Dave’s Picks Volume 37: College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 4/15/78

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January 29, 2021 - 9:35am

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clayv

Joined:
March 14, 2018

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! Gentle mistresses and most distinguished gentlemen, we have come upon the release of the DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 37, from the Fifteenth of April in the year Nineteen Seventy-Eight, at ye olde College Of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Cast your waistcoats and your bonnets aside, the Grateful Dead are on steady gallop from the opening high-kick of "Mississippi Half-Step" into a where are we going? where have we been? "Passenger," followed by full-on versions of "Friend Of The Devil," "El Paso," "Brown-Eyed Women," and a double-barreled "Let It Grow>Deal." Catch your breath and straighten out your tricorne because the 2nd set shows no bounds with delightful takes ("Bertha>Good Lovin'," "One More Saturday Night") and introspection ("Candyman," "Playing In The Band"). Then - great fifes and drums - it's 15 minutes of "Rhythm Devils," with band and crew gathered round to amplify the merriment before delivering a rare incantation of "Not Fade Away>Morning Dew" that sets the soul alight. Pure jollification!

The town crier's addendum:

Three bags full! Lest you feel 4/15/78 beginneth and endeth too quickly, we've selected highlights from Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA, 4/18/78 to satisfy your fancy.

Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 37: WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA 4/15/78 was recorded by Betty Cantor-Jackson and has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman. It is guaranteed to sell out - often within hours.

*2 per order. Very limited quantity available.

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February 3, 2021 - 3:06pm

#1481

Strider 808808

Joined:
June 20, 2007

Route 66

Lived in Gallup for 15 years three blocks off of old Route 66. The Garcia guitar metal sculpture in “G-town” is a must see if any Deadheads happen to be driving through. And Jerry’s Mexican Restaurant is deluxe. But don’t just drive through, take in the amazing trails and beautiful land in the area.
Gallup, rough town with many good people.
February 3, 2021 - 2:40pm

#1482

proudfoot

Joined:
August 2, 2020

Deadhead opinions...

crack me up

4/18 better than 4/15?

Hippie, please...
February 3, 2021 - 2:26pm

#1483

nitecat

Joined:
November 1, 2010

Touchdown

Yahoo 16650 has arrived a day earlier than USPS predicted! Can't wait to spin this after reading the glowing reviews. I am a big Dew fan and have grate anticipation. I'm also really into Lazy Lightning so I'm a happy camper.
February 3, 2021 - 2:23pm

#1484

Lovemygirl

Joined:
April 29, 2016

*RE/ Less than 500 left! Bravo!

Less than 500 left , Bravo ! The dead team pulled off the increase & im grateful to be a DeadHead today 🙏❤️🤠💀🌹
February 3, 2021 - 2:10pm

#1485

Shrewnews

Joined:
January 24, 2011

STILL waiting for my #36.

STILL waiting for my #36.
February 3, 2021 - 1:34pm

#1486

Crow Told Me

Joined:
October 15, 2020

Let Me Say That About This

I've only listened to the whole thing once, and even that was in a sense incomplete, because as I noted in a previous, my DaP 37 disc one is defective, but let me affirm what some of our brethren hath said: The music here alternates between some very sloppy playing and a few high highlights.

I think I read somewhere that the goal of the Dave's series is present full shows that are typical of their era, but which also stand out from the pack in some way. Which is a different thing than just saying "we're going to release the very best music we have available." On its own terms, this release is very successful: it seems pretty typical of what the Dead sounded like in '78, which is probably no one's favorite year but not a bad one, either. It's notable for the only "Dew" of the year, and we also get "Passenger", "Candyman", "Sunrise," and an unusual drum break. And then on the bonus material there's an outstanding "Scar>Dancing>Rhythm>Samson" sequence.

