More Details
Track listing for both CDs and
the bonus disc as well.
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Archives
Browse Vol 1, No 1 Archives
Shows
New Haven, CT - 10/25/79
Uniondale, NY - 10/31/79
Philadelphia, PA - 11/6/79
Landover,MD - 11/8/79
Buffalo, NY - 11/9/79
Ann Arbor, MI - 11/10/79
It’s time to put a little gas-gas-gas back into the ol’ Tour Bus and give it another spin, because Grateful Dead is very pleased to announce the debut of a new series of archival releases called Road Trips!
Here’s the deal: We all loved the Dicks Picks series. Over the course of 36 amazing releases between 1993 and 2005, GD archivists Dick Latvala (R.I.P.) and David Lemieux continually blew our little minds plucking one righteous show after another from the vaults, from classics like the February ’70 Fillmore East run (DP4) and Englishtown ’77 (DP 15), to overlooked masterpieces like 9/28/76 (DP 20) and 9/21/72 (DP 36), and shows not in general circulation among traders at the time, such as the February ’68 shows of DP 22 and the superb “Houseboat Tapes” from August 1971 that made up DP 35. Coupled with the many exceptional releases culled from multitrack tapes (the Fillmore West box, Steppin’ Out, The Grateful Dead Movie Soundtrack, Nightfall of Diamonds, et al) and the popular Download Series, there’s been a lot of musical territory covered over the years… but not all of it, of course—not even close!
With Road Trips we’re going to try something a little different. We want to plug in a few more pieces of the Grateful Dead puzzle by putting the spotlight on different tours and series of shows that have been neglected through the years. Take Road Trips Volume 1, Number 1, for instance. This two-disc set (plus a special Bonus Disc - now sold out) was culled from the Dead’s blazing fall 1979 East Coast swing, when the band was just hitting its stride with new keyboardist Brent Mydland. You’ll find killer versions of “Dancing in the Street” > “Franklin’s Tower,” long exploratory jams on “Playing in the Band” and “Terrapin,” a rattle-your-brain “Shakedown,” and lots more, all pulled from the master tapes in the vault and expertly mastered in HDCD for maximum power and clarity by Jeffrey Norman. The sold out Bonus Disc offers another hour-and-a-quarter of highlights from the tour. (You can find the complete track listings for all three discs here.)
Every Road Trips release will come with a beautifully designed booklet containing an essay about how the music on the discs fits into the Dead’s long history, plus many rare and never-before-seen photographs. We think you’ll agree it’s a pretty cool package. But wait, there’s more (as they say)! When each “edition” of Road Trips is announced on this site, we will also give you a link to an affiliated site devoted to the series which will include such goodies as articles and reviews from the tour (See one reviewer after another mess up Grateful Dead song titles! See the band savaged by cretinous critics!); additional photos; and any other weird/cool stuff we come across. Together we can paint a really rich and vibrant audio-visual picture of different stops along the Grateful Dead highway!
And this is just the BEGINNING of what we promise will be a tidal wave of releases, which will include more rarities from the deepest corners of the vault, multitrack releases, box sets (the patient will be rewarded; nudge-nudge, wink-wink, say no more), DVDs, downloads and who-knows-what-else. So keep your Third Eye tuned into this space for more in the coming weeks and months!
--Blair Jackson
A Few AFAQ’s (Anticipated Frequently Asked Questions) About Road Trips
Sounds pretty interesting, but what took you guys so frickin’ long? We thought you’d forgotten us.
Naw, we never forgot you. It’s just taken a little longer than expected to get the ball rolling again and to figure out how to move forward in a way that will satisfy and hopefully also expand the fan base. As a certain sage known to all of us once wrote: “It takes time to pick a place to go…”
Is Dicks Picks over, done, kaput?
Yes, that series of releases ended with Volume 36. It will continue to be available, however. Road Trips will have a little more flexibility than Dicks Picks, in that we are not limited to full-show releases, or even 2-track tapes…or anything for that matter—we haven’t made any rules about what IT is. I guarantee we’ll surprise you from time to time.
But we want to hear full shows, too!
