From The Mars Hotel (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) [3CD]

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March 27, 2024 - 7:12am

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Dead Admin

Joined:
April 28, 2021

FROM THE MARS HOTEL (50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION) features remastered audio by GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer David Glaser, with Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction. Produced for release by Grateful Dead Legacy Manager and Audio Archivist, David Lemieux, the DELUXE EDITION also includes demos of “China Doll” and “Wave That Flag” – the song that became “U.S. Blues” – as well as a previously unreleased live performance of the Grateful Dead at University of Nevada-Reno on 5/12/1974. As the band filled an outdoor football stadium with epic highs like huge “China Cat Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider,” Mars Hotel cuts including “U.S. Blues” and classics such as “Brown-Eyed Women,” “Tennessee Jed,” “Mississippi Half-Step,” “Truckin',” “Sugar Magnolia,” a massive wind storm was no match for the Wall of Sound. Designed to improve the listening and performance experience at what were becoming larger gigs and longer, more dynamic and varied sets, the Wall of Sound required 21 stage hands, and underlined the resounding effect the Grateful Dead were having on American audiences and culture at the time, even as the entire operation remained homespun and humble.

Recorded in San Francisco’s Coast Recorders studio, FROM THE MARS HOTEL finds Keith Godchaux particularly shining across a variety of keys, from the “China Doll” harpsichord to the pounding piano on Bob Weir’s “Money Money,” to the churchy organ that elevates “Ship Of Fools.” Lyricist Robert Hunter packs “U.S. Blues” with a barrage of imagery, pop-culture references and sardonic asides – as Canadian author Ray Robertson writes in the 50th Anniversary Edition’s liner notes, it “carries an undeniable whiff of late-capitalism ennui…it’s the most fun you’ll ever have dancing to the end of the American Empire.” Jerry Garcia’s jaunty lead guitar drives bouncing melodies across the LP, while guests include Ned Lagin’s unnerving synth effects on “Unbroken Chain,” Clover member John McFee’s country-rock pedal steel on “Pride Of Cucamonga,” and more.

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July 12, 2024 - 8:09am

#11

JeffSmith

Joined:
June 9, 2014

Maiden Voyage on the Wall of Sound

Hey Oroborous, Crow, et al – Great discussion about the inner workings of the W.O.S. Lots more moving parts than some of us lightweights usually stop to think about. Thanks for jump-starting the conversation Oro.
July 11, 2024 - 1:22pm

#12

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

After several spins

On various systems…

There’s aaaaaaaalot going on here lol.
I think it’s perhaps sonically one of the worst releases yet?
Fortunately most won’t hear it.
I’ll just touch on some of the more prevalent items.

Since there was nobody really mixing the wall, and it was one of the first official wall shows, you can perhaps hear them adjusting volume etc more than usual.
Best way to learn gear is to mess with it, and live is always different then elsewhere.
And that’s why your hearing all that adjustment: because most of this system was controlled directly by the musicians. An interesting idea except for occasional volume wars lol.
My first impression of this show was “sound check show” for the tour…
They seem extra laid back and to be having fun, but definitely getting used to things, and I’m sure the wind effected that! Lots of opsies, and other weirdness too.
It’s not bad, but I’d call it mediocre by high bar 74 standards.
It’s interesting historically, checks the gap box, and there are some good moments, just perhaps not the most consistent outing.

But the unfortunate thing I noticed a lot on first listen was distortion.
All kinds…
Sometimes guitars, which are less easy to detect, occasional bass when he pushes certain things, but most notable is the piano!
Basically every time he really starts pounding from El Paso on…
This isn’t necessarily an on common thing on these old tapes, but it just seems more noticeable on this one.
Perhaps the gain settings on the tape mix board were up and combined by the direct instrument feeds, and I think KGs pre amp levels especially, and/or something to do with piano mics? I believe I read they had to basically invent something for that too, which maybe didn’t have set just right at this one!
Maybe Kid was kinda busy with other things and didn’t get a good chance to properly monitor the tape, so as they continued to get louder and push direct levels etc, he didn’t have chance to readjust?
All kinds of possibilities. Tape age, even with full treatment, an old oversaturated tape could be slightly over crispy.

On less revealing systems it’s a tad harder to discern, but on the good system it reveals a whole lot of distortion, almost unlistenable at times…though you get used to it after initial surprise.

