Pick of the Day, with Discussion

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April 6, 2020 - 9:47am

8,085 replies

marye

Joined:
May 26, 2007

Bolo24 says: An Idea, Perhaps? Since we're all going to have a fair amount of spare time on our hands for the foreseeable future, what about starting another thread where we all listen to the same show/release on a given day and then share impressions afterward? Folks can submit suggestions and one person (not me) picks what we'll all listen to - call it Deadnet Picks or something. Anyway, if this idea is deemed to have merit, I'd suggest one of the loyal regular posters take the lead and do the picking - y'all can decide who. Might be fun. If it does go forward, I nominate Dick's Picks 18 for the first listen. Been talked about here lately, and, had it been a single show rather than a compilation, we'd probably be talking about it in the same conversation as Cornell, Veneta, etc. Or perhaps even Gainesville?? Stay safe and healthy, friends - this planet needs as many Deadheads as possible.

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July 9, 2023 - 11:48am

#981

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Jim’s back with a big blast

Street legal? I didn’t think public consumption was legal anywhere, technically of course, now in reality…

Carful about splinters on that flag pole, bet there’s a nice breeze up there though!

78 box. I didn’t get cause I turned my nose up “ohhh, I don’t need that…” IDIOT!
Prolly pissed that it wasn’t something i “wanted”? Whatevs…idiot!
That and I knew I could get copies off my cousin…, but still, IDIOT!
I do have copies so I’ve heard it, and at first was like meh. But after “discovering” spring 78 and how much I liked it, I’ve come to a different realization of the year and box, but…but, I should spend some more time, just when…?

Made it through 73 box once so far. Haven’t been getting the best listens in (these shows are so long) and it’s just not a good time of year to completely clear mind and listen hard for 4 or 5 hours.

I think the sound is mostly great, the art was nice, and the shows are good, (the packaging was not practical) but I respectfully disagree that their all top shelf. They all have moments, but I didn’t feel like they were at that level for the whole show, which is why I wouldn’t call em all top shelf…so, a solid enjoyable box from one of my favorite years, but I think there’s still better…

So, I respectfully disagree that we’re running out of high caliber shows, definitely diminished but, consider just some of these: first and foremost I’d say the first six shows of 73 are as good or better than these. 2/9 is good, but way overhyped due to years of taper bias. I think it’s as good as most of the shows in the box, but not as good as the other five, but would be a good center point of a very strong box!
I still think there’s good primal, though why they won’t break out I can’t fathom…
There’s still some killer shows from late 71 after KG joined…certainly some hot spring shows too, but not sure they’d sell as well?
There’s still some killer fall 72, though you’d think they’d wait on that a bit!
A plethora of 73! Winter, spring, summer, fall…(ok, prolly will never see a horn tour box) but some representation would be nice. I still say Providence, or Syracuse would make a nice WOTF 50th bonus since their killer shows and have the most songs off the album (6 I think?).
Unless they did a Winterland 74 redo (which I don’t see), 74 prolly doesn’t have a box left.
76 could do another summer box
77 I hope not as it’s over represented, comparatively, but I’m sure there’s some small holes still
78: Spring still has some great shows, some Betty’s, and possibly fall, but I’m not as up on those yet?
79…? not sure about a box? If they made it a 79 box of the whole year, than absolutely!
80, same thing. Of course that’s predicated on Fall tapes not being available…otherwise!
I could name lots of 80s, especially early, but of course that means cassettes, which to some immediately discounts or outright disqualifies…to each there own. I think their getting pretty damn good at fixing them up, but whatevs…
Still hope someday, unfortunately I don’t see it soon, but someday we’ll get a summer 85.
86 through 88, prolly not, though when we’re gone or not as involved, maybe they’ll market something 87 for all the touchers? Of course if they did more venue boxes, i.e., Greek, Frost etc, many of these could come into play

