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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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  • Obeah
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    Primal ponderings for 2025

    Thinking ahead to what Dave might be eyeing for 2025, we know Vol 53 is 1976. Let's recap the last three years of Dave's. That's 12 volumes:

    3 x 1977 (41, 45, 50)
    2 x 1971 (48, 51)
    1 ea 1972 (46) and 1974 (42) - both w/ bonus discs
    4 x Brent (44, 47, 49, 52) - '90, '79, '85, and '83 respectively
    'Filler' show across two volumes -- 1970 Kiel Opera House complete show

    And let's mention the 2022-2024 box sets: 1978, 1973, and MSG '81-'83.

    The observant among you will note that I've left out one release: Vol 43, which contained two 1969 shows. That issue marks only the 2nd time the Dave's series has visited 1969. And as Dave observed in the liner notes for #43, it was the first time they'd picked a Pigpen-era show since Vol 30, which was released in Spring 2019... 13 releases prior.

    So if we just look at "what year hasn't Dave visited recently", and if we consider that Volume 54 is a bonus disc release, then 1973 stands out, as it's a great year with plenty of material still unreleased - and the last Dave's release from 1973 was Vol 38. But the HCS box is perhaps a strike against this particular year. And ofc, Dave keeps going back to the '71 well - and there's plenty there for a great release + a bonus disc. Same goes for Fall '72. And if any of those March '77 Winterland shows have flaws or a missing reel, it could be a prime candidate for this year's bonus disc, with a complete neighboring night as the main release (and history shows Dave favors '77.)

    Back to 1969: with Vol 43 being the last time Dave hit '69, it does seem like 2025 could be the year to revisit. I think one challenge is that the shows typically aren't the "right" length for the 3-CD format. The bonus disc format could work really well here, though - two '69 shows over 4 discs could fit. 1968 is the ultimate wild card - what's in the vault, and can it be made to sound good enough for prime time? Maybe a '69 show takes 2 CDs and then the third CD gets whatever exists from a '68 show? I suspect these considerations are one reason why the Dave's series hasn't released that much primal Grateful Dead - trying to balance the CD format with the quality of the show(s) and the recordings, as well as what may or may not be in the vault - well, it's probably more straightforward to just keep autopiloting the '77 stuff.

    HOWEVER -- if you start thinking about the Box for 2025, it's the 60th anniversary year. And no box sets have included any material from the 1960s since 30 Trips in 2015 - and before that, Fillmore West in 2005. A box with '68 AND '69 would be a fitting tribute. We're all agreed that we just want the music - it can be "Road Trips" style where complete shows aren't a prerequisite - and personally I think such a box would sell out faster than Here Comes Sunshine did. Add whatever is serviceable from September 1970 and people will cut off limbs to secure their copies. Dave, are ya listening, laddie?!? Will ye grant our fervent wishes? (And folks at Rhino, if a box like this were to happen, please bump the release count up to 12 or even 15K for the good of humanity - you KNOW this will sell out)

    Well as the kids say today, holy essaying. Sorry for the wall. I should go to bed...

  • Obeah
    Joined:
    mini boxes / '68

    When was the last mini box, anyway? RFK in 2017? That was a late release - November 10 - I wonder if perhaps they wanted to juice holiday sales. But anyway, it's been quite interesting reading folks' ideas. For example, I saw the March '77 three-night stand suggested... there's some of the best '77 material to still be quietly moldering in the vault. The idea of a Vince-era mini box also seems logical - if you're in for Shoreline August '91, you're probably down with all three days, not just the 16th and its first-set Dark Star. The Hornsby-less Feb '91 Oakland stand is another fertile field.

    And I'd second what JiminMD said, all of it. None of us are getting any younger. I have come around to viewing Dave's role (and Jeffrey Norman's) as one not just of opportunity and good fortune, but as one of blessed duty. For I, too, came to regard Grateful Dead music as church. How astonishing that Bear managed to record as much as he did. While we know the vault shelves for 1968 are akin to swiss cheese, that music is very special. I know many of us have filled our SSDs with whatever we need, but this music shouldn't be just for the acolytes: it needs to be heard widely, played loudly.

  • proudfoot
    Joined:
    9 10 83

    Shoulda
    Beena
    Twofer

  • JoeyMC
    Joined:
    9/10

    How bout that China Cat, damn...

  • proudfoot
    Joined:
    Post Brent

    I'm game 4 sure

    Summer 85 box
    Shuhmah

  • proudfoot
    Joined:
    Shoulda been a twofer

    C'est la vie

  • Oroborous
    Joined:
    Hey

    At least we finally got Unbroken Chain : )

  • Vguy72
    Joined:
    Sometimes you just gotta rip the band-aid off....

    ....Broken Arrow was ok. But that was a Robertson cover. The rest are forgettable.
    I have attendance bias.
    Wait. Vincent?! Am I in trouble?

