July 31, 1974
SOLD OUT
Subscriber's Only
Bonus Disc Cover.
Dave’s Picks Volume 2 is officially SOLD OUT.
Stay tuned for an upcoming seaside chat with David Lemieux as part of our Dave’s Picks series.
ABOUT VOLUME 2
We warned you. We said there was a chance that the limited edition Dave’s Picks releases could sell out. And sure enough, Volume 1 is a goner. No copies left. (OK, even we were a little surprised it sold out so quickly.)
Which brings us to Dave’s Picks, Volume 2. The thousands of you who bought the full-year Dave’s Picks subscription have nothing to worry about. Your CDs (and the bonus disc that comes with this one for subscribers) will be winging their way to you shortly. But NOW is the time when all you other good people who are interested in purchasing this potent slice of Dead history can submit your orders.
The show in question is a three-set wonder from Hartford’s Dillon Stadium during the heart of the Wall of Sound era, July 31, 1974, four days after the release of the Dead’s fine Mars Hotel album. Dwarfed by the Wall’s irregular columns of speakers on a hot and humid Wednesday afternoon, the band thrilled the sold-out crowd of 20,000 with a far-ranging collection of tunes and jams that showed how far they’d come as musicians, songwriters and interpreters of others’ songs in their decade together.
The 12-song first set kicks off with the still-new “Scarlet Begonias” (opening a show for the first of just three times in the Dead’s entire history), and includes such other early ’70s favorites as “Jack Straw,” “Brown-Eyed Women,” a pairing of “Mississippi Half-Step” and “Must’ve Been the Roses” and “Row Jimmy.” The '73-’74 versions of “China Cat Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider” have a unique character, and this one exemplifies that nicely.
Things start to open up a bit more in the second set. An expansive “Eyes of the World” is partnered with a particularly fragile “China Doll” mid-set, and the concluding take on the complete “Weather Report Suite” is filled with impressive shifts in dynamics and purposeful jamming during a 12-minute “Let It Grow.” That set also has a good “Big River” and an excellent “Ship of Fools” (another new song that year).
Set Three starts with a couple of short selections, hits an early emotional peak with one of the better versions of “To Lay Me Down” from that era, and then really goes into gear with the onset of “Truckin’,” so often a gateway to wondrous possibilities. This one rumbles and wanders and flits and crashes and dashes all over the place during a half-hour exploration that includes what is popularly called the “Mind Left Body” jam and a full-blown Spanish jam, before eventually winding up at the docks for a deep “Wharf Rat.” The set closer, “U.S. Blues,” was one of the anchors of the Mars Hotel album (and an FM radio hit at the time); a perfect summer anthem.
All Dave’s Picks releases are mastered to HDCD specs from the original vault tapes by Jeffrey Norman, and include a booklet containing an essay about the show and period photos. The Digipak is made of 100% recycled and PCW materials on heavier paper stock due to high demand. The limited edition consists of 12,000 numbered copies.
— Blair Jackson
DAVID LEMIEUX ON VOLUME 2 & MORE
David Lemieux sits down for a seaside chat about his favorite moments on Dave's Picks, Volume 2: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT - 7/31/74 and sheds a little light on how Dave's Picks are selected. Watch the video here:
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Loving me some Daves Picks 2
Saturday was Wisconsins Day, I think all of us had their shipment arrive. So happy with Dave's Picks so far. I dont understand why people are complaining about things, I can see being disappointed in shipping times but do you really think it is the GD Store?
I am amending my statement above as I have been informed of issues people have had with shipping of past "specials" and or subscriptions.
Hopefully the next two Dave's Picks will be without concerns in shipping.
Why the Anxiety? A theory
I don't think the complaints about shipping discrepancies are mere whining... there is a thread of anxiety running through these. And you will note that when people get DaP2 in the mail they are often saying they are "relieved" or some such.