But!!, but, there is still a fine trove of untapped Multies from 89, especially the fall tour (wtf Dave?) and lots of good DATs from the nineties which did have some consistently good tours: summer 90, fall 91, summer 91, some call out spring 91, but I’ve not spent enough time there yet to opinion?
I could argue others, but I don’t see it from a marketing standpoint?
I’m sure heads are spinning and many would argue otherwise. But I’ve put the time in, and if you strip the preconceived pretentious BS and just listen, you’d be surprised.
And though there may NOT be enough good/consistent left for a lot of boxes, there’s tons of individual and small runs, that are very good GD. Hell, they could always do another 30 trips, say for the 60th in gulp, 2 years!
I mean, I get what yer saying, but the more I dig through the years, all the years, I’m still finding juicy nugs of goodness, even some hiding up there where mama hides the cookies!
Be well, stay cool all!
In fact, stay inside where it’s cool, and PLAY DEAD!
July 9, 2023 - 10:47am

#982

JimInMD

Joined:
June 27, 2011

July '78

What a surprise that box was.. love that box. The June '76 recordings seemed to be on the same level (excellent) but the energy was not quite there.

So we have two May '77 Betty Boxes (both excellent) and a June '76 and July '78 box (again, both excellent with a big nudge going to 1978). With Spring '73 and October '72 boxes released, I hate to say it but I am not sure I see a long stream of shows at this high caliber. Let's hope Dave has some more surprises up his sleeve.

It's been so damned hot here in the East the last week.. and with my air conditioner on the fritz, the only way I could find to break the heat was to take off all my clothes and perch myself on the top of the telephone pole in the town park. Looking at temperatures across the county (and globe), I expect many of you were in the same predicament.

I'm going to hit some of the July box this afternoon.. might start with the second set of 7/5 and work my way backwards to 7/1. 7/7 and 7/8 deserve special treatment and a large span of uninterrupted time.

oh.. Maryland went legal on 7/1. It did not take long for at least the streets in the mountainous parts to smell like a Grateful Dead Concert.. was that haze in the sky residual smoke from the Great Canadian fires of 2023 or celebratory smoke signals from the newest state to go street legal? I never expected this to happen in my lifetime.. little by little they are decriminalizing the freak flag.

Happy summer all.. thanks for keeping up the good vibes and keeping the picks on-point.
July 8, 2023 - 11:43am

#983

wilfredtjones

Joined:
June 4, 2007

Omaha!

Always dug that and considered it the sleeper. All Over Now, check that out. As Jim would say, Wowow stuff. Also, the meat of set II is where it's at. Of course, the Weirdness>Wharf Rat but that whole set II jam sequence is powerhouse stuff. Plus, don't they encore with Promised Land? May be sui generis, only time that happened. Anyway, great stuff with the Oroboros sculpture in the back watchin' over things... :-)
July 8, 2023 - 10:55am

#984

1stshow70878

Joined:
September 11, 2014

7-3-78

When this was first released I said this was the sleeper of the batch. SO damn good and under the radar. Having heard 2 of the 5 shows already 7-3 impressed me the most at the time and still is impressive.
The July '78 box is the best box design of the lot IMO.
Cheers
7-8-78 cued up on the tape deck. Aside from the tape flip the late-90s bootleg CD source was superb sound. Easily equal to the official release. In some ways better in that I can hear the amps buzzing right before the 2nd set begins.
July 8, 2023 - 10:41am

#985

daverock

Joined:
September 1, 2014

July 78

Yes, it sounds like a great time to have seen them. I agree with Deadvikes - 7/3 is another top show. Especially the second set. The pre drums jam seemed like the highlight- in fact I was going to miss out the drums and following songs. It would have been a mistake, though - NFA and Stella Blue are also exceptional.#
I have just had a look in the Taping Compendium, to see what they though of this show. Not much, by the looks of things! Oh well - my gain.
July 8, 2023 - 10:37am

