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    clayv
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    Due July 10th, WORKINGMAN’S DEAD: 50th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION will be available as a three-CD set and digital equivalents featuring the original album with newly remastered sound, plus an unreleased complete concert recorded on February 21, 1971 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. The show was mixed from the 16-track analog master tapes by Jeffrey Norman at Bob Weir’s Marin County TRI Studios and mastered by Grammy® Award-winning engineer, David Glasser, along with restoration and speed correction by Plangent Processes. 2/21/71 delivers a plethora of songs from both Workingman’s Dead and the band’s follow-up album, American Beauty. Some highlights include Weir’s moving vocal take on “Me and Bobby McGee,” Pigpen’s whiskey-seasoned growl on “Easy Wind” and a stellar run through “Uncle John’s Band” to close out the show.

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  • bethy0543
    Joined:
    Problem with playing my FLAC of American Beauty 50th

    I would dearly LOVE to purchase the 50th of Workingman's, but why would I when I have spent so much time trying to get any customer service for the FLAC I purchased of the American Beauty 50th.
    I have not been able to play the FLAC in any form besides one song at a time, which would drive anyone nuts--and which I did not pay for.
    I have kindly requested help from gratefuldead@gnarlywoodstore.com and I am ignored.
    I even got the automatic reply for a ticket having been created (March 12th, 10:09 A.M.), but have heard nothing but crickets.
    I'm sure they are busy, but this is ridiculous.
    Anyone else have any of these problems?
    Is this kind behavior? Is this what we elderly people used to call "Dead Etiquette"? I don't think so...

  • Forensicdoceleven
    Joined:
    I am one of the barbarians - I love rock and roll

    50 years ago today……………….

    January 24, 1971
    Seattle Center Arena, Seattle, Washington

    Truckin'-China Cat Sunflower >I Know You Rider-It Hurts Me Too-Cumberland Blues-Casey Jones-Sugar Magnolia-Hard To Handle-Turn On Your Lovelight >Not Fade Away >Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad >Turn On Your Lovelight >Drums >Good Lovin'-Uncle John’s Band

    It is unclear if this is two separate sets or one long set. There are no audible set breaks or announcements on the circulating soundboard tape. On the commonly circulating Lai soundboard remaster there is approximately 45 seconds of Good Lovin’ after the drums segment. The conclusion of the Good Lovin’ (estimated length 20 minutes) and the show-closing Uncle John’s Band appeared on the deadnet Tapers Section in either December 2012 or January 2013.

    The last show before the first seismic change of 1971............

    Clearly, sonically the best of the three January 1971 shows. Hard rocking, with a generous helping of greasy Pigpen material. A fine early 1971 example of the “sledgehammer approach”. Recommended!!
    Rock on,

    Doc
    In 1905 Albert discovered Relativity, in 1906 he invented Rock and Roll

  • Forensicdoceleven
    Joined:
    I frequently hear music in the very heart of noise

    50 years ago today………….

    January 22, 1971
    Main Gym, Lane Community College, Eugene, Oregon

    Casey Jones-Beat It On Down The Line-It Hurts Me Too-Me and My Uncle-Cold Rain and Snow-Hard to Handle-Brokedown Palace-Johnny B. Goode-China Cat Sunflower> I Know You Rider

    Benefit for the Eugene White Bird Clinic. Fifty years on, the clinic is still functioning. If you can, support their work………….

    If you like sonic challenges, maybe this is the one for you. This looks like first set material, and all that commonly circulates. Is it even in the vault? Badly damaged/degraded soundboard, did somebody spill their electric kool-aid on it?

    Attention, Chuck Berry fans. The first documented version of Johnny B Goode by the Dead was on 9/7/69, although that gig may not have been a full Grateful Dead band performance. Following that, it apparently was not performed again until this gig in 1971.

    It appears that a big chunk of this show is missing, so hard to judge based on only what we have here. There are a few bright moments, but “sonic issues” make it a very difficult listen. Unless you’re a completist, you should probably skip this one…………………..

    Rock on,

    Doc
    As soon as I hear music, something in me starts to vibrate

  • Forensicdoceleven
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    With love and patience, nothing is impossible

    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

  • mrmojorisin7
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    Vinyl LP Release??!!!

    This 2/21/71 show is one of the best early GD shows!!!! All these classic, one of the best Me & Bobby McGee, plus a personal fav of mine Cold Rain & Snow! I hope they release this show in full on vinyl.
    Three From The Vault pales in comparison to show, it's about half the length. The band was on fire this night

  • Forensicdoceleven
    Joined:
    Who hears music feels his solitude peopled at once……..

    Yo! Rockers!!

