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    heatherlew
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    "We left with our minds sufficiently blown and still peaking..."

    We're headed back to that peak with the newly returned tapes from Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, Binghamton, 11/6/77. The Grateful Dead's last touring show of 1977 finds them going for broke, taking chances on fan favorites like "Jack Straw," "Friend Of The Devil," and "The Music Never Stopped," carving out righteous grooves on a one-of-kind "Scarlet>Fire" and a tremendous "Truckin'." An ultra high energy show, with a first set that rivals the second? Not unheard of, but definitely rare. Hear for yourself...

    DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 25 features liner notes by Rob Bleetstein, photos by Bob Minkin, and original art by our 2018 Dave's Picks Artist-In-Residence Tim McDonagh. As always, it has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman and it is limited to 18,000 individually numbered copies*.

    *Limited to 2 per order. Very limited quantity available.

    Get one before they are gone, gone, gone.

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  • JDSept
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    There is much good stuff from
    There is much good stuff from the 80s and some in the 90s even, though way less. I do gravitate to the late 60s and early 70s though, perhaps my so liking Pig.
  • ckcoffman
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    Jack Straw name?
    @JimInMD: I always assumed, as you have, that Hunter got "Jack Straw" from his time in London in 1970. I have it in my head (source?) that his preferred stomping ground in that burg is that space between Hampstead Heath and Regent's Park, which puts him in walking range of (the now sadly defunct) Jack Straw's Castle, which was until its close one of three of the most notable pubs in Hampstead. Rather than being named after a '70s politician, this establishment must have taken its name from the rebel Jack Straw of English folklore and 14th-century history. In short, my speculation is that his rambling landed him in the pub, and the name inspired him to make an American folk character out of a British historical legend. That's my story, but I'd love to hear a clarification/correction if anyone has better source notes on this than I do.
  • PatrickJP07
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    Is this venue the same as Broome County Forum ?
    I saw Phish there in 1992, and remembered the building had amazing acoustics. Like the Bushnell in Hartford, or the Beacon in NYC. Is it the same place with a slight name change ? I also agree with M Pruner about 1977, it was a great time for the band, possibly even their water mark, but enough's enough. How about Brendan Byrne 11-10-85 ? Out of the 40 shows I saw, it was easily the best. They put the Cassidy from it on "So Many Roads", how about the rest ?
  • danc
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    pre Lewiston 1980....
    I am surprised more has not been selected for release from the vault. There are great snippets of board recordings on the archive (e.g. 5-10, fantastic show). The year seemed fabulous for Jerry, I bet fans would love to hear much more. As for Lewiston, I think it should be released, if possible, as an aud if that's all there is.
  • Lightfoot510
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    KyleHarmon
    Dont forget the raw jelly beans
  • icecrmcnkd
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    Haven’t listened to this show in months
    Looking forward to the Full Norman (hopefully not too much added bass).This show was in regular rotation when I had it on cassette, so I know it well but am still psyched to get a Normanized version. I’ll listen to it many times. We’ll have enough ‘77 when we have it all..... Keep the 80’s and 90’s coming as mini-Boxes.... We’re due for some Bruce! How about 10-31-91?
  • mustin321
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    1982
    I love the Road Trips show from 1982 --- Really good sound quality. The Dicks Picks from Alpine 1982 is such an amazing show but it's probably the worst sounding official release out there, IMO.
  • Dark-Star
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    great pick
    If the powers-that-be read this, I would lobby for continued 60s and 70s. I have several friends who feel the same way, and I know from discussions with people on the message boards, that a lot of people are very pleased with this run of shows in Dave's Picks. I don't think they would be up to 18,000 copies per pick if every year featured two 80s and 90s picks. It's just not their prime, and and not their best stuff. I'd rather have 20 shows from 1977 then a mix of 80s and 90s with the 60s and 70s. That's my feeling and I'm sticking to it. The musicianship and performance by all band members is superior in the 60s and 70s by far. As far as this subscriber is concerned, there is no need to go into the 80s or 90s for this series. This series represents the very best of the Dead, and not just performance, but audio quality, and you guys are doing an awesome job.
  • claney
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    Road Trips 1982
    Hey Jack Strawberry, I like 1982 also. A peak year for Brent's greasy organ sound, and the Playin's have some flashes of primal dead. In addition to the aforementioned DP32, there is also the outstanding Road Trips 4.4, April 6, 1982. Great show, actually pretty good sound quality too, and with killer filler (Playin > Ship > Playin) from the previous night. But best of all, it has what might be my favorite version of Terrapin. Should still be able to find it, or you can listen to it on Spotify. Enjoy! PS - as Jim says, nice screen name
  • daverock
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    Happy Days
    I like shows from 1977-the box set last year from May was great-and 1976, 1978 also have a lot to recommend them. But for me, the peak years are pre-retirement, with the absolute pinnacle being 1972. Everything about that year ( almost everything-I am not so keen on the extended "Good Lovin's) is exceptional. Even songs that have been heard countless times sound sparkling and somehow new. But we are spoiled now, as was said on the other website. Compared to life in the 80s and 90s, when all I had were some very dubious cassettes, these are golden days indeed. I can't throw my cassettes away, either, though. They remind me of another time, long gone, when I would drive to a mates house, and we would listen to tapes, as he generously made copies. Happy days then and now.
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"We left with our minds sufficiently blown and still peaking..."

