Pick of the Day, with Discussion

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April 6, 2020 - 9:47am

8,084 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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January 21, 2021 - 6:21pm

#4741

proudfoot

Joined:
August 2, 2020

love your comment about liking licorice, Vguy

:)))
January 21, 2021 - 2:24pm

#4742

Vguy72

Joined:
June 29, 2007

comparing Keith & Donna's last and Brent's first....

....fun fact. They repeated eight songs.
That being said, comparing the Passenger's alone is....interesting.
January 21, 2021 - 9:57am

#4743

billy the kid

Joined:
December 3, 2019

Rock thing ,great write up

Rock thing , that is a great write up on 2/17/79 you did. Big Railroad Blues hadn't been played since 1974.
January 21, 2021 - 9:29am

#4744

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

2/17/79 Second Set

PROUDFOOT, RE relieved to move on: Sounds about right.

BILLY THE KID: Nice. I thought that Greatest Story does seemed special, too. It's got tight energy, but I also don't recall hearing a Greatest Story with that free-form a guitar solo from Jerry. I was definitely startin' to think I could go for a bit more fidelity on this show, too.

THE GOOD OLE GRATEFUL DEAD: Yeah, man, from Playin' on, it's anybody's guess. The tape I Downloaded has that tracked as "Playin' >", "Drums >", "Space >", like you say. Playin' isn't really known for its drum solos, but I think I'd just keep all that as Playin' until they made a definitive move into The Wheel. I realize that no one else would ever do that. There's just Space all over the second set after Playin'. The Wheel disintegrates into Shakedown. That Shakedown back into Playin', though, eh? Definitely the stuff. You can hear Jer hinting at Playin' quite a while before they actually get there. Would not want to be responsible for seeding that. Where do I cut it?!?! :)

Man, this second set jumps like a Willys in four wheel drive.

Might as Well!!!: Went to a Dead show and a Jerry Band gig broke out! Yeah! Rocketing out the gate for the second set. Might as well. This show has a seriously stacked set list imo.

Miracle: Damn. No chance to catch your breath tonight! Jerry’s soaring, then doing some crazy runs in the first solo. Pretty manic, really, just trying to make something happen. Nice ending jam too. A drummer seems to be losing his footing or a stick or something, but no one else… Whoa!!!

Bertha!: I don’t think ANYBODY saw THAT coming, least of which the band. Whoever pulled the tempo back to something sensible is a hero, because that was about to set a record. Ohp, gonna get one of those big unison hits goin’? Not yet. Pickin’ up the pace again. Phil is not giving up on the big bang… unnnnn… not quite….hahaha. Phil’s still goin’ for it. The drummers are just hittin’ all ones like they're wired as hell. This whole second set is coming off with it’s teeth grinding. Crowd cheers an almost earthquake bass bomb, but Phill still can’t quite get everyone there. Test me! GONG. Got it. Memories starting to clear. Synchronization critical. Sounds like double kicks from the drums. What is this? The lets see how many notes we can play contest?

Good Lovin’: Nice, seamless transition. Just, suddenly their playing Good Lovin’. Nice crescendos. Jerry’s boppin’ along for the solo. One of his more coherent solos so far. They seem to have a better handle on the dynamics now. This is a really, really nice performance of this tune. Bobby’s got just the right atmosphere here. He’s givin’ it everything, but not overblowing. This will be excellent if he keeps the rap under control. No danger of Bobby sellin’ the Brooklyn Bridge. Mickey goin’ crazy with some heavy percussion runs, but they are buried deep in the mix, might not even be goin’ through the main PA. Long cheers ensue. Well deserved. That was excellent. They are taking no prisoners tonight, but that really struck the perfect balance. Wouldn't normally gush over Good Lovin', but that was excellent. At this point, I think I’d almost be wishing for five minutes of tuning.

Heart of Me. Ahh, nice farewell for Donna. Nice little breather for us, too. She sounds really good. Sounds like maybe Jerry missed a chord change and his fills are a little off key at one point early on. Nice little descending flutter from Jer that one of the drummers picks up on, adding some 16th high-hat cymbal to. Wow. Really nice. The ending was superb.

Big Railroad Blues. Jerry came to rock tonight, that’s for sure. Goovin’ on the, which solo is this? They seem to have settled down a bit from the insanity that was the teeth numbing first half of the second set.

