Pick of the Day, with Discussion

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April 6, 2020 - 9:47am

8,077 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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June 29, 2020 - 7:45am

#6661

Thats_Otis

Joined:
May 12, 2011

Warming up the Chocolate Spot...

... sounds kinda dirty when you put it that way, Oro... :)

Rock on!

Peace
June 29, 2020 - 7:09am

#6662

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Otis

31, bring it!
Glad we got that Chocolate spot all warmed up for ya!
June 29, 2020 - 6:12am

#6663

Thats_Otis

Joined:
May 12, 2011

@ Oroborous, DeadVikes, etc.

Thanks, my man! I think it sounds pretty sweet - especially that Shrine 67 LP release, played LOUD!

Your Hershey story is great! Really wish I would have been around during those times! I would have partied right down in the mud with you!

Not the same, but my first Phish show was at Hershey in 96. We too found a spot directly in front of the soundboard, figuring that it had to sound good there. To this day, my friends and I refer to that area at shows as "The Chocolate Spot."

DeadVikes, everything's a-ok on this end. Thanks for the thoughts!

So, are we on for Dave's 31 today?

Peace
June 28, 2020 - 9:31pm

#6664

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

Otis/Oroborous

Good to see you back in the loop. Hope all is well. New system is always exciting.
I am willing to give Dave's 31 another try. Haven't listened to it since last year.

Took out Good old Dave's 25, the BINGHAMTON NY 77 show. Some of these shows keep getting better with each listen.
Oroborous, you are a wild man. What a ride!

Be well folks. I have heard rumblings in other pages about big announcements coming. Don't know about that but we do know Dave's 35 will be announced in July. Maybe they will give Oroborous an 85 pick?
June 28, 2020 - 9:27pm

#6665

Vguy72

Joined:
June 29, 2007

6.28.85 Hershey Park....

....another one of my first tapes. Bird Song-> Comes A Time -> Deal. A rare Garcia trifecta to end the first. Music Never Stopped-> Tom Thumbs to open the second. How do you guys keep bringing up my first loves? And why does this band keep following me?
Here's kind of a story. I tripped balls listening to this tape in 1989. That's all I got.
June 28, 2020 - 7:19pm

#6666

wilfredtjones

Joined:
June 4, 2007

Hershey

You know it's on Dave's radar as he has played some of it on 30 Days in past years. Good show and one of my first tapes. Keep the stories coming! :-)
June 28, 2020 - 5:16pm

