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    marye
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    New year, new update. Tell us of your musical adventures in real time!

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  • JimInMD
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    Noise Reduction and...

    I used Dolby for a brief blink of an eye when I first started copying tapes. Being young and naive, I thought who wants tape noise to come through on the recording, duh.. no brainer, I flipped the Dolby switch on my Nak and hit record. I just want to hear the music, no hiss.

    Very quickly reality set in. Was it Dolby A or Dolby B? Was the source tape recording using Dolby, if so, if you hit Dolby wouldn't it further compress the recording and further alter the sound, you can't play back using Dolby Squared, right? And what do you do in the car, in the boom box (yes.. we were just a few years out of 8 tracks when I started getting tapes). And who really flips or unflips the Dolby switch anyway based on how you think the recording was made. After all, were all these tapes properly notated every step of the way.

    So I quickly gave up on noise reduction, I had a good enough tape deck that I shouldn't be so worried about tape noise. I quit Dolby and never looked back (and never worried about pressing the Dolby button again).

    Just spit balling here, but my prejudices sometimes come to the surface when I hear a Dicks or Daves or Road Trips that sounds a bit muffled and I wonder if the particular Reel or Cassette or Betamax or whatever might have had a Dolby snafu baked in. To be clear, I have no proof this has ever occurred, I just wonder sometimes.

    I should emphasize Jeffrey Norman / David Glasser, etc. have gotten better at their jobs. So if there is any compression or noise reduction used anywhere along the way, they better at making this music sound as good as it possibly can, regardless of the sordid history of the source tapes. Thank you GD, Mockingbird Studios, the good folks and Plangent Processing and all the others that get this music to my front porch. Oh, and thank you tapers too!

  • Oroborous
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    Ooops, forgot

    I can’t say for sure off hand about everyone who recorded Dead and NR, but Betty was known for not using it, and if things are done right, no need.
    Nothing comes for free, so every time you do something, it will effect other things, sometimes negatively…a cost benefit trade off…perhaps just like BITD with high gen cassettes? To Dolby or not to Dolby, that is the question lol
    I always have tried not to do any permanent adjustments/fixes, preferring to try and fix some other way, eq etc, but nothing permanent that you can’t fix yer fix!

    Imho NR etc becomes more of a band aid for when things weren’t able to be right, or to help mask issues beyond repair, i.e., the ravages of time.
    Don’t think I’ve ever used any on a master recording?

    Onto rest of GDM soundtrack this afternoon…

  • 1stshow70878
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    Thx Oro

    So 15 ips or 30 ips would have been impractical for shows I imagine. Expense, changing reels too often, and as these were for listening by the band not studio use, etc. But what about them using noise reduction? I'm guessing no Dolby.
    As an aside, I seldom have my Dolby on when listening to cassettes even though most were recorded with it. Even factory tapes with Dolby seem less muffled without it and I'm not listening at thunderous levels (most of the time) where hiss is an issue.
    Skylabs, a top notch mid-western audio repairer, no longer works on certain categories of equipment: Consoles, quad receivers, linear tracking turntables, automatic turntables, and reel to reels. Just not worth it from a cost perspective for what those machines sell for vs. repair costs. There are still plenty of specialists who will and R-to-Rs are available restored at very reasonable prices but good luck finding pre-recorded tapes (old or new). Nobody makes them anymore. I was never tempted but my cassette guy sells tons of R-to-Rs for like $200-$300 fully restored, but they are more run of the mill Sony and not high end. And they sell fast!
    Thanks again and cheers bro

  • Oroborous
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    First half of GDM soundtrack

    Ist show. The more surface area (wider the tape), and/or the faster the recording speed, the higher the resolution. And yes R2R can most certainly sound best. (Like anything though, if done well)
    The problem is a good one is very expensive, they’re as hard to keep maintained etc as a TT, and good linage quality tapes are rare and expensive, oh, and more a pain to “flip” than even a record…but they can sound amazing!

    Remember, many CDs AND most vinyl are sourced from (hopefully) master R2R tapes! A purist with the gear and ears might argue that direct to (vinyl) disc recording is the ultimate…but good luck lol
    One of the main reasons digital still gets such a bad rap is twofold
    1- the conversion used originally, and lack of attention to disparity’s between different DACs in the chain. Conversion has come a loonnggg way baby! AND…
    2- a significant number of the CDs first produced to meet the huge demand were not sourced from the master tapes, and lineage and source quality were often a joke! Caveat emptor: not all CDs are created alike!…or Blu-ray’s, or DVDs, or Vinyl etc Like drugs boys and girls, know your sources!

