• 1,184 replies
    clayv
    Default Avatar
    Joined:

    Hold on to your hat, we're coming in strong with one from the Windy City that'll have you movin' and shakin' from start to finish. DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 31: UPTOWN THEATRE, CHICAGO, IL 12/3/79 signals a true rebirth of the Grateful Dead, reimagining classics and foreshadowing their 80s sound. This is as much in part due to freshly-minted member Brent Mydland bringing the organ back in as it is to Jerry finding new vivacity with his custom Wolf guitar. New guy, new guitar - it all makes for a heck of a good time!

    Set One rolls like never-ending thunder with one standout after another - truly epic versions of "Brown-Eyed Women," "Ramble On Rose," "It's All Over Now," "Althea," and "The Music Never Stopped." Set Two hits with a crack of not-so-lazy lightning, barreling through an outrageous 28-minute "Scarlet>Fire" to a unique “Lost Sailor>Saint of Circumstance” and wrapping with a "blow the roof off the place" version of "Truckin'" and a rippin' "Johnny B. Goode." Ready for some quiet after the storm? You'll have to wait a just a little bit longer - we've filled in the gap on Disc 3 with a sprinkle of 12/4/79 - "Estimated>Franklin's Tower>" and an incredibly improvised “Jam.”

    Limited to 20,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 31: UPTOWN THEATRE, CHICAGO, IL 12/3/79 has been mastered from Dan Healy's cassette recordings to HDCD specs by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering.

    GET IT WHILE YOU CAN

Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • nappyrags
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 1968 the bill was...

    Jimi Hendrix
    Soft Machine
    Electric Flag
    Blue Cheer

    in Los Angeles at The Shrine Auditorium...the first time i went to get tickets for something and was told they were sold out...being young and dumb (17 yrs old) I had no idea I could've probably gone to the gig and scored one...oh well, but it still pisses me off...

  • JimInMD
    Joined:
    Columbia Record Club

    Several of my siblings built their record collection subscribing to the Columbia Record Club.

    A blast from the past. I am fairly sure my brother got Terrapin Station from them and some Sabbath. My sister was into Bread, America and stuff like that. By the time I came of age everyone seemed to be wise to it and all I got was access to the second hand records that were already floating around the family.

    Clearly they morphed into Publishers Clearing House or some similar scheme... I am still waiting for my Million Dollar Check from Ed McMahon.

  • Gratefulhan
    Joined:
    DaP 31 so far

    HI All,
    First of all, I really do feel for those of you overseas having to deal with this shipping debacle. It seems like this was the first time where the product made it all the way overseas quickly only to have it stymied at the front door. The fact that the collect on delivery charge was added is ridiculous. It almost feels like the overseas orders got there quickly because of this charge- In other words the usual length of time of delivery would have applied had this charge not been instituted. Maybe this was explained earlier on in the comments or at least theorized. I really do hope this get resolved soon for all of you.

    As for DAP 31, I do enjoy this show. In reading through some of the comments, I can see where some have less than stellar reviews on it. The show has at times a "subdued" vibe to it. As Dave alluded to in his seaside chat, and others have noticed as well, Terrapin is slow for example. Yet not all of the show is like that - I think the Scarlet > Fire is good, as is the Playin'. Althea is always great to hear and even though it is also played slower, I feel like it was played at that pace for most of 1979. There does some seem to be some mixing issues, again is this because of the source? I am not going to lie, I have been spoiled by the Betty Boards a little, it's kind of hard not to be. Yet I see these mixing issues and audience patches as minor warts that don't detract from the overall quality of the show as they are not persistent. Back in the days of tapes, I had a few shows that , due to my cognition and balance at the time, I went to press play and pressed record with it, obviously causing a several second gap in a songs as I accidently overdubbed a snippet. As frustrating as it was to hear that upon further playbacks ( I did this to my copy of 9/18/87...), it added a little character to it, but it never detracted from the show.

