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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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  • Vguy72
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    SAMTHARTMAN....
    ....not even gonna take Boise for a spin around the block? Time to take off the training wheels and ride. That's sarcasm btw. To each their own. But, really? Guess I'm in the minority that any Dead is better than no Dead. I won't be playing this every day for sure, but when the moment hits, it's right there. Those moments can catch one off guard if you're not careful. I would think why break up the numerical beauty that is Dave's lined up all in a wonderful row? I've been know to be a bit OCD, so maybe it's just me. I like me. And that's enough for me....oh. And UB40 was really fun. Have you heard of The Movement? My step daughter turned me into them a couple of hours ago. Good stuff.
  • nappyrags
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    VGuy72
    thanks for that awesome pic...need to steal...Bob's slide playing has always driven me to the Donna edge...YAWWWWW!!!!
  • SAMTHARDMAN
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    27
    Butch, that my man is one hell of a good opinion. I could not have said it better. Last year, a kind soul sent Dave 24 to me free of charge. Don't ask why I did not buy the subscription last year, because there is no good answer. 80's Dead is not my cup of tea. I am returning the favor done for me a year ago. Please PM me if interested in 27. The cd is still in the original packaging. Please no one interested in re-sale. Just somebody who was at the wrong place at the wrong time; and missed out. Be kind, Sam T
  • icecrmcnkd
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    Sounds pretty good for an 83
    I’ve heard way worse many times.For those who complain about the sound quality, how many hissy, muddy cassette recordings did you listen to before the doors of the vault were thrown wide open? Back when a single CD cost $20 (the time when I got on the bus) and there were no complete show releases - just compilations like Live Dead, Skull Fuck, Eur 72, Dead Set, Reckoning, I was happy to get a complete show recording, even if it was hissy and muddy. I spent many hours listening to low quality recordings on cassette because I was, and still am, addicted to Grateful Dead. These releases are a blessing!!!!! My music listening is >98% GD, ~1% JG, ~1% others. I need all the years available so that I can move around the eras and not burn myself out on a single year. I love all the years, warts and all, although I listen less to the very warty years, but there still are some good parts to those years. I think that a good model for Dave’s Picks is ~3:1 pre-80’s/post-80’s for the time being while we get the returned reels released. Mini-Boxes and regular Boxes of the later years sounds like a good plan. That way you can buy it or not, and it’s not part of the subscription. It’s time for a Bruce release. For those not happy with DaP27, put it up for sale, there are people who want it and will be happy to listen to it. Thanks Dave, Jeffrey, and crew for another great release that sounds so much better than the hissy, muddy cassettes that I cut my teeth on, and that made my non-Deadhead friends want to leave the room. Sitting on the couch, playing the CDs on an Onkyo 6-disc changer, Onkyo receiver, Onkyo sub woofer, Bose 301 speakers. Franklin’s just started. H/S/F sounds better than CD1, I can differentiate all the instruments, vocals not too loud. For CD1, some parts were clearer than others. The jam part of Big RR Blues seemed to have distinct separation of the instruments, while some other songs were a bit more blurred. One thing I noticed is that Bob’s guitar was not obscured by Jerry, but that sometimes Bob and Brent were playing similar tones and it all rolled into one.
  • Butch
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    MV67
    I think Dave has to offer up something occasionally from the 80s, even if the sound is sub par. There are some Dead fans who want to hear it, that simple. I also think there's something to be said for representing all eras of the band. I got my copy and the sound isn't too good here. But I understand where people are coming from. If I was only able to hear one great 1972 show from an audio standpoint because that was all they had in the vault that sounded that good (like Veneta), I would definitely want something from 1972 that sounded like this 83 show. In other words sub par 83 is better than no 83 to some. I think Dave and Rhino know this and keep it flowing to appeal ti all parts of the market. I don't think we would ever get 4 in a year like this, and I am sure it's no accident that the three 80s shows in the series came as #s 3 & 4 in the year. In other words, they're not marketing an 80s show to sell the year's Dave's Picks subscription when they sell the subscriptions in January or whenever it is, they pick a more marketable show (1977, 1973, 1974, etc). I've never seen the band live, so there is no emotional ties to them for me with regard to concert memories. I simply want the best sounding best performances I can get. That's obviously not what we have here. I do like it better than the RFK 89 set, because I can't hear Brent too well here and I don't like the way he sounds when he's mixed in at the same level as the rest of the band. Not towards the end of his stint with the band anyway. I have listened to Dead set and it's not nearly as rough as the 89 / 90 era, and his keyboards don't sound intrusive like they do in the later era. Does Hornsby play on the 89 RFK set? I thought back when I came out somebody identified him as the one playing the chordal spacey synthesizers.
  • Vguy72
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    Hornsby does sit in at RFK '89....
    ....in fact, he helps create one of the best Man Smart, Woman Smarter I have ever heard! Accordian yes, synths no.
  • msmiranda
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    DP 27 Sound
    I've only done a cursory listen through of DP 27 and I have to agree the audio quality was somewhat less than I expected. My first thought was "muddy" and I would have expected better from the time period. Maybe it's because it's from a cassette master rather than reel? But I liked Brent back then and still do today.
  • Vguy72
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    "Brent has many issues"....
    ....don't we all? Lol
  • MV1967
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    Dave's Picks 27
    The sound quality is questionable with this one. The vocals are way too loud. It is good when the band is not singing. I wish there was a way for me to adjust the mix so the vocals are tuned down, way down. I think Dave should stay out of the 80's. Brent has many issues.
  • KRIYAS
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    anthem
    the 50th with that sneaky live show so good morning little school girl inspired to dl 2-11-69 never heard just dig dead
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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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6 years 10 months
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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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14 years 11 months
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Have you folks realized that this Amazon account isn't legit?
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15 years
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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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11 years 1 month
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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 5 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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7 years 6 months
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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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17 years 3 months
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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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17 years 3 months
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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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17 years 3 months
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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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