  • 1stshow70878
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    4-11-78

    5th show in the box.
    OK, now were getting there.
    Great 1st set.
    2nd set list looks good too.
    Moving right along...
    Cheers

    Random ?s for the tapers and the knowledgeable. Were these original tapes running at 7.5 ips on reel to reels and were they done with any Dolby or whatever? And do you audience tapers use any noise reduction? Been talking to an analog guy who says with reel to reel running fast you get superior saturation and the best analog sound of all, which to his ear beats CDs and even vinyl, and Dolby is unnecessary for good reel to reel recordings.

  • uncle_tripel
    Joined:
    "Don't...

    climb on the fence, you idiot"

    august 6th 1974

    now that's much better, the sound is less polished or over-dubbed...or whatever...

    support your local library,
    my better half's employer also

    Peace for All!
    uncle_tripel

    PS - Hey Bobby, party like it's 1984, Happy B-day!

  • Colin Gould
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    Right now

    This is a little niche for this forum since I’m streaming it on BBC iplayer so it’s probably only accessible in the UK,
    John Martyn - Live at Reading University 1978
    This is an episode of ‘Rock Goes to College’. We saw him several times 78 -79 and his solo concerts were always excellent. It’s available for the next 27 days and is highly recommended. For those who can’t access it I recommend his album ‘One World’ which was his current album when this concert was recorded.
    Edit: To be honest I’d recommend any of his albums really

  • Oroborous
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    Slumming it ; )

    With Dave’s 17, since the rude abrupt halt to my research via the archive being down : (
    Ah well, I’ll just have to suffer lol

    Hope their highly trained crack equipment crew gets it just exactly perfect sooner than later 🤞Was gonna do the big five O anniversary treatment of Rocktober 74, complete in order as I don’t think I’ve done so? Sigh…bastards!

    Kudos to Uncle T supporting the local Library! (TOO is a librarian ; )
    If you don’t use em, ya lose em!
    And remember, they killed Marion ; )

  • uncle_tripel
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    yeah, so ...

    ...this weekend I visited our local library, been awhile...
    took home the 5 CD GOGD Movie Soundtrack box...
    today's listening party:

    oct 20 1974 set 2

    maybe, I'll need to listen to this box abit more, or maybe not...?
    finding the mix is almost like, well, you know, too studioish...

    ... DL announcement later this week, hey now, how about it?

    make LOVE, not WAR!!!

    uncle_tripel

  • proudfoot
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    Soon

    10 9 89

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New year, new update. Tell us of your musical adventures in real time!
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Eyes-Slipnot-China Doll-OMSN
06-2-1974

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7/12/87 Giant's Stadium
Unbelievable performance and one of the best production jobs of any live performance- any band, any genre!!! Well done Mr. Lemieux!!!
Brings back a lot of great memories as I was a young buck and there to see it!!

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When I heard Disraeli Gears in 1968 it changed my life, and then in 1970 I heard Live/Dead ...
So now I am loving the Cream Goodbye Tour 1968, but still waiting for my copy of June 1976 and Dave's Picks 33!

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Yo,yo,yo. Where starting here? Now? DP 18.

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I LOVE a good homework assignment. I have quite a few comments on disc 1 right off the bat.
It would appear that they snuck in 2 songs from the Milwaukee show that happened in between Dane County & Uni-Dome(It’s All Over Now-set 1, and Dupree’s-set 2). Curious.
Out of 12 songs only 3 sets of 3 are back to back from same set(Bertha/G.Lovin’, LL Rain/BE Women, and Passenger/Deal.
Fantastic Bertha w/great transition into GL
Has there ever been a bad version of CR& Snow??(Answer—NO)
Maybe a top 3(for me) Minglewood
TLEO is sweet.
LL Rain/BE Woman super mellow, great playing by all
TMNS-Again, not too many bad versions, and this one is delicious.

I’ll get back to you after discs 2 & 3.

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In reply to by Mr. Ones

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....we need some sort of sundial app to get us all together.
Fashionably late as usual.

