is all good. For me, I just think Dave gets too hung up on sound quality. I've always been a performance guy who preferred a good audience tape to a stale soundboard anytime (though the Betty's are the exception to that rule). For me, It hink 89-90 was a peak. Not necessarily THE peak ('72, '77, '69, '73), but a Brent era peak for me. I do not like the midi as much. '69 is peak trippy experimental Dead with TC on keys providing a layer of depth beyond what Pig alone could do, and we get the beginnings of the Hunter/Garcia tunes. '72 is best of both worlds. Keith's piano, Pigs vocals & harp &( some of the best playing ever. The Workingman's/Beauty/Garcia/Ace stuff is incorporated. Legendary. Billy manning the skins alone gave it some swing & subtlety. '77 forced them to practice more to reintegrate Mickey after '76 was kind of loose, and it showed. As tight as it ever got. Blistering often. The Terrapin/Shakedown/Blues for Allah stuff gets integrated fully. Help/Slip. Terrapin. Scarlet/Fire. Samson. Estimated. Shakedown. 'Nuff said. '73: height of the post Pig no Mickey era. After that, I put '89-'90 right up there in terms of a peak of an era (Brent). However, I can still see liking '70 (acoustic shows + Beauty/Workimgman's stuff debuts), '71 (Pigs last mostly full year with super peaks despite the lineup changes), '74 (Wall of Sound) or even '76/'78 (a little looser but also some great stuff if a little more inconsistent). Early Brenth ('79-'82) is fine. I listened to DiP#13 the other day & it is smokin'. Would love a full release of an '80 acoustic show, or the Anchorage. I like '85 for the 20th anniversary & the energy of '87 after the comeback. '67-'68 is great for a single show, but there isn't much variation night to night. '88 was a litte inconsistent. '91 was interesting with a lot of the Bruce influence and swing returning. Everyhing else is a steop down for me. '66 is cool for the start. '75 had only 4 shows. Nice little recovery in '93 for a while. '83, '84,'86, '92, '94, '95 have moments, but little sustained brilliance. A show here and there in '83 & '84. Just moments at the end. Still, the first Unbroken Chain in '95 still gives me goosebumps 20+ years later just thinking about it.
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Submitted by MinasMorgul on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 19:51

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That's a great one Gary Farseer. I may put it on next. Odd that they opened and closed with Lovelight. I would understand better if it was a big long "sandwich", but there is a break in there. Anyone have insight into that one. I put on DP 19's Dark Star. Yoww! First off, I'm doing headphones. Second off, there's an effect I have on my player that puts reverb on the music. Not so great for vocal parts (sounds like the heavy reverb on the May '77 vocals, but much more). But it's great for intrumentals like Dark Star. There is a huge Mind Left Body jam in the middle of Dark Star. Face melter. And Morning Dew & Eyes of the World are still coming. And then it is DP 26 for me. The Eleven is on my radar now.
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Submitted by muhlberg on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 21:37

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One of my favorite releases was Crimson, White & Indigo, also from July 89'. Both CD & DVD full performance, even took the cheesy effects off of the video for full viewing pleasure. Why not release with a DVD? Even if you don't have both shows complete, you atleast have the one that was just featured for Jerry Day. Good shows from a great tour, as DL says there's more "famous" shows. I'd pay lots for proshot release from Fall Tour 89' if exists. Miami, Philly, Meadowlands.... One wonders what they've actually got in the vault video wise from 89', an obviously heavily documented year, as they continue to release videos for the GD movie meetups. Yeah, good shows. I probably wont buy this time considering that i've got the boards already, and not being an audiophile like some ya'll fine folks, the nuances are lost on me. But yea, release with video, Please!!
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Submitted by Vguy72 on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 21:45

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....i hear ya muhlberg. Some people here must have canine hearing. Is that a blessing or a curse?....As long as the sound isn't too muddy, I'm all in....
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Submitted by Vguy72 on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 21:55

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....it appears Innerspace is on Netflix. Guilty pleasure ensuing....things seemed so much easier back then. Am I wrong?....
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Submitted by seabird17 on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 22:37