    Now I recently listened to the 12/1 show which was one many of us were hoping for. I feel like that may have been a mistake as it could have clouded my impression of DaP 31. Certainly 12/1 is more high energy throughout, but I try to take in each show on it's own merit. A great example of this is 7/7/78. ( I just recently acquired the July 78 box). I was very familiar with 7/8/78 but then I listened to 7/7, which I always had it my head that it was the lesser of the 2 Red Rocks shows. Well not only do I think it is equal to 7/8, I actually like it a little more. With that being the case 12/3 has more going for it than it doesn't to my ears and mind so I am enjoying it. However I am still hoping for more 1979 shows as I know there many other good ones out there. Maybe we will get 11/30 and 12/1 released together- I would that Burg' pairing for sure.

  • mhammond12
    Joined:
    Soft Machine Third

    I got Soft Machine Third in 1970, shortly after its release, by joining the Columbia Record Club. Any of you old farts remember that? I think I got 12 records and a turntable suitcase stereo thing with detachable speakers for like $1.99. Only catch was I had to buy 12 albums at full price during the next calendar year. I picked Soft Machine Third cause it was a two-fer with one song per side. Never really warmed up to it but I still have it. Two things I remember about the Columbia Record Club...The record player was so cheap my mom wrote Columbia Records shaming them...I had to tape coins on top of the arm to keep it from just floating across the record and turning off...damn thing could pack up like a suitcase...second thing and this is serious...two of the albums I picked were Miles Davis Bitches Brew and John Coltrane Live In Seattle. Those 2 albums changed my life.

  • Dennis
    Joined:
    soft machine

    You made me check. I have one album "Third". Listening to "Moon in June". Nice sound so far.

  • daverock
    Joined:
    Soft Machine

    They are Alive and Well, to quote an album title, and as good as ever. Brilliant live band-and grossly overlooked-possibly because their music has been, since the first three albums, exclusively, as far as I am aware, instrumental. Maybe they are too "jazz" for rock fans, and too "rock" for jazz fans.

    I have just noticed on Amazon that the three Harvest albums from 1975 have been reissued in a digitally remastered box for a mere £18.00. I am not familiar with any of these albums, but the first features Allan Holdsworth on guitar, and the latter two feature John Etheridge who is still with them today. So, a bit more guitaristic than the Softs albums that preceded them. Needless to say, I have pulled the trigger, so, if Dave dont come knocking at my door tomorrow, at least this will come plopping through my letter box by way of compensation.

  • phantomengineer
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Seagull watch....

    Soft Machine at the Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft: looks like an idea, although my wife would certainly not be keen. Didn't even realise they were still in existence. I must admit though, that I know little or nothing of their work post-Wyatt.

  • bcboot
    Joined:
    I Like Birds

    I can't stand in line at the store
    The mean little people are such a bore
    But it's alright if you act like a turd
    'Cause I like
    Birds

    If you're small and on a search
    I've got a feeder for you to perch on

    -Eels

  • frankparry
    Joined:
    Soft Machine

    Daverock - we have Soft Machine up here in Nottingham in October. Love this band. I saw them a year or so ago at the Derby Flowerpot which isn’t much bigger than my sitting room! This time they’ll be at the Bonington Theatre which is much larger. Hope you enjoy them,
    My DaP is supposedly being delivered tomorrow so we’ll see how it goes- only thing is I’m away until Tuesday and the rescheduling facility doesn’t appear to work. Sob,

  • daverock
    Joined:
    UK Delivery-seagulls

    I've had the same email as Colin and Phantomengineer, which I took as good news. It seems the battle may not be quite over yet!

    That is an amazing coincidence, phantomengineer, that you also live in Lowestoft. Maybe it was your daughters house I walked past when I got dive bombed! You'll be telling me you live in Pakefield next.
    On the seagull theme, I noticed the other day that Soft Machine are playing at the Seagull Theatre next month. Last time I saw them it was at Ronnie Scotts.

