Grateful Dead

50 years ago today…..

December 5, 1971
Felt Forum, New York City, New York

Set 1:Bertha-Beat It On Down The Line-Big Boss Man-Brown-Eyed Women-I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water-Jack Straw-Mr. Charlie-Tennessee Jed-El Paso-Deal-Playing In The Band-Next Time You See Me-Comes A Time-Casey Jones-One More Saturday Night

Set 2: Truckin'-Ramble On Rose-It Hurts Me Too-Sugaree-Sugar Magnolia-Dark Star Jam>Me And My Uncle>Dark Star Jam>Sitting On Top Of The World-Me And Bobby McGee-Big Railroad Blues-Mexicali Blues-You Win Again-Not Fade Away>Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad>Not Fade Away

Encore: Johnny B. Goode

Deadicated to jrpaulson2009, canonico, pauldaley1, pony, b o, dirtrider5, alain, neveralull, ed.head, ords120, djaspen, manofort, zygster, mistercharlie, saintstevie, rockysgraetful, the tailgunner, doctorpat, and punster61, because weirdness accrues….

A new member of the family, a vote for male chauvinism, the youngest old timer, the erudite strong backbone of the organization, a very very youthful, ebullient and a very very dirty softball player, and the godfather of rock and roll play a show for the ages……

Was there something in the water? One of the greatest, weirdest, most loved, and most bootlegged shows of 1971, which has just about everything 1971 Dead that anybody could reasonably expect---equipment problems, rowdy crowd, rock and roll, Pigpen, cowboy songs, soulful Jerry, ethereal Truckin’, Dark Star, fiery Not Fade Away suite. I have probably gone through more versions of this broadcast than any other single Dead show I’ve ever had. If a clean soundboard were to suddenly surface---and circulate!---I could die a happy man. Truly very, very deserving of official release. Please, TPTB, make it so!!!!

Who was Uncle Sal???

Rock on!!

Doc
This whole world is wild at heart and weird on top…..

50 years ago today……

December 6, 1971
Felt Forum, New York City, New York

Set 1: Truckin'-Loser-Mr. Charlie-Jack Straw-China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider-Run Rudolph Run-El Paso-Tennessee Jed-Mexicali Blues-Black Peter-Next Time You See Me-Casey Jones

Set 2: Big Railroad Blues-Me And My Uncle-Ramble On Rose-Playing In The Band-Cryptical Envelopment>drums>The Other One>Me And Bobby McGee>jam>The Other One>jam>Wharf Rat-One More Saturday Night

Encore: Uncle John's Band

Deadicated to GM and JF, because music is essentially built upon primitive memory structures….

Beneath all the madness, a bundle of joy, the Grateful Dead…..

It can be really tough being the show that comes immediately after a classic. While this one isn’t as weird and cosmic as the previous evening, it’s a well played, high quality, enjoyable December show. Not top tier, but still recommended………

One recognizes one's course by discovering the paths that stray from it…..

Rock on!!

Doc
He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity's sun rise…..

50 years ago today…..

December 7, 1971
Felt Forum, New York City, New York

Set 1: Cold Rain & Snow-Beat It On Down The Line-Mr Charlie-Sugaree-Jack Straw-Next Time You See Me-Tennessee Jed-El Paso-Brokedown Palace-Run Rudolph Run-You Win Again-Cumberland Blues-Casey Jones

Set 2: Sugar Magnolia-Ramble On Rose-Big Boss Man-Mexicali Blues-Brown Eyed Women-Me & My Uncle -Smokestack Lightning-Deal-Truckin'-Not Fade Away>Goin’ Down The Road Feelin’ Bad>Not Fade Away

Encore: One More Saturday Night

Deadicated to Alan Richman, because some men's memory is like a box where a man should mingle his jewels with his old shoes…..

A solid, well played, if unspectacular show. For some, the lack of a “big jam” might knock this two a notch or two. There’s some good stuff here, but you have to dig for it. Decent dose of Pigpen (including a rare Smokestack Lightning, which, while good, is not “rave worthy”), cowboy tunes, and an up tempo closing segment. Definitely worth a listen.

You cannot create experience. You must undergo it……

Rock on!!