    Doc here,

    Yes I have come out of hibernation, because it is the golden anniversary of that great great Grateful Dead year 1971. To honor, commemorate, and celebrate that year, I will be offering any and all 1971 recordings to any and all that are interested. No limits. You can ask now, you can ask on the anniversary of any shows, or you can ask at any time up to and including midnight on December 31, 2021. After that, only the Shadow knows………….

    Friends, I understand that 1971 is not everybody’s cup of Grateful Dead kool-aid. Perhaps you know little about it, maybe want to dabble, merely poke around, or heaven forbid go all in. Let Doc be your guide. Haven’t led anybody astray for decades……

    I will also be posting, on the show anniversaries, comments, recaps, and opinions on every 1971 show. That’s right, you have to put up with my rants, raves, and ramblings for an entire year!!! And, for any & all interested, the “1971 Project” is almost completed, and available upon request……

    You know where to find me,

    Doc
    One may understand the cosmos, but never the ego; the self is more distant than any star……………

  • The Outer One
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    Finally Obtained

    I made a conscious decision with this 50th Anniversary release not to order this from Dead.net given the CDN/US exchange rate and the fact that all of the previous 50th releases were not limited edition and were commercially released in record stores (at least in Canada). Saved $10 when all was said and done vis a vis US exchange and international delivery charges. vs a CDN $49.98 list price and Federal and Provincial taxes. The obvious downside is that it has just shown up in Regina this week, well past the July release date givin the COVID problems we are all living through.

    So far 2/21/71 hasn't disapointed and the re-master is simply a pleasure to listen to, discovering nuances I didn't know existed! Well worth the wait IMHO.

  • KeithFan2112
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    Two From the Vault

    This sure is good. I've had it about 15 years now. Still has my favorite performance of The Eleven. First time I've listened straight through in quite some time. Also has my favorite Potato Caboose, and I don't go in for favorites much. That's It For The Other One is sublime - now there's one to revisit- no drums between the Cryptical and The Other One is nice. I like when they cut that drums into its own separate track I can edit out. Love what they're doing but prefer the music flow without it.

    Daverock - very interesting commentary on Summer '71 Dead. It's a toss up for me. But you have me motivated to dig back into the Summer. Uncle Gary sent me a fine mix not too long ago - maybe I'll start there.

    One of the difficult things about comparing them is that the February and April runs have multi track releases that sound so good. Some of those houseboat tapes are in rough shape...but you will find Empty Pages. It would have been cool if he swapped that one in on the Europe '72 tour for Chinatown Shuffle or Next Time You See Me once or twice.

  • Lovemygirl
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    *RE Dave’s Picks #36

    ...pigpen Please, I want some more!
    🙏❤️🤠💀🌹

  • daverock
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    1971 -okay

    I have just listened to 8/6/71, and found it to be incredible - both first and second sets. From there I went to 7/2/71, which doesn't have quite the same velocity, but has a great Other One.

    It occurred to me-when I think of pre Keith 1971, I tend to think of the Portchester February run, and the April Fillmore East one. They seem to be held up as the gold stand, but I am not so sure. There are some thunderbolts from heaven in the April run, but as whole maybe both cycle of shows are a bit overrated, and the real highlights occurred during the summer shows.

    This is actually a follow up post from one I put on the Dave's 35 board yesterday-but now that release is starting to trickle out, it seems more appropriate to put it here. If anywhere.

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Due July 10th, WORKINGMAN’S DEAD: 50th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION will be available as a three-CD set and digital equivalents featuring the original album with newly remastered sound, plus an unreleased complete concert recorded on February 21, 1971 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. The show was mixed from the 16-track analog master tapes by Jeffrey Norman at Bob Weir’s Marin County TRI Studios and mastered by Grammy® Award-winning engineer, David Glasser, along with restoration and speed correction by Plangent Processes. 2/21/71 delivers a plethora of songs from both Workingman’s Dead and the band’s follow-up album, American Beauty. Some highlights include Weir’s moving vocal take on “Me and Bobby McGee,” Pigpen’s whiskey-seasoned growl on “Easy Wind” and a stellar run through “Uncle John’s Band” to close out the show.

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In reply to by One Man

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In the time since I first posted, I listened again to both of Mickey's WD & AB, and spot compared with the regular released versions. Mickey's five channel mixes are striking, even where there are no other differences from the released versions. Example, the bass lines are far clearer, background and double tracked vocals shine. As might be expected, with five speakers, there is more space for each instrument. The only flaw I hear is some introduced reverb in Easy Wind that I think detracts. In some places background and harmony vocals are restored (e.g. New Speedway Boogie), and in all songs have a richer presentation, using the rear channels.

American Beauty is somewhat more radical than Workingman's Dead. Til the Morning Comes actually ends (instead of fading out), Brokedown Palace starts A capella, Friend of the Devil has some additional vocals. These are a different approach. But incredible use of five channels is what makes these mixes memorable as compared with the conventional releases.