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

6 years 9 months

Hold on to your hat, we're coming in strong with one from the Windy City that'll have you movin' and shakin' from start to finish. DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 31: UPTOWN THEATRE, CHICAGO, IL 12/3/79 signals a true rebirth of the Grateful Dead, reimagining classics and foreshadowing their 80s sound. This is as much in part due to freshly-minted member Brent Mydland bringing the organ back in as it is to Jerry finding new vivacity with his custom Wolf guitar. New guy, new guitar - it all makes for a heck of a good time!

Set One rolls like never-ending thunder with one standout after another - truly epic versions of "Brown-Eyed Women," "Ramble On Rose," "It's All Over Now," "Althea," and "The Music Never Stopped." Set Two hits with a crack of not-so-lazy lightning, barreling through an outrageous 28-minute "Scarlet>Fire" to a unique “Lost Sailor>Saint of Circumstance” and wrapping with a "blow the roof off the place" version of "Truckin'" and a rippin' "Johnny B. Goode." Ready for some quiet after the storm? You'll have to wait a just a little bit longer - we've filled in the gap on Disc 3 with a sprinkle of 12/4/79 - "Estimated>Franklin's Tower>" and an incredibly improvised “Jam.”

Limited to 20,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 31: UPTOWN THEATRE, CHICAGO, IL 12/3/79 has been mastered from Dan Healy's cassette recordings to HDCD specs by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering.

GET IT WHILE YOU CAN

user picture

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

I'm still thinking it will include something from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's.

ps. I so thankful that we get these vault release so people have something to complain about. I guess we could go back to the days of third and fourth gen cassettes of really good clean Jerry shows.

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 11 months
Permalink

Enjoyable show. Great sound and mix. A lot of whiners on this board. Expect every show to be the best show EVER. I have a theory. Third show of a year is always less known. Fourth show and 1st of the coming year have to sell the subscription. Second show has bonus. Stop the whining. Its a bore.

user picture

Member for

10 years 3 months

In reply to by simonrob

Permalink

I emailed Dr Rhino yesterday, and got a generic response thanking me for my patience, but advising me that due to the "high-volume of email traffic I will respond to your email within 5 business days."
Looking at the tortuous tracking information last night, I saw that it was still out there for delivery somewhere, with the same expectation of me paying £73 + on delivery for freight charges.

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

6 years

In reply to by simonrob

Permalink

Don't build your hopes up!
UPS delivered mine yesterday. Courier said customs paid.
Today I had a phone call from UPS requesting payment £73.92 which I ain't paying.
They're sending courier back out tomorrow to collect. So I expect I'll see it again soon??

user picture

Member for

10 years 1 month

In reply to by fourwindsblow

Permalink

This makes me very happy that 6/17/91 is getting a solo release; methinks it will be included in this box (although I believe someone had already speculated/potentially confirmed this elsewhere); similar to how they also did a stand alone release for 'Wake up to Find Out' when it was also included in one of the Spring '90 boxes.

drip...drip...drip....
Sixtus

user picture

Member for

8 years 7 months
Permalink

... I would wait until you see the film before pre-ordering or if your not attending, wait for Reviews to be published/posted HERE or elsewhere, it’s your choice. 😉Imagine if they offered the opportunity to do that with every concert that was recorded both Audio & Film!!! That would be Primo! Lol, it would be a total deffent business model they operate under right now and would Effect Sales. I bet Some fans would pay extra just for the opportunity/chance! Lol ha ha ... who knows maybe after that you won’t be interested in adding this Vinyl/CD release to your collection.
🙏❤️😎
*Plus artwork is Incomplete ;)

user picture

Member for

8 years 7 months

In reply to by stoltzfus

Permalink

...stolz. You crack me up! Lol 😂 The Healing Power Of Laughter is always welcomed!