  • Oroborous
    Joined:
    Vincent!

    Ouch lol

    But yeah for some of “those” years I’d be a nice way to get at least some out.
    Kinda dug the 93 Dicks for that. Great intro to a year I’d sorta wrote off without trying…
    Or, maybe a best of highlights from some years, but it’d have to an “additional” release or I think an angry mob would seek ole Dave out and tar and feather him lol

  • Vguy72
    Joined:
    1995 composite release....

    ....yeah. I can see that. Got sparse that year.
    Looking back, i remember thinking, "Whats up with all these shitty Phil tunes?"
    No offense Mr. Lesh, but eww.
    Deep into the Gizzverse today. Checking out the St. Louis show on Spot. Daily Blues into Sea Of Trees kicks ass.

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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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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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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

As I posted the other day about the big Floyd Box, I got all the mini Boxes for half the price and only missed out on 1or 2 bonus CD’s, all the schwag that I don’t need, and 2 movies that are available individually.

Whether Dave/Rhino go big, small, or modular I’ll buy them.

Dennis, I also have all the E72 vinyl released so far.

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In reply to by icecrmcnkd

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Cool song by Van Morrison:

'No More Lockdown'

No more lockdown
No more government overreach
No more fascist police
Disturbing our peace
No more taking of our freedom
And our God-given rights
Pretending it's for our safety
When it's really to enslave
Who's running our country?
Who's running our world?
Examine it closely
And watch it unfurl

....chugs along. It takes much resistance to NOT go crazy with purchases.
Tis a test of wills.
TBH, never heard Van's No More Lockdown. Just did and that song sucks in general, regardless of the message behind/in front of it. Lmao. Whatever. Musical tastes and appreciation comes in many shapes and sizes.
Now, The Bitter Boogie by KGLW? Now, there's a cool song. At least to me 🍻

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In reply to by Vguy72

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.....the Internet told me that the remaining members were planning to play again together next year. They even had practice time scheduled. Then Phil passed.

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In reply to by icecrmcnkd

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Which means

Time to scream my release wishes into the electronic void

11 19 72
2 9 73
9 10 83
2 17 79
11 26 72
Anything 67 68 69
9 19 70
9 20 70
10 24 71
GREEKS

Hopefully I still have 19 years in me

365 x 19 + 4 = 6,939 days for GD listening

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Haven't checked out the tune by Van the Man yet, probably will soon now, always dug 1983, a Merman I Should Turn To Be, and really the entirety of Electric Ladyland (not to be confused with the also excellent Electriclarryland by BHS). Here's some more random lyrics.

Talk Talk Talk
Cheap language, standing up your pride
On a blanket of lies
Walk walk walk
Like a motherfucker, steady stride
So step aside
Say say say
Ain't a thing in the world you mind
Easy to unwind
Play play play
Tough looking, shaded pair of eyes
Must be such a grind
Grown so tired of my own facade
Taking off my sunglasses inside
Try to keep a safe distance from the vacant lot
Empty styles from and empty mind

Yeah, Ghost Funk Orchestra hitting it for me like KGLW is hitting it for Vguy. Started watching Ozarks recently and that is hitting the spot as well, really relate to Marty and the themes of betrayal.

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In reply to by Charlie3

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A cobra seer with punctured ear
Slaughtered a Malayan sun bear
Night stood erect with bronzen haunches
Zapped the seer gave the bear back to us
Salamanda Palaganda
June's buffalo too
In the Parisian zoo

Marc Bolan

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In reply to by daverock

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If you follow the Steve Hoffman forum, Dennis' wife's credit card floats around all the time. Then she figures it out, changes the card number and it takes a couple months for it to resurface but it's always out there when box sets are announced and just before record store day.

It's a little sad to read and see the videos of the guys talking about planned practices with Phil and the plans to play together for the 60th. Such a long, long time to be gone and a short time to be there. Chokes me up a little, he brought so much joy.

I had definite plans to see Phil's 85th birthday romp at the Capitol. What could have been... at least we have what was.

Well, it's up to us to push on and keep it all moving, keep it fun and keep it alive.

Edit: All in good fun, of course what I said about the Hoffman forum is not true and I thank Dennis in advance for being a good sport and putting up with us. You will not find Dennis wife's credit card info on the Steve Hoffman forum. Send me a PM if you need it.

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One of the more amusing things that I've seen was a documentary with a scene featuring Ice-T breaking down the lyrics to 6 In the Morning and translating them to a more mainstream vernacular. That song is pretty cool, pretty catchy stuff. Also, I realize that Dennis was quoting Lethal Weapon, not 6 In the Morning.

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In reply to by Charlie3

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‘Til your night job pays.

Was just listening to 9-20-82 in the car.

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