That said, there's a lot of slop here. The drummers do not have it together, and they step on each other's playing over and over again. Have you ever heard the Dead struggle to find a groove on "Tennessee Jed"? Well, you will if you listen to DaP 37. Now, they eventually find one, and it's a different groove than just about Jed I've ever heard, and maybe for some people that makes it worthwhile, but it's painful, bumpy ride to that point. That's just one example, but there are plenty others. "Saturday Night" never really finds a groove, either. And it's definitely weird to get a DaP where the "bonus" material is better than the featured show.

But there are some real bright spots, too. "Good Lovin" is excellent, PITB almost drowns in a sea of random percussion but gradually emerges as a pretty powerful version, and there's the aforementioned "Dew" and "Scar" sequence, which is pure joy. And maybe that's just how it was in '78: lots of uneven shows with some great highlights. So, I'm glad to have heard this material, but I doubt if I'll wind up returning to it very often, other than a few of the highlights.
February 3, 2021 - 1:15pm

#1487

Gary Farseer

Joined:
August 1, 2015

KeithFan

I have also noticed with local USPS that there can be multiple drivers delivering. So you might get it tonight, I hope so. In my neighborhood I have seen 3 USPS delivery jeeps at once. One delivering mail and 2 delivery Amazon, et al. shipping packages.

You might also see USPS on a Sunday. Not delivering mail, living up to contracts with Amazon or Fedex/UPS.

What is a little disconcerting is a British person working for USPS. He probably married a US citizen but still, government or quasi government employees should be US natural born citizens.

Just 2cents, which makes no sense.
February 3, 2021 - 1:13pm

#1488

ShaggyFraggle

Joined:
February 26, 2018

the warm thing on your head

As a Canadian, I took me a while to decipher all this talk about Dave's "touk." Didn't realize there was an alternate American spelling of "toque." You learn something new everyday.
February 3, 2021 - 12:47pm

#1489

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Rollercoaster day here...

... Some are really up while others are doowwnnn..
Bummer to Hal and those dealing with the stress of uncertainty, and that, I think, for most of us is the one thing that’s really intolerable. Most folks here are reasonably patient, but this never knowing if/when etc.....NO BUENO!!
With the risk of over repetition, I’ll say what again what many feel; why can’t we chose our shipping option depending on our individual needs! For us that means gladly paying extra for direct UPS to our house since we can’t get home mail delivery....
All I can add is I’ve always eventually received what I purchased....good luck to those still waiting!
Fortunately, this time around everything went according to usual MO and they even crammed it in our PO Box so I didn’t have to risk a bunch of possible exposure waiting in line for the desk!
Haven’t checked discs yet, hope I didn’t jinx myself lol.

SHOW PURITY, FLUBS etc; though there are different kinds of flubs (hey, I know, I used to be a “musician” lol) the ones they make cause their going for it, pushing the limit, riding the edge etc, yeah, those are often highlights in and of themselves, like a sign or badge of honor that indeed they were full on going for it!
After huge weirdness i,e., 72/73 DS etc, I’ll take sloppy but ragging over white bread any day, but like HF said, everyone’s got their own reference points, so hey that’s just me, probably why I like years like 68/69, and 84/85 more than say 77 or 87, though I like em all!
Good to see so many folks participating here, wish there weren’t so many due to uncertainty anxiety.
February 3, 2021 - 12:29pm

#1490

proudfoot

Joined:
August 2, 2020

the marketing never stopped

lol

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Dead Store Products

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! Gentle mistresses and most distinguished gentlemen, we have come upon the release of the DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 37, from the Fifteenth of April in the year Nineteen Seventy-Eight, at ye olde College Of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Cast your waistcoats and your bonnets aside, the Grateful Dead are on steady gallop from the opening high-kick of "Mississippi Half-Step" into a where are we going? where have we been? "Passenger," followed by full-on versions of "Friend Of The Devil," "El Paso," "Brown-Eyed Women," and a double-barreled "Let It Grow>Deal." Catch your breath and straighten out your tricorne because the 2nd set shows no bounds with delightful takes ("Bertha>Good Lovin'," "One More Saturday Night") and introspection ("Candyman," "Playing In The Band"). Then - great fifes and drums - it's 15 minutes of "Rhythm Devils," with band and crew gathered round to amplify the merriment before delivering a rare incantation of "Not Fade Away>Morning Dew" that sets the soul alight. Pure jollification!

