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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April 25, 2021 - 6:50am

#3781

bluecrow

Joined:
September 21, 2015

Spring is here

wishing everyone a relaxing Sunday. a good day to play some electric Jerry on the Eel. congratulations Bolo on the grandbaby(!!) and to everyone getting their double dose of vaccine on (yay!!) been spending a lot of outdoor time. early-growing-season yard /garden is very happy, nicest in years. garlic is going strong and going to have a few apricots (most frosted) and one little tree of peaches(!!), and maybe some almonds(!!!) more often than not these all get taken by a late frost here. first real camping trip for a long while this past week with my sweetheart out by the Henry Mtns, last surveyed mtn range in the lower 48, with some insanely cool laccolith action along the south flank of Mt. Hillers. so good for the heart and soul to be out there enjoying the long view.
was really enjoying DaP 36 in the truck. Like the old days spinning '87 while on the road.
yes - 7/18/72 - great great show.
can't wait for DaP38 (and whatever box the Gods may bring).
Onward : )
April 25, 2021 - 4:08am

#3782

daverock

Joined:
September 1, 2014

Lemmy

Rockthing-Proudfoot - a bit away from pick of the day, but mention Lemmy, and I see Hawkwind 1972 - 1975. If you haven't checked it out already, the official film clip of him singing Silver Machine with Hawkwind in 1972 is the business. They were amazing live in those days.
April 24, 2021 - 8:41pm

#3783

proudfoot

Joined:
August 2, 2020

Randomz

4 18 71 sweet
4 24 71 good
6 19 80 good
April 24, 2021 - 6:47pm

#3784

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

Givin' Bobby some luv. First…

Givin' Bobby some luv. First time checkin' out Wolf Brothers.

PROUDFOOT: It's some seriously heavy poetry. Lemmy was a lyricist for a lot of other singers, too. R.A.M.O.N.E.S., for instance, was written for the actual Ramones to record... and I think they might have actually done so. He wrote lyrics for Ozzy, and others, too, but 1916. I think he won a Grammy for that, didn't he?
April 24, 2021 - 6:24pm

#3785

proudfoot

Joined:
August 2, 2020

Rockthing

I usually skip that track because I get so verklempt.

Lemmy excels at high energy swaggering strutting rock n roll

and he can then do 1916, whorehouse blues, God was never on your side....
April 24, 2021 - 5:51pm

#3786

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

4/20/84, aka Dave's 35,…

4/20/84, aka Dave's 35, right? That's in my Amazon cart, but "so soon after payday"... The Holbrook source comes with a little commentary from the Crew. As they indicate, Feel Like a Stranger does not yet seem to have come into its own, but there's nothing particularly wrong with it. Good Cumberland, but that Rooster, which the tapers also mention as being sort of "the beginning of the show", struck me as possibly the best Little Red Rooster I've ever heard the Dead do.

Speaking of splitting hairs, as OROBORUS was alluding to, it's really hard to quantitatively say any rendition of a standard blues number is better than another, but I think the dynamics of this performance are what make it stand out for me. (The opinions of this author in no way reflect the opinions of anyone else anywhere). They bring it up, and then take it back down, creating a dramatic experience. Jerry gets really raunchy with his slide solo, and the crowd responds, lifting the band just that touch further before they drop back down into the verse, which leaves space for the audience show their appreciation, thus giving the band further confidence. The feedback loop of live performance. Many times this tune just seems to plod along, but not on this night.

Let it grow also has a kind of wild vibe on this night. Again, maybe this was the norm for the day. I need to unpack the '84 shows from earlier this week.

The Scarlet-Fire. First of all, I love how the Holbrook source leaves this couplet as one track. Scarlet Begonias also benefits from a dynamic performance that takes it to a raucous place at which it normally never even hints. Perhaps Jerry's breathing difficulties actually contribute to the rousing performance as he begins to scream to get to higher notes that used to be easy for him. The band is pulled along by this energy, and Jerry's guitar work also gets a kick. Love this, despite the mixed feeling about it being a result of Jerry struggling with health issues. Fire has lots of meandering jamming, which, to me, always makes it better. This is amazing, while having a completely different character than the great Scarlet-Fire jams of the late 70s. They really came out of the box strong for the second set.

Hearing Jerry kind of struggling with his vocals in the mid-80s had always kind of left me with a sad feeling, which is probably why my listening experience is weak in this era, but this show may have enlightened me as to that actually being the attraction of this period. Jer has to really dig deep, and the extra effort that once was not required infects the band and the audience with its energy. Dunno, just a thought inspired by listening to this show.

Samson and Delilah absolutely had me out of my seat, lord I had to dance!

