• 1,019 replies
    Dead Admin
    Default Avatar
    Joined:

    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.

Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • JoeyMC
    Joined:
    Stuff that doesn't suck.

    This pick. :)

    I also loved 49 and if this one sounds as good as that I think we're in for a treat.

  • iangillespie
    Joined:
    Thankful

    Exactly Jonathan!
    Having been a fan in England since 1976 (my first exposure was SYF, much maligned but there are some great stand-alone versions and as for the cover...) being limited to official releases and only being able to dream of tape trading, these releases are a Godsend!
    From the first Dick's to the 2024 box (there are a few gaps but hey!) I was in
    The quality of these 40 and 50 year old recordings made straight to tape is fantastic - particularly Betty's but also Kid's and Rex's
    July 8th '78 is playing now and the electrostatics are loving it!
    They have also made me appreciate the later stuff; Giants Stadium is one of my favourite boxes
    Here's to Dave's Picks 100!

  • KRIYAS
    Joined:
    Just checked my email...

    Check it out....looking forward to this...how 'bout some 1986?

  • TN John
    Joined:
    No Negatives Here

    I used the welcome news of this release as an opportunity to fill some gaps in my collection. Scored a Dave's 27, which is arriving in the mail today. Also scored a Dave's 39, which will arrive early next week. Now I will patiently await my shipping notice for 52.

    And if Dave is taking requests for a Vince show, I will suggest 10-5-94 at The Spectrum as a good starting point. Check it out if they ever get the Archive back up, and see if you agree. If you're really adventurous, there is a shaky video of the show on YouTube that has been synched with Charlie Miller's remastered soundboard. The sound is excellent. It just has shaky camera work.

  • proudfoot
    Joined:
    Same old story and I know it's been told

    Grumble bumble

    The pick sucks
    The packaging sucks
    The sound sucks
    (The sucks of the FLAC I understand)
    Too much 70s
    Too much 80s
    No 90s

    What sucks to me is the heights of 10/9/89 going into Throwing Stones. Oh Bobby, why?

    Given the current world situation, I will take what they give and keep on listenin'.

    May our collective future be bright and pleasant, and may we all remain Grateful. Being literally dead can wait.

    Onward...

  • jonathan918@GD
    Joined:
    Thankful

    I, for one, am very tankful for all releases.

    It's ok, call me a fan boy.

    I really think the disdain for anything past 78 is because when some folks get turned on, by a friend or a family member, they're told that anything post 78, or with Brent, or Vince, that it's all shit from those years and they believe that.

    Just my 2 cents

    Bring on the 80's and 90's!!!!

    Rock on, gang

  • daverock
    Joined:
    Being there

    I only saw The Dead in the 80's - well, twice in 1981 and three tines in 1990. I thought all 5 shows were great. It's just the recordings of such shows 30-40 years later that I'm not so keen on. 'Specially when there are so many amazing shows to listen too.
    Somebody mentioned Dicks Pics 33 on here as the best of that series recently - which passed me by at the time. This morning I decided to listen to 10/9/76-and hey presto - Dicks Picks 33. Now this, I like.

  • Vguy72
    Joined:
    Obeah spitting facts....

    ....hate to beat a Dead horse, but if you don't have fun with 9.11.83, then I will raise a questioning eyebrow in your general direction and might even fart.
    And you don't want any part of that.
    It's Mickeys fuckin' birthday ffs!
    We can agree to disagree, but the compass points to me being on point.

  • Obeah
    Joined:
    The strong feelings thread

    Interesting how polarizing this pick is already. I've said before that I'm not a massive '83 fan, but I'm happy to get some variety. Because I'm never going to run out of '71-'74 material to play at this point. I also know that many of us, myself included, would probably cut off a finger to make a soundboard of 9/20/70 materialize. Alas, the vault just doesn't hold every last thing: there are some missing reels and some missing shows. So in lieu of getting blood from a turnip, I'm down with getting a show that fans who were there speak highly of, and one that I've never heard before.

  • Vguy72
    Joined:
    The GD did play a lot of songs faster....

