Dave's Picks Vol. 49: Frost Amphitheatre, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA (4/27/85 & 4/28/85)

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January 19, 2024 - 8:00am

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Dead Admin

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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.

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February 7, 2024 - 10:24am

#821

dissident1980

Joined:
October 18, 2009

I was skeptical ...

I was skeptical about a 1985 release to lead off Dave's Picks this year, BUT, these are two very hot and very fun shows! Nice picks Dave :-) [Now, onward to September 1970! ... hee hee hee]
February 7, 2024 - 10:08am

#822

hendrixfreak

Joined:
February 26, 2014

I suffer from premature congratulations

Just finished the first show on #49 and have to add that Bobby finished off the show with Around & Around into One More Sat Nite and man, the band is ferocious! Those songs, except on E72, sometimes leave me cold, on this one my freakin' pants caught fire and... I ain't lyin!

Props to Billy, Phil and Brent and Mickey is playing with a remark-worthy precision that lays the sneakers-in-the-dryer effect to rest.

Dave L., you have chosen wisely. Hats off! And flaming pants off too!
February 7, 2024 - 9:49am

#823

That Mike

Joined:
November 1, 2014

Angry Jack Kerouac

A great road story, Jack, well told! They sure were different times.
“Roads were made for journeys, not destinations”
Confucius
February 7, 2024 - 9:41am

#824

hendrixfreak

Joined:
February 26, 2014

Strangely, I may be on topic here...

Enjoying the first #49 show. Yes, early first set sounds driven by the pre-show blast of marching powder but they settle down and my comment is:

Jerry may be in rugged shape, off-stage, but he sure seems to be the one driving the segues from song to song, where segues occur. He leads into GDTRFB, Truckin', Other One into Peter. I find Jer in exemplary form for most of the first show and on all "his" songs, in fact, like days of yore, the band is running after him at full tilt.

Ya know, I don't mind an "energetic" '85 show with the serendipity of setlist and the robust even raw treatment of the music. This is Rock and Roll, after all. I keep comin' back to Jer and his performance here.

So, a wide variety of shows sometimes leans on so-so performances, but in this case, the selection provides a reconsideration of long-held biases.

In other words, this sucker rocks with the fat man in the lead. God bless and RIP Jer.
February 7, 2024 - 9:36am

#825

estimated-eyes

Joined:
December 31, 2008

So Far

Reaffirming here how much I love this release now that I have fully digested it a couple of times. Listening to it on the home stereo over the weekend took me back to my dorm room in 1989 watching the video So Far. I have heard plenty of 1985 shows, but the way this one is mixed and remastered, the sound/feel of the band is exactly like they sounded when they recorded that video. Not surprising as they recorded So Far shortly after, but man... this is a time machine release. Brent's keys during Bird Song took me to that place, in particular. Thank you, Dave!
February 7, 2024 - 8:18am

#826

Dennis

Joined:
November 1, 2012

Kingfish - Big Iron

Nice call, I have a Kingfish show from 76 NYC. Very nice recording.
February 7, 2024 - 8:10am

#827

1stshow70878

Joined:
September 11, 2014

Big Iron

Said this one before.
Kingfish did killer versions.
Can't go wrong with Marty Robbins.
Cheers
February 7, 2024 - 8:02am

#828

Dennis

Joined:
November 1, 2012

off topic, of course

I’m sure we all have thoughts about songs the Dead could have played. I’m not talking about big hit covers, like knocking out a Stairway to Heaven. No, odd songs you really never saw coming.
I mentioned several times about how they should have done Ghost Riders in the Sky as a Bob song.
And Jerry really blew it when he didn’t do On Broadway, while he was on Broadway. Just to hear Jerry belt out –

But they're dead wrong, I know they are
'Cause I can play this here guitar
And I won't quit til I'm a star on Broadway
The house would have went nuts!

Well I’m laying in bed last night waiting for edibles to take me to sleep-world and this one crossed my mind. This may actually be an early version of Fire on the Mountain. I always thought Fire on the Mountain was about being in the band. Some of the phases remind me of Hunter.

The song – Six Man Band by the Association.

Well, I'm a day at a time
I'm a day at a time
Well, I'm a seeker and knower
In a six man mind
'Cause I'm a travelin' man
Yes, I'm a travelin' man
Well, I'm a comer and a goer
In a six man band
Well, I'm a California man, my instrument in hand
I'm electrified
On a fast flyin' trip, dirty laundry in my grip
Mostly drip-dry
We got the seventeen jewels that dictate the rules
And the time to fly, as we're passing by
We just got the time to say hello, and then a fast good-bye
I'm a travelin' man
Yes, I'm a travelin' man
Well, I'm a comer and a goer
In a six man band

Use of the word “grip” in the second verse, an old term, reminds me of the 20’s. Would a kid today know what a grip is? Does the youth have a sense of jewels in a watch?
But then throw in a huge jam after “fast goodbye”, coming out with Jerry growling out “I’m a Travlin’ Man”

Just a thought, ok maybe drug induced, but….