#6667

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

6/28/85

So after basically staying up for 2 days at SPAC, we finally pack it up and hit the road the next day. I believe it was a rainy, gloomy day most of the day. But that didn’t stop our idiot patrol from basically racIng at high speed through the fine but conservative state of Pennsytuckey, where they were one of the last to let go of the 55 mph laws, and back then there usually wasn’t much tolerance. So 2 cars of totally raging nutknicks, with probably enough cargo to keep us detained for decades, thought it’d be a good idea to race at speeds up to 90!, Idiots!.....yes, one car had a radar detector, but in those days smart cops would wait for some nut traveling high speed and click it on when they had ya dead nuts.
Luckily, all was well and it was one more “miracle” as we earnestly pursued our quest for “too much of everything is just enough”, aaaa, never considered back then maybe Bob was being sarcastic? Lol
So we roll on into Chocolate town late and all beat up. I’m guessing we grabbed some kind of drive through, but not sure and as we were hardcore vegetarian then, perhaps we thought we’d grab something there? It’s all such a blur, I do recall the lot we were in had no or little Shakedown action going on. That still wasn’t in full flight anyway, and don’t recall much there, so maybe we drank our supper? I know I scored some Carlsberg Elephant beer, and believe I may have finished it, though that is a tall order even under good conditions so perhaps not. I’m sure I put in dent in it at least! So, that and the last of one z of veggies, though the tricky part was it was mostly just powder and scraps and so no normal produce to properly gage etc, which would turn out to be a tactical error...
So it’s late, we’re tired, but tweaked, perhaps no dinner, and of course it’s horrible out. Dark, rainy, and cold is usually not how you want to do your Dead. Eventually we get in perfect time, slip right in front of the SB and try to make the best of the situation. Well I had a shirt, a black baseball jacket, and the electric Buffalo Hyde, but even still it was damp and cold at first. Eventually, when things started to take hold and we started boogieing, we began to warm up a bit.
Meanwhile, the set list is awesome, but the conditions, which necessitated all the stage and PA speakers being covered in plastic (there was no stage lid) thereby severely effecting the audio. It’s was such a weird show that way, loved the little “stadium” and the nice audiophile stereo set up, with surrounds, great set list, mostly good playing, yes JGs vocals are a little ruff in the first set, but you have to cut some slack as it was terrible, I mean depending on the wind/rain they were getting rained on playing electrical instruments! Weird indeed, but like so many times in adverse conditions our heroes seemed to rise to the challenge. Thus the playing was perhaps more relaxed, steady and together and not forced like the previous night. Really, besides JGs vocal issues in the first, its a top notch show!
The second set really starts to take it higher with stellar versions of Music Never Stopped, Terrapin, Miracle and one of the best Dews I’ve ever seen! I think I saw about 14 or 15 Dews and when I think about Dews I’ve seen, this one is the one I always think of first! Rocking Stones/NFA with a spirited Day Job. I liked Day Job, but by now it was getting a tad old, and was a disappointment for this show considering how high it was at that point. A She Belongs or Baby Blue would of been a perfect Cherry on top, but perhaps that’s being greedy?
Now since the weather was such a factor, we must discuss that and how it influenced this show. The second set starts out with their “signing in the rain” as Bob says, and it’s a good’n! Next they slowly slid into an unusual sounding Tom Thumbs which I had never heard yet, and wasn’t even sure at first what it was, but hey, it was Phil so that’s all I needed to know! Good but perhaps truncated Estimated, followed by an awesome Terrapin. So as the set started to progress, so did the weather until (I think?) around Estimated it really started to clear up and they started pulling the plastic tarps down. It was almost like you could immediately hear it get better after each one was removed. Eventually by about Terrapin, they tarps we’re gone, the moon and stars were out, and Healy started increasing the volume and tweaking the mix. I remember we were goading him to turn it up, and man eventually he sure did!
As the night wore on it began to warm up a bit too. But as you’ve heard this scenario, or been there yourself, many times I didn’t feel quite high enough so what the hell, one more time with the powder veggie crumbles just before drums......hee-hee....you know, “I’m not feeling it?” and then...Dooah!
So the problem with those baseball jackets is they don’t really breath and the electric Buffalo Hyde was thick plastic. We didn’t have all the nice technical outer gear we have now, or at least WE didn’t. I could barely afford the free plastic one from the old mans work.
Well a perfect storm mounted; little or no food, Elephants, veggies etc, no sleep, excess everything and underlying exhaustion, with me starting to overheat due to the above and dancing with that plastic shell on. Things were going unbelievable well, and partly influenced by the very recent passing of my Grandfather, during Dew, things peaked musically, the sound, the night, the stars, emotionally etc etc until I had one of the most powerful musical/emotional/psychedelic peak experiences of my life. Perhaps my all time GD moment, it was that powerful. But what goes up must come down and just like that the radiator blew and that last handful of shroom dust fully kicked in and somewhere in Throwing Stones, right during ashes, ashes all fall down, well.....I say i didn’t really fall down, it was more like an immediate realization that if I don’t sit down rapidly, I’m going down! LOL, so one way or another, depending on who you believe, I end up down in the soft, cool mud until near the end of the song, but I swear just as I tried to get up I knew it wasn’t going to happen, so right on que again I go back down. My friends to this day always bring up my perfectly coreographed “Dance moves” above all else that happened on this tour..35 years later and it’s still “ashes, ashes, Pedro falls down” !
That would of all been well and good except things were very strange and weren’t wearing off, and I was barely functioning. I never would of found the car etc If not for my homies. Honestly all I remember is them pulling into a Wendy’s or something, but I just sat in the car with my face literally stuck to the window and crackled! Zzzzttttt. I really thought I had finally fried some essential circuits and thought this time I really did it. At some point I snapped out enough to find some kids in another car staring at me with a look of concern if not fear. Luckily, the boys finished up and came out and got us outta there. Somewhere near the state line we finally grabbed a motel as we all had had more than enough rain and adversity. Plus the next day was off and the drive short. I remember they propped me up in bed and I just sat and crackled and worried. Eventually I slept and though I felt better the next day, I didn’t feel normal and don’t recall much except when we got to Merriweather and found a good spot just over the creek, right next to the path, in some trees, on the way to the big parking lots to the right of the venue. But now it was nice and I was feeling more normal so not so freaked out. I also remember going to a nearby sorta plaza with an upscale liquor store where I scored my first sixer of EKU 28 ever which was awesome!
So now we’ve moved beyond the insanity of TOGA, the adversity and majesty of Hershey, and ready for perhaps the best overall show of the tour on 6/30/85....

EDIT: Otis, congrats on the stereo. All that matters is if your happy with it. After all the specs and hyperbole etc, no matter how big, small, expensive etc, in the end, that’s all that counts!
June 28, 2020 - 4:14pm

#6668

Thats_Otis

Joined:
May 12, 2011

@ Bob T and Pick for Monday

Nice rec for the TDIGDH 6/28/76 show! I'd never heard that one before, and it is pretty sweet. The "Happiness is Drumming" is certainly a highlight!

I have been out of the loop for a bit - trying to deal with some personal stuff on my end, and I just kind of lost track of things around these parts. I hope to be able to participate more going forward.