Doc
The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine and elevate the mind…..

Would also love to see it but part of it was Dick's Picks 7 ... so many incredible 74 shows were chopped in Dick's Picks and Wall of Sound Road Trips ... too bad we can't have a do-over on some of those as full-show releases.

Just got the email: "We're thrilled to announce the long-awaited release of the second show from 1974, recorded live at Winterland on February 23, 1974. And as an added, er, bonus is the Bonus Disc that is exclusive to 2022 Dave's Picks Subscribers, recorded live the previous night, opening night of 1974, on 2/22/74."

Second show of 1974 with bonus from the first show.

Someone guessed the year right. Can't go wrong with this era.

....thank you for listening to my TED talk.

2022 is shaping up to be the best subscription yet! That Winterland show is SUPERB, one of my all-time-favorite Eyes Of The World and many, many more. VERY pleased with this pick, already wondering about #43...

I'm mightily pleased with the news on # 42.

Now skeptical about the other two selections for the year, but stoked for whatever box or other product/projects may surface.

I'm in! So many folks here have lamented the other two Winterland 2/74 shows should have been part of a box, now we get our wish, in a way. As an aside, I was at this run, and as far as I could see, and hear, these were wall of sound shows, and they sounded awesome. Extremely memorable.

Hey, fantastic news!

Looking forward to another great 74 show from Winterland and Baltimore 77.
Pretty sweet Nitecat, must have been a blast!

Would love to see some other years get some love as well this year. We will see.

This weeks's podcast will interest some on this forum, it features a deep dive into the archive, and the different tapers over the years, their different taping styles and mixes. Dave comments on what's in the vault, where the gaps are, also.

Thanks it was awesome. I would love to see some other years, also. I'm like some who have said, my favorite era was 65-95, although I must admit I don't listen to the 60's as much.

that one of Dave's "methods" for selecting releases is, naturally, to go back to short runs or tours when the band was on and it's relatively easy to pick a hot one. (E.g., 2-23-74.) This has another advantage: it leaves some runs or one-off shows in relative obscurity, which enables a "surprise" pick at points in the future. Like Bob and Jer trading vocal duties in a show, Dave can alternate between familiar dates and obscure dates and thereby create a little excitement.

Of course, I'm waiting for this morning's coffee to percolate, so I may well be off the rails here. Nothing new!

So many great comments on ways to get even more types of releases out of the vault. A "Runs" series with multi-night runs. Maybe the 3 nights or less runs to not get into the box category. So many of us missed one night or just couldn't see the whole 3 nights for so many reasons. The one that got away. Just a stoner idea from one that let way too many get away. Dave's pretty busy as it is so just keep the mother rollin'.
Cheers!

Do you need a coupon on something to get this? When I place it in the cart it shows up $115 + tax but you do get free shipping.
If you know let me know!
Thank you!

That period is usually from announcement around end of October to around Thanksgiving, then it reverts to $115.98 until they cut off subscription sales in January (this time Jan 7, I believe was the announced date). It's still quite a bit cheaper to subscribe now than to do it a la carte, also, ordering the subscription gets you the bonus disc.

Thanks for letting me know!
2/22/74 was my first show and YES it was a Wall of Sound show.
I remember watching them unload what seemed to be a never-ending load of speakers, etc. into the side door of Winterland that night!
It was unbelievable!
Great show no doubt!

So the "excitement" has gone out of the Dave's Picks for 2022, understandably. A reliable, easy spring '77 pick, the year's sweetner, early WoS '74 with bonus -- so around 4 hrs of early '74 (doesn't get much better than that) -- and many of us are guessing '80s and/or '90s show for 3rd and 4th pick, with a Pigpen '69 show on the outside track..........

Speculation naturally turns to the non-DPs output for 2022, the box, RSD, extras, etc.

I'll just go ahead and stick my foot in it with speculation that they might revisit, say, two nights in Paris '72 to remix/remaster for a 50th. OR ... and you know I've been saying this for a long time .... maybe it's time for that fall '72 box. Yes! Despite Listen to the River having (3) fall '72 nights. That's a "region" ripe for a solid release that will leave plenty of material for the future. Otherwise, what's 50th about this coming year?