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Remember the traffic JamsMini 2 box that's all folks
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Submitted by MinasMorgul on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 05:40

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Very insightful post about the eras. I didn't see it last night somehow when I was on here. You mentioned 1972 as best of both worlds - I feel the same, although it's not my favorite year for Pigpen songs. Next Time You See Me, Mr. Charlie, Chinatown Shuffle, Good Lovin' all decent but overplayed on E72 I felt. I would like to have heard Smokestack Lightning, School Girl, and more of those '72 Lovelights. Maybe a few Alligators, maybe Empty Pages. Some talk about the audio quality. I get that the shows need to sound good to be released. I'm too picky, but some of those shows from 30 Trips were "emergency only", meaning, it's okay since the theme of the box is a concert per calendar year, but definitely too poor to represent a two show box set like RFK. Or imagine if we got two in a row from Dave's Picks that sounded so poor. There would be a lot of complaints I believe. Even DaP 22 from the Felt received a lot of negative feedback about the audio quality, and that was one I thought was way better than those few 30 Trips shows that I think everyone agreed were poor sounding. Just my 2 cents on why Dave puts so much emphasis on audio quality. What they could do, however, is make them available for download at a reduced price. Holy cow, this is a righteous Truckin' / The Other One on DaP 11. Doc, no '71 link? I actually listen to those.
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Submitted by LetsGoCaps on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 07:48

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Wow. Word for word I could not have said this better. Me and you sure think alike!
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Submitted by rhodymike on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 08:50

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What's with the price of $65 for six discs? That's almost $11 per disc? Is this about the music or the profit? As an observation prices seem to be creeping up and up - and as I read the product "colorful slip case", it will be a cardboard/paper box, but colorful.
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Submitted by Mr. Pete on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 10:49

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At my age, 70, I am not that picky about what decade show I listen too. I just pick a show...pop it on my cd player...get a cold St. Pauli's...fill my pipe up with a good "Latakia" blend tobacco...fire it up...and sit back and enjoy the show. It all sounds great to me and I hope to live long enough to listen to all my shows at least once more! Mr. Pete--------> aging hippie
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Submitted by JeffSmith on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 11:13

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I like you attitude! And once you've popped the disc in your CD player, I guess the only really difficult decision is which of your extremely cool, Turkish, hand-carved, Dave's-inspired meerschaums goes best with the show. . . Onward aging hippies everywhere!
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Submitted by Seth Hollander on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 11:14

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I ordered because I have been loudly and repeatedly calling for more 80s. These are not shows I really want and the price and slipcase are not what I want either. But I will put my money down to encourage an 80s-inclusive future release plan. I think the price is the result of a perception that this release risks being unprofitable. After years of comments here declaring a dislike of 80s Dead among the GDM audience, I think TPTB have good reason to worry that this will be a low-selling, slow-selling release. Their business model seems to rely on quick sell-outs to keep the release ball rolling. The higher product pricing here should translate into a higher profit-per-sale, potentially offsetting any costs that would result from slow sales (inventory storage, etc). That's my theory. Minas: I found your last two posts in this thread (and the recent ones in the DP23 thread) pleasant and easy to agree with. If you haven't heard the entire 4/26/69 show, seek it out. It runs 2 1/2 discs and is superlative, even for '69. I no longer remember were I found a lossless downloadable copy, but it is out there and can be combined with the 4/27 DP26 material to make a 4 disc home-brewed "Deluxe Edition" that is VERY satisfying.
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Submitted by _ on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 11:56

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Wow brother, that made my day.... Long may you run.... Still missin' Jerry here....
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Submitted by wadeocu on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 13:11

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Looks like sales are creeping along. I predict it will take a year or so to sell the last couple of thousand like the July 78 box.
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Submitted by Mr. Pete on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 14:05

