Pick of the Day, with Discussion

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April 6, 2020 - 9:47am

8,084 replies

marye

Joined:
May 26, 2007

Bolo24 says: An Idea, Perhaps? Since we're all going to have a fair amount of spare time on our hands for the foreseeable future, what about starting another thread where we all listen to the same show/release on a given day and then share impressions afterward? Folks can submit suggestions and one person (not me) picks what we'll all listen to - call it Deadnet Picks or something. Anyway, if this idea is deemed to have merit, I'd suggest one of the loyal regular posters take the lead and do the picking - y'all can decide who. Might be fun. If it does go forward, I nominate Dick's Picks 18 for the first listen. Been talked about here lately, and, had it been a single show rather than a compilation, we'd probably be talking about it in the same conversation as Cornell, Veneta, etc. Or perhaps even Gainesville?? Stay safe and healthy, friends - this planet needs as many Deadheads as possible.

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January 21, 2021 - 6:21pm

#4741

proudfoot

Joined:
August 2, 2020

love your comment about liking licorice, Vguy

:)))
January 21, 2021 - 2:24pm

#4742

Vguy72

Joined:
June 29, 2007

comparing Keith & Donna's last and Brent's first....

....fun fact. They repeated eight songs.
That being said, comparing the Passenger's alone is....interesting.
January 21, 2021 - 9:57am

#4743

billy the kid

Joined:
December 3, 2019

Rock thing ,great write up

Rock thing , that is a great write up on 2/17/79 you did. Big Railroad Blues hadn't been played since 1974.
January 21, 2021 - 9:29am

#4744

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

2/17/79 Second Set

PROUDFOOT, RE relieved to move on: Sounds about right.

BILLY THE KID: Nice. I thought that Greatest Story does seemed special, too. It's got tight energy, but I also don't recall hearing a Greatest Story with that free-form a guitar solo from Jerry. I was definitely startin' to think I could go for a bit more fidelity on this show, too.

THE GOOD OLE GRATEFUL DEAD: Yeah, man, from Playin' on, it's anybody's guess. The tape I Downloaded has that tracked as "Playin' >", "Drums >", "Space >", like you say. Playin' isn't really known for its drum solos, but I think I'd just keep all that as Playin' until they made a definitive move into The Wheel. I realize that no one else would ever do that. There's just Space all over the second set after Playin'. The Wheel disintegrates into Shakedown. That Shakedown back into Playin', though, eh? Definitely the stuff. You can hear Jer hinting at Playin' quite a while before they actually get there. Would not want to be responsible for seeding that. Where do I cut it?!?! :)

Man, this second set jumps like a Willys in four wheel drive.

Might as Well!!!: Went to a Dead show and a Jerry Band gig broke out! Yeah! Rocketing out the gate for the second set. Might as well. This show has a seriously stacked set list imo.

Miracle: Damn. No chance to catch your breath tonight! Jerry’s soaring, then doing some crazy runs in the first solo. Pretty manic, really, just trying to make something happen. Nice ending jam too. A drummer seems to be losing his footing or a stick or something, but no one else… Whoa!!!

Bertha!: I don’t think ANYBODY saw THAT coming, least of which the band. Whoever pulled the tempo back to something sensible is a hero, because that was about to set a record. Ohp, gonna get one of those big unison hits goin’? Not yet. Pickin’ up the pace again. Phil is not giving up on the big bang… unnnnn… not quite….hahaha. Phil’s still goin’ for it. The drummers are just hittin’ all ones like they're wired as hell. This whole second set is coming off with it’s teeth grinding. Crowd cheers an almost earthquake bass bomb, but Phill still can’t quite get everyone there. Test me! GONG. Got it. Memories starting to clear. Synchronization critical. Sounds like double kicks from the drums. What is this? The lets see how many notes we can play contest?

Good Lovin’: Nice, seamless transition. Just, suddenly their playing Good Lovin’. Nice crescendos. Jerry’s boppin’ along for the solo. One of his more coherent solos so far. They seem to have a better handle on the dynamics now. This is a really, really nice performance of this tune. Bobby’s got just the right atmosphere here. He’s givin’ it everything, but not overblowing. This will be excellent if he keeps the rap under control. No danger of Bobby sellin’ the Brooklyn Bridge. Mickey goin’ crazy with some heavy percussion runs, but they are buried deep in the mix, might not even be goin’ through the main PA. Long cheers ensue. Well deserved. That was excellent. They are taking no prisoners tonight, but that really struck the perfect balance. Wouldn't normally gush over Good Lovin', but that was excellent. At this point, I think I’d almost be wishing for five minutes of tuning.

Heart of Me. Ahh, nice farewell for Donna. Nice little breather for us, too. She sounds really good. Sounds like maybe Jerry missed a chord change and his fills are a little off key at one point early on. Nice little descending flutter from Jer that one of the drummers picks up on, adding some 16th high-hat cymbal to. Wow. Really nice. The ending was superb.

Big Railroad Blues. Jerry came to rock tonight, that’s for sure. Goovin’ on the, which solo is this? They seem to have settled down a bit from the insanity that was the teeth numbing first half of the second set.

