Anthem Of The Sun (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) CD

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January 11, 2018 - 1:18pm

232 replies

heatherlew

Joined:
October 12, 2016

“This is one of the most thrilling albums the Grateful Dead ever produced, mixing portions of live recordings from the first six months of Mickey's tenure with the band, along with studio experimentations that would hint at where the Dead would go when they started recording to 16-track tape the following year. The 1971 remix, produced in order to make the album more accessible to the newer fans who were brought on board with WORKINGMAN'S DEAD and AMERICAN BEAUTY, has been the most commonly heard version for the past 45+ years. However, having this side-by-side with the original 1968 mix demonstrates countless differences, with the original mix being more primal, psychedelic, and experimental. Add to this the first extant live recording featuring Mickey as a member of the Grateful Dead, and you have a very special release in every way.” - David Lemieux

We're continuing our 50th anniversary reissue series with ANTHEM OF THE SUN: 50th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION, due July 13th. Released 50 years after its anniversary date, this two-disc deluxe version features a double dose of the original album - one fully remastered from the original 1968 mix and the other remastered from the more well-known 1971 mix - as well as a bonus disc of a previously unreleased complete live show recorded on October 22, 1967 at Winterland in San Francisco, CA. Newly remastered by Jeffrey Norman, this is the first known recording of the Grateful Dead with Mickey Hart, who joined the band in September 1967. The first run will come with a special lenticular of the cover.

Looking for something more byte-sized? For the first time ever, you can pre-order the high-def digital download of ANTHEM on Dead.net.

Do not stop on tracks, grab a copy while you can!

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July 18, 2018 - 7:43am

#51

stoltzfus

Joined:
January 13, 2010

never thought I'd say this, but...

i also wish Lovelight didn't fade out but I will smilingly take what we get from 10/22/67
July 18, 2018 - 6:56am

#52

Strider 808808

Joined:
June 20, 2007

50

Cutting edge fifty years ago. Anthem of the Sun still has legs. The first Dead album I listened to. My late brother Rick turned me on to the Dead by way of this album in early fall 1968.
July 17, 2018 - 2:35pm

#53

gcrueger

Joined:
June 4, 2007

Eye Opening

I have 'em all. But what a joy to be able to revisit the early studio stuff with a more mature perspective. Alligator pretty much foreshadows the Drums/Rhythm Devils portion of each live show to come for the next 50 years. (And counting! Just saw the ATL show.) But the live disc (10/22/67 Winterland) is the bomb. The Morning Dew opener surpasses the Morning Dew closer from Two From The Vault (08/23-24/68) by being less jarring and more Phil-centric.
July 17, 2018 - 10:38am

#54

zally

Joined:
November 27, 2016

oxo bounus disc

hi diw ,do you have the set list for 9/2/68 and 10/68? would like to know what they might be.in the tape archive im sure there are many shows that would be deemed as proper companion to oxo.
July 17, 2018 - 4:57am

#55

diw

Joined:
November 10, 2012

Aoxomoxoa

I am thinking that 9/2/68 would be the most logical live disc to include with the next release in this series. Or maybe Avalon 10/68? Depends on which master reel is in the best shape.
July 16, 2018 - 10:30am

#56

Altbillermann

Joined:
March 22, 2017

Still Great

I like the 68 version better as well.Very Psychedelic! A Masterpiece of,,,
July 15, 2018 - 7:57am

#57

hendrixfreak

Joined:
February 26, 2014

Great show

Listened last night to the 10-22-67 show with my buddy Steve-o at his cabin in the foothills northwest of Denver and it slayed us. The band is becoming a very capable unit and every song and its execution is so real, kinda raw but kinda sophisticated, especially the Anthem material. The sound quality varies subtly, sometimes vocals a wee bit distant, sometimes Pigpen is right there in the room. Great jamming. Pigpen's organ is all over the show and he and Garcia often lock in with each other; it's the most involved and musically adept organ playing by Pig I've heard. The bass is a bit boomy and imprecise (sound-wise), but not a detriment to the show and feel. Worth the price of the pkg, and why I bought it. A great show I'll revisit.
July 15, 2018 - 12:02am

#58

Seth Hollander

Joined:
August 27, 2009

Chad's question

Just heard the Lovelight gallop into a fade-out.So still incomplete. And still very fine listening!
July 14, 2018 - 6:56pm

#59

stoltzfus

Joined:
January 13, 2010

magnificent release!!!

thank you x1000
July 14, 2018 - 10:54am

#60

stone jack baller

Joined:
June 8, 2007

Help The Chad

So back to the earlier question from Chad: "I am interested in comparing the 2 versions of AOTS, but am even more excited about the 10/22/67 release as the great sounding Charlie Miller treated recordings on archive have the Lovelight cut.... THE REAL QUESTION IS: DOES THE DEAD HAVE THE ORIGINAL MASTERS OF THIS SHOW IN THE VAULT?, AND IF SO .... DO THEY HAVE THE ENTIRE LOVELIGHT?" Is there help on the way for The Chad?

