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The unexpected return of the masters of the Grateful Dead's triumphant show at the Albuquerque Civic Auditorium, November 17, 1971, yields great rewards. The Dead came in HOT for their first New Mexico show. Aided by clarity and precision and abetted by confidence and focus, they finessed old standards with definitive takes. With Keith now blending in seamlessly on keys, the first set offered up a triple shot of electric Blues, an exceptional "You Win Again," and a stellar "One More Saturday Night" to wrap things up. And the second set, well, it might just be unlike any you've ever heard. Archivist David Lemieux urges you to turn it up and do it loudly. We won't dare spoil all the surprises, but pay special attention to the rippin' "Sugar Magnolia," the aggressively monstrous "The Other One," and the highly-danceable "Not Fade>GDTRFB>Not Fade." Rounding out the 3CDs, you'll find selections from Pigpen's return tour at Ann Arbor, MI, 12/14/71. Subscribers will get nearly all of the complete show as this year's bonus disc.
As always, Dave's Picks Volume 26 has been mastered to HDCD specs from the original analog tapes by Jeffrey Norman and is limited to 18,000 individually-numbered copies*.
*Limited to 2 per order. Very limited quantity available.
5/7/77
Given the anniversary, I needed to give it a shout out. This is probably my favorite of the 3 Magical Trifecta Shows.
We're lucky bastages to have had these shows fall into our collective laps for real; no less on the 40th anniversary last year.
Carry On.
Sixtus
Da Cup
Vguy, it’s always nice when some new/unknown upstart comes in and mixes it up a bit. Some of us are kinda sick of the same ol teams always in the playoffs. GO KNIGHTS! Kinda like Nashville last year, great fun until the league had to a, protect their marketing franchise, ahem....but I digress....
And hey, nothing helps ease the pain like Cup Fever ; )
12-9-81
Stoltzfus, in some way or another there all good, but this did seem like a bit of a head scratcher.....Just off top of my head I can think that 3-13, 5-17 and 9-16-81 might of been more appropriate....IMHO
Not a big fan of 22?, 12-6/7-71 either. Not bad, totally dig it, but did not move me “emotionally” or what not like 26 has.....I guess that’s a road map for all of em, they all sound fantastic, but sometimes I think Dave picks shows a little too “clean” or near perfect? So perhaps they are a tad laid back instead?
He often makes reference to “perfectly played” shows etc. 4-3-73 comes to mind, great show, but sorta tame, IMHO. Do dig that disc 3 Sunshine and jam....
Personally, I’ll take a powerful, pyschedelic assault with some worts over white bread, that’s what I like about 85 so much. Was it often sloppy, you bet, clams casino was often on the menu, but man did they often go for it, (and so did we at the time) and when they trully go for it they don’t always get there, but that’s what makes it exiting! Like HST would say “you don’t trully know where the edge is unless you go over it, and then it’s too late.”
Also liked a bunch of the tunes they broke out that year.....but hey, that’s what’s great about this, everyone gets a say, for good or for ill.....and reading what others really dig about a show that perhaps originally didn’t move us personally, can open us up to the golden nuggies that are available within every show.
Del & Company
I’ll have to check out Phil’s treatment when I can, sounds cool. Hell one of my favorite “Dead” things has always been what they do with others music, much like good Jazz...Speaking of Del and the gang, been so fortunate to see them a bunch, and even opened for them once so got to hang a bit. Not only incredible musicians, but truly nice people....and man, if you ever get a chance to see the boys play round the fire, after hours, phew. These folks truly play for love of game like say MJ or Bruce Smith.
Rose Colored speakers and M.A.S.H
True, nothing sounds better through "rose-colored speakers" than some caterwalling screaming during "Playing in the Band'. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan's favorite. If I'm frank, than AJS is Hot lips.
Of course, these millenials are proboblay wondering what this fuss about the M.A.S.H. business these elderly old farts refer too. Maybe we could step back a couple decades further slam each other with 'Lil Abner references next. Somebody quick, pass the Geritol. Fogey alert.
So I gave a less than glowing review of the first set. It's one man's opinion. I think it's awesome if other people are getting much enjoyment from it. I've only listened once, so perhaps I'll have some more positive input upon further listenings when I decide to give a more detailed song by song evaluation. It wouldn't be the first time that a show didn't immediately resonate with me, only to become a favorite later. I listened to 5/2/70 immediately before 11/17/71, so part of my first impression was influenced by listening to one of the all time best shows. I'm sure most here would agree that 5/2/70 is a few notches better than 11/17/71. Especially 1st set comparisons.