Why? Because there really have been issues in the past with people not getting shows, for months (e.g., RT 4.5). That was one thing when you knew they could always fix it eventually by finally sending it to you. BUT, with the limited edition concept, it's a whole new ball of wax. So, I think people are wondering, if this doesn't arrive in a few weeks, what do I do? What happens if they finally get around to resolving whatever issue happened with my order, and there are no more copies left?
So, am I all bent out of shape? No. (for one thing, I assume that Rhino has a few hundred extra copies on hand for such eventualities, hence the "*officially* sold out" thing). Do I understand why people are a bit anxious? Yes!
I don't have some fundamental philosophical problem with the limited edition concept, but I do think we're seeing one of the logical outcomes of a limited edition approach coupled with a demonstrably weird and inefficient customer service department.
And Now for Something Completlely
Just finished Disc 1 of DP Vol.II. While it takes a moment to build momentum the show turned into a wailing masterpiece! "Rider" is possibly the best I ever heard...Phil's bass is majestic! The closer of the set, "Round and Round" IS the best I have ever heard of that tune and it left me limp and exhausted....Im takin a break with the band before the 2nd set....Thanks Dave, Rhino and Dead.net
DaP12#2
DL2 -
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Another pristinely mastered gem for us to savor, and our descendents and heirs to cherish as heirlooms.One more show I've been able to pull from SDBD cassette shelves (though am retaining the version on the AUD shelves). Must admit that as I never listen to Phil & Ned, the choice to omit the Seastones does not disappoint me. If I'm ever in the mood to hear those electronic noises, can always play the LP.
Yipee! It's grate to be a Hippee!
DCFHOF
A little concerned
Stil no copies of this set. Hoping soon , one copy was a gift for an aniversry of a couple that were there with me. Hopin soon. It is more stressful when its a limited and sold out.
strangely enough
I just received my second 'Your order has been shipped' notice. The first one was sent approximately April 29th and my second today. Although it says my subtotal is $0, there is a shipping charge. I have been monitoring my CC statement for any misplaced holds or charges and see nothing in the way of overcharges as of yet. I am a subscription holder so I hope it stays that way.
Another successful shipment
Got mine today here in Summertown, TN at The Farm Community....
About to start in on the Bonus disc....
I can't stop reading all
I can't stop reading all these post. We have provided our own source of entertainment!! There are complainers and those who comment on the complainers and the rest of us reading for the pure enjoyment of a good read.
I have a confession to make: I do not buy every release nor do I listen to the GD everyday. I only bought a handful of RT releases and the same for the DP. I am trying to learn dead songs on the banjo. A slow venture.
Low miles.... #294
Got it today... so I packed the bat and jumped right into Scarlet Begonias. I am lovin' it.
"I knew right away she was not like other girls, other girls..."
Thank you, Dave... please keep 'em coming!
limited edition
Me thinx that they are a little too limited if they are sold out before they are even delivered. To much chance to go wrong.
in response to antonjo
Not sure why you felt you needed to pile on me, too, but in response to your query "where's your own patience?" ...my response was to syracuse's labeling of me, among others (he took the time to quote directly from my post, and thus, single me out for personal criticism), as a "whiner" and as someone he was "ashamed" to somehow be associated with through the music of the Dead.
My response was to the nature of such language--I don't use language like "ashamed" to show disgust or contempt for people openly and use names to insult those who post things I disagree with or resent.
My post was intended to be half-humorous (hence the signature "Pick-less in Buffalo," reminiscent of a Dear Abby plea) and also half serious (I order a lot of things online, and items from Dead.net really do take longer than items from anywhere else--and are also more precious once they arrive).
And how do you know that I haven't, on many occasions and in many different forums, expressed appreciation and admiration for what DL2 and others at Dead HQ do? I have, so obviously you don't know.
Rhino, GDP, Dave and Jeffery this is top notch work
Received this wonderful Daves Vol2 today and have to say it's an improvement over the SBD I've had for years. Listened to the Bonus CD 1st, very nice. Am 1/2 way into 1/2 Step and....... it's ALL good ! So fellas the bar is set very high with this release, nows the time for some Magic & Surprise for Daves Vol3 & 4.
