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    July 1978: The Complete Recordings

    What's Inside:

    • Five Complete Shows on 12 discs
    • 7/1/78 Arrowhead Stadium: Kansas City, MO
    • 7/3/78 St. Paul Civic Center Arena: St. Paul, MN
    • 7/5/78 Omaha Civic Auditorium: Omaha, NE
    • 7/7/78 Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Morrison, CO
    • 7/8/78 Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Morrison, CO
    Mastered in HDCD by Jeffrey Norman
    Artwork by esteemed cartoonist Paul Pope
    Intro and show-by-show liner notes by Nicholas Meriwether
    Producer's Note by David Lemieux
    Individually Numbered, Limited Edition of 15,000
    Release Date: May 13, 2016

    Announcing July 1978: The Complete Recordings

    We’re pleased to announce JULY 1978: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS, five incredible unreleased shows and the first official release from the long-lost tapes, recently returned to the Grateful Dead’s vault. Follow the Dead on a sonic journey through a superb selection of settings, an often epic adventure that finds them winning over Willie and Waylon fans in Kansas City, conjuring charisma in Omaha, and elevating the Red Rocks beyond their already spiritual planes. With five distinct performances painting the masterpiece of 1978, Betty Cantor-Jackson's always-pristine soundboard recordings, and the "hall-of-fame pedigree" of the Dead's first-ever shows at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, this is one release that far exceeds excellence in music, sound quality, and rarity.

    Limited to 15,000 individually numbered copies, JULY 1978: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS includes Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO (7/1/78), St. Paul Civic Center, St. Paul, MN (7/3/78), Omaha Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE (7/5/78), and Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison CO (7/7/78 and 7/8/78) - all of the performances in this collection are drawn from the band’s master soundboard recordings, each newly mastered by Jeffrey Norman. The set also features original artwork by esteemed cartoonist Paul Pope (D.C. and Marvel comics) and in-depth liner notes written by Nick Meriwether (Grateful Dead Archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz), as well as a producer’s note from producer David Lemieux.

    Due May 13th, we anticipate that this extraordinary box will sell out. Your best bet is to pre-order it now, then sit back, relax, and enjoy all the exclusive content we'll be rolling out over the next few weeks right here.

    Looking for something a little more byte-sized? The collection will also be available for HD digital download in FLAC and ALAC, exclusively at dead.net, on release day.