    ....during '82-'84.
    That's how it was. That's how it will always be.

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

3 years 7 months

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.

user picture

Member for

14 years 10 months
Permalink

Man. Here's a story I learned when I happened upon a GD friend at the taproom the other day; believe it if you need it, if you don't, just pass it on . . .

My friend has had a Box of Rain tattoo on her arm for a long time, but her granddaughter has never asked about it. Turns out the granddaughter DID finally ask her about it . . . last Friday morning!

Phil, you were an amazingly-original and kind person. Enjoy the dimension where Dark Star is always playing.

Be kind, rewind.

Great to see you around. Hope all well your way. May be transferring the music files to another poster. Unbroken chain indeed! Thanks again.

Edit: Think that was a Trent Reznor via Johnny reference. "My empire of dirt." Love it! Getting at that point myself.

user picture

Member for

15 years 2 months
Permalink

I see Imprec are launching a Kickstarter campaign to release a 3LP reissue of John Oswald’s ‘Greyfolded’.

....going in ASAP. Klipsch sub still tuned up.
It was Mickey's birthday, but no Mickey pics?? Travesty!
I do like the one of Bobby & Phil though. That raised arm was a sign that a Phil bomb had just dropped. Take cover!

user picture

Member for

16 years 1 month
Permalink

Just delivered. 30 DoD, and still haven’t made it all the way through the Devils box. Should be a fun weekend!

user picture

Member for

10 years 6 months
Permalink

#8053 arrived today, on time, according to the shipping notice prediction, and intact, here in North County San Diego. Ripping it to hard drive while listening to the fantastic 2023 Rory Gallagher archival release: All Around Man--Live in London. Crackling!

Peace!

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months

In reply to by Birchwood

Permalink

....is on point.
Searching for the Sound.
My lord it sounds incredible.
"May the four winds blow you home again."
The pristine Let It Grow is upcoming.
I can't wait.
Aaand, there it is. Lesh laying the foundation.
So good.
Rise and Fall.

user picture

Member for

10 years 6 months
Permalink

I've started off this DaP52 party by listening to the filler and it's so good that I have to wonder why TPTB didn't follow their own excellent example of DaP49 and release the two Santa Fe shows back to back shows, for a New Mexico twofer. Especially given their fond reputation. But it's also kinda cool that the release ends with a haunting China Doll.

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months

In reply to by Vguy72

Permalink

....top shelf '80's GD.
So good.
The Sugar Mags just twangs away.
You know what I mean. The Garcia twang. Not quite country. Not quite bluegrass. Not quite rock. A perfect melting pot of nuances that work together in a perfect harmony.

....😁
Cumberland!!! Gtfo
Keeps me happy all the time.
If you listen closely, Lost Sailor almost made an appearance prior to Playin'.
As i was scrolling, I noticed Colin's post re a Greyfolded vinyl kickstarter.
I pitched in for the black vinyl.
So, yeah. Small things like that is why I Dead.

user picture

Member for

13 years 5 months

In reply to by Vguy72

Permalink

Not that I don't like Lemieux's playbill writing skills, but they should have let VGuy do the liner notes. He's been calling for this show to get released for at least ten years.

So I'll say it:

This one's for VGuy.

I finally got caught up on this thread after getting horribly behind. Man, there was some serious weirdness back there somewhere. No fun to read, then the Phil news. Good thing most posters here are reasonable, kind, generous and all around fun people. Sometimes the lights are shining on me.. other times, well... anyway, things are moving along nicely. I am looking forward to my first listen.