The town crier's addendum:

Three bags full! Lest you feel 4/15/78 beginneth and endeth too quickly, we've selected highlights from Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA, 4/18/78 to satisfy your fancy.

Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 37: WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA 4/15/78 was recorded by Betty Cantor-Jackson and has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman. It is guaranteed to sell out - often within hours.

*2 per order. Very limited quantity available.

Slow starts

I only saw them 5 times...but what struck me was how muted the start of those concerts were, compared to some of the Spinal Tap style entrances some bands made. The Dead seemed more jazz like in their approach - shuffle on, ease into a tune..no crescendos or flashing lights. With some bands, the build up was so dizzying that you would have thought the Second Coming was at hand.

deadegad, you will not be disappointed...

However, note that the Atlanta '70 show on Stages has been superceded by "Freedom: Atlanta Pop Festival," which is more complete in better sound. Once you devour the Band of Gypsys nearly complete four-show set, try delving into the Dagger Records official bootlegs from the Jimi camp. There's quite a few excellent shows in pretty damn decent sound. Two I'd recommend: Live in Ottawa, 19 March '68/second show, and The Baggies Rehearsal Sessions, Nov-Dec '69 as the Gypsys warmed up for the Fillmore shows.

To daverock's point, when the GD opened a show, in my view, they focused on the energy not the volume and certainly not any theatrics. To your point, they always knew they were in for a long evening -- 3 hours of music, maybe 4-5 hours of "involvement," so I'd think pacing would be key.

Muted starts

Yes, it wasn't a criticism. If anything, it seemed indicative of the bands ability to communicate and develop a show, rather than bludgeon you into defeat with volume and lights. They played to an audience, rather than at them.

Customer service SUCKS

I live 30 minutes drive from where they ship Dave’s from in Carlsbad, CA. I have a subscription. A confirmation. But no shipping notice, no customer service rep to speak to, unanswered emails from Rhino....I’m tired of this SHIT. FIX IT

Deadhed76

I hear you. The only thing that seems to work for me is to PM Marye and also send an email to Drrhino@wmgcustomerservice.com
Marye is great. She’s very kind and helpful

Stranger opener

Even better when it’s Stranger>Franklin’s.

Never witnessed one, but did just listen to the one from 7-10-89 GS Box.

Blazing opening

Roger Waters The Wall tour 2010-12.
It’s pretty cool.

Agree with Daverock that most bands need to grab the audience’s attention right away because the people are there for the show just as much (or more) as the music.
But for bands that play the same setlist every night, and tour once a year in support of a new album, that’s what they need to do to keep selling albums and tix every time they pass through town.

The Dead had a grate light show, but most people were there for the music (some were just there for the party).

Cosmic Charlie. / 3/1/69. Fillmore West

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XgEXFivR9bY. One of my favorite shows of alltime, what an absolute rocker!!

Theatre

There was an element of theatre with a lot of bands in the 70s. With some bands there still is-the opening of a Stones show-the last one I saw was about 2007 - there was still a sense of drama when they came on. The Dead seemed more like a jazz band in comparison with something like that. More like the Miles Davis Quintet of the 60s than the Rolling Stones.

to your point, icecrmcnkd

Certainly nothing wrong with attending a show for the party or socializing -- how many times have I gone to a show because pals urged me to go because "it'll be a good time." The crowd is (or was) almost always an exciting part of the whole endeavor. (Over time, that's changed for me as people act selfishly or talk constantly or jostle, whatever, plus the prices...)