To that end, how about a pick for tomorrow, Monday 6/29? I am thinking Dave's 31 - 12/3/79 Uptown. I feel like this pick got a short shrift on the DaP page, but I remember being very happy with it, though I haven't given it a proper listen since it first came out. What do you all think?

One positive thing that I have accomplished since I've been away has been the set up of my first component stereo system. I don't know if it compares to all of your "big boy" systems, but it certainly feels BIG in my little row home! Looking forward to playing it LOUD tomorrow when the wife goes to work.

Peace
June 28, 2020 - 11:41am

#6669

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Voodoo senile, slight return. 6/27/85, and why 85 Dead is like

Bode Miller...

First, GOGD, I did not mean to single you out, over generalizations, which become stereotypes, which become truth etc, really bum me out. So it was more of a trigger to that, not you personally. I know you were just repeating this line.
Actually, as I’ve dug in deeper, there are probably a significant number of shows where he often doesn’t sound so good, but to over generalize that “his voice was shot”, as in never more, to me, imho, that completely devalues and discounts all the amazing, great sounding stuff he was still able to do. 87,88,89,90,91anyone? Micro view versus macro perhaps?

SECOND: I must humbly recant my tale of dancin in the rain. As we were diligently experiencing TOGA last night. Too things became apparent. First, perhaps JG was a tad “caffeinated” at the start of both sets. Listening close on a real system, (not the big boy, but the living room system which ain’t no slouch!), he seems a tad to fast and/or their not fully entrained. One could argue not fully so until Women Are?...so probably something to do with him totally skipping the Key Rain Storm, and Jailhouse versus, of Bertha, lol.
Thus, while I wasn’t deceitful, I was not accurate. Sure enough, when Holmes and Watson ripped a spleef and fired up Bertha from SPAC 6/24/84, and bingo, ding, ding, ding, ding! Right venue, wrong year! 😂 Ooops, my apologies to the dear reader...but hey, it’s a fun interesting new tid bit, and it did rain, I think, lol.
While doing this research I was listening just on the iPad and interestingly he doesn’t sound as bad? Also, I’ve been going with the HS matrixes, especially shows where I want to hear those crowd big moments. Generally they’ve been pretty good, but researching, I used a CM transfer and man, definitely a big difference. Perhaps number one being the speed/time of the Miller seemed better and more natural?
Subjective I know, just that it’s interesting how every variable can effect perceptions.
6/27/85: so this beast is still as much of a rocket sled ride as I’ve thought, but it’s perhaps a tad more unpolished then I would of said in the past. But that’s being picky, and you know I prefer danger dead to safe, so as at this moment, Hell in a bucket is scorching, I stick by this show for that, the cool set list, and the fact that eventually, say around Women Are on out, that part of the show stands with its lofty summer 85 neighbors. Probably have to give 6/24& perhaps 6/25? a slight advantage overall, but man I haven’t been to many shows that had the vibe, fun, and overall madness of this puppy.

So why is 85 Dead like Bode Miller? He often was criticized for his erratic style, or lack thereof, his nonconformity, often disregard for the rules, including parting then basically going 80 MPH down an insane pitch, that was usually hosed down to make it more icy, and thus faster! So just like this era of Dead, sometimes he’d DQ, sometimes he’d slack off, sometimes it was ugly, but when he brought it, that mofo brought it!! and when he was able to be one with the force, it was fucking breathtaking! Scary, but breathtaking. No matter what, if he was racing there was an energy, an excitement, that larger than life vibe......that, to me, is 85 Dead.
FINALLY: Ladies and Germs, May I present the Electric Buffalo Hyde! as christened by my degenerate cohort due to my resemblance of the great beast of the prairies back in the day, and this baby used to be so bright people would ask if there were batteries. But Alas, like youth itself it’s faded dramatically, and is old and bartered. It definitely gave it’s all to R&R. So many Dead shows, festivals, camping, parties, you name it! Also, it will be a part of an unfortunate situation at the next night, where I lost my shit in Hershey! So until then....
June 28, 2020 - 11:14am

#6670

bob t

Joined:
November 21, 2007

only time played anniversary show 6/28/76 Chicago Auditorium

If you are too busy to listen to whole show, listen to Happiness is Drumming from set II, if you have never heard or listened to listen you will be pleasantly surprised!!! There is a Charlie Miller soundboard on Internet Archive!!!! bob t

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.

Portland Memorial Coliseum June 24, 1973

'73 sounds good to me.

When I went to the Portland Memorial Coliseum in 2018ish, I soaked it in and looked around trying to imagine the GOGD playing in there that and the Bill Walton era Blazers. It's just your classic 1960-70 era coliseum, fold down wood row chairs, you can almost picture the banners hanging from the rafters. It's pretty much a preserved relic from that time.

I bet it was fun seeing the Dead there.

Working on a T-Bone Steak...

...."Paul McCartney"

Yes, I know those are not the words, but I always sort-of hear them that way. Do they make sense? No. Is "Promised Land" one of my favorite 1st set openers? Yep. Only better spot is as a first set closer, IMO.