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  • KeithFan2112
    Joined:
    @Thin (and anyone else who can bare the verbosity)
    What peaked in ’78 – now that’s a worthy discussion. Yeah, ’78 is interesting, isn’t it. The set lists are damn close to ’77, at least until you get to the Fall, with the Shakedown Street material. Well, I guess as a starting point, I’ll go with the songs in the set lists for this here July 1978: The Complete Recordings box set (I love the sound of it, drooling here just talking about it). At least the tracks that I think had some notable moments in 1978: Bertha – kinda sort of peaked, at least as far as post-hiatus performances go. I like it best in 1972, as I do most of those older tunes. Veneta is probably my favorite, and most of the E72 versions are in the same ballpark. Like a lot of songs, it kind of mellowed in the ’74 versions (or at least it sounds mellow in the recordings we now have of it). Post-hiatus though, I like the 1978 versions best, as Jerry started delivering a biting, aggressive solo, and the Wolf’s sharp mid-range tone makes this one a rocker again. So maybe it didn’t “peak” in ’78 per se, but it returned to the forefront as a rocker. The Spring ’77 versions are just ok to me – they seem to be tame compared to what they would become in ’78. DaP 12 (Alright Hamilton!) and DP 10 in late ’77 start to pick up the aggression again, and then DP 18 and DaP 15 (Sleeper of ’78) are hot, as far as official releases, and 1/30 is hot on the soundboards. From Egypt With Love has a decent Bertha. I’d be remiss in my post-hiatus Bertha coverage if I didn’t mention DP 20, which has Keith in “rolling thunder” mode on the piano – love it. Cassidy – this is one of my favorite Bobby tunes, and it seemed to get better every year they played it, culminating in my favorite performance from DaP 7, 4/24/78 (Return To Normal with the Grateful Dead). Other great April versions are 4/10 at the Fox and 4/16 in Huntington, WV. I also enjoy DP 25 and 30 Trips ’78. What makes 1978 great: smooth and tight every time; Jerry’s solos step up from “feeling around” to “command and control”; Keith’s piano accompaniment has largely migrated from rhythmic chords to improvisational melodies (particularly during the Fare Thee Be Well Now arrangement); the outro jam section after FTBWN is smoother, longer and faster, with Jerry leading the charge for several more bars than earlier versions; but here’s where it really kicks ass time and again - Bobby & Donna have mastered the song as a vocal duet by 1978, and their timing and harmony is precise – really just beautiful every time. There are some great ’77 versions as well, but I think ’78 is when they peaked and the song reached its fullest potential. Estimated Prophet – The Jerry solo that takes hold around 3:45 or so and only in 1978 goes on for a minute and forty seconds typically, I think as long as two minutes on one of the soundboards I have. I also like the back-to-basics electric piano sound Keith employs, and the Dick’s Picks 18 mix is my favorite. But the outro jam also goes on and on in ’78, and the song times in at the 12 – 15 range, where it was only ranging from 8 – 11 minutes in ’77. Longer = better in Dead Land. The Music Never Stopped – The jam at 3:45 or so also goes on for two minutes, not so unlike Estimated Prophet. And it’s a great arrangement that they began developing in late ’77, coming to a face melting climax on DaP 7 (Return to Normal with the Grateful Dead) and DP 18. Donna also perfected her delivery of this one to its utmost in 1978. Just listen to her deliver some of these lines like “There’s a band out on the highway” and “Greet the morning air with song” – it’s fantastic, and it got much better with each year. Similar to Cassidy, she and Bobby reach a synchronicity with the co-delivery of the vocals on this one that is better and better with each tour. And then there’s the ending jam to this one, which also reaches its peak in ’78. I enjoy a lot of ’77 versions too, but it’s ’78 where all of this Dead things come together. Franklin’s Tower – what?? WHAT??? Ok, I enjoy the Holy Trinity as much as the next Dead Head, and it’s a damn shame they don’t play it in 1978 – or is it? Take a listen to 4/10/78 out of Stella Blue or 1/30/78 out of Drums. 4/10 is nearly flawless and it goes places that no former version went; 1/30 has an audience patch for just about 30 seconds before the vocals, and there are some missed lines by Jerry, but the music is all balls. Those two clock in at 13:37 and 17:09, so you’re getting your money’s worth. They really rocked this song up a notch in ’78, and while I’ll be the first to admit, this song fell victim to the ’78 sloppies at times, but they really hit the ball out of the park on a few of these, and unfortunately, you wouldn’t know it unless you’re a soundboard collector, as there are no officially release 1978 versions of Franklin’s Tower….until we get our dirty filthy hands on the July 1978 Complete Recordings box set in two months. I have not listened to the Red Rocks version, but I’m praying it’s even better than the couple I mentioned. I admit, it’s a new love affair for me, Franklin’s Tower circa ’78, so it will be interesting to see if I change my mind after revisiting ’76 and ’77. I’m massively disappointed that the new Dave’s Picks shows from ’76 do not have a version, but Red Rocks may quench that fire, we’ll see. Deal – I prefer the one drummer versions, especially the 1972 renditions, so like Bertha, I think the real peak is ’72; but for post-hiatus, ’78 is where Donna goes off the hook, don’t you let that deEEAAL go down style ending. I like it. Terrapin Station – I’m not sure. There are some extended passages in the Closing of Winterland version that I really like, but I don’t have enough ’78 Terrapin yet. We’ll say “possibly peaked in ‘78” on this one, and revisit after the box release. The ’77 versions are almost all perfect, but there’s something about that Winterland 12/31/78 version that grabs me, and while it’s my favorite version, I’m not sure that it’s consistent across ’78, and therefore worthy of saying it peaked. The Other One - for post-hiatus versions, it peaked in ’78 for sure. One listen to Dick’s Picks 18 and From Egypt with Love ought to firm that up. Wharf Rat – again, ’72 is the year if I had to pick one year, but it definitely had a revival in ’78 that made ’78 the king of post-hiatus Wharf Rat. Some good ’77 versions, but I think the Wolf brings out those spacey opening chords like I need to hear them, and the outro jam is hot hot hot (especially 4/22/78, the Sleeper of ’78) The Wheel – need more ’78 versions! But nothing comes close to Dick’s Picks 18, and the Wolf is largely the reason once again. I admit, I’m banking it all on this one version, but it’s that much better: the dreamy magic carpet ride that Jerry and Keith take you on for the first minute before the chorus kicks in is sublime, face melting, Deadness. And this song is to Jerry and Donna what Cassidy is to Bobby and Donna by ’78 – a masterful duet. ’76 had those drum intros that completely change the mood, and not for the good, which is presumably why Jerry did away with it in lieu of the guitar intro. ’76 did have a couple of long running jams at the tail end (30 Trips ’76 & So Many Roads), and you don’t get that from Dick’s Picks 18, but it’s not really The Wheel at that point anyway, so no need to feel like you’re missing that if go with ’78 for the desert island – simply cut the ends off of those versions and call them Jam. DaP 1 and DP 29 are two great ’77 versions that come close to the 2/3/78 gold standard that is DP 18, but not quite there. If you’re not familiar, put it on loud and maybe turn up the treble. Who Are You – never sounded better than ’78, except maybe that blistering live version from MSG after 9/11. Townshend’s guitar was on 11 with some extra cowbell that night. But outside of that live performance, the studio version right on Who Are You is the only place you need to……wait a minute…..
