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 14, 2018 - 3:36am

#61

daverock

Joined:
September 1, 2014

Still great after all these years

I listened to the remix last night, and it sounds as though it was mixed to sound more up to date, for 1971, to me. It sounds more like a "rock" album, with Bobs rhythm guitar much more prominent-especially on "Alligator" and "Caution". The 1968 version, as we have all been told countless times, was mixed for the hallucinations-and that's what it still sounds like-guitars, keyboards, unexpected instruments and electronic sound effects appear and disappear without warning or logic. A mesmeric album. I like both versions-but the 1968 mix is the one. The live recording sounds quite rough when it starts. But for me, every recording-literally-from this timespan-is essential. Mickey seemed to add weight to the proceedings immediately, so that even the break neck romps sound more substantial than they had earlier in the year. Either the sound gets better, or I get more attuned to it, as it goes on. The "Lovelight" here features less Pigpen than latterly, but is powered along convincingly by the two drummers and Jerry's quicksilver guitar licks. "The Other One" is great-its not just the words that are different, Jerry's soloing is stratospheric, and goes where no man had been before. I love everything about this release.
July 14, 2018 - 3:00am

#62

okiedoke13

Joined:
July 18, 2007

That 3d

Fifty year old men? Newbies. Late to the party, but party on.
July 13, 2018 - 7:44pm

#63

Vguy72

Joined:
June 29, 2007

"C'mon everybody, get up and dance...."

...."it won't ruin you."Bumper sticker material right there.
July 13, 2018 - 5:46pm

#64

Seth Hollander

Joined:
August 27, 2009

That 3D image

My reaction to the offer of a lenticular cover was decidedly negative.My copy came today and it has the cover. 1000s of 50 year old men are staring at it tonight and happily giggling. 1000s ... Right guys? I'm not alone, right?!?
July 13, 2018 - 5:18pm

#65

ArthurDent

Joined:
February 16, 2017

Got the digital download

downloaded at work to listen to in car on the way home from work. The 68 mix seemed very flat, not a lot of bass, but the high end was very present and clean. The remix had tons more bass and the vocals were more up front, sounded like a little reverb gave them some space. At home - listening on computer with bose speakers, which is my main mode of listening at home, the original mix sounded great - nice bass, clean high end, a wide spectrum of sounds. The remix still had the extra base, the vocals more present, but overall, did not seem to have as many tones or colors as the original. Sounds like the remix was designed to sound better on crappy speakers and the original requires better equipment to sound good. At some point I'll listen with head phones to get a third point of view. Overall, not a significantly remixed release. The 68 mix sounds a lot like the album, but no pops and clicks and the high end separation and clarity is better than what I remember my vinyl to be like. I had been hoping the remix would fix some of the "flatness" of the vocals, like at the beginning of born cross eyed, bobby's vocal is a bit one dimensional. The live recording is certainly raw and rough, but charming in the energy and shear force of moving forward through some complicated songs. Refreshing to hear the snarl of the guitar after listening to so much 70's (which I like).
July 13, 2018 - 2:31pm

#66

okiedoke13

Joined:
July 18, 2007

New Anthem release

Logging in from Cleveland ... delivery 5.15 pm.Packaging is outstanding. The two caps of lavender psylocybin were a delightful surprise, but I assume they only come with the first edition lenticular folio. Couldn’t be more excited.
July 13, 2018 - 2:03pm

#67

zally

Joined:
November 27, 2016

11/10/67

hi all can anyone help me get 2 cdrs of this release 11/10 /67.i really have no money to buy anything and im missing this from my live 66 to 69 live collection .any help would be welcomed.zalman
July 13, 2018 - 12:44pm

#68

jamiesmithnc

Joined:
November 26, 2010

Thanks!!

ordered
July 13, 2018 - 12:20pm

#69

Cousins Of The…

Joined:
September 10, 2009

Lenticular

Just bought a copy at my local record store, and yes, it did come with the lenticular slip case.
July 13, 2018 - 12:07pm

#70

boblopes

Joined:
January 13, 2009

@NC Jamie - HDCD displayed on back cover

The HDCD insignia is on the back cover, but I have not read the liner notes. One 1st world issue - the cool gold SYF 50th Anniversary sticker is upside down if you look at the cover properly. Was able to flip it without ripping but now sticker on back is upside down. Anyways nice packaging, if the music is as good as expected great job GDP and Rhino. Thanks Dave and Dr Rhino!

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...

product sku

081227932015

Product Magento URL

https://gratefuldead.wmgecomstage.com/anthem-of-the-sun-50th-anniversary-deluxe-edition-2cd.html