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Both 2nd sets are red hot. The Dane County set starts with an Estimated/Eyes. Not withstanding a very sloppy transition, this combo is played well, and with great energy.
Now what can you say about a Playing/Wheel/Playing sandwich. Delicious!!
I love how Playing starts falling apart around 17:39, but slowly & gently, comes back to life.
Keith sounds fantastic throughout all 3 discs, but shines particularly on this 2nd set.
The Uni-Dome 2nd set begins with a very strong Samson, but it’s the Scarlet/Fire that really shines. Beautiful transition, and no vocals on Fire until about 5:10. This is one of those legendary 30 minute Scarlet/Fires.
Truckin’ starts a little slow, but has a top shelf jam into the Drums section. The Other One is next, and Bobby really shines here. Then into Wharf Rat(fantastic solo transition from Jerry here), Jerry’s vocals on this are strong and heartfelt. What could follow but a very tidy transition into Around & Around?? Great stuff!!

So hard to pick a fave 2nd set here, but if I had to, I’d go with the Dane County(by a nose).
But really, what hits home to me, and I obviously haven’t played this for years, is that for a guy who used to only like ‘68-‘72 stuff, graduated up to ‘73-‘74, and finally to ‘76-‘77, this is real red hot stuff. The 30 Trips box helped, and then going back and buying all of the DP’s & Road Trips that I had passed on the first time around.
Great suggestion Bolo, or should I say Dave??

Conclusion?? This Dead fan can love a show from any year, as long as it’s HOT!! Keep ‘em coming!!

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This album has continuous music, each song connected by a musical bridge. Andy Williams doing "into's"!!!! AND he could rock a fuckin' sweater!

Make It With You On Now!

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I think this is the first time I ever posted to a message board anywhere about anything; the first time is always unique. This is a real shot-in-the-dark, but does anyone know where I might find a digital or physical copy of The Dead from Bonnaroo 2004? Been looking everywhere for that one. Mahaloz!

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RIP Peter Green..passed today,may the four winds blow you safely home..Founding member of Fleetwood Mac and extroadinary guitar player..He admired Jerry and was big fan..One of my first dead shows was 2/11/70 Fillmore East.late show with Duane,Gregg and Peter Green joining for Dark Star and beyond.(Allmans also on the bill)..it was amazing and all should take a listen if you havnt in a while.. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/grateful-dead-allman-peter-green-1970/

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Kingfish
10/04/75
Winterland
SF,CA

Setlist:
0:00:00 - Rattlesnake
0:03:55 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:05:17 - Bye And Bye
0:09:18 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:10:29 - Overnight Bag
0:14:16 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:15:45 - C.C. Rider
0:21:22 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:24:23 - Wild Northland
0:27:03 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:28:20 - New Minglewood Blues
0:32:21 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:34:33 - Juke
0:37:38 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:39:08 - Asia Minor
0:43:21 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:44:54 - The Promised Land
0:48:27 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:49:50 - One More Saturday Night

Personnel:
Matt Kelly - harmonica, guitar, vocals
Robbie Hoddinott - lead guitar
Bob Weir - rhythm guitar, vocals
Dave Torbert - bass, vocals
Chris Herold - drums

Summary:
The original Kingfish line-up was fronted by multi-instrumentalist Matthew Kelly and ex-New Riders bass player Dave Torbert, the primary songwriters in the group. Fleshed out with the impressive instrumental skills of Robbie Hoddinott, Chris Herold, and Mick Ward, the band became a popular club act in the Bay Area. Following the death of Mick Ward in a car accident, the group soldiered on as a quartet. When the Grateful Dead officially retired from the road in late 1974, all the musicians were free to pursue outside projects, so Bob Weir, a long-time friend of Matthew Kelly, began sitting in, officially joining the group by the end of the year. Weir's arrival had two major impacts on the band, which can be seen as both a blessing and a curse. The Dead's organization ran their own label, Round Records, so the musicians could essentially produce and release albums free of record industry interference. The upside was that Kingfish got a contract with the Dead's label, recording an impressive debut album, which considerably raised their profile. However, to the existing band member's eventual dismay, the vast contingency of Deadheads now perceived the group as Bob Weir's backing band. Regardless, the group became a very popular touring band and delivered many a great performance.

Headlining a hometown bill that also featured The Sons of Champlin and the Keith & Donna Godchaux Band, Kingfish deliver a high-energy performance to close the night. Needless to say, this was a fine night for Deadheads, who got to experience four members of the Grateful Dead performing on the same bill, but outside the familiar musical context. Performing selections from their debut album as well as several choice covers and yet-to-be recorded originals, this set captures Kingfish during the peak performing months of Weir's tenure with the group.