Please & Thank You,
Weve
P.S. stop fighting kids or they'll be no ice cream
Outstanding Show and packaging
Congratulations on putting together a beautiful pick! Its so nice to hear this full '74 show that does not disappoint from beginning to end. Great sound with plenty of nuance for repeat listening. Strong renditions and jams on every disc.
The excellent packaging, artwork, photographs, and essay really show the thought and care that was put into this product. The overall design compliments the music well.
a very happy Head here.
Nafoster1 and others...
I apologize for criticizing you for seeming to be put out by not receiving your DP within 2-4 days of the first wave. I don't know any of you and perhaps anyone who voiced displeasure about not getting their package in the first few days was just having a bad day, or was just disappointed because of previous customer service issues here at Rhinodead. Maybe I was in a bad mood when I typed my initial comment about the short fuse here. Regardless, I apologize for offending anyone and hope everyone gets their package in a timely manner.
Mp51....vinyl Mars
A little info on your question. Mars Hotel was on MOFI's release list this year. I contacted them and unfortunately it has been dropped at least for now. The good news is it seems that the Dead are releasing all their vinyl on several different companies. Mostly Rhino but some MFSL In addition to the box set of the early lps listed on this site. Live/ Dead is on MOFI they put out Europe '72 and a vinyl edition '72 v.2 (4LPS) ON Rhino. Wake is on MOFI. Shakedown ST. Blues For Allah, Terrapin and a mind numbing Reckoning are out on Analogue Productions (manufactured by Rhino. These are all available I bought mine through from soundstagedirect.com very good people. All these issues are beautiful and would reccomend them to anyone still into or returning to Vinyl. I wish there was a discussion site here about the vinyl reissues to me they are the best of what is beautiful about vinyl and would like to talk to other vinyl heads about them. Hope that helps
Thanks
As you had singled out my direct quote about my not having received my latest DP, I appreciate and accept your apology. You don't know my situation nor any experience that I've had with ordering stuff from the store.
And just for the record, I'm STILL waiting on a shirt for my daughter that was ordered on 12/05/2011...
Happy all around!
Got mine in the mail today in NH and am experiencing bliss through my headphones. I'm delighted to finally have a full '74 show after many cut-up pieces from Dick's Picks and the Grateful Dead Movie soundtrack. Great selection and production by Dave, mastering by Jeffrey (it seems these WOS boards take some extra work), and liner notes by Blair. Thanks for this!
Woo-Hoo!!!
Got my Dave's Picks in the mail today along with my bonus disc. Looking forward to listening to it this week. I'm really happy with the packaging for these sets, they look great!
Woo-Hoo!!!
Got my Dave's Picks in the mail today along with my bonus disc. Looking forward to listening to it this week. I'm really happy with the packaging for these sets, they look great!
My DaP2 Timeline
I purchased a Dave's Picks Subscription on 10/23/2011.
May 1 - E-mail "NOW SHIPPING: Dave's Picks Volume 2"
May 4 - Received DaP2 and 2012 Bonus, USPS, Chicago area
May 7 - Dead.net customer service e-mail with the following:
"Your order from Dead.net was shipped via Standard shipping on Jan 29, 2012."
"Dave's Picks 2012 Subscription Bonus Disc, Dave's Picks Volume 2"
$0.00 Subtotal
$6.36 Shipping Cost
$0.00 Tax
$6.36 ORDER TOTAL
That's not a typo! The e-mail says it was shipped in January!
And, the e-mail indicates I'm being charged a shipping cost!
This is absolutely hilarious! I have always suspected that shipping delays were due to the oddities of USPS shipping - weird routes, quirking letter carriers, etc. But now, after this e-mail, it is clear to me that there are still big problems...