Don’t worry, there will definitely still be full-show releases. We’ll have more on that soon.
OK, I guess it might be pretty cool. I’ll check it out. In fact I’ve got a ton of ideas of shows and tours you guys should be releasing…
Well, let’s hear it. Of course we want your well-reasoned insights and input! The Dead have always looked to Dead Heads for inspiration and ideas, and you’re needed now more than ever!
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Addendum to my note about the packaging
I don’t mind how the bonus disc is packaged however. The packaging is a hassle when it becomes a folded one or a twofold instead of just a sleeve. It is cumbersome. I had a Neil Young disc that was packaged like this and I ended up ripping the cardboard CD case just trying to get it out.
If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.
Wiliam Blake
Greatest Hits!
While your at it, can you edit the songs so they are 3 minutes long, and also remove all that drums and space noise???
Killing off Dicks Picks is a bad idea. Why don't you continue them as downloads, then you would have no pre-production costs, and everyone could have complete shows too.
Full shows are essential.
Winterland Box Set
I have been waiting for many years, please put it out for Christmas.
Coconut Phil, living Free.
more dead=good
I've got a wall full of full shows and only purchased a couple Dick's Picks. Most I received through B+P's, trading, and torrents. This one looks interesting - I might even buy it. A collage is a fine idea. You're not violating anything.The magic was not always sustained consistently through a single show.Ordering a sampler platter can be very satisfying and can lead to further discovery.Why not?
Trips Vol. 1
Got mine & quickly too!It is good that you are doing some follow-up though, when 3 From The Vaults came out you were having so much trouble that I had to cancel my order (Thank God for Amazon).
Great stuff though & can't wait for more.
'79
I think the concept of sample tracks from the Fall tour of '79 is a means to an end for the folks at GDP. Compared to other years, '79 is an often over looked and seldom commented year in GD history and perhaps it's a way of testing the waters to see if producing whole shows from this year will be worth while.
Just a guess, but thanks for putting it together.
It sounds pretty cool
Nothing beats a complete magical night, but if GDP executes this idea well, you should be getting a couple of CDs jam packed with some kick ass good ol' Grateful Dead.
Nothing left to do but "smile, smile, smile". God I miss JG.
new cds
This sounds great, Blair... Every release is a bonus, complete show, compilation or not.
I think a really unique release would be that veeeery short period of time in 73 when the boys did THREE complete sets. Was lucky enough to be in Des Moines for one of 'em. An unreal gift of riches, on top of that, they were at the peak of their creative powers.
Incomplete
One of the main parts of the Grateful Dead's magic was the set list and how they they are all unique very unique with those few historical exceptions. Each song is like a section of a larger tapestry. The idea of making released of bits and pieces is contrary to a Grateful Dead concert really. I mean there aren't any more complete shows being released on a regular basis. Is this what Dick Latvala would have wanted? The man who said there is nothing like a Grateful Dead concert. Dick's Picks sure beats dick's bits. I mean now you have all these bits and pieces and you'll want to hear the rest of each individual show! It's a tease! It's the equivalent of a bonus disc, and ironically it comes with one. This won't do! They could have played the best version of your favorite song just before the Sailor/Saint or right after Terrapin or something. It just doesn't make sense. I mean think about it from our perspective, how absurd this is. It doesn't look like a real set list, that's another problem. I hope this "idea" is quickly abandoned. This is absolutely ridiculous.
Someone's not paying attention...
What part of "there definitely still will be full-show releases" don't you folks understand? If you KNOW that, then why are you complaining? Because not EVERYTHING that is being done is something YOU approve of? C'mon, that's just silly...
Cut Them Some Slack
My 2 Cents Worth......
First off, not every Dicks Pick was a complete show. Volumes 1, 2, 3, 7, 12, 18, 20, 22, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31 and 35 were'nt complete show releases. Many of these contain some of the most inspired music ever played by the band. Many of the complete show releases have extra or bonus material that is only snippets of shows as well. Some shows were great from start to finish, some shows were horrible with maybe one or two great moments, some shows are incomplete or may have many glitches with only a handful of moments worth salvaging.