I’ve tried it via my good server/DAC , which feeds to different zones, I’ve tried just the disc via an Oppo Blu-ray on one of those zones with different pre amp and no separate DAC etc, so it’s not the server, DAC or main pre amp, or second zone. Haven’t tried the car yet…
I don’t think it will matter. Less noticeable perhaps, but once you hear it, it doesn’t go away lol Volume makes it more noticeable.
That’s why I think it’s baked into the tape.
I don’t think this is a defect.
And I’m betting that 97% of folks out there won’t notice it for various reasons.

I agree with Conekid, who I believe stated that though it’s not good enough for a Dave’s, and it would be kinda lame disappointment in a box, but for this “bonus” material it fills the gap, kinda goes with the theme, though 6/20 included more album songs and is a much better show ( Probably too long, and maybe saving it as the prime 74 shows are dwindling). I know he says he doesn’t have any lists, but come on, how could you net lol. It’s ok Dave, nobody will think poorly of ya lol ; )

So what is left to ponder?
Here’s my thoughts, of course your mmv!

5/25 audio was subpar, but a good 74 show with nice jam sequence
6/8 audio meh, mediocre show, nice playing sandwich!
6/20 is more 74 caliber goodness!
6/26 & 6/28 is it worth rehash if whole shows are usable in the vault?
6/30 good but not RJ.
7/21 better still? Except for Aud only?
7/25 ahem, hear foot tapping…
7/27 good show, big sequence light perhaps, but lil one outta US nice, and that Playin…oye!
I need to go through the hacked up stuff, but not sure I’d prioritize any of this?
9/14 and 9/20 are good, I’d call the 21st a step behind?
Some of these suffer from jam light…
That just leaves WL. Which lol, somehow I’ve not done the complete shows yet.
So I’ll wait until I do so this fall…
July 11, 2024 - 1:15pm

#13

nitecat

Joined:
November 1, 2010

FTMH Album

I listened to the remastered MH for the second time last night. Very sweet sounding. The harmonies are lush. I was more aware of different instruments I'm hearing having been informed by the excellent series, Good Ol Grateful Podcast, which has been doing deep dives into each song on the album. I highly recommend the podcast.

The Reno show recording takes a little time to get together. The second set is pretty hot especially the Truckin>TOO. I'm a little biased because Reno was my second official WOS show. I do remember the band taking a little time to get going.
July 11, 2024 - 8:30am

#14

Crow Told Me

Joined:
October 15, 2020

Who Here Hears Weir?

I commented on the audio of this release some time ago after listening to the studio album and the first disc of the live set. The studio stuff sounded much, much better than my old lp, no surprise there. But I thought the live stuff pretty uneven, in terms of the audio quality. Couldn't hear Weir's guitar, vocals were up and down in the mix. Since I wrote that, others have responded to say they thought the audio was really good, so I guess it's a little subjective.

Now, having heard the 3rd disc, I'd say the audio gets better in the second set, but it's still weird: the bass will suddenly get louder than everything else, or a vocal will, and then settle back to a more normal level.

My theory is that this somehow has to do with the high winds that they were dealing with that day, and also maybe unfamiliarity with the WoS. Like maybe the wind would start blowing, and somebody couldn't hear something so they turned it up, and then the wind let up a little and they turned back down. Or something like that. Bottom line: I think the live audio is acceptable but not great.

Now, do you need to buy this? Well, I'd say so. There are enough good songs on the studio album and the audio there is enough of an improvement to justify buying something you probably already have. I doubt if I will return very often to the Reno show, but it's still good to have. That's my take anyway, your results may vary.
July 11, 2024 - 7:23am

#15

JoeyMC

Joined:
July 29, 2022

My two cents.I didn't buy…

My two cents.
I didn't buy WOTF 50th or Europe 72' 50th, I was on the fence about this one. I have never heard (read) really anything good about this show but at least it came with a complete show. I'm not really impressed and probably didn't need to own it. While I'm sure this is an improvement, I feel like we can definitely tell there is something going on there that impacts both the sound and the playing. It makes perfect sense to me that no one ever spoke highly of this show, but i guess it bridges a gap or is historically important?
July 11, 2024 - 7:06am

#16

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Not the album…

…the show.
Listen closely to the piano whenever he turns up to solo…
Give it a few songs…
July 11, 2024 - 6:21am

#17

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

Audio/OB

Hey OB,

I have one listen to the Reno show in my car. I was withholding comment until I listened on the home system. However, I will say the sound quality seems a little up and down.

What are your thoughts?

Oh, and I now own my fourth copy of Mars Hotel.
July 11, 2024 - 12:44am

#18

daverock

Joined:
September 1, 2014

It's a bit pricey!