Terrapin!: Sorta slips into the hall, almost without being noticed. Not the kind of thunderous greeting it would become accustomed to in later years. This performance seems almost quaint in its simplicity. One of the drummers continues to have happy foot. Cool guitar solo leads everyone out into open space as the various counterpoints begin to emerge, everyone expanding out into their own direction before drifting gently into a little space of equilibrium. Jer’s not quite ready for the big finale. He starts to play the melody that will bring everyone out of their trance, then decides to let the ride get a little more gentle as it drifts along. There it is. Not monumental, just recombining into a gentle reading of the last verse. Ahh.. Jer’s sweet old voice… Nice build up to counting stars, but Jerry’s vocal doesn’t quite soar. Finding the right mix of harmony without building up too dramatically and the finale has begun. This Terrapin seems, somehow, understated, but it’s difficult to say exactly what gives that impression. I mean, Mickey is off the hook as usual. Nice, Phil plays the signature melody line in a high register on the bass instead of Jerry, as Jerry continues to wiggle about with all sorts of lead lines. Mickey gets a bit too tricky for his own good, but that slightly clumsy moment doesn’t trip up anyone else.

Playin’: Just where you’d expect “Drums” to begin, nice call. Not sure I really dig the four on the floor and the open and closed high hat feel for this tune. Don’t have any particular qualms with disco Dead, or the Disco Cowboy things they did, but it feels like it’s tying Playin’ down too much. And, as soon as I type that, the bottom drops out and they out into an open ended Playin’ jam with Jer out in the echoey distance working’ the envelope filter. Really nice atmosphere here. Jerry’s makin’ sure they don’t get back to the song any time soon. Little too much kick drum in the mix is sorta harshin’ my mellow, but always happy to see a thorough deconstruction of Playin’. …and it seems to be just petering out, but then someone adds some nice textures. Almost sounds like a Fender Rhodes, but I can still hear Keith plunking away, so maybe it was Bobby… Someone in the audience hoping they’ll play I Need A Miracle, forgetting that we already heard that, what seems like several lifetimes ago. Wow. Completely abstract, now. Oh, and there IS a “Drums” track, but this feels like Playin’ with a drum solo (ok, got it), but that Playin’ jam would have definitely qualified as “Space” in a latter day show, albeit out of conventional order. Still an array of all acoustic percussion. Do I smell a Not Fade Away out of the drum solo? I see that someone has tracked this as a transition into “Space”, but all I hear are drums, still. Not hearing any “Space” here. Oh, and just as I type that, Phil joins the jam with Jerry not too far behind.

The Wheel: This setlist is a dream. Guess they didn’t have to save anything for the next night. This is a nice Wheel. They’ve really settled down into atmospheric mode after the totally outrageous start to the second set. Some cool tremolo picking from Jerry as the song breaks up.

Shakedown: Starts off a little, not a little, really… er… shaky. Nice echo effect on Jer’s guitar. Drummers haul the tempo up from the crater left by Phil’s opening bass bomb. You really get the impression that they are not working with a set list tonight. Settling in a bit just before Jerry starts the first verse. Whoo! Oh, yeah. Dancin’ shoes on now. Such a contrast. First part of set two could barely stay on the rails, but now they’re so spaced out they forget to put their foot down on the accelerator. Not a complaint, at, all. I usually imagine Shakedown jams to be more rhythmic. There’s sill a hint of the groove in the background, but well, there it went. Phil just introduced a completely different groove. Getting loose like that let’s them slip into other things, which is, I think, what’s happening now…. or not… This must be the most abstract Shakedown jam I’ve ever heard. I mean, there are literally hundreds of tapes I’ve never heard, but still. Jerry really working out now. Super fast little tremolo picking like in the high registers. Drums have started driving again. Sounds like Jerry’s teasing a Playin’ Reprise. Did they even do that in the 70s? No doubt. Jerry is definitely hinting at the Playin’ lick. Either they’re taking the long way home or they’ve given up on it. Wow. Jer getting’ pretty avant garde now. Where. Is. This. Going?! Lovin’ it!

Playin’ Reprise: Wow, Jer managed to get everyone on board for a Playin’ reprise after all that. And, damn, does it thunder onto the scene when it finally takes form. Still doin’ that insistent four on the floor thing that makes it feel kind of agro.

Sugar Mag: Love how this comes up for air out of the disintegrating Playin’ reprise. This show has had something for everyone, from super high energy numbers to complete space outs. Even with the free form mood that took over in the second half of the set, this is nice and tight; moving right along. Everyone in. Bobby thanks Bill Graham.

