Grateful Dead (Skull & Roses) 50th Anniversary Expanded Edition 2CD
“For the Grateful Dead's second live album, released two years after its predecessor LIVE/DEAD, the band delivered an equally magnificent, but entirely different, Grateful Dead sound. Whereas LIVE/DEAD was a perfect sonic encapsulation of the band at the peak of their Primal Dead era, SKULL & ROSES captures the quintessential quintet, the original five piece band, playing some of their hardest hitting rock 'n' roll (‘Johnny B. Goode,’ ‘Not Fade Away’), showing off their authentic Bakersfield bona fides (‘Me & My Uncle,’ ‘Mama Tried,’ ‘Me & Bobby McGee’), and some originals that would be important parts of the Dead's live repertoire for the next 24 years (‘Bertha,’ ‘Playing In The Band,’ ‘Wharf Rat’). Of course, the Dead were never defined by one specific ‘sound’ and amongst the aforementioned genres and styles the band brought to this album, they also delved deeply into their psychedelic, primal playbook with an entire side dedicated to their 1968 masterpiece ‘The Other One.’ This is one of the most deeply rich and satisfying tracks preserved on an official Grateful Dead album, up there with LIVE/DEAD's ‘Dark Star’ and EUROPE '72's ‘Morning Dew.’ SKULL & ROSES sounds as fresh today as the first time I heard it in 1985, and as fresh as it was upon its spectacularly well-received release in 1971.” - David Lemieux
Not only did SKULL & ROSES serve up supremely fine tunes, it was also the one that scored the Grateful Dead their very first Gold record, introduced the world to the iconic skeleton babe Bertha, and asked the questions - Who are you? Where are you? How are you? - giving birth to the first official generation of Dead Heads.
DEAD FREAKS, old and new, get ready to reunite on June 25th with the release of GRATEFUL DEAD (SKULL & ROSES): EXPANDED EDITION. In celebration of the 50th anniversary, the 2CD set will feature the album’s original 11 tracks, newly remastered from the stereo analog master tapes by Grammy® Award winning engineer David Glasser using Plangent Process Speed Correction. We're topping it off with more than an hour of previously unreleased live recordings taken from the much-requested July 2, 1971 performance at the Fillmore West, the band’s final performance at the historic San Francisco venue. Standouts include the 17-minute Pigpen spectacular “Good Lovin’,” an achingly beautiful take on Merle Haggard’s “Sing Me Back Home,” and a spell-binding version of “The Other One” that rivals the one captured on the original Side 2.
Looking for something more byte-sized? The GRATEFUL DEAD (SKULL & ROSES): EXPANDED EDITION and the original edition will also be available for HD digital download in FLAC and ALAC, exclusively at Dead.net, on release day. You can pre-order it now.
No Live Dead/Skull & Roses extra disc
Perhaps TPTB consider Complete Fillmore Box as the expanded edition of Live Dead, although they surely could have released tunes from the earlier shows that year.
Horses for courses, but I really enjoy the 2nd disc on the S&R 50th. I'm crazy about complete shows like most others, but I will gladly take anything I can get that I don't already have. It sounds wonderful to my ears.
To our USA friends, have a safe, Happy 4th of July weekend. To our UK friends, GO ENGLAND, beat the Ukrainians on Saturday!!
Getting better all the time
One thing that proves the exception to my observation that all things get worse given time, is shows from 1972. Which conversely, seem to get better.
Where the heck is mine
I'm not even sure what I did with the tracking number email
Aw man
I don't see a confirmation email for my order so I have no order number. I do see a charge on my credit card that I think is it. Opened a ticket with customer support. I bought two copies. One for me one for Uncle Gary. I'm pretty sure I bought it the day it was announced. The charge on my credit card is for 66.05 on March 25th. That sounds about the right price for two copies of the extended edition CD plus shipping and tax. We'll see. I order so much stuff I lose track.
You can't base your life on other people's expectations…..
50 years ago today…………
July 2, 1971
Fillmore West, San Francisco, California
Set 1: Bertha-Me And Bobby McGee-Next Time You See Me-China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider-Playing In The Band-Loser-The Rub-Me And My Uncle-Big Railroad Blues-Hard To Handle-Deal-Promised Land-Good Lovin'
Set 2: Sugar Magnolia-Sing Me Back Home-Mama Tried-Cryptical Envelopment>drums>The Other One-Big Boss Man-Casey Jones-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away
Encore: Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to Phil Carson, because gooey greasy goodness……….
In life, one must sometimes temper one’s expectations with reality. And the reality is, the Dead didn’t always “play up” to big expectations. This may be a good example of that phenomenon….
They didn’t blow the roof off, but they didn’t bury it either……………..
It has been reported that the Dead themselves were not happy with their performance on this night. Perhaps because they had to constantly retune? However, it’s NOT a bad show, in fact many parts are very good, including the Pigpen material (especially Good Lovin’ to close the first set, a position I like a lot), the China/Rider, and the really fine Other One. Truth be told, I actually am very fond of it, because it is rough, hard edged, and rocking. Bare bones, hard rocking, definitely recommended.
A single disc of this material was released in June. It didn’t include the thumping, greasy Hard To Handle or the short sharp shots of greasy rave-up The Rub and Next Time You See Me, but sometimes we just hafta take what is given……
Rock on!!!!
Doc
I am not in this world to live up to other people's expectations, nor do I feel that the world must live up to mine
Grateful Dead (Skull & Roses) 50th Anniversary Expanded Edition
I ordered three T-Shirts for friends and of course the CD. I received the T-Shirts but no CD in the package!! Are they paying attention when they shipped the products to people. Also, there is no number to call! All has to be on -line and you hope you get a response. Disappointing overall with the service.
Columbo (Peter Falk not the South American ganga)
Ahh , if you don’t mind I just have one more question..