Terrapin!: Sorta slips into the hall, almost without being noticed. Not the kind of thunderous greeting it would become accustomed to in later years. This performance seems almost quaint in its simplicity. One of the drummers continues to have happy foot. Cool guitar solo leads everyone out into open space as the various counterpoints begin to emerge, everyone expanding out into their own direction before drifting gently into a little space of equilibrium. Jer’s not quite ready for the big finale. He starts to play the melody that will bring everyone out of their trance, then decides to let the ride get a little more gentle as it drifts along. There it is. Not monumental, just recombining into a gentle reading of the last verse. Ahh.. Jer’s sweet old voice… Nice build up to counting stars, but Jerry’s vocal doesn’t quite soar. Finding the right mix of harmony without building up too dramatically and the finale has begun. This Terrapin seems, somehow, understated, but it’s difficult to say exactly what gives that impression. I mean, Mickey is off the hook as usual. Nice, Phil plays the signature melody line in a high register on the bass instead of Jerry, as Jerry continues to wiggle about with all sorts of lead lines. Mickey gets a bit too tricky for his own good, but that slightly clumsy moment doesn’t trip up anyone else.

Playin’: Just where you’d expect “Drums” to begin, nice call. Not sure I really dig the four on the floor and the open and closed high hat feel for this tune. Don’t have any particular qualms with disco Dead, or the Disco Cowboy things they did, but it feels like it’s tying Playin’ down too much. And, as soon as I type that, the bottom drops out and they out into an open ended Playin’ jam with Jer out in the echoey distance working’ the envelope filter. Really nice atmosphere here. Jerry’s makin’ sure they don’t get back to the song any time soon. Little too much kick drum in the mix is sorta harshin’ my mellow, but always happy to see a thorough deconstruction of Playin’. …and it seems to be just petering out, but then someone adds some nice textures. Almost sounds like a Fender Rhodes, but I can still hear Keith plunking away, so maybe it was Bobby… Someone in the audience hoping they’ll play I Need A Miracle, forgetting that we already heard that, what seems like several lifetimes ago. Wow. Completely abstract, now. Oh, and there IS a “Drums” track, but this feels like Playin’ with a drum solo (ok, got it), but that Playin’ jam would have definitely qualified as “Space” in a latter day show, albeit out of conventional order. Still an array of all acoustic percussion. Do I smell a Not Fade Away out of the drum solo? I see that someone has tracked this as a transition into “Space”, but all I hear are drums, still. Not hearing any “Space” here. Oh, and just as I type that, Phil joins the jam with Jerry not too far behind.

The Wheel: This setlist is a dream. Guess they didn’t have to save anything for the next night. This is a nice Wheel. They’ve really settled down into atmospheric mode after the totally outrageous start to the second set. Some cool tremolo picking from Jerry as the song breaks up.

Shakedown: Starts off a little, not a little, really… er… shaky. Nice echo effect on Jer’s guitar. Drummers haul the tempo up from the crater left by Phil’s opening bass bomb. You really get the impression that they are not working with a set list tonight. Settling in a bit just before Jerry starts the first verse. Whoo! Oh, yeah. Dancin’ shoes on now. Such a contrast. First part of set two could barely stay on the rails, but now they’re so spaced out they forget to put their foot down on the accelerator. Not a complaint, at, all. I usually imagine Shakedown jams to be more rhythmic. There’s sill a hint of the groove in the background, but well, there it went. Phil just introduced a completely different groove. Getting loose like that let’s them slip into other things, which is, I think, what’s happening now…. or not… This must be the most abstract Shakedown jam I’ve ever heard. I mean, there are literally hundreds of tapes I’ve never heard, but still. Jerry really working out now. Super fast little tremolo picking like in the high registers. Drums have started driving again. Sounds like Jerry’s teasing a Playin’ Reprise. Did they even do that in the 70s? No doubt. Jerry is definitely hinting at the Playin’ lick. Either they’re taking the long way home or they’ve given up on it. Wow. Jer getting’ pretty avant garde now. Where. Is. This. Going?! Lovin’ it!

Playin’ Reprise: Wow, Jer managed to get everyone on board for a Playin’ reprise after all that. And, damn, does it thunder onto the scene when it finally takes form. Still doin’ that insistent four on the floor thing that makes it feel kind of agro.

Sugar Mag: Love how this comes up for air out of the disintegrating Playin’ reprise. This show has had something for everyone, from super high energy numbers to complete space outs. Even with the free form mood that took over in the second half of the set, this is nice and tight; moving right along. Everyone in. Bobby thanks Bill Graham.

One More Saturday Night: Solidly above par. Wailing sayonara for Keith and Donna. I’m exhausted. What a show!
January 21, 2021 - 9:05am

#4745

Vguy72

Joined:
June 29, 2007

4.22.79 New Kid on the block....

....sounds like he fit right in and liked licorice.
January 21, 2021 - 8:36am

#4746

billy the kid

Joined:
December 3, 2019

2/17/79 4/22/79. Two great shows

2/17/79 & 4/22/79 are two great shows that should be official releases. I went to 2/17/79, it was a benefit to stop environmental cancer called Rock for Life. The show started with the lights all on in the house as the Dead blasted out a killer version of Greatest Story. The version of Don't Ease Me In was great, they reworked it when Brent joined the band and it was never the same. I didn't make 4/22/79, it was my moms birthday, we were having a party. Charlie Daniels and Greg Kihn were both on the bill before the Dead. It's so nice to hear Brent's organ playing on Jack Straw for the the first time. The Dead seemed really pumped up and into it for the whole show. This show at Spartan Stadium wasn't to far away from where the Dead played their first show as the Grateful Dead, at the San Jose Acid Test on 12/4/65.
January 21, 2021 - 8:23am

#4747

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

2/17/79 First Set

Wow. I remember thinking this was a really upbeat show considering it was Keith and Donna's last, but they must have given them one hell of a going away party. It is all goin' off in, like, every direction. I was exhausted just listening to it. This show goes from absolutely manic teeth grinding rockers and old timey tunes that barely hold it together to some seriously out there space jams. You'd have to label this with, like, three "Space" tracks if you were inclined to breaking things down as much as possible.