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It my humble opinion one should just buy the box set and sit back and "enjoy" the music. I am VERY appreciative that I can buy the concerts and sit back and enjoy them since I was unable to attend either show. I doubt if one could find any better quality sound for these two shows.Regarding the comments about the cost just go out and price one truck tire. That will put things in perspective. Or, look at your cable bill. Now that is something to complain about. I do hope I live long enough to see a nice Greek Theater boxset come out. I was never able to go to any of those shows but from what people say/comment I am sure it would be wonderful to have them in a nice well recorded set. Mr. Pete-----------> aging hippie
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Submitted by wissinomingdeadhead on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 14:15

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Glen Campbell
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Submitted by LedDed on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 19:33

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As this theme continues to reoccur, my two cents... Dead.net and Rhino don't need the money. Yes, this is a "for profit" enterprise, but it has already proven itself over and over. The subscriptions continue to rise as do quick sellouts of so many releases. The fan base, even after all this time, is expanding - at least here. It's like the vinyl resurgence and not altogether different. In an ever more bullshit, digitized throwaway world, people are rediscovering the inherent value in things like Grateful Dead music and vinyl records. Some are over-thinking it. Sure, there may be bean counters somewhere monitoring this but the whole thing has been so splendidly done from the esteemed Mr. Latvala on through to Dave L., they are clearly motivated 100% by artistic reasons. Best sounding shows from any era. Some say the Dead died with Pigpen. I think not, I think they changed and adapted like any organism needs to, to survive across eras and personnel changes. The late 60s through 1978 are my favorite era, but I love Brent when he wasn't overbearing vocally and all through the 80s and 90s right up to the end. Old Jer spit out a pretty decent Black Muddy River there, eh? These folks have to tend to the greater good, and it's mostly gonna be 70s releases. It really was their golden era. Golden, not as in dollars, but as in musically.
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Submitted by MadDoc on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 20:30

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Plan to buy the flacs once they're available . I have enough stuff in my life but never enough Dead. Every era is a treasure. Listen to the music play.
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Submitted by Frankie Lee on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 00:50

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Ok Folks...There are many naysayers out here posting. I will share once again what I heard David L. say on last Sunday's special on this box set on SiriusXM. He said this set would be "extremely limited". He also said that it will for sure "Sell Out". David L. tends to know what he is talking about. Just because there is no mention of "limited edition" or "numbered edition" in the advertising thus far...does not mean it may not end up that way. I personally believe David when he shares insights...thats just me. Look at the track record of all of the releases over the last 10 years. The Road Trips series for example was slow to sell for a long time...now they sell for hundreds of dollars over original asking price and are very collectable. It could be that not listing this set as a "limited numbered edition" is a way to keep the scalpers at bay from snatching them all up for resell on Ebay...perhaps a way to give those who are truly interested in owning the music a better opportunity. Just look at the irate posts from the last Daves Pick that sold out in hours. "In the end it will all be okay...if its not okay now then it certainly is not the end"
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Submitted by jrf68@hotmail.com on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 01:24

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9-1-1974 Keystone Wondering Why... get some :)
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Submitted by cosmicbadger on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 06:38

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Looks like Neil Young is about to put his entire archive online.http://neilyoungarchives.com/index.html So if he can do it....... Now that would solve the constant bickering about eras and releases. Everything for everyone any time a la carte.
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Submitted by wadeocu on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 07:49

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That is very cool - kind of makes me wish that I was a bigger Neil Young fan. GD does indeed already have this in the form of the Interent Archive which was formerly the tol.etree.org collection. Made by fans for the fans, just the way it has always been!
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Submitted by MLavallee on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 08:21

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Don't get too excited. It's Neil Young, the novelty will wear off and he'll abandon it. How're those PONO adopters feeling right about now? How about the Archives 1 Blu-Ray buyers with their exclusive updates? Amounted to 3 songs which are no longer available. He flirted with DVD-audio, how'd that work out? Blu-Ray audio, lasted just about as long. Neil first mentioned releasing the archives in the mid-70s! He started seriously working on them in the mid-80s and it took until 2009 for the first box to come out!
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Submitted by SPACEBROTHER on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 11:02