I keep meaning to buy it, but then opt for something else instead. I am sure it will get here eventually. It's not my favourite Dead album - but I have never heard it on cd, so I am interested to hear what this makeover sounds like.
July 9, 2024 - 10:30am

#19

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Crickets?

Hmmm, kinda wondering why not many comments on this release?
Especially about the audio…
July 4, 2024 - 9:23am

#20

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Off to the PO

To pick up 5.0 🤞
Once again UPS got er to D town muy rapidido only to have Dejoys angry lamesters not be bothered to scan it, so it could take four times as long to go a couple hundred miles within state.
But hey, at least it’s here (supposedly) which is what really counts.
I just feel it’s my patriotic duty to rail against the tyranny and corruption of incompetent dictators of any ilk lol 😝

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

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FROM THE MARS HOTEL (50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION) features remastered audio by GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer David Glaser, with Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction. Produced for release by Grateful Dead Legacy Manager and Audio Archivist, David Lemieux, the DELUXE EDITION also includes demos of “China Doll” and “Wave That Flag” – the song that became “U.S. Blues” – as well as a previously unreleased live performance of the Grateful Dead at University of Nevada-Reno on 5/12/1974. As the band filled an outdoor football stadium with epic highs like huge “China Cat Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider,” Mars Hotel cuts including “U.S. Blues” and classics such as “Brown-Eyed Women,” “Tennessee Jed,” “Mississippi Half-Step,” “Truckin',” “Sugar Magnolia,” a massive wind storm was no match for the Wall of Sound. Designed to improve the listening and performance experience at what were becoming larger gigs and longer, more dynamic and varied sets, the Wall of Sound required 21 stage hands, and underlined the resounding effect the Grateful Dead were having on American audiences and culture at the time, even as the entire operation remained homespun and humble.

Recorded in San Francisco’s Coast Recorders studio, FROM THE MARS HOTEL finds Keith Godchaux particularly shining across a variety of keys, from the “China Doll” harpsichord to the pounding piano on Bob Weir’s “Money Money,” to the churchy organ that elevates “Ship Of Fools.” Lyricist Robert Hunter packs “U.S. Blues” with a barrage of imagery, pop-culture references and sardonic asides – as Canadian author Ray Robertson writes in the 50th Anniversary Edition’s liner notes, it “carries an undeniable whiff of late-capitalism ennui…it’s the most fun you’ll ever have dancing to the end of the American Empire.” Jerry Garcia’s jaunty lead guitar drives bouncing melodies across the LP, while guests include Ned Lagin’s unnerving synth effects on “Unbroken Chain,” Clover member John McFee’s country-rock pedal steel on “Pride Of Cucamonga,” and more.

Mmk

Submitted for your approval

Nice

Excited to see the addition of the '74 Reno show, this one is another two-fer.

Keep em coming.

Be Well People!
Sixtus

I'll take it...

Brief personal connection: September 1974, hitchhike to Mt. Tamalpais after accompanying my friend to the SF airport after hitchhiking across the country in search of ... thrills, I guess, at age 16. Turned 17 on the road. Camped on Mt. Tam overnight near the "No Camping" sign. Sat cross-legged watching the waves of the Pacific below, which appeared like grooves on a vinyl record. Had a couple beers with me. Wished I had some pot. Looked between my legs and found numerous half-burned joints, still toke-able. Very pleased. The next day went to the seedy part of San Fran to sell my watch to get a few dollars for food and begin hitchhiking home, via Denver. Walk right past the Mars Hotel. Two months earlier the album had been released and we were in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and bought it, so I knew what the "hotel" looked like. Seedy enough that I (on a mission) didn't enter it. Then it was torn down. Ah, being young and stupid on the road, 50 years ago this summer.
This release looks wonderful. More '74!
Cheers, HF

I'm In!

This is how they should do ALL the anniversary releases: Remastered album + outtakes + live show from the era.

FTMH + RENO '74

Just got the e-announcement from dead dot net. . . Onethebus: The guy on Hoffman was right. Looks like the first road show with the Wall of Sound has only two songs from Mars Hotel. Pretty nice show tho (and duly ordered w/ the green FTMH LP).

I think I finally figured out the Great and Powerful Hey Now: You have to humbly present the Wicked Witch of the West's broomstick on bended knee first. Onward.

Happy Birthday Wall of Sound

More '74 I say.

Hey Now Don't You Come Around Here, Anymore

Aargh! HN'd again

How you get that long post through HF?
Cheers

wondering

What happened to promised land on the reno show?

