• 1,815 replies
    heatherlew
    Default Avatar
    Joined:

    "The Grateful Dead picked up their instruments and hit the first note with perfection. They never missed a note for the next three and one-half hours. People followed the flow of the tunes. Down on the floor in front of the stage was a sea of heads keeping time with the music. No one sat still. No one, except the youngsters behind us sat still. They were still and stunned." - The Power County Press

    And what a stunner it was, that show at the Boise State University Pavilion in Boise, ID on September 2, 1983. Dave's Picks Volume 27 contains every stitch of music from this mid-80s show (our first in this series), one that's as good as any other in Grateful Dead history. When the Dead were on, they were ON! Straight out the gate with a definitive take on the old standard "Wang Dang Doodle," the band swiftly switches back to a setlist of yore, firing off 70s staples like "Jack Straw" and "Brown-Eyed Women" and wrapping things up with a terrific trio of "Big Railroad Blues"/"Looks Like Rain"/"Deal" (don't you let that epic guitar solo go down without you). Primed for the second set, they tackle the complexities of "Help>Slipknot!>Franklin's" with heart and ease. It's clear there will be no stopping their flow - Bobby and Brent hanging in for a fantastic pre-Drums "Jam" and Jerry and Bobby in the zone on a not-to-be-missed melodic "Space." Not a skipper in the whole lot!

    Dave's Picks Volume 27 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.

Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • KeithFan2112
    Joined:
    Dark Stars
    alvarhanso, very interesting you spoke highly of the DaP 19 Dark Star. I've never considered this one of the stronger ones, but I'm going to give it a re-listen right now, sans The Other One. I have a little bit of a mental block on 1970 dark stars. They seem to either be in a class of their own or sound exactly the same to me. I'm not saying that as a fact just an impression. You also spoke of the Rockin the Rhein bonus disc Dark Star. This one's in my top 10. I read about someone on the Steve Forum site not liking this one and could do nothing but a Scooby-Doo "whaaaat??" I hunted that bonus this down for years on eBay and then ended up putting on two of them in the same week thinking I wasn't going to win both auctions, but I did. Ended up trading the second one for the closing of winterland bonus disc and one other, I forget which. The February 2nd 1970 Dark Star is also one of my favorites, if not top 10 definitely top 15. This first 10 fill up very quickly. Jimbo thanks for the reminder on the 1019 Dark Star. I've been meaning to merge the Mind left body track that follows it with the actual Dark Star for some time now, but I always forget. I'm going to take care of that this morning. I figure, it do it on a few other dark stars, you know, include mind left body is part of the Dark Star. The real motivation is having the two pieces of music run contiguously on shuffle play. I'd like to start merging all of my China Riders as well. I'm on the fence about some of the other big ones. I merged all the dark stars with there medley tracks on Europe 72. I just keep them at the end of the tracklist in my digital music folder for each record. Definitely retirement activity, if that day ever comes.
  • JimInMD
    Joined:
    Re: Dark Star
    I don't have a favorite Dark Star. To complicate things.. I find my mood and willingness to invest in what is often at least a half hour song impacts what I think of it. This sucks a bit.. but without a little mood enhancing help, that's just the way it is. Plus, I'm pretty busy as are likely most of you. So I have learned not to judge or invest myself into the outcome... just let it be and when I am rewarded I try to simply enjoy the moment. This approach seems to work just fine. The last one I listened to? Happens to be 10/19/73. It's currently my favorite but tomorrow never knows. Imagine that.
  • alvarhanso
    Joined:
    Re: Dark Star
    I love Dave's 6 2/2/70 and 12/21/69, featuring two magnificent Dark Stars, each very different. Veneta 8/27/72 is just amazing, a 30 minute one that breezes by on a lysergic wave of energy before winding up in El Paso sung by a freaked out Weir. One that it reminds me of in an odd way is 11/11/73 Winterland, this one covers a lot of ground from a fantastic jazz excursion to some nice melodic weirdness towards the end of the nearly 36 minutes into a Mind Left Body Jam in double time. Dave's 13 also at Winterland 2/24/74 is another fantastic venture into the realm of Dark Star. My last listen to Dave's 19 1/23/70, I really enjoyed that one, too, but it did come out of That's It For the Other One, which adds extra oomph from the jump. And a show we probably all want to come out 2/18/71 with the infamous Dark Star> Wharf Rat (debut)> Beautiful Jam> Dark Star. One Normanized Star I want to hear is 3/24/72 from Rockin' the Rhein bonus disc. One Dark Star I avoid is Dave's 9 5/14/74, that one gets a little too dissonant for my tastes and does it for so long. Every time I try it again thinking I'll get over it I don't. But there's many other awesome Stars to focus on. For latter day versions, 3/29/90 of course and 4/1/91 Greensboro.
  • Thin
    Joined:
    Slow dog re 12/12/73
    Actually it's 12/12/73 and thank you - never heard that show. Crazy-fun soundcheck setlist, a late 2nd set China>Rider that smokes! And a happy birthday Dicky Betts (maybe he hung backstage but didn't play? I checked the 12/12/ date and it was not an ABB double-bill - or maybe they were just going for an easy cheer from the Atlanta audience). And yes some nice Keith in there! Thanks (to you AND Charlie Miller!).
  • Thin
    Joined:
    jaydoublu/McGrupp, DaP27 sound
    Thanks McGrupp for posting the link. As the article states, Rhino paid a lot of money for an exclusive 10-yr "licensing deal". The GD did not "sell the vault". Buying is different than leasing. Pretty nifty payday - the Dead got $30 mil and no longer has to hire staff, maintain a vault, and deal with the overhead, headaches, inventory, monthly business meetings... yet they retain "creative control". Smart. As for the DaP27 sound Q, Sounds a lot like the 10/15/83 Dick's Picks. Not horrible, but not great either - one of the better '80's recordings, which is kind of a backhanded compliment. Vocals are a little high in the mix since the guitars in the room also had amplifiers and didn't need to be as prominent out the PA. And yes the drums are as virile as a wet brown paper bag. However I'm relieved the drums don't seem to have quite as much kick-drum "Wap wap... wap wap...." as some of the '84/'85 recordings. But I'm glad that we get some '80s representation in the DaP series. Also, I don't mind aud patches. It suddenly transports you to a seat in the arena.
  • Vguy72
    Joined:
    Damn Dark Stars....
    ....they can fit in any musical category if you look at them right. Like the Boxilla '68 Greek one, which just cued up. Or the Miami '89 mindfuck thats on deck. Worth the ticket price alone. Everything else is icing.
  • JimInMD
    Joined:
    Re: 2/2/70
    It's been a while since I gave that one a spin, will have to change that. ..I've never met a Dark Star I didn't like.
  • philledawg
    Joined:
    DAVE'S PICKS 22 w/BONUS/LITHOGRAPHS
    BRAND NEW/SEALED/BONUS LISTED ON AMAZON @ WARNERMARKET............DAVE'S PICKS: VOLUME 22 SEALED w/Bonus...$29.95! HIT IT!
  • Hippychic
    Joined:
    2/2/70
    Like JiminMD says, the best Dark Star is whichever one happens to be the most recent one I listened to. I like this from 2/2/70 on Dave's Picks 6 a lot but its too short so I put it on again. I don't remember this ever getting much hoopla before. Is it really that great or am I just in a happy mood? When Dave's 27 arrives I feel like I want to start with disc 2.
  • deadtony
    Joined:
    Speaking of Dave's 17, Im
    Speaking of Dave's 17, Im surprised it doesn't get much love, just like vol.15, i think its a awesome show.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

8 years

"The Grateful Dead picked up their instruments and hit the first note with perfection. They never missed a note for the next three and one-half hours. People followed the flow of the tunes. Down on the floor in front of the stage was a sea of heads keeping time with the music. No one sat still. No one, except the youngsters behind us sat still. They were still and stunned." - The Power County Press

And what a stunner it was, that show at the Boise State University Pavilion in Boise, ID on September 2, 1983. Dave's Picks Volume 27 contains every stitch of music from this mid-80s show (our first in this series), one that's as good as any other in Grateful Dead history. When the Dead were on, they were ON! Straight out the gate with a definitive take on the old standard "Wang Dang Doodle," the band swiftly switches back to a setlist of yore, firing off 70s staples like "Jack Straw" and "Brown-Eyed Women" and wrapping things up with a terrific trio of "Big Railroad Blues"/"Looks Like Rain"/"Deal" (don't you let that epic guitar solo go down without you). Primed for the second set, they tackle the complexities of "Help>Slipknot!>Franklin's" with heart and ease. It's clear there will be no stopping their flow - Bobby and Brent hanging in for a fantastic pre-Drums "Jam" and Jerry and Bobby in the zone on a not-to-be-missed melodic "Space." Not a skipper in the whole lot!