I can't wait to see what happens next... :-)
shipping
I'm a mailman and just wanted to say that standard shipping (which is also the cheapest option) takes longer that first class mail. If a processing plant is behind they are allowed to "curtail" standard mail and put it off for up to three days. If you had to wait for your cds the problem may be an overworked post office rather than poor service from dead.net.I got my copy on Saturday (central IL) although I saw here that at least one person in Chicagoland got his on Friday.
But worth the wait, huh? Great release!
BTW got my email notification today, after I received the discs. This seems to be par for the coarse from dead.net or Rhino. I've come to expect it and can live with it but surely it is something that shouldn't be that hard to resolve. I order fairly often from Amazon and get prompt and accurate email responses like clockwork.
Got a shipping mail today ...
But by then I had already recieved the actual package from the mail woman. Wondered why I hadn't got a shipping mail and there it was.
Like it a lot better when the actual record gets to me before the shipping mail does, than the other way around! :-D
Got number 2231 this time.
Micke Östlund,
Växjö, Sweden
Lovely
Mine came, along the the bonus disk. As others are saying, packaging is nice, the heavier stock cardboard makes a huge difference. Great pics and liner notes.
The newspaper clipping is especially good - often those are quite (unintentionally) humorous, but this piece by Bruce Meyer, focusing on the Dead's refusal to continue down the American Beauty / Workingman's Dead path to riches and Hollywood mansions, is insightful. (Though, the Dead did kinda go for that commercial gold in the late '70's hahaha)
Can't wait to listen to this tonight.
#10,242 in Western Mass.
chris
Got mine yesterday
Got my Dave's Pick 2 via UPS yesterday about 1:30 pm. Shipping notification came in an email about an hour later. Gonna have a listen to it today.
2358/12000
1974 recordings
I have just gone through disc 1 of Dave's Picks Vol.2. First of all, really nice packaging, nice front cover, nice booklet, nice liner notes, nice bonus disc cover, congratulation to the Grateful Dead Art Department this time.Regarding music, we all know that the Dead were at the top of their game in 1974. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite years, it must have been amazing being at one of those shows in front of that imponent Wall of Sound. And that`s the point: the recordings simply can´t capture that state-of-the-art hi-fi P.A. Of course, the Grateful Dead Movie Soundtrack is the exception, for those multitrack recordings sound simply amazing (not on Steal Your Face, though!). But, this two-track documents are not the case. I know Jeffrey Norman surely gave his best to enhance the recording for this new release, but we can't expect for miracles when he is working with a tape that was already mixed to stereo by Candelario, who was doing his best anyway, but while being busy doing other things on stage. He was not there just to record the band and, above all, WAS NOT WORKING ON TAPES CONSIDERED FOR FUTURE RELEASES, for the real aim was documenting the show so band could listen to it later in order to evaluate their performance (I don't know if that was put in practice, anyway).
Don't get me wrong, this release features amazing music, but I can`t help thinking about how much enjoyable this could be having been recorded in a different way. In this recording the vocals suffer a lot because of the phase-cancellation microphones, and with a two-track recording there is nothing you can do to try to make it sound better. Furthermore, the drums are placed in the middle, without stereo panning, the mix is not always balanced, there is saturation, the sound is dry (except for Jerry's guitar that features reverb) etc. etc.
I insist, there's no one to blame for this, and I was not waiting anything different from this release, I know the way 1974 recordings sound like, I just can't help thinking, that's all...
Anyway, a really nice release, keep them coming!
Arrived Friday in WA State
On my second listen now. What 'me' (user name) is saying sounds about right. Jerry is definitely a bit low in the mix at times, and Keith sounds pretty darn high (in the mix). It is fun to imagine what this would sound like if it had been recorded for an official release. I think the bonus disc has a better sound quality to it than the 7/31 show honestly. On the one hand, DP1 has A+ sound, and B playin'. DP2 has B sound and A+ playin'. Can't wait to see what the next release is, keep up the good work Rhino team.
By the way, I don't get the numbering. DP1 was #10250 or something close, DP2 is #369. It would be cool to get the same number every time (in the order that you subscribed), but with all the Customer Care nightmares I keep reading about (I personally have never had one) that doesn't even sound like a possibility worth considering.