I already had the Bob Menke AKG source in my music library, so I was listening to that. Not checking the set list. Can’t remember what it was, other than Donna gets to sing a lot, iirc. Here and there saw the song title pop up. Sound is pretty thin. Really need to crank it.

Greatest Story: Usually like this as an opener. Jer seems to have carte blanche once his solo starts. Always a good idea in my book. Really searching and experimental as the four on the floor drives away behind him. Isn't this tune usually a little more cut and dry?

What’s Bobby saying’ about technical adjustments? Had to reach for the volume control, but still couldn’t make it out.

Don’t Ease: Damn sure am glad I left the volume where it was after that announcement. Love this tune. Haha. Oh, yeah, this must be when Bobby was learning to play slide on the job.

Mama Tried: Love this one too! Seems like there might actually be a bit too much energy, if there is such a thing. Seem to be just barely holding’ it together.

Mexicali: Despite the fact that it’s Keith’s last show, he’s been really prominent in the mix so far. Departing gift? Emotive delivery from Bobby. Jerry’s chorus vocals are really standing out too, for better or worse. This is pre-MIDI, obviously, but damn, Jer’s guitar sounded just like a trumpet for a minute there. Read somewhere about Branford Marsalis commenting that Jerry didn’t need MIDI to make his guitar sound like another instrument. This may be the proof. Can’t believe I have so much to say about Mexicali Blues!

Friend of the Devil: Chill slow tempo version. Some weird polyrhythmic syncopation goin’ on. Jer starts signing on the wrong beat, but has it together before the first verse is over. Keith gets several choruses for his somewhat aimless piano solo, before giving way to a spirited solo by Jer, who’s playing fast triplets and fluttery phrases over the slow tempo before bringing everyone in smoothly for the last verse and a strong final chorus.

Passenger: Did they ever do this again? Kinda relies on Donna. I don’t keep a Deadbase handy, unfortunately. Someone seems to get a little lost going into the “Only Game in Town” part. Jer slide solo. Bobby’s guitar is pretty much inaudible. I think the sense of roughness I’m feeling is due to both lack of rhythm guitar and Jerry trying to double on slide and normal fretted runs. It’s a tough juggling act. Pretty wild ride, this one. Stretchin’ out the second solo. Thought they were gonna end it in a jam, but someone brings it back to sing one more chorus before the ending, but it appears the memo did not circulate widely. Donna seems to be the only one who managed to get back to the chorus on time, but everyone recovers beautifully to end. I read that Phil wrote this song because he wanted to hear some raunchy guitar playing from Jerry and Bob. Well, he got it that time.

High Time: Wow. That's not something I normally expect to hear. Nice, delicate interplay from everybody. Pretty difficult song, actually. Not surprising it didn't see much action on stage.

Looks like Rain: Never really warmed up to this tune. That said, sometimes it gets stuck on repeat in my head and no matter what I do, I cannot stop hearing it… What the hell’s with those loud snare hits? lol My guess is that prankster Mickey, but who knows? Still laughing. Sounds like someone wants to pick up the tempo a bit. This is actually a pretty sensitive rendering of this song.

Jack a Roe: Electric! There’s something else ya don’t hear every day. Man, this show is absolutely stacked with tunes I totally love. Again, can’t hear Bobby’s guitar at all. Keith has been reigned into the mix better at this point. Phil’s givin’ it his all playing in and out of Jerry’s first solo. Ahh.. there’s Bob. Welcome to the show, dude. Sounds like only one drummer at this point, too. Pretty sparse, but then again, as much as I love this tune, there’s not a whole lot for everyone to do.

Lazy Lightning/Supplication: Period piece. Dunno why Bobby gave up on so many of his old tunes in favor of blues numbers, and Dylan covers. Donna sounds strong here. I believe I read that she and Keith actually wanted out at this point, so perhaps that contributes to the sense of jubilance (not a word apparently) here and Keith’s relative engagement. Jerry really, really, flying again. Float in’ like a butterfly, stinging’ like a bee. Phil senses blood and a jamming frenzy ensues. I guess if Bobby never cued them to go back into the song everyone else’d just go on forever like that…hmmmm…. It is so manic at this point, I don’t see how you could even dance to it. Spinners’d be achieving physical lift off, I think, depending on the robustness of their skirts.
January 21, 2021 - 7:46am

#4748

proudfoot

Joined:
August 2, 2020

Tonight on "Wha'appen?":

My theory is the agreement to part ways happened, everyone was relieved about it, so they made 2/17/79 special.
January 21, 2021 - 7:35am

#4749

The Good Ole G…

Joined:
December 29, 2015

Grateful Dead Memories

2/17 is good stuff.

