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    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.

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  • Angry Jack Straw
    Joined:
    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.

  • hendrixfreak
    Joined:
    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??

  • jjc
    Joined:
    sure would be

    Nice if they started giving us a hi res file of the cover art.

  • Vguy72
    Joined:
    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 💥

  • That Mike
    Joined:
    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.

  • Charles In Charge
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    Joined:
    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!

  • Gary Farseer
    Joined:
    'Ohhhh Faster Faster

    Wrote several years back about the Lazy Lightning Supplication at Greek 1982 was my favorite Lazy>Supp because it was fast. Seemed to be on a mission. I called it a Cocaine fueled take and jam. Someone replied what is a Cocaine fueled Lazy>Supp jam (?) to which I didn't respond. Kind of explained itself. (BTW, haven't even listened to that jam in around 20 years, need to revisit.)

    Agree with TnJohn. And, I never listen to negative thoughts about GD or life in general. Life is to short to waist time on the negative thoughts. Especially in this generation's time to live. I constantly have to fight off my own negative thoughts, that is hard enough.

    Cheers to all for this weekend. Love beginning of fall. October favorite month. My birth month plus leaves starting to change around here. Our peak is in 2-3 weeks. Hope I can return someday to the N/E to see their splendor of leaves changing. Their's is a season, turn turn turn, or something like that. Peaceful thoughts to all!

  • 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?

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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.

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If you didn't already know, all vinyl on here is on sale, 25% off

Last few:
Caravan For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night
Raging Slab True Death EP
Guty Cardenas Lirio Azul CD
Moody Blues Seventh Sojourn
GD 6-10-76
GD 1977 King Biscuit broadcast

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Thank you Obeah for that deep inquisitive analysis! Very sound theories indeed.
When I recall the last few SeaChats, Dave mentioned a new 'era' for #54, which could as well be an era within an era. He also mentioned it was a show they had pretty much already decided on as the first release of said era. So with that in mind, there are only so many possibilities. Now for 2025 I had felt 1976 was due up as it would only be the fourth Dave's Pick release from that year, now confirmed by starting off with that pick. Thank You Dave! Dancin' in the Street.
I got a feeling that the 1983 release for #52 was bumped up in the rotation for one reason or another. I say that because I recall Dave saying that each of the four releases from 2024 would all cover different band member line~ups, which wasn't the case. DaP#49 & DaP#52 are the same musicians so to speak. That said, Dave has also made it clear in the past seachats that sometimes they improvise with the release plan, as things can change on a whim.
Driveled answer quick conclusion is,.... I think we've got a 1969 Banana Box Pick for #54 or perhaps instead a September 1970 pick with the bonus disc. As for #55 I feel an autumn 1973 show is on the wind, I say that because all but one Dave's from 1973 are spring tour. So for the last release of the year #56, I predict the first Vince era pick, maybe a show with Bruce? Anyways, If the final 2025 pick ain't that, then perhaps it's a late era Brent pick. Maybe 1988, with some early "Built To Last" tunes scattered about?

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In reply to by RyXs

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....that Without A Net vinyl looks good.
Btw. Target is having a buy two get one free vinyl sale. And they have Without A Net. Warning. Their search engine is trash.

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In reply to by Vguy72

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The best Deal going there is the Lyceum Box.
I scored that last year for that price.
A most excellent purchase.

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In reply to by Vguy72

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I checked and did not have this vinyl!?!

Got it from amazon 40 bucks with overnight shipping! Now that's a deal!

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12 years

In reply to by icecrmcnkd

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Good price, I paid full freight when it came out. I would have thought this would sell out quick, but a guess a 500 price tag made people say NO.

It's a nice box on the shelf, I want to end up with all E72 in vinyl, I think I have them all so far :-)

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E-Sharp.

Ha Ha,,,, just a note to remind/point out Friday is record store day. 5/577 coming out and Jerry on the Eel.

I'll be standing in line like an idiot :-)

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17 years 5 months

In reply to by Dennis

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Error!
There is no E sharp, it’s an F lol

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...actually more than once. Most recently he got me good with the seaside chat language that presaged #51. TBF I'm not alone in that: a number of us thought his comments inferred the imminent release of a Vince-era show, rather than the "Bar Band" of Spring '71 that rocked audiences in the wake of Mickey's departure.

And I make that observation as I thank you for the kind words @RYXS while also simultaneously noting that I should be honest and humble in acknowledging that I'm *usually wrong* in trying to guess where Dave's going next. Vol 51 is just the latest example; def didn't think he'd revisit '71 again so quickly after Vol 48. Maybe the box set is going to be one release from every 10 years - '65 through '95 inclusive. (I think there's still one '75 show yet to be released! Although it probably has guests...)

I think I sometimes make those long posts in an attempt to bring structure to 30 years of Grateful Dead music. I know it's a fool's errand... and heck, on that note, order is decidedly NOT what this band is about for chrissakes (silly Obeah!). But one thing I never tire of is seeing how passionate this community is about their favorite shows and the candidates we cite for next release. I often imagine Dave Lemieux quietly browsing through, probably not making notes - one can't lead by committee - but hopefully being amused.

Cheers, folks. Next up: 12/9/81.

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I believe there are no shows from 1965.. but maybe we will get "30 Trips" vol. 2..

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In reply to by Vguy72

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How’s bout a multi-era mega box, that can be purchased in custom modular segments, the draw being the more era segments you buy, the deeper the discounts!!!. So for our friendly contingent that would prefer less and/or only primal etc, they could do just that, but at a premium. Only want Brucey and Vince, cool, we got ya covered, at a premium.
And yes I think you’d have to do the premium cost to ensure the more pricey “complete” box would be fair/competitive.
That would give any DH, from any era, a chance to participate and enjoy chever way their pleasure tends, but not be unhappy being forced to go bigger than they’d like, AND!…would most likely get some fence sitting types to purchase at least something, versus all of nothing, if it’s one mega choice only?
Just a thought…

I’d do the era segments something like below based on what’s released, what potentially is available, and what’s underrepresented (imho) of course ; )
Counts could vary slightly to accommodate show lengths. (Hate to miss a really good one because disc count for era was 1 or 2 off…)

66-69: 25 discs (chopped up, incomplete..as long as it rocks! Nice time for a garage sale ; )
70-75: 20 discs. Still plenty gold in them hills
76-79: 15 discs. this era has been heavily mined…have to leave something for future too!
80-89: 25 discs. I’d say more but…
90-95: 15 discs

That’s 100 total, (hey it’s Sixty, will their even be another official one?)
so not that much bigger than Boxilla, and as I say, each module or segment could be purchased separately, so, everybody eats!
😀

If we only had access to your wife's credit card.

Still haven't gone down the vinyl train. Have way too many CDs and money invested at this point to even think about it.

I think you have it right on the money with how you laid it out there. It's both comprehensive - mightily appropriate for the 60th - and still flexible regarding how people who have collected a lot already could fill in the particular gaps or eras they seek ... without having to chance missing out on the whole thing due to an 'all or nothing - lump sum' barrier.

Anyways: Travel well, All (if you are doing so) and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Peace

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