A similar hilarious timeline...
to that which ecb related a few posts back.
May 1: E-mail "Now shipping" stating that there were only 500 copies left and suggesting that if I wanted to get my greasy paws on a copy I should not wait too long before ordering (I have a subscription)
May 8: E-mail "Your dead.net order has shipped". I saw this mail 10 minutes after I got home from work. The first thing I saw on getting home was a note from the postman telling me that there was a package waiting for me at my next-door neighbours, which was (of course) Dave's Picks Vol. 2. #4230. Fortunately the e-mail did not contain bad news about extra shipping costs, but then I live in Holland and this phenomenon is seemingly reserved for domestic US punters. It did state that the order had shipped on January 29th which amused me. It has to be said that a May 8 arrival date for the goods is extremely quick bearing in mind it had to cross the pond - a new speed record in my experience. This assumes, of course, that it was shipped around May 1st rather than January 29th.
The bad news is that a few weeks ago, my CD player (with HDCD) went belly-up and a replacement will not arrive before the weekend. The now-dead player had lasted some 16 years so I can't really complain. I very quickly found that HDCD-equipped CD players are not that easy to find but as I have several hundred HDCD-CDs, I considered the incluson of the HDCD facility a necessity. Not only Dead CDs are HDCD - many others are mastered to the HDCD spec. but nowhere in the booklet, cover etc. is this stated. The only easy way to know is if you have a HDCD player. When the CD is played a light comes on announcing the fact. If you don't have a HDCD player, there is no way to know. Anyway, the new CD player, a Naim Audio CD5 XS, is on its way. I am curious to know how it will sound compared to the old Theta Digital player. It certainly sounded good in the shop - but don't they always! Meanwhile, all I can do is read the booklet, look at the cover art and get excited in anticipation of actually hearing this thang. So far I have only seen positive comments about the music, which bodes well.
shipping weirdness
some more odd shipping stuff. i ordered PD2 the day it became available to non subscribers. got a shipping notice 5/2 informing me that my order (non subscription) was shipped 5/1. package arrived 5/5. no problems. great show! so much fun to hear it again after 38 years.. (yikes!)here's where it gets weird.i received a shipping notice this morning for DP2 subscription... i wonder if i'll get another package in a few days with (gasp!) the bonus disc? stay tuned!
shipping confusion
I got my discs on Friday May the 4th - way cool!Today, the 7th I got the shipping notice, and it said they were shipped reg mail on JAN 29!
It's all good, the music is great.
No complaints
Well, I'm nearly through my first listening and I have no complaints. Considering it was taped by "Kid" Candelario while he was attending to his other duties with the band and with probably no thought of ever officially being released, I think Dave did an excellent job.
Thanks Dave! Keep it up and I'm looking forward to Vol.3.
0 for 2
Spoiler alert: If you only care about unicorns and rainbows, stop reading here. I hereby issue a challenge. Can anyone find a more boring show from 1974 than DaP 2? Sure, there are 3 sets. Where are the jam vehicles? None of the 3 biggies are present. Where is the fire? Except for a ragged MLB Jam > Spanish Jam, this release is like one excruciatingly long first set. I'd rather listen to Steal Your Face. Try it, you might agree. The singing on DaP 2 is about as bad as it ever got, probably due to the PA and lack of traditional stage monitors. The whole thing sounds like such a struggle! The bonus disc is miles ahead of anything on DaP 2. Who really picks these? It can't be Dave.
The only reason I keep buying these things is that usually there are a few moments of exhilarating music. The whole-show contingency has won, and this makes the mining of gems that much more difficult and expensive. At least pick some hot shows, will ya?? Sheesh!
I have every GD release ever made, sitting on my CD shelf. But I'm over it. PM me with the best argument of why this show is worthy and I'll sell you my copy for face value, plus actual postage. You can keep it or sell it on Ebay for a profit, I don't care. Same goes for DaP 1 too.
not that interesting?
