Spring 1990, Volume One Box

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August 8, 2012 - 10:43am

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Anonymous (not verified)

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jq171(document).ready(function (jq171) { jq171("h2.product_title").each(function(){ var title = jq171(this); var new_title = title.text().replace(' - SOLD OUT', ''); title.text(new_title); }); var covertArtDownloadMarkup = 'Looking for the digital cover art? You can download it here.'; setTimeout(function() { jq171('#digital_cart').append(covertArtDownloadMarkup); }, 500); });
What's Inside:
• 60 page hardcover Smyth-Sewn book featuring essays by Dennis McNally, David Lemieux, and Blair Jackson and photos by Jim Anderson & Mike Laurentis
• 25th Anniversary Tour Program
• Official Band Letters
• 6 Ticket Stubs
• 6 Cloth Sticker Backstage Passes
• 1 Tour Laminate
• Official 1990 Band publicity shot
• 6 complete shows on 18 discs
      • 3/16/90 Capital Center, Landover, MD
      • 3/19/90 Civic Center, Hartford, CT
      • 3/22/90 Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, ON, Canada
      • 3/26/90 Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY
      • 3/30/90 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
      • 4/2/90 The Omni, Atlanta, GA

Box Dimensions: 12-1/8" x 3-1/8" x 12-1/8"
Recorded and Mixed Live by John Cutler
Mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD
Original art by Wes Lang
Individually Numbered, Limited Edition of 9,000

Introducing The Next Box: Spring 1990!

And now for something a little different. This year's box set - Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 - offers six complete shows from the epic spring '90 tour, one concert from each city the band played, personally selected by Dead vaultmeister and archival release producer David Lemieux. The sizzling six are: 3/16/90 Capital Centre (Landover , MD), 3/19/90 Hartford Civic Center, 3/22/90 Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario), 3/26/90 Knickerbocker Arena (Albany, NY), 3/30/90 Nassau Coliseum (Uniondale, NY) and 4/2/90 The Omni (Atlanta, GA).

In his "Producer's Note" in the beautiful book that is part of the box, Lemieux, who attended the first 10 shows on the tour, states, "To my ears this was the last tour that was consistently great, where every show is excellent, not a dud in the bunch." And Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally's comprehensive and informative insider's essay in the box is titled "The Last Great Dead Tour." These guys know what they're talking about.

Basically, the band had been on an upward trajectory since Garcia's return to the road in the spring of '87, following his near-death the previous summer. Of course, 1987 was a trip in itself, what with the unexpected mega-success of In the Dark and their first hit single, "Touch of Grey." But the momentum just kept building with each subsequent tour, as Garcia got back up to full speed (and then some!) and the group as a whole was as unified as they had ever been since Brent joined the band in the spring of '79. New original tunes were popping up and the old favorites were imbued with a freshness and spirit that was so uplifting and inspiring. The band was having fun again, and it was downright infectious.

The group's fall 1989 shows-as documented two years ago on the Formerly the Warlocks box (two shows from Hampton, VA, 10/8-9/89) and on the 2001 release Nightfall of Diamonds (a single night in NJ, 10/16/89)- kicked the energy level up another couple of notches, as the band reintroduced such loved classics as "Help on the Way" > "Slipknot!," "Attics of My Life," "Death Don't Have No Mercy" and "Dark Star."

And when the band hit the road in mid-March 1990, they had a bunch of other cool tunes to lay on their unsuspecting crowds, including the return of "Loose Lucy" (last played in 1974; it's not on this box), Brent's "Easy to Love You" (missing since 1980), a rollicking cover of the Rolling Stones' "The Last Time," The Band's "The Weight" (with all four singers taking a verse each) and a lyrically retooled "Black-Throated Wind" (absent since 1974), which elicited huge cheers every time it was played.

Over these six shows, most of the cornerstones of the Dead's repertoire from the era appear-splendid versions of "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire on the Mountain," "China Cat Sunflower" > "I Know You Rider," "Playing in the Band," "Uncle John's Band," "Eyes of the World," "Estimated Prophet," "Truckin'," "Sugar Magnolia," "The Other One," "Terrapin," "Stella Blue," "Feel Like a Stranger," "Bird Song," "Let It Grow," "China Doll," "Box of Rain," "Morning Dew"; you name it. From the fall '89 breakouts come "Help-Slip-Frank," "Attics of My Life" and "Death Don't Have No Mercy." Among the still newish tunes are "Picasso Moon," "Blow Away," "Foolish Heart," "Just a Little Light," "Victim or the Crime," "Standing on the Moon," "We Can Run" and a couple that would get their final plays from the Grateful Dead on this tour-"Built to Last" and "Believe It or Not." There are stirring renditions of "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and "Black Muddy River," rockin' takes on "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "Iko Iko" and the only version of the full "Hey Jude" the band attempted in the modern era. And the "Rhythm Devils" and "Space" jams at the heart of each second set are as noisy-beautiful-scary-funny-intense-mysterious-wild as you'd expect/hope for.

Of course, we understand that some of you may have other favorite shows from this tour you wish were included on this box. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. But at 18 discs, this is still the second largest Grateful Dead box (after Europe '72: The Complete Recordings) that's been released, and the non-inclusion of any other shows from the tour definitely does not preclude their future release! But this seemed like a more manageable way to go, while still giving a sense of the tour's amazing depth and breadth.

