• 1,211 replies
    Dead Admin
    Default Avatar
    Joined:

    Anyone who has ever seen the Dead can testify that one of its shows will add quite a bit of color to the environment here at Stanford. Anyone who has not seen one of these spectacles should have the opportunity to do so. The Grateful Dead are an important part of the Bay Area's cultural history. Those of us who saw them last week can testify that the Dead are alive and well. The Concert Network would be hard-pressed to find an act which would bring Frost Amphitheatre to life as the Dead would. - The Stanford Daily

    As you know by now, we'd certainly have voted aye on this motion, so much so, that we've loaded up DAVE'S PICKS 49 with not one, but two complete Grateful Dead shows from the Frost Amphitheatre, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 4/27/85 and 4/28/85. The first shows from '85 in the series, these back-to-back hometown performances couldn't be more different while delivering the same level of passion and precision, five hours of it, in fact.

    In 1985, the band were celebrating "20 Years So Far," a feat that found them on these particular nights confident with invention in terms of both setlists and playing. There are old songs renewed, rare covers revived, undeniably nuanced Jerry moments, and a few surprises from Brent Mydland too. While it's impossible to select highlights, we can say with certainty that the overall clarity of these shows is unparalleled, courtesy of Dan Healy's recordings.

    Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 49: FROST AMPHITHEATRE, STANFORD U, PALO ALTO, CA 4/27/85 & 4/28/85 has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman at Mockingbird Mastering.

Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • Angry Jack Straw
    Joined:
    Bedosed

    My new favorite word. Thank you.

    Topchinacat - I commended you on your hitchhiking accomplishment from Red Rocks to OK City. I attempted to post a similar story a few weeks ago but was nullified by the censors. I’ll give it another try.

    After hitchhiking from Hershey to Merriweather and back home for the summer 85 shows, I decided to test the limits of people’s kindness. While in college at UVM, a buddy of mine and I hitchhiked to the Rochester shows in November of 85. A few things to consider. It’s November and we’re in Vermont, prior to global warming. College equates to no money. Vermont has no major highways in the direction we were headed. Keep in mind that Vermont also has no people outside of Burlington other than farmers, so traffic is quite limited. Lastly, it’s about a 7 hour drive. We took the 6 AM bus to the farthest outskirts of town and stuck our thumbs out. We made it to Albany around noon and rode the last four hours to Rochester in the back of an open pickup truck. Saw two great shows.

    This was also back in the day when People’s Express was in operation. Meaning we could fly direct from Rochester to Newark for $19 and catch the last two shows of the tour. Of course, the plane was full of Deadheads doing the exact same thing, except for about a half dozen or so poor unsuspecting souls. The instant we took off, the bowls came out and the entire cabin was full of pot smoke. The stewardesses were helpless as were our unwilling companions. Every time the captain made even the smallest announcement, the entire plane erupted with boisterous cheers of joy. To this day, I still chuckle about that hour.

    After the first night, we slept on the covered walking bridge that spans I95. The next night we slept in Newark airport. Both of which are unadvisable these days. In the morning, it was a $19 flight back to Burlington. All told, the entire trip probably cost about $200, tickets included, and we caught four outstanding shows.

  • gratefulgerd
    Joined:
    Shipping Europe/Shipping Information

    Thanks Simon,
    good to see yours is moving.
    I used to get shipping emails. For some reason it was stopped about 3 years ago. Same with box set shipping!
    And I wonder why?
    Two DaP got lost somehow, never made it to my house.
    A shipping notice and a tracking number would help a bit to ease the pain while 'sitting on hot coales'.
    Cheers
    G.

  • simonrob
    Joined:
    On its way to the Netherlands, slowly...

    Gerd, if it helps, I received the Dave's 49 shipping email on January 26.

    UPS received the package on February 1 in Fontana, CA.

    Asendia received it from UPS today, February 6, in Bell, CA.

    They will send it to the Netherlands but it's currently still in California.

  • Crow Told Me
    Joined:
    Bill Bored

    Kind of surprised to realize that I am kind of low-key stoked about the GOGD setting a record for most top 40 albums, besting the likes of Frankie and Elvis. Who'd a-thunk it back when the Dead were considered a cult band beloved soley by their bedosed brethrens?

