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    marye
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    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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  • rockthing
    Joined:
    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.

  • proudfoot
    Joined:
    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.

  • The Good Ole G…
    Joined:
    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.

  • JimInMD
    Joined:
    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.

  • rockthing
    Joined:
    :) :) :) Replies and on to 2/17/79

    DAVEROCK, JIMINMD, VGUY72, OROBOROUS, THE GOOD OLE GRATEFUL DEAD,

    Hey. Thanks for the shout outs. :) :) :)

    Used to listen to Infrared Roses A LOT. Threw it on a couple weeks ago. Hadn't heard it in ages. Dark Star into drums and space, yeah, definitely wanna think of that all as Dark Star. Another one would be the fairly frequent, Drums > Space > Other One, 'cause there used to be that drum solo bit between it and Cryptical.

    My mind changes every day, with or without assistance. I totally get the listening point of view of boards as though they are a studio album recorded live. That would be a fantastic concept for a band, actually. I mean, just 'cause /I/ think the vocals are too loud doesn't mean anything. There are some really cool experimental records out there that totally throw all the rules out the window. A matrix is difficult to do and even more difficult to do well. As you say, sometimes they can be really well done. Anthem is a pretty good example of a Matrix very weirdly done. :P I'm often quite satisfied by boards, my ears adjust to the source, I think, but I tend to wanna see what the tapers managed to get up to first. As you say, once the tapers section was established, we can start to pick and choose to taste.

    Never finished writing about the Cal Expo show. I most certainly was not there, so got nothing new to say in that respect. Being there, it goes without saying, really, changes perception/reception. First night sounds interesting, too. Cool set list, at least. Note taken.

    Standing on the Moon is probably my favorite Built to Last tune, and fits into the group of Jerry tunes that I really love, the glacial show stoppers. Speaking of show stoppers, Throwin' Stones, I think, must have been really important to Bobby, and maybe the whole band, but as someone else said, here we go again. I think there might be some psychology involved too, 'cause as soon as you hear the tune start, you know the show's all over but for the shouting. (literally!) It's a really wonderful song, but suffers from over saturation. As far as sources go, it was pretty close to a toss up between the Coniff and MK2 source. Had to choose one. I chose MK2.

    Keith and Donna's last show. Haven't had that on in a while. Memory agrees with whoever it was who said it was surprisingly upbeat. That's the impression I was left with. I read the same story about their departure being agreed in advance of this show. As someone else noted, however, who knows? With that said, I think I'll get to it.

    Again, thank you for the warm welcome.

  • Vguy72
    Joined:
    Brent's first show tomorrow?....

    ....m'kay.

  • JimInMD
    Joined:
    Spartan Stadium

    I like OroB's idea on progression.

    As for them knowing.. I think I recall Donna saying they did know and it was discussed and mutually agreed upon in a band meeting. Probably the Feb meeting you speak of. But as with all things GD, you really never know for sure and at this point no one is talking...

  • Oroborous
    Joined:
    2/17/79

    Surprisingly upbeat considering?
    Did everyone know this was their last show?
    I know there was a band meeting in “February” but not sure if this was before or after the last show?
    It seems like before from what I read about things that happened etc, but I’ve not seen anything specific.

    Maybe we should go 4/22/79 just for the progression....haven’t heard that one yet either...

  • The Good Ole G…
    Joined:
    Strider - Back At Ya!

    Now how do you pronounce that?

  • Strider 808808
    Joined:
    Mitakuye Oyasin!

    All My Relations! Lakota saying

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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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In reply to by The Good Ole G…

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....yes Dave. One of the more interesting ones I've come across.
"Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley formed the band as a couple in 1984. They chose the name "Yo La Tengo" (Spanish for "I have it," referring to a female-gender object or person). The name came from a baseball anecdote that occurred during the 1962 season, when New York Mets center fielder Richie Ashburn and shortstop Elio Chacón found themselves colliding in the outfield. When Ashburn went for a catch, he would scream, "I got it! I got it!" only to run into Chacón, a Venezuelan who spoke only Spanish. Ashburn learned to yell, "¡Yo la tengo! ¡Yo la tengo!" instead. In a later game, Ashburn happily saw Chacón backing off. He relaxed, positioned himself to catch the ball, and was instead run over by left fielder Frank Thomas, who understood no Spanish and had missed a team meeting that proposed using the words "¡Yo la tengo!" as a way to avoid outfield collisions.[5] After getting up, Thomas asked Ashburn, "What the hell is a Yellow Tango?""
Hilarious. Don't miss those team meetings Frank!!

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In reply to by Vguy72

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pretty good

all together now..."it's not Europe 72, but..."

it's still pretty good

PS I got my work done that day, my friends...luckily, I didn't have to answer to my dad, since he is in Salem Oregon

update on 12/3/79...there's one of those weird patches where all of a sudden we go from soundboard to the hallway and then back to the soundboard.

Onward into Friday. I will do my best to stay focused on my ish.

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In reply to by DeadVikes

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Perhaps my favorite '77 show, add in the bonus tracks and you have a really special release.