Based on what I was reading, Donna mentions her & Keith discussing leaving the band through out the last tour. So maybe it was agreed upon between 2/11 in St. Louis & 2/17 in Oakland. Just speculating.

In regards to Tracking, since Rockthing brought that up....
I'm feeling it as Playing In The Band > Drums > Space > Wheel > Shakedown Street > Playing In The Band Jam > Reprise.
The Jam after Shakedown seems to turn into a PITB jam at around 12:30.
I like to give PITB as much labeling as possible, so that I'll pick that show out and listen to it again.
PITB rules.
(All of the above is killer! Listen to Jerry's voice in Terrapin & The Wheel segue is sweet, but that jam from Shakedown into Playing Jam is the stuff.)

Alright, I feel I'd not be performing my obligation to the nation if I didn't mention the 4/17/79 Rehearsal tape as a potential listen before you blast off into 4/22/79.

I gotta do it.

Keep on Rocking, Rockers.

PS - 2/9/73 was one of my first 3 bootleg tapes, it still gets me every time, so I'm with ya on that Jim.
Mickey was right they were into Time Travel.
January 21, 2021 - 7:02am

#4750

JimInMD

Joined:
June 27, 2011

Tapes / Spartan Stadium and Maples Pavilion

I remember dropping off a 10 pack of TDKs with an acquaintance. I got 4/22/79 Spartan Stadium, 2/9/73 Maples Pavilion and 06/29/76 Auditorium Theater - Chicago in the same box. They contained their share of new songs (with Spartan Stadium, not so much songs but a new keyboard player).

I ended up getting a few more boxes from the same friend before geography and time brought that to an end. I have a crystalline memory of these first listens, like opening up another world of shows, songs and peeks into parts of eras I had no prior exposure into. Like Christmas morning..

In my mind all the shows from that glorious 10 pack take up the same real estate in my frontal lobe. Funny how memories work, especially grateful dead memories.

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Currently Listening To...

Bolo24 says: An Idea, Perhaps? Since we're all going to have a fair amount of spare time on our hands for the foreseeable future, what about starting another thread where we all listen to the same show/release on a given day and then share impressions afterward? Folks can submit suggestions and one person (not me) picks what we'll all listen to - call it Deadnet Picks or something. Anyway, if this idea is deemed to have merit, I'd suggest one of the loyal regular posters take the lead and do the picking - y'all can decide who. Might be fun. If it does go forward, I nominate Dick's Picks 18 for the first listen. Been talked about here lately, and, had it been a single show rather than a compilation, we'd probably be talking about it in the same conversation as Cornell, Veneta, etc. Or perhaps even Gainesville?? Stay safe and healthy, friends - this planet needs as many Deadheads as possible.

Bills/Vikings

The Vikes have been winning ugly this year OB, so winning in Buffalo will be a tall order. Should be a good game. Enjoy it.

Congrats DV

A win is a win!
Still not sure what the hell happened, but the Bills did everything they could to lose and the VIKS did what they had to do to win. On top of everything else I have going on, the Bills lately ain’t helping my mental health.
No tunes aren’t helping either!
Did get 11/9/73 in and some southing Jazz, but I’m way behind : (
Man I love fall 73!
I hate having to choose, but IF I was forced, I’d probably claim fall 73 as my top dog? Woof!

Bills/Vikings

What a game OB, probably one of the best games I have seen in years and what a crazy finish. A huge win for the Vikes on the road.

It definitely could have gone another way.

The Bills still have a great team, hang in there.

Winterland 73

Just finished 11/11/73 today. Hard to pick favorites with this three show run, but man, the 11th is really enjoyable.

The WRS, Half Step, Big River into Dark Star into Eyes, is pretty hard to beat. Love it!

Thanks for pointing us in this direction Jim.

Winterland 73

Grate Box.

Goes to show, a 3-show + bonus disc Box can sell.
Boxes that size could be part of the 2-Boxes-per-year plan I’ve been calling for.

WL 73

Still hating myself for not buying this one!
Back then I wasn’t collecting things, in fact, I was one of those “I have too much already etc.
That plus my cousins used to do business with GDP so they’d often get free stuff that I had access to.
So I thought WTH do I need to buy that for, idiot!
FW was off my radar, E72 I couldn’t afford at the time, but WL 73…IDIOT, especially it was not expensive!
Oh well, if your going to be dumb, then you better be tough (or rich).

Anywho, did get 11/10 on in the background while I joust at greedy immoral insurance companies.
Hoping to give 11/11 a good go mañana.
Fall 73 baby! Boo-yah

Yeah Conekid, that’s what I’ve been saying, put out a big dog, perhaps at lower numbers, and also a small boxes too annually! Think there should be 5 Dave’s a year also, I mean their market will be dwindling rapidly, what the hell are they waiting for!

Tungsten, X-rays, and Coolidge.......

Mornin’, rockers!!!

Pick Of The Day Trifecta:

November 15, 1969 Crockett, California. A beefy show, with a good dose of grease, but currently sonically lacking. We need an upgrade! Is there a “new & improved” copy in those banana boxes? Let’s pray to the gods of reel-to-reels. And for all you Lovelight haters, lol this one clocks in at almost 43 minutes!