  • Ken Goodman
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    A Strange Groupie Girl...
    ...with a psychedelic-painted face nonchalantly hooked her arm through mine...on a city street in Atlanta, GA in 1973. "Wanna see Zappa?" she asked. I knew Frank existed, but had never seen him live. "Sure," I said. "Here," she said, "swallow this." (Stupidly trustful?) I swallowed it...and followed her to the Fox Theater. She neither had nor showed a ticket. She eyed some guy at the door, who let us both in. On we walked...and walked...down the center aisle...and sat in the first row. Then Frank came out...with Napoleon Murphy Brock, George Duke and the rest. This was the greatest concert I ever saw. Frank was standing right in front of me...and he seemed 10 feet tall. The highlight was "Dog Breath," if you know the song, it starts out with 3 chords: hit hard four times...then five chords: pow pow pow pow pow! It was during those transcendent chords that I actually had the feeling of leaving my body...with no sense of panic. When the concert ended, the entire audience IMMEDIATELY stood up as one and demanded an encore that could not be denied...or forgotten!
  • Mr. Jack Straw
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    AOM runs
    Yes, to 3/21 and 3/22! We definitely got the 2 best shows as complete ones, as well as the rest of the jams on the bonus discs, but I bet if those shows were recovered today, it would have been box set treatment. I was recently fortunate enough to score the Rockin' The Rhein AOM Bonus Disc as well as New Year's Eve At Winterland. I can't get enough of the AOM one. It truly is a One Disc Wonder, perhaps the best example of one. What are some other ODWs? Of the top of my head, DP16 Disc 2 is a the one that gives AOM Bonus a run for it's money.
  • Mr. Jack Straw
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    AOM runs
    Yes, to 3/21 and 3/22! We definitely got the 2 best shows as complete ones, as well as the rest of the jams on the bonus discs, but I bet if those shows were recovered today, it would have been box set treatment. I was recently fortunate enough to score the Rockin' The Rhein AOM Bonus Disc as well as New Year's Eve At Winterland. I can't get enough of the AOM one. It truly is a One Disc Wonder, perhaps the best example of one. What are some other ODWs? Of the top of my head, DP16 Disc 2 is a the one that gives AOM Bonus a run for it's money.
  • Moses Quasar
    Joined:
    OK...
    Groovin to 3/22/72. this AOM run is freakin awesome! Should have been a box set somehow! 3/21 is a really good show also! The PITB absolutely smokes! Great all around! ;)
  • claney
    Joined:
    Arrowhead July 1 Context
    I teach history, and I'm from Kansas City originally - I've seen many a Chiefs game at Arrowhead. Thus, I feel compelled to add some historic context for the July 1 Arrowhead show. Enjoy. Video: The band Missouri playing "Hold Me" at Arrowhead 7/1/78. Some great crowd/stadium footage (good performance too): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3uHya-Mc8U Poster: http://www.postertrip.com/members/images/3566a.jpg From "The History of Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnics": Willie played concerts at the Austin Opry House on July 4 and 5, billing both shows as Picnics. He also played a July 2 show at Texxas Jam in Dallas and a July 1 show in Kansas City, Mo. The traditional Picnic was still cooling its heels when Willie suggested having one at the Opry House to manager Tim O'Connor, and it proved to be a welcome respite from the heat and lawsuits. A few days earlier in Dallas, 25,000 didn't quite pack the Cotton Bowl ... and Willie admitted it just wasn't the same: "It's too controlled," he told the Washington Post. "I liked it better when it was out in the pasture." The July 1 event in Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City was billed as a "Fourth of July Picnic," but is notable because the short lineup included the Grateful Dead. "We didn't have an outdoor location, and it was at a time when we had to kind of stay out of Texas. ... It was two nights and it was the coolest Picnic we ever had," said Tim O'Connor of the indoor mini-Picnics in a 1987 interview with the Statesman. http://stillisstillmoving.com/willienelson/the-history-of-willie-nelson…
  • Serpent of Dreams
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    Great American Bands
    As much as I've agreed with almost all of the bands listed so far, it is, in the end, a truly subjective exercise and primarily a function of personal taste. That said, I'd add the following American artists, who I don't recall seeing posted, as not only great, but important and influential (if overlooked in some cases). The Blasters Captain Beefheart Dispatch/State Radio Dylan Johnny Cash Galactic Hot Tuna Patti Smith Television Tom Waits Muddy Waters Chris Whitley Johnny Winter Wilco No doubt many others...to each his own.
  • Ridin that Train
    Joined:
    Huge Tool fan
    Thanks for mentioning Tool! I have loved them for a long time. A Perfect Circle, Maynard's side project band is also a favorite. I will always listen to the bands I loved when I was 19 years old. PJ Harvey Jane's Addiction Nine Inch Nails Ministry Depeche Mode The Smiths Joy Division All the Seattle Bands of the early 90's. Red Hot Chili Peppers 311 Metallica Just to name a few....
  • Kayak Guy
    Joined:
    Great story
    A classic show with a classic lineup of the Mothers. It's the 50the anniversary of Freak Out in June and I've been going back through his catalog since January. I find the early stuff difficult to listen to, but the Teen Rock Combo years in the late 70's right to the last tour in 1988 has some amazing live music in circuation.
  • direwulf
    Joined:
    American bands
    These lists have been great but it's disappointing I haven't seen T00L anywhere on these lists. With all the psychedelics, weird music and fun deadheads like to have it is always a surprise to find so few T00L fans in he dead scene. They even mention the band in a song of theirs, while it is rather tongue in cheek nonetheless it's there :) Seriously, start seeing them live and save some paper from Dead tour to take with you. Pleases and thank yous. Other notables not on a list yet and I'm sticking with rock (mostly) only too in an effort to be expedient. Kyuss Converge Heavy Blanket Voyag3r Dillinger escape plan Brian Jonestown Massacre Sleep The New Deal Nightmares on wax Morphine Das Muerte Faith No more Mr. Bungle Buckethead Nevermen
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July 1978: The Complete Recordings