    Also stoked to receive my vinyl copy of DaP 2. Seems on first listen a pretty typical Wall of Sound era show: ie, excellent jamming and interaction between musicians, vocals not always sounding great, overall pretty pretty damn good.

    The lack of Berkeley Greek shows among the DaPs, DiPs, and box sets continues to baffle.

    Last five:
    GD: DaP 2 vinyl
    Ty Segall: Three Bells
    Lee Morgan: Cornbread
    Mahavishnu Orchestra: From Here to Eternity
    ABB: Fox Box

    I am not now nor have I ever been a robot!

  • topchinacat
    Joined:
    82 Zoo and 85 Greek

    all great memories, for sure. Hitched down to OK City after three days at Rain Rocks for a rocking good time in the Amphitheater.... tried to catch some z's on the grounds afterwards, but patrols on monster horses cleared us out. All 3 of the 85 Berkeley shows were a blast ... some of the best times... this may have been during our collective "let Phil sing" campaign, can't exactly recall (BTK?) .... The 85 Frost brings back some cool memories and I concur that the 82 Frost would be another wonderful release.....tcc

  • billy the kiddd
    Joined:
    6/14/85 Greek Theatre

    This would make a great release, or part of an 1985 box, or part of a Greek box I had a blast at this show.

  • Colin Gould
    Joined:
    Walk on hot coals

    Given a choice I think I’d rather walk on gilded splinters.
    I see Molly Tuttle and The Golden Highway won the Grammy for best bluegrass album the other day. I enjoyed ‘City of Gold’ but thought their previous album was better.

  • daverock
    Joined:
    6/24/85

    With all this talk of 1985 I decided to play the above, from 30 Trips. Not a show I have played very often, to be fair. And very enjoyable the first two cds are, I have to say. One thing I did wonder - there is a lot of reverb and echo on Bob's vocals. I'm not being negative - it's obviously fantastic - but I did wonder if this was a standard feature for shows from this era.

  • uncle_tripel
    Joined:
    Well...

    ...I hit the highway...they call Highway 1985...fun ride through Palo Alto, Kansas City, Atlanta, and Hampton, and a return back to Palo Alto; just couldn't stop this weekend at Frost, and so hit the gas pedal and drove a bit deeper down the backroads.
    Last [5]
    1985-04-27
    1985-09-03
    1985-10-29
    1985-03-21 pitb drips and oozes
    1985-04-28
    If I can't find that woman, I will sit out and drink my vine; and I will hit the highway, they call Highway 1985!

    peace all!
    uncle_tripel

  • daverock
    Joined:
    Sitting on hot coals?

    Rory Gallagher used to walk on them!

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

3 years 7 months

Anyone who has ever seen the Dead can testify that one of its shows will add quite a bit of color to the environment here at Stanford. Anyone who has not seen one of these spectacles should have the opportunity to do so. The Grateful Dead are an important part of the Bay Area's cultural history. Those of us who saw them last week can testify that the Dead are alive and well. The Concert Network would be hard-pressed to find an act which would bring Frost Amphitheatre to life as the Dead would. - The Stanford Daily

As you know by now, we'd certainly have voted aye on this motion, so much so, that we've loaded up DAVE'S PICKS 49 with not one, but two complete Grateful Dead shows from the Frost Amphitheatre, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 4/27/85 and 4/28/85. The first shows from '85 in the series, these back-to-back hometown performances couldn't be more different while delivering the same level of passion and precision, five hours of it, in fact.

In 1985, the band were celebrating "20 Years So Far," a feat that found them on these particular nights confident with invention in terms of both setlists and playing. There are old songs renewed, rare covers revived, undeniably nuanced Jerry moments, and a few surprises from Brent Mydland too. While it's impossible to select highlights, we can say with certainty that the overall clarity of these shows is unparalleled, courtesy of Dan Healy's recordings.

Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 49: FROST AMPHITHEATRE, STANFORD U, PALO ALTO, CA 4/27/85 & 4/28/85 has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman at Mockingbird Mastering.

user picture

Member for

12 years 2 months

In reply to by Vguy72

Permalink

The sound quality and playing are Fkin fantastic. That’s all I am allowed to post.

user picture

Member for

3 years 5 months
Permalink

Magnifico!! Only thing I would love to know why can they not provide a High resolution Photo of the cover art? Someone at Rhino please.

user picture

Member for

7 years 7 months
Permalink

That's one speedy GDTRFB. Jerry rocked that one.

user picture

Member for

11 years 4 months
Permalink

Only listened to the first show tonight. Love that Brown-Eyed/Esau/Ramble trio! Always great to get The Wheel as well.
2nd show tomorrow.

user picture

Member for

7 years 7 months
Permalink

Did Jerry ever have or play a 12 String guitar? I never thought of this before, since I don't have any musical talent.

user picture

Member for

7 years 7 months
Permalink

I wonder if Phil could do COC like Cliff.

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months

In reply to by carlo13

Permalink

....that the '83 Santa Fe shows could be released officially.
Because they are grate shows and I will overdose on green chilis in its honor.
I mean, hey. They released the Boise show from that year.
ETA tomorrow.

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months

In reply to by Oroborous

Permalink

....cool IG reel out there of it being lit up with tie-dye and a HUGE SYF last night. But will Bill be there? Asking the important questions. He said he doesn't want to tour anymore. I'm hoping that shacking up in a nice Vegas suite for three weeks will sway his decision.
May is my birth month. If they play the 21st, you'll know where to find me.
No offense to Adele, but this is residency I can get behind.
Edit. Scouts honor. Current listening is GarciaLive 15. Never realized that show is from a May 21st. I was 3.
Wieeeerd.
Edit. Keystone Korner Jam also gets wieeeerd.
Time for a toke or 3.

user picture

Member for

10 years 3 months

In reply to by carlo13

Permalink

Jerry apparently played a 12 string 1967 Guild Starfire on "Duprees Diamond Blues" on stage during 1969. There is also a photo of him with a regular 12 string acoustic on stage playing with the Garcia Band that looks as though it was taken in the 1990's.

user picture

Member for

5 years 9 months
Permalink

DL "we're so jazzed to release more of this great year"

2025 Box Set, maybe???

rock on, gang!

user picture

Member for

15 years
Permalink

nope, really? how much money do these guys need? there is no way unless they up the tempo, which is rumored that that is why Billy left, so, 300 bucks for "slow bobby"? lol

user picture

Member for

1 year 2 months
Permalink

final tour, thinkin' out loud: maybe 1 tix adds up to 2 or more daP subs; everyone enjoy in your own best way

peace all!
uncle_tripel

EDIT: so you know after 59 years of coming out on the road to see y'all, now it's not a tour, and y'all come see us; keep on smilin'

user picture

Member for

1 year 2 months
Permalink

jerry talks about his acoustic playing in the jan. 12 1985 live FRETS interview on you tube, don't be put off with the timing of this interview and his overall condition, he is on and humorous, so dive into it

peace all!
uncle_tripel

user picture

Member for

3 years 1 month
Permalink

I saw Garcia play a 12 string when he played with Grisman at the Warfield . I don't remember how many songs he played on it , might have just been one. Those shows need to be released.

user picture

Member for

10 years 1 month

In reply to by marye

Permalink

Marye for your feedback around the Hey Now'n tech issues;
I hadn't seen that disclaimer yet so its helpful to know that someone somewhere knows something about it who might be able to help, keeping us glued together.

That being said it is also understood how much of that glue you are for all of us, and for that we thank you.

Eagerly awaiting #49, and it sounds like its receipt is highly applauded and I'm not one bit surprised.

Thanks again and Be Well, All
Sixtus

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months

In reply to by Vguy72

Permalink

Bastardos know what a bunch of whores we are!
Cool for Vguy!

After a minor scare, 49 iz in da hiz house! Proper!
Time to get busy!

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

1st set 4/27/85. Lovin' it.

Would be fun to go to Vegas. Priced out of my range though.

user picture

Member for

8 years 1 month

In reply to by SPACEBROTHER

Permalink

Third Tom Thumb Blues and definitely slower than the versions in 89-91.

Give me more Frost!

I am with you Spacebrother. The costs for these shows are a bummer.

The Dead always kept their prices very affordable. Not the case now. But everything is up.
Bob will go till he drops.

user picture

Member for

10 years 9 months
Permalink

If this post appears, then y'all are back in the Danger Zone and HF will be baaaack!

user picture

Member for

10 years 9 months
Permalink

Well, honestly, I can explain. Whether I can explain honestly remains to be seen.