November 15, 1971 Austin, Texas. An oh-so-cool show that was officially released back in 2010. Fine Truckin’ opener, sweet first set Star, fierce NFA transition jam. Just plain yummy and certainly worthy of a revisit……………

November 15, 1972 Oklahoma City. Typically fine late 1972 show. Bird Song, Box Of Rain, Cumberland, China/Rider to close the first set (love that position!), jammy Playing, fine NFA suite. Music to our ears!!!

Three tapestries, tattered at the edges and come unwoven to reveal a single mutual thread……

Rock on!!!

Doc
The out-of-tuneness of the triad is part of its beauty…………

thanks again Doc, Ark is calling

As I have been scoping out various unreleased and off the beaten path primal to cowboy transition shows 68/69 (like Bellarmine 12.7.68), here Doc goes with a fall 72 gem just before Dave's 11 and the sweet Hofheinz duo. Keeper show, mandated by discovery there's an extended 31 plus minute PITB. How many more calls for the Ark shows do we need, maybe 2023 is the year. And add the Cl-, the show at Cl-Ark just before that, apparently the origination on 4/20 of 420 tradition.

11-14-73

in the 30 trips box, second set is so fine. the other one 3 times.

The hidden harmony is better than the obvious........

Mornin', fellow rockers!!!

Pick Of The Day: Albuquerque, November 17, 1971

Obviously, needs no explanation. And by the way, dedicated to Strider Brown.......

Was once the Holy Grail of 1971 Grateful Dead recordings. What's next? Soundboard of December 5 1971? 46??? Say a prayer.................

If you haven't heard this, where you been living? In a cave? Come on out, listen and step into the light.....

It is obvious that we can no more explain a passion to a person who has never experienced it than we can explain light to the blind............

Rock on!!!

Doc
Sometimes the first duty of intelligent men is the restatement of the obvious........

11/17 Box

In hindsight, they should have put out an 11/17 mini-boxset. 11/17 from 1971, 1972 and 1973.

Or, they could have gone big and released them all.

11/17/68- Eagle's Auditorium - Seattle, WA
11/17/71- Albuquerque Civic Auditorium - Albuquerque, NM
11/17/72- Century II Convention Hall - Wichita, KS
11/17/73- Pauley Pavilion, UCLA - Los Angeles, CA
11/17/78- Uptown Theater - Chicago, IL
11/17/78- Loyola College - Chicago, IL
11/17/85- Long Beach Arena - Long Beach, CA

Either way, it would have been a winner.

Fall 73

I always thought they should have put a big Fall 73 box out, especially those unique last ten shows!
Fudge, I’m so far behind, on everything, guess I’m going to have to make a date night with 11/17 lol.
Still have that magnificent 11/11 to get too, let alone the others here I’ve missed.
And the way life’s been lately, going to need a big dose of 12/6, (for medicinal purposes only of course!)

11/17

They played the killer portion of 11/17/72 yesterday on Today in GD History. Those two shows seem to go together pretty well. Just saying.

I'm always behind OB.. but believe it or not.. my backlog of crap I have not been able to do is little by little getting done. I need to get my skis ready for the season but my time is starting to free up. Holy cow.. the options.

In fact.. my morning chores are complete, I am caught up with work and it's Friday. I think it's time to take a little tincture and super charge the beginning of the weekend.

ketchup

on the drive back to Smokey the Bear land several days ago got a good night driving listen into Disc 3 of !1/9/73 and full show of 11/11/73. All great fall '73 of course, but man o man that Dark Star > Mind Left Body > Eyes of the World > China Doll is without question one of my favorite sequences of dead music (of course I do have more than a few favorite "children"). Love it love it love it.

Also listened again to the new Dave's from Autzen and just want to say that LLR > Crazy Fingers was magical.

Not traveling with the 11/17's from Albaturkey and Pauley so they'll have to wait. That '78 Rambler Room craziness took place less than 10 miles from the family home - so close. No good soundboards of the first 2 nights, including 11/17, of the Uptown Theatre run taking place at that time, but a sweet SBD of night 3 - 11/18/78. Awesome show - release worthy for me - that I pointed to awhile ago as a POTD. encourage folks to check it out or revisit if they did listen to it back then (why it's a TDIGDH).

Enjoy the weekend. Onward!!

Yeah BC

I’ve been holding off on 11/11, hoping today might be the day!
After a week of no tunes, got a good night in.

Started with that awesome 12/6/73 disc, but I put the China-Rider after the DS/Eyes, while slamming a Fremont Dark Star Stout to get things going and back toward some balance of sanity. This darkness got to give…

Then ABB Ludlows Garage, then a big session with much of 11/17/73. Yep, forgot just how gooey that jammy Samich is! Crikey mate!
I only hit HCSS, Race is On, and BEW off disc one, but did pretty much the rest, though things were getting a little foggy by the end. But when I came back to I had some beer left so fired up the Dark Star>drums>space>Wheel from 10/26/89. Though I was out again during Wheel only to be jarred awake by NFA.
Still can’t believe I had tix and didn’t go : (
Anywho, good session, hopefully more today,
ONWARD!

2/19/71

Popped in 2/19/71, Three from the Vault, this morning. Sometimes you just need a heavy dose of Pigpen. Multi Track delight.