What's Inside:

• Five Complete Shows on 12 discs
• 7/1/78 Arrowhead Stadium: Kansas City, MO
• 7/3/78 St. Paul Civic Center Arena: St. Paul, MN
• 7/5/78 Omaha Civic Auditorium: Omaha, NE
• 7/7/78 Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Morrison, CO
• 7/8/78 Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Morrison, CO
Mastered in HDCD by Jeffrey Norman
Artwork by esteemed cartoonist Paul Pope
Intro and show-by-show liner notes by Nicholas Meriwether
Producer's Note by David Lemieux
Individually Numbered, Limited Edition of 15,000
Release Date: May 13, 2016

Announcing July 1978: The Complete Recordings

We’re pleased to announce JULY 1978: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS, five incredible unreleased shows and the first official release from the long-lost tapes, recently returned to the Grateful Dead’s vault. Follow the Dead on a sonic journey through a superb selection of settings, an often epic adventure that finds them winning over Willie and Waylon fans in Kansas City, conjuring charisma in Omaha, and elevating the Red Rocks beyond their already spiritual planes. With five distinct performances painting the masterpiece of 1978, Betty Cantor-Jackson's always-pristine soundboard recordings, and the "hall-of-fame pedigree" of the Dead's first-ever shows at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, this is one release that far exceeds excellence in music, sound quality, and rarity.

Limited to 15,000 individually numbered copies, JULY 1978: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS includes Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO (7/1/78), St. Paul Civic Center, St. Paul, MN (7/3/78), Omaha Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE (7/5/78), and Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison CO (7/7/78 and 7/8/78) - all of the performances in this collection are drawn from the band’s master soundboard recordings, each newly mastered by Jeffrey Norman. The set also features original artwork by esteemed cartoonist Paul Pope (D.C. and Marvel comics) and in-depth liner notes written by Nick Meriwether (Grateful Dead Archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz), as well as a producer’s note from producer David Lemieux.

Due May 13th, we anticipate that this extraordinary box will sell out. Your best bet is to pre-order it now, then sit back, relax, and enjoy all the exclusive content we'll be rolling out over the next few weeks right here.

Looking for something a little more byte-sized? The collection will also be available for HD digital download in FLAC and ALAC, exclusively at dead.net, on release day.