Also
...”I want my $2.00 dollars!”... ha ha

user picture

Member for

10 years 1 month
Permalink

Ok...so i was reading this article with an interview with Bruce Hornsby just now, and I came across a very interesting reference/mention by Bruce therein; it goes like this (and please note his VERY LAST SENTENCE):

"... Look, I’ve spent my career collaborating and getting calls from amazing people. There was the Dead, maybe the single most amazing collaboration. It was a beautiful, often transcendent experience to do that, and maybe especially earlier with Garcia. I wouldn’t trade anything for that. I was so influenced by them as a songwriter. Obviously, the younger generation of forward-thinking musicians feels the same way, hence this several CD Grateful Dead compilation that was put together."

https://www.stereogum.com/2038972/bruce-hornsby-spike-lee-grateful-dead…

I'd say that's a decent hint as to what's about to blow open with this box.

Sixtus

Yep - probably a hint at what's to come (though he could also be referencing the compliation of GD covers from modern bands that was put out a couple years ago). Either way, it should be an exciting day (and looks like I'm WAY off my prediction of a set from 76)!

user picture

Member for

14 years 1 month
Permalink

I was really looking forward to it, but was on call and of course 20 min before show time the phone rings. But from what I hear everyone had a good time. However, there was no box announcement here. Apparently it's a U.S. only announcement.

That’s my prediction.

That way everyone gets the announcement at the same time. Tonight’s reveal will show what the Box looks like.

If it turns out to be a high-demand Box, can this website handle the onslaught?

user picture

Member for

14 years 1 month

In reply to by stoltzfus

Permalink

Yes, it is a medical kind of thing. The only good thing about being on call this week is I've made more than enough to pay for this years box set!!

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Hi you all, who were in the same situation confronted with an extra charge for transportation to europe (esp. Germany). Today UPs stands at my door and delivered Dave's Picks No. 31 without any extra costs. Dr. Rhino has cleared the situation. So all will get well.

The good ol Grateful Dead are my favorite band and have been for forty years. But the fact is is that they were very mediocre quite often, especially in the last 15 years. There are great shows from that period, but this isn’t one. There are at least ten shows from fall 79 that are better then this release. Dissenting respectful opinion should be welcomed and not looked down upon. My opinion is that the Ramble on Rose, Althea and Terrapin and others are painful to listen to. Just listening to the filler from the next night shows a more awake Jerry.
I don’t expect every release to be great, but there are plenty of good shows left in the vault and my opinion is is that this wasn’t one of them. Maybe Dave walked into the vault to grab 12-1-79 and a blue heron flew by and distracted him and he grabbed the wrong show.....I have lots of great shows to listen to, including the first two picks this year and I’m grateful for that. I guess my point is that just because it’s the Grateful Dead and Dave says it’s a great show doesn’t make it so.

People paying and supporting the cause have a right to voice an opinion, as do you. If that wasnt Jerry and the Dead and you heard a live recording of that show I think youd be more critical. This band and Jerry get a lot of slack for the rough nights and its well deserved - they gave us everything they had to the music. When it was a live show I took whatever they had on a given night and was always grateful. It was what it was in the moment. But now that its Dave picking shows and selling goods online 24 years after Jerry left, I think we can request better material or feel free to voice when we think he laid an egg. Sorry that offends your senses - but to my ears, Jerry, sadly, is a total wreck on DP31 . Glad your ears hear it different and that youre enjoying it though - if you want an extra copy Ill sell you mine at face value

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Just got mine. just uploaded to Itunes. I for one know I'm going to love this one immediately so will save my thoughts until after a listen.

Bummed to have to miss the Meet-Up. It will be epic. Not playing anywhere near me withing a 6 hour round trip drive. This is the second time they've overlooked my city. All previous showing played in my hometown. sure, attendance was less than stellar, but the money is in the release. Hope this is the box.

Hope I can afford the box. Hope it doesn't sell out before I can order one. These always seem to come out when I'm between pay periods and/or low on funds. If it is Giants '91, hope the edition numbers are high enough. sometimes they don't print enough copies of these to accomodate demand.