My first time to the Bay Area was August 1971. The evolution of the Fillmore (all three) was like a snowball rolling down a mountain. Picking up speed and growing in size with every revolution. Faster and bigger and bigger and faster until it was like a herd of wild horses and could barely be contained. I know you rider became rider contracts and catering and fancy wine and prime rib and veggie burgers and Ben & Jerry’s and Jerrys expansive girth from cherry garcia (life time supply.). . And coliseums sans romans and lions and stadiums ( Dock Ellis no hitter on LSD) leaving no turns left unstoned. Why my oh my , I do have High friends in places. “Playin his guitar like a ring in a bell”! Oh the hell you say., i I guess it doesn’t matter anyway,
I’m a cheap date. 7/2/21
Fillmore West. Just listened to entire concert. I loved it.
Record Changeosaurus
I'm sure this has been mentioned before.....maybe even within this forum?
The original LP was laid out as a type of record changer format.
Put Side 3 on top of Side 1 on the record changer and go:
Bertha
Mama Tried
Big Railroad Blues
Playin'
Me & My Uncle
Big Boss Man
Me & Bobby McGee
Johnny B. Goode
Then flip and shuffle and you get:
Drums>The Other One>Wharf Rat>Not Fade Away>GDTRFB…
Never fathomed why every CD release of this "record" was programmed with record changer mechanics and not CD player concepts.
Record changer-Stone Jack
I never realised that-despite getting the album ( on vinyl) around 1976 ! I never used a record changer, so I went from side 1-2-3-4. The running order makes much more sense the way you describe it.
stone jack flippin' records
I have "some" record that was recorded like that for a "stack". Put all 3 records on, they played and you flipped the stack for sides 4, 5 & 6. I only have one like that and at the moment I can't remember when album,,,, something from the late 60's, early 70's. I was still in school. Will give it thought.
Woodstock Soundtrack Maybe?
Hey Dennis, Maybe the Original 3-LP Woodstock Soundtrack? Pretty sure it was cut like you, Stone Jack, etc. are talking about, so that after playing the first three sides, (if you had a changer) you just flipped the 3 LPs over in one smooth motion, and, viola!, 4-5-6 were ready to spin. Can't remember for sure, but All Things Must Pass's 3 LPs may have been turntable-changer-friendly also. . .
[I know – probably shoulda put this on the Dave's 38 thread. Oh well.] I love the complete, if reordered, Live at Leeds Deluxe Edition with the tasty Tommy suite included. Still, the original, single LP release from May 1970 is so seared into my synapses that I reach for it when I need whiplash back to that summer. I was working as a reseach aide in the biology department at UT in Austin (before my senior year in high schooI back in Arkansas). I lived in a room in the then vacant jock dorm next door to a Longhorn football manager who earned extra cash that summer selling primo out of his footlocker. Free samples abounded often with Live at Leeds blaring from my portable Magnavox changer with detachable speakers and jury-rigged elliptical saphire stylus thru a Radio Shit preamp. Those 6 tracks on the original LP still do it to me.
My propeller and double CD of S&R should get here any day now. I'll make sure to resequence the tracks as needed. . .
Onward.
Record changer format
havent heard that term in quite a while. When I was a child before teen ager I stacked my records, never did I ever think what damage I was doing to the vinyl having it drop several inches onto another platter. Did it that way for quite a while, then I was shown what the record changer format was doing to my albums. Never did that again and the next turntable was a single record at a time only table that you could not stack lps on. Does any one remember lifting the top bar that held the records on the spindle over to the side, it would allow the same lp to be played over and over and over. Learned that one day by accident and I drove my mother crazy with Led Zeppelin 2 Whole Lotta Love and the Lemon Song, my mother was a real prude and those two songs drove her into a frenzy. I drove my old man nuts with Jimi Hendrix Are You Experienced, he hated that one and it being played over an over made him scream "turn that sh*t down, G%$ Damn it". I had left home before I became a Dead Head so I can just imagine what they would have said back then to that primal stuff.
Yeah Wood stock was set up that way on the 3 lp release, as was a lot of live lp's that were double or triple, Steppenwolf Live from 1970 was a double lp and it was set up like that too, Humble Pie Rocking the Filmore too if I'm not mistaken. Never played them that way but I do believe they were set up record changer format.
Parental disapproval
Interstellar Overdrive was the one that used to give my Dad the pip. I am sure he though I played it just to annoy him. In their latter years, when I visited them I would take some tapes along, and if my Mum ever heard a 1972 tape, she would stop what she was doing, and comment on how nice the piano sounded.
Turntable flip
Jeff - I SURE it wasn't Woodstock. I didn't listen to that hippie shit back then. But for the love of money I can't think of what multi platter record Andy Williams put out? :-)
Uncle - I loved that option of album repeat by leaving the bar up. Go to sleep at night to an album, wake up and it still be playing!!
Driving dad nuts.....
I had a nice stereo when I turned 17-ish, good job took out a credit union loan and bought a 500 dollar setup. (this was 73-ish,,, 500 bucks was a lot) I used to crank the shit out of it. (not rock, soft stuff, but cranked) My bedroom door would break open also with my old man yelling the "turn that shit down" line. Fast foward 20 years. Old man picking me up in his car to go somewhere. Now my father was deaf in one ear. I get in the car and he has a Johnny Cash 8 track I made for him blaring full volume, full treble, no bass, all in right front speaker. I get in the car and my ears instantly start bleeding, I reached for the radio and said "turn that shit down".
Ah, the cycle of life!
Order arrived with items missing
Hello,
My Skull and Roses items arrived today (well half of them). I Ordered the expanded CD, the propeller vinyl, the Tie Dyed shirt, and the Limited Ed Print. All were shipped in a non padded UPS bag. The bag arrived with a 6 inch hole in the bottom of the bag which I took a picture of. The T shirt and the Print both nowhere to be found. How the CD still arrived, I have no idea. Is my only recourse to email support. I can't find a phone number.
Hole-y Skull & Roses
Bummer MLD218: Don't forget, there's always MaryE – our miracle-working angel of last resort and of seemingly lost causes. She can sometimes get Dr. Rhino's attention when customer "service" goes crickets. Edit: Check your PM – hopefully I can send you her email address that way.