Enjoy the show, folks! Thanks for following along with my pick!

Peace

RE: OTIS

That's Funny..

Reminds me my Mom used to think the Wings song Band On The Run was "Man On The Rug".

She'd get annoyed why are they singing about a man on a rug?

Good times, great oldies!

Desmond Decker and the Aces

That song "Israelites" used to make me smile when it came on the pub jukebox-"oh, oh, me ears are alight"

@ DaveRock

One of my all-time favs!

Otis

Yeah, its great-I've just played it again.

Portland Coliseum

I saw the Santana / Eric Clapton tour at the Portland Coliseum August 3, 1975. My one time there. Saw the Dead in July 1972 at the Paramount Theater in Portland.
This pick of the day concept has been a real up. Happy to participate when time allows.
One more recommendation , Dick Gregory at Kent State 1971. It’s an album I used to broadcast on my former radio show “Have a Nice Day Comedy Hour”. It’s on YouTube. Check it. And may calm heads prevail during this struggle.

6/24/73

Yes this is a nice pick for today. Anyway it is cool and rainy here, so a Portland show seems fitting. Isn't the Dark Star on this show the only existing Grateful Dead Dark Star quartet? (Keith lays out) I think Keith makes everything better, but I also love the novelty of this Star.

I've always thought the T-Bone steak line was funny. Why point out the detail that it is "a la carte"? When was the last time anyone had a T-bone on a flight?- those good old days.

Portland Coliseum

Saw the Dead play a great show there on 8/15/81. Picked up a case of Bud tall s and spent the day partying down by the Willamette River with four bums we got to know, a fun time was had by all.

Portland

BILLY THE KID: Partying with Bums on the Willamette sounds like you got the true Portland Experience, Represent! Gonna make a mental note to check out 8/15/81 sometime soon.

GOLLUM: Interesting, I will listen for that. Typical Weather today in Portland, we’ve gone from pouring rain, to hail, and now it’s sunny and nice. They say if you don’t like the weather in Portland, just wait a minute, cause it’ll change.

STRIDER 88: ’72 Dead at the Paramount must’ve been Epic! Such an amazing Theater. It’s pristine now, but would’ve loved to see it full of Dead Heads in ’72.

I agree about this being a real up, total bright spot in the Darkness of our time.
I’ll check out that Dick Gregory album, he’s a brilliant & funny guy.

Alright time for China Cat > Rider from Portland ’73.. this show is about to go places.

BTW: If anybody knows anything about the Acid Test here in Portland, I'd love to hear about it. The date is still in question, it was possibly Christmas '66 or NYE day '66 but that's still TBD. Neil Cassady drove them over the Siskiyou pass in a Uhaul in a blizzard with no chains. That's balls.. that pass gets hairy.

6/24/73 Dark Star

It never occurred to me that Keith wasn't on this track. Obviously not paying attention. Weren't there any Stars in 1971 that featured just the quartet?

DS quartet

yeah, maybe in 71, after Mickey left, if Pig sat out? There's that Yale Bowl Road Trip one (7/31/71). Maybe Pig is playing percussion on that one, I'm not sure. That Yale Bowl Dark Star is another beauty...

Way behind...again

Having a little trouble keeping up. Whose maniacal idea was this, anyway?

That 87 show was splendid. We had mucho fun going to shows that year, in large part because we were so delighted and relieved that ol' Jer didn't cash it in the year before.

Speaking of Garcia, here's a brief little attitude adjuster to better deal with these tense times:

https://youtu.be/AJLXj9kPDP0

6.24.73 Portland Memorial Coliseum....

....Looks Like Rain just started. I'm all in.

I can already tell....

.. .that this ChinaRider is gonna blaze.

I was right!!....

😁

If Nothing's On The Horizon for Today...

I might suggest Portland '74 to give some contrast. The Wall.

If it's a go, key in on the China Rider. A great compare/contrast to yesterday's pick. Oh what a difference a year makes..

6/24/73 and Today's Pick

Had a good time listening to 6/24/73 yesterday, such a good show. I am a sucker for A Box of Rain. Dark Star Eyes!

My baby gives me the finance blues. Jim, let's do it, 5/19/74.

Be well folks.

Yale Bowl 1971

Was there. Pigpen did play his Hammond B3. But it was Hard to Handle that had the 98% of the audience who been sitting get up and dance . Kind of like wallflowers at a high school dance who were finally recognized. And moved their bodies. The organ must be low in the mix. Gonna have to listen to that one again.

I think 5/19/74 set II was one of my first 10 shows i had on

cassette... I even remember buying some colorful construction paper tape labels, I can't remember what show but i know it is blue because i still have it!!! Never bought any more, became a purist how i labeled all my tapes... what a moron i was.... bob t

Labeling Tapes

I was (well tried to be) the same.. but penmanship was never my strong point.

