• 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
  • Thats_Otis
    Joined:
    12/31/84 @Cousins of...
    Dude! This show is great! Thanks for the recommendation! I have been working from home on an online course for work the past few days, so I have had the pleasure of being able to dig deep into the archives, and this one is hitting that sweet spot right now! That is one hell of a Shakedown opener, the Bird Song is nice and exploratory, Sweet Peggy-O... the band does sound great! Thanks again for the tip :) Peace
  • tncorey
    Joined:
    VGuy Cosmic Charlie
    '76 Cosmic Charlie's are bad.............but in a good way (did I fool you for a second?)
  • Gratefulhan
    Joined:
    Today...
    On this day, like all of you, I reflect on the events 23 years ago. The reality of it is still a little hard to handle for me sometimes. This time around, I have come to this realization that my generation (or age group might be more appropriate) was likely one of the last if not the last to ever see Jerry play. I have talked before about my own personal experiences of getting on the bus in 92, to get see a few shows, and then only to have it end all too suddenly . I have also talked about what I think is a common feeling for everyone of these importance of all of the shows that were recorded. These recordings are the next best thing to being at the show. I know that being at the show is different and is the ultimate best thing about the Dead. The experience is “it" , but the reality is that experience only happens once. After it is done those that attended any given show have the memories - which by the way I greatly appreciate when these memories are shared. Please keep that going when appropriate/needed! However after that the only thing that is left are these recordings which gives all a chance to hear the band go at it. The other reality of this is we all know that the number of shows in vault is vast, with variety being the key. I think DaP 27 is good release, certainly not perfect. When i look at how many shows have been released The Dead, Rhino, and Dave L & Co. have been generous. When I look at Deadbase 50 and I see the lists of favorite tapes, a lot of them have been officially released. I know there is more to come. We have also got some releases that were sleepers or maybe lacking in some aspects. The reality is that with the volume of releases that have been produced there will be some that just aren't to the level as many others. Of course everyone will have different opinions on this but it is bound to happen. It looks DaP 27 is one of them. In the end I have yet to discover a show that I hated. With sound quality, performance, and completeness being variables I feel I am lucky to be able to own any of these shows with the 9/2/83 show being one of them. I will say this though, if I was approached by the good Doctor with a Tardis or Marty and Doc in a Delorean and I was told this: “You can go back in time to attend 3 Grateful Dead shows but you can't choose them. The shows are 4/24/78, 12/9/81, and 9/2/83. Do you want to go?” Without hesitation I would say “Hell Yeah!” I say this all of the time but I appreciate all of you regardless of show/era preference. If it wasn't for these comment pages I wouldn't have anyone to talk about this with.
  • Cousins Of The…
    Joined:
    "where the hell is that HUGE n'FUNKY Shakedown Street Dave?"
    It's always been right there at the start of 12/31/84, all 16 mns or so of it.Btw, this show is excellent; the band is firing on all cylinders, and nothing sounds rushed, very relaxed playing.
  • Vguy72
    Joined:
    Agreeing to disagree....
    ....lets try something new. Can we all agree that '76 Cosmic Charlie's are awesome? I'll start. '76 Cosmic Charlie's are awesome.
  • Vguy72
    Joined:
    '76 Cosmic Charlie's....
    1 - 0
  • Thats_Otis
    Joined:
    Oh, hell yes, VGuy!
    76 Cosmic Charlie's are totally awesome! My favorite of all the Cosmic Charlie's! Headed to Merriweather to see the boys this weekend, then up to Watkins Glen for Curveball... I doubt you're coming east for either, but maybe you'll see me on the webcast! BTW - I have heard there is a free webcast of Friday night's show at Walnut Creek! This may be the link for it right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kcoOF7_mfU Peace
  • Thats_Otis
    Joined:
    Oh,... one more thing
    We all lost Jerry 23 years ago today. RIP good sir, and thanks for all of the joy you gave to so many. Is it a coincidence that there are no GD shows from 8/9? Peace
  • Thats_Otis
    Joined:
    What a bummer...
    ...this place has become lately. Not that it matters, but count me on the side that enjoys this pick and am glad to have it. I was concerned with the sound at first... the Wang Dang>Jack Straw does sound odd with the vocals WAY up and the instruments seemingly WAY down, but as others have said here before, Big River through the rest of the 1st set sounds good to these ears, and the band is cooking, (save perhaps on the verses of Minglewood, but the jam is HOT on that one, so I can forgive the lackluster "song" portion... I've got more Minglewoods than I need as it is.) The BEW, RxRBlues, LLRain, and Deal are all top notch performances too... As for Set II, not sure where the hate is coming from in terms of the Help>Slip>Frank. Does Jerry totally botch the lyrics to Help? Yes! Is the rest of the triptych well played? Absolutely! The Slipknot and Franklins are particularly strong. The Estimated>Eyes is strong too, and the patch in Eyes, while jarring, lasts for about 5 seconds... not going to lose sleep on that one. The Jam>Drums>Space is really cool, and like Dave mentioned, the Space on this release is really great. The solo in Throwing Stones? I hear noise, chaos, and craziness, and all of it sounds well placed to me, though not perfect. As a new tune, they were still working out what to do with it, and I think that it's pretty cool to hear the band experiment with Noise Rock like that... can't think of anywhere else they did. Also, isn't that Bobby making all of the noise? Obviously, they didn't think it worked, so the made the Samson-jam part, (something that has always bugged me a bit,) but it is cool to hear where they may have been heading. The rest of the second set is average... Black Peter has been called out as unlistenable by many here who say Jerry's voice sounds terrible... Really? I know it doesn't sound like 71 Jerry, but terrible? Unlistenable? I just don't get it... I think that is what gets me down about the discussion around here lately. So many here clearly have an ax to grind, or some point to prove, on both sides of the coin. What I see more than anything is a bunch of "Deadheads" shitting on the band and more over, shitting on each other. You all know that people have favorite eras, favorite keyboard players, favorite tunes, but rather than let them have that, a lot of you seem so keen to tell them that they are wrong for liking what they like. Get over yourselves. Now that Dave's Picks have made it to #27, this place seems to be more and more toxic... kind of like the lot scene 27 years in. Whatever. I like this pick, you don't. Discussion over. Now, where the hell is that HUGE n'FUNKY Shakedown Street Dave? The past few days, I have really enjoyed the two Alpine 82 shows, 8/7, which was Dick's Picks 32, and yesterday's 8/8 show. Check them both out if you have the chance! (Of course, if you Hate the 80s/Hate Brent/Hate the Grateful Dead, than these are not the droids you seek...) 8/7/82 https://archive.org/details/gd82-08-07.sbd-streeter-wise.unknown.7689.s… Pretty classic show all around... TMNS>Sugaree>TMNS opener! 8/8/82 https://archive.org/details/gd82-08-08.sbd-wise.unknown.7690.sbeok.shnf… Good 1st set, Very strong 2nd Set with Scarlet>Fire, Estimated, Other One... The Double Encore of Satisfaction and Brokedown is perhaps the highlight for me... check out Bobby dropping Wang Dang Doodle for the (1st time?) in the middle of Satisfaction. Cool stuff! Shouting in the wind, Peace
  • stoltzfus
    Joined:
    right on, shirdeep!
    the version of Poptones on the album is exquisite. drive to the forest in a Japanese car the smell of rubber on country tar hindsight done me no good standing naked in this back of the woods the cassette played Poptones or in my case, Deadtones
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

