Dave's Picks Vol. 52: The Downs at Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM (9/11/83)
I remember the venue almost like and old fort with roses everywhere. We came to the site and Wavy Gravy showed us where to camp. Ken Kesey was here as well as a couple other big figures of the counterculture. I think because of Mickey's 40th. During drums a double rainbow appeared. Every time it looked like rain the band would stop and then come back even stronger from their breaks. I saw more outdoor shows in 83 than all the years combined. I have goose bumps even typing this from the memories. - xxuncle johnxx, Dead.net
One of the best memories I have were these 2 shows. During the break there was a lightning storm behind the stage, followed by a rainbow and then an awesome 2nd set. Morning Dew with a Cold Rain, Phil singing encore. Most of my tour buddies went home after Red Rocks and I tortured them with the Santa Fe tapes. Nothing beats the magic of a great GD outdoor show. "It all bleeds into one." - grateful hawaiian, Dead.net
In between sets, I remember it rained... and early on in the second set, there was an amazing rainbow directly over the stage behind the band. I don't believe they saw it, but I'm sure they heard about it. "Let It Grow" was awesome! - Johnny_A, Dead.net
The pot at the end of this rainbow is mighty fine, indeed. Our final Dave's Picks release for 2024 features the complete unreleased show from The Downs at Santa Fe, Sante Fe, NM, 9/11/83 (fun fact, it was Mickey's 40th birthday) with just a squidge of 9/10/83 to round things out. A true trader's treat, this one is solid all around from the lively first set featuring soon-to-be minted 80s classics like "Hell In A Bucket" and "West L.A. Fadeaway" to the return of "Help>Slip>Franklin's," the incredible 2nd set surprise of "Let It Grow," and adventurous takes on "He's Gone,""Wang Dang Doodle," and "Morning Dew." It's all well played, my friend, well played.
Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 52: SANTA FE, NM 9/11/83 was recorded by Dan Healy and has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman at Mockingbird Mastering.
TNJED - FOTD box
Admittedly, I have not listened to this box yet. I opened it and inspected the contents and got back to listening to other things--namely Geese (they rock). You say there are 40 tracks unplayable? What shows? Has anyone else had this issue? It give me PTSD from the HCS box set and waiting for those replacement discs.
Now I have to get to listening except it won't be this weekend...too busy seeing live music!
My Two Cents
Dead/WBRhino should adopt a system similar to Pearl Jam, who makes most, if not all, of their shows available. Ordering is easy, you can order as a CD or as FLAC, and the quality is outstanding. I get it is somewhat “apples & oranges” in that Pearl Jam records their shows knowing they will be released, so recording quality is top notch, whereas the Jeffrey Norman team must reconstruct some pretty old tapes for 21st Century listening that were never intended for release.
But the current system of Dave L choosing only 4 shows a year, that never gain full consensus, plus Boxes that often are hit or miss, there must be a better way.
You don’t need an Archivist to tell you what sounds good, anymore than you don’t need a Weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
PJ. Love em or hate em....
....but they have a top shelf business model.
Saw Judas Preist Wednesday night. Great show. Rob Halford has still got it 💥
sure would be
Nice if they started giving us a hi res file of the cover art.
Just stopping by to say....
That ForensicDoc is a good guy and an outstanding Deadhead.
Also, I'd be stopping by to add my two cents, except the website keeps telling me it doesn't recognize me, bad password, yada yada, when it's been good for 2024 so far. Not a complaint, just a fact.
Oh yeah, my one comment is that the next two picks are "a show," which means that the recently discovered '68 tapes won't make it to a Dave's Pick. Sooo.... how about GD/Rhino do a little special release next year that includes ... 2-3 '68 shows?
How am I doin'?? Getting a little repetitive in my old age??
Long time listener
First time caller.
A nod to Doc, Sir James and Oro. For obvious reasons.
I first saw the band live in the early 80s. There was nothing better. Not even close. But that era has not aged well. If you like it, so be it. How many of you still have avocado or mustard colored kitchens? Or still wear bell bottom jeans. They were cool back in their time.
The 80s are rough with those plinky keyboards. They just are. Fun at the time, but unlistenable now. To me at least.
I won’t deny that there were some unbelievable shows. Augusta 84, most of the summer of 85, most of 87. Then not so much.
I’m truly happy for the folks that want the later era shows. It’s just not my thing anymore. This release won’t even get played.
When I first discovered the archive and was able to listen to earlier era shows, I was in disbelief. I couldn’t believe how much better the band was back then. To my ears. That music is timeless. Spinning 5/3/72 now.
As the old saying goes, if you can’t spot the donkey, it’s you.
I was the donkey.