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it is now toast. Or toasted spam. Or something.
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Wow!! Thanks for the update!! Wish him well and hope he has time for this stuff again soon!!
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Anti-dentite conspiracy theories aside, it's authoritatively rumoured that Slippery Rock is experiencing a rare and somewhat confusing aural-oral epidemic of unprecedented scope as deadheads grind their enamel to sand in anxious anticipation of the pending June '74 box coronation. https://www.ehealthscores.com/providers/izd-lllpqpllpt/DAVID-DURYEA.html There's little left to excite the imagination at this point, but the Everest of apexes in a 30-year history that reads like an active EKG is surely one. Q: How do you like yer Dead? A: Jai Alai like it jazzy, seastoned, and infested with electronic spiders!
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6/74 Box??? How cool!!! Our David might keep busy in the months of anticipation until its arrival!!
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I was in the early draw and received email notice of assigned tickets on 5/30. Hampton, Nashville, and Vegas comprise an intriguing triptik. Quite excited about Nashville, as I've never been; plus, I plan to couple that excursion with my initial visit to Memphis - from which I anticipate a long desired day trip to the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale/MS! Any recommendations regarding favoured eateries or must-see stuff anywhere along the way appreciated... V, hope your bid for tix went well today. Go Caps. #8
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Sadly, the Caps never performed with this degree of success when I was on loan to DC from New Haven during my law school internships. Still...my joy now exercises long-arm jurisdiction! Rather like the Summer & Fall '91 tours when Heads must have asked themselves, "Could this really be happening?". Of course, I was in first grade, so the question was a matter of rhetorical - and highly irrelevant - inquisition to my existence at the time. Go Caps. #8 I still miss The Eleven.
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Kate,While in Memphis I might suggest visiting Sun Studios, the Stax Museum and Civil Rights Museum...all exceptional. For dinner, catfish at Blues City Café on Beale Street and maybe a band at B.B. Kings across the street for desert. If you are going to Clarksdale for some Delta Blues you might want to look up the Shack Up Inn at the Hopson Plantation. Great blues themed accommodations, located just on the outskirts of Clarksdale. Maybe catch dinner and a band at the Ground Zero Blues Club. My wife and I did a similar trip back in 2006 and had an amazing time. Best wishes for exciting and safe travels. Charlie
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I've been eyeing this beautiful box for nearly a year, finally pulled the trigger before they all dried up. My summer listening party is expected to arrive this Friday...can't wait!
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Being that you are familiar with the last two shows, I recommend listening in chronological order.
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...Charlie & those who responded by IM. I've received offers of guided tours and even a poolside guesthouse. As with those of you I met a couple years ago hopscotching across the Midwest with DeadCo & Phish, the generosity and knowledge of our community never fail to amaze! A fruitful period of new music: in addition to the NorPac box, the link just went up on AmazonUS for the Szell Columbia set; Ned's Seastones' rerelease arrived, as did the Cream 67 Detroit broadcast; ordered the Casal/CATS followup, of which I'd heard nothing before stumbling across it here; ordered the entire CAKE catalogue after making initial - and pleasantly astounded - discovery last week; and have the Flaming Lips early release box pending. On a related note, I couldn't resist a ticket to kids-of-Cream (well, two-thirds) in Louisville come November...Baker & Bruce's sons; quite remarkable that each picked up the instruments of their legendary fathers and carved out sustained, respected careers.
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But the banner above says only 1000 left, just two days after this was posted. So I'm confused.
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http://spiritcats.com/seastones.html Spectacular sound in the now-complete canon of related compositions from the early-mid '70's courtesy this expanded reissue. Phenomenal! My favour tends toward the final handful of tracks that bespeak interstellar transmissions of an alien insect intelligence...the kind of sound that made the Seastones session of Jai Alai 6/23 such a perfect intermission companion piece to that spectacularly bizarre and utterly elite Dead show. http://relisten.net/grateful-dead/1974/6/23-7/seastones On order: Szell Complete Columbia (already said?) and the next edition of Bear's Sonic Journals - ABB Fillmore East '70.
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Though I don't Facebook, I glimpsed the following exchange on the OSF page over the blinder: Jon Chazen Is this the same one released on the dead label in the late 90s? Owsley Stanley Foundation Same shows. Better technology. Mastered from scratch. More material -- in fact, all of the material we could find from all three nights will be available in various formats. So, single disc order canceled in the hopes of a pending box set announcement. Terribly exciting stuff: more Duane!
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Finally ordered this last week and #13,900 just got delivered. Love the packaging!
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7/1/78 aniversary 40 years ago today. Short but sweet. Thanks Willie for inviting the Dead to your gig in KC.
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I finally pulled the trigger on this box, just over two years after it came out. I think I have the answer as to why it still hasn't sold out. Most of it is just not that great. Of course the 2nd Red Rocks show has been considered a "tentpole" show for many years, and there's something to be said for it. But, like 5/8/77, it was made available as a solo item. For many, that would be good enough. For the rest of us - those who are fanatical enough to at least consider a large box set of multiple shows - I think this box was a bit of an overreach. I know many of you will disagree, having already posted in the thread about the fantastic sound quality, wonderful performances, and uniqueness of the previously unheard shows from 7/1-7/5. I have to say that in my personal opinion, just because something hasn't been released, that doesn't make it release-worthy. Distant, poorly-recorded AUD tapes can be fun to listen to, especially when you can hear some great stuff in them; by contrast, Plangent-processed SBD recordings reveal every wrong note, painful lyrical flub, and off-key harmony vocal...of which, I'm sorry to say, these shows have plenty. Prior to listening to the first couple shows from this, I only allowed myself to listen to some early-80s Brent shows for a few days. I'm mostly a pre-hiatus guy (though I love some of the '77 recordings, too), and I figure that everything from '78 on is exponentially worse each year. But the material I played - from '81-'83 - was actually pretty good, in spite of Jerry's obvious vocal decline. When the box arrived, and I started playing these shows, I was surprised that they weren't better. In fact, they were about the same as - maybe not even as good as - those early 80s shows. Over the past couple days, I've taken a bit of a break from the box. I'm in the middle of the 7/5/78 show. I don't want to prejudice myself more by going back to '72, of course, so I've been checking out some shows on YouTube: 12/28/83 and 12/31/79. I find myself agreeing - for the first time EVER - with the tiny but vocal minority on the Dead.net message boards - that we should start getting more '80s releases. It's not that Brent was so great, or that Donna was so bad. It's that this box has made me reassess the tired 70s vs. 80s argument in favor of more early 80s releases. If this box is the best the Dead got in the post-77 era, well, they were not substantially worse in the 80s...at least on some nights. Now, I'm sure I'll feel better about my purchase as I get toward the end of the box and hear Red Rocks again for the first time in a few years. But for now, I'm finding myself wanting more variety from upcoming releases. And if that means a few more official Altheas and Esaus, well, bring 'em on!