Dave's Picks Volume 27 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.

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

Thanks Dave!
user picture

Member for

9 years 2 months
Permalink

Yes!
user picture

Member for

13 years 2 months
Permalink

Interesting choice & a nice change of pace.
user picture

Member for

15 years 2 months
Permalink

Dave's27 is only the third officially released 83 show. It includes one of the 27 (or so) 83-85 performances of Help/Slip, the first officially released.68-72 is my favorite period. I will happily add an infinite number of Dark Star performances to my Deadshelves. The glut of 71-74 releases HAS taught me that Billy alone at the drumkit IS better than Billy and Mickey working together. But this will be the FIRST time we hear Mickey's 80s percussion leadwork in Slip Normanized! Could be awwwwwwwwwwwwwwesOME! Yeah I want more Dark Stars and those epic 70s Playin's, but diversity is way overdue (IMO) and I want more of these "firsts"!
user picture

Member for

7 years 2 months
Permalink

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

12 years 11 months
Permalink

Well over due, nice show....bring on the early 1980s for the next 4-5 picks DL!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

7 years
Permalink

great tour. looking fwd to this one. love those Chicago Poplar Creeks!
user picture

Member for

13 years 4 months
Permalink

Well.. it was a nice streak, but it's over. I had successfully guessed all the shows from the Dave's Picks series from Dave's Picks 1, 5/25/77 through Dave's Picks 26, 11/14/71 by deciphering the quarterly Bolo riddles. I missed this one though.. and it was so obvious.
user picture

Member for

6 years 9 months
Permalink

Excited for those who were hoping we'd see an 80's release, but this won't get any play in Tripville. Anyone who doesn't nab an a la carte copy, PM me and I'll gladly pass along my subscriber copy (at cost). First message after it sells out is the one I'll go with.
user picture

Member for

7 years 9 months
Permalink

Being fairly new to the Dead I am not familiar with much 80's, really looking forward to it!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

14 years 8 months
Permalink

Well, I’ve been hoping for a long string of 80s-90s releases, but only because I generally find anything past 1975 to be unlistenable. Still, I’m a huge fan of the Santa Fe show just nine days later, (it’s one of only four 80s shows I’m actually able to listen to without regretting it) so I figured it’s best to get this one since the playing is on par, and the sound is probably better than the circulating boot. But Dave, please listen to these people and make the next five Pics from 80-95; my wallet needs a break.
user picture

Member for

10 years 9 months
Permalink

Not overwhelmed by the setlist, but that isn't always important. Hope the sound quality is up there. I would've liked an Althea or Touch or West LA Fadeway for a Pick of this era, but c'est la vie. Looking forward to another show for the collection.
user picture

Member for

9 years 7 months
Permalink

That was a clunker if ever there was one, only goes to show how much the energy and playing ebbed and flowed on the same tour, weeks apart. That and City Island was a horrible venue.
user picture

Member for

9 years 7 months
Permalink

That was a clunker if ever there was one, only goes to show how much the energy and playing ebbed and flowed on the same tour, weeks apart. That and City Island was a horrible venue.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

11 years 4 months
Permalink

I was going to come on here and post, "Thank God Dave picked a show from the 80s. Now maybe the tiny vocal minority that comes on and complains every single time a 70s show is released will stop complaining!" But of course, that's asking too much. The next 4-5 picks?? Come on, man. You know that's not going to happen. Did you watch the video? Did you listen to what Dave said? Did any of it register? It's really pretty simple: if you want to buy a release, buy it. If you don't, then don't. There's no need to come on the board after every single flipping release to whine, complain, make demands, or critique every Dead.net decision. It's so, so old and played out. It's been going on for years. Thanks, Dave. I'm not excited for an '83 release, but I am relieved that maybe, just maybe the Vol. 28 announcement will be met with a slightly smaller chorus of boos and rotten tomatoes.
user picture

Member for

13 years
Permalink

nice to see the '80s represented again. ----
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 3 months
Permalink

Thanks for this release, can't wait to hear it!!
user picture

Member for

13 years
Permalink

...listening party sounds great, looking forward to this release.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

