Pick of the Day, with Discussion

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April 6, 2020 - 9:47am

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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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March 2, 2023 - 8:28am

#1261

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

11/18/78

Hey Bluecrow, not sure if we ever listened to this show from the Uptown Theater in Chicago, 11/18/78?
I have it going now, sounding good so far. I still have 78 on my brain.
March 1, 2023 - 12:52am

#1262

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

Oh, my. My 1973 homework is…

Oh, my. My 1973 homework is cut out for me. A(nother) very weak period for me.

What can I listen to immediately?*

I can cue up 2/28, 3/24 (Oh yeah, that's a good one! Looks like I snagged a Betty reel before the dark times)... Heart marks from He's Gone all the way through Sing Me Back Home. Another in the first set for Playin', and 5 stars for the Loser that precedes it. Nothing else is marked, but a first set Stella Blue? Sure!

Getting into summer/fall, 7/28, 7/31, 8/1, 9/8, 9/17, or 12/4 and I actually have Dicks Picks Vol. 1, for a change. lol :-)
Some of those I really haven't listened to much. Roosevelt Stadium seems to have had some mojo, but I think I only listened to Jerry's birthday show for the first time last year, and then probably only once.

*Btw, my Internet was down for 24hrs yesterday. First there was electrical work being done on the building, so no power from 9 to 5! Then, they managed to screw up the phone lines and couldn't get it fixed until well after 9am this morning. So glad I don't depend on Spotify! lol... or streaming from the Archive ;-)

I had a taste of that mind bending Playin > Wharf Rat > Playin' from 6/8/74 last Sunday, which must be somewhere in the ballpark of the 73 scene we're about to get into. I can't even remember when that had been Pick of the Day.

Sorry, my listening notes are now way out of sequence as I'm trying to keep pace.

In the meantime I have been thoroughly obsessed with the 2/22/69 Dreambowl. That was a fantastic pic.
It's almost been on repeat. Someone needs to make a meme with the (apparently) famous guy on TV getting more and more blown away in each picture. Cool. early '69 show... An acoustic set! ...Mountains of the Moon, too... Mountains of the Moon sequeing into an interplanetary Darks Star... back to back with The Other One!!!!! Mind blown.

Whole show is excellent. Many many thanks for the "liberating" experience, too.

Also, RE QC at Deadville... I discovered last year that nugs net has 16b441 downloads of a ton of official albums, some not even available for download here. Shipping kills me, so even though I love physical media, I go for data. Anyway, even some of the downloads have had some dodgy editing or sonic anomalies. I gave nugs a FYI, but they said that's how the data comes and they aren't cleared to mess with it.

I had the 11/30/80 Fox Theater 2nd set in my music player while I was out yesterday. Lovely, lovely Ship of Fools. Brilliant Playin' into drums into, not quite space, it almost sounds pre-composed, but I kept hearing these Uncle John's Band hints, then it ended up being The Wheel and for a while I thought I was losing my mind, but then they finally get to UJB to close the show. Although I was listening while mainly focussed on work, there were a few points were I wondered if someone ought to make a loud noise because it seemed as if the band was about to doze off. Super mellow mood, which has its merits. Not knockin' a laid back show.

The real revalation, though, was the 2/19/71 recommendation, which I finally listened through last night.

2/18 will always be like a favorite sweater or comfort food. However, I can see why you might say the19th is stronger. The 18th is definitely a bit tentative by comparison, what with all of the new songs and Mickey leaving the band, it would be. Although the first part of the 19th didn't really jump out at me, possibly, psychologically, I could have been a bit standoff-ish knowing this show was challenging one of the most nostalgic tapes from my meagre old collection. However, right away it struck me how different the feeling of the new tunes were even though they had only debuted the night before.

By the time they hit China/Rider on the 19th, though, they seem full of confidence and it sounds like they have found their feet with the new/old lineup. This tune is grooving hard.

The main thing that struck me about this show was how much it is a Pigpen showcase. Pig is always on it, but the band is rockin' hard behind him on every number from the gritty It Hurts Me Too, to Good Lovin', and beyond. This may be the heaviest Easy Wind I've ever heard. It may be the somewhat gnarly sound quality of the Vadnais transferred audience reel that really adds a welcome taste of foreboding evil to all of Pigs tunes. Probably it's the comparatively sparse arrangements that allow the listener to take a quick breath and really find themselves inside the song. I don't know. Caveat: I did tweak the EQ a bit, but the jury is still out about whether my adjustments improved the sound or not. lol.

Anyway, just wanted to get out that note about how f'n heavy the Pig tunes are on 2/19. Really felt it.