Anyone else have a song the Dead should have done?
February 7, 2024 - 7:39am

#829

dmcvt

Joined:
April 4, 2013

Angry Jack Straw in Vermont?

Your story, great stuff. Minor point, even adjusting for 1985, everyone outside of Burlington being farmers?? Hmmm... guess you did not get around outside Burl much. If you had said mid 60s, maybe, that's about when the back to the land movement, hippies, communes etc started the meaningful shift that turned Vermont from republican farmers to crafty democrats. The interstate highway system that made this happen began construction the early 60s. I get it about the difficulty is driving east west, drove out to Watkins Glen in 1973 from Maine. When I moved here in 1980 after visiting friends for years, lived on a farm in the mountains near Killington, old timers told stories about rural electrification still, which came in after WWII. Just sayin.... (and wowee zowee, first post in more than a month with no hay now or crapcha)
February 7, 2024 - 6:49am

#830

1stshow70878

Joined:
September 11, 2014

C'mon Louis!

Ten days of it will be here today. You're killing me Smalls!
Nothing innovative about lousy service Mr. Dejoy.
Cheers
Must be something with W. Colorado as my buddy in Crested Butte doesn't have his yet either.

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

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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.

NEW...

...daP 50 release less than 2 weeks away
...Knopfler release good to hear
...FEAT release OKAY

I laughed out loud at the…

I laughed out loud at the Lenny Hart comment. That's f***ing funny.

Come on 50!

Molly Tuttle

Not sure where else to put this, but should I check out Molly and her band at a small club that holds under 700? I love me some bluegrass.

4-12

1983

4 12 83

What a night! Ya had to be there!
First row, Phil’s new bass, new PA, lights etc, and my first time tripping at a show!

Rasta5: for sure

Molly is the real deal, you will enjoy. If you can, go early, get down front.

Molly on the Moon

Check out Molly Tuttle doing Standing on the Moon, then check out her version of White Rabbit. Both on Yew No Where Tubes. Should make the decision about whether or not to go see her pretty easy.

She's a Rainbow

Also see Molly's version of this Stones song at Ossipee. Their Satanic Majesties music takes me way back to the late 60s, today drencher, it's been JJ Cale's Naturally.

There's no brainers....

....then there's Molly.
You know what you need to do.
Edit.
VGK playoff spot clinched. Now it's just seeding.

Las Vegas was fantastic

I would have looked you up Vguy, but there is no way my beloved would go for connecting with a person I know only online.

LV: there is only one.

I can vouch for Vguy

He's almost as weird as me. We met up at the Rocks two years ago. I witnessed the man high-fiving every single person in his row en route to burning one with me.

Maybe proudfoot's wife would love to meet us both! Under, er, concert conditions...

Yeeeehhhhiiiiii!!!!!!!!!

Hey now!

You be careful there, HF.

yes, concert conditions only

;)))

We are indeed an odd lot on this odd little place of a website

One more LV thing is the show Awakening at the Wynn

Top notch production with a w t f plotline

Born and raised in Vegas....

....moved to Elko (still Nevada), met my wife and drug her back to the heat.
Seen this city morph into pro sports and expansion up into the hills. Traffic is getting exhausting, but first world problems.
Knopflers new record is A+.
Vinyl arrived today.
Even the wife likes it. Bonus points.
That's twice you've come to Vegas Stoltzfus and didn't give me a heads up.
I'm harmless. Unless....
Yeah. I remember your Gov’t name lol.

12/1/66

Find it on that too b thing

Labeled as the 4th but it is the 1st

A treasure

Take my word for it Vguy

It is much better this way

Simply weird to see the changes there

Our first visit was 1990

Hello

Is there anybody in there

Just n o d if you can hear me

Is there anyone home?

3 18 67

Perfect accompaniment for this mornings walk

49

I put 49 back in again before I put the actual discs away, this was a really solid release. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
The sound, setlists, playing, four discs! And it's an interesting period I think, not alot of exposure. I hope the next one is as much fun...

49

Mas Fina!

Thanks

Is not enough mister d l

Hopefully

You

W

E
R
E

N
O
T

J
U
S
T

B
L
O
W
I
N
G

S
M
O
K
E

About

More eighty five goodness
Mucho Garcias!

04-14

'72
E72 The Complete Recordings, By far my all time favorite release ever.

where...

...there is SMOKE there is Fire, HIGH anticipation for a summer '85 BOX in 2025,
cause, ya know, conception began this month, and
currently weeding out shows for an 8 show box [6/14 thru 9/15]

it's all a dream we dreamed, one afternoon long ago

85 box

I, Too, thought an 85 box set could be in the cards. The main reason being ( we're so jazzed to release more of this great year) part of #49 liner notes. Maybe i'm reading to much into it, who knows.

Like every year, i'm totaly stoked to hear the news regardless of era!!!

Proudfoot's got the idea

They've got a few choice '67 Grease shows in stock. Let's have 'em!

The focus on this special release (in my head) is Pigpen as leader of the GD, so drop the remaining '66/'67 Grease shows on us. Follow that with the remaining Six-Headed '68 Beast shows, including the latest discoveries.

