Pick of the Day, with Discussion

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April 6, 2020 - 9:47am

8,079 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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March 31, 2023 - 2:50pm

#1161

icecrmcnkd

Joined:
October 20, 2015

I’ve heard Brent’s solo album

Not very good.
What a waste of good Fall ‘80 reels.
March 31, 2023 - 11:43am

#1162

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

Jim and OB

Jim, too funny! Yes, where is that Brent release. Just think if they recorded over the E72 reels? Where would we be.

Interesting stuff OB, would love to learn more from that article. Maybe Cutler, Pearson, etc. made two track down mixes?
March 31, 2023 - 8:43am

#1163

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

On it DV

Nice start, then…oh Bob lol

7/16/72: yep, ruff tape, good show. Glad I checked it.
3/29/68: another beauty. Nice recording, always dig a Sitting on Top, Death Don’t, and the usual suspects!
I bet there’s more of these old shows they could use. What gives Dave, WE WANT OUR PRIMAL BOX 66-70!

Haven’t made it to 3/29/69 yet…

HOWDY JIMBO, good to see ya!

DBL EDIT: I think they have cassettes of some of those shows.
Pearson et el were part of the ultrasound crew and involved in the early R&D years with John Meyer. They cobbled together a bunch of stuff over the years, including a hybrid super system for the fall 80 shows. I have an old article some where (I think from modern recording magazine back then?) (shit, I should dig that out ) discussing the crazy stuff they were doing. Most folks don’t understand: technologically, the wall was child’s play compared to the Meyers ultrasound systems of the eighties onward. They started developing stuff way back in the early/mid seventies and we’re working behind the scenes for many years. They often would test new things they were working on in conjunction with the existing stuff. Literal work in progress! No different then pre and early wall shows etc.
They cobbled a set up together for certain test shows when able I,e., I believe 12/31/78 is an example.
The fall 80 shows were another big test run.
Anyway, it was many years of R&D before the fully formed Ultrasound sweetness most folks took for granted from like 1983 onward, but these guys pioneered so many changes and inventions over the course of decades that most folks don’t realize. Howard Danchik is another ultrasound unsung hero. Had the pleasure to talk to Howard and he was kind of enough to discuss some stuff at the one show I worked 7/1/92, while we were under the stage turning amps on.
I’m sure these guys wore many hats during such an important gig!
What a crew!
March 31, 2023 - 7:54am

#1164

JimInMD

Joined:
June 27, 2011

87

Will try and fit that in today while I work.

ha.. just noticing the good doctor was up and posting at 4:06 am yesterday steering us towards more primal dead. In this world of trouble, we need more primal dead and I thank him for that.

As to the myriad of sound engineers working with the 1980 multi-tracks.. yes, I was aware but am still not sure what all that means. It looks like Betty and Dan worked the mix and the rest were involved in the recording. Certainly they had a sound truck out back for the whole run. My guess is all that work went into making those multi-tracks that were carefully erased to make room for the new Brent album that should be coming out any day now, I've been waiting a long for this.. it's going to be great.

I suspect there is more than what Lemieux will tip his hat towards, but it is probably true that complete shows from this run might be just beyond our grasp unless recorded on cassettes. Just a guess though, we can always hold hope.

How does that song go..... in this world of trouble, we've got love one another. Keep up the hope fellow heads.
March 31, 2023 - 6:05am

#1165

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

9/16/87

Okay, looks like we need a pick. How does 9/16/87 from the Madison Square Garden sound ? The 18th was the 30 Trips show.

Unrelated, I was watching Dead Ahead a few nights ago and kept it on and watched the credits. First, they filmed both 10/30 and 10/31 nights. Would love to see the two full shows.

Second, as I was watching the credits, it listed recorded by Bob Matthews, John Cutler, Wizard and Don Pearson. Those are some very interesting names for the time period as I did not know Cutler or Pearson had any affiliation with the band in 1980. I also didn't know Wizard or Bob Matthews were still working with the band on recordings at this point. Seemed to indicate this was a professional recording with a professional crew?

Anyway, I know Dave bursted my bubble a couple of years ago, stated there will never be a multi track release of the Warfield/RCMH. However, I wonder if there are recordings somewhere from Pearson, Wizard? Wouldn't that be something?
March 29, 2023 - 1:06am

#1166

Forensicdoceleven

Joined:
June 17, 2008

A gift in season is a double favor to the needy…..

Wake up rockers!!!!

Picks Of The Day:
Carousel Ballroom March 29 1968
Ice Palace, Las Vegas March 29 1969

So soon, another Daily Double? Thanks Doc, I’ll take Primal Dead for $1000……

When you go into the realm of a double role, you have to take it to another level to make it believable. With these two shows, the Dead clearly take it to that other level…..

March 29, 1968: There’s a nice Miller remaster out there, is it a soundboard, or stage mics? Either way, quite listenable. Kick it off with some major grease. Death Don’t second song in. Stand-alone Dark Star. Greasy gooey jammy grand finale. Can we hope that there’s a “new and improved “ copy in those banana boxes?

March 29, 1969: The band scorches Sin City with a wonderful psychedelic masterpiece. Grease and big jamming, what could go wrong?!! We had tapes of part of this way back in the day, and it was cherished. Now, worthy of official release, is it in those banana boxes too? Only time can tell…………..