Thanks again, everyone!
February 28, 2023 - 10:29pm

#1263

bluecrow

Joined:
September 21, 2015

2/22/69, 4/24/78, 2/23/74 et al

it had been a long time since I'd spun 2/22/69 from 30 trips. everything you'd expect from a show from that time. really enjoyed it and will revisit fairly soon as is my want with shows that tickle my fancy. thanks Doc! on a side note, the one technical difficulty with that listen is that there is something about those discs that my external disc drive (LG M-Disc) really didn't care for. at one point it flat out quit reading Disc 1, something I've never had happen, and while it didn't quit during Disc 2, at several points towards the end it made noises that I've never heard from it before that seemed like the electronic equivalent of an old man wheezing up a hill who was barely going to make it (or maybe not!) this isn't disc rot, its something in how the discs were manufactured i'm guessing. from time to time I've had various weird issues with playability of discs from the GD folks that I've never experienced with any other CDs I've bought. it's very odd. And on the QC issue, I recently pulled out a disc from the Giants box to play it for the first time and there was a big splotch of an opaque light gray liquid on the playing surface, sorta looked like white out except for the gray color. i have never seen anything like it CD-wise and i haven't the faintest idea what the hell it could be or how it could have gotten there. I have a CS request in with Dr. Rhino -we'll see what happens.

DV - 4/24/78 (DaP 7) was a show that had never really resonated with me - not when it was first issued, and not on subsequent revisits. And I've really gotten into the other released shows from that tour, Nashville and William and Mary. Well, finally got my head properly calibrated and my ears on straight and had an excellent listen. And then I spun it again. Full speed ahead Spring '78 Jerry and the Wolf with that excellent Betty sound. Thank you for suggesting that one.

Now on maybe my third run through past few days of 2/23/74 (DaP 42). It sounds freaking fantastic! All of it! Blowing my mind! Nothing left to do but smile smile smile!! (Yeah I'm really digging it.) Still haven't cued up the next night, cause I keep getting distracted by all the other good stuff. Maybe tomorrow.

Gonna have to visit those shows from late February, that one from Austin and Doc's most recent POTD from the Family Dog.

Take care folks. And great to hear from you Rocktihng!. Rock on!!
February 28, 2023 - 8:58am

#1264

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

RE: spring 73 etc

I’ve enjoyed them all so far DV, but maybe it’s me, some seem to sorta plod for a awhile before they pick up steam in the second set. Recordings were inconsistent too…but?…maybe it was me, as Jim just said so we’ll, sometimes set and setting can have as much influence as the music itself! I actually got to sit a relax and listen to most, a couple I had on while doing household stuff, but I don’t think thats it?
I’ve always been a huge fan of fall/winter 73, one of my personal top tours, and I purposefully haven’t dug into summer 73 too much as you’d think we’d get some of those sooner than later, but until I got the spring 73 Dave’s, I knew nothing about that tour. 21 With 21, I was a tad nonplused at first, probably just hung up on no Dark Star or other head noise nonsense, but it’s grown on me a lot since. That whole jam sequence is superb, and I’ll take a HCSS anytime!
16 is one of my favorite Dave’s, so much so I purchased a copy off the black market! 32s good, actually need to listen to that as I’m not as familiar as I should be. I haven’t gotten to Crotchfester or Bu faf a lo yet…
Every show has a nice big jam sequence, many killer 73 Eyes, a couple ridiculous PITB, some good HCSS, and the Dark Stars and accompanying jams etc, so worth it even just to check those out. Sorry to be so vague but it’s all kinda a blur. As I say, all very similar: relaxed with mostly good playing, until the big jam goes through the roof, rinse and repeat…lol.
So far, I think the February shows are a bit more to my liking?

Spring 78: of the dozen and a half or so on this tour, I think I’ve hit 10 so far. Some of the Beatty’s are spectacular and this tour took me by surprise. Getting the big blown away surprise of 4/15 (DaP 37) opened up that flood gate as the only official release I have is 37. I had no clue about this tour before, so yeah, big surprise!
Hoping Realgone spits out Dicks 18 and that I can get disc copies of the other 2 Dave’s as long/short I don’t do files…actually might try to get 15 off the black market as sometimes those aren’t too outrageously expensive. Didn’t get subs until 21, but since I have a few others, thinking someday I’ll try to get real copies of the few missing so I’ll have 13 onward, with hopefully copies of the rest. I have at least copies of all but 5.
I still think, partly due to the fine Beatty’s that there’s a potential for a spring 78 box, but maybe not enough interest for that?
Awright, gotta head to the mine, staycation is over for now : (
February 28, 2023 - 12:56am

#1265

Forensicdoceleven

Joined:
June 17, 2008

I know nothing, except the fact of my ignorance…..

Hello, rockers!!!

Pick Of The Day: Family Dog At The Great Highway, February 28, 1970

As a matter of self-preservation, a man needs good friends or ardent enemies, for the former instruct him and the latter take him to task……

In November, we were teased with the Little Sadie and Black Peter, so we know that an excellent recording is in the vault. As far as early 1970 goes, the “big guns” of the Fillmores get most of the love, respect, and recognition, but this Family Dog run has some doggone good music!