Still, for the really great tapes I was able to get my grubby paws on, I made a strong attempt to make clean and cool labels. I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse that computers do most of the writing for us now. I don't think they teach cursive anymore.. times have changed.

Yale Bowl 1971

Wow, to have been at that Yale Bowl 71 show! That Road Trips release has always been a favorite. That show was a coveted rarity back in my tape trading days in the early 80's. I had read in an old "Mikel" flyer that it had one of the very best Dark Stars, but nobody ever had it except as a low quality audience tape. So I was thrilled with its official release. Isn't this the ideal 71-72 transition show? The wild and wooly "Bobby Mcgee" is one of my favorites. Due for a re-listen! (I listened to the Star this morning through headphones, but couldn't hear Pig's organ, but I think he is playing some kind of shaker)

Thanks for the JGB clip bolo. I first heard "The Maker" by the JGB and just loved the song. I've looked for other versions but so far none can top Jerry's for me. A bunch of JGB songs are like that: Senor, Stop that Train, Dixie, Tangled Up, etc. Lots of great versions by great artists, but Jerry owns those songs in my book.

Queueing up Portland 74-

Jim, cursive

There’s a font for that.

Before, now, later

9/18/87: ✔️ Nice little show. Start off like a rocket sled fortunately attached to the rails or it might of jumped the tracks. Bobs all fired up. JG balances it out with a nice Sugaree, sweet Candyman, and big Bird song...Groovy Shakedown etc.
Nice/fun La Bamba surprise complete with Spanish lyrics! Good 87 show, but best of the year???

6/24/73:✔️ I don’t know what the hell it is but I’ve still not been able to really get with the PNW box. I’m sure it’s because I’ve always been trying to force it into my soul instead of letting it simmer and marinate naturally. When the box first was released things were so nuts I’m surprised I had a chance to even just rip it and background play it. Since then I’ve tried a couple times to catch up with it but things always seem to get distracting and busy and long/short.. I’ve still really haven’t had a chance to get tight with this box, sigh.
Yesterday continued the trend, as I had it on but got distracted finally coming up with some bookshelf plans for my office/stereo room. The music helped the muse and I think I have a first draft witch is often the hard part, but alas this PNW beauty was dust in my mental wind. Definitely need to hit that DS up at least, and really need to try and do a show a day real sit down of the whole box soon!...but In the mean time I’ll gladly visit 5/19/74 later today!

FUTURE PICKS: the following are going to be 30 anniversary show this next week or two, and their also part of my first trip to the promised land. Finally, after being on the bus for like 13 years and over 80 shows at that point, we finally made it to the famed promised land and it definitely was real AND spectacular!
So I’m personally going that direction for these, but thought perhaps all y’all might be in for the ride of some/all these 6 shows as Pic-o-the-day possibilities? Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard any besides the vault/cd release from 6/16/90, so I’m not really sure I can suggest anything specifically. I member they were all good shows, but only the released one comes to mind because I remember the unusual set list. I do remember thinking that these west coast shows had an energy or vibe that went inward versus powerful east coast shows were the energy flowed outward...sorry, hard to explain the thirty year old clouded ramblings of a blissful tripster, but some things fortunately do stick in what’s left of the ole memory bank. Like the vibe was comparatively quiet, subtle, mellow, relaxed in a way that was very inwardly loud and powerful? Yeah, remember it really hit me that energy vortex thingy...
So here’s the shows, if anyone is more knowledgeable about specifics or has a suggestion I’m all ears. I’m going to try and tag them all, but just thought these might be perfect for our club here as their good shows but seem to be fairly under the radar...
CAL EXPO
- 6/8/90
- 6/9/90
- 6/10/90
SHORELINE
- 6/15/90
- 6/16/90
- 6/17/90
Ok, thanks, let me know your mind!

5/19/74

I had forgotten this was the show with the vocal dropouts. Two long shows back to back too.. sorry for that.

I mentioned it merely to compare the China Riders. This one is one of my more liked and a freshie today reminded me why. Also.. the temps and weather here were spectacular.. so we hopped in the truck and went trucking on down to the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, a remote stretch in (in my opinion) the most spectacular part of West Virginia. The high was 71 degrees, not high humidity, but not low either. Narly a cloud in the sky.. so we hiked up the beautiful canyon of Red Creek several miles.. found a remote spot on the river to ourselves, pretty far off trail.. not another sole to be seen and set up comfy day camp. Spectacular swimming in the middle of Class V rapids, but at very low water.. so fun and not dangerous. Beautiful waterfalls abound.. and we jammed out to the better part of this show, finishing it on the drive home.

Highlights to me were #1 the weather, #2 mother nature, #3 The Grateful Dead. The China Rider and WRS were apex, but a second set Peggy-O on the hike back.. that mellow swank (and some dank) is, to me at least, very special.

Good day. Forgot my swimming shorts.. At what age are you too old to skinny dip anyway?

Edit: #1, Mother Nature, 2 the weather, 3 GD. What was I thinking?