We're headed back to that peak with the newly returned tapes from Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, Binghamton, 11/6/77. The Grateful Dead's last touring show of 1977 finds them going for broke, taking chances on fan favorites like "Jack Straw," "Friend Of The Devil," and "The Music Never Stopped," carving out righteous grooves on a one-of-kind "Scarlet>Fire" and a tremendous "Truckin'." An ultra high energy show, with a first set that rivals the second? Not unheard of, but definitely rare. Hear for yourself...

DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 25 features liner notes by Rob Bleetstein, photos by Bob Minkin, and original art by our 2018 Dave's Picks Artist-In-Residence Tim McDonagh. As always, it has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman and it is limited to 18,000 individually numbered copies*.

*Limited to 2 per order. Very limited quantity available.

Get one before they are gone, gone, gone.

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25 won't arrive in Santa Cruz until Monday night, so I'm keeping myself occupied with all the Dark Stars I have from 1968. Also reading Phil Proctor's autobiography, Where's My Fortune Cookie? Paperback – December 27, 2017. If you're a Firehead this is required reading. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/138970503X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_… Ran across this streaming link - A Banjo Lesson With Jerry Garcia? Listen to This Tape from 1964 http://tomorrowsverse.com/story/a-banjo-lesson-with-jerry-garcia-listen…
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7 years 10 months
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It is 1 bonus disk for the whole year. I believe it comes with DP26. Enjoy, I just got mine today, this show is a rager!
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15 years 2 months
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You may need to get in touch with Dr. Rhino about getting a replacement disc.
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13 years
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3400 has arrived in Philly. It's 12:53AM in Philly I'll spin this one, one day during the week. happy One More Saturday Night.
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17 years 5 months
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....I sense it. Loping Dead. I like this show a lot. It grooves so elegantly. They are lit, gooey goodness. Billy needs a light Candace!!Definitely a different vibe than Hamilton. Amazeballs that a band can switch up the mood from show to show like they do. Dumbfounding at times.
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7 years 1 month
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Glad you are all getting yours.This years sub has been a righteous pain from get go, paid by pay pal, but never received a confirmation that my sub was registered. Many, many interventions from Marye, Doc Rhino and Daniel, some contradictory correspondence,finally assurance that my sub was active, was even able to check order status once, but now my order status comes up blank and no confirmation mail of sending, so once again Marye is on the job pestering Doc Rhino, I fear that even if this works out finally, it will be the same story next time round, and the next time and the..... I really am fedup with the constant snafus, site crashes when trying to order, waiting for the Anthem and next box news, if ordering next time is also a problem then Im giving up. Off the bus after 51 years?
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6 years 10 months
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did you hear that just now? That point in the instrumental jam where time stopped, and you witnessed Buddha (or whomever) conducting the flow of music in real time, and you tapping your feet in unison, completely in the moment, amazed at what you are hearing? How about the lyrics in that song which just took on a much deeper meaning for you, kind of an "ah hah!" moment," because of where you are and what you are going through in your life right now? That's the Grateful Dead, my friend ;) If you are here on this board (even just lurking), and know what I'm talking about, you are a member of the Brotherhood/Sisterhood. No further bona fides necessary... All are welcome...who have eyes to see, and ears to hear. Peace, all.
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The wife just got Sirius in her car as of yesterday, and she and I spent the whole day driving around this great state of ours visiting family, listening to Grateful Dead Radio, along with others stations. Anyways, I didn't catch the Jack Straw from last night's broadcast of 5/12/80, but I was thinking of that 2nd set He's Gone when I woke up this morning. That is a hell of a performance. Here's my Top 3, which are more or less set in stone... Truckin' Playin' He's Gone Nearly every other song is tied for 4th, depending on the situation/performance/day of the week. Peace
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8 years 4 months
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Not sure why I torture myself by attempting to track these thing until they hit my mailbox, just not a very patient person these days I suppose. Looks like my copy was within 20 mins of my address in Philly as of yesterday and has now apparently been sent back out to 2 hours away in Jersey City. I would love it if shipping were UPS the whole way.
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9 years 2 months
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Mine is sitting about 2 miles away at the post office.It being Sunday........ We’re gonna miracle you and make a special Sunday delivery.....
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9 years 1 month
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Did you ever receive a confirmation email for your subscription?If so that’s your receipt/proof of purchase. Other people have previously complained about issues with using Pay Pal.