Call it a Lovelight sandwich, a grateful buffet with something for almost everybody. Electric/acoustic, grease, jams, old and new, all laid out as if on a platter. Dig in and enjoy!!!

Those who have virtue always in their mouths, and neglect it in practice, are like a harp, which emits a sound pleasing to others, while itself is insensible of the music…..

Rock on!

Doc
Most men are within a finger's breadth of being mad…..
February 27, 2023 - 9:35pm

#1266

JimInMD

Joined:
June 27, 2011

Nashville v Normal

mmmm..... I might have to compare and contrast. It went down in my ever changing mind that Normal was, well it has that Scarlet Fire & Terrapin into drumz.. but Nashville had a crisper sound and better separation between the instruments, plus a really good Peggy-O and Estimated Eyes. Both shows have a good Lovin', but full disclosure the Bobby GL's never did it for me, too formulaic and his rants did not come across as genuine as Pigs. So a little hotter v better sound. But don't consider this an analysis, my listens tend to be more influenced by focus and frankly my mood and receptiveness.

I did both all 73 shows consecutively years ago and '78 through May.. but I am always doing stuff so I don't have the rabbit ears of OB and Rock Thing; their attention to detail is most appreciated and enjoyable to take in. Plus.. I'd gladly pay the price of an IMax theatre experience to listen to a show in casa Oroborous just to take in his personal, home edition Wall of Sound. I forked out big bucks 20 years ago for my system but it pales in comparison.

As for March '73, I walked away big on Philly and Baltimore but Boston Garden did not register and in hindsight it's hot, hot, hot. When I weigh on a show, it's an opinion at a point of time that can be bribed by party favors and mood for the day. A mortal flaw.. first world problems.

So I am to revisit 4/78. I think I need to work a little less and live a little more. I pulled down the new 2/17/73, that's on my list. I'd like to take in some Fall and Winter '73. A compare and contrast of the last two shows of the year perhaps.. Did Dick pick the right show for DiP1? Inquiring ears want to know.

I'd like to contribute more.. but it's been a challenging year full of distractions. Summer is coming, so there's that.
February 27, 2023 - 7:03pm

#1267

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

April 78, March 73

You don't have #7 OB? We need to change that, I think you would really like this show.

I will definitely go back and listen to #37 again. I know I had it up within the last couple of months.

I did listen to #15 from Nashville over the weekend and I don't think Bob was happy with the first set, "That's it, we quit" Good show and the sound quality is as good as #7. Nice Estimated Eyes and Wharf Rat.

Do you have any recommendations from your recent tour of March 73?

I mean, this is a hot period. What a tour this is. More from this tour would be welcomed.

Slow day on the site.
February 27, 2023 - 9:17am

#1268

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Recents

Continuing on with 73:
3/16/73
3/19/73
3/21/73
3/22/73
2/22/69
Plus miscellaneous spins of DaP 45
Now playing 3/27/83, followed by 2/23/70.
Don’t have Dave’s 7, one of 5 I don’t have copies of…
Hmmm, that’s a bold statement DV as DaP 37 blew me away.
Perhaps because I was not expecting it to be and sound as good as it was?
Every show I’ve heard so far from this tour is good, highly recommend 4/11 and 4/16 too!

Agree, like DaP 13 better than DaP 42.
February 25, 2023 - 9:48am

#1269

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

Dave's Picks #7 4/24/78

Haven't listened to this show in a couple of years and wow, I think I like it even more now. A+ on sound quality and both sets deliver high energy Dead. Love the NFA, Black Peter, Around and Around and close it out with Werewolves of London. I went back and read the liner notes again and low and behold, they were written by Blair Jackson. Since I have 78 on my brain, I think I will check out Dave's 15 from 4/22 in Nashville. Of the three released from this time period 4/24 seems to be the top dog in my book. The William and Mary show is good, not great. On to Nashville.

Hope you all have a great weekend.
February 24, 2023 - 6:38pm

#1270

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

1970-02-23

You cats are already on to 1973. I'm still savoring the gentle respite in the oasis of Austin.

Death don't have no mercy, but there's always time for lunch.
Thanks for reminding me of LL. I need to see if I can get reinstated over there.

Grateful Dead Live at The Auditorium, Austin, Tejas on 1970-02-23
Harpur College was another of my heavy, heavy rotation tapes back in the day, along with the 2/18/71 Capitol Theater show I've already mentioned numerous times. Both were massive inspirations. For what seems in hindsight like a fairly significant period of time, if it wasn't one of those, it was Reckoning.

I Know You Rider: Lovin' the energy and grit of this Rider. It's almost angst.