8 years 1 month

"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

7 years
Permalink

Jason, Icecream, Alvarhanso: Interesting. So...basically we need 84, and 93-95. I've been saying 84 for some time and I recall a lot of really crisp boards from back in the day floating about. But I think definitely 93 and 94/95, as well, are very underrated years. The top shows from those years are really excellent, and of a whole other nature. Garcia ballads (dirge-like), drums/space, etc. Billy talks about it in Deal, that whole "missing album" (much of it featured on disc 5 of SMR) really could have been their best. Not holding my breath on these for DP28: Thinking 79, 76, or 70.
user picture

Member for

11 years 4 months
Permalink

Why do chicken coops only have two doors?Because if they had four, they'd be chicken sedans. Ararar.......... Nope, Vguy's funnier.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 7 months
Permalink

I've now listened to this release several times. Disc 2 is such a fun time and will probably get repeated playings especially when I'm in the car...or jacked up on caffeine. Otherwise I'm not sure when I'll revisit the rest of show (though as I've mentioned, I really do like the release). Starting to turn my attention to the box set coming out next month. Spent the morning listening to DaP 2 (7/31/74). I still cannot believe we're about to get 6 shows from two of the best years the band ever had. The last few years have just been a barrage of amazing (and in some cases legendary) releases all happening at lightning speed (at least compared to the past). After this one though, it's all gravy.
user picture

Member for

7 years 3 months
Permalink

This refund is for the following item(s): Item: Dave's Picks Vol. 20 CU Events Center, Boulder, Co. 12/9/81 Quantity: 1 ASIN: B07 Reason for refund: Item out of stock Well, that's a bummer considering I got a "shipped" notice stating it was arriving tomorrow.
user picture