One More Saturday Night: Solidly above par. Wailing sayonara for Keith and Donna. I’m exhausted. What a show!
January 21, 2021 - 9:05am

#4745

Vguy72

Joined:
June 29, 2007

4.22.79 New Kid on the block....

....sounds like he fit right in and liked licorice.
January 21, 2021 - 8:36am

#4746

billy the kid

Joined:
December 3, 2019

2/17/79 4/22/79. Two great shows

2/17/79 & 4/22/79 are two great shows that should be official releases. I went to 2/17/79, it was a benefit to stop environmental cancer called Rock for Life. The show started with the lights all on in the house as the Dead blasted out a killer version of Greatest Story. The version of Don't Ease Me In was great, they reworked it when Brent joined the band and it was never the same. I didn't make 4/22/79, it was my moms birthday, we were having a party. Charlie Daniels and Greg Kihn were both on the bill before the Dead. It's so nice to hear Brent's organ playing on Jack Straw for the the first time. The Dead seemed really pumped up and into it for the whole show. This show at Spartan Stadium wasn't to far away from where the Dead played their first show as the Grateful Dead, at the San Jose Acid Test on 12/4/65.
January 21, 2021 - 8:23am

#4747

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

2/17/79 First Set

Wow. I remember thinking this was a really upbeat show considering it was Keith and Donna's last, but they must have given them one hell of a going away party. It is all goin' off in, like, every direction. I was exhausted just listening to it. This show goes from absolutely manic teeth grinding rockers and old timey tunes that barely hold it together to some seriously out there space jams. You'd have to label this with, like, three "Space" tracks if you were inclined to breaking things down as much as possible.

I already had the Bob Menke AKG source in my music library, so I was listening to that. Not checking the set list. Can’t remember what it was, other than Donna gets to sing a lot, iirc. Here and there saw the song title pop up. Sound is pretty thin. Really need to crank it.

Greatest Story: Usually like this as an opener. Jer seems to have carte blanche once his solo starts. Always a good idea in my book. Really searching and experimental as the four on the floor drives away behind him. Isn't this tune usually a little more cut and dry?

What’s Bobby saying’ about technical adjustments? Had to reach for the volume control, but still couldn’t make it out.

Don’t Ease: Damn sure am glad I left the volume where it was after that announcement. Love this tune. Haha. Oh, yeah, this must be when Bobby was learning to play slide on the job.

Mama Tried: Love this one too! Seems like there might actually be a bit too much energy, if there is such a thing. Seem to be just barely holding’ it together.

Mexicali: Despite the fact that it’s Keith’s last show, he’s been really prominent in the mix so far. Departing gift? Emotive delivery from Bobby. Jerry’s chorus vocals are really standing out too, for better or worse. This is pre-MIDI, obviously, but damn, Jer’s guitar sounded just like a trumpet for a minute there. Read somewhere about Branford Marsalis commenting that Jerry didn’t need MIDI to make his guitar sound like another instrument. This may be the proof. Can’t believe I have so much to say about Mexicali Blues!

Friend of the Devil: Chill slow tempo version. Some weird polyrhythmic syncopation goin’ on. Jer starts signing on the wrong beat, but has it together before the first verse is over. Keith gets several choruses for his somewhat aimless piano solo, before giving way to a spirited solo by Jer, who’s playing fast triplets and fluttery phrases over the slow tempo before bringing everyone in smoothly for the last verse and a strong final chorus.

Passenger: Did they ever do this again? Kinda relies on Donna. I don’t keep a Deadbase handy, unfortunately. Someone seems to get a little lost going into the “Only Game in Town” part. Jer slide solo. Bobby’s guitar is pretty much inaudible. I think the sense of roughness I’m feeling is due to both lack of rhythm guitar and Jerry trying to double on slide and normal fretted runs. It’s a tough juggling act. Pretty wild ride, this one. Stretchin’ out the second solo. Thought they were gonna end it in a jam, but someone brings it back to sing one more chorus before the ending, but it appears the memo did not circulate widely. Donna seems to be the only one who managed to get back to the chorus on time, but everyone recovers beautifully to end. I read that Phil wrote this song because he wanted to hear some raunchy guitar playing from Jerry and Bob. Well, he got it that time.

High Time: Wow. That's not something I normally expect to hear. Nice, delicate interplay from everybody. Pretty difficult song, actually. Not surprising it didn't see much action on stage.

Looks like Rain: Never really warmed up to this tune. That said, sometimes it gets stuck on repeat in my head and no matter what I do, I cannot stop hearing it… What the hell’s with those loud snare hits? lol My guess is that prankster Mickey, but who knows? Still laughing. Sounds like someone wants to pick up the tempo a bit. This is actually a pretty sensitive rendering of this song.

Jack a Roe: Electric! There’s something else ya don’t hear every day. Man, this show is absolutely stacked with tunes I totally love. Again, can’t hear Bobby’s guitar at all. Keith has been reigned into the mix better at this point. Phil’s givin’ it his all playing in and out of Jerry’s first solo. Ahh.. there’s Bob. Welcome to the show, dude. Sounds like only one drummer at this point, too. Pretty sparse, but then again, as much as I love this tune, there’s not a whole lot for everyone to do.