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Your post reminded me that both Winterland boxes ('73 & '77) were never promoted as "limited edition" either and the W'77 box goes for about as much as the FW'69 box does in the secondary markets. No idea how many of those W'77 boxes were manufactured. If they put as much love and care into mixing the multi-track tapes for RFK'89 as they did S'90 (TOO) box, this will truly be a magical release with sonic perfection. For a little taste of what to expect, "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" from 7/12/89 can be heard on "Postcards of the Hanging" (track 3), and it's crisp, phat and a beautifully mixed recording. This has been the best year in GD releases since the 50th anniversary with Boxilla. Last year wasn't too shabby either with the July '78 box. The Red Rocks July run was always regarded highly among the tape trading community, plus Betty boards of shows that have never circulated. Still surprised that one's still available.
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Submitted by FloridaBobalooToo on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 11:43

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Don't confuse the man with his music! The guy has been a flake since day one! His music is one thing. His track record as a regular guy leaves a lot to be desired. You would not want him as a neighbor I assure you.
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Submitted by darkstartheoth… on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 19:06

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King Crimson have been putting up concerts for years on their site as downloads. In fact, 11-12-73 Turin, Italy was just put up for purchase today!
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Submitted by David Duryea on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 22:13

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themidnightcafe.org is a site I've used to download many GD shows that haven't been released officially. It is a labor of love that isn't ripping anybody off. Through it the spirit of Jerry lives. Many of the shows are from the archive and have been cleaned up and pitch corrected. These shows are from ALL the decades, kids, and many have undergone that Charlie Miller magic. There are also shows from many other bands. All downloads are through Amazon Drive. You can choose between FLAC and MP3s. Enjoy. https://themidnightcafe.org/?s=grateful+dead
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Submitted by Vguy72 on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 22:23

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....that is a goldmine Dave. Amazon has a drive? Am I getting too old, or is technology just buzzing by fast as lightning? I need to start doing some homework....
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Submitted by jrf68@hotmail.com on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 22:26

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Just downloaded a speaking engagement from Hunter S. Thompson in '77.goldmine indeed Thanks David! :)
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Submitted by jrf68@hotmail.com on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 00:57

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Yup. Eyes-> 16:07 Saint 7:32 Eye's starts off a little clunky but gets goin' real good pretty quick... get some :)
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Submitted by Roguedeadguy on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 04:39

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I see the fever is catching. I've been following him for awhile now, and filled up an entire 128GB memory card without really trying. In fact, I'm pretty sure I learned about it from one of these threads. "It was you, alright! I learned it by watching you!" (Free download at the midnight cafe for anyone who remembers that commerical.) One thing I will mention. Awhile ago he reluctantly set up a facility for donations on the page. Amazon recently jacked up their rates for cloud storage, and he has something like 4TB out on his drive. He was contemplating dropping some stuff to put him in a lower price tier, but got enough donations to keep it all for the time being. So consider that if you're enjoying the site amd using it a lot. Been on a Summer of 76 kick for most of this summer of 17. Starting with RT 4.5 from Boston, download series 4, a great run from Chicago at the end of June (all of them acquired from the midnight cafe), then I jumped ahead to the Orpheum run. Haven't gotten to 7-18 yet, but its locked amd loaded. I really like that easy, loping 76 vibe, it just says summertime to me.
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Submitted by MinasMorgul on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 06:26

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Also dig that '76 sound, although the official releases are real hit or miss for me. I love RT 4.5, Cow Palace, and DaP 18, but can't get into DaP 4, DP 20, or 30 Trips. DP 33, I really go for the 10/9 show with Franklin's Tower (one of the best), but not so much for the 10/10 show. DL Series is about halfway between, definitely some great moments on it (Crazy Fingers, U.S Blues, Mission in the Rain). I
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Submitted by bliss on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 07:42

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my guess is that it will be limited edition based on pre-orders and a bit of inventory upon the release date. with 2000 copies left of the 78 box (a great box!), they're aiming to avoid the costs of inventory sitting on the shelf. i think that 78 box faced a tough sell coming after the 50th - so much great music was released that there's a legit case for many to think, "well, how much more Dead do i need?"
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