Con Man I have to agree. My first reaction to this show is its putting me asleep. There is a total lack of drive and excitement. Now maybe my impressions will change after a few more days.
The E72 disc need this new
The E72 disc need this new digi pack look. I honestly thought we would get better packaging considering the mammoth cost $450. Now we should be able to get the new cd cases at a discount price. I'd buy 'em for sure if they included individual liner notes.
This is my first experience with Dave's Pick. I am very impressed with this release!! I will become a subscriber next time and just sell the shows I don't want (or keep em and my kids can sell them one day). I love this show and sound, but my virgin ears cannot tell the difference between this release any every other '74 show (save Dead Movie). Please let me know what to listen for.
I absolutly dig that pic of Jerry ripping into his guitar!!
I look forward to discussing the next release. Till then-Happy Listening.
Keep the complaints coming. Obviously someone is listening because of this great packaging!!
One picky comment
Rhino folks, while I appreciate the use of recycled materials in the CD packaging, your fulfillment outfit pretty much negated all the "good" that you did by shipping the product to me in a box that was about 4X as big as it needed to be, then stuffed in a couple of pieces of polyurethane foam to keep the CD from rattling around in the big box. I can't recycle those chunks of foam, so landfill-bound they are.
Seems like it would be pretty easy to fix this one, no?
Winterland '74
I don't agree with those that find this concert boring. I think there are many interesting passages. The main problem is the sound quality, Bob's guitar is sometimes completely buried in the mix, and it is almost impossible to enjoy the voices the way they sound (even then, there are some beautiful moments, like Jerry's singing in "To Lay Me Down"). The complete run from October 1974 in Winterland should be released one day, I think. It is the only source of really multitrack live recordings from the WOS era (it is worth mentioning that the recording was actually quite bad, that is why Steal Your Face sounds so terrible. Jeffrey Norman worked quite a lot to make them sound beatifully alive, and he made it!). It would be really nice to have a Winterland 1974: The Complete Recordings box set!
By the way, this Dave's Picks features one of the worst "China Doll" I ever heard. Kreutzmann is out of tempo throughout the whole song!
Re "me" Winterland '74
I think 10/16-20/74 is maybe my favorite run ever, but having already released a 5 CD set of highlights, I think it's doubtful they would go back and release the whole run. Too bad, in hindsight.
Dave's Picks Volume 2 - Not boring, but...
... I do feel you on the idea that it seems like one LONG first set. For whatever reason, it never really seems to take off into that other-worldly place that so many second sets would journey. I do think that the absence of a major jam vehicle may be the culprit, though I would argue that Truckin' was often the very vehicle that would deliver us to that special second set place. It's just on this show, the band seems to peak during the Truckin' jam, (which IMO SMOKES!), but then take the foot off the gas for MLB and especially Spanish Jam, (which is basically some gorgeous noodling from Jerry and some random plunking from Keith... not really a cohesive jam for 3/4 of its running time.) Then into Wharf Rat, which is a great tune, but there is nothing spectacular about this one. Always a fan of US Blues, so glad to hear that up next, but then the Saturday Night - - has anyone else noticed that it sounds like the band turns WAY down for this and the UJB Encore? I checked my volume, and it was the same level as it had been for the entire disc. I don't know, it sounds like all of the life gets sucked out of the sound. Couple this with the fact that Disc III begins with To Lay Me Down, a WONDERFUL song, but a slow starter, and you end up with a pretty "meh" disc of Dead. (I found that it helps if you listen to all of Set III together...)