This is just a test. We will return to my previously scheduled obnoxious remarks if this works.

HF

That’s 2.6 mph.
That’s how long it took UPS to get my DaP49 from one of their hubs to the local USPS. Then took another day for delivery to me.
But now I have it and it arrived undamaged.
Disc 1 spinning now, sounds better than the 85’s I have.

HF is back.

user picture

Member for

10 years 2 months
Permalink

Everyone's ears has their own preference for what makes quintessential Grateful Dead. And this would be *it* for me. Absolutely perfect. Those grooves!

Only down side of the release? We have to wait that much longer for another '85 release.

....also a hub transfer issue. First world problems.
Huge John Mayer fan I work with is in for one Dead & Co show.
Avatar updated accordingly.
That has to be some sort of record for largest Steal Your Face.
The drone show during the last tour may beat it, but not by much.

user picture

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

Hey ICECRMCNKD and VGUY72, thanks for the notes about getting stuck at a hub. Mine’s an hour and 38 minutes away, and it’s been there since Tuesday morning. Although, it says “Departure Scan,” so I thought it got stuck at the USPS.
Looks like I have another 12? hours for an update.
Threw my hat in the ring for 6/20 and 6/21. We’ll see…

user picture

Member for

10 years 2 months
Permalink

Anyone else catch Phil belt that out during Music? Right in the middle of Jerry's run after 'were they ever here at all....'

Goes to show just how well this recording captures the nuances.

user picture

Member for

10 years 9 months
Permalink

Hey, off topic -- but then, you know it's really me, not an imposter -- but I was just listening to the Wake of the Flood outtakes and, frankly, I had a thought. (First one of the new year, hopefully not the last...)

Because these outtakes were never "produced" for release the sound seems really sharp and clear. I noticed this first on Jer's vocals, then on drums and guitars. So, I'm thinking maybe the relatively low impact of this killer (to me) album may be due to over compression in post-production for the actual release. Cuz listening to the outtakes is way clear and fun. Secondly, perhaps that's why TPTB didn't pair it with the re-released album last year. Granted, there's two discs of outtakes versus one bonus live disc in the 50th. Just a theory, of which I have many, all waiting to be proven, perhaps in another life.

In any case, I really am enjoying the outtakes. Surprising to me (I was actually going to skip over 'em) was the extended jam on Sing My Blues Away is actually a revelation. You can hear all the parts -- great guitar weaving -- and Martin Fierro kills it. They go on for like 10 minutes without vocals.

Good to be back. All praise due to the patience and kindness of marye. We do not take you for granted, hon. Cheers all!

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Hi All! I haven't been in here too much lately. Life has been doing its thing so I have been wrestling with that. However my copy of DaP 49 arrived today. All I have to say is that I am only two songs in and I am smiling from ear to ear. The sound quality is great, but even better the band is on fire. Such great playing and high energy. I loved all of the 85 shows I listened too before so I had been eagerly awaiting this release. So far, it has not disappointed. I really hope we get more from this year, please Dave?

I hope all is well with everyone.

user picture

Member for

11 years 4 months
Permalink

Listening to the second show tonight. This release sounds awesome. Love it!

Edit:
That fourth disc is fully loaded! Just like my bowl.

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months

In reply to by proudfoot

Permalink

....that ticket prices for bands and/or acts that play The Sphere would be inflated. Capitalism and eye/ear candy at work. Especially for a state of the art venue with perks that no one has experienced before.
Shit. The movie there starts at fifty bucks and up.

user picture

Member for

7 years 11 months
Permalink

I've been avidly listening to Volume 49... just getting to drums on 4/27. This is one FINE release, I'm just so happy to have some '85 at last. Thank you Dave <3

And on that note, anyone checked out his new poster in the store? I really like the colors... fun art...

Maybe I should give them a listen - which I haven't done yet. The idea of studio outtakes doesn't really float my boat to be honest - so cheers HF for highlighting them. That's where this board clicks into place - music recommended that you would otherwise pass by.

user picture

Member for

8 years 1 month

In reply to by daverock

Permalink

Welcome back Hendrixfreak. Where have you been?