Record Changer / LP Stacking
Ohhhh yeah. I had one of those when I was 6 or 7. Stacked them up all the time, especially 45s. There was a rectangular attachment that went over the center spindle for 45s so that you didn't have to put an adapter thingy in each one.
I did scratch Mother from The Wall. It wasn't the kind of skip that just makes the needle jump ahead a few seconds. It was the kind of skip where the music kept repeating every time the album turned a full 360 degree rotation (you know the kind where you have to get up and actually move the stylus forward manually to keep it from skipping forever). "Mother do you think they'll try to break my / try to break my / try to break my / try to break my / try to break my / (get up and fix the skip)....."alls......ooooh-ah Mother should I build The Wall".
KISS Alive! also had sides 1&3 on the first LP and sides 2&4 on the second LP. I probably never would have remembered that if it hadn't been mentioned here.
Icecrmcnkd - agree, 7/2/71 Bonus Disc sounds great. Really leaves me wanting the whole show. I have a pretty good bootleg of it, but it doesn't compare to the Full Norman.
Good Stuff!
Been digging 7/2, sometimes incomplete offerings can fill a nice lack of time niche...
Sounds great like the other 71s!
Ole Doc (and the music of course) have raised my appreciation of 71 immensely!
Shaaaanks!
We don't want to play huge stadiums……
50 years ago today……
July 31, 1971
Yale Bowl, New Haven, Connecticut
Set 1: Truckin'-Sugaree-Mr. Charlie-Mama Tried-Big Railroad Blues-Playing In The Band-Dark Star>Bird Song-El Paso-Hard To Handle-Loser-Me And Bobby McGee
Set 2: Bertha-Big Boss Man-Me And My Uncle-Deal-China Cat Sunflower >I Know You Rider-Sing Me Back Home-Sugar Magnolia-Casey Jones-Not Fade Away>Goin’ Down The Road Feelin’ Bad>”Darkness jam”>Not Fade Away
Encores: Uncle John's Band>Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to Jeffrey Greenberg, Bob Messina, John Starks, and Rich Petlock…..
So, how did they do???
Actually, not bad at all. Solid if unspectacular show. Little bit of Pigpen, interesting first set Star, unusual Bobby McGee set closer, Sing Me Back Home, a Darkness jam, two song encore. What’s not to like about all that?
Coffee spilled on guitars, executive nannies, homicidal maniacs, rock and roll, Grateful Dead…………
Rock on!!
Doc
……unless we can play them well…..
If it's illegal to rock and roll, throw my ass in jail!
50 years ago today……
August 4, 1971
Terminal Island Correctional Facility, San Pedro, California
Truckin’-Yellow Dog Story-Bertha-Me And Bobby McGee-Hard To Handle-China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider-Loser-Playing In The Band-Next Time You See Me-Me And My Uncle-Casey Jones-Cumberland Blues-Big Boss Man-Sugaree-El Paso-Mr. Charlie-Not Fade Away>Going Down The Road Feeling Bad>Turn On Your Lovelight
Deadicated to Andy Dufresne…..
One of the most unusual venues the Dead ever played, Terminal Island is a “low security” federal prison that opened in 1938, located at the entrance to Los Angeles Harbor, that holds approximately 1,000 inmates. Dead sound man Owsley Stanley was held there from 1970-1972. Other “famous” inmates that have been held there include Al Capone, Henry Hill, Timothy Leary, Charles Manson, Anita O’Day, and Flora Purim. At this time, it is unknown exactly where within the facility the concert was held, or how many “guests” attended.
I must admit, this is one of my serious “1971 guilty pleasures”. Lean and mean and not much in between. If you prefer your 71 Dead smooth and creamy, this may not be the show for you. But if you like some Dead that’ll rattle your fillings, dig in!!
For excellent Owsley/taping info, check out deadessays blogspot, bear-at-board..........
Rock on!!!
Doc
We who live in prison, and in whose lives there is no event but sorrow, have to measure time by throbs of pain, and the record of bitter moments………..
Being nowhere and talking to nobody about nothing......
50 years ago today…..
August 5, 1971
Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, California
Set 1: Bertha-Me And My Uncle-Mr. Charlie-Sugaree-El Paso-Cryptical Envelopment>drums>The Other One>Wharf Rat-Me And Bobby McGee-Casey Jones
Set 2: Truckin'-Loser-Sugar Magnolia-Bird Song-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>jam>Not Fade Away-Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to Ihopedonnajeanshowsup, Pozole, Joning, RJDMD, scullroses, galacticartist, Flew With The Dead, driscoll1313, Rmw, watteau, MAXROD, DonalKuhn, mdgonzo, and ja22252, because time moves in one direction, memory in another….
This hard rocking affair, featuring the dog suckingest man in show business and mister Candy Weir, may not be as famous as the following night but is still worthy of your consideration. And, it’s one of a handful of 1971 shows that features the “big jam” in the first set. So what are you waiting for??!!!
Rock on!!
Doc
If God doesn't destroy Hollywood Boulevard, he owes Sodom and Gomorrah an apology…..
1971
Terminal Island / Grateful Dead kicked ass. Doc, I’m staying on the 50 year anniversary medicine as per your sound advice.
I also recall other old records (LPs) that I love recorded in prisons / jails. , Johnny Cash at San Quentin Prison and Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison.
BB King live at Cook County Jail . Moms Mabley live at Sing Sing. Years ago I used the complete Moms Mabley Sing Sing record for my Have A Nice Day Comedy Hour (KGLP Gallup Public Radio) with tracks from BB King live at Cook County Jail. Classic part when the prisoners start booing the warden of Cook County Jail.
Also have to highly recommend Moms Mabley, one of all time great stand up comedians. I spent my first five years growing up in the same town as Sing Sing, Ossining, New York. That’s where the old saying “gonna send him up the river”. ,comes from.
Hollywood is an idea, it's not a real place…..
50 years ago today….