3 From The Vault

Didn't even know I had this gem.
First Bird Song, first Deal.
Cheers
Edit: Found it next to a mislabeled aud. CD copy of Cincinnati Gardens 12-4-73. Said Dec. 3,1975 but the 5 was blurry. This on one CD? 12 song 1st set, only 4 song 2nd set according to DeadbaseX. Next in the queue.

2/19/71

Definitely my favorite of the run and one of the best of the year!
Love that Smokestack O Snow-lightning!

Getting prepped for 11/11/73

GO VIKS!
I can say that again now that the embarrassment has subsided lol

12/4/73

a chunk of the show was released as the bonus disc for Winterland '73 box set - yes there was even a "bonus disc" for that awesome box! Short show because band arrived late from Boston. Ages since I've listened to the disc but did snag it for this session for that reason and might throw it in on the way home.

2/19/71 is always on the menu!

but right now took my own advice and am listening to 11/18/78 Uptown (got snowed out of work today). just now listening to the awesome meltdown at the tail end of Other One - swear to goodness that at one point Jerry is playing the repeated "riff" from the original Twilight Zone.

2/19/71

Yes, this run is so great and we are lucky they recorded it in Multi Track.

Dark Hallow, what a great Easy Wind. Why did this song not make it to Europe?

And of course the first Bird Song!

The Vikes are off to a good start OB, that's all you can say right now. It is a long season. The Bills still look good.

Stay warm out there, at least we aren't in Buffalo. Hope they can dig out soon.

Feb '71

I recently revisited the released versions of these shows (I wouldn't be surprised if I posted accordingly). I can't believe how good they sound. I realize the band didn't use these shows for Skull and Roses, probably because Mickey had more or less just left and there were so many new songs they were still breaking in.. but wow this is a great run of shows.

Oh, and you are right DV, Blair did survive just barely into the Dave's Picks series. Sort of about the time the Road Trips ended. Missed it by that much.

Edit: Sometimes when I am out and about and the pick of the day is something I have not converted digitally yet.. I go rogue and do a string of released shows. Last month I had such a moment and hit the whole run. I do love how this forum has shed light on some under the radar and not yet released shows, but like a warm cup of good hot chocolate on a cold winters night.. some of these already released classics are food for the soul and joy for the mind. Sometimes it feels like we wallow in an abundance of riches, and I'm not complaining.

When you look into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you......

Hey there fellow rockers!!!

Pick Of The Day: Cal Expo, November 21, 1969

Back in the day we had only a partial copy of this. It wasn’t February 28, but due to the relative scarcity of 1969 soundboards at the time, we did savor it. It had much to recommend it. Later, complete recordings surfaced. It’s fairly “standard” repertoire, and yes there’s no Dark Star or Other One, but it’s still definitely worth a listen.

Oh by the way, did I mention there’s some decent greasy goodness as well?

The cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness……..

Rock on!!!

Doc
It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure……

BlueCrow 12-4-73

Thanks BC for identifying my mystery disc.
It is the bonus disc from the Winterland '73 box.
Couldn't figure out the chopped up set list to find it in my Deadbase X.
I mistook it for the bonus disc for RT 4 No 3 Denver '73.
It got shuffled around when I moved my collection to a new CD storage rack earlier this year. Relabeled and correctly shelved now. Oddly no scorch marks on it like Vguy's and Jim's adventures.
Cheers

Edit: That research showed the RT '73 bonus disc has a 43:33 Dark Star. Wowzer!

1st Show

looking forward to rediscovering that 12/4/73 disc!

saw your post under Rosemont 3/11/93 jam of the week and Ken Nordine. Did you know he was part of "Oregon Trail Mix" a fundraising sketch for the local public radio station that was broadcast at the 8/21/93 show at Autzen. Healy played it over the PA before Set II(?) or maybe before Set I. It was a definite WTF am I hearing at the time. See my comment on that thread if interested in hearing it.

Ken at NYE?

Was he also at a New Years broadcast?
That sonorous baritone!
Cheers

why yes!

yes he was!

12/31/90

also 12/31/91

not one but 2 - see gdh 368

I had that on tape

Well one of them. Just gave all my 85 GD Hour tapes to a novice Deadhead to listen to on his commute. Good indoctrination as David Gans has all eras and digital masters straight from the vault. That way we won't bias the guy right off the bat, lol. GD Hour on radio is what brought me back on the bus in the early 90's. Thanks other David!
Cheers

gd hour 368

The GDHour was like a gold mine for many of us back in the day. I can still picture myself listening in amazement to the 10/19/73 Dark Star sequence released years later as DP 19 (show 245 as it turns out from end of may 1993). 368 was "rebroadcast" on this site week of 4/15/20 and can still be found and streamed here. it includes a backstage conversation with Garcia, Nordine, and Jack Ellis from 12/31/91. Not sure if I ever heard it, and for all purposes at this point it would be new to me even if I did hear it back in the day.

edit - it's a great little convo!

6/12/80

Here is a change of pace for you all, 6/12/80, Portland Oregon. I am diving in.

Post Thanksgiving

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.
We had two yesterday, busy day, so no Dead yesterday.

I would recommend 6/12/80, great show and a good recording.

What is on tap for today?

6/12/80 (next maybe 9/27/76?)