Also, in 2002 Mickey released a DVD-audio, Best of Mickey Hart, also in five channel audio (actually 5.1) with selections including one from Diga, a couple each from Mystery Box, Planet Drum, a couple of other tracks, and one unreleased 1996 track from the 100th Olympiad. Also excellent.

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Time and Space as we all know as Drums and Space
Finally received Jai Alai Saturday, One More Grateful Saturday Night
1971 Port Chester . Forensic Dr that's for you
Later Folks

After all Lydon was pretty succinct with the Filthy Lucre tour lol. Sort of like FZ's WOIIFOM take off of the Pistols 2nd fav band after Pink Floyd the fabulous Beatles

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I totally agree with both of you, those 5.1 mixes are just fabulous. I remember when they first came out, wow, what a surprise that was, the best sounding American Beauty I had ever heard, also Working Man's was just unbelievable. I had these two lp's engraved in my heart and soul and the remixes really opened my eyes as to how good these two releases really were and are, as if we didn't all ready know that. Blair jackson wrote about these releases in his blog on this very site years ago and he agreed, what a revelation the new mixes are.

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In reply to by unkle sam

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DOC: those are some mighty big pics, lol. Some of my top wish list shows! You’d think some of those might be more likely Dave’s, but hey, who’d a thunk we’d ever get a complete PC 71 show as a “bonus” disc!! One way or another bring em Dave!

WM & AB on DVD Audio; never heard the surround mix. I have stereo Hi-res copies/files that sound amazing, but they definitely are mixed different than the original releases. Didn’t know Mickey did those? I should pick up Hard copies of those and especially that Mickey Disc up. Interesting, thanks for the info.

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I just saw the new sold out poster go for
$400 on eBay. Unreal.

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17 years 5 months
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Whoa!! WTF happened to Live Dead?? I know it was released prior to Working Man's Dead. Whaaa!😥😪

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I believe that they are only going to release the studio albums for the 50th anniversary releases.

For the AB Deluxe edition do we see another show from Port Chester 2/71? Since live albums aren't getting the deluxe treatment this would mean we won't see another anniversary release until 2023 for 'Wake Of The Flood'. Any thoughts/ideas?

Vguy72: that's just...cruel (lol).

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In reply to by DaveStrang

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Maybe they will save American Beauty until next year to pan things out a bit. Also - a bit of a left field idea - they might consider releasing deluxe editions of Garcia's First and Ace. Brilliant albums both, and chock full of future Dead standards.

Amazing coincidence...I have just checked out the board for pick of the day, and read that Bolo has referenced both these two solo albums in his last post there.

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Dave explains/justifies the inclusion of 2 21 71 w/ Workingman's 50th:

https://www.jambase.com/article/grateful-dead-workingmans-dead-50th-ann…

I still disagree. For an album recorded in Feb 70, released June 70, the show shoulda been a 70, not 71.

Have given 5 2 70, 1 2 70, 1 3 70 close listens past few days ... just incredible material ... really thought these WD and AB 50th would be similarly euphoric 1970 collections. The 1 2 70 Dark Star, the entire 1 3 70 bonus disc and the Other One in particular ... just otherworldly stuff ... and thanks to Dave for the beautiful Dave's 30 release. (Not tryna be overly critical ... I just love 1970 ✌ ... and I also listened to the Aoxomoxoa 50th bonus recently, perfect single-disc companion to that album.)

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In reply to by dissident1980

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I have to say I agree. From the rootsy charm of the acoustic sets - which were much more soulful than the ones from later years - to the Dark Stars - to some of the most powerful jams in their history during The Other One, Dancing in the Street, Viola Lee etc..You would have thought an anniversary release of WD would have been a perfect opportunity to celebrate this music. Maybe its been foregone as there is a big old box on the way. But I doubt it.

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What a cool post, thanks for posting it!

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If the guy had ever listened to the New Riders' "Lonesome L.A. Cowboy" (Lyrics by Peter Rowan) he would have realised that Barney's Beanery is indeed in L.A. and not in S.F. and could have saved himself both time and effort looking for it. Gotta know your songs!

This in no way diminishes his efforts. A thoroughly interesting and enlightening piece of research.

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Looks like the scene from the Time Machine.

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In reply to by Strider 808808

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Berry interesting, nice work!
Gotta wonder why they didn’t try to ask anyone from the dead?

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Workingman's Dead gets played every time I get into bbq and beer drinking. Along with the Best of Muddy Waters, Charlie Musslewhite's Louisiana Fog, and Anthem of the Sun. If I had to pick one record of all records ever done, it would be Workingman's Dead.

When watching episode 2 of "Long Strange Trip", Jerry described this album as an extension of American Beauty and that's definitely true. In both albums the dead get away from intense psychedelia, and lean into chill folk and country rock. I also think its cool that in both of these albums CSNY helped the Dead with their harmonizing skills, which is one of many examples of the Haight scene collaborating.