August 6, 1971
Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, California
Set 1: Bertha-Playing In The Band-Loser-Mr.Charlie-El Paso-Cumberland Blues-Brokedown Palace-Me And Bobby McGee-Hard To Handle-Casey Jones
Set 2: Saint Stephen-Truckin'>drums>The Other One>Me And My Uncle>The Other One-Deal-Sugar Magnolia-Morning Dew-Turn On Your Lovelight
Deadicated to WackaloonQ, antonjo, TheeAmazingAce333, mhammond12, Anders O, Borgmano, johnny361, Mr. Jack Straw, nirktwin2, Sun King, g1u2i3, wave-that-flag, and searchlightcasting, because if a line of poetry strays into my memory, my skin bristles so that the razor ceases to act……
Very unusual position for Saint Stephen----opening the second set. The band stops before the song is truly completed, after “What would be the answer to the answer man”, due to a broken string.
One of the best known shows from the Summer of 71, with a magnificent Hard To Handle, fine big jam, a cool late second set Morning Dew, and a Lovelight in the classic show closing position. Hard rocking and highly recommended.
Rock on!!
Doc
Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul……
Only the guy who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat………….
50 years ago today……
August 7, 1971
Golden Hall, San Diego, California
Set 1: Big Railroad Blues-El Paso-Mr. Charlie-Sugaree-Mama Tried-Bertha-Big Boss Man- Promised Land-Hard to Handle-Cumberland Blues Casey Jones
Set 2: Truckin'-China Cat Sunflower-I Know You Rider-Next Time You See Me-Sugar-Magnolia-Sing Me Back Home-Me & My Uncle-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad>jam>Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to Seth Hollander, Oxford 88, Mr_Heartbreak, gcdeadhead, Shafts Of Lavender, Gratefulpeds, Gbow22, frampton, jpdonn1, chilly1214, and deadyettipa, because nothing fixes a thing so intensely in the memory as the wish to forget it…..
Released as part of Dick’s Picks 35 in 2005, one of the so-called “houseboat tapes”, somewhat of a revelation at the time, as not all summer 71 shows circulated. Not the greatest show but I will always take whatever 71 is officially released!!
There’s not a “big jam”---although there is an interesting but short jam between GDTRFB and Johnny B Goode---but it’s OK. What I call “the three R’s of live Dead”----rockin’, rowdy, and raucous!! Needless to say, worth a listen!!!
Rock on!!
Doc
We are imprisoned in the realm of life, like a sailor on his tiny boat, on an infinite ocean……
Day late and a dollar short
But I’m still with ya!
Caught the 4 and 5th. Dug the 4th, 5th was ok.
Hopefully Heading for the 6th and 7th today!
6th and 7th
Two more beauties.
By this point in the year. Playing same stuff so much, their so tight I often have to make sure I’m not listening to Skullfuck or one of the shows that material was taken from. Bertha especially...
Though they are very tight at this point, is it me or did they maybe lose just a smidge offa where they were flying in April? Maybe just me...I haven’t had the chance to listen the same lately as I did in April.
Either way it’s splitting hairs as almost every show by Candy and the Dog suckers is good!
In fact, my only criticism of this year is the consistency, if that makes sense?
Less songs, played the same way, on every night. Worked well for getting Skullfuck, but by now the nuances are all that’s different. Which is fine, but it requires being fully dialed in...
I like living in Berkeley, but I know Berkeley's not the world….
50 years ago today…..
August 14, 1971
Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley, California
Set 1: Bertha-Me And My Uncle-Mr. Charlie-Sugaree-El Paso-Big Railroad Blues-Big Boss Man-Brokedown Palace-Playing In The Band-Hard To Handle-Cumberland Blues-Loser-Promised Land
Set 2: Truckin'>drums>The Other One>Me And Bobby McGee-Sugar Magnolia-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away
Encore: Johnny B. Goode-Uncle John's Band
Deadicated to Serpent of Dreams, droidmec, WhatsbecomeofRosemarysBaby, Fogle, MilesM, NWScarletFireGuy, Old Chief Smokem, mdboucher, Quodlibet, Thats_Otis, and Pancho Pantera, because memory is the treasure house of the mind wherein the monuments thereof are kept and preserved……
One of the better summer 71 shows, with a decent dose of first set Pigpen and a nice big jam to open the second set. Phil is very active. The second set seems to be dominated by Bobby, with four straight Weir songs to kick it off. One never hears a lot about the two Berkeley shows, but they are worth a listen!!
Rock on!!
Doc
Sometimes I can think of nothing more blissful than going to Berkeley and reading Byron for three years……………
Truth is the cry of all, but the game of few…..
50 years ago today…..
August 15, 1971
Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley, California
Set 1: Big Railroad Blues-Playing In The Band-Mr. Charlie-Cumberland Blues-Sugaree-Promised Land-Big Boss Man-China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider-Me And Bobby McGee-Casey Jones
Set 2: Truckin'>drums>The Other One>Me And My Uncle>The Other One>Wharf Rat-Turn On Your Love Light
Encore: Johnny B. Goode-And We Bid You Goodnight
Deadicated to the420bandito, MLavallee, blueboy714, Roguedeadguy, chilly1214, Moses Quasar, kevinbrandon, UncleBill'sBand, gruesom, skantor, Lightfoot510, JJJJJ, msmiranda, bchar, JackS, luis, clovett, and Dead Ahead, because memory is a complicated thing, a relative to truth, but not its twin…..
Requests for White Rabbit, and a critical envelope…………..
As with the previous evening, a show that doesn’t get a lot of attention. A little less grease, and a bit more jamming. A worthwhile trade-off? You decide………..
Rock on!!
Doc
So long as I confine my thoughts to my own ideas divested of words, I do not see how I can be easily mistaken……
More Goodness!
8/14/71 ✔️
8/15/71 ✔️
Seems like there slightly starting to loosen up again.
The Other ones have Dark Star vibe and nice jams!