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

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“This is one of the most thrilling albums the Grateful Dead ever produced, mixing portions of live recordings from the first six months of Mickey's tenure with the band, along with studio experimentations that would hint at where the Dead would go when they started recording to 16-track tape the following year. The 1971 remix, produced in order to make the album more accessible to the newer fans who were brought on board with WORKINGMAN'S DEAD and AMERICAN BEAUTY, has been the most commonly heard version for the past 45+ years. However, having this side-by-side with the original 1968 mix demonstrates countless differences, with the original mix being more primal, psychedelic, and experimental. Add to this the first extant live recording featuring Mickey as a member of the Grateful Dead, and you have a very special release in every way.” - David Lemieux

We're continuing our 50th anniversary reissue series with ANTHEM OF THE SUN: 50th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION, due July 13th. Released 50 years after its anniversary date, this two-disc deluxe version features a double dose of the original album - one fully remastered from the original 1968 mix and the other remastered from the more well-known 1971 mix - as well as a bonus disc of a previously unreleased complete live show recorded on October 22, 1967 at Winterland in San Francisco, CA. Newly remastered by Jeffrey Norman, this is the first known recording of the Grateful Dead with Mickey Hart, who joined the band in September 1967. The first run will come with a special lenticular of the cover.

Looking for something more byte-sized? For the first time ever, you can pre-order the high-def digital download of ANTHEM on Dead.net.

Do not stop on tracks, grab a copy while you can!

Left Right Middle ?

Under both discs theres a picture of hand written studio notations including instruments or channels as well as numbers and L,R,M. Can anyone shine some light into whose notes they are and what these notations mean?? Love the '68 mix, greatest Quadlibet ever. That name still kills me!!! Wheres Kayak??

Out of Stock

I just tried to order this -- as I have always loved Anthem. And it's out of stock! Does anyone know if it will be restocked? This is not a limited release, is it? Because I really would like to have it. So I ordered the tee shirt, instead. Funny how it costs more than the music. But at least I'll look really cool in purple. Edit: After reading Boblopes affirmation that Amazon is shipping with the lenticular cover, i just ordered mine because I simply cannot wait. I am sometimes hesitant to order from them because i did not get what i bargained for with the Sunshine Daydream release, but this sounds legit. I can't wait to see it with the headphones on. I'm totally stoked.

Amazon

I ordered it form Amazon to save the $7 and shipping. You will not be disappointed. Lenticular cover is awesome! Rock on

Affirmative

Lenticular cover from Amazon.

Yes!

My copy arrived here in Holland today. I have to agree that the cover is awesome. I was already well aware of what lenticular pictures are but this cover exceeds all my expectations. Now to crank up the hi-fi!

Speaking of Quadlibet...

...is not the correct term in the musical context Quodlibet? Misprint? Always wondered about that since I read about the musical form of Quodlibet. My guess is the title or concept came from Phil and/or TC.

First up...

was the Winterland live disc. The first song was all over the place, particularly the mix, but after that it was just amazing. I still consider the "Magnificent Seven" lineup from this period to be their best and most musically adventurous, certainly when it came to live performances, but then I'm a sucker for that primal Dead sound.

Bonus disc

I can accept sound quality that’s not quite exactly perfect. Just glad to have a recording from 1967.

So ....

the HD Flac download is more than the hard copy 2 CD set, because.....?

Gorgeous!

Gorgeous ! The front of the case celebrating the 50th anniversary of the release of Anthem Of The Sun is covered with lenticular film. The illusion of relief is striking, giving the image five different levels of depth. The cover represents a kind of mandala: inside a circle of fire, masks - the faces of the musicians (except Tom Constanten, who was not part of the group when the image was designed) - appear at the end articulated arms that meet at the center of the circle. This drawing (a true work of art that fascinated me already when I was not yet 20 years old) is perfect for a relief image. And the process reinforces the impression of mystery or magic that emerges from this cover. In one of the last dreams of the past night, I saw a package trailing in front of the keeper's lodge and noticed with emotion that the package had an image of the Grateful Dead - which woke me up. During breakfast, I flipped through a magazine devoted to French May-68. Then, on his return from shopping, my husband brought me this package that was waiting for me in the mailbox. Anthem was made in 1968. This is a double CD. The first contains two versions of Anthem Of The Sun: first the original mix (from 1968) then the remix (1971, wiser, and without the presence of Tom Constanten). The second one gratifies us of the concert given on October 22, 1967 to the Winterland of San Francisco, a very short concert (about 55 minutes) of which I have the most titles for ten years. The first time I bought Anthem, I had to be 18 or 19; it had to be remixing. When I bought Anthem in 2001, I got the first mix; since, it is this one that I listen to. I can not wait to compare the two. Tonight will be a beautiful evening!

Alain-Anthem

Nice to read your response to Anthem, and hope you enjoyed it last night. A truly great re-issue in every respect. One thing though-Tom Constanten's contributions are surely included in the 1971 remix. He didn't perform at the live concert from 1967, though.