High Time: This is a song! It's a pretty weird song, too, and after attempting it several times, myself, I must say it isn't surprising it wasn't played often. Damn, it's hard to sing. I submitted a completely deconstructed version of this for the February Dead Covers Project a few years back. I made a point of not revisiting to the original before recording, just going off memory and some notes left in an old binder of songs. I'm sure the ever-growing defenders of canon were thinking, "You ain't doin' it right if you ain't readin' it off a teleprompter." It was an "interpretation". Lol.

Dire Wolf: What a lyric. An electric version, no less. Pretty mellow electric set, almost acoustic.

Yellow Dog Joke… ah… well way to go for completely screwing up the joke, Bobby… actually, I'm not sure I've ever heard him make it all the way to the punch line. We should all heed Jerry's advice and "Don't encourage him." Everything was so light and positive in these days. Phil could be a bit surly, as we've already heard in this tape.

Monkey and the Engineer: This was a standard in my old folk-rock duo. My partner played it and I just followed along. I'd have to start from scratch to figure out how to play it again. Such good stories in these tunes.

Little Sadie: Nice. This wasn't on the Harpur College tape or Reckoning. Another dark story. I don't see how they could possibly be breaking strings playing such gentle music.

Me and My Uncle: I don't recall hearing an acoustic version. It's a great song and works in any format. At this point everyone hadn't already heard it a million times. Imagine that!

Black Peter: One of my favourite tunes ever. Doesn't get much darker than a song from the point of view of a death bed. Started doing this one myself occasionally a few years ago, but I always need a cheat sheet for the bridge. Nothing repeats. There are some interesting mnemonic connections between the chords and the words that help. Just have to sit down and do my homework. Ahh… yeah, Pig sittin' in nicely on the organ. This song needs a really delicate hand, but the organ adds a nice little gospel flavour. If only Pig coulda added just a touch more flair to his playing to fill in some lines before Jerry takes his solo. Pig's got the tone.

Seasons of the Heart: Never heard this before. Great pick! Thanks.

Uncle Johns: Have heard this one a few times. 😉

Not Fade Away: I'm gonna call the union! The Galactic Rock'n'Roll Union! That needs to be a band name, or a song, or something! Crazy to think this tune was in their set their entire career. Some good ol' primal energy here. Jerry's "wild" tone. He must've had the amplifier turned WAY up, cause it sounds like he's not in the mix at all. His guitar is just being picked up by a vocal mic, or something. Basically, no drums, either. I can't keep track of which guitars he was playing in the early years. He seemed to play whatever was available after giving up the Starfire. Sounds kind of like a Stratocaster, The Graham Nash Strat, perhaps? Alligator did not come on the scene until later, if I recall correctly. This tone has even more of a stereotypical Stratocaster sound than Alligator, which retained very little Fender electronics by the time it gets heard on Europe '72. Anyone? Oh, cool call and response with Pig. TC has already left at this point? I need to get my timelines straight. Bobby diggin' in with some soulfully aggressive singing, rather than simply aggressive.

Mason's Children: I can't recall ever hearing this, either. The name comes up often, but it's not on anything I've listened to regularly. Again, thanks for this pick! As you say, not exactly high-energy stuff, but some very rare pieces here. Always appreciate the chance to learn something new about this fascinating family.

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.

9/30/76

:)))

4/19/83✔️

Interesting first set, second ok, went with ok aud, better recording might of helped...
Good background working music...

How About A Lyceum Show?

Classics.

With the weather improving day by day... and many of us getting vaccinated and moving about.. it's getting more and more difficult to pull off the infamous DHBrewer Hattrick.

But we carry on the best we can...

Lyceum

Let's do it Jim. Which show did you have in mind. All four of them are outstanding. I think we did 5/26/72 at some point. But that doesn't preclude us from doing it again.

Lyceum

How about 5/25 and for extra credit the China Rider through PITB from 5/24?

A great run of shows...

Edit: Of course we could just do them both, in fact I think I will. Keithfan just posted this on the Dave's Picks page regarding 5/24.. which contains my personal favorite China Rider of the tour. I just love how silky smooth the transition is on this one.

________________________________
(shamelessly stolen from the Dave's Picks 38 page)

Last Lovelight

5/24/72 - night two of the Lyceum run, but more notably, the anniversary of Pigpen's last Lovelight. It's my favorite. They streamline it down to a smooth 12 minutes that includes some Allman-like jamming, which was par for the course for Lovelight by '72; but unlike its two counterpart versions from the tour, they get into that great 'doot-doot-doo' melody at10:05. Pigpen's improvised lyrics over this quiet drumless guitar / bass melody are some of the best. Nothing about refrigerator repair men or pocket ball or legs-up-against the-wall. This one is....ahem....closer to the heart. Don't have that E72 show? No problem - it's on Rockin' the Rhein as well (bonus track). To Pigpen.

5/24 and 5/25 72

Sounds like a good plan. I will hit up 5/24 today and 5/25 tomorrow.