Mars Hotel 50th

Sweet! Take my money.

Next, October 74.

Hmmmm?

I found this show good, but not RJ…
But hey at least they didn’t cheese out with one disc this time!
And at least it wasn’t cut up tib bits, though kinda thought maybe rest of 6/26 or 6/22, but a nice surprise non the less!
More 74 is muy bien!

Pre-order

Instant pre-order. Looking forward to the demo's and live show. Roll on summer solstice.

Per the usual, I have no idea!

1st show, maybe if one gets up a bit foggy (a little of this, a little of that last night, with Telecaster) and doesn't think -- my forte -- and just type a story it slides through, courtesy of The Grease??

Dunno. It worked. HF

You have to present the...

Wicked Witch of the West's sheet of brown acid

While playing hackysack

A round of applause for 8/13/75

I always had mixed feelings about the show

These days it sounds totally awesome

8/13/75

In the top 10 of all-time great Dead shows.

Expected..

But welcomed. I have a rather rough recording of 5/12/74 so this is definitely shelf worthy.

Reno promised land

Gonna guess there were problems with levels or the mix. edit/update - yep, I realized I have a copy of this show. The Promised Land was not worth keeping.

Reno 74

I was at this show. I tried to share a few memories, but got HNd.

Reno? As in Nevada?....

....that works.

cd timings

Strange that Bear Family cds can stretch up to 87 minutes in length, and still sound great. Not that I'm bothered about the exclusion of Promised Land. It's my favourite of their Chuck covers, but I'm quite happy with however many versions I already have.
This looks like a great release.

So excited!

I listened to my vinyl copy of the album last night in anticipation of the 50th anniversary! So excited for the re-release!

Hey Now creator

I hope you get syphilis

Fixed

The fix is plug in code they can paste in 5 minutes if they wanted to. But the web team did update a few minutes ago when they corrected the misspelled logo on the home page, so they are around. Just unwilling, it seems. I still cant wait for Mars Hotel

I’m In

Just placed my order. The release date is the day after we see Dead and Co. in Vegas.

Washoe Zephyr

A good, but not grate show.
Glad to see it released, had it on cassette years ago and have upgraded the digital version a couple of times. I expect the Normanized version to sound even better.
I heard or read before that because of the Wall of Sound the music could be heard in Sparks.
People complained…..

If you didn’t know the saying, “Reno is so close to hell you can see Sparks”

87 min CDs

Wait this is a thing? I didn't know that!

Nevermind, I went and looked this up.

Interesting, I also see reference to "overburning", something else I didn't know you could do. Darn! I wish I'd known this stuff earlier... I think of all of the CD-Rs I've burned that are missing one track because the total time would come to 80 : 31 or whatever... I had no idea one could go past that fabled 80 min mark

Overburn

May not work with CD-R’s, just commercially pressed CD’s?

I'm On Board

Preorder has been placed.
Peace

Overburn 2

I have burnt 100s of cds with overburn. I was able to fit 82 minutes and 30 seconds which frequently came in handy when burning 2 slightly more than 40 minute lps. In addition with the very nonredbook 900mg discs I could put just over 92 minutes. For example the 2 cd boot of Neil’s complete Austin City Limits. Unfortunately that computer died last year after 20 years! Of heavy service and many 1000s of discs

That's it for the...preorder

Well hot damn! I was just about to place my order and all of a sudden it's sold out. Oh well. Maybe those of us who waited a tad too long will get lucky and they'll find some more in stock. One can hope.

Reno Promised Land

Check out the Charlie Miller soundboard on the archive and you will find out why Promised Land was cut.
Even if it wasn't a spacing issue, the mix on that song is horrible compared to the rest of the show.
Peace

Instrumental Versions of these tunes

I used to have a cassette (maybe still do somewhere) with instrumental versions of many of the tunes on Mars Hotel, including a great Unbroken Chain and a sublime take on Pride of Cucamonga, pre-pedal steel with Jerry bending notes where the pedal steel licks would eventually go. Also, a beautiful Ship of Fools.
I write all this because I’m surprised these alternate studio takes haven’t seen official release. They would make great bonus material and be well loved.

I see....

....they have one of those zoetrope vinyl versions. Just sayin'.
I also see....that it shows the CD out of stock as well. And I hadn't ordered it yet. Oof. Sometimes life gets in the way or laziness rears it's head.
Then again. It's dead.net. We shall see.

How so?!

Just checked my emails (usually once or twice a day) and the CD offer is already sold out!? WOW. Day One, really? WTF??? Release more please.