Lazy Lightning/Supplication: Period piece. Dunno why Bobby gave up on so many of his old tunes in favor of blues numbers, and Dylan covers. Donna sounds strong here. I believe I read that she and Keith actually wanted out at this point, so perhaps that contributes to the sense of jubilance (not a word apparently) here and Keith’s relative engagement. Jerry really, really, flying again. Float in’ like a butterfly, stinging’ like a bee. Phil senses blood and a jamming frenzy ensues. I guess if Bobby never cued them to go back into the song everyone else’d just go on forever like that…hmmmm…. It is so manic at this point, I don’t see how you could even dance to it. Spinners’d be achieving physical lift off, I think, depending on the robustness of their skirts.
January 21, 2021 - 7:46am

#4748

proudfoot

Joined:
August 2, 2020

Tonight on "Wha'appen?":

My theory is the agreement to part ways happened, everyone was relieved about it, so they made 2/17/79 special.
January 21, 2021 - 7:35am

#4749

The Good Ole G…

Joined:
December 29, 2015

Grateful Dead Memories

2/17 is good stuff.

Based on what I was reading, Donna mentions her & Keith discussing leaving the band through out the last tour. So maybe it was agreed upon between 2/11 in St. Louis & 2/17 in Oakland. Just speculating.

In regards to Tracking, since Rockthing brought that up....
I'm feeling it as Playing In The Band > Drums > Space > Wheel > Shakedown Street > Playing In The Band Jam > Reprise.
The Jam after Shakedown seems to turn into a PITB jam at around 12:30.
I like to give PITB as much labeling as possible, so that I'll pick that show out and listen to it again.
PITB rules.
(All of the above is killer! Listen to Jerry's voice in Terrapin & The Wheel segue is sweet, but that jam from Shakedown into Playing Jam is the stuff.)

Alright, I feel I'd not be performing my obligation to the nation if I didn't mention the 4/17/79 Rehearsal tape as a potential listen before you blast off into 4/22/79.

I gotta do it.

Keep on Rocking, Rockers.

PS - 2/9/73 was one of my first 3 bootleg tapes, it still gets me every time, so I'm with ya on that Jim.
Mickey was right they were into Time Travel.
January 21, 2021 - 7:02am

#4750

JimInMD

Joined:
June 27, 2011

Tapes / Spartan Stadium and Maples Pavilion

I remember dropping off a 10 pack of TDKs with an acquaintance. I got 4/22/79 Spartan Stadium, 2/9/73 Maples Pavilion and 06/29/76 Auditorium Theater - Chicago in the same box. They contained their share of new songs (with Spartan Stadium, not so much songs but a new keyboard player).

I ended up getting a few more boxes from the same friend before geography and time brought that to an end. I have a crystalline memory of these first listens, like opening up another world of shows, songs and peeks into parts of eras I had no prior exposure into. Like Christmas morning..

In my mind all the shows from that glorious 10 pack take up the same real estate in my frontal lobe. Funny how memories work, especially grateful dead memories.

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.

JimInMD

Check your PM, please

6/9/90

LTGTR and an excellent Stranger to start off nice. A sweet little Peggy O, perhaps slow, or is it that laid back hometown California mellow? Either is good. Shootem up polka time, followed by an always welcome Loser, status quo masterpiece, my 2nd Loose Lucy after Hamilton, which seemed looser than the first, but more fun this time around as I was with real life 20 yr old Loose Lucy!. Decent Cassidy with a Dough Knees to bring her home. Another neat, together, but unremarkable set. Status quo for this year. Seemed perhaps a little less enthusiasm then yesterday, but picks up as it continues.
Nice Victim to shake things up a bit and get er going, but the TOG is perhaps a tad behind the curve for this show? 2nd set LL Rain that Bob gets things stepped up a bit and sets the tone for nice terrapin, but unfortunately there’ll be no extra credit jam/weirdness tonight on the way to drums. Awesome long weird space which segway's nicely into Mr Fantasy/Hey Jude. Watchtower kicks it up before the nice bring down to Stella Blue. Lovelight and Black Muddy to send us home, which in this case was stealth, late night, poolside surrounded by palm trees at the hotel. Man to this “southern Canadian” palm trees was a pretty big deal! So far I think I like 6/8 overall but they both where like Otis and GOGD mentioned: decent, tight, status quo 90 shows with a definetly laid back home town vibe. (Meant in a good way). Spoke with my cousin who was there about his recollections and he agreed about the whole Cali vibe thing and to us north East nuts it was pretty cool.
Ok, manana we’ll finish Cal Ex up and I’ll share a humorous take from that night after at the hotel. I believe statue of limitations is over for hotel damage? Lol. Maybe I can find a photo of our motley crew having breakfast on the haight a day or two later?