My other point here is to mention what Blair J has stated that as written above, that there will be more full shows released. Hopefully sooner than later.
There are/will be compilation releases that I'll happily buy (unreleased music) and some I'll avoid (previous released music).
Future Road Trips
Might I suggest a couple of ideas?
'88 is under-represented year with many high energy shows. At the point the huge commercial success of "In The Dark" and the introduction of new material that became "Built To Last" saw the band playing with more of an edge, grit and especially what my ears noticed, a boost in the drummers kick drums in the mix really pushed the band to groove like they were reborn and on a mission to hit a stride with the new found energy boost from the explosion new fans and the energy they brought helping the band deliver like rock stars.
On a different topic, I think it would be cool if So Far, Backstage Pass and Infrared Sightings would be graced with the DVD treatment. Perhaps expanded if material exists. Also the full Summer Solstace Pay Per View from '89 is a must release. This is one of those shows that was great from start to finish. Maybe even include the pre-show intermission footage as bonus material.
Bonus Disc
I received the Road Trips 2 disc set and I really enjoy it.
I did not get my bonus disc!!!! I emailed two sources and never got a response!!! I'm a good customer who has purchased several products from the site. I bought the Road Trips online the first day it was available. What's up? I'd be really upset if I didn't get what I paid for.
On the Road (and a Shipping Mistake)
A weird note first:I understand people have had issues with their orders. I, fortunately, did not, but a strange thing did happen. I received my order earlier this week (no problems there), and then yesterday I received ANOTHER shipment of Road Trips Vol. 1. What the...? At first I thought I somehow had accidentally ordered twice, until I saw the invoice. Apparently the second shipment was supposed to have been sent to Chesapeake VA. So if you are out there Bobby from Chesapeake VA, and you are wondering why you haven't received your copy of Road Trips--don't worry man--Help is on the Way! I'll be mailing out to ya first thing this morning (Sat). I'll send it priority (or whatever will get it to you by Mon or Tues).
I like the idea of mixing up compilations from tours with complete shows. Kind of a macro/micro view of the band.
I like complete shows too, but to be honest, I've been making "compilation tapes" like this for years. My friend and I used to have this game where we would challenge each other to compile the "ultimate" concert tape. I could be quite a challenge to match songs from different shows together as well as fitting them on the tapes! it became a point of pride to seamlessly match song transitions.
Anyway, I am digging Vol. 1 of Road Trips. I haven't really digested disc 1 yet, but disc 2 is very powerful. A lilting and stately Terrapin. I love Brent's funky clavinet and electric piano during Shakedown and Playin'. Playin' in particular, ventures into some real interesting spaces. And that Gloria Jam at the end of the bonus disc is fun and inspired.
On The Road Again
Got my discs this week, complete with the elusive bonus disc. Guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Enjoying listening to the '79 tunes, my buddy and I were grooving at work this week.
For all the complainers out there, I agree with Blair, what part of "there will definitely be full-show releases" don't you understand? Of course we would all like to have all the shows available whenever we would like, at least that's always been my dream, but I understand why that may not be feasible. Why not just kick back and enjoy what you've got, surely we all have plenty of complete shows in our own "vaults", right? I personally don't have a lot from '79 so this is a nice release. I also second other's comments about various "official" releases over the years (Live Dead, Europe '72, Dead Set, Reckoning, various Dick's Picks, etc.) not being complete shows but still full of great music from the good ol' Grateful Dead. C'mon folks, "I don't know what the weather might do...I got a feeling there's no time to lose." My two cents...
cautionary tale
..the next release is a full show or the server goes down again! Heh heh
Caveat vendor ;-)
Hopefully, this isn't the
Hopefully, this isn't the only release for the holidays-
not bad...
...but I think this idea can only sustain itself in a limited way. If it was a short series of maybe six to ten volumes, highlighting the very best of times, then ok, any more is overkill...just my humble 2 cents
Douchess
Rhino, nor anyone else will ever be able to satisfy this crowd. Before I make my point, let me just say that I also prefer full show releases. Am also grateful for those many compilations, Europe 72, Ladies and Gentlemen, Without a Net, the first 5 Dix, Dozin', etc. After listening to these discs, I'm sold. The bonus disc is sick too. Of course, everyone needs a complaint, why does Jerry sound like he's singing into a tin can on Shakedown?Summing up my point on this, people howled when the snippets/highlights of shows were pulled from the Taper's Section, even groveled about paying for the service to return. Then, when an awesome collection of snippets/highlights is officially released, people hollowered about it not being a complete show.