I made it up to Drums before other duties required my ears.

OROBORUS: 4/24/71. That's one tape I've had for as long as I can remember having tapes. I tend to go to 4/18 more often, so this'll be nice to revisit.

JIMINMD: 4/22/79 is the last two track Betty Board? Don't really know her history well enough, other than she made a ton a great recordings. Are her masters multi-track from then on, or did she stop touring with the band after that?

Actually, I was wrong about having Brent's first show. I'd read about it somewhere, Deadology, or Dead Listening blog, or something. The closest thing I had was 5/5. That has now been remedied. Fantastic audience source available. Feels a touch mid-scooped, but the Miller transfer of Mark Severson's tapes seemed, to my ears, to have the smoothest frequency response. I have not listened to more than a few A/Bs of Mama Tried, however. Looks like a good time, but we've already moved on.

PROUDFOOT: Yeah, I completely lost track of Shock G and that whole scene, but the Humpty Dance was a phenomenon, wasn't it? There's a really interesting interview with Shock G thread-posted to Twitter. No mention of oatmeal. :P

As much as I like the April '71 tapes I've got, I've never managed to "collect'em all". This is one of my gaps.

Also, Motorhead 1916. The song 1916 is so heavy without actually being "heavy" as in heavy metal. Chokes me up every damn time. Jerry and the boys coulda destroyed that song at the end of the second set. 20 thousand Dead Heads weeping in unison. Also a lotta good old rock'n'roll, cranked to 11, on that album. Picked that up back in the day when I stopped at a random "cassette shop" that I'd passed every day on the way to work for a while. Needed some new tunes for the commute. Couldn't say why the car wasn't full a Dead tapes, but there have been a few periods where I set'em aside for a while... or maybe just didn't wanna leave'em in the car.
April 24, 2021 - 9:19am

#3787

proudfoot

Joined:
August 2, 2020

My first potd

6 25 85

85 box would be welcome, ptb.
April 23, 2021 - 7:51pm

#3788

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

In lieu of an actual copy of…

In lieu of an actual copy of Dave's Picks 35 (sorry Official Dead dot Net ^^;) I had a poke around the Archive. A further poke around revealed I could actually get a copy from Amazon by the middle of next week for less than 80 bucks. I'd just assumed all those things were sold out on pre-order.

So, before realizing I could get the official release (but too late to contribute to any discussion about it) I did some taste testing on The Archive. Using BIODTL as a quick starting mid-first set number, hoping the house sound would be pretty much dialed in by then, I listened to The Executive Crew's FOB Beyer XY cassette master, then listened to the Miller transfer of the Silberman digital source. Yep. A digital field recording from 1984. Pretty avant garde. I listened back to the Beyer. Listened to the Silberman Sennheiser 441's again, then the Beyer cassette master, and so on for a while. The Silberman digital source probably has a touch more clarity, and even more so than a lot of Sennheiser recordings seem to me, even the Senn source attributed to Jim Wise, but suspiciously having the exact same set up as the Silberman source. At the end of the day, there's something that seemed warm and soothing, but at the same time, a little rough and tumble, about the cassette master. Perhaps it strikes a balance between what I often perceive as a kind of muffled sound from the Senns and the hyper clarity of the Silberman/Miller project. I've noticed my ear's preference for Beyer recordings, but it's never guaranteed. The binaural recording from this same team is intriguing and will likely be revisited, but for now, I'll be downloading the Beyer XY cassette pull. Confirmed as a Luddite, I am.
April 23, 2021 - 5:49pm

#3789

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

JIMINMD, is your buddy's…

JIMINMD, is your buddy's tape circulating?

So it's Daves's Picks 35? Ah, I see. 4/20. Sounds good to me.

I've really been loadin' up on April '84 shows lately. '82~'85 had been a real weak spot in my listening until a year or so ago. Been really into all the '82 shows I've checked out so far. The '85 New Year's show, with Ken Kesey absolutely freaking the fxxx out, was one of my first dozen tapes, though.

I think I've got a copy of Brent's first show hangin' about on a hard disk. Disco Dead, I'm all over... well, not really, but I've spent more time with that period, at least. Gonna start with that '84, show, though, 'cause I'm sure I've never heard it.
April 23, 2021 - 12:27pm

#3790

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

PF: opinions are what makes this place interesting!

So op away mi amigo!
I felt the same about this one as I did the last; really dug the first set, both H2H were awesome, the banter is priceless, but the second sets....? seemed slightly...? a tad, ruff, ragged, forced, distorted...? Sorry, can’t spit it out, but not as bad as this might make it seem. I’m nit picking comparing to for instance the 17 & 18th. But hey that’s just me...
Have enjoyed em all so far. Really looking to the big final stretch next week!