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months

In reply to by JimInMD

Permalink

....it's a keeper. Makes me happy all the time.
Phil dropping Morning Dew bombs. Big time.
Reminder. It has a Dew.
I'll give it a shot. Ahem...
"The first time I heard these pair of almost but not so perfect shows, I knew there was something going on.
Perhaps the New Mexico skies.
Perhaps the Indian vibes.
Or, it could be that the band trucked down from Colorado into the Enchanted State to enchant some heads.
Kachina dolls take a step back, because the boys are back in town.
You have a Music to start the proceedings. And it's a good one. Big RxR Blues into BIODTL. Very nice. Fast China->Rider to beat the storm.
'83 Women Are Smarter are fun and bouncy. I like bouncy.
Then Cumberland....😁.
China Doll -> Jam -> Spaghetti Space.
Saturday Night on a Saturday Night.
Then Phil approaches the mic with Bobby ala Paul and George Beatles for a Cold Rain & Snow.
Happy Birthday Mickey.
Alabama -> GSET. Sign my ass up. The Bucket is savage and the West LA is funky. C.C. Rider never gets enough love so you just Might As Well.
Then comes the meat and potatoes, but I already posted that."
I'm playing it again. Alabama starts out soft. Then the soundscape phils the air.
If I had Jim's John Deere, I know where I would go.
To simpler times. That's for sure.

user picture

Member for

10 years 1 month
Permalink

Dennis et al:
- ABB The Final Concert - A 3CD set being released later this month, this is the final chapter on a truly landmark band. Hey, this has Warren Haynes (who just released a new solo LP yesterday) and Derek Trucks, so it’s a no-brainer.
- The Rolling Stones - Welcome To Shepherds Bush (December) - Another live Stones album that promises deep cuts, yet still carries the same retreads the Stones’ live albums always have - Brown Sugar, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, etc. For a great band with an extensive catalogue, they tend to stick too much to the Greatest Hits selections. I’ll likely pass on this one.

user picture

Member for

5 years 8 months
Permalink

Yes, Maryland!

Little town called Cumberland

Towson MD is a nice place. John Kadlecik lives in Towson MD. He's come up our way here in western MD to play a few times. He's a very nice and humble dude

user picture

Member for

5 years 8 months
Permalink

Kadlecik lives in Takoma Park, another nice ares in MD

I compare Maryland to California. We have it all here, beaches, rivers, moutains, flat land.....little bit of everything in this little state

rock on, gang!!

user picture

Member for

5 years 8 months
Permalink

If you're lucky, you might see JIMINMD riding the rapids!!!

user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Hmmm... Like Jim, did some catching up scrolling through the weirdness. Of course to really catch up I would have to spend months

Late to this, but for a great Phil fest I've been revisiting DiP 20. Phil on the Let it Grow... Playing > Wheel, Orange Tango. 9/28/76 is a nice prep for Dave's 53.

Listening to 52 now. Love it. About to start H-S-F...

user picture

Member for

7 years 9 months
Permalink

By far the lowest numbered, highest generation copy of a Picks I have ever received, be it Dick's or Dave's... and the sound quality reflects this.

As everyone knows, the final Plangent master is copied onto a Maxell cassette, which is played back to burn each of the 25,000 cds in the run. After only 356 plays, mine sounds extraordinary - but having been the unlucky recipient of late-generation releases in the past, I feel bad for those receiving high numbers over 17,000 or so - the high end begins to roll off and the hiss becomes audible.

Long live Democracy - let's Make Lying Wrong Again.

Last five:

Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Catch a Fire
Grateful Dead - Dick's Picks Vol. 14
Grateful Dead - Dick's Picks Vol. 16
Grateful Dead - Europe '72 Vol. 20

\m/

user picture

Member for

5 years 8 months
Permalink

Nice shout-out to Dick's #20.......some of the best ever done!!!

user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months

In reply to by LedDed

Permalink

Dave's 52
Dick's 20
Big Youth - Screaming Target
Culture - Harder Than the Rest
Wishbone Ash - Pilgrimage

user picture

Member for

5 years 8 months
Permalink

I visited the following on Phil's passing. Some from comments from posters here, others I simply know and love

11/18/72 single disc release, Houston

10/27/79 Cape Cod

5/3/72 Olympia: The Other One (full jam-Truckin>Wharf Rat)

9/24/72 Dark Star>China Cat>Rider (The golden child from Thirty Trips)

user picture

Member for

17 years 4 months

In reply to by jonathan918@GD

Permalink

Thanks Jonathan.... DiP 20 is a top-tier release in my book.