On the other hand, when the early post-GD incarnation bands led by Bobby and Phil came to Red Rocks, some of us were raving about the vault releases coming out and nearly everyone we spoke to had no clue about them and weren't even interested to hear about them. Presumably they were there for the live music and the party, but not particularly interested in the music releases by the original band. No judgment here, obviously, as I have done both -- depending on the band -- but certainly a curious distinction, given that here, we all wait at the mouth of the cave, ready to devour whatever mastodon bones Dave throws to us.

Déjà Vu All Over Again

I recently ordered a few items from another artist’s site, and as the items come due for delivery, I came across this in the fine print:
“ PLEASE NOTE that we are currently moving warehouses and with the current COVID-19 lockdown there may be delays in processing and shipping all orders. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these trying times.”
We have all been here before.

Best “theatrical” band opening I ever saw for an artist was a Peter Gabriel show. The lights in the arena go down, expecting the band to hit the stage, but instead very bright beacons lit up around the arena, as each band member entered at a different entrance, walking towards the stage, each holding one of these bright lights skyward. We sat right beside one of the entrances, and it startled my friend so much, his pipe and “tobacco” went flying a few rows forward, scared the wits out of him. I never laughed so hard!

New Bear Sonic Journal?

Recommended for the OSF - Bear's Sonic Journals: That Which Colors the Mind AAK with Indranil Bhattacharya and Zakir Hussain Live at the Family Dog at the Great Highway San Francisco, California, May 29, 1970 2-CD set

I see this set on the website, but don't seem able to buy. Too new? Anyone else see this? Anyone have opinions? Anyone order yet?

New Bear Sonic Journal

Dennis, the Ali Akbar Khan release that you refer to is up for order on the Owsley Stanley Foundation website.

https://owsleystanleyfoundation.org/bears-sonic-journals/ali-akbar-khan…

There is a big red "Order now" button.

Coincidence? Dennis--

I was sitting here looking up an album by Zakir Hussain (Making Music) on my new streaming service (Qobuz), then read Zakir's name in your post!

I don't know about all my openers, but as I've mentioned here, my first show (6/24/91) opened with HSF, and the second set opened with China-->Rider. That was the best of the 23 shows I caught, and it, along with the show before it and the two following it, could make a sweet box.

Speaking of boxes, isn't it time for Dave to announce the 14-CD box of everything usable from 1968?

Simon Bar Sinister & Owsley Newest

Thanks guy,,,, I was using the large red button, "buy now",,,,, didn't scroll down to see the "Order Now" button!

It's ordered,,,, now sure if it's coming out in the future,,, or available now,,,,,, but it is ordered!

Re: Box Set

"....here, we all wait at the mouth of the cave, ready to devour whatever mastodon bones Dave throws to us." Ha..

mmm Mastodon Bones, meaning it must be very old which could only mean a 14 CD Box Set of everything releasable from 1968 + a two disc bonus show from the fall of 67. Glad you two figured it out, makes perfect sense.. With Bolo's whereabouts currently unknown.. it's good to a few step forward and fill in the gaps.

Speaking of ‘68

Over on the Tapers section this week, it has 8.21.68 which was the music included with the ORIGINS deluxe edition on vinyl, for those of you who haven’t heard it.

Dead & Co Downloads

To those looking for a D&C show to start your listening, this is the best show in their catalog (I think):
https://livedead.co/live-music/0,19321/Dead-and-Company-mp3-flac-downlo…
This band is good, definitely the best post Jerry lineup. Mayer did say they plan to tour again post covid.

Ali Akbar Khan

I recommend the Ali Akbar Khan album. I bought it in December and it was delivered just in time for Christmas. I have to admit I didn’t order directly since doing that with largely unlimited releases just adds to the price with the various charges that are added when they are imported into the UK.

Ali Akbar Khan

I second Colin's opinion on this release. It is a fantastic late night, lights off, headphones album, or, if you happen to have some of what David Crosby called "pullover pot". It was available late last year. You can buy from OSF, or from Amazon. It's well worth the price. Zakir Hussain was just a pup when this was recorded. Beautiful stuff indeed.

Music is the BEST!!

Breathe. Breathe in the air....