Had a nice visit with Dave’s 35 too. Need to hit 37 again before 38.
But onward to 4/24/71 today since I have time but won’t tomorrow.

Awful quiet around here.....(sound of crickets......)......
Seems like it might be time for SOMETHING? Come on Dave!!
Now is the Time!

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.

68 and Loud

I completely agree.

On occasion and if I'm not careful volume gets the best of me. One day I might live to regret this. Thankfully, that day was not today.

A new one for me. Some sound weirdness especially in and around banter, but what the hey.

I don't know what it is, but I have soft spot for The Eleven, Born Cross-Eyed and especially New Potatoe Caboose. Good show with some vintage grease to end the night with me feeling a little dirtier than I did when I woke up.

If there's no pick for tomorrow, I suggest the next in line. It's a partial, starts with a rare Clementine. 1/20/68 Euraka Municipal Auditorium. I think we should set up a go fund me to find all the missing reels, there's a couple missing from this show. It would be something for them to be found.

4/30/88 at the Frost

Hey Jim, I know you have had a lot on you plate this year. Thanks for checking this one out. Yes, the recording is decent, not great. Like a lot of 88 recordings out there. Still think they have some good ones in the Vault.

I liked the show, anytime I see a Hey Pocky Way, I am in. Nice Shakedown to open the second set. Love the triple Encore with China Rider OMSN.

It is good to get out of the comfort zone once in a while Doc.

Carousel Ballroom 68, okay Jim, Ok will have to que it up this morning.

Enjoy the weekend out there.

Edit. Oh and after the carousel ballroom I will be moving on the 12/9/79, Dave's Picks #47. Love this one and I need some 79. If I had the keys, I would be putting out a big 79 Box.

Lewiston, for your consideration

44 years ago today, there when Roy Buchanan along with Levon and His All Stars opened for the Dead. My last in person show, on the bus since their first album, however things had changed so much.... Doc was there, a wild late summer scene, part of my farewell to Maine.

All is worthwhile if the soul is not small.....

Hey rockers!!

Yes, we were there and had a blast. Beautiful day and tremendous music. A very fine show by the Dead, one of my all-timefavorite in-person Dead experiences.

Would make a solide offical release. It is worthy......

Doc
Everything I did in my life that was worthwhile, I caught hell for.....

All is worthwhile if the soul is not small.....

Hey rockers!!

Yes, we were there and had a blast. Beautiful day and tremendous music. A very fine show by the Dead, one of my all-time favorite in-person Dead experiences.

Would make a solid official release. It is worthy......

Doc
Everything I did in my life that was worthwhile, I caught hell for.....

9/6/80

Hey DMCVT,

Love this show and will get it going again this weekend.

And yes, it would make a great releasen.

Pretty sweet you and Doc were there.

9/6/80 Lewiston

I'm in - hopefully sometime this weekend I can transport my mind and spirit into late summer beautiful day/evening Maine. Sounds like a dream show and setting. Very cool that a couple of you guys got to be there. Didn't realize this was the last show before the Warfield run. Long and heartfelt write up on grateful seconds (he was there). Comment at the end from a guy who was 8 at the time and lived a "bike trail" away from the fairgrounds. Listened to part of the show from his clubhouse. Rode his bike over and snuck in. Totally dug the Drums. Made major bank (for a kid) collecting cans and bottles for deposit afterwards (which is exactly what 8 yr old me would have done.) Think I might travel John Deere with the Jim Wise FOB.

Been Gone

But back this week. I can do Lewiston again.

As I recall there is not a good soundboard that circulates, right? And the one that does is first set only and it sure does sound like an audience (or ultramatrix on steroids at least).

High energy though.. like Gainesville, there must have been something in the water.

You have to wonder if this was recorded and if so where the hell are the master tapes? I think someone (Parrish??) tossed out the language that some of the master reels were left on the seat and when the truck pulled away they must have flown out the window or something.

I'd love to see more reels (and cassettes) returned.

Anyway, Lewiston Me for me tomorrow.

Edit: Started tonight - why not? Gave up on the "soundboard" and settled on the Jim Wise same as Bluecrow. Good news, Bluecrow.. The John Deere Broke down and was sitting in the yard for the last half of the week. I got it working today. Had to replace the solenoid. Damned electronics are always interfering with time travel. Just imagine if this broke back in time before Jebediah Solenoid created the first working model for riding mowers.. we would have been screwed.. I mean, nothing wrong with being stuck in 1980 but why not go back another 10 to 15 years...