Oooo those are some fine '72 choices too...

user picture

Member for

7 years 10 months
Permalink

Well, Set I from Dave's 52 is the best set of 1983 Grateful Dead I've heard to date.

As I've said before, I've struggled to get onboard with '83. I've tried: I've owned Dick's Vol 6 since release, but along with Dave's 39 and the 30 Trips release, these shows mostly just gather dust on my shelf. However, I've got to give credit where credit is due: Vguy, you were right. I must say, that first set SMOKED from start to end. Even songs that don't normally move me strongly, like West LA or CC Rider, well, I was just captivated.

And I haven't even put in discs 2 or 3 yet! All of the second set still awaits me! After reading what folks are saying about that set, it seems certain that soon I'll be saying that this is the best SHOW from '83 that I've ever heard. It's Saturday night and I'm about to resume listening, but before I go, I must observe: what a tremendous blessing it is to be a Grateful Dead fan.

....🍻.
And....it's just gets better.
Checked it out again last night but on headphones. TPTB did my baby right.
Thank you for including that Jam out of China Doll from the 10th. A+++

user picture

Member for

11 years 8 months

In reply to by Vguy72

Permalink

Finally some free time for first listen to #52. Initial impression, not bad for a cassette source, then the music took over, Always about performance with archival stuff, audio quality second, though 51 suffered badly from saturation. I want to be able to listen at volume approaching 90-95 db once in a while, 51 disc one made that painful. This, hands down the best '83 release I have heard, not being much a fanboy of the second fifteen years. Ledded, leg pulling? Will review Jamie Howarth's Hoffman board posts and Norman's SOP, would they make CDs from multiple cassette tape runs. Norman seems to indicate they create a redbook (CD) master to the usual 192. Highest numbered release ever delivered here, there is a small amount of tape hiss if I listen on axis two feet away from the Klipsch Cornwall IIs, my main reference. Nominal for cassette recording, typically a bit muddy and lacking detail because of miniscule amount of iron oxide and slow speed, overall, audio restoration a home run in my book, excellent performance.

user picture

Member for

3 years
Permalink

40 years ago I was up in Berkeley at the B.C.T. having fun with the Good old Grateful Dead. Some interesting songs and a nice Cumberland.

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Yes this is good, have to get used to the sound as it's not too warm, but gets the job done as I like to explore the miracle of any of these shows being recorded and then provided to the keen fan that has chosen to pick this up. Dig the roadrunner art, the race is on. Love West La, althea always is very under rated?? Digging this during commute in my car so I'm taking it slow but dig dig dig it!!

Last five heehehehe always Dead recently FOTD box 78 and Jerry versions which included Garcialive vol 18 just an amazing show. All the Garcia/Saunders stuff is Gold.
Haven't done Jeff Buckley's Grace in a while but was able to enjoy all of that.
New Willie Nelson Last Leaf mostly covers and mostly hits the note, especially with recent passing of KK.
Squeezed in some Pixie's this week too, gigantic...
and I like Ray Lamontagne and new album long way home got a listen this week.
plus all sorts, some Beastie Boys the insidefromwayout
Lost highway soundtrack to has some good stuff including lou reed, I like. And the newish David Gilmour is worth a try, he should play guitar...

....I eat. I breathe deep. And I spend money.
I purchased two records today. Vampire Weekend - Contra & Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Ragged Glory.
I've never owned a physical copy of RG until now.

Ragged Glory

Love it

First time I heard it was August 93
Friend played it on the drive to JGB in Portland

"I'm thankful for my country home
It gives me peace of mind
Somewhere I can walk alone
And leave myself behind"

user picture

Member for

4 years 1 month
Permalink

Finally got my copy and took it out for a spin: #23854, highest number I think I've ever gotten. Which is good, ya know. It's not like vinyl. With CDs you want the highest number you can get. The discs sound better when those 0s and 1s are good and heated up after 20k-plus pressings. That's what I heard anyway.