In the meantime I have been listening to the first set of 6/20/91. Nice show, I believe Download Series #11.

Will switch over to 5/24/72.

my potw-eekend carrying over to today

5/26/73

a bit premature

but that's ok

Wow

Got through 5/24 and the first set of 5/25. Simply wow. Great shows.. which leaves the spectacular second set of 5/25 tomorrow and 5/26/73 Kezar Stadium for Wednesday.

It's a mind blown week, and it's only Monday.

But back to 5/24/72.. one of the under-rated, sleeper shows of arguably one of great tours ever performed. Do not underestimate this one.. from Cold Rain and Snow to OMSN, it's start finish greatness.

I got a hoot out of KFan's lovelight comments. I had my eyes on 4/26 and 5/7. To me, they still ring true, but the Lovelight>Two Souls is really classic stuff.. and in a great way highlights the end of the Pigpen era. This tour is simply magic in a bottle, pick your show and you can find yourself.. the under-rated shows are really appealing.. Lille, this show, Munich,... so many. Great stuff.

5/24/72

Finished this up yesterday afternoon Jim and I agree great show. Also liked the Truckin into the Other One and then into Sing Me Back Home. And we had a little WRS tease in this show.

On to 5/25/72!

Oh and when will that box be announced??

I saw a post last week they will be doing a MUATM this year.!

Weather Report Tease

Yes, I noticed that too. On to the second set of 5/25 for me.

Have a good day everyone...

I guess we should set up a go fund me for GOGD.. clearly he has not been able to make his $6 bail..

5/25

The better of the two shows. The second set is sublime..

Hope you all are having a good week.

Lyceum Shows

Enjoyed 5/25 as well. Nice Good Lovin, The UJB ,Wharf Rat, Dark Star into Sugar Mag are really good.

Of the four Lyceum shows 5/26 is my favorite. I won't hit that one up today as I need to change it up a bit.

Moving on to Kezar today Jim? They have the reels for this one now after the ABCD transaction, I hope it comes out at some point.

Kezar

Yes to Kezar.. agree on 5/26, but I hit this one up about a month ago. Plus.. a good bit of it was released with E72.

I haven't listened to Kezar in years, so it will be a good listen.

Our go fund me to get GOGD out on bail is up to $4.50.. so we only need a buck and a half to get him out of prison on six dollars bail. Things should pick up a bit here when he's back.

Go Fund Me

Put me down for a $1.50 Jim.

5/26

72 (listened a year or two ago)
73 (listened over the past weekend +)

95 (my final in-person GD show)

here's another $1.50, JiminMD

Fresh Out of Prison on $6 Bail....

This should conjure up GOGD, just in time for the weekend....

5/26/73. Kezar

My brother went to this show, he saw Garcia and Peter Grant ( The pedal steel player on Aoxomoxoa), standing on the side of the stage watching Ralph Mooney, the pedal steel player in Waylon Jennings band play.

Peter Grant

Zeppelin manager

PGs everywhere

That's more like it!

The sports guy for a local Bay Area TV station has been reporting from the "vinyl room" at his home during Covid. He has albums lining 2 walls that he changes out every day.

I couldn't help but notice the absence of a certain San Francisco band that people seem to like around here. Just figured they weren't his cup of tea.

Wrong - check this out (scroll until you get to the panel under the 10:53 PM marker, then play). Get ready to hit the pause button after the ads to check out his display!

https://archive.org/details/KTVU_20210526_050000_The_Ten_Oclock_News_on…

Lyceum '72

At the time I was a teenager having a ball in 'Swinging London' (some parts of it were still Swinging in '72) and lucked into a job with Apple Records as a general gofer which put me right in the middle of the London music scene. Just for added fun I had a part-time job at the Marquee Club three nights a week. With a girlfriend who worked for another record company and a flatmate musician working with a music biz management team you can imagine I was never short of some live action.
I had been to the first of the Wembley shows in April '72 and dug it enough to look forward to the Dead's return in May. Now it gets a bit vague regarding dates but I had tickets for one of the Lyceum shows which was even better than the Wembley gig. But then the next day at work one of the Beatles' resident chauffeurs (either Alf or Lou, they were both usually around) happened to mention if anyone wanted to go see the Dead that night he had an invite he could pass on; I think I remember there was a connection to Don Murfitt who was known around town for security at the major shows and would have been known to the Beatles' entourage. I doubt there were many Deadheads at Apple at that time but I jumped at it and went along for the second night in a row.
Except this time I had to report to the backstage door with a message for someone on the crew; I can't remember the secret password but it got me in with a right royal reception and was promptly invited to lick the back of the hand of one of the crew which I duly did although the girlfriend declined. From there on this Deadhead was in heaven for quite a few hours tripping on the best acid I ever had and marveling at the night sky as the theater had a giant sliding roof that opened which seemed entirely the thing to do for Dark Star.
Somewhere around two in the morning, the Dead were still playing but the girlfriend was getting bored and demanded to be taken home; being the true gent I was (still am) I insisted on taking her across town in a taxi and then took same taxi home, the total cost of which was equal to a weeks' wages back then (she was hot though, worth looking after for sure).
But it was all worth it.
I can't honestly remember which two of the four nights I attended but I do know I was never quite the same after.
Anyway, I now live in Australia and much water has passed under many bridges. The girlfriend was eventually replaced with an even hotter one (that I married) and my career took a turn from the music business to the motor trade leading to working on race cars until I retired to the beach but I have all four Lyceum shows to listen to over and over and am still out there enjoying every second.
So if I still say I consider the Europe '72 shows are my favorite period of my entire GD collection you will understand there is good reason.
Thanks guys.