Thanks for carrying the torch folks and keeping this alive. Been a bit busy the last few weeks and struggling just to hang on here. Gotta admit, I missed a few of these shows. Trying to manage getting stuff done with the best winter we have had here in more than a decade. Winter is fun, GD is fun, winter and GD is more fun. Add 2/26 to the mix, sublime.

Blink or relax for just a moment and when you snap out of it.. you're old. I cannot play as hard as I used to.

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In reply to by proudfoot

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some slowness in there

2/26/77: Jerry sparkling and spry

2/17/79: still plenty bouncy

12/3/79: ssaayyyyy whhhhaaaa...? Terrapin and Wharf Rat....

Jerry, Jerry, Jerry.

It must have been horrifying for the rest of the band to see such a rapid decline.

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I think I might do a first course of Uptown 81, followed by a Swing 77 dessert!

Happy Friday, DeadLand! Keep the good vibes rolling!

Of, for those of you who like a good Matrix, here is 2/26/81: https://archive.org/details/gd1981-02-26.mtx.chappell.sb02a.28383.sbefa…

Like most shows, give it a minute to "settle down easy" :)

Peace

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Def. not a top-tier pick for me, which is a shame because Fall/Winter 79 is one of my favorite periods of GD. Kind of puzzled why this was chosen, TBH. However, if memory serves, the "Truckin'" is massive if listened to in the proper state of mind and at the proper volume (LOUD!) I do love the artwork on this one...

Overall though, many better shows from this era.

Peace

I think we all know what the top picks are and what constitutes as filler.

If we all had a crystal ball of truth.. it would reveal what we know. Each year until this comes to a screeching halt.. we are going to get a mix of what is deemed releasable shows. The great and the truly good.

That's how it's gonna play out my friends. No need to hope each and every show is a top ten. I will add, I want to see all the releasable shows get a Full Norman. What we are listening to each day and night is history and these shows need to get released.. here's my twenty five bucks, bring it, even 12/3/79, which is not the worst Dave's Picks..

On a separate note, all the remaining Dave's Picks need to have a Cumberland or they will have a revolution on their hands. Who's with me?

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I am happy with what we get.. I was thinking how some releases are wow for the quality or reputation... Others like the July 78 box were more of whoa we have soundboard releases that never existed to us... Would I be happy if we got a Dane County from Feb 15, 1973 oh yes, but a Feb 24, 1973 University of Iowa show would fall into that July 78 box set release type of emotion.. That type of release is what I wish we would get a little more often, but I wonder what the potential amount of releases would even fall into that category . be good everyone. bob t

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In reply to by unkle sam

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I'm there with BTK, UNKLESAM, ICECRMCNKD & everyone else who loves these shows.

52 years ago, 4 of the greatest shows ever started at the Fillmore West and holy shit they're amazing.

The Dark Star the band played on 2/27 is beyond.... description.

Big props to Betty Cantor for picking this one out of the bunch and putting it on the first live Grateful Dead release for all of us to freak out over.
Crazy, she did that before I was even born.
Bow to the Queen.

My little memory on the importance of the Fillmore West Complete Box Set release. (which I've told before)
I saw on the internet that the Grateful Dead was going to release all of Europe '72, I hadn't been collecting the Dead in years as I was booking local rock shows at a club and was into a completely different local music scene that had been eating my brain so in many ways I felt that I'd moved on from the Dead.

But seeing that the WHOLE Europe '72 tour was going to be released just stopped me in my tracks.
When I followed the rabbit down the hole..
one of the first things I saw, they'd already released the COMPLETE Fillmore West '69 run!
The Bus came by that day, and I got back on.

WALSTIB indeed.

This Dark Star rules.

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In reply to by unkle sam

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...be a Debbie downer. I just don’t like when EVERYDAY is a “anniversary” pick, or more to the point, perhaps SOMETIMES we do an anniversary from different years that never get any love.
But who can the weather (or the music) command.
Onward!

EDIT: I’ve been blissfully wallowing in Dave’s Picks 33, 35, 36, and 37. Still have that 72 stuff to get to, but some 69 is always fine, yuck, yuck..

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In reply to by Oroborous

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Haha

This is not "this Day in Dead History" you all ;)

I'm just playing...

“[To poop] originally meant ‘to produce a short blast of sound,’”

Maybe OB just wanted us to hear a short blast of sound?

OB, you know I'm just taking the mickey out of you cause you haven't listened to 10/18/72 yet?
I dig all your input mang.

On a more musical note.. Get it?!?!

I don't think I noticed that patch in The Eleven on 2/27 before 7:54-8:49..
I wonder if that had something to do with them using the 1/26/69 version on Live Dead.
hmmm

You guys are funny.

The Fillmore West box is sorta of a white whale for me. On the fence with release announcement and when I finally went to pull the trigger it had sold out in previous 24 hrs. Not the last time I was slow on the draw but that was a tough one and years later when i started checking resellers it was a bit pricey. Do have the compilation. Someday.