High energy is right. Pretty good audience.

Follow-Up

While I was in the neighborhood, I took a quickie with 11/28/80 Lakeland Civic Center - Lakeland, FL (30 Trips).

I figured why not.. most enjoyable, especially To Lay Me Down. Not sure why I like that song so much, but I do.

More 1980

Ah, yes, more 1980. You don't have to twist my arm. A shorter show for the time period, but still really good. Will get it going after I finish up Dicks #36, which was mentioned on some other threads. Such a great show, but apparently didn't sell well at the time. No idea why.

My Favorite Non-Multi-Track 1980 Release

Random Musing - 1980

My favorite non-multi-track 1980 release has got to be Dave's # 8, 11/30/80 Fox Theater. Love how that Matrix worked out. If anyone remembers the seaside chat, he was spot on.

Crowd noise was not as big an issue in 1980 as they could play in some pretty intimate venues. Also, as the age of the cassette master replaced the lovely Ms. Cantor Jackson, a lot of those early soundboards are a bit sterile sounding without the crystalline highs and the booming lows. Blending those early 80's soundboards with one of those near perfect audience masters works. When they aged out of the smaller, cooler venues (thinking after Jerry's coma and In The Dark) audience tapes had to compete with hundreds of the guy next to you screaming "JERRY!!" at 95 decibels, this was no longer possible.

That SBD/Dr. Bob matrix is almost exactly perfect (or as good we are going to get for the time).

On the opposite side of the same coin, I think some of the Ultra Matrix's have a bit too much of the guy yelling JERRY! then I sometimes want to hear. Thinking a lot of 87 suffers from this, and by then the audience tapes were no better.

Anyway, if Mr. Norman can pull of similar wizardry I wish they would do more like DaP#8.

Being that it’s the anniversary

9-16-90 playing now.

Wonder what the Black Friday RSD release will be.

Music comes from a place we don't know...........

Mornin', rockers!!!

Pick of the day? September 24, 1972. Because..............Dark Star!

Minor rain storm headed my way................

The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils......

Rock on!

Doc
Music comes from an icicle as it melts, to live again as spring water......

9/24/72

Oh yes, this is a great show, I am in.
Thanks Doc.

Why Not

It's an early audience, but contains one of the few Seven's that were recorded.

09/29/69 Cafe au Go-Go - New York City, NY

It's no betty board, but an interesting inflection point in GD history, so maybe worthy of our time. Primal GD on the heels of WMD Americana GD.

Despite the recording quality, it's pretty good for a 1969 audience. Worth the trip for the Seven alone. Plus, it's pretty short. Something different, something quick, and well, it's really something.

So why not mix it up with a shortie from the fall of 1969.

9/29/69

Will mix this in as I listen to the new box today. Thanks Jim.

Hope everyone had a good summer

Been a while, just wanted to say hello. Watching the Dark Star from 10/18/74, cool to see video of Ned on stage, as well as see Jerry interact with the head nod. Enjoyed the April 78 release. With the 50th anniversary of the Winterland shows a few weeks away, doesn't look like anything is happening. Be good everyone. Bob t

Bob T

Hey Bob T, how have you been man? Hope all is well.
Yes, love that bonus footage from the GDM soundtrack. Might be one of my favorite UJB.
I have been traveling for work this week so still haven't made a dent in the new box, but loving it so.far.
Good thing there is no rush at this point.

Picks

Hope everyone is enjoying the new box set. Really enjoying it so far over here.

If anyone is interested in a pick, it has been a while, how about 5/16/81, Barton Hall from the 30 Trips box?

5-16-81

Started playing it last night and finished it tonight.

Good call DV.
And I’m having a Bell’s Octoberfest too. They’re gone from the store but I have 5 more cans in the fridge.

Conekid

Nice Conekid, must be esp.

Enjoyed the show again, nice Shakedown Bertha, Sailor Saint. Show ends with that audience patch.

Enjoy the last few Octoberfests. Still have a couple six packs to get through. Would buy a few more but the self life of this beer is only 3 months and it goes bad fast.

Change alone is eternal, perpetual, immortal…..

Good morning fellow rockers!!!

October 19, 1971

The second great seismic shift of 1971. The Yang to the Yin of February 18. Similar, yet different. Old, yet new. A vision of the new era. Change can be for good if you combine audacity with safety………

An old friend missing, a new guy who seems to fit in right away. Six new songs. The return of the complete CE/TOO/CE suite. The unusual occurrence of back-to-back Garcia songs twice in the first set. The first of the Fall 1971 FM broadcasts. One of only two 1971 shows that featured both Black Peter and Brokedown Palace. There ain’t no grease, but there’s plenty of Bakersfield left, as well as big jams.