#986

1stshow70878

Joined:
September 11, 2014

4 in a row, kinda

I do feel lucky DV. Got to see 4 shows in a row so to speak.
7-7-78 Listened from the parking lot dodging security. Had to work, got off early, went without a ticket, ended up rescuing stranded friends who were having a little tiff with their ride.
7-8-78 Technically my first show. A rip-snorter if there ever was one to end the tour. Now with legendary status.
8-30-78 The very next show. They loved Red Rocks and rewarded us with the new Shakedown tunes. Short notice almost unannounced dates added to begin the tour. Just exactly perfect and so different from the July shows.
8-31-78 Capping off a monumental couple of months for me.
Those were the daze. Not so sure I got on the bus so much as the bus whizzed by and an arm grabbed me by the collar and pulled me in. A life saving gesture by the band, or so it felt.
Cheers
July 7, 2023 - 6:30pm

#987

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

7/1/78 and the July 78 Box

The Dead performing at the Willie Nelson Picnic, what a scene that must have been. I really like this show (great FOD, Terrapin, Playing) and Daverock, 7/3 at the St. Paul Civic Center is another great show. Of course Firstshow was part of this scene back in July 78. Lucky Guy.
July 7, 2023 - 11:46am

#988

1stshow70878

Joined:
September 11, 2014

Arrowhead '78

Sometimes when Uncle Bobo would tell them they only had another hour they would bring it all the harder, after messing with him a bit of course. This one feels a little like that. Knowing they had a time constraint didn't seem to throw them off at all. Probably looked forward to having some BBQ afterwards. Jerry seems to get some lyrics mixed up a couple times but hard to find fault with this show. The Playin' stood out nicely I thought. Really hitting their stride by then. May have to do some 45 year anniversaries this weekend. 7-7-78 seems to be calling me now after this fun one.
Cheers
Still haven't checked my discs yet for the RFK 4CD but I'm thinking customer service is a bit overwhelmed already reading about all the issues so no huge hurry I guess.
July 7, 2023 - 10:27am

#989

daverock

Joined:
September 1, 2014

7/1/78

A good solid show. It seems very much to rest on Jerry's shoulders to me, and he is superb throughout. Ably supported by some nice walking bass from Mr Lesh. An early highlight for me was the solo on Friend of the Devil. The drums seemed to plod a bit, and I'm not so keen on either Bob or Keith's sound, but they are both in the background for much of the time. I thought I could hear a bit of Bob on slide a few times, but that might just have been me being paranoid.
I think I'll go straight to the next one in the 78 box, now - 7/3/78. Or maybe 6/26/74 - it depends on how my mood is when I get to the living room.
July 6, 2023 - 7:19am

#990

1stshow70878

Joined:
September 11, 2014

I'm In

Should fit in my schedule.
Isn't that a one big set?
Still waiting on 6-10-73 to arrive.
Cheers

Edit: An unexpected surprise! RFK 4-CD arrived 3 days early with no USPS notice. All set for my weekend. (faint scuffs on disc 2 but no glue anywhere with more standard packaging, but they do slide in, no plastic holders like DaPs.

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Currently Listening To...

Bolo24 says: An Idea, Perhaps? Since we're all going to have a fair amount of spare time on our hands for the foreseeable future, what about starting another thread where we all listen to the same show/release on a given day and then share impressions afterward? Folks can submit suggestions and one person (not me) picks what we'll all listen to - call it Deadnet Picks or something. Anyway, if this idea is deemed to have merit, I'd suggest one of the loyal regular posters take the lead and do the picking - y'all can decide who. Might be fun. If it does go forward, I nominate Dick's Picks 18 for the first listen. Been talked about here lately, and, had it been a single show rather than a compilation, we'd probably be talking about it in the same conversation as Cornell, Veneta, etc. Or perhaps even Gainesville?? Stay safe and healthy, friends - this planet needs as many Deadheads as possible.

Which JGB release are you speaking of bolo?....

....need specifics.

Bolo JGB

This one?

https://jerrygarcia.com/album/jerry-garcia-band/

Yeah

That one

OoOoOoOh....

....that is a good one. Been a while since I've played it. Hopping on that bus tomorrow.

JGB

I’m on it, that will go good with morning coffee tomorrow.

9/25/76 & 9/28/76 = Happy 4/20

Man I dug those two shows!

I agree with OTIS, It's not so much Highlights as it is the Whole Trip .