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Mr Heartbreak, I have to take issue with you here. Lets not go to the 80s - the real inventiveness of the Dead is here in the 70s. 78 gets a bad press but the strength of this set is Jerry's vocal delivery. I've rarely heard him so energised. I admit that I skip over Rhythm Devils and I'm not keen on Phil's over funky bass at Arrowhead but The Music Never Stopped and Peggy-O have rarely been bettered. Its the never ending search for the ultimate rift from Jerry that makes this so rewarding. Its not about perfection, its about the search for perfection and the knowledge that it'll never ever be achievable. Even if you get there it won't be good enough. You'll still need to go over the edge to find out where the edge is. Listen again my friend.
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I couldn't disagree more. Jerry doesn't sound energized at all in this entire run. He sounds winded, like he's really struggling - maybe for the first time - with his vocals. Remember, he had laryngitis a few months earlier and had to actually lay out for an entire gig. In July it sounds like he's trying to make up for his struggles vocally by working harder. And the result is almost constant failure. The only really good Jerry vocals in this entire run are maybe a Stella Blue and a Peggy-O. Not exactly something I want to listen to multiple times. As I said in my post, I'm more a pre-hiatus guy, so I'm going back to my comfort zone by picking up a Europe '72 show: 4/26. Originally released in part as Hundred Year Hall, this show has all-timer versions of a bunch of tunes. Hard to believe that was just six short years before this sub-par '78 run. And yes, the Red Rocks shows have some high points, but this box set could be most charitably described as "ragged." Okay, I'm out.
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7 years 1 month
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But this box set disappointed me. And I'm as hardcore a 78 guy as there is. Similar to what Mr Heartbreak said, and I've heard others make similar observations (a couple of the guys who post regularly, and I don't remember who) In the 1978 July box set, I hear this compared to the exact same songs in the 1977 shows or even January - April 1978: * instrumentally, way more missed notes * harmony vocals, a lot of disharmony in the harmony vocals. people coming into the chorus unevenly, and out of harmony * instrumentally a lot more transition misses from one guy or another * lead vocals, a lot more uneven singing of the verses (by uneven, I mean singing ahead of or behind the melody) * the mix - the vocals do not blend in with the instrumentation as smoothly, instead, the vocals sound a lot louder than the instruments to me in many songs. Anyway, when you factor in a little bit of all of those things I commented about, it adds up to a lot of distractions when I listen to these shows. I had been looking forward to some hot Music Never Stopped and Terrapin Stations, since they developed some parts a little bit more in '78 but they didn't quite get there smoothly. If I had nothing to compare these shows to, I probably would thing they were outstanding, but compared to Jan - April '78 and '77, they're not quite as good to my humble ears. tombstone, I agree with your sentiment, but Limited Edition and ebay is what keeps this machine rolling. Rhino (as they should) is going with the business plan that makes them the most money. To have a never ending supply of over 300 releases is a one-way boat ride to a large ice berg of a business plan. these vault releases are not like major releases. only the hardcore want 22 shows from europe 72. only the hardcore would tolerate the 1974 wall of sound recording quality (or 80s cassette tape recording quality). we are an esoteric crowd. they need to feed us fast and move on to the next thing quickly. they need the money up front (subscription) and they reinvest it back into the machine. ebay? well, if I have to move 18,000 widgets every quarter, and 1000 customers want 10 each, so be it. this will allow me to have the front money to continue to produce for not just the 1000 buying 10 each, but the remaining 8000 buying 1 each. And to be fair, Rhino has been systematically increasing the production numbers each year or two. I truly believe Pinkus and Lemieux are as seasoned as Dead Heads come, and they want to keep the lights on as long as possible, so they're going with the plan that not only keeps them in business, but which is fair to everyone. subscriptions never sell out quickly, everyone has their opportunity to get one, and 99 bucks a year is not asking too much by any reasonable standard, since we're getting 13 discs (works out to .13 cents a disc). AND the merchandise appreciates over time. What other product does that? Not my f***ing car! Sorry I screwed up the math, it works out to 7.62 a disc. That's pretty good brother. or like vguy says 27 cents a day. give the guys a little love, they have figured out a golden cheap plan for us to revel in this addiction for the foreseeable future.
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13 years 4 months
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Guess I'm just bat shit crazy. My sweet spot is also 67-74, but I don't compare this to those years as it's a different beast altogether. I take it for what it is, and it's fresh, loaded with energy and fun. Once or twice a year I go to a few of the shows in this box, and rarely Red Rocks. I have already listened to those to death. Arrowhead and Omaha get hit a lot. So call me crazy.
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16 years 11 months
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Looks like 1111 left. Give or take.
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11 years 1 month
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This has probably been covered somewhere within the 76 page sof comments I don't have time to read, but how does this 7/8 differ from this one? https://www.amazon.com/Red-Rocks-Amphitheatre-Morrison-CO/dp/B01E1I9M9Q… All I saw was that the box set version was "remastered," but can anyone hear a difference? I ask because I'm thinking of buying a few of these a la carte and don't need a second copy of this show if the differences are negligible (or if there are difference at all)
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17 years 5 months
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I would doubt there is a difference in sound because 7/8 and the box set were released at the same time. Unless someone could inform otherwise as to sound differences, I'd recommend to just go for the entire box if you can. It's a good package and each show has something to offer. I find myself going back to it pretty often, with 7/3 and 7/5 getting slightly fewer spins.
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17 years
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The version of 7/8 in the box is exactly the same as the single show available for sale on Amazon and elsewhere. As they usually do for box sets lately, they simply selected one show to sell as an individual product for those not wanting to buy the whole box (just like they did with 3/29/90 and 5/8/77). It is exactly the same mastering and so forth, and usually the same disc packaging.
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9 years 5 months
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this is a more shelf friendly package and "better recordings" than the Pacific Northwest Box.if it wasn't for the cool sculptural and excellent design of the new PNW box, i would take this one if i had to chose. it is one of the more shelf friendly box sets (DVD sized) and the graphic novel theme fits well with the shows. while it still is a SBD with vocals, drums high in the mix, Jerry is there and the only real complaints is how well you can hear Bob's public slide practice. i don't know if it's true, but i heard Bob was given a slide, or slide lessons, by Lowell George when they started working on Shakedown St that they recorded right after this tour. anyway, if you don't have it yet, grab it because even though they don't advertise it, in the booklet it does state the Betty reels were Plangent processed, thanks for the info David Duryea.
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16 years 2 months