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10 years 3 months
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Spot on-that's as good a description of getting turned on by The Dead that I have read. It can happen in the unlikeliest places, during the unlikeliest songs, too. But a few never seem to fail. As I am typing, I am listening to the jam between China Cat and I Know You Rider from Newcastle 11th April 1972. One of countless brilliant versions played between 1972-1974. These two songs and the interlocking jam encompass almost everything I love about the band. The whole of this first set in Newcastle is pretty good actually-Tennessee Jed a few songs ago, was superb. And this jam, towards the end of I know You Rider..amazing!
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10 years 3 months
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I don't know why its so much harder ordering cds from this site than it is from any other. I cant seem to order anything from my laptop at home. If I want anything, I have to walk into town, and use one of the computers in the library. Which is alright, but I am sure I would order more if it wasn't so difficult. Impulse buys are not an option for me-which may be a good thing. I would probably have ordered the 1989 box set one of these evenings if I could have done so from the comfort of my own home.
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12 years 6 months
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Wow I can’t believe how good this is. The sound is pristine, stellar. The playing is muscular, fierce and not sloppy in the least bit. It rocks hard yet they are able to effortlessly shift the dynamics down to lay it down easy when the tunes call for it. I love DP 34 and Dap12 but this seems a bit above those in overall consistency. Is it something about stepping it up a couple notches to end a particular run? I’m really not sure. They are just so damned dialed in. I did a double take when they went from Mexicali into Me and my Uncle as if someone just pushed a hyperspace button to transport them in a flash yet right on the beat. In November I had some really annoying ordering issues that I have never previously had. Was forced to use PayPal and it finally went through. Also read a bunch of postings groaning about another 77 release and I was almost convinced that perhaps Dave keeps going back to the well too often. But hearing is believing. So glad to have this.
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7 years 1 month
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No,never received the confirmation mail;that was the issue which started this whole palava, Danial said multiple times he would send one, never arrived, though at one point he said that our correspondence constituted a confirmation, and that my order was processing, I got an order number which allowed me just once to check order status, but as I said it just shows up blank these last weeks.Dave Rock noted that he has problems placing orders via laptop, I only use a pad, maybe thats the issue here. But in Marye we trust! Thanks for your concern!
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9 years 2 months
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I think it’s a browser/cookies issue most of the time. Not including times when the site is overwhelmed by everyone trying to order at the same time.I’ve experienced issues where I put something in the cart and go to checkout then it says that there is nothing in my cart. But, in the upper right corner the cart symbol shows a 1 in the cart and clicking on that then moves the process forward. I think that a lot of people have experienced that and got frustrated when it said there was nothing in their cart, without seeing the 1 in the small cart icon. So, always check the little cart icon. Also try other browsers, and allowing cookies. Hope that helps. Don’t have my DaP 25 yet but I know the show smokes because I had it on cassette years ago, then on CD-R. Looking forward to the Full Norman. For this rainy Sunday I’m doing some Pink Floyd from their Boxzilla: stereo remix of Pompeii, then remastered Obscurred By Clouds, now the ‘71 offering.
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9 years 2 months
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If you got an order number I would have to say that you deserve the subscription.But if your PayPal never got charged then you might have an uphill battle.
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7 years 1 month
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Oh yes the payment was taken immediately!
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9 years 2 months
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You absolutely are owed a subscription. Hopefully it gets straightened out this round so you don’t have any more issues during the next 3 rounds. As for Daverock’s ordering problem, he lives in the UK so his internet traffic runs on the wrong side of the internet. The computer he uses at the library has one of those Elon Musk internet inverters which gets things running on the correct side. ;)
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Im in Sweden, we changed sides in 1967! a week after I first heard about the Grateful Dead in an english pop music paper in connection with a review of Monterey and the SF sound.Sweden therefore showing immense foresight and thus avoiding the wrong side of the net, long before the net was a twinkle in somebodys eye. Spooky.
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7 years 10 months