All of that being said, I am still enjoying this release A LOT. I think that discs 1 and 2 are worth the price of admission. Disc 1 starts off a bit rough,... and the BIODTL that Dave refers to is pretty bad listening, BUT, the Half-Step>Roses is GORGEOUS and I simply like the song choices: Row Jimmy is a fav, a strong Jack Straw, and a GREAT 74 China>Rider! Around and Around is a fun way to end the set too. Disc 2 is pure butter. Bertha and Big River are great opening numbers, followed by a FANTASTIC Eyes>China Doll. I have to disagree with the poster who said China Doll is one of the worst versions he has ever heard... On first listen I thought that it was beautiful and a very interesting followup to that mind blowing Eyes. Promised Land is pretty hot, and Ship of Fools is another example of why I just love the setlists from this period. (Wake of the Flood and Mars Hotel being my two fav. collections of studio songs.) And the WRS is an excellent, well played, well-sung version. Then the start of Set 3, El Paso (good version, if you like this song...) a great Ramble On Rose (BTW: I also disagree about the singing on these discs; I think they sound pretty good, especially Jerry!) and the Greatest Story (not one of my personal favs.. what are Bobby and Donna screaming about?)
All in all, I am very glad to have this in my collection, and while it doesn't rank up there with some of the best live releases, I certainly would stop way short of calling it boring. Let's see where Dave takes us next...
I was thinking that too when
I was thinking that too when the box arrived. I would think a secure bubble mailer would work. But I am sure people would complain about that as well. Bottom line everyone will not be pleased no matter what it is show, artwork, disc packaging, shipping packing, mail service.....
I am just happy to be getting excited about shows and products from Dead.net
Eco Packaging
Gratefuldean - I'm with you on the packaging. I was really pleased when they announced the recycled materials for the CD case, and equally appalled at the way it was shipped. Shit, if Deadheads don't care about that stuff, who will? (Even Jerry, remember, broke out of his usual political / issues aloofness to comment on the environmental nightmare of a vinyl record pressing plant).
What a Lovely Welcome Home Surprise
My wife and I were out of town on a long weekend vacation, and my copy was waiting for me when we got home. What a lovely welcome home surprise! I quickly imported all four CDs into iTunes and am currently listening to the tail-end of the bonus disc (Capital Centre, Landover, MD - 7/29/74).
Having recently re-discovered my love for the Dead, I was a tad slow to jump on board for a subscription to Dave's Picks, but I'm more than glad I did (I subscribed to the Third Man Records Vault on the same day, which I've since cancelled 'cause I have yet to receive ANYTHING from them). In terms of the standard release catalog, I have everything from the self-titled debut through "Europe '72," so it's nice to step away from the more label-controlled releases that are hand-selected by select Dead-votees. What I think I like most about these releases thus far is that you get a feel of what it must have been like to hear the Dead play.
I'm having a hard time deciding which release is better, Vol. 1 or Vol. 2. I'm leaning more towards Vol. 2, but it's a close fight. There was something special about the tightness of the show at The Mosque in '77, but the Dillon Stadium show in '74 feels a bit more like vintage Dead. They're a bit looser and more on their game, blending one song into the next and having a bit of fun in between. The bonus disc is an added bonus and almost beats out Vol. 2 as a whole, except that it's 8 songs going up against 30. Not exactly a fair fight.
Vol. 2 also carries my so-far favorite versions of "Wharf Rat" and "Uncle John's Band," which don't tend to chart on my All-Time Favorite Dead Songs list.
Hey One Man, I don't disagree
Hey One Man, I don't disagree with you. My overall impression of this release is "how in good sam did anyone ever decide that this show was worthy of a release!!" Personally I think I am done with buying anymore '74 (except a complete retirement show box), I think Dave very much has a say in what gets released at least that is the indication I get from the seaside chats he conducts. I bet he has a small team to bounce ideas off. If this is any indication of his taste in the Dead's music then I feel sorry for those of you who are stuck with two more shows. Consult Blair, he seems to have some great ideas I am sure.
I was listening to the Watkins Glen show from '73 the other night on Sirius and was hoping this would be like that-jammy and fun.
I have been wondering how many shows are left in the vault that are must have. I enjoyed the Pow Wow and Fillmore East-they were must have for me. For those of you who are Dead to the core, what shows are there that need to be released-I mean great shows will blow our socks off?? From what I heard, Watkins Glen could fit that description.
Please educate me. And please e-mail Dave these suggestions too.