Whatever the case, the movie and box will no doubt be awesome.

Happy Birthday Jerry!

Also, any HQ scans of the cover from Dave's Picks 31up yet?

Thanks! Hope everyone is enjoying your Summer.

Listening to it with headphones - sounds good enough to these middle aged ears. Dave is right - from Oct through December, 1979 is full of fun, energized performances. Really like this little pocket in time and I'm happy to have this release.

user picture

Member for

10 years 9 months
Permalink

and I still don't remember much from the July 31/Aug 1 GD/Band shows in lovely Roosevelt Stadium. They could've filmed Bladerunner there...

It rained at least one night. And on Aug. 1, a woman riding on someone's shoulders was able to approach the lip of the stage and hand a birthday cake up to Jer. The music? I confess to few specific memories.

The run-up, though, was, in today's parlance, "epic." That was July 26 (travel), 27(soundchecks), 28 (shows) at Watkins Glen. We walked away from the all-star jam as Jer broke into Dylan's Takes a Lot to Laugh... and we got on the road because we had to. Made it home on the 29th. The very next day we go to a two-nighter with the GD and The Band. Guess I had a good time!

Let's do the math... In six days, I saw the GD and The Band play four shows each. Together. Throw in two Allman Brothers shows. So that's ten shows in six days. Probably explains why the first few days were memorable and the second half of the game is a bit fuzzy.

But I'm still on my feet! Confessions, confessions....

On to the movies, the box set and more summer.

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Toggle back, yes there were scans kindly posted recently!

Blue Heron! :-)

user picture

Member for

12 years 1 month
Permalink

I live in Maryland. My subscription Dave's Picks Vol. 31 is still sitting in Rhino's warehouse, "Shipment Ready for UPS". Anybody else with this problem?

user picture

Member for

16 years 10 months
Permalink

After reading Dave's description of the DP31 first set I was prepared to be blown away by this show. Sorry to say it is not living up to expectations. Maybe unfair to judge having only listened to the 1st set but it's pretty mediocre. Sounds like the Scarlet > Fire may have potential but AARGH. Audience patch in Fire! C'mon, really? Not the first time one of these offerings has been a disappointment through the years. I'm sure plenty of hard work goes into these releases and I will continue to subscribe since it's an easy Christmas gift for my wife to get me but I hope future choices will be more satisfying. BTW, we saw them 3 weeks later in Oakland and they were on fire.

Not quite the same issue as you but according to the tracking, mine has been sitting in the OKC post office for 5 days now! Obviously not Rhino/Dead.net's fault but frustrating.

user picture

Member for

11 years 1 month
Permalink

DP 31 captures the Dead at a good moment in '79. They were definitely in the groove for this show and it has "that swing". Sit on your porch, open a cool one and let this music wash over you as the sun goes down, remove all negativity from your mind and you will experience the music the way did way back in '79!

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

It's not BIG, it's GIANT.

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

This box is right in my sweet spot! 5 shows / $167 with shipping & tax. Don't have to break the bank or hide it from wifey. Nice mix. Bring on The Swamp!

Rock on

user picture

Member for

9 years 3 months
Permalink

Box is ordered, looking forward to seeing what it will look like. Given the source material, I anticipate that the sound should be excellent.
Edit: Actually, I was at the July 12, 1987 show, makes it even cooler. Saw the July 10, 1987 show in Philadelphia at JFK Stadium also that summer.

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Blue ray box ordered - only 6000! Nice size for me and in the range of affordable on my pension so I am a happy Deadhead. Now if I could just get to hear DP31 :-))
Overseas Deadheads have always been here. I traded tapes via Relix adds from the late 70’s. Those that have their DP31 treasure it or pass it on. Peace & love to all.