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The primary issue when new releases go on sale is the sheer volume of traffic right away. Everyone knows the good stuff will sell out so they all try to get a buy on ASAP. I know I do. And their servers can't handle the traffic, this isn't amazon after all, just some crappy little server in a back room with some stoner monitoring it, munching chips and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. When the 2018 Dave's sub went on sale, I spent the usual first couple hours getting kicked out, frozen, re-starting etc. until finally a purchase appeared to go through via PayPal. PayPal logged the purchase but I never got a damn thing from dead.net or Warner/Atlantic. In a panic, I purchased a second subscription a day or two later for insurance, this time using my debit card. This one hit right away (initial web traffic having fallen off), and I got the confirmation quickly after. I finally sent dead.net a note asking if I had one or two purchases, days later I got confirmations for both. I only need one not being a re-seller, so they kindly canceled one and let the other stand. I was still kind of holding my breath until #8738 arrived Friday afternoon. Great listening; nearly perfect first set (I could do without, 'Passenger.')
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10 years 6 months
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Dave’s Picks Volume 25 snuck in late yesterday afternoon. The cover art links copperdomebodhi and others posted are good, but if you need a higher-res, color-corrected version, here’s an option. https://www.dropbox.com/s/5j3i9osr23jg5r6/Dave%27s%2025%20SQUARE%20FINA… Great color on this one, but color-matching was crazy thanks to Tim McDonagh’s closely analogous color palette. I made scans of both CD Cover and Booklet (each is cropped slightly differently) and combined the two so that all of the artwork's included. I then extended the top and bottom to “square” the image (some of us like square format for itunes, phones, etc.) Hope you enjoy. Please pass around as needed. Hope those order snafus get sorted out fast! Hang in there Tony.
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13 years 1 month
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anyone else wonder if their disc was skipping during this track? it sort of sounded like jerry was slurring his words. ----
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6 years 11 months
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Hey, P. Fox -- the Scarlet/Fire from this show routinely gets hammered as sub-par due to its flubs, particularly the fact that Jerry trips on the lyrics each time he opens his mouth during "Fire". Personally, it doesn't phase me (hard to find any show where a lyric or two didn't get forgotten or butchered). The overall vibe and Jerry's solos more than make up for it to my ears.
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13 years 1 month
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yeah. that's kind of what i thought as well. the music was tight. it was just the lyrics that were botched. ----
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14 years 11 months
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it has its moments, yes. fun, too. I just..."can't explain" ("can't explain"). no complaints, though. it just feels like they could have energized some parts of it even more, taken it farther...whatever. the Scarlet has always made me want to crawl out of my skin ("get on with it!") goodies: Half Step transition from Mexi > M&MU Duprees Passenger Dire Wolf Truckin', of course. tasty
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7 years 10 months
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I have had the chance to listen about 4 times all the way through so far. I like this show quite a bit. It has some great moments and is a very solid overall show. The first set was amazing. Really like the Mississippi to start things off. The second set is great as well. Some tasty treats in there. Overall, great pick Dave! Good start to the 2018 subscription.
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10 years 8 months
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I’m a little late but wanted to comment about a week ago in that there should be more clubs in school at expense of sports. While I think more math clubs would be good. ... I am finding my pre teen kids involvement in lots of sports to be teaching them very valuable life lessons about getting along with other kids, working with others, building confidence, etc. I originallySigned them up for sports cuz I love sports but the benefits they have obtained have been great ! Plus having worked in corporate America I see how valuable these inter personal skills. Just an opinion from a math geek ... I’m a cpa
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17 years 5 months
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....as to why the Scarlet->Fire was flubbed? High. As. Fuck. Simple. Newsflash. The Grateful Dead did a lot of drugs....it gets so quiet during the the transition, I thought they were playing in a library. Sounds good to me....
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12 years 2 months
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As are sports. As is music. That dude who was complaining about geeks somehow being maligned was way off base.
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6 years 10 months
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Sound quality on this release is fantastic! Perfectly mixed levels of all the instruments. Crazy good. I agree with others you can tell Mr. Garcia partook of a few party favors between sets and the Scarlet > Fire while flubbed is absolutely drippingly psychedelic and brilliant on a very sublime level. Jerry is tuned into his guitar this entire night. So many highlights mentioned already. I will add Minglewood is on fire(!) and the drum intro into NFA is long and tribal. Lots of fun banter these last few shows of 1977. Love this one. Thanks Dave keep them coming! I am feeling '73 or '89 for #27. We shall see...
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7 years 2 months