I'll be sure to check it out. i knew this show was associated with an ash plume from Mt St Helens that reached Portland, legend had the eruption occuring during Fire. I always thought it was from the big one but turns out a secondary eruption ~3 weeks later.
Yesterday's 30 days was a Might As Well > Samson from Oro's home country (Rochester War Memorial 9/27/76). Kept streaming on relisten from that point on and found it highly entertaining. Recommend no peeking at the set list. Not sure if this was ever a POTD but new to me (so it seemed). A case where I didn't realize '76 was just what the doctor ordered until I listened.

Partial Listens

6-12-80 from a Tapers, Jam of Week, or GD Hour not too long ago?
I remember the reference to the eruption during Scarlet>Fire. A hot one, lol!
Agree with BC that 9-27-76 needs investigating after hearing the Samson.
Love Jerry's noodling on that one. 30 days has me engaged more than usual.
Cheers

9/27/76

Hey 9/27/76 sounds good to me Bluecrow, thanks.

People always say, 'Why don't you play more sets in Texas?'

Hey rockers!!!!

Pick Of The Day: San Antonio November 26 1972

This is dedicated to Phil Carson, where ever/however/whoever he may be…….

The Dead close out their November 1972 tour in typically fine form, although one rarely hears about this specific show. Oldies, rockers, cowboy songs, Europe 72 material, all presented very nicely indeed. Due to “sonic issues” this is a challenging listen, but worth the deep dive. Ear candy, for sure…………

Clearly, the highlight is the Dark Star. I’m no Dark Star expert (KeithFan, we need ya!!) but this one is real nice. Its starts out somewhat gently, true exploratory mode, perhaps even subtle. After the first verse we get treated to some thunderous Leshiana, followed by a well formed “Feelin’ Groovy jam” before the band diverts into deep space before it all dissolves into Me & Bobby McGee. Very good copies of this sequence do circulate and are certainly worth a listen!!!

People (me included!!) have been clamoring for a Texas 72 box set for quite some time. Can the vault tapes be brought up to official release quality? Therein lies the challenge for the esteemed Mr Norman. A mini-box of Austin-Dallas-San Antonio would be oh-so-cool. Part of first Houston was officially released already (hell ya, check that out too!). I’m guessing they’ll hold back the sublime second Houston for a single release----maybe 46????

The definition of insanity in Texas is so insane that it's impossible to be insane in Texas…….

Rock on!!!

Doc
One thing about Texas people, they're very passionate about their Rock N' Roll, and I love it…….
P.S. We were at the 76 Rochester show and had a blast. Especially the second set......

Speaking of Texas

Doc and others, what do you know about the mini TX tour of:
2-20-70 Panther Hall, Ft. Worth
2-21-70 Civic Center Arena, San Antonio
2-22-70 Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston
2-23-70 The Auditorium, Austin
Got nuthin' in the Deadbase
Thanks and cheers
P.S.There's a frequent poster here who knows Mr. Carson well, but there's no telling where he might be. Check remote wilderness areas and unmapped dirt roads. You may find him on his tailgate serenading antelope.

And a belated gobble gobble to all 🦃

Not sure if I’ll get any Dead in (I know, I know, but ya don’t have to throw shit)
But I’ve noted 6/12/80, 9/27/76, and 11/26/72 into the record.
Which reminds me I need to document the last couple weeks…
The 72 I might try to get a taste of, I bet the 80 is good, and that Crotchfester show might be argued one of the years best! It’s surprising how under the radar this show is?
I have older friends like BOO469 who say that was the best show they ever saw! Front row of course!
You Definitely want to check that one out and yeah, don’t peak! Well, peaking is good, no looking lol

6/12/80 is the only show between 6/7 and 6/21 I haven’t checked out, but will try since I’ve liked these shows!
It’s definitely a nice tour, need to hit the first 4 some time too.

Phil Carson? Does Phil Carson even KNOW Phil Carson?
But hey, what would be the answer to the answer man?

GO VIKS! Hellava game! 2 roller coaster affairs, Daaa Bills and Daaa VIKS! Proper!
Now if only I could source my 10 case years supply of Anchor Xmass beer, down to my last 12er from last year : (

You've got to bumble forward into the unknown.....

I was hoping to hold off on commenting about this show until February 23, 2023, but lol, somebody has apparently forced my hand.......

There is a pretty good circulating soundboard copy of most of the February 23, 1970 Austin show. Lineage is SBD>MR>C>DAT>CDR, Vernon remaster through the Music Never Stopped Project back in 2002. The first electric set and the acoustic set are very decent quality, second electric set has a bit of distortion.

Here's what's there:

Electric Set 1: //I Know You Rider>High Time-Dire Wolf false start (PA adjustments) > Dire Wolf

Acoustic Set: Yellow Dog Story-Monkey And The Engineer-Little Sadie-Me And My Uncle (some distortion on vocals)-Black Peter-Seasons Of My Heart>Uncle John's Band

Electric Set 2: Not Fade Away > Good Lovin' tease>Mason's // Children

Anbody who needs/wants, you know where to find me.

I have never seen or even heard rumor of circulating recordings of any kind of the other Februay 1970 Texas shows, and I've been looking for over 40 years now. It's my understanding that Bear travelled/recorded up through the NOLA shows in early February 1970, so maybe all those are in those banana boxes.

One is never afraid of the unknown; one is afraid of the known coming to an end.

Doc
Exploring the unknown requires tolerating uncertainty.......