Dolly Sods

Looks awesome on the google. Sounds like a great day. Adding to the bucket list-

5/19/74

I have listened to about half of it, but, as today is the day I unveil Dave's Picks 34, I may not get round to the rest of it today. Lightweight that I am!

The first half dozen or so songs are really well played and shouted. The vocal drop outs cause quite an interesting effect, as it encourages me to listen to the instrumental interplay more. You couldn't really recommend it as a first buy to someone, but for us who have so much, these drop outs may not really matter.

For me also, the highlights on the first half are China-Rider and Weather Report Suite. Superb playing by Bob during the transition between China and Rider. His playing at this time was much more than what I usually imagine by the description "rhythm guitar". Great the way they move off center during the jam on WRS. The playing is so subtle, the way they play off each other-every member of the band synched in and adding to the whole. So...thoughtful sounding. No resorting to gimmicks, special effects or time honoured crowd pleasing licks. Its great! Lovely clear sound, too.

6/8/77

6/8/77 came in on the Dave's Picks 34 page. Hard to argue with that.

Today's Pick

Morning!

Let's see what this week brings.
OB - I'd be down to take the anniversary Cal Expo & or Shoreline Trip June 1990. 6/8 is looking good!
JIMINMD - 6/8/77 you say.. that could be a possible too.

LMK what you all choose to do.
I'm definitely liking the look 6/8/90:
Jerry songs in Set 1 - Cold Rain, Jack-A-Roe, High Time, Bird Song...
Set 2 opener - UJB > China > Rider .
I think I know what I'm doing here..

Had some nice listening over the weekend. PNW shows were fun, neither have PITB so I tend to skip them, but am glad to have given them a relisten.

That Dark Star > Eyes > China Doll from '73 is far out.
GOLLUM wonder why Keith didn't play on Dark Star, he starts in at about 4 minutes till the end, but now I'm curious. And you all make me wanna listen to the Yale Bowl '71. Wow STRIDER 88 you saw that too! Keep em coming.

China > Rider '74 was the highlight on that for me, and hearing Money Money... it's not good, but makes me smile. Also forgot about the Vocal drop outs and had to check some reviews to make sure my gear was working :)

1987-09-18 - Love that show, I wouldn't say it's the best from '87, but it sure is fun. As far as '87 goes the 7th member is present at most of those shows, roaring and excited and having a great time. For a little while there it sure looked like it might be coming to an end. But Jerry came back and was healthy and energized, the band was having fun, the shows were fun, everybody was thrilled and that energy passed back and forth throughout the year. It was so exciting that we all still got to do this thing we loved to do.. at least one more time. OTIS, definitely check out East Coast Spring Tour Hampton & Hartford shows.

Have a Grate Day Everyone!

Jim--skinny dipping question

I just did so Friday evening! We grabbed another Bohmenian family and went for a midnight moonlight canoe ride, thanks to the warm calm air and the clear skies, which allowed us to paddle a large local lake under the Strawberry moon. At the end, the other father, his 9-ish daughter, my 11-year old son, and I all stripped down and took the plunge. Beautiful!

So I guess 50 is not too old! The other father is 48. My wife and her friend went skinny dipping one night last summer; they were both 47 at the time.

Friday I sang, "Night swimming . . . deserves a quiet night . . . ", but I also love Kate and Anna McGarrigle's version of Loudon Wainwright's "Swimming Song"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4ZrBxJHxo0
That entire first McGarrigle album is just a treat.

Ahh

Cal Expo it is, I didn't see that further down the thread. Lazy me didn't read far enough down as it was late when all this ended last night. Cal- 90 were great shows..

Just finished home schooling my 11 year old today. He seems to think no school means you don't have to do shit, which didn't sit well with me.. but we as of now, I am done teaching at home. Hopefully some of that extra time will make its way back to me.

Don't let me interrupt the flow of things here.. You guys (and gals) are doing great.

Last 2 and back to the future

2 great shows! Hard to decide which I like better? Both! Lol. Maybe 5/19/74 better than 6/24/73. 73 has that unusual DS...perhaps Keef needed to hit the Lou? Feel like the tune suffered a bit without him, but hey a DS is a DS!
Really enjoyed most of the 74 second set, especially the Trucking>>Jam>>NFA>> GDTRFB etc. the jams were awesome with even a touch of mind left body in there? A nice hot, quick NFA and that interesting little weirdness transitioning into GDTRFB...perhaps my favorite part....many solid tunes all the way around here.
Only nit pick is the vocal mix was ruff sometimes (not the drop outs, those don’t bother me so much). Perhaps the combination of 2 track instead of multitrack, wall of sound mics etc. Perhaps because I’ve been listening to a lot of multitrack shows so was more sensitive to the idiosyncrasies than usual?
Didn’t get as much of a full listen to 73, so hard to properly compare.Basically, Just really need to do a full immersion of this whole box. Hopefully if I can knock a few more projects out I can just read and do music for a while, but that’s a lot of ifs....
Ok, on to June 90. I need to celebrate as it’s a big anniversary for me. Hope some of you can come along. It’s a lot I know, so no worries if you can’t or don’t want to go there...if not, we’ll see ya on the flip side!
Ok, 30 years ago today...what a day, perfect weather, I love Cal expo, some slag it, but I loved the layout. General admission always best so folks can go where they want instead of where they don’t want but someone makes them etc. nice shape for sound with wooden gentle sloping bleachers, nice real grass field, and SURPRISE, Fucking Anchor on tap, no schwill at these shows! Bring along hot new 20 year old girlfriend, throw in some x....such a night! Thanks Bill Graham for such a cool scene. Hallelujah, the promised land at last!
Ok, now have to pick a version...anyone suggest a good matrix?