Will they speed up the schedule with a Wake of the Flood release, outtakes and the Watkins Glen jam? Or will they finally go with that long-ago prepped (and "curated") box of summer '73 from RFK to Watkins Glen or even 7-31-73 and 8-1-73? (Recall the discussion that the best GD and ABB tracks from 6-9-73, 6-10-73, 7-27-73 and 7-28-73 were prepped for a box then shelved, probably for "legal reasons.")

Or will GDP, Rhino and the OSF collaborate to release a recently unearthed GD show from Owsley's vault? That'd kick up a little dust.

Or, as usual, have I temporarily lodged (let's hope it's temporary) my head where the sun don't shine and Dave the Elf has something completely different in mind? A '69 box? A smaller '68 box? I kinda doubt the latter is at the top of Dave's (and Rhino's) list for release, but it would set the hardcore fans on fire. Make it a limited edition? Or a mainstream release of two discs of the hottest remaining '68? Wherever that item appears on Dave's list, I'd have to guess it's on the master list titled, "What the hell do we do with THESE tapes?" Releaseable, but is there enough demand? Hey, Dave, I'll buy two! Final thought on that notion: the 50th for '68 has come and gone, so there's no temporal tie-in to be had. Surely the 60th in 2028 has to be off the radar as few who attended '68 shows remain interested as their 80th year approaches.... Etc., etc.

I always think there are a lot of clues in 30 Days of Dead. A lot of what has been played there over the years has eventually been tapped for release.

As we had one of the Paris 1972 shows on vinyl for RSD last year, I wondered if the other one would come out on vinyl next year. Would make a lovely pair, as Sid James might have said. And a Fall 72 box would be a perfect gift for anyone.
Actually, I have just remembered - the Dark Star from Paris 72 came out on vinyl a few years ago, so maybe one of the other shows from E72 would be better for RSD

Unfortunately, the 60's seem a bit off the radar for Dave, and the May 77 and projected late period shows are keeping me from re-subscribing - bonus disc be damned. Great news that 3/1/69 is coming out on vinyl next year, though.

Maybe "Ace" will get the "50th " reissue treatment, with a 72 live show thrown in. Doubtful - but a nice idea.

He died at age 62 and looked like hell! I'm two years older and would die too if I looked like that. (Note: I have removed all mirrors in my home....)

That said, Sid looked like a man who lived the high life with no regrets. So there's that tie-in.

The quote -- "a nice pair" -- actually pushed me to research the guy. Thanks Daverock.

I had thought of the Ace '72 tie-in. I'd be game for a few studio outtakes of a 15-20 minute Playing in the Band!

Hey Hendrixfreak,

You got to be happy with the three shows in the St. Louis Box? When do you think this will sell out?

I was curious what your thoughts were on the 30 Trips 72 show?

I think they will put out some sort of an eighties box set. Of course, you never know what Dave and Co will come up with next. I know what I would like to see, Alpine Valley baby! 1980 December Oakland...... Not sure if they will ever happen.

Stay well.

Hendrixfreak - yes, I like to think I look more like the young Syd Barrett than Sid James. I don't, but I like to think I do.

Sid James was best known for being in the "Carry On" series of films that ran from the late 1950s to the mid 1970s. Their stock in trade was saucy humour - with every double entendre they could think of being thrown in for good measure. A well endowed young woman would appear with two matching ornaments. One of the male characters would say -"Cor..she's got a lovely pair." Sid James would say "Not arf" and unleash the dirtiest laugh this side of Keith Richards, and British cinema goers would fall out of their seats laughing. Not quite the French New Wave, but a period piece for all that.

I think one would go in the direction of lascivious comedy, if that's the straightest line between living alone and getting some. Or just getting close! That's currently an issue here at Chey HF, so I don't laugh too loud at Sid. Frankly, it looks like he had it made. But behind the scenes (there's a pun in there somewhere), who knows?