NEWS FLASH!!!

Talk about synchronicity..............

Charlie Miller just put out a complete remaster of the November 26, 1972 show. Anybody who needs/wants, drop me a PM......

LOL fair warning, it's VERY bassy................

Doc
We do not create our destiny; we participate in its unfolding. Synchronicity works as a catalyst toward the working out of that destiny........

If you want longevity, just keep people guessing a little bit...

Hey rockers!!!

This just in from my spies at TPTB:

New for 2023 will be a megabox. TEXAS. It'll be big, just like the state.........

Texas February 1970 (banana box breakout)
Texas November 1971 (minus 11/15)
Texas November 1972 (minus 11/18)

Preoders accepteed through next April 1. It might just sell out, call now!!!

A friend should be a master at guessing and keeping still: you must not want to see everything........

Rock on,

Doc
I like keeping people guessing. I like to have fun with them wondering if I'm sane or not.......
P.S. I will go shut up now. Unless Phil Carson calls.............

Bear

Theoretically he could have been spinning tape until 7/15/70 when he was fully incarcerated. His bail was revoked on 2/22 after the Nola bust, but he somehow yet again got out until 7/15 when he was remanded and started his sentence with his return being the August 72 BCT shows…
I guess only Dave knows for sure and he ain’t talkin!

EDIT: enjoyed 11/26/72, though the hiss was tough at times. Status quo fall 72 with another awesome Dark Star!

9/27/76

Enjoyed this show Bluecrow. Recording is really good. A few patches here and there, but nothing major. Great second set sequence. I have always been a fan of extended Franklin's.
And you were at this show Doc. Must have been a blast!

76, such an interesting return and so many great shows. I always wondered what they were up after their last show at the Shrine on October 15. They return of course to the Cow Palace on 12/31 and deliver an unbelievable show, still one of my favorite releases.

Those were some great games on Thanksgiving OB, go Bills. They are looking good.

Hope your Father is doing better Jim.

9/27/76

glad you enjoyed that DV! I love those Phil heavy Help intros from this era. On that first exploratory listen I was blown away by the move from Slipknot into the Other One > Wharf Rat. One of those classic '76 twistin and turnin segue fests. Great show all around. Keith is really digging in from the get-go. Doc and Boo seal of approval. Just now cuing up Set II from the that last Shrine show of the year 10/15. Hadn't realized this show has the post '74 return of He's Gone, and then it didn't show up again until late May '77.

That mini Texas tour February 1970?? Had never noticed that in the old Deadbase. That a partial SBD from Austin circulates gives hope that the rest may surface.

Speaking of Texas, still need to check out 11/26/72.

6/12/80

Managed to sneak in about 3/4s of yet another solid show from a good tour yesterday!
Think I’ve checked out all, including Nitecats fine Boulder Auds, except the first four shows, and they’ve all been at least good, not a dud in the bunch!

1/10/79

Snowy day here in MN.

How about a Dr. Bob Wagner/Miller 1/10/79 Nassau Coliseum?

1/10/79

Not sure if I’ll get to it, but I’ve heard it and it’s a beauty!
Wish they had tapes as this plus highlights from my first on 1/20 would have made a great second of the year Dave’s.
My understanding is no tapes?
Oh well, maybe someday…

Oroboros, Bluecrow

Thanks Oroboros for the kind words about my Boulder 80 recordings. Bluecrow, I was at the show in Portland 6/12/80, and after the show, the ash storm from Mt St Helens was so intense the whole city got dusted, including their rose celebration decorations. In our hotel room, TV news reported that everyone should stay indoors, and that the airport was grounded and the state bridge was closed. We had air tickets to fly to Seattle the next day for the next show. We hung out in the greyhound bus station, and at about 3 in the am they decided to send a bus to Seattle, and we took it. Driving on the freeway was like driving through a serious blizzard. You couldn't see very far in front of you. The driver took it real slow. We arrived in Seattle at something like 6 in the am.

31 Days of Dead

I think it was Nitecat that asked for any info about 31 Days of Dead 2022. In any case, I just got an email from Ed Martin, and looks like he's gonna do it again this year:

Hello my friends!!! It's that time of the year again. I’m very excited to bring you another installment of the 31 Days of Dead. Most of you know the drill, but for those who don't here is some background...

Similar to what dead.net does in November, I pick a live track (or tracks) for download each day in December and do a quick write-up. Unlike the “Official 30 Days of Dead,” there is no contest here. Instead, the prize is the music and the winner is the listener.

I started these annual projects in 2010. I had no idea where this would go, nor did I care. I did it for no reason other than my own personal enjoyment - I still do. To my surprise, what started as daily email blasts to a small group of friends has grown to an Instagram account that has over 35k followers. I am grateful to every single one of you for the love you have shown. Follow me on Instagram at @31daysofdead

Mañana

Any interest in either of the Nov/Dec '79 Stanley theatre Shows in Pitt? 11/30 and/or 12/1. A great little Vaudeville theatre with impeccable sound.

I always liked these shows when compared to some of their peers.

79

Jim, absolutely!

I will get started with 11/30 tomorrow.

Check out that 1/10/79 when you get a chance. The audience recordings bring back a lot of memories for me in the eighties. I sometimes forget how these sound due to all the officially released material I normally listen to. Anyway, enough babbling, it is a fun ride.