EDIT: looks like we’ll try the Pearson/Healy/Miller matrix....

Cal Expo - Count Me In!

I really like the idea of listening to a whole run of shows! I know the 6/8/77 show is good, but like Oroborous said, I like that these shows are a little more "under the radar."

Here is a good FOB Ladner Matrix of 6/8/90: https://archive.org/details/gd90-06-08.sbd-matrix.ladner.6935.sbeok.shn… - It starts a little quietly, but things get worked out about 1/4 way into CR&S

And for tomorrow, here is a Miller/Ladner Matrix: https://archive.org/details/gd90-06-09.sbd-matrix.miller-ladner.6936.sb…

I loved the Portland back-to-backs this weekend. Perhaps another way we could do picks - same venue/town, different eras? Anyway, hope all are doing well!

Peace

EDIT: Oh, and a Miller/Ladner Matrix for 6/10 while I'm at it :) https://archive.org/details/gd90-06-10.sbd-matrix.miller-ladner.6937.sb…

Phil is VERY Prominent in this mix...

... and that's just the way I like it!

Cal Expo on Tap

Alright here we go.. 30 years ago today the Grateful Dead rock OROBOROUS at the Cal Expo.

Looking forward to giving these new Pearson, Healy, Miller UltraMix's a spin.

And away we go.. Enjoy!

5/19/74

Another barn burner of a show. The vocal drop outs are a bummer. I remember the first time I listened to this show I thought, man, they should disclose this. Oh well, 16 song first set with the China- Rider closer is still really good. Second set rocks. Love the Wharf Rat Big River Peggy O, Truckin! And that Jam out if Truckin is pretty sweet.

Be well out there folks.

I don't have the June 90 shows, so I will see you all down the road when we get back to other releases.

Deadvikes go to Grateful Dead Internet Archive

All the shows are there in case you didn't know.... Bob t

DEADVIKES

Here's a link to the Don Pearson & Dan Healy Master Cassette UltraMatrix that just recently started to circulate thanks to Charlie Miller -
https://archive.org/details/gd1990-06-08.149619.ultramatrix.sbd.pearson…

Heading into Bird Song now.

Thanks Guys.

Bob t, what is this internet you speak of?

Thanks for the links and I do need to check out relisten, I have heard this mentioned before.

Didn't Phil hate the archive?

Such a long time to be gone, and a short time to be there 6/8/90

30 years ago, but just one magical weekend...well the good news was I really enjoyed this show despite more pesky interruptions. The bad news is I still don’t remember much, anything? about this show. In fact, I’ve felt like what I thought was the first show with the sunny good time vibe I carry and see in my minds eye is prolly from tomorrow night as LTGTR is part of that wonderful vision. Do any of you have any of those what I call Kodak moments when you have certain snapshots of time that are crystal clear even if just for that moment? I have a couple of those from 6/9 but not 6/8 and I’m not sure about 6/10 yet...
But I used to think these 2 runs would make a nice little box, except I don’t think they were lugging the multi track around anymore? Point being not a debate about that but that my MEMORY was that these shows were pretty good and perhaps release worthy...meaning their was good chance they were worth some love. Well one show doesn’t make the run, but so far so good I’d say?
Finally hearing does corroborate my recollections of the groovy, mellow California vibe. Being at a Cali show was so amazingly cool, I can’t really describe it, just that there was definitely a noticeable difference that made such an indelible impression it still shines through the recesses of the cobwebs of my battered memory.
But today, years later it was nice to hear some more early 90 magic. Nice, even, well played first set. Same with second, nothing stands out as “stop the press” and it’s easy to consider it just another typical set list, but like most shows this year there was a level of professionalism and confidence that lifts most 90 shows to the upper echelon of consistently good Dead.
Probably the highlight for me today was the jam out of Foolish heart into drumz. I know some of you good folks don’t dig the midi weirdness, and I think eventually, sometimes, they may have over done it, but isn’t that what the dead always did? Push the limits, to go where no ones gone before etc! Anyway, I dug this transition, and yet another groovy gooey 90s weirdness, which now that I’m typing it makes me consider that much of the 90 pre/drum/space segments could be highlights in them selves I.e. the 3/24 MLB jam being perhaps top dog?
I think that’s what makes 90 so special: they were tight, confident, on top of their game, and thus willing to go outside a little, but still keep it tight...a nice balancing act they didn’t often perfect.
Well thanks to those on board for this, and to those who aren’t for being cool and patient! Ok, look forward to tomorrow as I recall a little more and have a good story that happened one of the nights after the show with the “20 yr old”...that is if your up for it?