Contrary to others, I thought the packing was excellent. It's not that hard to figure out, and besides, it's a CD, if you don't believe it will be obsolete technology in 10 years, good for you.
Looking forward to the next release, bring on a box set! Half of us will complain, and the other half will order. Nothing wrong with that.
A New Low i.e. ROAD TRIPS
A HiLites Album!?!?! After all this time and patience? A HILITES ALBUM! Who is running/ruining things? This is a disgrace...I plan to skip this one....folks , Please, come to your senses..COMPLETE SHOWS PLEASE!!!
buzzy et al.
This release is far from a disgrace. Sure, I get it, lots of folks want complete shows, and you know what? They will be releasing complete shows! If you (and a few others) had bothered to READ the AFAQ a couple of inches above your screed, you would have seen this:
"But we want to hear full shows, too!"
"Don’t worry, there will definitely still be full-show releases. We’ll have more on that soon."
So relax. It's not the end of the world. Personally, I like the idea of mixing highlights with complete shows. It seems to me that the tour compilation/complete show idea is a great way to release a lot more different aspects of the band (to lure new fans who might be intimidated by the sheer number of individual shows) while still being able to focus in on individual complete shows for long time fans. I think maybe some of us fetishize complete shows --is it the artifact or the music that is important to you? I know, I know, "the ebb and flow of a particular concert..." I agree, to a point. I certainly don't block out 3 1/2 hours of time just so I can listen to an entire show. "Oh crap, I only have a half hour--I can't listen to the Dead because I would be ruining the integrity of the special ebb and flow of the show!"
I also appreciate the AFAQ in that it keeps us all in the loop. BTW Blair, thanks for that (if only some folks would just take the time to read it:) ). I don't know about others, but I really do appreciate those little notes letting us know what's up.
That being said, the tour compilation idea would be great for a lot of '90s shows (a fall '94 release would be great), and I'm hoping that this new format will deliver more '80s shows (Spacebrother has incredible suggestions on this front).
Anyway all, relax; overall the music on Vol. 1 sounds great , complete shows have been promised, and it appears communication has been reestablished. How, I ask you, is this disgraceful?
Holes in what's left of my reason...
Hyperbole has a long tradition in this scene. Best! Worst! Genius! Disgraceful!
Dead Heads: Pissing each other off for more than 40 years!
Still Waiting
My order shipped on 11/6 and I still haven't received it. This is why downloads are needed! The Dead should be more than happy to offer downloads. That way they wouldn't need to make environmentally unfriendly plastic discs, along with the tree hugger added special of no wasted paper.
Come on guys, let's move this site into the 21'st century?
Greg SC
Hey Now
I received my order on Friday. I listened to the first disc and part of the second over the weekend.
Some initial observations: Alabama gets off to a shaky start- it is still plainly in its infancy, having learned to walk, but isn't running just yet... Jerry really tears it up on Jack Straw- you have to hear it to believe it... wow. Dancing starts out with a bonafide funk groove that settles into a simmering psychedelic stew... it's a bit odd to hear Deal in the middle of a "set".
Based on what I've heard so far, I give this release "two thumbs up". I can't wait to sink my teeth into the Terrapin and Playin on the second disc, not to mention all that gold that is waiting on the bonus disc (which by virtue of its song list was the deal clincher for me).
Headphones, baby, it's the only way to go! :)
I don't have a problem with the packaging, to extract a disc you just have to gently squeeze the edges of the package towards each other and she will pop right out. It might be a bit flimsy but treat it kindly and it will last forever. Actually I find the discs in the new Led Zeppelin "Mothership" much more difficult to remove by far!