I still stick with the Ann Arbor portion being the superior show between the two. 12/14-15/71 may be among the very best of the entire year, next to Port Chester and FE from the spring. I'm sure there would be some agreeance there.
Also, I didn't say I hated DaP 26. Just that the first set isn't as solid as the second set. Why that would be blown out of proportion into becoming an issue by the usual trolls is beyond me. Haters will be haters.
Clean v dirty - Oroborous
I liked the comments you made about shows that were perfectly well played, with no mistakes, as opposed to those which featured more seat of the pants jamming. I also prefer it when they take chances. I much prefer a show that has some rough edges, but has moments of real inspiration, as opposed to ones that are smoother, with less ups and downs. The smooth ones sound professional, but the rougher ones are where the gold is.
Having said that, I don't listen to much from 1985. Maybe I should start.
Down and Dirty Baby!
daverock, first have to declare that I love 85 partly because it was a real fun time to tour.My personal variables age etc., and the scene and energy and lets face it some of the a, extra curricular variables were through the roof.
We were all (band and fans) often on the edge and so sometimes it could be amazing, and we’ll, sometimes it was pretty ugly...Hell there were times we weren’t sure Jer was going to make it, but there could be something about he/them being on that edge that often lent it self to the ol X factor...IMHO, it was sort of a peak before all the Touch craziness that almost recked the whole affair.
It’s like the whole thing hit a level I don’t recall when we first started going to those one off I90 shows at the small War memorials back in the 70s etc. Hell those days shows often would barely sell out. Yes people got down, but overall the scene was more laid back, which is not a bad thing, it’s just that 85 was nucking futz!
This is when Shakedown St. and camping and a whole “scene was building up” but one could argue it was like the Haight, where it was awesome, until it got too big and wasn’t....
Of course one could argue that we’re partially to blame for the scene getting too big and crazy, but it was a real gas until it got out of control....aaaa the hubris of youth. Used to think Weir was literal when he sang “too much of everything is just enough”, and maybe then he was, but now think maybe there was a wee bit of tounge in cheek perhaps.
I’m sure Bob probably wouldn’t say, because he has often not commented on song meaning since a great song has many meanings, especaily in different context. Why Dylan is such a monster!
But anyway, that Too Much vibe seemed prevalent throughout the whole scene....
I’m no t that informened comprehensively as far as tapes etc. but check out 4-7, 6-27, 6-28, 6-30 and 7-1-85 for some great shows...oh, everyone should sometime check out 7-13-85. One of best first sets ever, second set ok, nice little Cryptical, TOO etc thread....
Anyway, if you like raw and dirty definetlty at least check out some 85....
Clean vs dirty
Sorry, just have to say who else but us/the dead would be contemplating the music being too pure....Man we are so blessed. “Oh, that show was too tight” hee-hee. Such problems... ; )
Who’s Klinger?
Space, great comment, love that show...but who’s Kinger then, Fishman?
Clean vs. Dirty & 1985
I get that too.. I was happy to see a couple raunchy barn burners on 30 trips - 10/12/84 and 9/18/87 come to mind.
I have always been big on 85 for a few reasons. They really mixed up the song selection and setlists. There were a lot of break-outs and new songs added to the mix, I think there was a bit more consistency than 83 and 84. Finally.. the tapes, to me, sound just a little better. 84 (and 83) seemed to be a bit muddier.. not sure why.
It was an interesting time in GD History.. perhaps it was as simple as they tried to put something fun and interesting together for the 20th anniversary.
As for some of the other stuff.. hopefully we can move forward. ...if you get confused, listen to the music play.
77 vs 87
Heres a thought. Has anyone ever considered that in some ways 77 and 87 can be seen as somewhat comparable...Musically speaking, the scene not so much although both were peaks in popularity and brought loads of new fish onboard.
But both keep things pretty focused and extremely tight. Not much psychedelic noodling if you will....
Something different to bat around here....
March - 1987
...the month of March 1987, imho, is primo. I love it! ;)
So, about this box set....
....(drumming fingers on the desk). BTW, the Dead didn't exactly shoot top shelf when it came to vocals. Unless you include the Attics from Amercian Beauty. That was a watershed moment.
Smooth and Professional Grateful Dead?
Oxymoronic.
Can someone point out some GD concerts that were too smooth and professional? I'd like to hear that.
Only one I can think of that even comes close is One From The Vault 8/13/75. And that's understandable as it was basically a private "screening" of Blues For Allah.
why 12/9/81
There were some really good shows in '81 (including 12/9/81, imo). I believe this show was chosen because it is one of the only '81 multi-tracks. (That's my recollection anyway???).
