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    A sealed, unlabeled box sat undisturbed for decades on a shelf in the Grateful Dead’s San Rafael tape vault on Front Street, its contents an enduring mystery, even to those few with access to the vault. All David Lemieux knew about that box when he became the Dead’s archivist was that it contained tapes belonging to Bear—Owsley Stanley, the Dead’s first soundman and architect of the Wall of Sound. Even in the Dead Heads’ Holy of Holies, the taped-up box was tantalizing. But this was Bear’s personal property, and so he didn’t touch the box out of an abiding respect for the elder luminary of sound. Bear’s archive of Sonic Journal recordings had been kept safe for him for years within the Grateful Dead’s vault—over 1,300 reels of tape stored in heavy-duty cartons like old banana boxes. At any time, David could have popped the tops and explored them to his archivist heart's content. But they were off-limits without the nod from Bear. - Starfinder Stanley, Hawk, and Pete Bell, Owsley Stanley Foundation

     

    With a wink and a nod from Bear, we've peeled back those banana boxes to find some of the oldest and rarest of all recordings of the Dead including the double dose of shows that make up DAVE’S PICKS VOLUME 43. The two virtually complete performances from San Francisco 11/2/69, Live At Family Dog At The Great Highway, and from Dallas 12/26/69, McFarlin Auditorium, are complementary in their clarity and consistency thanks to Bear himself, and in their ability to foreshadow where the Dead were headed in the years to come. If the two killer 20-minute+ "Dark Stars" don't get ya, how about the Pigpen-centric sets featuring "Midnight Hour," "Next Time You See Me," "Big Boss Man," "Good Lovin'," and the once-lost-now-found complete rendition of "Dancing In The Streets," or the first full acoustic set ever performed? And we're certain you'll be fascinated to uncover the "Mystery Of Bear's Banana Boxes" as told by Starfinder Stanley, Hawk, and Pete Bell in the liners.

     

    Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE’S PICKS VOLUME 43 was recorded by Owlsey "Bear" Stanley and has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman at Mockingbird Mastering. Grab a copy while you can.

     

    *2 per order. Very limited quantity available.

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  • #1111
    dmcvt
    Joined:
    audio Oro, Nick1234

    Am about to head out way down east Maine for a few days, no internet where I am headed. Have 43 along for the ride. Much enjoyed the audio and jazz discussions, would add more comments no time for now, simply what Oro says, our voice of much experience. All box speakers and especially dipoles should stand away from their back wall for best imaging. Newer gen DACs are worlds better than the crap that gave digital audio and CDs a bad rap decades ago. Advocate for spending the bucks on the best single disc CD player you can if thats your chosen source, after checking to see it has contemporary quality DACs. One more, interconnect cables are a key thing. No need for megadollar cables, but high quality audio and speaker cables are important, as well as the connectors. There's casual listening when music is back round, then there's critical listening when being at the sweet spot with no extraneous noise will produce great detail, depth and breadth of sound stage. Nick1234, love those B&W speakers. Since your Naim has balanced inputs, humbly suggest, see if that dealer has players with balanced outputs. Balanced cabling is a significant improvement over the standard RCA type.

  • #1112
    Mr. Ones
    Joined:
    VGUY/DOGON

    Thanks for your reassurance VGUY, coming from you, that is meaningful.
    DOGON, I have been buying a number of the Black Jazz label releases, and really enjoy most of them. In particular, both of the Calvin Keys (guitar) albums are fantastic, Henry Franklin (bass) "The Skipper" also quite good (I want to get his other one "The Skipper At Home"). In addition, Doug Carn (keyboards), but if you don't like vocal jazz, his sister Jean Carn, with who some of you are familiar I'm sure, does sing on some cuts. I have the first 3 Doug Carn cds, and like most all of them. I have not picked up "Adam's Apple" yet. there's a 'collective' known as The Awakening that has 2 albums available. I have the first (Hear, Sense, Feel) one, and am anxious to get the second one (Mirage).
    You gotta love the way this crew shares the musical knowledge, it's quite simply 'out of this world' enjoyable.

  • #1113
    Dennis
    Joined:
    Oro beating the drum

    Thanks for the heads up. Ordered the Mickey disc,,, coming tomorrow. Ordered the vinyl also,,,, comes in November?