Nice Hard to Handle in there too, rare Lovelight, good sheet, just getting a little burnt on the repetitiveness.
Looking forward to the changes coming up!
Especially KGs first show as I’ve not heard that one yet....
Next Stop, Chicago!
Jumped ahead on these since I don’t think I’d be able to get to em Monday or Tuesday, but wanted to keep up on the ole Doc train, with conductor Strider ; ) All aboard!
8/23/71 ✔️Felt this one was hot right outta the gate with a nice Big RR! Perhaps nothing out of the ordinary, but just seemed like a solid, good energy show? Another cool spacey TOO. Also decent helping’ of grease!
8/24/71✔️ I think I might if enjoyed the 23rd more overall? Perhaps situational...but changes is starting to creep into the mix with new tunes! Empty Pages I know I’ve heard, but perhaps not in a very long time, so felt like first time lol.
Interesting, made me think of a Brent style tune...and of course the first Brown Eyed Women, I think?
Fun how it’s so different, especially without the three chord, staccato verse start!
Some more good grease including a Hurts me Too that could easily get mistaken for E72! Tight!
Well, one more then off until October but back with almost yet another whole new band!
Really looking forward to 10/19 as I’ve never heard and there’s all those new songs.
Hollywood is hype, New York is talk, Chicago is work…..
50 years ago today………..
August 23, 1971
Auditorium Theater, Chicago, Illinois
Set 1: Big Railroad Blues-Playing In The Band-Mr. Charlie-Sugaree-El Paso-Next Time You See Me-Bertha-Me and Bobby McGee-Cumberland Blues-Big Boss Man-Loser-Promised Land -China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider-Casey Jones
Set 2: Truckin'-Bird Song-Cryptical Envelopment>drums>The Other One>Me and My Uncle>The Other One>Cryptical Envelopment reprise>Wharf Rat-Deal-Brokedown Palace-Sugar Magnolia-Not Fade Away>Goin’ Down The Road Feelin’ Bad>Not Fade Away>Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to bkinva, ochs27, Born Cross Eyed in 1956, Gonzopolis, frosted, ummmmm..., PearlyBaker'sMan, Ziffle, jaydoublu, pc245, d-rock, rrussell8, nestamon, dan0,Kjohnduff1, and seabird17, because music, when soft voices die vibrates in the memory……
The second show in a row that opened with Big Railroad Blues, and the third show in a row with an Other One. Was there something in the water???
No windy city blues here. The Dead work it well. A nice, long, substantial show, absolutely worth a listen……
Rock on!!!
Doc
And then when I went to Chicago, that's when I had these outer space experiences and went to the other planets…..
Chicago sounds rough to the maker of verse…..
50 years ago today…..
August 24, 1971
Auditorium Theater, Chicago, Illinois
Set 1: Uncle John's Band-Sugaree-Playing In The Band-Mr. Charlie-Loser-El Paso-It Hurts Me Too-Cumberland Blues-Empty Pages-Beat It On Down The Line-Brown-Eyed Women-Me And My Uncle-Casey Jones
Set 2: St. Stephen>Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away-Sing Me Back Home-Truckin'-Big Railroad Blues-Me And Bobby McGee-Brokedown Palace-Big Boss Man-Sugar Magnolia-Good Lovin’
Deadicated to peakshead, prafter, The Winner, joegs, guit30, rich-raysmarinemoorhead, Lil Brian, SpanishJam, willis550, BigDeadFan, Duece, MiracleMan1982, Morning Sun, TheeAmazingAce333, stopbath, Willysin4wd, and Amy from New York, because memory that yearns to join the centre, a limb remembering the body from which it has been severed, like those bamboo thighs of the god…..
On their only (OK, two show) Midwest stop in the summer of 71, the Dead mix things up nicely. Unusual Uncle John’s show opener, the first versions of Empty Pages and Brown Eyed Women, and the weirdly inverted set two opening sequence of St Stephan/NFA suite followed by several individual songs to close out the set.
In the windy city, the wind blew strange……………..
Rock on!!!
Doc
One comfort we have - Cincinnati sounds worse……..
Me And My Uncle / Shakedown (trail)
Shake down was old time cowboy slang for his bed-roll.
The 1971 chronicles of the 50 year anniversary’s of Grateful Dead concerts has been really intriguing. Most positive.
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end…………..
50 years ago today…..
August 26, 1971
Gaelic Park, Bronx, New York City, New York
Set 1: Bertha-Playing In The Band-Mr. Charlie-Sugaree-El Paso-Big Boss Man-Big Railroad Blues-Hard To Handle-Beat It On Down The Line-Loser-Sugar Magnolia-Empty Pages-Good Lovin'-Casey Jones
Set 2: Me And My Uncle-China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider-Deal-Cumberland Blues-Truckin'>drums>The Other One-Next Time You See Me-Me And Bobby McGee-Uncle John's Band-Saint Stephen>Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away
Encore: Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to greatnorthern, Stashew1967, kyleharmon, BlissJBliss, Dschian, TheBiznizwhiz, Porterhouse10, moberg, JackstrawJay, dmcvt, Inquisitive Dantian, Dantian's Brief Interjection, Drumspacejam, mrkaos63, Crimsonandblue, Pelts, WOW69, David Duryea, SkullTrip, and dantian72, because great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty……
The last gasp/last blast of the original quintet. And what a blast it was!
Rock and roll, bobby-country-western, jamming, with a tincture of bittersweet. The last Empty Pages, and the last Pigpen version of Hard Handle, a wonderful rave-up that worked well for the Dead during its short repertoire life span.
Pigpen would soon be absent, and while he would ultimately return, it would never be quite the same………..
Rock on!!!
Doc
There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory…..
Each new situation requires a new architecture…..
50 years ago today………..
September 1971 is the only month of the year in which there were no live Dead shows. However, the Dead did hold rehearsals with Keith Godchaux in late September and early October 1971, supposedly at the Santa Venetia Armory in San Rafael, California.