Can't add much to what's been said about this: a really, really good show for '83 in very good sound for the era. The first set is a little wayward, but still has a good energy. I always cringe a little when Bob doubles down on the cowboy songs and gives us Uncle and Mexicali in a row. And I still think that slide guitar is not something you want to try to learn on the gig, Bob.

But the set closes with a ripping Might as Well, and the second set is amazeballs. Great Help/Slipknot/Franklin. And I really like it that Brent is mostly playing electric piano and organ here, rather than the more tinkly sounding keys he got into later. Very spontaneous sounding Wang Dang. And there's a Dew (relatively uptempo for a change, with some great organ from Brent)! And a bonus Cumberland.

All in all, big ups to our man Dave. This is the kind of release that makes this series so interesting: a show I probably wouldn't have checked out, from an era I feel like I'm not super stoked on, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'll play this one often, I'm sure.

A welcome break from the anxiety I've been feeling about What Will Happen Tomorrow. One way or another, this darkness got to give. Hope so, anyway.

....gives one a sense of hope. A sense of joy. A sense of serenity.
Music will forever be precious to me. It's powerful stuff.
This unfortunate timeline doesn't end tomorrow, so I'll double down on some Beastie Boys. Make sure to check your head.

When the Sony 1610 system was used for cd pre-mastering we found that when there was higher error correction on the tape (Umatic) the sound deteriorated
So you want your 1s and 0s as pristine as possible!
It's only data after all

user picture

Member for

9 years 2 months

In reply to by iangillespie

Permalink

trying to see if yesterday's 30 Days winner (7/7/69 Dark Star) was the same GOGD from the early days of POTDWD (Pick of the Day with Discussion). Couldn't help but notice that by Day 3 of that thread, April 8, 2020, there you are VGUY serving up 9/10/83, on to the next show by 4/10, including a post titled "I Know You're Reading This Mr. Lemieux...." with a request for a mini box of those 2 shows and 10/17/82, along with a request for a mini box of 3 Alaska shows (for which you offer to pay 3 moose pelts)!!

user picture

Member for

9 years 2 months

In reply to by DeadVikes

Permalink

On those posts and in the profile, his name is presented as "The Good Ole G . . ." First post I think was 4/17 and he was a self described lurker who promptly jumped right in and, as you know, immediately became a regular in POTD. Now maybe 2 years since he last posted. The winner's name yesterday was fully spelled out - The Good Ole Grateful Dead. If you go to send a private message, the options of existing accounts are refined as you begin entering a name. There is no abbreviated version, only the full one.

user picture

Member for

3 years
Permalink

My top 5 Grateful Dead albums: 1 Working Mans Dead, 2 American Beauty, 3 Anthem of the Sun, 4Live Dead , 5Aoxomoxoa.

user picture

Member for

1 year 2 months
Permalink

...Can't get no sleeves for my records
Can't get no laces for my shoes
Can't get no fancy notes on my blue guitar
I can't get no antidote for blues
Oh yeah, blues

I can't find the reasons for your actions
or I don't much like the reasoning you use
Somehow your motives are impure
or somehow I can't find the cure
Can't get no antidote for blues
Oh yeah, blues

They say it's mostly vanity
that writes the plays we act
They tell me that's what everybody knows
There's no such thing as sanity
and that's the sanest fact
That's the way the story goes
Oh yeah
Oh, yeah
Blues

Can't get no remedy on my TV
It's nothing but the same old news
Well, they can't find a way to be
One World in Harmony

Can't get no antidote for blues
Alright, yeah, blues

user picture

Member for

9 years 1 month

In reply to by iangillespie

Permalink

Computer chips can decipher them better that way.

During CD manufacturing, if the CD’s are dropped onto spindles, then CD#1 is at the bottom of the first stack and CD #25,000 is at the top of the last stack. CD #25,000 is then removed and placed in packaging #1, and packaging #25,000 gets CD #1.

product sku
081227817503
Product Magento URL
https://store.dead.net/en/grateful-dead/special-collections/daves-picks/daves-picks-vol.-52-the-downs-at-santa-fe-santa-fe-nm-91183/081227817503.html