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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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  • stoltzfus
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    Rave for 2 21 71

    No, it's not 8 27 72 or 5 26 72. However, it is classic GD. The sound is rich and phenomenal, and there's plenty of energetic playing.

    The WMD bonus disc sounds good.

  • daverock
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    Non lenticulor oxo

    Simon-are you sure the same options offered for the 50th WMD weren't available for earlier 50th Anniversary editions? I can't remember where I ordered it from-it wasn't Amazon or Deadnet- but I somehow conspired to end up with the 50th Anniversary copy of Aoxomoxoa sans lenticulor slipcase. I bought it because it was cheaper, and then felt swizzled as it didn't have the aforementioned lenticulor cover. Maybe the seller just swiped it!

  • simonrob
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    The riddle of two different versions...

    Both versions contain all 3 discs packaged in a 3-disc Digipak, just like the Dave's Picks series. The one and only difference is that the more expensive one has an outer slipcase with the lenticular picture on the front and the "missing" Robert Hunter picture on the back (he was left off the back cover of the original album), together with 8 lines of Hunter lyrics from Black Peter. Also the band name and album title on the front of the slipcase are embossed. Whether you consider the slipcase is worth the extra moolah is up to you, but it is very nice. This option was not available for the other 50th anniversary deluxe editions. I think they saw an opportunity here to earn a little extra on the desirable lenticular cover.

  • Vguy72
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    Happy Birthday Keith!!....

    .

  • wilfredtjones
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    More Port Chester?

    Are they going to release another Capitol Theatre show for the American Beauty 50th Deluxe Edition? If so, which one? Probably not 2-18. This show worked out quite a bit better than I expected I would. It's just as enjoyable as Three from the Vault! No complaints from me...

  • frosted
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    Oh yeah, Port Chester

    This is my GOGD. Most anything 68-72 (and a bit of 77).

    I can listen to anything up to 1980 without getting restless, and I keep testing myself to see if I'm really missing out on something in between. But Pig Power and that turn of the decade sound and energy keeps pulling me back in. Just like Al Pacino trying to leave the Family business, I keep coming back. The vocals that mostly worked. Jerry's rich and bawdy Harley style guitar roars and Bobby's butterscotch tones, underpinned by Phil's ever thumping drives.

    A tight 5 minute PITB instead of a 20 minute wankfest. That'll surely win me friends around here, LOL. But I'll save my fanboy jams for the Dark Stars, Elevens, Dancin's, and Viola Lees instead.

    Great release, thx deadnet!

  • daverock
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    Shows with no jam

    Mr Ones-thanks for the kind words. Funnily enough, I was tempted to miss out some songs, and go straight to The Other One with 2/19/71. I would have missed out on some good music if I had done this, which chimes with what you were saying about disregarding the shorter songs in preparation for the jam section.

    It also occurs to me that, while 1971 doesn't have the same frequency or velocity of jams as 1969 or 1970, the band does, to me, sound much more sure footed playing the shorter, country based songs than they did in either of the two earlier years. Maybe that was why they included this 1971 show to accompany WMD, rather than a show from 1970. In demonstrating the bands mastery of the WMD and country based material in a live setting-this 1971 show may be more convincing than any available show from 1970. Just a thought.

  • Colin Gould
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    Oroborous

    Both versions are described as the deluxe 3 cd versions and the track listings are identical. I might just buy the cheaper one to see what the difference is. I’m sure someone would appreciate it as a gift.

  • Mr. Ones
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    I have a theory

    Which of course is always dangerous. I don’t know whether to credit DAVEROCK, one of my top 5 posters here, but reading his recent post got me thinking (again, VERY dangerous)!!
    I also love, love, love the 2/21 show from WD 50th anniversary. And yet, as stated, there is no real jam segment. Why do I love this show So much?? The jam segment is just about ALWAYS my favorite part of any Dead show.
    So here’s what flashed in my mind. I think maybe I am so focused and excited to hear the set 2 jam(s), it causes me to lose focus on the rest of the show.
    This makes sense(to me at least). So, on 2/21, I am focused on the entire show from start to finish. And they play brilliantly(excluding of course, Ripple take 1). It sounds incredible. And the song choices are brilliant(again, to me at least). An almost perfect show.
    So, a sideways tip of the cap to DAVEROCK, for stirring up this thought. I’m ready for my next Dead show sans big jam segment.
    Stay healthy all. Music is the best!!

  • Oroborous
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    All you had to say...

    was multi-track! I’ve only had one background listen so far, but my gut reaction is 2/21 is tighter and definitely sounds better than Vault 3, or anything from early 71 that I can recall. Normally not a huge fan of this era, (like the 5 piece a lot, but not the lack of big jams) But I can tell I’m going to play this one more than I normally would a non go to release! I’d really love to get 2/18 because, we’ll, ya know......
    For several years I’ve only listened to a ripped copy of the DVD audio hi res version of the Album, which sounds amazing, but the mix is quite different, not better or worse, just different. So it was nice to hear the original mix again. I think I need to listen to the original master release, this remaster, and the DVD version right in a row. Should be interesting...I think I’m going to play both a lot in the near future, top shelf all around, Orange Whip?
    Yeah, my new main criteria is multi-track....if it’s multi, I’m buying it!

    MICKEY: besides the emotional stress of dealing with the old mans BS, which he and everyone else has said: no one ever gave him shit or said anything negative to him, it’s often stated that he was suffering from physical exhaustion that touring and the a, “lifestyle”, brought on. But I believe it’s been intimated that he had a breakdown of some kind? Kinda makes sense that ya play the first night then just split for over 3 years...also, one could speculate that Bobs comment in the GD movie about “fresh out of the mental institution but still the urge to throw things” or whatnot, though probably not a literal dig, knowing they way they all busted balls perhaps a tiny sliver of recognition that the ole Mickster had been going through some changes that were more than just exhaustion. Also, they were in some ways a private group of folks who wouldn’t necessarily discuss such personal things publicly. So not unlike pro sports or corporations, the story has probably been managed a little? Just a theory, can’t say I have any empirical evidence, but it’s possible and would sorta make sense. I’m sure the time it afforded him to get his ranch and studio going and the prodigious outpouring during that era had to be a factor in his sabbatical too. Interestingly, I’m pretty sure I read somewhere they paid him his base salary the whole time, which besides being really cool, reinforces the notion that bad blood wasn’t a reason for his absence. Like most families though, it’s probably complicated and you had to be there to fully comprehend. Whatever the reasons, in the end it fostered one of the most interesting and prolific eras for the Dead themselves. No offense to Mick, but that version of the Band (with Kieth) would not of been quite the same with another player in the mix... imho anyway...

    DAVEROCK/COLIN: perhaps one version is just the Album and the other is the Deluxe addition that includes 2/21/71....no brained there, if you dig this era, you’ll love it for the multi-track sonic glory alone, never mind the fine playing. Ole DOCs gotta be outta his mind about this one. Early 71 in all its splendor!

    Can’t wait to get better aquatinted with both the remaster and the live show!

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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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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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