For an excellent discussion of the Dead’s rehearsal spaces/places, see the following:
lostlivedead.blogspot.com/2013/01/grateful-dead-rehearsal-spaces-1965-1995
For an excellent discussion of the circumstances of Keith joining the band, please see:
deadessays.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-keith-joined
The rehearsals themselves appear to have been held on September 28-30 and October 1, 1971. Variable quality recordings from these dates have circulated for quite some time, and predominantly consist of run throughs of short songs, including new material (such as Jack Straw, Tennessee Jed, One More Saturday Night, Mexicali Blues) and some material that subsequently was not played later in 1971 (Deep Elem Blues, Attics Of My Life, Ripple). While there are some short jams, no longer, free form jams appear on the commonly circulating recordings.
If the only new thing we have to offer is an improved version of the past, then today can only be inferior to yesterday. Hypnotized by images of the past, we risk losing all capacity for creative change……
Rock on!!
Doc
Face your fears and doubts, and new worlds will open to you…..
Change alone is eternal, perpetual, immortal…..
50 years ago today…..
October 19, 1971
Northrop Auditorium, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Set 1: Bertha-Me And My Uncle-Sugaree-Beat It On Down The Line-Cumberland Blues-Tennessee Jed-Black Peter-Jack Straw-Big Railroad Blues-Brown-Eyed Women-Mexicali Blues-Comes A Time-Playing In The Band-One More Saturday Night-Casey Jones
Set 2: Truckin'-Ramble On Rose-Me And Bobby McGee-Brokedown Palace-Cryptical Envelopment>drums>The Other One>Cryptical Envelopment reprise>Wharf Rat-Sugar Magnolia-Uncle John's Band-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away
Deadicated to jiminMD, dantian, kayakguy, spacebrother, icecrmckd, Sixtus, Jack Baller, Billythekid, alvarhanso, and angry jack straw, because change……….
The second great seismic shift of 1971. The Yang to the Yin of February 18. Similar, yet different. Old, yet new. A vision of the new era. Change can be for good if you combine audacity with safety………
An old friend missing, a new guy who seems to fit in right away. Six new songs. The return of the complete CE/TOO/CE suite. The unusual occurrence of back-to-back Garcia songs twice in the first set. The first of the Fall 1971 FM broadcasts. One of only two 1971 shows that featured both Black Peter and Brokedown Palace. There ain’t no grease, but there’s plenty of Bakersfield left, as well as big jams.
Not without its rough edges, yet somehow it hangs together oh so well. Absolutely historic and worthy of a serious listen……
Rock on!!
Doc
He who rejects change is the architect of decay, the only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery………
Monsters are the patron saints of imperfection…..
50 years ago today…..
October 21, 1971
Auditorium Theater, Chicago, Illinois
Set 1: Truckin'-Loser-Beat It On Down The Line-Tennessee Jed-Playing In The Band-Big Railroad Blues-Jack Straw-Cumberland Blues-Comes A Time-Mexicali Blues-“The Frozen Logger”-Cold Rain And Snow-One More Saturday Night
Set 2: Casey Jones-Me And My Uncle-Dark Star>Sitting On Top Of The World>Dark Star>Me And Bobby McGee-Brown-Eyed Women-Ramble On Rose-Sugar Magnolia-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away
Encore: St. Stephen-Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to kcollins1974, musicnow, estimating prof, The Good Ole Grateful Dead, proudfoot, outpost, hbob1995, gfink, brianhahne, and Oroborous, just because…….
The constant chatter and tuning up lends this show a fragmentary feeling. However, that being said, the opening Truckin’ sizzles, the new material sounds good, and there’s a Dark Star AND a Saint Stephen. What’s not to like about that? And who else but a logger stirs his coffee with his thumb?
The meat of the show was released as part of Dave’s Picks 3 in 2012, if you want to hear the potatoes as well, check out the very nice complete Miller remaster. Hard to believe it’s been nine years since the release. Frankly, when it first came out I didn’t give it much attention, but over the years both of the Chicago shows have, in my humble estimation, appreciated nicely………
Underrated, underappreciated, and recommended….
Rock on!!!
Doc
It is my meditation all the day, and more than my meat and drink, to know how I shall make the Saints of God comprehend the visions that roll like an overflowing surge before my mind…..
Heaven finds an ear when sinners find a tongue…..
50 years ago today…..
October 22, 1971
Auditorium Theater, Chicago, Illinois
Set 1: Bertha-Me and My Uncle-Tennessee Jed-Jack Straw-Loser-Playing in the Band-Sugaree-Beat It On Down the Line-Black Peter-Mexicali Blues-Cold Rain and Snow-Me and Bobby McGee-Comes a Time-One More Saturday Night
Set 2: Ramble On Rose-Cumberland Blues-That's It for the Other One>Deal-Sugar Magnolia-Casey Jones-Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to Gainesville, leedesj, drpryan, andoverdeadhead, estimated-eyes, fourwindsblow, Thin, JeffSmith, DeadVikes, and Mr. Ones, because why not?
As writers and readers, as sinners and citizens, our realism and our aesthetic sense make us wary of crediting the positive note……
No wariness here. This is a relatively unknown but very positive show. A show of apparent contrasts---a solid, fourteen song first set, followed by a seemingly short second set…..
However, with that being said, if you’d like to hear a really fine late 71 Other One, here you go!!
LOL, one of my October 71 guilty pleasures. The other, we’ll discuss on the 29th……….
Rock on!!!
Doc
Many of the insights of the saint stem from their experience as sinners…..
Detroit turned out to be heaven…..
50 years ago today…..
October 23, 1971
Eastown Theater, Detroit, Michigan
Set 1: Bertha-Playing In The Band-Loser-Mexicali Blues-Sugaree-Jack Straw-Big Railroad Blues-El Paso-Ramble On Rose-Me And Bobby McGee-Cumberland Blues-Brokedown Palace-One More Saturday Night
Set 2: Casey Jones-Me And My Uncle-Tennessee Jed-Sugar Magnolia-Comes A Time-Truckin'-Brown-Eyed Women-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away
This is deadicated to Jay Carstens…..