Strider

Pretty cool Strider you were at the 6/9/77 show. How about you Bolo?

Where you guys in the Grateful Dead Movie?
Don't tell me you were the guy in the overalls eating chicklets.

They Promised They Would Play Tonight

You Just Wait...

The chiclet guy rules.

So does 6/9/77
Hot show for sure... Just a Dream.
Set 1 is solid '77 Dead until TMNS then it starts to turn the corner into Extraordinary.
Set 2 is wow just wow.
That Slipknot! it's gonna get some extra rotation tonight.
The Terrapin Station tunes are given some really good readings.
Estimated goes way out there, sounds like they'd been playing it forever, or at least every show all tour.
And then they slide a Terrapin in after St. Stephen for an extra Dose of fun before bringing it home with Sugar Mags.
They didn't have to do that, they could've just played Sugar Mags, but they really bring it to Winterland.
Great version of US Blues and OMSN too.

Hot Damn.. nice pick.
You can hear the fun.
That was fun.
And you all were there!

OB: You summed up 6/9/90 real nice.
And I nod in agreement with what you been laying down.
Looking forward to the party story and 6/10 show tomorrow.

Birthday Show for me :)

Thank You All And Good Night!

Winterland

I was referring to the several times seeing the Dead at Winterland but no not 6/9/77. First time seeing the Dead at that venue was February 1974 the night before the Dave’s Picks release show. Then four out of the five nights from October 1974. Missed the first night as I was hitchhiking down from Eugene. I’m in the Grateful Dead movie dancing in the crowd during Playing-Reprise. Then I was at 12/29/77 and 12/30/77 that was released as one of Dicks Picks.
My first time to Winterland was May 1973 to see Hot Tuna. Muddy Waters opened. Also saw Dave Mason there in 74.
Needed to set the record straight.

Winterland

My first show there was 11/10/73, missed very few after that. I listed the ones I went to on my page here, only because one of my buddies kept track of such things.

I have no way of remembering every show at other venues - way too many and my feeble brain doesn't retain details like that. And, yes, like many of you, I was very fortunate to be roaming this planet during that magical time.

PMs Checked

Wow.. don't check your PMs for a day, get one from Bolo with an urgent sequence of instructions and the DJIA drops 300 points.

Tomorrow's Pick

Might be time for another Bolo pick?

Something primal, perhaps?

https://archive.org/details/gd1968-10-12.139745.sbd.miller.Glassberg.fl…

Go ahead - turn it up and scare the neighbors!!

10/12/68. What a show!

This show is a winner from start to finish, it burns! It has my all-time favorite version of St. Stephen on it. I guess the story goes, that Hendrix was standing on the side of the stage but the Dead didn't let him up to play. The Dead had invited him out to practice with them and he never showed up. Pig Pen apparently didn't play, because his girlfriend was sick. This show was originally broadcast on Bay Area radio station KPFA, a fantastic listener sponsored radio station that you can get online, they play all kinds of great music. Phil Lesh used to work as an engineer at KPFA back in the early 1960s on a show called the Midnight Special , folk music show, and he brought Jerry Garcia on there to play some shows on the radio. Anyway,. 10/12/68 has always been of my favorite shows, hopefully Dave & Co. willl release it one day, put together a box set, two shows from 68, 69 and 70.

10/12/68

10/12/68 it is Bolo!

Please Let Go of Your Bodies Everybody!

Everybody Has to Dance or Else.

10/12/68 at the Avalon Ballroom.

Anybody got any Avalon stories out there?

This is one of my all time favorites for sure :)
Love '68
Here we go.
Have a safe trip everybody!

Primal then Prime-Time

Sweet pick! I think I actually prefer 68 to 69 (please, no rotten tomatoes!) 10/12/68 is a perfect start to this blazing hot day... and I agree - it's time for Dave to release a 68 show - this one is certainly a contender!

Afterwards, I think I will finish out the Cal Expo 90 run with the 6/10 show. I've really been enjoying those this week.

Hope everyone is safe, happy, and staying cool!

Peace

St. Stephen

St Stephen is just crackling with energy, as is the whole show!

The older I get the more I like New Potato Caboose

Phil's base jam is crushes it!!!! Onward to 6/10/76 for a little anniversary listen... bob t

Did someone say 1968?

Hell yea. Light the fuse and run away.

