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    heatherlew
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    "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.

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  • mcgrupp216
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    Re: Dennis
    I'll second that, Dennis. We're also not discussing the fate of Western civilization, we're discussing a band- a band beyond description?
  • Dennis
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    Wow
    Can we stop with the name calling? Let's assume nobody here is stupid and even if they are, the "smarter" ones should be smart enough and classy enough not to call them stupid. I've always agreed with the basic premise that all releases sound better than the cassettes I had. Maybe some people knew Betty and got tapes directly from her, but I got from a buddy, who got from unknown people that he met at shows. Is the recording of this show better or worse than others, of course. But I also go with the assumption that the "official" releases are the best available out there. True? I don't know, I just assume that. I'll take all official releases, it's the anal completist in me. On this release I like the Looks Like Rain, this is the closest to the greatest Rain ever done (4/16/83 Meadowland, NJ). Don't believe me, take a listen, Garcia's on fire in the last minute or two, his notes hit like raindrops at the moment it goes from a drizzle to a downpour. And Weir yelling is in perfect form (can't take no more fuckin rain today) https://archive.org/details/gd83-04-16.sbd.miller.28294.sbeok.flacf/gd8… Don't agree, then you're a fucking idiot :-) (notice I didn't say stupid :-)) I agree with whoever below that I seldom will listen to a whole show, but listen to "parts" and there is ALWAYS a good part. Finally, where is Jim (JiminMD), I'm assuming on vacation, but I still worry.
  • Thin
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    McGrupp
    Agreed. But the recordings generally stink compared to the 70's offerings. Your comment totally ignores this fact. For each quote from someone saying the 80's had some great shows, there are 10 more quotes from Dick, Dave, and yes Blair Jackson questioning the 80's recordings' viability as official releases. Do you want to add some of those quotes to balance your comment, or should I?
  • mcgrupp216
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    Re: Thin
    No, I agree with you. And some of those patches are definitely sorta cringe-worthy. But as someone mentioned: they also highlight how much of a general improvement the sounds quality here is. Dave spoke (in the liner notes) about the "unfortunate at best" recordings from June 83 or in his words, "magnificent full shows for which no usable recording exists." My response was more so to snoone about the quality of the 83 performances (not the audio).
  • mcgrupp216
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    Re: snoone (um, so basically pre-hiatus?)
    Hmm, so basically releases should be just pre-hiatus? So the 30-yr GD legacy is really about the first (less than, actually) decade? If the Dead were just a 9-year band, I would've stopped listening long ago. This is from Blair Jackson's Garcia bio: "Despite Garcia's plainly visible malaise, the Dead played better in 1983 than they had in 1982. In fact, they improved each year through the first half of the '80s, as if Garcia's deteriorating physical condition almost didn't matter." Of course we know he gets busted in Jan. 85 and (presumably) starts cleaning up. BJ continues, "The Dead's tours that summer and autumn [of 85] were unusually strong, with especially varied set lists, crisp and purposeful jamming and a higher level of energy onstage than anyone had seen in quite a while." No question, that summer of 85 is hot. And 89-90 is some of my absolutely favorite years. But so is 83-84, more so the more I listen to them. There's a sort of rushed (or is urgent the right word?), yet raw, 80s psychedelic sound. At the risk of hyperbole, it's the best, most energetic and raw sound since 73- so in nearly a decade.
  • frosted
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    Gratefulhan
    Nice, balanced post on your review of DaP 27. Just thought I'd say it, 'cause it hit a lot of the same chords I was feeling after a few listens.
  • mustin321
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    Bird Song
    Are there any bad Bird Songs out there? This is one of those songs were it got better over time, in my opinion. 7/26/87 is great. Loser & Cassidy both also got better over time, in my opinion.
  • icecrmcnkd
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    Stealing a quote from Jim Cramer
    “A subscription business is perhaps the most reliable and predictable form of revenue” I’m ready to subscribe to Dave’s Picks 2019!
  • icecrmcnkd
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    7-27-73 Bird Song
    Not saying it’s one of the best. But it is one that I always liked.
  • Thin
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    Butch re 11/17/72 DaP11
    Yes, for only 11 minutes long, this is a very concise yet perfect Birdsong. Not only is the beginning of Jer's first solo great (the slinky "get ready" bends you mentioned), but check out the 2nd guitar solo at 9:15~... Jerry starts with a few building licks over several measures (once again, kinda of a "are you ready?...) until he reaches a peak, THEN resumes the soaring, bending "bird in flight" thing all over. I've said it before, but if you showed Mozart the general gist of "Birdsong", THIS is how he'd map it out: each part of solos seem to logically connect to the next.... intro>body>conclusion. Despite the fact that it's not long, never goes too far "out there", and the energy is controlled and deliberate, this version is simply stunning. Kind of like a perfectly mapped-out studio version that they executed live, flawlessly. One of my favorite GD tracks of all time. But I'm curious to hear your answer to icecrmconkid's question.... If this recording is a "1" out of 10, What '83 releases or other early/mid 80's recordings do you feel are better?
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"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.

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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.
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Why do chicken coops only have two doors?Because if they had four, they'd be chicken sedans. Ararar.......... Nope, Vguy's funnier.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Gene Lopez, is that a bit? Sort of amusing
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14 years 11 months
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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.
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Have you folks realized that this Amazon account isn't legit?
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Hey Ummmmmm...can you expand on your statement? Thanks!
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...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.
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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.
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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.
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if ya hate it so much why not stop listening to it?Pick something else and relax.
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12 years 6 months
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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.
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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.
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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.
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....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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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I completely agree...came back to see what others were thinking. This is a first - albeit big - disappointment from Dave's Picks.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Wash your ears with soap, it helps.
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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.
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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.
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