14 years 8 months
Permalink

It’s funny that you say that, and to each their own, (after all, this is Deadsville) but the set list is the only reason my resolve crumbled and I bought this one. I just can’t resist a good sounding Help>Slip>Franklin from what may have been Jerry's last good year. That, Scarlet>Fire and Crazy Fingers are the only Dead thrills I can’t get from the No-Mickey years.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 3 months
Permalink

Not familiar with this show so I checked out the Listening Party. Sounds very good and I agree we needed something different. I can't wait to listen to this one and the cover art is outstanding again.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

14 years 11 months
Permalink

Hey Dave, nice Pick. Interesting how the sound sample on this page has an audience patch. They seem more common now -- I noticed a number of them on the 30Trips shows, amongst other releases. I'm assuming it's a result of getting deeper into the catalog. I also notice that you guys rarely acknowledge the patches in liner notes or credits. I think the tape geeks like me out there would love more info. Cheers
user picture

Member for

15 years 1 month
Permalink

Agreed, Fox!! Very psyched to get an ‘83 and one I haven’t heard even in part. A blessing from the Vault, thanks Dave L and company!!
user picture

Member for

15 years 4 months
Permalink

welcome this jam! hope the SQ crushes any doubts
user picture

Member for

15 years 1 month
Permalink

And 110 bumps to CeeDee’s comment. It really is just wrong to not give a shoutout to the Aud tapers in the fine print in the liners.
user picture

Member for

7 years 9 months
Permalink

With the PacNW box set coming out later this year, and with plenty of Dave's Picks material, I'm feeling pretty satisfied with the HQ material that I can listen to from '73-'74. '77 is well represented, too. We've had a '72 and '71 release in the last 3 picks before today. So even though I've never heard this show and even though '83 was probably the year that I collected the least back in my tape-trading days, I'm still really happy that we're going to get some early 80s love. Thanks, Dave!
user picture

Member for

11 years 9 months
Permalink

Oh well...Happy for the pre-drums...so so on the post drums, but that's just me....Ventura or Santa Fe me would've likey more but I do have good boards of those so... so when does 28 release??? ;)
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 6 months
Permalink

Just saw it's out of stock, not sure if I'm the first message though.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

When I saw the new Pick was from 1983 my 'disappointment reflex' kicked in, but that's not really fair to the year or the show or the band (or Dave!). Great rock & roll show and set-list, and the show is near enough to the show on September 6th at Red Rocks to know they were on a roll. The sound is much better than what's already in circulation too, so I'll have to give it a good listen when it arrives!
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

But i'm going to listen to it with an open mind.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 3 months
Permalink

Every Dead era has treasure. Very happy to see a mid-80s show being released.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

14 years
Permalink

I'm looking forward to this release!
user picture

Member for

11 years 2 months
Permalink

i got the tank top . love it , a guy i know from Albany is always raving about the "Dew" from SPAC June 1983 over the weekend Dead and Company performed in Boulder , the poster from those shows has a very similar look/feel to this classic image from Alton Kelley, that was my initial thought. And coincidentally the purple color tee takes me back to summer 2016 Dead and Company tour, each venue had a shirt with date , venue , city and SYF. When i saw those purple tees being sold at places like SPAC i was thinking this exact shirt from 1983 I am going to wear a shirt from 1983 later today in honor of this release
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 4 months
Permalink

I used to have a review of this show from a local newspaper taped to the wall of my office cubicle. Let's just say it was a stellar review. The reviewer had never heard the Dead before, so it's not much use for comparing this to other shows, but the show certainly made an impression. Until now, I'd forgotten about that review, and I've yet to listen to the show. The setlist looks pretty good. I'm among those who feel that the Dead peaked in the '70s, but there's still a lot to like about '80s and '90s Dead. My big complaint about these years is that, due to the basically fixed format, the shows became highly predictable. Before that, I used to completely lose track of time during a show. In the later years, I always knew pretty much exactly where I was as the show progressed.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

14 years
Permalink

Very happy with this choice...I love so much of 1983. I will take an Estimated->Eyes with some jets on it from this era any day. The listening samples sound GREAT for this show...nice and crisp with some audience feel. Thank you, Dave!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