10/12/68

Great show! I don't think I've listened to this in its entirety before. This is also my first time trying the Relisten app -(how nice!) I love the separation of the drummers in this music.

10/12/68

The "Jam" before Feedback is cool - starts off in "Other One" territory, then moves to something totally original, then gets very close to "Caution" - I bet they would have gone there if Pig hadn't been missing.

Feedback... and, goodnight!

Does anyone know if the "Morning Dew" that starts the set on this recording (at least the one that Bolo posted) is from this show? It doesn't seem to be on the setlist.

On to Cal Expo!

Peace

EDIT: It looks like "Dew" was the opener, but for some reason it was left off the set list.

Here's the thing...

Today's pick was recorded over 50 years ago - half a century. In 5 decades, no other music created since then comes anywhere close to what I heard today. Normally, I'd probably add "IMHO" to the end of that last sentence. Not this time - it's an indisputable fact.

I had a non-head musician friend years ago question my over-the-top enthusiasm for the Dead, saying they were slow and sloppy, couldn't rock out, Garcia just "noodles" aimlessly, etc. In other words, the usual misinformed opinions we've all heard and read before.

I played "The Eleven" from this show for him on a really good sound system, sat back and watched his face morph from surprise to disbelief to joy and wonder. He was literally speechless for a good chunk of time before the expected "WOW" passed his lips. An instant convert! He still blames me for his "incurable disease" on a regular basis.

Gollum mentioned the drums. While one can intelligently debate the one- vs. two-drummer format from 1975 on, there is probably little dissension regarding the irreplaceable impact of Billy and Mickey abusing their instruments during the"primal" period. The whole band was a flat-out juggernaut during that time and the two drummers had a lot to do with that.

What a band. So grateful that we here all "get it."

Relisten....

....been Relistening for a while. Cool app. The right side sidebar lets you pick the source. Less clunky than the archive for sure. Sacrilege? Maybe.
10.12.68? I was five months old. Bring it to my diapers!!

Right on Bolo!

I have several buddies that still refer to it as pots and pans.
They clearly don't get it.

So much unbelievable music! Still can't explain it to even family members.

But every day, I still want to listen to the treasuries we have.

More to come.

1968 - you're fired!

This was the year that drew me in. Back in the 70s, I had heard a few albums by the Dead, but it was only after I heard Anthem that it all clicked into place. After getting into that one, all the others started to make sense.

Incidentally, it was in October, as I understand it, that Pigpen and Bob were...strange as it may now seem...sacked. And those Mickey and the Hartbeat shows were played between October and December, without either of them in attendance. I used to think that was why Pigpen didn't play on 10/12/68. But I could clearly be wrong - both he and Bob played a lot of shows with the Dead during the same period as the Mickey and the Hartbeat shows.

Today's Pick

What's on tap for today gents?

FourWinds, where are you?

I might check out 5/28/77, the last night of the Spring Tour. To Terrapin Release from 2007.

Thank You Mr. Garcia!

Yesterday's 10/12/68 pick definitely took me places.

Places I'd been before, and new places as well.

As said here by others, some really wonderful stuff going on throughout this magical show as the band jettisons into a new universe & explores the improvisational music cosmos.

By October '68 Dark Star has begun to grow larger wings, but it's still a baby bird that will take flight and leave the nest soon. Of note in this version is Bear's recording (I believe) and Mickey's playing of the "Scratcher". It sounds as though Mickey's walking around on stage while he plays, at least that's how it sounds with Headphones, the instrument is truly circling around your head in this recording. How bad ass is that? And this is a bootleg from over 50 years ago!

However, while Dark Star is just beginning to really gain strength in it's legs, St. Stephen is Standing Proud & Tall and has possibly reached it's greatest height, this is an almost absolutely perfect version of the song, and if you listen to some of the earlier versions from the summer of that year ('68 mystery reels come to mind, possibly from Carousel June '68), it's some amazing growth that this song has gone through in appx 4 months! The audience already loves this song as evident when you put on 9/2/68, within the first notes on that version the crowd starts getting so excited it throws the band off with surprise. St. Stephen, with it's William Tell Bridge, will continue to be this height for a little while longer, but will begin to diminish and shrink with age in the following year. I'm not sure it ever gets much higher than this version.

That brings us to The Eleven, I think Bolo says it best, this version can convert a non-believer. So imagine what it does to all of us already at the church. This is an absolute ripping version of the song and all the long months of rehearsal are truly evident when you listen to the effortlessness of which they throw this song down.

And to complete the suite they seg seamlessly into a sultry Death Don’t. Listen to Jerry sing during Death Don't, man could that guy sing a song with emotion. People would criticize that voice, but I always thought it was the most wonderful voice of all ;)

Oh... and there's a Set 2!!!