I think the DaP20 Boulder '81 release is a pretty good recording of a really good show. For the early '80's, that's about all you can ask for. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Smooth
Don’t mean 100%Just a matter of degrees.
Like 69 has amazing energy and music, but it’s tough to find a whole show that’s tight.
Guitars are constantly out of tune, vocals can be bad, some had not mastered their ax yet, but compared to say 72 where they had stepped it up in the “professional” sense, or like 4-3-73 say, comparatively, it’s a closer to perfect show.
Obviously there is no such thing as a perfect dead show. Just by the vary nature of who they were and what they were going for. Hell who would want such a thing.
Jerry's Voice
You have a point on 83-really 86 vocals. Shows with a rested voice are few and far between during that period. But the recordings seem to have improved and vocals in some are better than others.
I see Oroboros' point too. I still get in the mood for mid 80's from time to time. A good show from this period can cure an itch or suit a mood.
1985 ~ Hell In A Bucket_Sugaree
7.5.81 sizzle crisp
3.14.82 sizzle crisp
6.24.83 sizzle crisp
4.29.84 sizzle crisp
11.22.85 sizzle crisp
Rhino send out the 1981 and 1984 recordings if ya got em
Right On Jim...
Listening to 6-28-76 as I type. Thanks for the reminder(s).:o)
83 to 85
I also have a hard time listening to Jerry's voice in those years. Unfortunately it's more the rule than the exception, but I agree with Jim, there are sometimes when that era of music hits the spot, if you do catch Jerry on one of his good nites. I like the early Hell in a buckets. Oborious, i don't think Cousins was looking for something to complain about, only making an observation which I think a lot of people also feel the same way about. Cousins always makes good Fair comments.
Ann Arbor Casey Jones
The Ann Arbor Casey Jones gives me goosebumps, and I'm not even a huge fan of '71 Dead. Just played it four consecutive times. These two shows have disrupted my fairly established '77-'78 weltanschauung.... in a good way.
Spacebrother just sucks
Stop hating on Donna. You're such a hypocrite. You call other people haters and then criticize Donna constantly. Go take your negative vibe somewhere else loser.
Happy Cornell!
It’s been a year since dead.net broke the Internet with the GSTL box set. The secondary market did not go crazy with this release. It was not a Fillmore deal. I reckon you can get one for about 180 smackeroos on ebay these days. I also reckon the original May ’77 box goes for 2 to three times that amount. Kinda like the first 90 box is…shit, good luck finding either. Listening to the previous night 5/7 right now (as it’s 5/7 right now) and the mystique and hoopla surrounding Cornell and this release is not lost on me. I’m deadicating some serious headphone listening and will likely do the same for 5/8, and 5/9. Oh man this is some ooey gooey stuff! It's quite the goto for me. As the much-anticipated veil of Cornell was lifted these other gems came along for the ride. I always heard the arguments that the surrounding shows of Cornell were “better.” I used to not think so until the GTSL release. And it’s not like I didn’t have copies of the other shows. I had copies. I think this entire suite of shows is one gigantic incredible cosmic gift from the gods. Can’t distinguish between them as far as any comparison ranking. Just enjoying the ride. Still got Da26 shrink-wrapped waiting on a sound upgrade. It will be the first to spin. Don’t wanna waste a virgin listen on the old set up.
Good listening all. Cheers!
A Nod To Wigan
A nod to 5/7 Wigan as well. The more I listen to this show, the more I like it.
I can't keep up with all these show birthdays.. hell.. it took me 40 years to remember my moms. In a few years I will probably forget my own.
Chief Wigan rocks.
The Day I Tried To Live
"I stole a thousand beggars change, and gave it to the rich..."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbckIuT_YDc
One more time around.
\m/
Dammit Jim
It's almost as if you can see right into my soul through the computer monitor ;)
Yes, many a night I am up until the wee hours of the morning, drinking my wine and listening to music, and hopefully my drunken submissions of music suggestions have found their way to the right person from time to time...
Dead World problems....
....that E72 and Spring '77 should mesh together. Choices, choices. Dammit!!!
So, the other night...
when the topic of country music came up via Vguy, I got to thinking about my favorite country album (keep in mind I'm no country music aficionado) "Wanted! The Outlaws," which is an anthology from various artists.
Naturally, I started listening to it, and after listening to "T for Texas (Blue Yodel No. 1)," a tune originally from Jimmie Rodgers, which contains the lyrics "I'm goin' where the water
drinks like cherry wine..."