They kick the show off with Dave Torbert fronting the band for the rocking shuffle of "Rattlesnake," a song the group hadn't recorded. Bob Weir takes lead vocals on "Bye And Bye," a rearranged gospel number that gets a reggae treatment from the band. Next up is "Overnight Bag," another unrecorded number at the time. This straightforward rocker finds the group hitting their stride before they relax into a nice bluesy "C.C. Rider," which Weir would eventually resurrect into the Dead's repertoire several years later.

Following a slight delay to tune back up and determine what to play next, the group treats the audience to "Wild Northland," a delightful country flavored Torbert track from the first Kingfish album. Its live debut, this song is not known to have been performed since and this may indeed be the only live performance. Bob Weir fronts the band again for a rollicking take on "New Minglewood Blues," a classic jug band cover from the Dead's first album. A staple of Weir's repertoire throughout his career, Kingfish's take on this song is arguably more compelling than the Dead's own version, thanks in large part to the harmonica embellishments from Matthew Kelly which propel it along. Kelly gets an opportunity to really cut loose on the following number, "Juke," a high-energy harmonica fueled instrumental in the tradition of James Cotton.

One of the best songs from their debut album is next, with Torbert's "Asia Minor," featuring scorching solo breaks from Hoddinott and a propulsive rhythmic backing from Torbert, Weirm and Herold. The first set ends with an energetic romp through Chuck Berry's "Promised Land," another Weir-led staple borrowed from his Dead repertoire. Hoddinott, who is delightfully high in the mix, cooks up a storm on guitar.

Unfortunately the recordings of the second Kingfish set from this night is currently MIA. However, the encore is also here; a more relaxed, but nonetheless celebratory take on Bob Weir's most popular rocker, "One More Saturday Night," which brought this monumental night of Bay Area music to a close.

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I'm listening to Donna the Buffalo, Dangermuffin, Wood Brothers and Brothers Comatose. Check them all out!

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Bear’s Sonic Journals - “Found In The Ozone” - Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen.

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15 years 4 months
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On Sirius channel 22 (yes just below the dead) Little Stevie's Underground garage.
Music from 50s 60s and 70s from England and the U S. They play some hits but it is more the best songs off an LP. Gets really good around 5 pm.

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Jerry Garcia Band November 25, 1983
Cleveland Music Hall - Cleveland, OH

Set 1:
tuning
I'll Take A Melody
Cats Under The Stars
They Love Each Other
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
The Way You Do The Things You Do
Run For The Roses

Set 2:
Sugaree
Love In The Afternoon
Rhapsody In Red
Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
Dear Prudence
Tangled Up In Blue

Lineup: Jerry Garcia Band:
Jerry Garcia
DeeDee Dickerson
John Kahn
David Kemper
Jaclyn LaBranch
Melvin Seals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p5yzz8g3Do

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There's so much good music to listen to, music that was released years ago and also music that was released this year.
These days my favourite is WARREN ZEVON! Such strong songs!! I got myself the first 5 albums (sans bonustracks) for 20 bucks only. They still sound great. I especially like "Bad luck streak in dancing school" (with the wonderful David Lindley). Warren Zevon transports a passion for life and justice in his songs and his love songs sound marvellous. He's one of the great ones (along with Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, Neil Young, Bob Dylan and of course the Grateful Dead). BTW the Dead covered 2Werewolves of London2 and Jerry G. "Accidentially like a Martyr". Enough written, check out Warren's music!

Gonna need to check this one out. Really psyched about Starfinder’s efforts to digitize his dad’s old reel-to-reels. The material I’ve listened to so far has been stellar! Shout out to Jasmine Melton at WNCW for playing some of Doc & Merle’s Boarding House songs from that collection.

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After listening to the Good Ol Podcast about the Warfield/Radio City shows, Im pumped to see DEAD AHEAD.

However, the expanded DVD version seems a bit hard to find. The one that is streaming is a good 2 hours, but I'm looking for the 3 hour version with all the great extras. Cant find it in any stores outside of Amazon. Anyone have a link to it?

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17 years 5 months
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Alex Jones & Tim Dillon; Joe picked an evil month to go sober lol. That said, the power structure of this dimension is most foul. Happy Halloween!...