Which just absolutely shreds your face off, if it was still left, hanging there by a thread.

This is manic air guitar, give you the chills, tears in your eyes, shake your head in wonder stuff here people!! I want to hear it again, and again and again!

So like I said, it took me places, I dived deep into some '68 after this 10/12 relisten, I had to hear the next night 10/13/68 SBD (not as good, but see for yourself), 10/20/68 30 Trips release (check the difference between the Dark Star’s), and 9/2/68 (interesting recording, I need to check back on this, my mind was melted at this point and life distracted me).

What a Trip!

And like mentioned here, this was all during a time when Pigpen & Bobby were on thin ice and "fired" from the band.
Fascinating.

I believe a ’68 release or box set was mentioned, it’s hard to think that we’ll get one based on what exists (appx 37 shows / fragments) and quite a few have been released. Sadly most of Summer ’68 is a black hole, as well as the touring at the end of the year. There are definitely shows that were recorded that we don’t have, whether or not they still exist or not is a bigger question, I know Bear recorded more than we have especially in regard to the later part of the year, but for now the trail stops there and I’m afraid it is a bit cold…

That all being said, if there was a ’68 box style release I’d vote for The Quick And The Dead tour in January - Feb ’68. Always loved that stuff, it’d be repetitive and have some warts and all feel, but shit I love it.

Love to hear thoughts on what you all would see as potentially release worthy. This 10/12/68 show should be a definite consideration.. if they can make it sound even better I’ll be the first to drop down some cash to get it!

You’re still here?? Crazy kids..

After I came to earth from that I continued our little Cal Expo ’90 relisten and loved it too. I think 6/10/90 is my favorite show from the run, but you know Playing In The Band usually makes me say that. The Jack Straw is definitely worth listening too. And Phil saying he’s not gonna quit the band and it’s all a bullshit lie, with Jerry saying yeah, the rest of us are, well.. that’s priceless.

What’re we gonna listen to today?

Edit: 5/28/77 you say... looks promising and it's been awhile.

10/12/68

Thanks for all the great reviews of this show. I now know I will be stuck re-listening to this show for the next couple of weeks. That's the way this thread has worked for me. I can't always keep up with the daily schedule but I've gained a whole new appreciation for some shows, namely, the 2 DP #18 shows(2/3&5/78), DP#5 (12/26/79), the Cow12/31/76. It's just been taking me a couple of weeks to grok each pick. Thanks to everyone for contributing. This thread has been one of the few highlights of this lockdown!

To Terrapin

I really enjoyed revisiting this release today. I remember having some mixed feelings about it when it came out, but today it sounded fresh! I've always loved that "Sugaree", and the whole 3rd disc is pure Spring of 77 butter.

Good pick!

Peace

5/28/77 To Terrapin

I love this show. The sound quality to my ears is one of the best 77 releases to date. Jerry just seems to really be on fire the entire show. Kills it on Bertha, Sugaree is so good. New Minglewood Blues is a top 5 for me and the Brown Eyed Women is another high energy version. The Playing in the Band into Terrapin is hot. And the finish, NFA through US Blues is stellar.

I don't think this release gets a lot of talk, but it should.

And I think it is still available on this site for under $30!

Format

How about leaving a random day, perhaps Sunday, as a day to revisit that show you missed but wanted to hit and talk about or any of the other show you were behind on? A day of peace and re-visitation/re-visualation.. A chance for the slackers to peek in on a show from a few days ago they squeezed in a day or three late.

Is something like that reasonable?

A day in support of the under achievers.

I remember when E72 came out.. I think in the fall, but I more or less started on 4/7 and struggled to keep up with the anniversary dates. Hearing the post from deadheadbrewer finally pulled me out of the closet. I can do a show every two to three days unless I have time carved out, without distractions, cell phones and it helps if I am able to indulge in a bit off external stimuli, especially the kind that warps space and time. Just saying...

In other words, I missed To Terrapin and am beating myself up about it. Heaven help the fool.

Catch Up Day

Seems like a good idea Jim. The only way I am able to do this is I am still working at home.

And I don't think we can all make every show, although, I have tried. Some days I have to finish in the morning the next day.

However, the leader of this pack, Bolo, and the rest of the crew would have to give it the Thumbs Up.

And I am interested in your take on To Terrapin....

Still wonder what was going on back in 2007 to 2009 that they released some unreal stand alone shows.

Would love to see some more pop up again.

2007 - 2009 Stand Alone Releases

Ha.. my guess, they needed money.

I doubt if any of this needs to be that formal. Consensus is probably enough. A day of rest and reflection. Seems norml enough to me.