In reply to by wadeocu

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Hopefully this excellent will sell out before early July 2019.

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10 years 1 month

In reply to by Born Cross Eye…

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Yeah I’m late to the party here, but my order is finally in. I wish it was sooner buy hey, such is life.

As to some of those naysayer comments over the past few months, I always assumed Bobby’s ‘just exactly perfect’ was said with a degree of irony. I prefer believability over perfection. Are they making me feel what they feel? Is something monstrously new coming to life through the music? With a fire at play deep in the bestial belly? The details around the edges don’t contribute much to that domain.

One aspect that played into my decision, which I don’t think has been mentioned here, is the placement of the run between 70’s GD and 80’s GD. A lot of changes occurred in one year’s time and from what I can tell, this is a good testament for the directions soon to be ventured. The early Drums-Space incarnations in particular. And I figure a Normanized Betty Board for those isn't something to miss out on. While not quite the quality as the multi-trak recordings for Spring ’90, probably as good as you’ll get up until that time.

I think you’ll be happy with your purchase.
Toss the CDs in the player, crack open an M-43, kick back, and enjoy.

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17 years 5 months
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You're going to love this box. It is one to play loudly. To me, the sound is much more consistently better than the PacNor box. Plenty of low end and nuance, and the vocals don't ever drop out. Chime in with your thoughts when you get to listening.

P.S. Buses and bikes, dammit!

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10 years 1 month

In reply to by wilfredtjones

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These shows have a heck of a lot of charm. Each with plenty of inspired nuggets tucked away... waiting for a close listen... those “A Ha!” moments that cue a listener in as to why they were selected for release.

