Pick of the Day, with Discussion

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April 6, 2020 - 9:47am

8,102 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 28, 2020 - 7:19pm

#6691

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

#6692

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

#6693

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

#6694

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

#6695

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
June 27, 2020 - 4:07pm

#6696

The Good Ole G…

Joined:
December 29, 2015

Good Times Great Oldies

Sounds like the ole SPAC '85 show will get some play today.

Always a fun revisit. Vguy & Keithfan that was you guys?! That's funny.

I guess I always thought this was an indoor show because of the balcony stuff and didn't know about the rain storm.

Tell us more.

And just for the record if I happen to say Jerry's voice is shot, what I mean to say is I love Jerry's voice, even though it's a little shot here. ;)

I agree, it always sounds great to me.

Enjoy party people!
June 27, 2020 - 11:21am

#6697

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Not a drop

We were out on the lawn so actually there were many drops, I mean it was already raining hard, and right when he sang that line, biblical!, but it just added to the madness and was one of my favorite concert/rain moments ever! I believe that’s right when folks crashed security on those balcony ramp ways and turned it into a free for all? Yeah, that was the shit, such energy all around, but that rain just took it to another level. Luckily I had my electric buffalo Hyde on! .....it was a psychedelic neon yellow long rain coat with
BS CORP
WORK SAFELY (from pops work) printed on back, and a Dancin skeleton sticker underneath that I added. Still have it! I should take a pic and post...fond it moving last year.
June 27, 2020 - 10:48am

#6698

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Summer 85, and why I’m not prepared for class

Deadheadbrewer: yeah, I’m with you, I can’t keep up with these rascals! Pant-pant 😉
Haven’t done Riverbend, Nassau or Dane. Prolly give Nassau a spin this WE. Dane I’ve tried to stay away from cause ya gotta believe their going to give us that one someday! Bastards better! and I’d prefer it on virginal ears!
hey, by the way, how you guys coming on that tunnel under the vault?
So I listen to Riverbend 6/24/85 sort regularly so no biggie there except in the sense of comparing shows. Except It’s cool to go in order to see the subtle changes and how things progress. Like 6/25/85, definitely have felt a ascending arc since the first night in Alpine. Funny thing is I don’t think I’ve heard the second set of this one before? Had a tape of the first all along, but I think it was a tad too crisp so didn’t get as much love as the shows around it. Plus I think maybe I harbored some subliminal resentment for the show because of our decision to skip it to go to Toga early like we did in 84, which was awesome. Obviously if it made us skip a show that close to home, but Doooaahhh. So not sure how it’s the shows fault. LOL, but I think somehow I’ve had some weird thing about this show that has kept me away? Sorry, ramblings of a deranged lunatic!
Anywho, finally gave this bad boy a spin yesterday, though had to do it in 2 sessions as life just keeps buttin’ in like a 3 year old when mom and dad are trying to get down! Man what a show. The only really noticeable hiccup I recall was JG at the start of Jimmy, and Bob missed a vocal, really a great set, better than I remember, though I always liked it, just the tape was lesser then the others...
Second set was hot too, though perhaps they lost just a little near the end? Or maybe that was me as it was late, and by that time on a Friday this ole cowboy is usually not feeling much pain! I recall a couple little blemishes, but so what, you name any show, anyone, and I can find stuff wrong. And sorry, but I’m kinda over hearing about how terrible JGs voice is. Yes, sometimes it’s ruff, but sometimes I think the gravelly age worn voice ADDs to the affect of the songs, which is perhaps what he did best. And frankly, I’ll take the gravel voice singing in tune over a lot of that 1970 stuff we’re between the guitars and the vocals something is ALWAYS out of tune. That’s torturous for a musician.
Now I’m not trying to diss anyone’s favorite Dead etc, just stating an opinion that people perhaps overdo it with the voice comments. My favorite is when people say “I can’t listen to anything after 77”....ok, we’ll that’s cool as it’s your choice and all, but I’d say really you just have made up your mind you don’t want to like anything after that, and you probably haven’t heard enough and with the right kind of ears. Seriously, I challenge anyone to pick a “perfect” “best of “ show and if I have time I will find the cracks!
But that’s missing the point which is ITS ALL GOOD! and every era has something positive that the others don’t have. It’s all ways been yin yang folks, there is no such thing as a perfect show, except in our minds eye, which is quite A ok.
Ok, rant over, I’m obviously biased about my beloved 85!
Which brings us back to TOOOOOOOGGGGAAAAA!! Yo Butch, back in your seat, there’s 50 thousand people waiting for you to get back in your seat! Madness, the whole scene there was just surreal fucking madness, but in a good way.
I’m actually going to try and call my old house/band mates at the time as we all went. 2 I think went to blossom, and Pittsburgh. That one too, like WTF basically could of stopped by on the ride home from Merriweather, idiots! Lol, actually, I’m not sure I could have done another show. I may have caused permanent damage at Hershey, and thank god for that day off that I can’t recall much about, and I did take it a tad easier after, but not much. We ate so many veggies on that run that nobody would believe it. But I know what I came with and what was left after so.....looking back, it’s all kinda scary, we’re lucky we never had any real casualties of any sort. Few close calls, but nothing major, phewwww.
So going to call the lads, and fire up Toga tonight as We have to do a Zoom wedding this afternoon. We were supposed to be out at the Promised land for said wedding and a actual vacation, first since Seattle in ?? 2012!
Think Homer Simpson “oohhhh, Ssstttooooopid Covid”
Speaking of living via the net, was that not a fine show on Shakedown last night! Didn’t have the fire like the night before, but a fine well played outing, thanks so much to Dave and Co. for giving us this nice diversion. It’s getting to b3 a regular weekly thing, and gasp, the Mrs has actually been joining me and digging it! .....as long as I give her a good foot massage (usually during drums). She really digs the trippy graphics and colors which is even funnier as she’s never partaken except booze back in da day, it’s like giving a kid castor oil just getting her to have a beer, lol. So yeah, this Friday thing has been like the “ONE” in our music! Right on! and please keep em coming!
Ok, gotta try and call the guys and reminisce before the wedding. Then.....drum rolls please..........TOOooooGa!
June 27, 2020 - 10:20am

#6699

JimInMD

Joined:
June 27, 2011

Not a drop on me...

but there are black clouds building on the horizon here. Looks like a thunderous day on the river is in store for me. Got my waterproof device loaded with 6/27/85, thanks to the gentle steering of the GOGD.
June 27, 2020 - 9:47am

#6700

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

TOGA!

Ran into a rainstorm, indeed!

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