So I'm going with Live Dead today and the Dark Star sounds glorious right now.

Onward!

I know y’all giving me shit, which is nice!
I think my suggestions are not being seen in the right light. Not trying to be negative...Think of it this way;
There’s over 2300 shows, I’d like to hear as many as possible, even if just once, vs listening to say, only the same 200 shows repeatedly. So more shows equals a positive, no? Especially looking for those weird little chestnuts that only a super squirrel finds 🐿
Also, it’s a fragile eco system. Been listening for over forty years already, hope to be able to do so for many more.
Variety is the spice of life!
Ok,enough of all that,
ONWARD!

EDIT: as your senator from the great deadnet state of altered consciousness I hereby propose an amendment to the cosmos hear-by declaring that henceforth the Elevan, should, and must be played on, well....11!

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In reply to by bluecrow

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I also missed out on FW and the steamer trunk, although I did get the 72 AME.

Have FW 27 and 28 on vinyl. Both say Plangent Process. I don’t believe that the FW69 Box says Plangent, but I don’t have a physical copy to look at.
Can some check their Box to see if it says Plangent?
If it doesn’t then that suggests that FW69 has been remastered - Plangentized, Normanized, and vinylized.
27 and 28 sound really nice.
The question is, when will they release the 24/192 hi-def copies?
They could put it on BluRay audio like Led Zep did for Song Remains The Same.

No offense meant Oro, I don’t actually keep up with the picks every day, mostly just on weekends since I don’t listen to music at work. Sometimes do partial shows at night.

Well, it’s around 50 here, the snow is gone, and there’s 2 months of dog poop in the yard....
That's going to take like 45 minutes to clean up.

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In reply to by Oroborous

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Conekid, no Plagent was not used on the Filmore box. The first box they worked on was Winterland 73.

Oroborous, yes, we are still not This Day in Grateful History. Shoot, we are coming up on the one year anniversary of The Pick of the Day. Let's keep it rolling!

Do you all remember what the first pick was?

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In reply to by DeadVikes

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I've got the POTD list ;)

Might've missed a day or two here and there when there wasn't a pick or it wasn't clear what the pick was.
But usually would jot down a notation.
For the most part it's complete.

VGuy... I wrote down 2/27/69 for today.

It's too epic not to give it the nod.

But.. that leaves room for more goodness, might have to do 2/27/81 later.

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In reply to by proudfoot

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None taken!
This ones for you and the job ahead
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mLNAkPsjAEk

EDIT: lol I thought we were doing 69 today? or am I a day late and a dollar short again!
Dbl Edit: yeah, nice work GOGD...we oughta call him scribe, or Radar O’reily

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In reply to by Oroborous

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Plangent or not, still sounds pretty good!
Haven’t heard these since some awesome person turned me on to copies s couple years ago...so good call, ...was due!

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In reply to by Oroborous

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A man walks down the street
He says, "Why am I soft in the middle, now?

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In reply to by proudfoot

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And Betty when you call me,
You can call me Al.

Yeah... listening to the Dead all day can make you a little soft in the middle.
But what a way to go.

Don't want to end up a cartoon
In a cartoon graveyard
Bonedigger, Bonedigger

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In reply to by billy the kid

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God I love DeadHeads, I just wish there were more in my neighbor.

FW Box was a Multi Track release.

....tbh Proudfoot, I dabbled. Started with him circa 1980, then moved forward and backward. Got distracted with another band. Circling back.
Like most nuts, pistachios are healthy and good food.
Avocados are up there too.

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God, I must be getting old. A good hit on Friday night at work, up all night, cloudy all Saturday, passed out early, up now.

Anyway,,, coming home from work Friday night fairly electric. Got billboard hits of 1973 playing and the Temps come on with Papa Was a Rolling Stone. (the 12 minute version) My Buick has a ok sound system so I cranked it up. What a great recording. Wonderful separation of sounds, the relentless cymbal. If you haven't heard in a while, pop that bad boy on,,, good headphones sound great,,, and crank it.

I always say Motown is like coke,,,,,, everybody likes coke,,,,,, and sara lee.

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In reply to by Vguy72

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The Zappaverse is vast. I like some of it, dislike some of it, ignore much of it.

If it didnt take, thats cool. His stuff is definitely not for everyone.

If you decide to try it again, i recommend WOIIFTMoney

Also, I happened upon a youtube video called Zappa 60s guitar solos yesterday. That stuff rocks

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In reply to by proudfoot

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Uhhhhhh....

I am on a "no GD for now" diet. So, I got nothing for POTD.

I was surprised yesterday by several facts. Biggest, Temps not the original band,,,, Undisputed Truth (yes, Smilin Faces), put out the first cut and when I scanned my collection I was shocked at the number of covers. And yes, there were maybe 3 from Mickey's band :-)

Another one of those songs the Dead should have done,,,,,, right after Ghost Riders in the Sky!

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In reply to by Dennis

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....is Mickey Harts Mystery Box CD. Or the last show from Anchorage.
Choose wisely.