I have doubted myself on several Daily Double answers……

Rock on!!

Doc
I have so many personalities, I live more than a double life………….
March 27, 2023 - 9:24pm

#1167

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

7/15/89 Deer Creek

The first set started out good, but yes, there appears to be weirdness going on with the recording. Peggy O and Queen Janes were good and I thought the Bird Song was great.
What happened in the second set? That Crazy Fingers seemed to be a struggle and don't know what happened to Jerry or the recording? But, there was a something going on.
They sure bounced back at Alpine a couple days later.
March 27, 2023 - 1:41pm

#1168

bluecrow

Joined:
September 21, 2015

Deer Creek and 7/16/72

Pretty damn funny that Dave had a slice of Deer Creek '89 up this morning. I haven't had a chance yet for that show but couldn't help but notice that set list from Crazy Fingers onward which is def my kind of sequence.

I was only suggesting the Jam of the Week for 7/16/72 because of the lack of a recent circulating copy and knowing the vault source would be cleaner. I actually had the one circulating source as a POTD over a year ago. I know it starts with that somewhat weird unbalanced audience, had to have been recorded near/in front of a stack, which I could dig but others not so much, before it off and on transitions to the sbd. A crazy thing about the audience source is that all instruments and vocals are pretty well represented. The show isn't quite 7/18 but its solid '72 and which means some really really good music.

Edit - And now going back to it, yeah I seem to remember that Playing absolutely rips, only 5 songs into the show. God I love it! Like I said way back when, there is something about this audience source that puts me right there! Wowza!! Maybe my favorite straight-into-the-heart-of-the-sun '72 Playings.

And I love love love the Cold Rain and Snow that is song 2 of that audience ; ) And the Black Throated Wind that follows.

Edit 2 - awesome closing jam of Not Fade Away >Going down the Road>Hey Bo Diddley with Dickey, Berry, and Jaimoe.
March 27, 2023 - 1:07pm

#1169

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

Ha! Great minds…

It’s like that bumper sticker: who are the Grateful Dead and why do they keep following me?

7/15/89: decent one/two opener, though it appears Bobs having tech issues. Blues, nice PEGGY O, but Jer?, something seems not…quite in snap..? Micro synapses not syncing? Not bad, but…Hard to describe, just Queen J for instance he’s just…not..quite…usually owns these songs? Maybe I’m reading into too much? Whatevs?
That’s how part of this show seemed: good show, but perhaps not quite summer 89 good?
BIRD SONG they do a great job of nice unhurried swelling as a band in sync, smooth, not forcing it.
Subtle but very nice.
JG comes out second with Foolish Heart but again, ok, but…maybe trying too hard, holding the stick too tight?
Same with Victim, ok but….
Then Crazy Fingers it’s like Jer steps it up and they start to really, then…ooopps, then yeah…but by Truckin it’s like they know they have to catch up and from Smokestack onward the show rocks! Cool Drumz/space with Close Encounters tease, sweet China Doll, definitely felt like Jer was trying to make up for things, and to prove it he throws in a sweet Stella after a smoking Watchtower in the middle! Big R&R mags closer, and JG throws down again with a Brokedown, though not flawless, it’s a nice finish. Interesting show. Not quite sure overall how I feel about it? I can see why it has maybe been passed over? Good but again, perhaps a step back from some of its lofty neighbors?
Of course still have Alpines and that cool Foxboro show, not to mention the Cali shows, and several fall tour nuggets, all just sitting there in multitrack glory…?

Ok BC, trying this 7/16/72 but so far the tape is so so aud…
Holy crap Weirs killing it on this Playing jam!

So, funny. While grooving on tunes today I per chance was perusing that After All Is Said And Done book, and don’t cha know there on page 173 in the minutes from band meeting on 7/11/84 are several very interesting things. Among other things, First, was how ole Betty was suing both GDP for $25,800, and Brent specifically for $45,000, not insignificant for the times.
Says GDP does not owe her, but does not mention about Brent. Guessing having to do with Brent’s solo album that they had been working on. Hell I probably knew what and have forgotten : (
Also, item 12 discusses approval for additional lighting/projector for “Friday 13 July—Dark Star, second set”
Berry interesting…
I need to check this book out more. It’s been sitting here in my Xmass book pile and ive picked at it but it appears there’s more here than I first thought? Same with that Dylan Modern Song. Just been occasional picking at it, but great book non the less. Little bit on Truckin’ too.
Onward!
March 27, 2023 - 11:09am

#1170

bluecrow

Joined:
September 21, 2015

DeerCreek89

Sure thing. And BTW, now Dave's reading your mind - final songs of 7/15/89 1st Set are on Tapers Section this week. Funny synchronicity how first Deer Creek show immediately before the last Alpine run. Passing of the beloved midwest summer venue torch.

JamoftheWeek is Dillon Stadium 7/16/72 starting with Trucking (no more spoilers). Mistakenly listed as Roosevelt Stadium, which is 7/18. Appears to be only one "circulating" copy/upload (sbd/aud composite from the comparative dark ages) of this great, relatively obscure, total big time show. First post E72 show on the East Coast, with members of the Allmans joining them for closing Set II jam (not on JOTW unfortunately.) Don't miss this one!

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

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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.