  • #1114
    Dennis
    Joined:
    Charlie and the Streaming Factory

    What I find funny? about the streaming stuff is the concept of if you like this, than you must like this.

    You start off listening to Andy Williams and an hour later you got death metal from hell,,, you say to yourself, how did we get here?

  • #1115
    drpryan
    Joined:
    NRPS CD release

    Lyceum 23rd Sept try looking under NRPS and portmerch if interested

  • #1116
    KeithFan2112
    Joined:
    Count Me In For More Bear's Choice

    Volume 2 sounds like a great name to me to me Jim! I can usually remember the first dozen or so. And don't forget, you also also coined "The Full Norman" which I'm sure will make it's way into some liner notes one day. Your comment about 11/8/69 made me think I need to give that one another listen. I went back to the December stuff from DaP 6 & 10, and ahead to the early 1970 releases recently, but not DP 16, which was the 2nd Dead show I had on CD when the fever took hold.

    I am sinking my teeth into 8/6 and 8/7 1971 today. There is something "extra magic" for me, listening on or near the anniversary dates.

  • #1117
    gratefulgerd
    Joined:
    DaP 43 has just arrived

    #3082
    Tracking still says LAX.
    What a beautiful day!

  • #1118
    billy the kiddd
    Joined:
    Carlo13

    Carlo13, Sierra Nevada makes great beer. Garcia used to drink their Porter.

  • #1119
    Dogon
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    Dear Orobouros and other Dead Jazzers

    Interesting, if slightly arbetary, jazz choices.
    But, heres a suggestion, you all know Real Gone, yes?
    The label putting out the Road Trips series?
    Well, last year they did a great service to humanity, and put all- thats right all- of the magnificent Black Jazz label.
    It seems to me, you could all do a lot worse than dipping your toes into this largely modal, independent spiritual jazz.
    Now I am always hoping to find stuff that gives me the same feeling as a 69 Dark Star gave me, and when I got my first hearing of the Black Jazz catalogue, via an insanely expensive Japanese box set on P Vine, I knew I had found a motherlode. Like the Dead it can (rarely) give rise to the odd WTF moment.
    Black Jazz was one of a series of local, often collective groups of artists, putting out music when the bottom fell out of the jazz market, when panic set in, and nobody had a clear idea of how to regain relevancy, fusiony twiddling and disco were ultimately dead ends, but Strata, Strata East, Tribe,and a bit later, Nimbus West and others, carried the flame for awhile.
    Hope some of you dig the suggestion.

  • #1120
    carlo13
    Joined:
    Billy the kidd

    Sierra Nevada hazy little thing ipa. Dap 43 is smoking.

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A sealed, unlabeled box sat undisturbed for decades on a shelf in the Grateful Dead’s San Rafael tape vault on Front Street, its contents an enduring mystery, even to those few with access to the vault. All David Lemieux knew about that box when he became the Dead’s archivist was that it contained tapes belonging to Bear—Owsley Stanley, the Dead’s first soundman and architect of the Wall of Sound. Even in the Dead Heads’ Holy of Holies, the taped-up box was tantalizing. But this was Bear’s personal property, and so he didn’t touch the box out of an abiding respect for the elder luminary of sound. Bear’s archive of Sonic Journal recordings had been kept safe for him for years within the Grateful Dead’s vault—over 1,300 reels of tape stored in heavy-duty cartons like old banana boxes. At any time, David could have popped the tops and explored them to his archivist heart's content. But they were off-limits without the nod from Bear. - Starfinder Stanley, Hawk, and Pete Bell, Owsley Stanley Foundation

 

With a wink and a nod from Bear, we've peeled back those banana boxes to find some of the oldest and rarest of all recordings of the Dead including the double dose of shows that make up DAVE’S PICKS VOLUME 43. The two virtually complete performances from San Francisco 11/2/69, Live At Family Dog At The Great Highway, and from Dallas 12/26/69, McFarlin Auditorium, are complementary in their clarity and consistency thanks to Bear himself, and in their ability to foreshadow where the Dead were headed in the years to come. If the two killer 20-minute+ "Dark Stars" don't get ya, how about the Pigpen-centric sets featuring "Midnight Hour," "Next Time You See Me," "Big Boss Man," "Good Lovin'," and the once-lost-now-found complete rendition of "Dancing In The Streets," or the first full acoustic set ever performed? And we're certain you'll be fascinated to uncover the "Mystery Of Bear's Banana Boxes" as told by Starfinder Stanley, Hawk, and Pete Bell in the liners.