THEN we can settle down to the rest of the Vault. If you question this selection, just think about it. Who the hell cares anymore about '66/'67 Grease? Only the dodderheads who gather here...

Dodderheads

Count me in.

66-68

I'm all for a 66-67-68 box, but more for the lightning than the grease.

Yes no

Yes I’m down with primal faster than ole pig with a seventeen year old, but, like they say on the mountain: if yer gonna go, go big! 66-70!

4/15/70

My favorite show in thirty trips. They apparently used patches from 4 different sources to pull the show together.

4/15/70

4 sources? Masterful editing job, can't tell. Now my question on this show is: is there a third drummer on that funky Drums and Soul Sacrificish Jam before The Other One? Also, I believe this is one of the shows with the Miles Davis Quintet that featured Tony Williams and John McLaughlin. My God, what an unbelievable weekend that must have been.

Edited to add: no McLaughlin or Williams, but Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Airto Moreira, and Steve Grossman on sax. And it was 4 nights, but April 9-12. Alas. Still they were fresh off that buzzing experience confronting another form of experimental music from a master. And that is one of the better shows in that massive box. '67, '69, '74, and '77 are my other favorites. Not big on the '72 or '73 shows.

4.15.70....

....admittingly it's been a while. Brb.

4/25/77

From the big box. I played that one yesterday, and it is indeed excellent. The Scarlett-Fire, and..especially the spiralling jam from Wharf Rat back into Playing are the highlights.

4/15/70 may be next - although I was so impressed with the 77 show I dibbed into 5/5/77 afterwards. Great Sugaree in the second song first set slot.

4/15/70 W i n t e r l a n d

Alvarhanso - as you noted in your edit (which I didn't catch at first) the 4 shows where Miles Davis Quintet opened for the GD are 4/9 - 4/12 at Fillmore West. 4/15 is first show after that run. If anyone is interested in how the MDQ sounded in that run, the second night, 4/10 was released as Black Beauty: Miles Davis at the Fillmore West, first as a double LP in 1973 (import in US) which seemingly treated the set as one long improv (no proper song titles) and then a CD in 1997 that had actual song titles (I bought the CD a few years ago but can't remember if I knew it was one of "those" shows at the time).

more Miles at the Fillmore

Miles Bootleg Series Vol. 3, from the June shows at Fillmore East, also includes three bonus cuts from the April 11 Fillmore West show.

The Dave's 50 is available…

The Dave's 50 is available for pre-order in the store!

If anyone isn't subscribed...

It's under the Dave's Picks tab

Joey

Nice work Joey.

Now, where is that box?

50

Is available for preorder!!!! The cover art has a New York feel to it.

50 tracklist

Tracklist
CD 1
Palladium, New York City, NY (5/3/77)
1.PROMISED LAND
2.BERTHA
3.ME AND MY UNCLE
4.PEGGY-O
5.JACK STRAW
6.ROW JIMMY
7.LAZY LIGHTNING>
8.SUPPLICATION
9.DEAL
10.GOOD LOVIN'
11.SHIP OF FOOLS
12.THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED

CD 2
1.MIGHT AS WELL
2.ESTIMATED PROPHET
3.SUGAREE
4.SAMSON AND DELILAH
5.FRIEND OF THE DEVIL

Palladium, New York City, NY (5/4/77)
6.MISSISSIPPI HALF-STEP UPTOWN TOODELOO>
7.BIG RIVER
8.THEY LOVE EACH OTHER
9.IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE ROSES

CD 3
Palladium, New York City, NY (5/3/77)
1.EYES OF THE WORLD>
2.SPACE>
3.WHARF RAT>
4.DRUMS>
5.NOT FADE AWAY>
6.AROUND AND AROUND
7.UNCLE JOHN'S BAND

Palladium, New York City, NY (5/4/77)
8.DANCING IN THE STREET

50

I think they took it down...

Alvar got the tracklist for proof. lol

#50

I saw it Joey.

Another stealth roll out.

Ari Eyes

Anyone catch Ari referencing deadheads and Eyes of the World this evening?

#50

Now you see me, now you don't.
I agree with Philly Deadhead.
That is a very New York looking cover.
Peace

DMCVT

Yeah, I laughed at his use of "wake up" (I was just resting my eyes, I was not asleep) "to find out"....
He's not just leaving it to the late night comedians to point out the absurdity of it all. Sketch artist even caught him, lol.
Cheers

love...

the STEALIE hood badge on the TAXI...
and how about that FOR HIGHER taxi roof sign "TRIPS"
very COOL graphics on daP vol #50

JRAD and Jazz is Dead, summer in Burl

Local thrill seekers have advised me the early bird advance tix go on sale today for JRAD show on Jerry's birthday, and in early June, current Jazz is Dead iteration featuring Steve Kimock helps kick off Burlington Jazz Fest with a show at Nectars... hmmm seem to recall some other band playing at Nectars back in the day....

product sku

081227817442

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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