Grateful Dead

These were the first two Dead albums-Dead Set and Reckoning-that I bought at the time of their release-1981 in England. The band played in London in March and October that year, and Dead Set was the album that most reminded me of the shows that I saw. I played both them both a lot at the time, in fact Dead Set was the one I would put on most round that time to show friends what they were missing out on.

The other show from round then I played a lot-well, it was the only other one I had-was the one from Essen Germany from March 1981. The first set was actually on television, and the whole set was broadcast on the radio. I taped it-and played it to death. In fact, sitting here all these years later, I can remember more about that show than I can about Dead Set. Great, great Sugaree in the first set. Also a good Shakedown in the first set. Later on a I bought a video of the show, which has probably kept it in my memory. Pete Townsend came on to play on Not Fade Away, and then stayed on, perhaps unwisely, for the following song-Wharf Rat. You can see Bob Weir advising him of the chords when it starts up. Happy days indeed.

Love the bit in ripple where Jerry introduces Otis 🐶 one of the only times I ever heard him speak on stage .
Having read earlier about RT 3/1 12/28/79 I’ve been giving it a listen - two words - Sugaree opener - I’m pretty much done in after that to be able to manage the rest of the show . 😸😸😸

Dead Set was one of my first exposures to the dead and the space-FOTM transition was what really flipped the switch. Something about that transition from the chaos of that space settling into that smooth FOTM just lit my brain up and seemed inherently compatible with some other things that I had recently discovered and come to enjoy at that time. When Dead Set came out on cd a few years later I was disappointed when I discovered that they had cut out the entire space portion. The 2cd version with the space segment replaced and the entire disc of additional material is great.
Reckoning also has some great stuff, in particular I can't get enough of that Deep Elem Blues and the Race is On. That album is kind of a nice change of pace sometimes.

had both of these on the original lp release, played them to death. The original lp had that amazing "rhythm devils" that was omitted from the first pressing of the cd and that fantastic space from that lp, short but oh so sweet, wore that one out. 1980 may be my favorite Dead year, saw both the spring and the fall tour that year and never looked back. I agree, the Dave's pick 8 is a killer release, but what about Gainesville? I was lucky enough to have been at the Lakeland show and was at UF the next night for the show, never made it into the show, but the party outside was one of the best LSD parties I have ever been to, many a fond memories of that little FLA tour that fall. That Gainesville show needs to be released please, before I die would be great.
Keithfan, that poster you speak of came with the first pressing of the dead set lp, and I too had a copy of it, I framed it and gave it to the man who turned me on to the Dead, he's gone now, but the poster lives on with his wife. Hard to believe that was 39 years ago. "where does the time go"

I have been listening to both these remastered sets the last few days and I think they are great.

I'm gonna try and buy the RSD 2cd set before they sell out.

My man - GREAT to see you here - it's been a while. It seems the mere mention of your whereabouts brought you back out of the cosmos. Hope all is well!!!

Indeed, there are some more Sixtus' Picks that have made their way to my collection...I think I forgot where we left off....

Sixtus

I also enjoy DaP 8 quite a bit. IMHO it has the best Feel Like a Stranger. Love the Moogy keyboards, which went away after a few tours.

I'd be hyped for another DaP 8 caliber release, but I have my doubts about the availability of another such gem. I would guess sound quality is the reason we haven't seen another like it. If Lemieux had another half dozen shows like DaP 8 at his disposal, I believe we would have seen one by now. I say that for three reasons: 1) Dave knows DaP 8 is awesome; 2) Dave knows there is demand for 80s; 3) Dave is not shy about releasing the same year two years in a row:(DaP 6 & 10; DaP 11 & 14; DaP 16 & 21; DaP 25 & 29; DaP 13 & 17) - to name a few. I fear it's just what he's been saying for years ' poor master tapes.

I believe it is 2/7/79 Carbondale show.... if you want to hear more what happened at this show read the stories about it on Internet Archive!!! Listen to the vocals on Stagger Lee and you can confirm!!! Have a good weekend. Bob t

Did I just read that Sixtus has a new set of picks?

It is all gravy now, isn't it gents?
Just wish we could get Rhino to release more ....
And Dave's 8 is in my top five for sure of Dave's. Probably due to my affinity for 1980.