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Got mine in Denver on Friday. Listening through for the second time now. That first set doesn't blow me away on paper but its a scorcher. Love the Halfstep and Jack Straw to open the show and that transition from Mexicali to Me & My Uncle is a thing of beauty. Second set is awesome too, I dig the unique Scarlet/Fire and everything from St Stephen through to the end is top notch. GREAT SHOW!
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6 years 11 months
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Was anyone questioning why the lyrics were flubbed? I thought we were all just generally acknowledging how solid the Scarlet/Fire is in spite of the flubs. Though I may have missed a post in the scroll, speed-reader that I am. But thanks for the newsflash on the copious amounts of drugs. 'Cause, you know, I would never have guessed that to be the case.
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13 years 4 months
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This show is a lot of fun with a lot of very intense moments but it has quite a few sloppy moments as well. Really interesting to see how different this show is just from the night before. 11/5/77 is very solid, in my opinion, but doesn't quite reach the same peaks. I can deal with the slop though, especially when the energy level is through the roof, but the one moment that really makes me cringe is the end of TMNS...not the best way to end the set. Highlights for me are Mississippi Half-Step, Passenger, & Wharf Rat. Passenger isn't one that usually stands out for me but this is one of the more solid moments in the show. Also nice to hear the rare Dupree's Diamond Blues. Wharf Rat was just absolutely mind blowing and the St Stephen coda was really surprising.
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7 years 4 months
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I have to agree this show cranks, Playin>Wheel>Playing to end first set, simply incredible! The show is full of banter, some miscues, glitches, but played Raw and energetic, isn't that why We all loved these types of Shows! This show or 6-4-78 Next!
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9 years 10 months
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What was wrong with the music never stops? I thought the ending sounded great.
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6 years 10 months
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hello all,I opened my volume 25, put disc 1 in and Half step skips in a few places. There are no scratches or anything? It jumps 2-5 seconds a few times. This is the only song that has the problem. I also tried playing in two different players and get the same outcome. I contacted CS, but was wondering if anyone else is having a problem? John
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10 years 4 months
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I'm with you on this one Porterhouse. I hope this show was one of the recovered Bettys. We've been fortunate enough to get so many 1977 shows I feel that I don't need anymore at the moment except for this one. With any luck, this will be the next 1977 show to hit our mailbox. The Slipknot is absolutely Epic. My favorite. It's an all Jerry extravaganza. I don't know of any others where he is as loud has this one and where he goes on for as long as he does on this one. There's also a great funky Phil ending I'm sure you know toEyes of the World. The Terrapin Station is also a little different and good. It ranks very high on Heady Version.
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9 years 8 months
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2/26/77 is indeed amazing. I have to check the sound quality of my copy but I think it’s pretty good if I remember correctly. May need to revisit later this week after (presumably) listening to the new Dave’s Picks a few times. While we’re at it, can we get 3/18 as well? Also one of my favorites from that year. Thin and others have mentioned 10/29 from time to time and with good reason. That might be a candidate for show of the year. I guess my point is, despite the wealth of shows released from 1977, the well won’t be dry for quite some time which makes me incredibly happy to think about. EDIT: And while I'm daydreaming, can we have 9/29 and 10/2 too?
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13 years 4 months
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I'm talking about the end...where it gets sloppy. I don't know who missed the queue, but the drums just start going full force and they aren't matched up. If it doesn't bother you, rock on.
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12 years 8 months
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....never thought this show was a top 5 1977 show. BUT the first set is so damn good. The transition from MB>MAMU is just jaw dropping and FOTD is better than most. The Mississippi is just insane..............The 2nd set is good but not great...until that monster Truckin' drops. The sound quality is fantastic..as for 2-26-77....yes please. Hoping for a 74 box this year........but will be happy with whatever the fates give me. peace
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14 years 5 months
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Can somebody clear something up for me? The liner notes on DP 25 note that Healy has the recording “dialed in.” But the credits say the recording is by Betty. Which is it? Or is it both? If so, why isn’t Healy’s name on the credits. Am I missing something.Have yet to play, but I’ve been listening to the SB on archive.org for years. Hot show in the home town of McIntosh Labs.
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9 years 1 month
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The liner notes you seem to refer to say, "Healy had the joint completely dialed in". Presumably referring to the sound in the Arena. Betty did her own recordings, which she dialed in for tape, not the room.
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