The source for this edition of Road Trips is a bit less than pristine, but I'm not as young as I used to be either, and it isn't anything that I can't live with. After all, "it is what it is"- warts and all- a snapshot in time- and what the hey, most of us are used to tapes and the sonic quirks inherent to them.
I have no problem with compilations, and while I also appreciate full shows, just about any good, live GD is a welcome addition to my library. In the long run Dead Heads will vote with their $$$. This is the one surefire way to let Rhino know what we like. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
All good things in all good time.
Peace.
Trips 1979
,,,......thought I already posted this, but I'll do it again:
Play this CD loud! It is awesome, nice way to bring back some trip memories, without some of the boondoggles in between.
Great job!
Thanks, but...
This appears to be an extension of the strategy employed in recent years to screw up the hardworking traders of the world by releasing bits and pieces of as many shows as possible, making it increasingly difficult to keep track of what's been officially released and making "sloppy seconds" shows all that much more prevalent. In my opinion we were all doing just fine, thank you, before the machine started releasing all these odds and ends.
Luckily I've grabbed pretty much everything I'll ever want from the trading pool already. I won't be buying any of these hokey official releases. Sorry. Another head goes underground. Thanks for trying.
Or, you could just open up the entire vault for legal (and paid) download and I'd be among the first in line to grab better-sounding versions of my favorite shows, many of which are now untradable thanks to the rampage of the crazy Rhino through large swaths of GD history.
(now, flame away and call me a scrooge - I can handle it ...)
Road Trips
I'm loving this release, and it's not just because I attended 11/9/79 at Buffalo. Brent is out of the box on this, sounding like he's got something to prove, and proving it in roses. The rest of the band sounds similarly inspired. I like the packaging, too. I like the smell of the paper cover. I thought maybe it was actually a huge tab of blotter, and licked the corner. I think I got off.
Bitch Bitch Bitch
That's what some not-so-Grateful "fans" live-live-live for, the kneescocked and ready to jerk at the slightest slight to their myopic
vison. I've got the new set, am diggin' on it & realize more are on
the way in FULL, uninterrupted set form. For now? Today? This
week? It's a nice little miracle to savor. Complete shows are the
ultimate, especially if you bore witness to them, but if the band's
cool with it, why wouldn't anyone else? You're free to bitch, bitch,
bitch--the rest of us will just smile, smile, smile.
Apology to E. Profit
Just kidding. Are you really serious: Rhino is SO OBVIOUSLY trying to screw up the whole scene by releasing bits and pieces from shows, and you accuse ME of acting/speaking in bad faith? Well, I'm free to "bitch" and you're free to drop your money on these CD sets and the world will keep on spinning indifferent to us. Good day.
Got the disks
Overall, I like this set a lot. Naturally, full shows are preferred overall. However - liner note hyperbole aside - IMO a lot of Fall '79 was hit or miss. A weird contrast of high energy music, but the gears not totally meshing (Mr. Lesh being one example - his Heinekin-fueled bass playing somewhat boomy and sloppy at times). That said, I'm enjoying most of the music on this set a lot - and think the production quality is excellent.
Keep 'em coming, Blair!
Michael
Glad you got yours
I'm still waiting for mine. Shipped on 11/6. I'm almost ready to call to see if they really shipped.
Greg SC
What's with the shipping?
I ordered this CD set on November 6th and still do not have a tracking number...I have emailed the website 3 times and all I get is auto-replies...Somebody still needs to get this site running properly. I am just about finished with dealing with what has become of The Grateful Dead. Get some full shows released soon or you will continue to see a decline in fan support. And please dump the download series and stick with real discs in HDCD or vinyl. We don't need the Apple downloads or music on an Ipod, we need the best quality you can give us in full shows that sound the best on our hifi! Please start releasing music as it should be released, bring back the Dicks Picks or release complete runs like the 69 boxset you did awhile back. Let's see you do what they have done with the great Jazz artists (Davis for example)!!!
Cheers
Packaging
I just received my copy. I have no complaint with this being a compilation. I have faith that there will be full shows released in the future because Blair said so and that's good enough for me. The sound is great—I wish Jerry was just little more prominent in the mix, but from the liner notes it appears that the intent of this compilation is to highlight Brent.