Deadvikes, I'll have to go back to the fall '72 show in the 30 Trips box (Waterbury?) My memory of listening to that show is that it was under-whelming, considering the band's Sept-Oct hot streak. And, honestly, I've been waiting to listen to the '72 and '73 shows in Listen to the River until I had arthroscopic surgery on my ankle, which took place this past Monday. (I give both '71 shows a top rating.) So I'm supposed to stay off the foot for awhile, then into a boot for 3-4 weeks, then pursuing the usual late winter fitness for spring in the backcountry. So... short story long, it's time to crack the '72 shows sitting on my coffee table while I put my foot up. Plus, I'm still working my way through the Dylan '66 tour box!! Years after its release. So you see the "freak" in "Hendrixfreak"......

Onward!

Bond gets to his Caribbean cottage to find, naturally, an attractive, half-naked woman in his bed, waiting for him. Felix, the hapless "CIA agent," calls to ask Bond to the bar for a drink. Bond: "Sorry, Felix, I can't. Something big has just come up."

Funny, I can't remember who won the War of 1812, but I can remember cornball dialogue from decades ago. (Though I was too young to "get it" when "Goldfinger" first came out in, what, 1964? It was only later that I came to appreciate some of the macho puns.)

I was a bit disasppointed with the 30 Trips 1972 show, too. Maybe because, listening chronologically the ones from 1967 to 1971 are so exceptional.
The Fall 1972 show that I played recently which blew me away was Dave's Picks 11- Wichita 11/17/72. Fantastic-and with a great Playing from 11/15 on the third cd as an extra.

It suffers mostly because Jerry is painfully low(KeithFan has an equalizer hack to fix that...) 30 Trips included a few shows that could have been standalone releases(1967, 1975, 1984), and more than a few that could not(1972, 1981 with the post-space audience patch)
Did someone mention December Oakland shows? These were very consistent and would make a great box.

Happy Festivus Folks.

And I hope you had a happy palindrome day yesterday.
12-22-21

British humor:
Benny Hill reruns ran late night when I was a kid.
Funny stuff for a 11-13 year old, and I probably missed half the jokes.
One I still remember was a sign that said “Jackson’s Tool Works”, and then someone spray painted on the sign “So does mine”.
Hah, still funny to this day.

Conekid beat me too it,
Ok then, time for the airing of grievances!

Maybe I should say that this was very much British humour as was...Benny Hill has been all but air brushed out comedy history in this country. You would often get beautiful women in their early 20s fawning over less beautiful men in their mid 40s on British T.V. in the 70's-presumably because the script writers were invariably men in their mid 40's.

I'd forgotten about that 1984 30 Trips show, and only noticed it in the first place because it was recommended on here. I can remember thinking it was a great show - although I can't now recall why. Looks like that's my next Dead show sorted out!

Thanks for the feedback on the 72 show, gents. Yes, the 72 Wichita show, Dave's #11 smokes!
I do like the 81 show Cousins, but yeah, the audience patch at the end of the show is a bummer, but overall I still like it.
Cousins, December 80 Oakland shows, that was me and I will keep the hope alive that at some point they put out a 1980 Box.

Edit: Hope you heal fast Hendrixfreak.

Off the top of my head I remember this one having a nice countrified Friend of the Devil and a great dark star that somehow wends its way into China -> Rider. I think the consensus a few years back was that this show probably went into 30 trips because it was for serious consumers only - not fit for stand alone treatment due to some of the sound issues that come and go. I think there's a sizzling sound for a stretch and some other drops outs and rough spots. The music is absolutely killer though.

I remember that Dave mentioned a special release for E72 but did not elaborate. I can’t think what though. That tour has been well and truly mined already. Maybe the original E72 and vol.2 in a vinyl box set?

Yes indeedy, that 10/12/84 from 30 Trips is great - very sure footed with everyone, epsecially Jerry, right on the money. And that's just the 1st set.
For me, after 1972 in 30 Trips, the next three, from 73,74 and 75 are also top draw. Then my attention fades a bit until 1989-which along with Paris 1990 and the Branford Marsalis 1991 show also get the seal of approval.

I think I would get vol 2 of E72 if it came out on vinyl. I never bought it when it first came out, although I seem to remember it has a Dark Star on.
I am not sure about the original E72 triple album. Good in its day, though.

I'm healing rapidly, in part due to the news that I've been selected to play Benny Hill in remakes of his most lascivious comedy bits on British TV, and mugging at the camera after every misogynistic move is optional.

I feel better already, just thinking aboutit............