Swingin' London

Thanks for sharing @Chris Martin, that's great stuff.

Anybody else instantly think, "I wanna help Chris figure out which of the 4 shows he was at." ?

I couldn't help thinkin' that.
Would love to hear more about backstage scene and how that all went down.
What a trip!

Far out.

Bolo's tellin' us to watch the sports guy for some epic glimpses of SF's favorite hometown band memorabilia.

And May '72 is in the air.

Good to be back in town catchin' up on what's been goin' down.

Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart...

Sold for a buck & a quarter.

Hey Chris

Very cool story.. made my night just to read it.

GOGD.. good to see you back.

Chris Martin

Wow! What a story. Can't imagine what it would have been like to be in London at that time in 72. Great stuff! But wait, you left before the show was over? Okay, I can understand, you had a good reason.
Thanks for sharing.

Good to hear from you GOGD.

Kezar 73 is still top stuff. A few audience patches throughout, but the recording is great. Official release when it comes out will be even better.

Everybody hang loose.

London 72

Chris-great review - sounds very special. I also left a Dead show in London early due to a fed up girlfriend on 10/31/90.
I'd do it again, too. Must be something in the water.

7/7/89

How about 7/7/89?

July 89 is as good as Bobby says it was. Such high levels. You could even watch this one on Video if you have it.

I believe Keithfan was in attendance.

Sure

great show

IBANEZ

Ha, sportscasters name is Ibanez!

Chris, great story!

5/21, 22, 23/82: did the run, The 21st seemed a tad tame for a Friday, but the Sunday was more like a Friday! All good shows, but I thought they got better progressively...really liked Sunday, Rocking!
5/25/72: don’t have all,of the 24 and the streaming offerings were lacking so went with the 25th, which was nice...72 Dawwwkk, Stawwww!

leave the wives and girlfriends at home

"wahh! I'm bored! sacrifice your happiness for me! I don't care if you bought the tickets and we invested time and energy and money and anticipation! wahh! I wanna go home!"

leave
them
at
home

Leave The Wives And Girlfriends At Home

Re leaving the Lyceum gig while the Dead were still playing, I have three excuses:
1 - I had been to the show the night before and having a regular day job too even I was burning the candle both ends.
2 - She was a red hot babe and I thought I was in love so yes, I always gave her what she wanted (even walking out on the Dead) but she was worth it.
3 - At that age it did not occur to me that I might have to wait two years until they came back - Alexandra Palace September '74 - so leaving early did not seem like a crime.
The really strange thing was when I got home - about 3am - I was still tripping and I leaned out the window of my apartment in Finchley which is about 9 miles from the Lyceum and I was sure I could hear the band still playing. Whatever I had heard earlier that evening the acid made sure the show went on in my head for quite some time after.
Anyway, as I said I did not buy the tickets, it was a free pass and I doubt I missed much after 2am, I think the night before they finished soon after 2ish, maybe 2.30, but yeah, lesson learned I don't think I took her to see the Dead again.

Lyceum '72

GOGD asked what was it like backstage? Well allowing for the fact that this was nearly fifty years ago and my memory may not be completely unaffected by the intake of various substances over the years but some details I do remember. I was told to report to the door at the back of the stage, which I did, I think it was red but I can't remember if it was open or did I have to ring a bell? Someone let us in, I guess I must have said who sent me or something similar but I was immediately made welcome like an old friend. I do clearly remember the door led directly to the back of the stage and I was immediately aware of a large scaffolding frame right in front of me towering up to the roof which was filled with speakers. The area was mostly in darkness but I was sure I saw most of the band hanging around, and several of the crew seemed busy running around although as this was not the first night of the four night run (I was there the night before too) I doubt they would have had a lot to do setting up the gear. It was one of them who told me to lick his hand. Certainly the Dead must have traveled with their own supplies and it was the real deal, it took effect fairly soon after and lasted all night, clean and clear with no downside. Whoever it was who let us in asked if we wanted to stick around, I think there were a few flat wooden benches behind the stage, and drinks and smokes were being passed around but we would not have been able to see the band on stage from there so we were let through a side door to the main auditorium.
As for what nights I attended, I really could not say. I do know they were two consecutive nights and I had to go to work the next day after both so that rules out the 26th which was a Friday (I did not work Saturday). I would probably have been eager enough when tickets went on sale to have bought for the first night (23rd) so the next would have been the 24th but that is only guessing. It could have been 24th and 25th. I have all four CDs just to be sure I have the ones I was at and they all still sound great, but having been to other shows and after all this time I can't honestly remember what they played or maybe more relevant, what they left out. New Riders of the Purple Sage were on the same shows and there was a lot of waiting around between sets so probably the Dead did not start playing until very late.
One thing I should be ....ahem...."Grateful" for is that with hindsight many still think Europe '72 saw the band at their best and certainly on the evidence of the recordings available they were on top form.