I started thinking (and drinking, even more), man, there are so many songs with this reference of water tasting like wine, or tasting like cherry wine, etc., where did this theme come from originally?
So many songs and artists make similar references, the Grateful Dead, Steely Dan, Buddy Guy, Van Morrison, Canned Heat, the list goes on and on...
So, where does this theme come from originally? I don't know (maybe someone else here can answer that question), but in my search I came across this strange thing, which kind of tripped me out:
http://www.wherethewatertasteslikewine.com/
Apparently, it's a computer game which takes one on a trip across America, exploring the myths, legends, and stories which make up the Americana ethos.
How much you want to bet there is some GOGD reference in there somewhere? Just thought it was interesting, and I just might take that trip...
Speaking of origins...
The "Playing In The Band" on this release contains an embryonic "Playing jam" of sorts, in other words, it is not just the standard "song" itself, but also has a few moments of the type of exploratory jam we associate with the later PITBs.
It's interesting to hear an example of such an early PITB jam, fleeting as it may be.
I think I've asked the question here before: what was the first example of the Playing jam? Not sure if I ever got a good answer to that (don't think so), but I think I have stumbled across it recently, synchronicitously (I just made that word up).
Look no further than 9/30/71, studio rehearsal with the newest band member Keith...and the very first PITB jam, as far as I can tell:
https://archive.org/details/gd71-09-30.sbd.cousinit.18109.sbeok.shnf
Miracles....
.... don't forget. Not only did Jesus turn water into wine, but it was better than the wine already being served at the celebration. Smooth.
Yes, Bolo
I am aware of the biblical roots of the theme, but...
My question is, where in Blues, Folk, etc., is the first reference to such?
It is an interesting question, in my mind at least.
BTW, did I ever mention the time when I was just 16, and copping hash in Nazareth...:)
Oh yeah, lest you think I'm just BS'ing, I distinctly remember the bus going up the mountain, with all the switchbacks, looking out the bus window and thinking at the time, how the fk are we not toppling down the mountain like all the other car wrecks I can see along the road, dangerous turns!
PS - Neither Jesus, nor Moses, didn't materialize to tell me not to smoke! Just saying ;)
No problem, though
Sorry to have interrupted the status quo.
Back to your regularly scheduled programming...
March - 1987
A great run in 1987...Henry J Kaiser convention center, March 1,2 & 3rd
Hampton coliseum.- march 22,23 &24th
Hartford civic center - March 26 & 27th
The Spectrum - march 29,30 & 31st
:)
Smooth and professional-mhammond
I was thinking of May 1977 shows when I made that comment. And the fact that I had been listening to the Shrine 1967 show, Fillmore West 1969 and the Binghamton and Fillmore East 1970 shows immediately prior to dropping in on May 1977. 1967-1970 sounds a lot rougher round the edges than the May 77 shows-11th and 12th are the ones I played. I like them- the Uncle Johns on the 11th with Jerry's solo at the end are top draw-but the shows generally seem a bit gentler somehow than the earlier ones. Bob used to joke on stage in 1977 about getting things just exactly perfect..
Maybe the medium should also be taken into account-some of the 67-70 shows I listened to were on vinyl whereas the 77 shows I have got are all on cd.
That also applies to seeing them live. It can't help affect your perceptions of the music if you actually went on tour with them. To me,1985 is purely represented on disc. I never saw them in 1985. In fact, there was so little information about them in England round about that time, that I assumed they must have split up!
5/9/77
Does anybody else notice the massive amount of low-end / bass on this Buffalo box set recording? It makes me wonder if Jeff Norman also did some bass enhancement on this show. I can't turn the equalizer down low enough to make it bearable on my car stereo system.
I'm going to have to go ahead and
"merge" the Dark Star track with the Mind Left Body track on Dick's Picks 19. I'm kind of feeling like this should have been done at the outset. The Dark Star from Dick's Picks 36 contains mind left body, and I think there may be a couple of other Dark Stars that contain it as well (10/25/73 is ringing a bell). so should this one. That will be tonight's project. May the never be separated again.
first "Water into Wine" reference, first Playin jams...
The Bible was written 1500+ years ago, so I'd say the first musical "water into wine" reference is likely about that old, but the bootleg is probably a bit hissy....
First Playin' jams were in '69, then just called "The Main Ten jam" before Bob had fully written the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP6jAWEqRhU
Re/ the Bible
...the number one best seller book in the world, The Bible. the second being ‘The Joy of Sex / Karma Sutra :)
Ha ha lol
....Make love not war!
Have a grateful day everyone :)
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