EDIT: China Riders for you Jim. Maybe not a 74 but I wouldn’t toss er outta bed for eatin crackers 😉

Watching replay of Crimson White and Indigo from Friday

Can I just say how happy is Brent when Jerry starts to play the opening chords of Blow Away after Let it Grow, which 99 percent of the time would have closed the set or a obligatory Don't Ease me IN!!!! take a look makes me kind of sad..... bob t

Shakedown Stream

Bob t - Brent brought so much energy to the music. I myself was watching the one from two Fridays back 7/16/90 Buffalo. Brent really came thru with the assist on Gimmie some lovin - good to see Phil having fun. But the second set closer was jaw dropping- I really am grateful for the video - so incredible to be able to see the 6 headed monster move as “one”

Alright have to throw out 6/9/77 since no nomenations

A Help>Slipknot>Franklin's for the ages and that is saying a lot from the first six months of 77.....bob t... Sorry Dick L. I think it is better than the one from Norman..... Swing, Buffalo and this one are right up there for me.... Love the Phil Bombs in the Franklin's toward the end.... be safe everyone... bob t

6/9/90

30 years ago Today living the sunshine daydream California style....today, cold, rainy, with a little snow leftover from last night....
California dreamin fo sure...so come on and let the good times roll!

EDIT: hey it’s cool if no one wants this one, I won’t be offended or whatever, it’s just I have to do this...

6/8/90

Oroborous - I also really enjoyed the "Foolish Heart" jam into Drums. The midi is certainly not my favorite, but it doesn't bother me as much as I know it bothers other fans. It's one thing when a ripping Jerry solo that you are expecting as part of a much-loved song is replaced by him playing "trumpet", but during a jam like this, the midi doesn't bug me - I actually think that it is pretty cool, if used sparingly.

The First set was quite well-played, with a nice "High Time" and "Bird Song" closer. The first half of the 2nd set is strong, and the post-drums/space IS predictable, but I do love "Wheel" and Jerry gets in a decent reading of "Black Peter."

Overall, I think this is a nice, solid show, if not a jaw-dropper. Looking forward to digging into 6/9 today, and yes, Oroborous, I'm certainly down for reading any stories before, during, or after the show :)

Peace

6/9/1977

Bob t. I am in for this one. The best Franklins? Not sure, but one of my favorites.

I started my day with 12/9/81, Dave's #20. It has been a long time. Man, did these guys go through a lot of changes. Just finishing up the first set.

6/9/77

Seen. Can’t believe I must have been one of the last people to buy the Winterland 1977 box from this site a few years back. I notice packages these days from the official source originate from Carlsbad, Ca. My first surfboard, a Hansen 50-50 was made in Carlsbad in1968. Time to head to Winterland and have Willie check my ticket. Some of you remember Willie of security from those days. He’s in the Grateful Dead Movie. He was a very well loved man amongst men. Years ago my late brother Rick worked with Eddie Washington on a documentary for PBS about the Cotton Club in Harlem. Eddie was one of the main movers and shakers for the Grateful Dead Movie.

“Have your tickets out where we can see them”.
Peace Out , not piece out.

Have Your Tickets Out And Ready!

Eddie Washington! So cool to put the face with the name.

One of my favorite parts of that movie! When that sister head is saying his line back to him. Always makes me smile.

Jerry nailed it with that movie if you ask me. Which no one really did, but I said it anyhow.

Thanks for sharing STRIDER 88, I've wanted to know his name for many years now.

BTW You All - Watch that movie with the Editors commentary, it's fascinating how much BTS info you can get.

Digging Cal Expo '90. I don't know this '90 stuff as well as other years as I was out of country that year. Collected most of it in a fever dream, so it's fun to relisten, feels like the first time in many cases.

6/8/90 was a tight show, the band is playing well and confident and it definitely sounds like they're on home turf, no rush and ready to deliver.

Just made it to Terrapin on 6/9/90, it's been a good ride so far.

Will try and put on 6/9/77 today as well and take the anniversary trip.
Got through most of 6/8/77 yesterday as well, but was distracted and will have to give it proper attention another time.

Are we spoiled or what?
I used to dream of having this much Dead at my fingertips and even my dreams weren't as cool as what we got now.

Hot Damn!

Be Well Everyone and Have a Good Trip today.

Willie

A very cool dude indeed. His smiling face and genteel nature always set the tone for what would invariably be a night of wonder inside that creaky old place. Definitely the right man for the job.