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Still waiting
Why????
The address on my package forgot to put the apartment #
So now it goes back to the sender
It takes 2 days to respond to a email
Never had this problem before
I wish all releases were digital
I wouldn’t have to deal with this mail foolishness
Also it would stop the “mark ups” on eBay later
Anyway I’ll get the Chicago Dave’ s pick sooner or later
Forgetting to put a apartment # for a Brooklyn Mailing ........madness!!!!!

Had a casual listen to the first set this evening driving around in the Toyota. It’s All Over Now was a standout for me. And I really like the well placed cannonballs in Jack A Roe. Have they had those before? I am assuming they came from Mickey rather than Bill. Maybe he was listing to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 before the show.

Sound wise, I think the vocals mesh better with the instrumentation than last year’s DaP 27 Boise. Could be better, but unobtrusive when the volume is kept reasonable. You can really tell when Jerry leans into the mic.

Looking forward to a close listen of Set II tomorrow.

Carry on!

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Really enjoyed the show tonite. High lights for me were Might As Well and Truckin' > New Speedway Boogie. Great stuff. This leads me to believe that the new box will be delicious!

Rock on

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 3 months
Permalink

Dead.net have submitted the missing commercial invoices and now it says mine will be here on Monday. Tracking still showing a payment is due but hopefully it has already being sorted or is about to be...

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Here in the Netherlands I see exactly the same information. On the UPS site, my package is still in Louisville,KY, but instead of daily warehouse scans, yesterday the following appeared: "A missing commercial invoice is causing a delay. / The information requested has been obtained and the hold has been resolved." and today there has been an import scan followed by an export scan. Delivery is scheduled for Monday. The freight charge of 81.88 EUR is still shown. I just hope they don't ask for payment on delivery. Optimism levels rising, blood pressure falling...

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

5 years 4 months
Permalink

Mine apparently ready for collection from the local UPS delivery point...all charges settled. Let's see this afternoon...

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

I saw the bulk of my shows in the '78 - '80 time frame, so I was looking forward to this release very much. I have listened to it once and found that I like it. I will be listening to it continually for the next week as I usually do. I like to really dig into any new release. Are there some ballads that seem a bit more slow then usual? Sure, but it is certainly not the train wreck some of you had led me to believe it might be. Just goes to show that every listener hears things differently.

I sign onto this forum first thing every morning, and check back on it constantly throughout the day. You Dead Heads are my kind of people. So it is with love and caring that I have to say to some here: PEOPLE! GET OVER IT"! Every release will not be Veneta! Just because Althea comes off a bit slow does not mean you have to comment on Jerry's heroin addiction, or his diet, or his traumatic life! Maybe he had a headache or a bellyache this night? Maybe he had just had a blow up with his wife / girlfriend? Maybe he just wanted to try it slower tonite as was his want, to keep changing it up to keep it interesting.

I think we all have the right to comment on the music, but try to keep it to that. Not to pontificate here, but none of us was on stage or back stage that night so none of us knows exactly what happened. All I know is, even when I hear a show that I thing is not up to par, it is still better then 95% of the crap I hear out there today. So I will sit back and enjoy this one and if I come across a show that is not too good, I will put it on the shelf and await hungrily for the next one.

Rock on

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 10 months

In reply to by simonrob

Permalink

After 2 episodes of sending the UPS man away after refusing to pay £73, package containing 31 got pushed through my letterbox this morning, so the good Dr Rhino seems to have sorted the problem. Hopefully those still waiting will shortly be rewarded for their patience

user picture

Member for

14 years 11 months
Permalink

I was in good shape for the first set ;)))

at set break I ate a couple pieces of candy ("green M&Ms", not electric ones)

the theater was 2/3 full, with a lot of space in the front row. so I moved up there and looked up at the screen with full sound.

"Giants Stadium". from my vantage point, it looked like everyone in the band was a 10 foot tall giant.

It was cool.

Phenomenal show. The sound was soooooo good.

product sku
081227924300
Product Magento URL
https://store.dead.net/music/dave-s-picks/dave-s-picks-vol-31-1.html