Member for

14 years 10 months
Permalink

I heard discs 1 & 2 today (so far) it's a strong show. not legendary, but strong and hot enough for a "three smiles up" rating. it sounds like classic 83 GD to me. yes, there is the splice in Eyes. Some other minor things here and there. I can live with that easily. I like this release a lot. I like that it is from the early 80s. more, Dave, please. release 6/10/73 and 11/19/72 first, and then more 80s.
user picture

Member for

10 years 3 months
Permalink

in his sunglasses and dirty grey hair, sitting back and coolly strumming the Baba crash cords with I guess the Tiger guitar, that looks like the old Gibson SG. I would love a still of that (i.e. Shirdeep's video posted below) Weir looks hysterical doing his Townshend-esque jump and pseudo windmill, but I love him still. Who's guitar dude #3? Also looks ridiculous jumping like Townshend. But it's all good fun, they know they look silly. First Baba I heard was an Napster download with no TNK attached to it (probably edited out). I have no idea from where it hails, but it sounds like a AUD recording, and the place goes bonkers when Vince sings the opening verse.
user picture

Member for

11 years 3 months
Permalink

I think it might be RFK '92. If it is then guitar guy #3 is Steve Miller. He opened the show & joined the boys during their set as well.:o)
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

6 years 10 months
Permalink

Folks, I'm trying to figure out if the recording/mixing quality of DP 27 is as marginal as most of my discs sound, or if perhaps I received some poorly "pressed" discs. The show is obviously great, but only song on all 3 discs that sounds like an "A" recording/mixing is the very last song, It's All Over Now, Baby Blue. This last song sounds fantastic, but most of the previous songs sound OK to marginal. Particularly, on Disc 1, Bobby's voice sounds like he was separated the band and was singing into a bad mic... or something like that. Anyone else experience this? I'll feel better is so. If not, I'll contact Dead.net to inquire about getting a replacement set. Thanks!
user picture

Member for

9 years
Permalink

Uh, no, there is nothing wrong with your discs (unless they have skips or won’t play), they were designed to sound like that. That’s what was in fashion in 1983. Put your seat back in it’s upright, locked position and hang up the phone. Do not call customer service (unless you actually have a defective disc that won’t play). Wait, maybe you should call customer service...... For more information on the special qualities of 1983 recordings just scroll down this page and take in all of the informative opinions.
user picture

Member for

7 years 3 months
Permalink

Nope, back on the phone with customer support. You have to ask them for the rose-colored glasses they send with some of these sets. A lot of people think it sounds great.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 1 month
Permalink

I like this recording. After the first track, things seem to sharpen up. This isn't the best, but it most certainly isn't the worst.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 1 month
Permalink

Have you folks realized that this Amazon account isn't legit?
user picture

Member for

15 years 2 months
Permalink

Hey Ummmmmm...can you expand on your statement? Thanks!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

7 years
Permalink

...yeah, no. The "surplus" discs are coming from the returns department. In all likelihood, like we've already said, these are extras slated as replacements for defects. So, again as we've already suggested, they must be clearing house; and seem to have already cleared house. I was able to grab some of the DP, but had my order of Hampton box cancelled (sold out- as someone else here had for DP20). Re: Hampton cancellation, that makes sense, as I think when I ordered it said only "3" remaining.
user picture

Member for

7 years 3 months
Permalink

I took a shot, ordering Dave's 22 & 20. Scheduled to arrive today... they cancelled 20, so I'm interested to see what or if anything shows up.
user picture

Member for

12 years 7 months
Permalink

If this isn't the worst Dave's Pick release then what is?I've read a lot of posts on many other releases and have never seen so many people that think this is a king size turd. You have to work hard to justify and fool yourself into thinking this is great. I've given this 4 listens front to back now and still don't get it. Finally the last song was good. It's not even the sound quality, I can deal with that. It's the total lack of cohesiveness, horrible vocal harmonizing, and the guitars sounding like they're on different songs and tempos. This like defending your favorite restaurant even when the food has gone so downhill it's inedible.
user picture

Member for

11 years 3 months
Permalink

if ya hate it so much why not stop listening to it?Pick something else and relax.
user picture

Member for

12 years 7 months
Permalink

Perfect idea and already executed on, will probably never leave the expanding row of releases ever again. I listened to it enough times to be sure I wasn't being overly critical.... I wasn't. This is the first release out of 27 that I've ever complained.
user picture