 

Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE’S PICKS VOLUME 43 was recorded by Owlsey "Bear" Stanley and has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman at Mockingbird Mastering. Grab a copy while you can.

 

*2 per order. Very limited quantity available.

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Submitted by dmcvt on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 09:44

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the elation for this and for hints at what else remains in the vault.

Just what the doc ordered!

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Submitted by 1stshow70878 on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 09:44

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fans got their wish.
2 Dark Stars and plenty-o-pig.
Sounds good to me!
Cheers

Edit: Non-subscribers (Daverock?) better jump on this fast. Certainly one that will sell out in a day.
1300 Owsley reels in the vault did it say? A HUGE virtually untapped source.

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Submitted by bigbrownie on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 09:55

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I like Owsley's technique. That'll do, Pig.

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Submitted by billy the kiddd on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 10:18

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just what I wanted. 2 shows from1969,. Thanks Dave, keep them comming.

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Submitted by That Mike on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 10:20

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Dave - You had us at Pig. A real nice release, and Owsley sound, too! (Blushing)

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Submitted by KeithFan2112 on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 10:49

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It took 8 years, but I finally guessed the right shows. Nevermind that I included the Boston Tea Party trio.

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Submitted by hendrixfreak on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 10:50

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I'll take this one, thank you very much!!

Oro, you either get primal or you get Pig. I'm very pleased with this one. Did not see that coming.

Woo-hoo!

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Submitted by bluecrow on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 10:51

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Sweet release for DaP43!

"With a wink and a nod from Bear, we've peeled back those banana boxes to find some of the oldest and rarest of all recordings of the Dead including the double dose of shows that make up DAVE’S PICKS VOLUME 43."

just want to highlight ". . . some of the oldest and rarest of all recordings of the Dead including . . ."

pray tell what other mysteries are there in the banana boxes?? to be continued.

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Submitted by JimInMD on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 11:09

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I think Dave was worried about a riot.. we forced his hand on this one.

I'm looking much more forward to this than the box set. No offense meant.. but this looks sweet to me.

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Submitted by Crow Told Me on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 11:11

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Beyond stoked about this DaP. There doesn't seem to be a track listing yet, but given the description (not one but TWO 20-minute-plus Dark Stars, AND plenty of Pig?) this promises to be epic. Audio quality is likely to be outstanding, given that it was recorded by Bear and evidently stored in a banana box for 50+ years.

Wonder what else is in those banana boxes? Guys, if you find any blue tablets, you should probably forward them to me for safe disposal.

The MSG box? Not sure I need 17 discs worth of '80s, so I'll probably just go for the breakout set from 3/9/81. I have to admit, this release makes me a little sad, because it makes me think that now it's going to be years, maybe longer, before they do the Berkeley Greek 1980s box some of us have been longing for. Can't see 'em doing two venue-centric '80s boxes in close succession.

And just btw: don't get Covid, if you can help it. Went on a business trip (got to go to NOLA, at least), came home and got sick. Despite being vaxed and boosted, it was sucky week. Not the end of the world, but pretty sucky. I mention this in the hope that it'll encourage others to be vaxed and be careful: that fucking virus is still out there. Be well.

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Submitted by wissinomingdeadhead on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 11:15

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Its so good to be wrong!!!!!! I thought for sure Dave would venture into the 80's the 60's are not the 80's. By the way I'm digging the gray hoodie, very understated.

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Submitted by WokeUpDead on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 11:19

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I had jumped off of the subscription bandwagon almost as soon as I got on, after the disappointing DaP31. This year I reluctantly hopped on again because I liked the Baltimore show and absolutely salivated over the Winterland ‘74 with bonus disk. I was resigned to getting a throwaway ‘80s show this time around. Nope. I am virtually in tears as I type this, and best of all I have no worries of this one selling out because it’s already been ordered. It’s a beautiful day.

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Submitted by SPACEBROTHER on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 11:31

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I haven't browsed Deadbase yet to see if these shows are listed or the setlists, which I imagine are similar to others from the era. I also wonder if having been stored in sealed boxes all these years if they are uncirculated? That's always a nice surprise.