If you do take on the role, maybe miss out the parts where he impersonates a China man - complete with makeup and fake "Chinese" accent. No, he was from my Dad's generation - I'm 64, too - a bit like The Black and White Minstrel Show.

Hi all, I just wanted to wish all you grate people on this forum the best of christmases, restful holidays, and a wonderful, safe and healthy new year!

I've said this before, but it bears repeating: I really enjoy the conversations here, I learn a lot about other music to check out, and I feel like this is a place where there is interesting, informed conversation about the best band in the world, and my favorite band. Thanks, all!

My very best wishes to everyone on here, too - without exception.

the traditional pagan holiday dictated by the seasons, carefully watched and chronicled by agricultural societies. The incoming Christians took advantage of the accompanying bachannalia to suggest Christ's birthday fell four days later when people might regret screwing their neighbors' wives and drinking all that meade and burning down some ass*****'s thatched hut...

I'd have wished most everyone -- there are a few exceptions -- a happy Solstice, but I was chock full of painkillers and vodka tonics and some choice, seasonally appropriate agricultural produce.

About those exceptions.................................Yeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm back on the pills and I LOVE ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE!!

Grateful Dead Olympia Theatre, Paris, France 5/3/72 LPs

Yo!! Rockers!!!

In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer…..

Dear friends, my work here is done. Mission accomplished. I have carried the torch of 1971 live Dead for a long time, and will continue to do so. But now it will be in the background, lurking, watching, and continuing to listen. In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion. It is normal to give away a little of one's life in order not to lose it all. Perhaps a return to normalcy. Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal…..

I made it through the 50th anniversary year relatively unscathed. This really isn’t the best forum for detailed analyses of every show, but every show did get its due. To all, enjoy the wonderful music that the Dead left us that year………….

I’ve tried to acknowledge everybody I encountered during my long strange trip here. If I left you out, sincere apologies and no offense intended….

I will continue to be a resource for all those interested in the music of the Grateful Dead in 1971. Or any other year. Or any other band, because, after all, no one can live on Grateful Dead alone. Believe me, I’ve tried! No limits, no restrictions, no questions asked. I’m just a pm away. Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present. Your successes and happiness are forgiven you only if you generously consent to share them.

There is a life and there is a death, and there are beauty and melancholy between. Thinking is learning all over again how to see, directing one's consciousness, making of every image a privileged place.

I look forward to lurker mode. For anybody who needs or wants some light reading material about 1971 Dead shows, you know where to find me…….

Since the day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking toward me, without hurrying…..

Rock on!!!

Doc
This man is freed from servile bands,
Of hope to rise, or fear to fall,
Lord of himself, though not of lands,
And leaving nothing, yet hath all.

Thanks for all your input!! I always enjoy reading your analysis of the 1971 shows!!!!!!

thanks doc for you 71 postings. Very interesting and good. Do you have a collection of them, is there a blog somewhere?
thanks

BIGDEADFAN----

I do not have a blog. Too high tech and time consuming for this low-tech deadhead.

I do have copies of all the anniversary posts, if you---or anybody else----wants them. I'm just a pm away.......

Rock on,

Doc
I frequently hear music in the very heart of noise......

Thanks for all of it Doc.

Thanks for being an original, for always calling it like you see it, and for opening my eyes to the corners of '71 I had overlooked.

You will be missed. But you'll always be here.

Along with everyone else, I really loved the 50th anniversary posts this year, and they sent me to the releases for a listen more than once! I also loved your quoted words of wisdom. I would read them twice to appreciate the sentiment. You bring a touch of class to our wayward forum. Thanks Doc.

Hey Now, any way to subscribe and receive vinyl instead of discs? Thanx.

OULIPOHEAD - No. DaP are cds only. Perhaps in some distant time they’ll let them come out on vinyl like the DP discs are slowly doing.
In case people haven’t read the email the subscription window closes at 12:59 PM PST on 7th January. So if you want the subscription get it soon.

Oulipohead - I don't think they press Daves Picks on vinyl, do they? - if that's what you mean. Looks like they may do it with the old releases, and maybe in the future they will be avaiable on vinyl as they come out. I prefer much prefer live Dead on vinyl to cd these days.