For both nights.

I think I enjoyed 9/28/76 even more... coulda been the time of day it played as it is 4/20 after all.

Two comments:
Missing Bertha from 9/28/76 would make killer filler somewhere.. (hint, hint Lemieux)
The 9/28/76 Set 2 "Jam" tracks ("Jam", "Orange Wango Tango Jam") seem more like continuations on the PITB theme, anybody else hearing that?

If listed as such it makes that set look even greater on paper:
PITB > Wheel > Samson > PITB > Comes A Time > Drums > Eyes > PITB > Dancin' > PITB. Johnny B. Goode

GREAT Set either way you slice it, but.. that's what I was hearing and I love it when they weave in and out of a theme throughout a set like that. GREAT PICK!

I thought I had that JGB for a second, dug through the garage, but it's the Almost Acoustic from '88.

I found a few tracks on YouTube, so I'll kinda follow along and will look for the feedback.

I plan on doing an anniversary trip through 4/21/84, and maybe 4/20 & 4/19 too. Goin' back to Philly!

Happy 4/20

No Spotify GOGD?....

....best $9.99/month I can think of spending money on. That and weed.

Ha..

I've been really, ridiculously busy.. but I did finish Dicks Picks 18. Am I late to the party?

I will add.. I liked the Scarlet Fire so much, but it just didn't scratch the itch well enough. Perhaps it was the recording, perhaps, well.. it was missing some relevancy so I did a side-by-side comparison to the one from Dave's Picks 8, 11/30/80 Fox Theatre, Hot Lanta. Man.. that totally hit the spot. and the recording, to my ears at least, sparkled, which is amazing because half of it came from an audience master (thanks Dr. Bob!! bow of the head, tip of the glass.. much appreciatto).

So what's next? I guess I will have to read the last 18 pages since this one was mentioned.

Hoping to have some more free time soon.. perhaps I won't get so far behind.

Drinking an excellent bottle of red, and getting ready to put on some tunes? JGB? The best palate cleanser. Good golly miss molly.. I think I missed a lot here.

Re: 9/25/76 & 9/28/76 = Happy 4/20

Man.. great to see these shows get some love. Perhaps it was because it was back in the Dicks Picks days, when any release was a treasure trove of new and undiscovered magic.. I believe this release predates soundboard copies on Archive.org.. all this was new, but to the meat.. you have to add Jerry's guitar work during supplication as a high point. Crank it to 11, he shreds it and for the mellow vibe of 76, it's worth a listen.

9/25/76

Fall 76! I remember the first time I heard the Cosmic Charlie out of Dancing and thought wow, 76 is really good. Still true today. Love the Sugaree, just a solid show throughout. The whole show is really smoking, solid finish.

Great choice WilfredTJones.

Stay well folks!

1976 is Mrs. Vguys favorite year....

....she would never admit it, but I know better. 🤫
She likes them mellow, like a pinot noir.

9/25/76

I haven't played it this week, but I just thought I'd chip in to say its my favourite 1976 show, and has been since whenever it came out.

One of my favorite Tangled up in Blue's

I bought the cassette back when it came out... Why oh why!!

Tangled Up In Blue

Morning!

Waiting for A Miracle seems like such a relevant tune today.

Man, I know I’ve got this JGB CD somewhere.. or had it, but if I had it I woulda kept it. So.. hmm.

Feel ya BOBT them Dylan tunes are what I wanted to hear most. Found around 6 of these songs on YouTube but not that one.

VGUY yeah, you’re right I should prob get Spotify.. can I handle/afford 1 more sub in my life… I gotta think about that, meaning procrastinate longer until the next time:)

Anyhow, what I’m hearing is sounding GREAT, and real nice playing by Jerry.. Dear Prudence solo is sounding real good, sick drum fills too. I had this back in the day…

I’m gonna trip on over to the April 1984 Philly run per OTIS mention.

Have Fun today and Be Well!

The I Shall Be Released on this release....

....literally just released me.