I'm a lifetime subscriber since the beginning. Glad to see Dave mixing it up.

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Submitted by JimInMD on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 11:43

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The sound on the archive is good.. assuming Latvala took a little peeksy into the banana boxes and shared. I'd still like to take partial credit for guessing Dave's 43 would be sourced using returned reels from the late 60's. I think I posted something to that effect a week or two ago.

Very glad to see these shows come to light. They seem to be very special, at least to these ears.

Enjoy people.. This one goes out to Hendrix Freak.. if there's a more enthusiastic 60's and fall 1972 person out there.. I'd like to buy her/him a drink and shake their hand.

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Submitted by Forensicdoceleven on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 11:52

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Jim!!

That would be me. Strong coffee will do, looking forward to the handshake...........

Did anybody think my obsession was limited to 1971?!! OMFW!!!

The dice of Zeus always fall luckily.

Rock on,

Doc
Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust, like diamonds we are cut with our own dust......

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Submitted by wissinomingdeadhead on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 12:00

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11/2 does not circulate, no set list
12/26 Circulates, Zephyr opened-acoustic set without Bill

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Submitted by bluecrow on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 12:08

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not in Deadbase but SBD source of 11/2/69 is on relisten

not that i've heard it. includes a "classic suite" DS > SS > 11 > DDHNM

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Submitted by JimInMD on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 12:12

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Strong Coffee I've got! Doc you are equally enthusiastic of the old stuff. Check your PM.

As for 11/2, it looks like a copy of this was seeded to the Archive back in 2004 and a more complete version appeared in 2009.. so someone had them. I'm going to head to the attic right now and see what's in all the banana boxes stashed in the corner.

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Submitted by diw on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 12:41

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Who is the 4 fingered gal on the cover? Interesting that they did not go for a female skeleton.

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Submitted by Sydney Prentice on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 13:03

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This is great news Dave,its going to be well worth the wait, none of us are getting any younger,I'm looking forward to having this in my grubby little mitts in August.

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Submitted by alvarhanso on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 14:34

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I'm a big fan of DaP 6 12/20/69 and 2/2/70 with 12/21/69 bonus disc with its two Dark Stars, DaP 30 1/2-3/70 with its great setlists capped off by that massive Dark Star> St Stephen> The Eleven> Lovelight, and DaP 10 12/12/69 and bonus from 12/11/69 scratches a similar itch, but I gravitate to the bonus disc for the whole Dark Star> St Stephen> The Eleven> Cumberland Blues, That's It For The Other One> Cosmic Charlie, because that's just fantastic. And now we add these two shows to that collection. Nonplussed on the box, but I reckon I'll likely get it sometime prior to release. The setlists are quite good, and only one Little Red Rooster.

Just listened to the Little Sadie and High Time in the Listening Party on my tablet speakers, and quite liked it. Jerry is in fine fettle.

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Submitted by Mr. Ones on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 14:35

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Sounds like an oxymoron to me, but who cares!! It’s primal 1969, JUST before 1970, which we ALL(well, almost all) have been clamoring for!! I simply CANNOT WAIT to unwrap this and push play!!

Thanks Dave, Music is the Best!!

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Submitted by cheyler196 on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 14:48

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I will take a GD sbd from the '60s ANY day of the week, and the Dallas show has long been one of my favorites. I'm VERY glad that it's being released and that 11-2 show is no slouch although I've never heard it complete and never in this kind of sound quality either. I'm very happy these shows were chosen, can't wait to get my hands (and ears) on them. Thanks once again to Dave, Dick, Bear and the whole GD family.

Jeffrey Norman works for the GD and also the OSF, which has been digitizing Bear's 1300 reels. OSF is about two-thirds done with digitizing so possibly ~400 reels to go. Probably that's what Norman was doing.

Meanwhile, only weeks to go until two unique '69 shows are in our hands.

I'll have to quiet down for a while about NINETY SIXTY-EIGHT, just because Dave gave us a nice dose of late '69.

Heh heh heh... we don't need any contests here, this whole crowd is foaming at the mouth for this release. Jim, you sure know how to get folks riled up. (What the hell are "banana boxes"?)