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9 years 9 months
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Come you masters of war
You that build all the guns
You that build all death planes
You that build all the bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know
I can see through your masks

You that never done nothin'
But build to destroy
You play with my world
Like it's your little toy
You put a gun in my hand
And you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther
When the fast bullets fly

And I hope that you die
And your death'll come soon
I'll follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And I'll watch while you're lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I'll stand over your grave
'Til I'm sure that you're dead

BD

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3 years 11 months
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I am currently listening to Lucid Dreams by Juice Wrld. He was a great singer, when this song was released I wore his 3d 999 shirts (https://juicewrldmerchandise.net/shirts/) as I was so much excited as a fan. Unfortunately, he left us so early but made his name in such a short span of time. Here is the music video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzB1VGEGcSU

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3 years 10 months
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I am listening to good news by Mac Miller. Mac Miller was a great artist but sadly left us so early. I still remember when his swimming album was released I was so excited I bought its self care shirts ( https://macmillermerch.net/shirts/ ) and his posters to celebrate its arrival. I still cant believe he is no more with us. In such a short span of time he made his name in the field of rap music.. Here is my favourite song of him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIHF7u9Wwiw

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50 years ago today…………….

January 21, 1971
Freeborn Hall, University of California, Davis, California

Set 1: Cold Rain & Snow-Me & My Uncle-Smokestack Lightning-Truckin'-Dire Wolf Hard To Handle-Sugar Magnolia (missing from circulating copies)-Black Peter (missing from circulating copies)-Mama Tried-Around & Around-Cumberland Blues-Casey Jones

Set 2: That's It For The Other One >Cosmic Charlie-China Cat Sunflower >I Know You Rider-
Uncle John's Band (missing from circulating copies)

One of the great unknown shows of 1971. Oh, to be stuck between the end of 1970 and Port Chester! Considering the taping technology available at the time, the longer (but still not complete) circulating version is a “not bad” audience recording that is actually “somewhat listenable”. The highlights include the coupling of Smokestack Lightning and Truckin’ (with Pigpen blowing some harmonica on both—a very rare occurrence), a typically hot 1971 Hard To Handle, a strong (and rare-for-early 71) complete Cryptical/Other 1/Cryptical suite, nicely transitioning into the only Cosmic Charlie of 1971. Plus rare performances of Dire Wolf and Around & Around (both played only three times in 1971).

A short soundboard portion (Mama Tried-Around and Around-Cumberland Blues-Casey Jones) does circulate. Wonder what happened to the rest, is it hidden somewhere in the vault? Worth a quick listen………….

For a more detailed analysis, see
http://deadsources.blogspot.com/2012/07/january-21-1971-freeborn-hall-d…

OK, I don’t listen to it often, but I’m glad I have it…….

Rock on,

Doc
Patience is passion tamed

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16 years 1 month
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Lost Sailor.>>Saint of Circumstance

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3 years 8 months
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Listening right now to "Boot Liquor" on Somafm.com, been listening to it since 2009. Music from San Fran for "cowhands, cowpokes, and cowtippers" as they say. Plays 24/7, no commercials, has a scrolling playlist of the songs & artists, a great source for new and old Americana music, and to hear new bands/singer-songwriters . . . like the best of the old free-form FM days. Try it . . .

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Yo!!! Rockers!!!!

And so it begins. Fifty years ago today. Acid Month. Twenty shows in twenty-six days, culminating in the fine, final Fillmore East shows of April 25-29, 1971. With stops at Franklin & Marshall College, Bucknell University, Allegheny College, Princeton University, SUNY-Cortland, and Duke University, the Dead do their best to promote “higher education”. Winning new fans, perhaps baffling some by playing lots of things that hadn’t been officially released yet, bringing their psychedelic Bakersfield roadshow to lots of impressionable young minds. Was it was the last great blast of the original quintet???

Good old Grateful Dead. Were they a rock band? The mutant offspring of Merle Haggard? Weren’t they a jam band in a previous life? What were they, exactly???

Acid Month is sonically very well preserved. Like a fine wine, now it’s time to pop the cork! If you need or want, here I is! And if you’d like some light reading material, you know where to find me……………

Gentle reminder----I never joke about 1971…………..LOL!!!!

Rock on!

Doc
We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance…..
PPS: 4/4/71

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2/23/74– on 2/23/22. Such a beautiful Weather Report Suite > Stella Blue. It was 68 degrees today in February. The frogs sang in the swamps and the sun shone warmly. I’m feeling so grateful.

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Wow!!! 12/29/77 after tonight’s TIGDH 2/24/74 Dark Star > Morning Dew. Hardly gets better.