6 years 6 months
Permalink

I was a fool to have been in Boise and to miss this show! Coming home early from a 3 week family camping vacay to go back to work on Monday, thinking I needed few days to decompress, wanting to get home before the weekend. . . . All the way back to town, driving with all the heads on tour rolling in for a Friday show, every rest area & gas fill-up begining to look more and more like Shakedown ("Help us with some gas bro, buy a grilled cheese?") really kicking myself for NOT scoring a ticket before vacation, especially the last 200 miles in...! My ex even said "go, find a miracle" & I remember muttering something about being on the road 3 weeks, bathing, laundry, staying home with her & the baby, & not having anyone else to go with that night at the last minute, deciding to be responsible instead of following the dream. Only the second time I ever passed on a ticket, the other having been for a brother in law funeral ("But, it's The Dead--he's dead--he won't miss me," didn't cut it with my family, so I ended up having to miracle the ticket) but this time--not even a good lame excuse. Thanks Dave--for the returning that miracle--about 25 years later, but FINALLY--the Boise show that got away!
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

As with most of the early 80s, there are some gems and some rough spots. '83 has some high energy moments... but also some sloppy playing and Jerry's voice sounded a bit nasally (and got worse in '84 and '85). Still, I saw 7 shows in '83 (2 in New Haven, 1 in Saratoga Springs, 2 in Hartford, and 2 in Worcester). I have some very fond memories of those shows (and one of them 10/14/83 already wound up on Dick's Picks). Fans who like how tight they were in '77 or how exploratory they were in '72-'74 may not like 1983... but those who like high energy rock 'n' roll Dead will find some high peaks to enjoy in this release. From '83 I would rather hear that monstrous second set of Saratoga 6/18/83... but perhaps there is no pristine SBD recording of that. Anyway... thanks, Dave for choosing an 80's release. I saw the bulk of my shows from 1980-1991 so I have some amazing memories tied to that era. How about a release of Greek Theater 5/21/82-5/23/82 (all 3 shows have some great moments)? How about Worcester Centrum and Augusta from fall of '84? How about Oakland 12/27/86 (4th show after Jerry's coma)? We have plenty of releases from '89/'90... but the early/mid-80s is worth looking at to find a few hidden gems!
user picture

Member for

12 years
Permalink

Did it really sell that fast? Or just saying that to put the scalper type off? I'll take a nice 83 show, thanks Dave. Not sure if the "official" release is much better than "soundboard" I have. Shame they didn't record the shows better in the 80's. But lord knows anything sounds better than MOST tapes I had back then. :-) In any event, again, thanks Dave.
user picture

Member for

9 years 6 months
Permalink

They almost sold out of pre-orders so i would assume much less then 500 left for the a la cart. That is why they are giving all a fare chance by saying we are posting at this time on this day.
user picture

Member for

12 years
Permalink

So do you accept blame or congrats for this release? :-)
user picture

Member for

9 years 11 months
Permalink

Wow, can't wait to listen! Don't have much of middle 80s concerts, so this one will fill a huge gap in my collection. Interesting setlist, by the way!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 6 months
Permalink

Was that you following me back then? I managed 38 shows that year.saw tje ones you mentioned to me Worcester 1st night was the climax of the 80's. Scarlet >Fire>Estimated >Eyes >Drumz> Other One. I still vividly remember that. Everyone was dripping. Unfortunately the Dick's Pick was an example the weakness of the record in the vault for the 80's . My friends's aud had more of a feel for the energy but he saturated the tape. Definitely looking forward to this release
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

7 years
Permalink

Of 36, Dick picked just one 81, one 82, one 83, and one 85. And for what it’s worth just a couple from 90s (one 90, one 91). Nassau 81 and Hartford 83 are easily among my favorites. As for Dave, so far of 27, there’s been just two (one from 80, one from 81) and now three with this one from 83. Happy to hear more are on the way, though I don’t expect it for 28. From the Roadtrips, of 17, there’s 3 from the 80s (80, 82, 88) and 2 from the 90s (90, 93). Otherwise, including boxes, dvds, etc, there’s been plenty of official releases from 89/90. Interestingly, I don’t know of anything from 84 (or 86, for what that’s worth) other than that monster Shakedown on So Many Roads- and that’s practically 85! 84 would be nice and I’d definitely get a kick out of more 91 and 93- some of my absolute favorites.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

14 years
Permalink

I know, I know, wrong release but figured a lot of people will be visiting here today. So.....shot in the dark but if anyone has an extra Dave's Picks Vol. 26 and wants to "gift" it to me (or privately discuss other arrangements) please get in touch. Thanks!
product sku
081227931599