Here's the link to the episode if y'all wanna watch!: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0716M5Q4C/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

Damn you have great musical tastes. The only slight modification I would put is Charlie's Vanguard lps are tops of a wonderful life's work. What do you think of his experiments with Cuban and other fusion material he got into from the late 90's

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I've never heard Charlie play Cuban music, but I have heard that he did. My favorite two Musslewhite records are Louisiana Fog and Taking My Time, but I love all that music he put out on Vanguard. I've seen him play a lot of times. Charlie Musslewhite and Little Walter my favorite two harmonica players, but I love all of those blues harmonica players past and present.

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I'm looking to fill some gaps in my collection. I have a few of the official downloads/CDs that they released way back when but they are no longer available.

Anyone out there looking to trade some shows? I have a pretty deep collection of Dead/Phish/Panic/Mule/Cheese/Etc.

Google Drive works great!

DM me.

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not much posting going on.

not that I need to spend time here, but it is a pleasant, occasional diversion.

5/5/81 post drums is worth your while.

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I love this album
It’s one of my favorite, go too albums released by the dead. This album changed me some how. But that’s a whole other story.
I love it!
Have a grateful day everyone.

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Just got relix mail about a 14 lp collection of original albums, 180 gm, beautiful colors, the book, the special gift, limited of course to 3,000.

Boy I flew there, 500 bucks! (hear that large sound of brakes squealing)

Can't a brother get a break.

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Went a looking for that Loser done by the Travelin' McCourys,,,, couldn't find in archive, but you can buy "the single" from amazon for 1.30.

At least a brother could afford that.

…….. for just the price of a cup of coffee a day, you could give a needy Deadhead...….

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Found that Travllin' McCourys show (2015-05-23). It's on the archive. I was looking under Del McCourys Band, but no, it was under TM (like it should be).

It's a nice recording. I think there were 4 recordings of that show, I forget which I took, the best one obviously :-)

Time to put up on gdrive.

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In reply to by vykr

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Maybe they are saving that for the next reissue. Its only 5 years off the 55th anniversary.

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There are a few copies of this one and American beauty for sale on ebay.

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Back in 1984 I was at Red Rocks to see the Dead and I was given a Pigpen t-shirt from one of the Hog Farm associates. It was made by Stanley Mouse of his portrait of Pigpen from the back cover of Workingmans Dead. Printed on an off white 100% cotton beefy-t it was the bomb. I believe it had been produced by the Hog Farm and Mouse to be a fun-d raiser for SEVA. (Phun-raiser) I used to be a hell raiser , now I’m just a phun raiser. I bought this latest Workingmans Dead t-shirt. Way satisfied. Looking forward to t-shirt, jacket and should get the cap and go down to the Cenex Co-op filling station and shoot the bull with Goober. Andy Griffith was a comic genius .

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In reply to by daverock

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Perhaps they will come out next year? 51st anniversary and 5.1 mixes go together.

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Hats off to you, Okiedoke! Your persistence is greatly appreciated. That's a fun tale. I wonder if the Victorian house was moved somewhere or just plowed down. And wouldn't "Beanie's Place" make a good album title for someone?

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I recommend the jambase stream of 4/21/1972 Beat Club bremen. Right now they are doing playing in the band a second time. I guess the first time through they weren't as warmed up.

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In reply to by Strider 808808

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....great post my man. I have the “Pigpen T /Shirt you mentioned in your last post. Only difference is the color, the first edition of these pigpen T- shirt were/ are a beautiful hue’ of Pblue
In first edition was created & offered by the Dead’s long time friend & fan; By the artist, ‘Stanley Mouse Studios! The original first edition shirts are highly sought after or grateful to have in any greatful dead fan base! I have two versions, the original release by Stanley mouse and a 2nd shirt Of mouses’s released with a deep red/ maroon color palette!

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In reply to by Strider 808808

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....great post my man. I have the “Pigpen T /Shirt you mentioned in your last post. Only difference is the color, the first edition of these pigpen T- shirt were/ are a beautiful hue’ of Pblue
In first edition was created & offered by the Dead’s long time friend & fan; By the artist, ‘Stanley Mouse Studios! The original first edition shirts are highly sought after or grateful to have in any greatful dead fan base! I have two versions, the original release by Stanley mouse and a 2nd shirt Of mouses’s released with a deep red/ maroon color palette!

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In reply to by deadheadqueen

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Why is this Workingman's Dead 50th-anniversary collection being released on July 10th, 2020 while the original vinyl album release (WS-1869) was on June 14th, 1970?
I don't enough about the inner workings of Rhino Entertainment or Warner Music Group, but I would have put the release date of Workingman's Dead 50 sometime in June 2020.

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