.....Happy 48th Anniversary to Dark Side Of The Moon.

If I had a bone to pick.....

It'd be RSD with 8-21-68, no need to empty the vault of all '68 ... just yet.

As for Dead & Co. being "the best" post-Jer group? Bosh! You must not have caught the Phil Lesh Quintet. That little band was a dynamic monster and easily the top post-Jer band.

Okay, boys, gauntlet thrown!

Just keepin' it alive til that fall '72 box announcement...

Hey JimMD, is there an incantation that'll lure Bolo out to offer one of his knicker-twisting clues?

JRAD

While Joe Russo's Almost dead does not qualify for the "post-Jerry" category they are fantastic so JRAD together with DSO; et, al, and the Bob and Phil incarnations, our collective GDead itch gets scratched very, very well. JRAD are great!

Re: Bolo

I hear if you say his name three times he magically appears. That is unless he's in a precariously tensioned contraption in a medieval dungeon somewhere, which is always a possibility.

Agree with HF, Deadegad (and others). As much as I like D&C, some of Phil's bands were incredible and JRad shreds it. Nothing's gonna bring Jerry back and I love some of the interpretations of GD music out there, both with and without the original band members.

HF, bone to pick?

Is it a mastodon bone?

Anyway, I’ll take a licorice flavored mastodon bone.

It’s the small victories....

Like when you cheat at reCRAPTCHA and win....

Bolo
Bolo
Bolo

Weird

I was trekking in the Pyrenees on the trail of some Portugese cartel bad hombres when all of a sudden I found myself at the corner of Post and Steiner in San Francisco.

What the heck just happened?

It can’t be this easy

C’mon man. Winterland was at the corner of Post & Steiner. So, a Winterland box, but from what year??

So..

It's the Winterland Box, the Other Ones (all unreleased Winterland shows).

Ok. Makes perfect sense to me.

Walkin' in a Winterland wonderland

If that is the case...

Sweet

Or maybe

Bolo will now walk to any number of SF venues where the GD played

Or...

Box Set

I still think MHammond's Wall of Sound Box was one of the best concept ideas.. the box would look like the Wall of Sound and contain all remaining Wall of Sound shows. As a nice bonus they could include a fathead Wall Of Sound graphic to stick on your wall behind the big screen and surround sound. The bonus discs would be all 1974 non Wall of Sound shows (the ones before the Cow Palace show).

Who are these marketing clowns at Rhino.. they should just hire us.

HAPPY 77TH BIRTHDAY Mr. Roger Daltrey

77 years young to one of the best pipes in the biz.....and to add to it the celebration THE WHO SELLOUT for you "WHOHEADS"

SUPER DELUXE EDITION OF THE CLASSIC GROUNDBREAKING ALBUM
112 TRACKS ACROSS FIVE CDS & TWO 7” VINYL SINGLES
FEATURING 46 UNRELEASED TRACKS INCLUDING 14 UNHEARD PETE TOWNSHEND DEMOS
80-PAGE HARD BACK BOOK WITH NEW LINER NOTES BY PETE TOWNSHEND AS WELL AS RARE POSTERS, INSERTS & MEMORABILIA
RELEASED 23 APRIL ON UMC/POLYDOR

And for some added fun The Dead and Pete Townshend in 1981
https://youtu.be/-Oym_LQCsPc

Another month...

Thin, my friend, you are not alone. It has now been just over four months since I received my shipping notice for DP 36 at the end of October, with a tracking number that shows that it never actually shipped. So now I'm still waiting for my unnumbered "make up" copy. This is unacceptable...and how many others must be in the same boat! At the very least dead.net should be offering us some kind of extra to compensate for the appalling level of service, lack of communication/transparency, and the LONG wait. This experience has left such a bad taste in my mouth that after subscribing to all previous years of Dave's, and all the Road Trips, and only missing a couple of Dick's volumes, I reluctantly decided not to subscribe this year. Enough is enough.

Are Fatheads still a thing?....