My only complaint is the packaging. The cardboard sleeves will not protect the CD's in the long-term. Just to give you an idea of what I mean by long-term, the other day I broke out my CD copy of "Dark Side of the Moon" that I've had since 1991. Anyway, the first thing I did with the Road Trips disks is to put them in spare jewel cases I had on hand. Really, though, the packaging that comes with the disks should be sufficient to preserve them long-term. Also, given that the bonus disk is only available for a limited time and can't be replaced, the packaging should allow the careful collector to preserve his property. That is my only criticism. Otherwise, please keep up the good work and I look forward to future releases.
Greg, Mayo
So sorry for the aggravation; please email drrhino@rhino.com, and if that doesn't work send me a PM and I'll pursue it further.
Request for some info on shipping charges
Apologies for going on about this but....
The postage charge on Road Trips reaching Europe is recorded on the parcels as less than $2! We are being charged $15 for shipping! When I enquired, I received the following (prompt) reply
------------------------
There are many factors in the increased charges for international orders. Taxes/tariffs as well as additional manual processing that is required for international orders. Thank you dead.net support
-----------------------
I just do not buy that (ha ha). Similar product shipped by Amazon from the US costs $5-$6.
Could someone in California please do me a big favour and find out what these taxes or tariffs are that apply to packages posted overseas. I would appreciate your help, because I (and many many others) are feeling totally ripped off here!
not to complains
in kazakhstan we save three months pay working in saltmines for compilations sounds like microphone is in taper ahnoos.
The Burro has landed
I have just taken the pacakge out of the postbox
and am playing the bonus disc, lovely clear sound
the P&P was a bit pricey, $5.40 for postage and $15 for P&P
an expensive envelope and the guy that put it in the envelope must be well paid
Bob
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Spanish Jam
Bonus disc
jam out of He's Gone, is really good, i had to check Deadbase because it sounded like they were headed to Gloria
Bob
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Spanish Jam
We waitied for this!
I could write endlessly about this release. I will spare all of my Brothers and Sisters the rhetoric. This is absolutely dreadful. Even some of my all time favorite songs are not listen worthy. After the drought followoing the demise of both Dick Latvala and his spectacular selections from the vault, how could anybody release this mess of poor renditions? If the serries will continues, can somebody PLEASE listen before putting forth a CD of the beloved Grateful Dead. This is the "not so 'Great'ful Dead"!!!!! I can only pray that Help Is On The Way.
just load up my shotgun
lol....well you have to hand it to gdeadmh, he says what he thinks and he's loaded for bear!
Original and unconventional we like ;-)
Worry not Blair Jackson, as our wise (and sadly now infrequent) correspondent Sixstringsmoreorlesh would say
'If you have to take it personally don't take it seriously; if you have to take it seriously don't take it personally'
My powder is still dry as I have not heard Road Trips yet, either because
a. It is stuck on a train in a siding somewhere,as most of France is on strike right now; or
b. RICHER DONORS Inc have activated a secret self destruct mechanism in revenge for all the sh*t I've been giving them about postage charges to Europe
1979
i am not a great fan of 79 in all, i have quite a few shows but don't think i have played many more than once and that includes DP5
But i like this release, a bit Disco Dead for my liking but it will get played , a lot of the jams have the same Clavinet sound from Brent, but i guess that is what the others wanted from him.
Phil's playing is different also.
I will play DP5 after this
This is worth having perhaps the same can be done for some of the 80's stuff .
Mid 80's Ventura/Greek shows would be good, but possibly set out to sound like a show as in "Dozin'"
Bob
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Spanish Jam
Two disc ones, no disc two!
So I was just getting ready to listen to disc two (I listed to disc one this afternoon). I was expecting some Shakedown goodness but instead got more Alabama Getaway. Huh?
Turns out I got two disc ones but no disc two (although I did receive the bonus disc). I've just emailed customer service so we'll see how it goes.
And I was really looking forward to that NFA> Morning Dew.
Oh well, the bonus disc will have to do.
Little Ben
send email to drrhino@rhino.com and he should be able to straighten out the disc snafu pretty quickly. So sorry!