“The word tonight is easy going, you know how it is………….”
And easy going it was. While there’s no “big jam”, it’s still a fine and enjoyable show. The new material is nicely on display, a very Bakersfield kind of show, relatively unknown and underappreciated, definitely worthy of a listen, and with no hint of what would be unleashed the following evening……
Rock on!!
Doc
…..but it also turned out to be hell……
The skull is nature's sculpture…….
50 years ago today………….
Skullfuck aka The Skull Album aka Skull & Roses was released………..
Bertha [4/27/71]-Mama Tried [4/26/71]-Big Railroad Blues [4/5/71]-Playing In The Band [4/6/71]-The Other One [4/28/71]-Me & My Uncle [4/29/71]-Big Boss Man [4/26/71]-Me & Bobby McGee [4/27/71]-Johnny B. Goode [3/24/71]-Wharf Rat [4/26/71]-Not Fade Away/Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad [4/5/71]
The expanded version released in 2003 includes “Oh Boy” and “Hog For You Baby” from the Manhattan Center show of April 6, 1971, as well as a short radio spot. Organ overdubs performed by Merl Saunders were used on Bertha, Playing In The Band, and Wharf Rat. Recording by Betty Cantor and Bob Matthews, artwork by Alton Kelly, photography by Bob Seidemann. It was the first Grateful Dead album to be certified “Gold” by the RIAA.
IMHO, a very fine live album, which we loved dearly and played the ever-loving sh*t out of. But, as fine as it was and is, could it have been better? Maybe. Could’ve done without the drum solo. Why no Hard To Handle? Where was the Morning Dew? And could you imagine IF this has been a 3 record set? That would have been crazy, man, crazy!!!!
A remastered 50th anniversary edition was released on June 25, 2021. It did not include the bonus tracks that were found on the 2003 re-issue. However, it did include a bonus disc with material from the July 2, 1971 Fillmore West show. GREAT BIG THANKS!!!
This was the first 1971 live Dead we ever heard, and it sounded mighty fine! And yes, rockers, I still listen to it, it’s been part of the soundtrack to my entire adult life…………
Rock on!!
Doc
Erudition - dust shaken out of a book into an empty skull…..
Too low they build, who build beneath the stars……
50 years ago today…..
October 24, 1971
Eastown Theater, Detroit, Michigan
Set 1: Sugar Magnolia-Deal-El Paso-Tennessee Jed-Jack Straw-China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider-Playing In The Band-Black Peter-Candyman-One More Saturday Night-Casey Jones
Set 2: Truckin'-Ramble On Rose-Mexicali Blues-Dark Star>Me And Bobby McGee-Cumberland Blues-St. Stephen-Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to FLH, DarklordBerto, dewajack, docmarty, m-skjellyfetti, Cousins Of The Pioneers, simonrob, lycanthrope51, snafu, and otheronerat, because it was a day of rest……..
Super rare Sugar Mags to kick it off. Fine mid first set China/Rider. Unusual, two back-to-back Garcia songs in the first set. Solid Truckin’ to open the second set. Excellent 71 Dark Star, possibly Latvala’s favorite of the year (10/24/71 Dark Star: Killer. “He loved this Dark Star and thought it was out of place for 1971, feeling more like 1969.”).
You don’t hear a lot about this show, but there’s certainly a lot to like here…….
What is the good of your stars and trees, your sunrise and the wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives?
Rock on!!
Doc
And he that strives to touch the stars,
Oft stumbles at a straw…..
10/71
Choo choo! Been chugging along on these 71 shows as best I can.
10/19 was pretty cool and it’s amazing how well the new guy fits right in?
You can tell they’d been rehearsing as the new songs sound pretty tight considering, if not fully formed?
Is he playing an upright on these early shows, I know there was some discussion about this a ways back, but can’t recall? Kiethfan might know?
21st and 24: Always cool to hear a DS!, and really dug the Steve/JBG closers!
Sorry, meant to use notes but just haven’t had time. The 24th was a real bobbie dazzler, but overall these shows have been quite enjoyable and really tight! You can often think your listening to E72!
Really digging that their starting to loosen up, get weird and extend again. Some of TOOs are getting that awesome 72 weirdness that I love.
Glad ole Doc is still engineering the train, just wish the conductor was still on board?
Hope yer all good Strider?
The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing…..
50 years ago today…..
October 26, 1971
The Palestra, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
Set 1: Bertha-Playing In The Band-Sugaree-Me And My Uncle-Tennessee Jed-Big Railroad Blues-Me And Bobby McGee-Cumberland Blues-Cold Rain And Snow-Mexicali Blues-Loser-Beat It On Down The Line-El Paso-Comes A Time-One More Saturday Night
Set 2: Ramble On Rose-Sugar Magnolia-Truckin'>drums>The Other One-Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to Nugent7453, Lovemygirl, 1stshow70878, CaseyJanes, Born Cross Eyed in 1956, 80sfan, Vguy72, jminner, and woodstock950, because Tuesday’s gone……..
For some reason, there was a weird dip in western New York…………
Solid, if unspectacular, first set, followed by a weirdly short second set. Go figure,,,,,,
For some strange reason, in 2005 it was officially released as part of the Digital Download Series. Go figure…,.,..
Still, the Truckin’ and Other One are nice. Here, Garcia’s tone and approach are different than the usual creamy smooth late 71----ragged, jagged, angry, chaotic. Not first tier, or even second, but still worth an occasional listen…….
Rock on!!
Doc
I've been wrestling with Kafka since I was an adolescent
We are all living memorials……
50 years ago today…..
October 27, 1971
Onondaga War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York
Set 1: Casey Jones-Me And My Uncle-Deal-Jack Straw-Tennessee Jed-Beat It On Down The Line-Sugaree-Playing In The Band-Comes A Time-Mexicali Blues-Big Railroad Blues-Cumberland Blues-One More Saturday Night
Set 2: Bertha-Me And Bobby McGee-Ramble On Rose-Sugar Magnolia-Brown Eyed Women-Truckin'-Not Fade Away>drums>jam>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away
Deadicated to stopbath, sherdeep, Butch, Syracuse78, unkle sam, snoone, seabird17, iGrateful, baltimoretool, and Erikandjenn , because hump day…….