....I'll take one of every Grateful Dead keyboardist and rotate them as my current listening revolves.
Used to have some of every Spinal Tap drummer, but they mysteriously combusted.
I blame gardening.
Edit. Bolo gave a clue and it included a mountain range. I was focused on Andorra.

*RE/ Hey What the heck just happeBolo, maybe it was a flashback

Maybe it was a flashback Bolo ? Lol or even a
Flash forward! Lol nothen left to do but Smile Smile smile! 🙏❤️💀🌹

Shrewnews - sorry

Sorry Shrew. This too shall pass. Someday we'll get our unnumbered DaP36's and we can move on.

Who Sell Out

Kevin Brandon-thanks for the heads up. This was always my favourite Who album. After Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy, of course.

The lunatics are in my hall...

The paper holds their folded faces to the floor
And every day the paper boy brings more

And if the dam breaks open many years too soon
And if there is no room upon the hill
And if your head explodes with dark forebodings too

I'll see you on the "Dark Side of the Moon!"

"Winterland" could mean the box is from a colder region that has mountains...Alaska?

Be careful the hills have eyes!

Box Set

While my preference would be a 1972 box with a dozen shows featuring Dark Stars Bird Songs, the Winterland idea could produce some gems:

1969 - October (2 shows)
1970 - NYE
1971 - March (2 shows) , May (2 shows, one is partially released on LP) & NYE
1972 - October (1 show), (December 4 shows, including the behemoth from NYE)
1974 (2 shows in Feb, and not sure what to do with the October leftovers from the movie soundtrack - maybe bonus tracks)
1977 (3 in March, 3 in December)
1978 (leftovers of the 5 show From Winterland with Love run).

Lots to choose from.

Winterland Oct. '74

Would love if it were Winterland Oct. '74 with video.

I listened to the soundtrack release yesterday and it didn't sound as good as you would hope coming from multi-track and all. This really needs the killer mixing by Jeffrey Norman.

"(TRI Studios) is a state of the art, world-class audio, video, streaming venue, and recording facility."

We may just be getting a few boxes like the Giants box in the future!

I turn my back for one minute, and.....

An incantation is created, offered, and POOF! The genie comes out of the freakin' bottle, murmuring ... clues?

It's a trick! as Jer was wont to say, when a stage announcement came that told "Smedley" (not his real name) to meet his friend at the concession stand for his "medicine."

I suspect a diversionary tactic: a) it cannot be that easy, b) Bolo's not going to steal DL's thunder, and c) it cannot be that easy.

Though I note that 12-10-72, 12-11-72 and 12-31-72, all played at Winterland, have yet to be released.

Dang it, Bolo, ya did a cannonball into the pool. It may not be "meaningful," but the fools at poolside simply cannot afford to ignore the splashing.

2021 Boxes

Looks like it's a small spring Winterland, '77 box, and then a box in the fall of 1980.

The hints are pointing to two boxes.

April box sets

April 77 (Palladium), April 78 (4-12, 4-14, 4-16, 4-19 and 4-21) or April 69 (Hark! The Ark.)

P.S. Crosswalks

Re: Cannonball

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIE1BpW2zyw

It's a relentless conspiracy, HF. Each morning we all get (well, everyone but you) hundreds of PM's from the good and evil folks here with fake and creative ideas to duke you into box set fever. It's been going on for years. You'd think it would have gotten old, yet we are endlessly amused. Some of these ideas are pure gold, priceless.

My favorite is the Ark Box. The Ark shows, like Cornell, never happened.. they were spliced together at TRI from other shows, many of which have been released by now and inauspiciously uploaded to Archive.org. Yes.. TRI meaning Bob Weir is in on the scheme. Bob, Phil, Mickey, Bill, even the dead keyboardists are in on it thanks to modern technology and the Ouija board. They all think it's hilarious.

Just kidding.. but I do enjoy a good box set fever and multi-track delirium. Especially on an uneventful Tuesday morning. Ark ark.