I missed 5/15/70 which was a biggie for me, and we never got around to 11/8/69 yet. I will be doing extra stimulus for both of those.. :D

Caution

I'm the last person you should seek out for advice, permission, orders or any type of instruction.

Do you recall the recent failed overthrow of the Venezuelan government? I planned that.

At 7:05 p.m. on June 12, 1980

a plume of ash billowed 2.5 miles above the Mt. Saint Helens volcano in Washington.

At 9:09 p.m. a much stronger explosion sent an ash column about 10 miles skyward.

This event caused the Portland Oregon area, previously spared by wind direction, to be thinly coated with ash.

Dead Heads who were attending the Grateful Dead's concert at Portland Memorial Coliseum still question whether the band had helped cause this while playing Fire On The Mountain that night.

Should we listen and see today?

There's a new Charlie Miller Upgrade on archive..

1980

Let's do it GOGD.

I am going to have to figure out how to use that relisten app.

I don't know Bolo, I would listen to your advice.

Jim, money money money, money money! Mama, don't take me back to rob that bank again.

6/12/1980

Okay, relisten app installed on my Sonos app. Wow, that is cool. Alabama Getaway opener sounds good.

Technical question for you all. It says it is a FLAC file. Does it really play as a FLAC file or is it MP3?

I'm always amazed

how many listen, that much. I could never keep up with the pace!! I stab at single picks with morning coffee if someone really mentions something of interest. Listening to Alabama from 80, right now. Good Bama, short only 5-ish.

But once again, main reason here, musical conversation. I will check out the "new" Charlie copy, mine is ok.

Oh, if you hate plinky keys, stay away, Brent rips ups the plinks near the end :-)

Althea Told Me..

Nice!

Definitely check out the Phase corrected SBD posted on 6/3/20 -
https://archive.org/details/gd1980-06-12.150005.sbd.phasefix.miller.fla…

Noticeable upgrade in quality for sure.
Hadn't had a chance to listen to this fix yet and it's sounding good.
Nice work as always Charlie!

Haven't checked out relisten, but I'd guess that it's playing an Mp3 file.
However, that is completely a guess.

It's Miller Time to start a Friday.
With Shakedown Stream to follow this evening with Bruce.

Not too shabby.

Happy Friday everyone!

RE: DENNIS

Plinky Keys... Hahaha!

LOL that's funny.

If you hate Plinky Keys, you're gonna have a tough time with '79-'81 ish...

Wait, when did Plinky Keys disappear?

As far as I can tell they were always a little "Plinky" throughout Brent, super Plinky in the beginning, but even '84 and on.

I will say this, Brent sounded like Brent which I believe as a musician seems to be what they're going for.. a Unique sound.

EDIT: But yeah, this one is SUPER Plinky ;)

1980, Baby!

Oh, hell yes!

I love 80, plinky keys and all! I suppose I understand why some fans don't like it, but I also feel like they are missing the forest for the trees. There are so many GREAT shows during the early part of Brent's tenure, especially 79-80. Oh well... I suppose they don't feel like they are missing anything.

I have a Google Class Meeting with my students (one of the last before summer) at 1:00 EST, so I will have to do my listening afterwards, but that just means that I can set up outside, grab some cold drinks, and really enjoy this one.

Miller Time on a Friday? I LOVE it!

I am all for a "catch-up day," but can I suggest it be a day other than Sunday? I feel like that and Saturday are more likely to be a time where we will have a better chance to all listen more-or-less together. Also, I've always believed in the mantra, "Never Miss a Sunday Show."

Question going forward - I know that when this started, the idea was to stick to official releases. Now that it has been going on, are folks ok with suggesting non-official releases? I know this has happened a few times (like today,) and I am fine with sticking mostly to the officials, but it is nice to get out there in the wilds sometimes to see what we can bring back. Plus, with the wealth of knowledge among you fine folk, I am sure that you all can show me some killer shows that I have never heard. Just a thought.

Happy Friday, DeadLand!

Peace

EDIT: I checked out "Alabama>Promised Land", and yes, this Miller transfer sounds sweet!

good old and 6/12

I've always loved brent, the plinks always fit AND a B3 monster (imo).

I went back to archive for 6/12. Downloaded CM copy, I have an audience. I think this is a instance where the audience is better.

https://archive.org/details/gd1980-06-12.fob.menke.motb-0108.104967.fla…

Forget that. I just went back with the link you provided for the shiftless one. Yes much better, than the first sound board. But I guess the fob.menke one was good enough for Charlie to get a patch from.

Thanks for the heads up on archive update.

Man oh Man

This band is HOT!

Great pick! Thanks for the suggestion!!!

Peace