Even an “average1971 show” has its high points…………
Speaking of which, here the Dead start off high. Decent doses of country-western-Weir-Bakersfield. Fine, hard rockin’ conclusions to both sets. Maybe not classic, but certainly worth a listen!
Rock on!!
Doc
But what is a memorial, when you come right down to it, but a commemoration of wounds endured……
It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.....
50 years ago today…..
October 29, 1971
Allen Theater, Cleveland, Ohio
Set 1: Truckin'-Sugaree-El Paso-Loser-Playing In The Band-Brown Eyed Women-Beat It On Down The Line-Brokedown Palace-Jack Straw-Tennessee Jed-Mexicali Blues-Big Railroad Blues-Casey Jones
Set 2: Cryptical Envelopment>drums>The Other One>Me And My Uncle>The Other One> Cryptical Envelopment>Deal-Sugar Magnolia-Ramble On Rose-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away-One More Saturday Night
Deadicated to rivrain, direwulf, helena buckett, hockey_john, 101874winterland, rdevil, samthardman, wjonjd, and wharfratwhitey, because the past……
No rough road here, this is a wonderful combination of smooth, rockin’, country/western, and Bakersfield. Fellow rockers, I have to admit I love this show!! It’s one of my great guilty pleasures from late 71, although nobody should feel guilty about liking a show as fine as this!!
Really fine Truckin’ to open the very Bakersfieldish first set. The Dead come charging right out in the second set with a great big jam, and wrap things up nicely with a solid NFA suite followed by Bobby’s new-at-the time rocker One More Saturday Night.
Possibly the best of the October shows, and worthy of official release!!!
Rock on!!
Doc
The test of greatness is the page of history…..
A good laugh is sunshine in the house…..
50 years ago today……
October 30, 1971
Taft Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio
Set 1: Bertha-Me & My Uncle-Sugaree-Beat It On Down The Line-Loser-Playing In The Band-Tennessee Jed-Jack Straw-Big Railroad Blues-Me And Bobby McGee-Brown Eyed Women-One More Saturday Night
Set 2: Casey Jones-Mexicali Blues-Comes A Time-El Paso-Ramble On Rose-Sugar Magnolia-Truckin'-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad>Not Fade Away
Deadicated to floridabobaloo, thursday's child, gdhead77, mbarilla, Zuckfun, brokedowndude, wissinomingdeadhead, LoveJerry, jrf68, and wilfredtjones, because 210………
Oh, to be caught between Cleveland and Columbus. Perhaps that’s a cosmic joke, in an Ohio sort of way, but it’s really no laughing matter……
There was some sweet jamming during the Fall & Winter tours of 1971, with Other Ones and Dark Stars becoming more common than in the first half of the year. What to make of the six shows without a “big jam sequence” (10/23, 27, 30; 11/11; 12/2, 7, 9) ?? They range from “somewhat average” to “pretty damn good”.
There was almost always something good played at every 1971 Dead show, but sometimes you have to dig around to find it. This show is no different, so enjoy digging around!
Rock on!!
Doc
The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed…...
And so we came forth, and once again beheld the stars……….
50 years ago today……………
October 31, 1971
Ohio Theater, Columbus, Ohio
Set 1: Bertha-Me & My Uncle-Deal-Playing In The Band-Loser-El Paso-Tennessee Jed-Jack Straw-Big Railroad Blues-Brown Eyed Women-Mexicali Blues-Casey Jones-Cumberland Blues-One More Saturday Night
Set 2: Dark Star>Sugar Magnolia>St. Stephen>Not Fade Away>Goin’ Down The Road Feelin’ Bad>Not Fade Away
Encore: Johnny B. Goode
Deadicated to Jason Stempin…………
Long before the awakening of thought on earth, manifestations of cosmic energy must have been produced which have no parallel today………
The first set, average while fine, gives no hint of the cosmic energy that would be unleashed in the second set. Previously uncirculated, officially released as the only single-disc Dick’s Picks in March 1995, this exploded like a supernova upon first listening way back when. And it has stood up to repeated listening since then. It is indeed very very fine, one of the best official 1971 releases……
To quote DL himself: “I’m absolutely thrilled. I can’t believe that anyone who hears this is not going to go to outer space, intensely, over and over… This show was like getting hit with a brick in the face, I couldn’t believe it. I put it on again and said ‘Man!’ I must have played it ten times before I could talk… This is as good as it’s ever been. I’ve never heard anything like it, and I’m shocked… I have to put myself in a seatbelt. I start shaking, it’s so exciting… This is a thrill a minute.”
Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love……..
Rock on!
Doc
I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars……
It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see…..
50 years ago today…..
November 6, 1971
Harding Theater, San Francisco, California
Set 1: Bertha-Me And My Uncle-Sugaree-Jack Straw-Tennessee Jed-El Paso-Loser-Playing In The Band-Cumberland Blues-Black Peter-Beat It On Down The Line-Deal-Mexicali Blues-Sing Me Back Home-One More Saturday Night
Set 2: Ramble On Rose-Me And Bobby McGee-Cryptical Envelopment>drums>The Other One>Cryptical Envelopment>Comes A Time-Sugar Magnolia-Brown-Eyed Women-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away
A solid, well played show, with a blazing Bertha opener, nice first set versions of Black Peter and Sing Me Back Home (the last SMBH of 1971), a complete Cryptical/Other One/Cryptical suite (which sweetly goes into Comes A Time [an unusual coupling]), and a typically November-nice NFA suite (according to Dick Latvala himself, “One of the most exciting versions.”).
Definitely recommended!!!
And, incidentally, dedicated to Hugo Winterhalter….
Rock on!!
Doc
The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions…..