You're right, daverock

I was wrong, Tom Constanten's contributions are surely included in the 1971 remix. It will be tonight (in a few hours in France) that I will listen to these two beautiful records.

deadbass

Because it’s 192/24. 44.1/16 is less than the CD

truth be told:

I prefer the remix. probably because that's what I heard first years ago. the original had too many things faded, it sounds. either will do. having BOTH on one disc is appreciated and awesome and tremendous.

Remix

I've listened to both of these enough times now to have an opinion. I like the remix just slightly better too. The remix seems, to me, to be more focused on the music, where the original has some parts where it seems like they were just fiddling with knobs in the studio while they were tripping. It's an amazing work, regardless. Nobody else was doing stuff like this back then. I haven't even listened to the live disc yet. I've been too enthralled with comparing the two Anthems.

Anthem 50th joins the rest ....

First of all, I'll state that Anthem has been, is still, and will always be my all-time favourite album ! When I play it, I have to play all the way through ...That's why I have so many versions of it, from when I first purchased it at 18 ('68 mix on vinyl). Then came the remix, which I'll admit I had reservations about, at the time. Then all the CD reissues .... some better than others. Then the DL's, including the vinyl remix. And so, I now have the 50th Anniversary Edition on CD, and HD DL, and love both mixes (even the shorter 'caution' on the '71) and they've made a great job of it .... listen to Alligator loud !

Bill Walker's story of Anthem's cover

This may have already been posted, but just in case here's Bill Walker's explanation of the cover art he created for Anthem of the Sun: http://www.billzart.net/files/AnthemGuide_2002-12-02_web.pdf It's a bit long, but at least check out the illustrations that break down the various components of the final image.

Anthem legacy

No other band has even come close to the work/play of these recordings. I don't even think the Dead topped Anthem as for being cutting edge. Expect many more new listeners well into the future on this one. Anthem is one for the ages. And the cover art of Anthem will always be visionary. Rick Griffin did not even top this one. But that's just my Un centivos worth of opinion.

anthem cover

i tried to read this but it confused me so much that i have absolute no clue at all. i do dig the cover tho the 3 d is amazing and the fisheye lens photo on the back.wish the back cover for aoxomoxoa was in color instead of black and white.

high gen cassette

this would be a top contender in my tape collection had i had this say 20 years ago.

Excellent

This is a very high quality anniversary release. Upon first listen to both versions, me and my girlfriend liked the remix better. Sounds warmer and more full and complete. Hard to find words to describe. Steve Silberman's liner notes are interesting, also. I love the second disc. Great Bear recording.

SimonRob

Couldn't agree more on this incarnation being my favorite, too! I hope they release everything they have from 1967-1968 in a box, warts and all, no complete shows necessary. Two From the Vault and that Shrine release blow my freakin' mind every time, in a way that even the juiciest 1972 and 1978 shows do not.

future live shows

since it seems that public opinions are not liked by some here i will stop posting .no need to be bashed.see above

Zally

They BETTER pick a good show?? Whatcha gonna do if they don't?? Sheesh.

Snowflake

live shows 1967

hi all, does anyone have or know of a list of the available live shows from oct 67 to dec 67. any help we be appreciated.

If you like vinyl...

If you like the vinyl record, the LP, album, whatever you called it in the past or now in the present, here's a novel way to play them. Unfortunately, this model is long out of production. Bring this model back into production and upgrade to a direct-drive platter, better cartridges, better electronics and I think you've got a winner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgAUxJmh5uE

This CD set is very cool

This CD set is very cool indeed.

71 mix not so much

I'm old. I've been listening to Anthem since it came out, I was just a kid. Wore out I don't know how many LPs. Anthem, IMHO, is one of the most amazing albums and still lights up the noggin' to this day. The 71 mix just sounds off to me. Bleached of the detail. I guess it's hard to hear with new ears as time marches on. I'm happy people enjoy the 71 mix. If it puts a smile on your face, it's good stuff.

67 Show

Another Bear recording awesome so many years ago. Jerry sure did play fast and Phil was a locomotive! Cool recording to release. Vocals are a little low,heck I'm just grateful he recorded this rumbling early show.

It Hurts Me Too

They were one hell of a blues band.

Problem with playing my FLAC of American Beauty 50th

I would LOVE to purchase the FLAC of Anthem's 50th, but why would I when I purchased the FLAC of American Beauty's 50th and can get no customer assistance for the problem I have had with it since day 1?
I have not been able to play the FLAC in any form besides one song at a time, which would drive anyone nuts--and which I did not pay for.
I have kindly requested help from gratefuldead@gnarlywoodstore.com and I am ignored.
I even got the automatic reply for a ticket having been created (March 12th, 10:09 A.M.), but have heard nothing but crickets.
I'm sure they are busy, but this is ridiculous.
Anyone else have any of these problems?
Is this kind behavior? Is this what we elderly people used to call "Dead Etiquette"? I don't think so...

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