Kenco

Don't worry Kenco. These are not limited. Not sure why they are currently unavailable, but they will be back. I have seen this happen before. You can always grab a copy on Amazon if they end up actually being sold out here.

This will be my fourth Mars Hotel CD purchase since the 80s. Looking forward to the Nevada show.

Preorder out of stock

Interesting how this now can't be preordered. No mention of being limited edition.

Yet the actual limited to 3000 units edition vinyl is actually still available.

Also notice the limited poster is still available.

Spot floss raised UV....

....this poster has it.
I have no idea what the hell it is but it sounds fancy. A hundred bucks worth of fancy I guess.
Then again, I Pre-ordered a UV type record of DSOTM, so I should probably be quiet and pick up my china doll.

Out of stock

It was never in stock.
Rhino screwed up another rollout.
It will be back.

Didn’t want to risk it so I…

Didn’t want to risk it so I ended up ordering one from Jeff Bezos in case this was really sold out here (although yeah that would be surprising considering this isn’t even a limited release as others mentioned). No way am I passing up another 74 show! I’m still mad at myself for getting rid of my old Dick’s Picks 7 several years ago since I didn’t truly listen to it much. That was before realizing how great that year and general timeframe 72-74) is.

Joined: April 29, 2016 * …

Joined:
April 29, 2016
* ‘Mars Hotel’ 50th Anniversary
…..’oh Boy’ I’m so excited for this celebration and release! One of my favorite albums from the Grateful Dead! The unreleased show included is ‘Primo’! Another 1974 performance is golden! The audio quality is ‘superb & truly high quality mastering. A “home run” IMHO! Have a grateful day everyone & peace be witch you all my brothers and sisters! Long live the Grateful Dead! Let the music fill the air everywhere! I’m so excited for this release.
🙏❤️💀🌹

Instrumental Mars Hotel Rehearsals

Hey SearchLight: is this maybe what you remember having a cassette of?:

archive dot org/details/gd74-12-xx.mars-hotel.12468.sbeok.shnf

After three full-tilt tracks, the rest is instrumental.

(The 3-CD remaster is back on sale.)

5/12/74 University Of Nevada in Reno, NV

Set 1:
Promised Land, Sugaree, Mexicali Blues, Tennessee Jed, Jack Straw, Brown-Eyed Women, Beat It On Down The Line, China Cat Sunflower> I Know You Rider.
Set 2:
El Paso, U.S. Blues, Greatest Story Ever Told, It Must Have Been The Roses, Me And Bobby McGee, Deal, Around And Around, Mississippi Half-Step.
Set 3:
Truckin'> Nobody's Fault But Mine Jam> The Other One> Mind Left Body Jam> Row Jimmy, Big River, Ship Of Fools.
Encore:
Sugar Magnolia

This list is from "the Setlist Program" so I really can't be 100% accurate here. I have never streamed this show I only had it on a 90-minute tape of 5/12/74. The complete show may not exist in the Vault. I believe this is their 1000th show, more or less, if you include the Magoo's Pizza Parlor gigs.

Video

No video from Dave about "do check it oot" ?

It's Back

Available for pre-order again.
Step right up.
Cheers

And available elsewhere

It also now available on Amazon, which is a no brainer for me, since shipping charges are zero, and one day delivery.
Don't lend your hand to raise no flag
Atop no ship of fools

Ordered!!....

....then saw That Mikes post. Doh!

help

so much HN

Meanwhile

2/20/71

Very tasty

I loves me Port Chester GD

I really x100 wish crisp soundboards of all the 1970 shows there existed

You are the music while the music lasts.....

Hey rockers!!!

Ordered it, no problem. Not a huge fan of Mars Hotel, but looking forward to Reno.........

Speaking of Nevada, it's March 29. Time to crank up the Ice Palace!!!!

Music has charms to sooth a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.....

Rock on,

Doc
Music fathoms the sky.....

Port Chester 71

Proudfoot mentions SBDs, I just happened to be wondering the other day about multi-tracks. Three from the Vault is a multi-track recording correct? So are the Workingman's Dead and American Beauty bonus shows also multitracks? Did they record the entire run like that?

I thought about getting an FM bootleg of the 20th but I have not....

Ah boards of the 1970 shows, I see...

product sku

603497827992

Product Magento URL

https://store.dead.net/en/grateful-dead/special-collections/from-the-mars-hotel/from-the-mars-hotel-50th-anniversary-deluxe-edition-%5B3cd%5D/603497827992.html