In fact, the good doctor and I had often discussed how early, short shows shouldn't stop Dave from putting two together to meet the DaP three-disc rule. Here we are.

A good shout out to all who made the past couple months on this forum worthwhile with good discussions of literatue and music. I only have about 7-8 books to read and tall stack of CDs to listen to, as a result.

And thanks to Dave L. for an inspired choice. (I'm getting the 3-9-81 show and leaving the box alone, but sure wish I can get my hands on 3-10-81 at some point...)

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Submitted by TJPD2 on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 15:14

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Its about time, one worth opening.

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Submitted by dmcvt on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 15:40

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ask any supermarket for them, very sturdy, heavy duty cardboard, great for storage. Not entirely closed, usually an opening at top and bottom. Check recent shipments for tarantula hitchhikers. Shucks, no release listening party for the 60s bunch at Jim's bear battered beer caches?

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Submitted by Obeah on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 16:06

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Oh myyyyy! I don't post very often here, but I've been watching the discussion/speculation on DP 43 for months. I figured DP43 would be 1980s for sure (hello, box set) and in that regards I was hoping for a 1985 release. I didn't dare hope for '68-'69. I'm glad to be wrong!

I've never heard either of these shows - super excited for this release. I keep various Fall '69 rips in my car - 10/25, Dick's Picks 16, the DaP 6 Bonus Disc - so it's going to be nice to change things up. This time I even went and bought an extra copy so that I can wow somebody who will only realize what they've missed out on when they are sitting in my passenger seat. That's ~$40 well-spent. @Dave thanks buddy, this kinda drop is what keeps me subscribing year after year.

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Submitted by proudfoot on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 17:07

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totally awesome

Daves in a (banana) box

loooooove it

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Submitted by bolo24 on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 17:56

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Didn't know about the Dallas show. Double 1969 goodness - how sweet it is!

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Submitted by bigbrownie on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 17:58

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What I have:
Cold Rain
Midnight Hour
Seasons (this song is unknown to me, a first)
Mama Tried
Next Time You See Me
Good Lovin'
Big Boss Man
Casey Jones
Dancin'
Dark Star>St. Stephen>The Eleven>Death Don't

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Submitted by bigbrownie on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 18:03

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I have this one archived in my cassette collection. Saw many shows at this venue. Great acoustics.

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Submitted by alvarhanso on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 19:56

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Just looked up the setlists for these and saw Dave for once way undersold the length of the two Dark Stars, one 30, the other 24! Nice. But how about I've Been All Around This World? Always loved it from hearing the Garcia Grisman version, so stoked to see it's on here wih Little Sadie. Such a treat to hear Jerry sing these in such a strong voice. Now to avoid listening to the whole shows for three more weeks...

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Submitted by sladeums on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 23:18

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I know it makes me not a ‘head’
But no

Pig’s “white boy blues” makes wants me want to barf every time.
Hahaha i hear him open his mouth and it’s like I want to jump off a cliff

I hear somebody brag about a “half hour Lovelight” ?
Thanks, I know exactly what show to skip. 

Seriously no

ughhhh

We can all jam and no despite I hate it I’m not selling to at cost hahahah

There are people out there.

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Submitted by direwulf on Thu, 07/14/2022 - 02:48

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...deadhead but certainly a fool of high caliber. I agree with the Lovelights...sometimes, but damn take that tone and put it in the garbage where it belongs. The provenance alone of these tapes is enough to get my brain drooling and my ears lubed up.

Looks like they've reconnected the modem at the asylum. Nurse Ratchet must be on her first vacation in a few decades. 😬

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Submitted by onthebussince77 on Thu, 07/14/2022 - 02:53

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For those of you wondering why artist Matt J. Adams included her, have a look at the cover of "Live/Dead".

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Submitted by Lovemygirl on Thu, 07/14/2022 - 03:53

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…Oh Boy! 2 (two) “Primo” Primal Dead performances in one release (Pick)
“There’s Nothen left to do but Smile Smile Smile!” I’m as happy as a Pig in Mud! Lol ! 🤠
Have a grateful day my brothers and sisters.
there’s not a better feeling than having grateful fans dig’n The continuing Amazing Artworks involved year after year! Love it!
Take care folks , have a grateful day!
🙏❤️💀🌹

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