Jerry Garcia Band (Album)

Like others have mentioned.. the Dylan stuff shines for me, add in Dear Prudence, which blew me away the first time I listened to this version.. But my favorite cut of the album is Lucky Old Sun. and talk about a karma lift.. My Sisters and Brothers.

That Jerry Live Album

...definitely changed me. It came out at a time when I was also getting fully into the GD; these versions became staples against which all other versions were judged (I know we ALL do this from time to time...).

The Simple Twist of Fate is a definite favorite here as far as the covers. But my favorite of them all is I Shall Be Released. (right on VGuy)
Jerry's vocals are so heartfelt; sounding nearly broken at times, offset by his absolutely WAILING solos, especially that final one....total chills up the spine every time. When shit like that happens, you know it touches a deep part of your innards.

A++ for this release

Sixtus

P.S. Bolo Contest chin scratching commencing

Jerry Garcia Band

Yeah, definitely a game changer! I too was just really getting into the Dead, and when I got that CD (a year or two after it was released,) it cemented for me that Jerry was going to become my all-time favorite guitar player. In addition, as a big Dylan fan, it has so many great takes of his tunes, and it was Jerry's voice - fragile, sensitive, warm, - that totally sold me (still does.) The big highlight for me (though I LOVE every track) has always been "Senor." Makes me stand up and take notice, every time. Jerry's delivery and playing on that one... holy guacamole!

Oh, and "My Sisters and My Brothers." That song became a mantra for me in high school, and I think I am a better man for it now.

Great pick Bolo!

Peace

JGB

Good pick Bolo.
On Lucky Old Sun now, all songs so far have been hitting the spot. Love the tone of Jerry’s guitar.

Don’t want to do any overkill today, but later this week I’m also going to spin the other compilation releases How Sweet It Is.... and Shining Star.

DaP34

On sale now.

Nice bonus disc!

Before you get on board Sir your name we'd like to know

Dusted off some classic releases a few weeks ago

~ Box of Rain ~ Fallout from the PhilZone+ Jerry Garcia Band double disc with John Kahn cover artwork.

Cool graphics and pics on the CDs and booklet

Hundred Year Hall + Don't Let Go

Dicks Picks 4 , 11 , 13 , 18 have been in my car for months.

China -> Rider -> China Doll from 12.29.77 is real nice

catchin' up

Playing at home when i can - we've had sweet spring weather and been spending time in the garden and reveling in the real world outdoors. Bolo - great to hear things turned corner for better with friends and loved ones - scary times.

In the end caught some of these picks, missed a couple others, I'll get to 'em eventually, plus a few non-pick-of the-day musical detours. One detour that's been on repeated repeat is the '91 JGB show from Electric on the Eel. Love it love it love it! Been meaning to bring it up, its a big beautiful dose of carefree big smile summer fun. Cool to have Bolo rec the '91 JGB live release (Deal now.) This release got a lot of mileage back in the day, but its been long while. One song that stood out back then was Senor - totally unfamiliar to me as a Dylan or JGB song, super eerie and powerful. General later JGB thought - Melvin Seals organ playing is a freaking force of nature.

Finished Landover 9/25/76 this morning - awesome show, years since i last listened. That second set is out of this world! And somehow I'd totally lost track of how great 12/2/73 was - oh my goodness. That '83 Santa Fe show is like a train about to jump the tracks. On a non-pick-of-the-day closing note - had a delightful late evening with those 2 October '80 Warfield acoustic sets released last year.

Opening notes of Senor . . . .

Re: JGB Compilations

For what it's worth, of the three JGB compilations, most of the time I prefer this one. Perhaps at least partially due to nostalgia..

We more or less got Without a Net and then a year later Jerry Garcia Band (Live) within a year.. and before that there was a dearth of officially released live material going back a number of years. ..and if you were seeing shows, one couldn't help but notice how much better and more consistent the live performances were. It was a good time for all things Grateful Dead.

Quick opinion

So I just found this thread and am listening to the '91 JGB show. I'll write a full opinion review when I'm done with the album, but dang I had to say that was a GRATE jam in "The Way you do the things you do"!