Not without its rough edges, yet somehow it hangs together oh so well. Absolutely historic and worthy of a serious listen……

Rock on!!
Doc
He who rejects change is the architect of decay, the only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery………

10/19/71

Oh, yes, Doc this is a good show at the University of Minnesota at the Northrup Auditorium. Good idea.

Some may never live, but the crazy never die.....

Morning, rockers!!

This is for AJS. He'll know what I'm talking about...........

October 20, 1984, Carrier Dome. The last show we saw on that tour, maybe not Augusta level but very enjoyable. We had a great time. Maybe it was the liquid 25, courtesy of Deadhead Fred, a little drop'll do ya!!

Or maybe it was the music. Worth a listen!!!

If I had known being insane was so much fun, I'd have gone crazy long ago.....

Rock on,

Doc
No one can drive us crazy unless we give them the keys......

Doc & Angry Jack

10-20-84 - Syracuse

I was there also, think I met doc in the bathroom during drums,,, he was wearing a tie-dye :-)

My records show we rated Jack Straw at end of set one, a plus 2. Also second set opener of Shakedown got a plus 2 rating from our crew. We have the Black Peter that night at a plus 1.

Thing I remember was the air pressure blowing you out of the exit doors,,, deadheads LOVED this,,, kept going back in just to be blown out!

My wife went to Syracuse (both her parents also!)

Carrier Dome

Love the energy of this show. I'm pretty sure I tossed this out for a pick of the day a few years ago. I was not there, but hey.. we make it to the shows we can and hope for magic and a lightning strike or two.

Still, an enjoyable show and how about that Jack Straw. Another one where I wish I was there.

10-20-84 playing now

Just finished set 1.
It’s a Miller, but the file on my music player doesn’t have an ID number.
Vocals are pretty weak in some places. The playing seems to be trying to make up for it.
Shakedown poking around now…..

Edit:
I would have had fun had I been there.
Drums/Space was good.
I’ll listen to it again.

Most jokes state a bitter truth…..

November 7, 1971
Harding Theater, San Francisco, California

Deadicated to bolo24, because I will not follow where the path may lead, but I will go where there is no path, and I will leave a trail……

Great and classic show and a long-time personal favorite. It has pretty much everything you could ask of the Dead in this era. Rockers, Cowboy songs, hot jams, the unusual coupling of Dark Star and The Other One, an unbelievably smoking NFA transition jam (maybe the best ever?), plus even the often-expected equipment difficulties, AND jokes from the audience! The circulating broadcast copies are excellent quality and highly recommended. The band sounds loose, and the crowd sounds juiced. OK yes there’s no Pigpen, but still highly highly recommended, a classic of the first rank!!

Rock on!!
Doc
It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes

I guess I missed it....

I didn't see the notice about the next Bear's Journal, John Hammond.

If you missed too, it's available on Amazon and Bear's site.

Pick

Okay, seems like we need a pick.

How about 10/19/72 from the glorious LTTR Box? Love this box.

Good to see this box finally sold out. We need to make sure these all sell out in order to keep the train rolling.

I can do 10/19

Might take me more than a day though, but I'm in.

10/19/72

Thanks Jim.
Another fantastic show from the Fox!
There is something about these shows. Might be the Birdsong that adds to the overall enjoyment.
Can you imagine if they played Birdsong in Europe that year?

Taking my time with the new box, so it is fun to jump around, which is so fun with all this incredible music.

Can we add a fifth release in December? Call it For the Faithful Volume 1.

11-14-71%

Anniversary today.
It’s a RT Bonus Disc.

Expected that Doc would have pointed that out.
Maybe he did on another page.

Yes, the LTTR Box is glorious.

We're not earthly beings any more... we're cosmic beings.....

Mornin' rockers! And happy Friday!

Fell asleep yesterday so forgot all about TCU. But I did remember it's an underrated show..........

Austin, Texas, November 15, 1971. Brings back fond memories of my tape trading days, when I had an unbelievably good copy of the FM broadcast. Starts high with strong Truckin', throw in a sweet first set Dark Star, a fiery NFA transition jam, and the usual country/western/new material suspects, and there you have it!! Really fine, very enjoyable show that is worthy of its official release status.

Of course, November 15 1972 will also do nicely...............

We're on this planet for the briefest of moments in cosmic terms, and I want to spend that time thinking about what I consider the deepest questions. LIke, what's for lunch?

Rock on!

Doc
On a cosmic scale, our life is insignificant, yet this brief period when we appear in the world is the time in which all meaningful questions arise......