Ready to jump on board with this release Daverock?

user picture

Member for

10 years 3 months
Permalink

Delayed five times since Monday's original due date. No Mail Innovations tracking, still says UPS. Foiled by Mr. Dejoy again. Curses! Good to hear all the positive comments though. Got me psyched.
Cheers

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

This Sphere business is, I feel just that- business. The Dead & Co tickets start $195 and go up. This is not resale either which as soon as those prices hit, they will be nuts. I guess the draw of that venue with the combo of Dead & Co was too good for them to pass up, especially because it is a residency. Of course it will be highly in demand and thus a profitable gig. In the end I can't blame the band for going for it because people will pay.

Personally, I thought that final tour that Dead & Co did was pretty good and was a fine send off. I know they never said it was then end of them playing together, and for me, I am not interested in seeing them again (in attendance at a show) . Now I wouldn't mind seeing Phish at the Sphere but along with needing to avoid indoor venues due to hearing loss, I am not paying high ticket prices for them either. Thankfully there are the webcasts option which I will likely get for the Phish run and even maybe one of the Dead & Co shows, purely out of curiosity.

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

7 years
Permalink

For all the people that bought "Last D & C concert Forever" t-shirts.......what do they do with them now? Let me load a bowl and think about it......maybe "There goes my investments"????.......haven't seen D & C for 5 years. Loving my '85 Frost.

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

Welcome back. Yeah, life does its thing sometimes.
user picture

Member for

10 years 3 months

In reply to by DeadVikes

Permalink

I'm tempted, I must confess. It looks really good going off all the comments. Total change of energy for me - 1974 has been my go to for shows this year so far.

user picture

Member for

12 years 1 month
Permalink

just in,,,, 3,834 of 5,000

I only noticed because Daverock mentioned about a bonus track, Seastones (whole side of lp)

As always,,, I LOVE the full size art of an LP.

Final unused side of last LP etched with a picture of the Crow

user picture

Member for

14 years 1 month
Permalink

#9217 has arrived on time, as promised. Unable to comment about sin city, but I'm going.

user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months

In reply to by bigbrownie

Permalink

RJ fo sho!
MUCHO GARCIAS SENOIR LEMIEUX!
Haven’t been this affected by a pick since…37?
Well, that and oh, 43, hell yeah!
Hopefully we’ll get more regular dispatches from “the party” …and not in twenty years!

user picture

Member for

4 years 2 months
Permalink

On the etching side? Now I'm even gladder that I shelled out for this 'un.

Got my shipping notice yesterday, even. Although usually that just means somebody created the shipping label and it's still going a be some days before it leaves the warehouse. Whatever. It'll get here when it gets here, and judging by the listening part excertps, it'll be a killer.

Man, I am so glad to see HF's back. Made my day.

And btw I am STILL not a robot.

user picture

Member for

10 years 11 months

In reply to by Vguy72

Permalink

I'm sure ol' St Peter was shocked at the sudden increase in the Heavenly volume level. And Carl Weathers, too! Getting old ain't for sissies or for dudes who appeared to be chiseled out of marble like Mr Weathers. Glad he had a surprising comedic turn in life with Happy Gilmore and Arrested Development.

Dave's 49th Pick was thrown upon my porch late this evening, and ripping is nearly done. DaP 2 vinyl says Monday delivery. Still up to my ears in ABB, so probably in a couple days will get to 49.

On that ABB front 7-9-70 was a fairly new tape to circulation, is from SUNY Stonybrook, a warm up for the next night, and recorded by Seth Dworken, whom the legendarium of the show mentioned he won a Grammy as sound engineer working with the Dead? It is almost pristine, and a unique setlist with fiery playing, especially Liz Reed and Mountain Jam. The next night used to circulate (and prob still does) as 7-26-70 or 10-26-70, but this is a much cleaned up copy, that may also be Dworken's work. ABB archivist Kirk West is supposed to have said the newly unearthed tape was the best sounding FOH tape of the Duane era he ever heard. I dug it. Also, finally got to relisten my first ABB show with Jimmy Herring from 2000, only one I never got. Jimmy and Derek is also good stuff. As is this killer ending to Mountain Jam with a slow Will the Circle Be Unbroken before a ripping take on it. Music is the best, and great music is even better!

product sku
081227817442
Product Magento URL
https://store.dead.net/en/grateful-dead/special-collections/daves-picks/daves-picks-vol.-49-frost-amphitheatre-stanford-university-palo-alto-ca-42785-and-42885/081227817442.html