Tangled Up in Bloohoohoo! Tangled Up in Blue!

JGB 91, coming to a rocking close. What a fine release!

Have I missed Bolo's clue? Was it his post "Yeah - That one"? If so, that's a tough clue (or is it?) :)

So, what's on tap for tomorrow, folks? I've really been enjoying the picks so far!

Also, Good Ole Grateful... did you make it to Philly 84 yesterday? I really loved that 4/20 show - amazing Let it Grow, great Scarlet>Fire, overall fun two sets and I thought a really great sounding AUD. Also, that may be the best Esau I've heard - at least I can't recall a better one :)

Peace

EDIT: I now see that I posted my question about Bolo's clue at 11:48 PST, not 12 noon. My ability to do simple math seems to be slipping...

Ok....

....now this is getting fun. Nice to meet you gratefulgal7277.

VGUY72 and everyone

Nice to meet everyone! Y'all rock and this platform is amazing!

Hokay

Time for America’s favorite game show, “Name That Grateful Dead Concert!”

Please read carefully: Following this post, a clue will appear that can be EASILY deciphered to reveal a particular Grateful Dead concert. To win the contest and receive some groovy and valuable Grateful Dead items (TBD), simply send me a PM with your guess of the date and venue of the concert. Also, you must include how you determined your guess, i.e., show your work! No work shown = no entry!

Do not post your guess on this forum as it won’t count. Earliest PM with the correct answer wins. And only one entry per screen name, so take your time to make sure your guess has merit as multiple guesses will be ignored. Screen names must pre-date the time stamp of this post.

Have fun with this, celebrate Dave’s 34 release, have a beer (or whatever), blow off some steam, turn off the TV, get some fresh air. Call your parent(s) and tell them you love them (if applicable).

Clue to follow.

Fixable

Foot

Answer....

....oops. hope no one saw that. Lol

nice recovery

ha - there and gone in a flash!

Clue?

So the Clue is = "Foot"?
Or = "Fixable Foot"?

Not sure clarification will help me here, but.. figured it was worth a shot.

Jerry '91 and Sept. '76

Haven't listened to that Jerry release in a long time. Have it since it came out played it many times. We need more Jerry releases.

9/25: Started nice the rest of set 1 was okay. Set 2 Dancin' picks it up nice! Scarlet. Stephen> NFA> Drums>Jam> Stephen>Sugar Mag great!!

9/28: Have this one marked as an all-timer. Big River was nice Cassidy too this whole first set was excellent. Set 2 Playin' sandwich Awesome!!

Can hear '77 a comin'.

The Grateful Dead

The Other One ->
Stella Blue ->
Sugar Magnolia

Just ordered June 1976 box set

Dave's Picks 34 with bonus disc and the box set should arrive about the same day.

Dave LSD you got one more job this year. fire up a 1984 show for release and include 7.13.84 second set with encore

Fixable Foot?

The answer must be My Pal Foot Foot.

https://youtu.be/XR9d4ESlpHY

Fixable Foot

Well.. here goes nothing.

Next Pick

What's on tap for tomorrow?

Anybody get it right Bolo?

Fixable Foot

I got nothing.

Fixable Foot

I thought I had it... and got my reply

"missed it by that much"

Himey, kill the light.

Next Pick

Got nothin' on Fixable Foot

As for Tomorrow..
4/22/66 Trips Festival (I gotta trip through that:)
4/22/77 is looking like it should be listened too.. not official release though
4/22/78 DaP V15 is official though
4/22/79 Brent's First show might need some honoring

Just a few anniversary date themed thoughts in that regard.

Super curious about the fixable foot...

OTIS - I finished up 4/20/84 & 4/21/84.. they both had their '84 charm.. I'd say for me the highlight was that Slipknot! on 4/21/84... that's definitely worth a listen, dug the PITB too and Stranger from 4/20. Thanks for the reminder!

Gonna try and get 4/21/69 in today... but it might not happen, Hard To Handle with Jerry on Slide.. so far it's weird:)

Fixable Foot.. that just.. I got nothin'