A few thoughts:

Packaging: High quality material. Absolutely splendid artwork. Really pops to life once you have it in hand (internet photos don’t do it justice). One nice touch is that when the top is off, the sleeves can be repositioned in a number of different ways for the illustrations to create collage-type triptychs. Not unlike panels found in graphic novels. Go figure! Size is also perfect for bookshelving.

Sound: Beefy, as I was expecting from having a copy of the July 8 Red Rock show back in the 90’s. A warmer, lower ended projection than the ‘77 boards, but still with all the crystalline clarity in the highs. One minor critique would be that Drums sounds a bit more distant than I was hoping, but which I assume is because they didn’t have as many mic placements back at that time. Probably a good approximation of what it sounded like live, though.

Playing: A transition period and I would actually recommend the box to 80s fans more so than those of 70s (?). I’m not sure this will make sense to anyone other than myself, but Jerry tucks his solos in-and-about the melodies more. Rather than those long reaching, gracefully soaring lines that extend the music beyond the framework, as he did in the 70's, he keeps it more rhythmic, abstracts it on the inward with a tighter, kinetic, even slightly manic, energy. A for better or worse style held to thereon out, and the band following in kind.

I will say though I found the first set of Omaha a bit rough. Band sounds out of sync at times, like watching your favorite basketball team fall over on itself. The spirit is there, just not the final execution to score the buckets. Perhaps it was from an overfill of beans and bratwurst at the July 4th picnic or improper chilling of the Heineken? Or maybe just my ears? Who knows. I'll give it another shot of course and see if I feel differently then. Could be because I gave a first listen while watching Michigan State University go through a February slump. (Don't we all?) But whatever it was, they got it taken care of over the break because the second set is back on track.

With all said, glad I picked this beauty up. Thanks GD! Thanks Betty! Thanks Dave! Thanks faithful! And go MSU!

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14 years
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Frankly, I'm surprised this box is still available. It is a go to for me frequently. I must also say, I love all the years.

Yes it is rough around the edges, but that is (as is the band) part of it's charm. Jerry is playing a more rockin guitar sound, with a rich, sweet tone, throughout this tour. Betty has worked her magic, I can hear all the instruments balanced well at least for two track. I especially enjoy hearing Kieth's playing.

I love the 1 set show at Willie's Arrowhead show...rockin and cowboy songs, and then a deep dive into psychedelia- awesome set.

I think I'm also into this box because of the two Red Rocks shows, because I love Red Rocks. I have many fond memories at Red Rocks seeing the Dead, but not at these shows. I do remember, though hearing from other friends, that those 78 Red Rocks shows were awesome, and that is what convinced me to travel from California to the 79 Red Rocks shows.

But that wouldn't matter if the music wasn't there, and this box delivers in spades, if you're looking for the more rock'in looser let's shake this place kinda band.

And if you're lookin for a great two track recording of this awesome band during their July five show tour.

Bottom line, if you didn't get this, get it while you can.

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5 years 9 months
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So I finally pulled the trigger on the July 78 box set! I was quick to jump on the PNW 73-74 box set,my favorite years are 73 & 77 but I have a special place in my heart for 76 & 78 because I’m always coming away surprised in a wonderful way; like someone said before I love the long extended jams but I love the tight rhythms and rounder beefier sound with 78 as well. Feel free to engage, im super stoked to finally be here among like minded fanatics, lol!

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7 years
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Hey Phil...justa heads up, most of us other fanatics/freaks are consistently on the most recent Dave’s Picks or most recent box set thread...currently Daves 30 until next week!

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7 years 6 months
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I picked this one up because it would be a mistake not too. A lot of the guys on this site told me it would be a great idea. Can't wait.

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7 years 6 months
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I purchased this box Oct. 26th and been waiting since. I jump around because Dap 32 comment site gets a little boring. I like to fish around the pond to see if there are some other type of fish to fry. Know what I'm saying. I have some money saved up so I'm buying things I need. Socks, underwear, boots, cigars, and box sets. This is my second box after that giants box gem. I love to buy stuff that has nice packaging and extras.

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7 years 11 months
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Purchased on 10/22/19 and waiting patiently. What happens if they don't fulfill orders chronologically and this set sells out before I get my copy?

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7 years 11 months
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Do I need another version of Supplication with this box set? Yes of course!! That's why I ordered it 7 weeks ago. But the birthday gift could still be a Holiday gift? I would send a PM but don't know how, so message sent through Customer Service. Can't see how a warehouse move would disrupt order fulfillment to this degree, especially now that Dead.net is making promises about Christmas delivery for new orders. I would just forget about the whole thing except that the stand alone Red Rocks 7/8/78 CD on my shelf keeps reminding me...mmmwwwwrrr. On the bright side, listening to DP Volume 8 again. Feedbacking solo on Loser just great.

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