Member for

13 years 4 months
Permalink

It's definitely Warner. You can tell by because they seemingly don't have a solid grasp on the amount left in inventory. I find it all quite humorous.. at this point, it's a gift to those that didn't get them and now can at cost, so it's hard to be bitter about it all. But this is not a scam vendor. It will be interesting to see how many 30 trips are left/how long they stay on sale. These things have become impossible to get.
user picture

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

As seen on an ancient (1988) tape trader's list: 1983/09/02 - Boise ID, Pavilion, SBD - B+ --- What we really have here in this Dave's Picks 27 is a B+ (trader's sound quality rating) cassette that was painstakingly transformed into a three compact disc set by Jeffery Norman, supplied by Dave Lemieux.
user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

....I'm not sure if that is praise or sarcasm. I like it. That's the most important factor to me. I would give it a solid B- though. Of course, that ancient review was before the discovery of Normanization.
user picture

Member for

6 years 10 months
Permalink

Heywood I hear what you're saying and I agree. This show is so very mediocre at best. Band is tight half the time and completely out of sync the rest. Audio is all over the place. It may be good for 83, but I can't think of an official release from the 70s that it's better than. I think it's a necessary step for the powers that be, to keep the guys who want 80s shows coming back, but fellas, perspective, it ain't great by a long stretch, and it's not in the same league of anything that's come before it. Except DaP 20. It's a far cry from the series mission statement. I'm fine with an 80s clunker every 8 - 12 releases since it keeps the machine moving.
user picture

Member for

14 years 10 months
Permalink

9/25/91avoided it for a long time finally gave it a proper listen H>S>F Roses > Dire Wolf all Disc 2 is great filler on disc three is 3/31/91 Eyes, 20+ minutes 9/26/91 would have been better, in my opinion, but this one's ok.
user picture

Member for

10 years 3 months
Permalink

Some of my earliest Grateful Dead collection consisted of a couple of tracks from Dicks Picks 17, Throwing Stones and the Mighty Quinn. At the time I was not yet a fully trained Jedi, and was cherry-picking songs from all of the available releases I had at my disposal. I loved throwing stones, especially the jam and solo, and of course I was a sucker for all of the great covers, so I downloaded the Mighty Quinn as well. Eventually I bought the whole thing, and quite frankly I love it. There's a smoothness to Vince's keyboards that I enjoy - thanks for the reminder Stoltzie, I think I'm going to put this on.
user picture

Member for

7 years 1 month
Permalink

Dick's Picks 17 was one of my early purchases as well. I've always been a sucker for Jerry's anthemic guitar solo on Throwing Stones but on this version, Bruce's piano absolutely steals the show! Pretty solid '91 release as I recall. It's been a while since I've listened.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

7 years 8 months
Permalink

Anyone have an extra Dave's Picks 12 they want to sell? I have 25, 26, 27 to trade as well. PM me if so
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

I completely agree...came back to see what others were thinking. This is a first - albeit big - disappointment from Dave's Picks.
user picture

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

9/26/91 was a better show to pick for Dick's Picks 17. Someday, and hopefully very soon, 9/26/91 will be released. But the fact was already established to hold back on some of the jem-of-a-show for later and not to release all the best shows first so later down the road there would be no more great-to-excellent shows to see official release. The only parts of Dicks 17 I listen to anymore is the Help> Slip> Franklin's opener and the 2nd disc: Victim> Crazy> PITB> Terrapin> "Boston Clam Jam" Drums> Space. The Drums> Space really is neat when you're stuck in slow traffic. Most, if not all of my listening of music is done when I'm driving my car. I am totally grateful that this show was released.
user picture

Member for

14 years
Permalink

It looks like these verified fan presales are selling out fast. Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara sold out in 15 minutes, but there are a couple of VIP seats left.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Not even close. This is a nice release and it sounds fine. Now April 24, 1978 aka DaP 7, I might call a clunker. Never been a fan of that show, the sound of it or the performances. When quoting the "Bee Gee's Saturday Night Fever" during the "cowboy songs" is the big highlight, it's not a good show. In contrast, Jerry's playing on 9/3/82 far surpasses the dredge from 4/24/78. The show from 2 days prior, 4/22/78 (DaP 15) on the other hand, is a great show and far better.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Wash your ears with soap, it helps.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 2 months
Permalink

So uneven. A great time was had by all, however. You didn't "have to be there", but it certainly helps contextualize some of the awful GD archival product we occasionally hear.
user picture

Member for

9 years 2 months
Permalink

Working on another HD gift for a member of this board who contacted me for "more shows". I love being able to pay forward the kindness I've been blessed by from the good folks here. Sir, if you read this post please check your PMs. 76 is loaded, I await your instruction.
product sku
081227931599