7/7/89

This show has a great flow to it. That Box of Rain still gives me chills.
Finished up the last part of the show on DVD. Wish we had more shows on DVD.

Who has a pick for today? Bob t?

I don't think we will see a box announcement until August, but hey at least they released the Garden Club???
I remember when this site was packed with music.

Enjoy it.

Continuing...

with checking out shows I’ve never heard, 5/12/74. A lil 74 goodness for a Fri- day!
Perhaps later, 3/25/83 depending on chever way?

Hopefully Doc will lead us all on more 71 adventures Saturday and Sunday?

7/17 and Beyond

A great show. I like energy of the close to the first set.. say from Memphis Blues through Blow Away.

I'm all in with OroB's lead. Either show is fine. 5/12 is the windy show where the stacks of speakers over Bills head were swinging wildly and it freaked him out. They changed the setup going forward. I can see why it spooked him.
Sometime I want to draw us back to an earlier time... something off the beaten tracks with a good Smokestack or School Girl.

It's raining here, but we need the rain. Lots of vacationers starting to show up and fill the town. Rivers are running.. what's a guy to do?

Happy Friday everyone. Do something extraordinary.

something extraordinary?

How about some gardening?

while you wear your pretty little apron, listen to 5/12/74. You'll be glad you did.

Onward

5/12/74 ✔️ Interesting sequence in the last set, good sheeet mon. Overall perhaps not top 74 tier, but a fine show though the version I went with was not...

3/25/83✔️ Strider recommended so I had to check it out. Good energy, Bob even comments at some point about hopefully we can keep it going....first H-S-F, good set list, but again, the tape got weird for part of it....

So I was going to hop on the Doc train and go with 5/29/71 today, but I drank some cider and now I feel funny?

catching up

Chris - thanks for sharing that very cool story. that's some sweet happenings

Jim - thanks for suggesting that Lyceum run. had not really been on my radar compared to many of the shows on the continent. total eye opener. a magnificent 4 nights.

Senator Oro - spring '83. early on I had clean board of 4/17 Set II. It is smoking from the opening notes of H>S>F. great great tape.

DV - will have to check out 7/7/89. I was elsewhere during most of that year.

glad all it took was a $6 to spring GOGD from the pokey.

someone mentioned Fox Atlanta 5/18/77 I think (PF?) seemed like Set I was a pretty slow pace for that tour. High Time might be the slowest I've ever heard. Something seems to "change" in Estimated and holy moly the eyes of the World that follows is fantastic with an expansive opening jam by Jerry and beautiful soloing between verses. gorgeous.

finally had a mind meld with DaP 38. had been spinning it in my car for awhile - pretty okay but a bit sharp. But one evening relaxed and with Sennheisers it was like the mix totally changed - unbelievably smooth and sweet. Curious if I'll be able to find that spot easily again. I do think there are a couple of somewhat rough patches that may have come from another show - Bobby's guitar jumps from right to dead center for brief periods.

enjoy the weekend and be safe everybody

5 19 77

:)))

5/29/71

Damn that “cider” was strong! ; )
Just starting to feel right again, phewww
Another fine show. Perhaps not quite the Thunder of the years previous shows, but there’s some cool, almost DS like exploring during some of the out jams, I guess particularly TOO...
More of the laid back home town vibe versus the coke induced overdrive of some of the east coast shows.
Did the Aud for most of the first section, and the CM SB for the rest.
Both are flawed but I didn’t mind the Aud, back in the day we would have been happy as it’s got a good mix etc, and though it has Winterlands unique room coloring, it’s not bad.
The SB was mostly good but had some level/distortion issues.
These 71s are growing on me.
Onto 5/30 today.

5/29/71

The famous cider show at Winterland.

5/30/71

Another fine Lil 71 show. Didn’t have the cool jam of the previous but a solid show except for shug megs, ouch..
Good helping of pork, pass the napkins please, including a somewhat rare but nice Rub, and a spicey LL.
Cool little Dew in the first, And!,... it’s got a Cumberland!
Tapes were similar to the 29th: Aud for first section, SB for rest. The Aud was worse though than the previous, and I almost didn’t listen, but wanted to hear this at least once. Like most, eventually I was able to get past it and entrain with the music, but it suffered more from venue sonic anomalies than the previous night. The SB was mostly good, perhaps an occasional clipping instrument, but usually short duration.
Ok, hopefully we’ll see Doc (and Strider ; ) here on the 21st!

The bottle was dusty

but the cider was strong..

A bit behind having made the best of a strong holiday weekend. I was dependent on waterproof, bike and river devices for much of my listening this weekend.. which do not get updated based on this thread very often. I did find myself once again enthralled with 5/23 and 5/24/1969 a week after it's aniversary. I have to admit though.. hearing disc 2 into disc 3 you get a He Was a Friend of Mine, Death Don't Have No Mercy and Morning Dew almost back to back.. I was thinking, is something really bad just about to happen to me? So I had to switch it up a little and fast forwarded into the 80's for the end of the weekend.

I might re-hit William and Mary this week too. I only had one decent listen of that one since it came out.

Hope you all had as good a weekend as you could. What's the show du jour?

today's pick du jour fuer heute (which started yesterday)

10/14/76

Aaaaaa? tap, tap, tap

is thing on?
Mornin’ Jim,
Did 7/25/74 for the first time yesterday.
Nice little show, would make a good Dave’s.....

Was thinking of continuing on with my quest for unheard shows, and specifically 4/9/83.
Been digging spring 83 lately, especially some of the awesome Auds!

Ooops, sorry PF, you weren’t there before lol

So 10/14/76 Today, 4/9/83 Tomorrow?

Sounds like a plan. I am in a 76 mood today.. so there's that.

As for 4/9/83.. happy to do that one. I was there. I might have to conjure up a tall tale from the cobwebs of my failing memory.

I tried to bring to life the next night a few weeks ago. If you have ever seen both venues (Hampton and Morgantown Coliseums), the are remarkably similar. In the right frame of mind, you might mistake them or UFO's (or are they)? I did miss 4/10 which is silly because it was closer to where I was living at the time. Morgantown is the closest 'city' to where I live now, I have a soft spot for the Mountaineers.

10/14/76

I am only seeing the second set that circulates for this show, at least through Relisten. Would love to check it out. And 83 is always worth a listen. Thanks guys.

83

I did Morgantown back when it came up as I had a tape bitd and was interested. Couldn't remember about it, perhaps good show, not so good tape? I did remember "the girl with lobotomy eyes" comment!
Heard a great ayd version this time around!
Been there a few times, some wild stories considering we were there to visit the "20 year olds" grandma...but never saw the dead there.
Heard this opening night Hampton was good, and it seems to be.
I'll try for 76 later...

83

Doah, dbl time...

Well, this is embarrasing!

Aside from a 20 minute appearance at the Human Be-In on January 14, 1967, I always thought 11/10/1973 was my first "official" Dead show. I recently had the opportunity to go through some of my late brother's belongings. Lo and behold, I found a ticket stub glued to a piece of paper with a caption - First Dead concert with "Bolo" (name changed to protect the guilty). I was floored for two reasons: 1) that he would keep something like that - not his nature, and 2) that I would have been wrong all these years.

So, in memory of my big bro', I propose 12/10/1972 for POTD on Thursday. Caveat: a big chunk of set 1 is missing, but the rest is pretty sweet.

R.I.P. brother

Re:

And so it is. Great story Bolo. I will fly my freak flag half mast.. and hopefully enjoy Thursday's show to the fullest.

I will be sure to play the good parts extra loud.

4/9/83 Hampton

My second show and the first one we travelled to. We had tickets, our plan was simple.. get to the show and get in.. then find someplace really cheap to sleep or drive East and sleep on the beach.

The show features the East Coast breakout of Help on the Way/Slipknot!/Franklin's Tower, played just twice earlier in the spring since the fall of '77. Great China Rider to close first set, high energy and good for the era. The other thing that stands out to me is how fresh the new material sounds. West LA, Brother Essau are Throwing Stones are just finding their place. A super fun and high energy show.

We ended up driving East without much of a plan and played on the beach till the sun came up magically without drawing any attention to ourselves.. then crawled back to this dive in either Va Beach or Newport News, I cannot recall.. the dive we slept in was called the Strawberry Motor Lodge, which I am sure is long gone by now. There might have been rain or mist involved too.. it was Spring, perhaps colder temps but somehow we made it to dawn outside before retreating for a couple hours sleep and the drive home. We should have just headed to Morgantown for the next show.

So ended my second show. My only birthday show and it might have been my only Satisfaction. I think I caught another Smokestack (maybe).. All in all a fun little show.

That's about all I can remember. There must have been something in us that made us want to stay up all night... my guess is fungalificaiton but all these years later I cannot be sure of anything.