Besides the discs themselves, Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 has much to offer, including: a gorgeous 60-page hardcover book containing copious color photos by Jim Anderson and Michael Laurentus, unique artwork by Brooklyn-based fine artist Wes Lang, fascinating business letters and communications related to the tour, a detailed historical essay by Dennis McNally, a Producer's Note by David Lemieux and individual show descriptions by Blair Jackson; a reproduction of the Dead's 1990 tour program (printed and sold later in '90, for the fall and Europe '90 tours); tickets and backstage passes of all six shows; a band publicity photo from 1990 by Ken Friedman; Dennis McNally's tour laminate; and reproductions of the colored 8x10 sheets GDTS sent out with hotel, food and other information for each city on the tour.

With recordings made by longtime Grateful Dead recordist and producer John Cutler, mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD, you just know it's gonna sound great-and it does!

So, that's the skinny this time 'round. This box is limited to just 9,000 numbered copies - please note, this is the only time these shows will ever be officially available on CD. There will not be an All Music Edition and single shows will not be available physically. Due to ship out August 31st, we anticipate that this extraordinary set will sell-out, so order your copy today!

If you're looking for more of a bite-sized taste of the '90s, Spring 1990: So Glad You Made It, a 2-CD set featuring a handful of favorites, will be in stores on September 18th.

-Blair Jackson

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August 30, 2012 - 10:19pm

#481

bolo24

Joined:
November 25, 2009

What's With the Bickering?

Just seems odd to me that folks can be so picky about which GD era is the best, what music is great, what sucks, etc. Perhaps some of us have lost sight of the big picture. I think my brother summed it up best when we celebrated his 60th birthday not too long ago. When asked to reflect on his time spent on this planet thus far, he acknowledged the love of family and friends, his gratitude for good health, and so on. All the things one might expect to hear on such an occasion. Then he added: "I'm also blessed to have been alive during the time of the Grateful Dead." 'Nuff said.
August 30, 2012 - 8:58pm

#482

PalmerEldritch

Joined:
July 25, 2011

GD X17

GD X17- I love that analogy! I feel exactly the same way. I can't imagine comparing anything from the late Brent era to any 60's, 70's Dead. But I'm enjoying this set and discovering this era I've ignored for so long. I find the negative comments refreshing. No other era so deeply divides Deadheads, eh? A problematic, enigmatic era- fascinating! Now back to listening.
August 30, 2012 - 8:38pm

#483

juddcbrown

Joined:
June 11, 2007

Nope rbmunkin

Wasn't poking you. Am lamenting the loss of customer service that was a part of the Dead since forever.
August 30, 2012 - 8:22pm

#484

Hoopsie

Joined:
January 5, 2012

This set is just flat-out SICK...

...Through and through.Jerry and Brent are the highlights and shortly thereafter, they were gone. First set nuggets aplenty, and just about every song you would want. Drums Space are excellent and different every night. Goodness gracious God bless the Grateful Dead!
August 30, 2012 - 7:00pm

#485

rbmunkin

Joined:
February 24, 2009

"doesn't like Bob's vocals

"doesn't like Bob's vocals doesn't amount to coherent or meaningful insight into the music." How is my criticism of Bob's voice being affecting not coherent or meaningful? I even gave you the definition of affecting in case you didn't know. It's totally true and constructive criticism. "That explains a lot." What's that supposed to mean? I can be honest about my positive qualities as well as my negative. It happens to be true. "Cultic"? Look it up.
August 30, 2012 - 6:53pm

#486

One Man

Joined:
May 17, 2011

GD X-17

Good, bad, ugly -- this forum has it all, and why not? I'm with other posters who have had difficulty buying what the 1990 version of the band was selling. Still, this box is surprising to me. I can't let myself even think of this as the same band I loved in the 70s. It is like a parallel universe where some other band much less edgy and much more in the yacht rock vein takes the place of the Grateful Dead. I call them GD X-17, from planet Crisscross. They play MIDIfied Grateful Dead covers and some newer Loggins & Messina outtakes. Yet somehow there is an electricity that can't quite be denied. There is something in their DNA that evokes wonder and groovitude. The beautiful thing is that you can't define it. Just turn up the volume and it will grab you. I'm not kidding. I had big doubts about the audio quality but this really puts you in the venue instead of in the soundboard. Try it. I think 3/16/90 is my favorite first set ever.
August 30, 2012 - 6:43pm

#487

Anonymous (not verified)

Joined:
March 29, 2017

Well okay then...

"Honestly? Yes. I'm the best at what I do of anyone I've ever met in my field." That explains a lot. P.S. I'm not sure why, when someone points out the banality of another's criticism, that the person pointing out the offending comment is somehow "cultic" (wherever that word came from) in their honest evaluation of Dead music. I'm happy to hear criticism of the Dead, when it means something, and when it makes sense. I do it myself. Sure, sometimes the Dead sucked. But just because someone doesn't like Mickey or doesn't like Bob's vocals doesn't amount to coherent or meaningful insight into the music.
August 30, 2012 - 6:32pm

#488

rbmunkin

Joined:
February 24, 2009

to juddcbrown about "Reality"

"Commenters often speculate that our discs have been delayed due to people smoking the Good Stuff. I fear that it may be us, the customers of these products, that are high. And when we come down, we ask what this shitty Music is.It breaks my heart." Not clear what is breaking your heart. Your post is not clear. But I can say that I was joking about "smoking the good stuff" and I haven't been high on drugs for about 30 years. I like the Dead without drugs. But I can be critical of them when they aren't playing at their best. I'm not cultic about them. They are the best at some times and quite bad at others. Jerry spoke about this range many many years ago. He recognized that they sucked sometimes. Can you?
August 30, 2012 - 6:28pm

#489

rbmunkin

Joined:
February 24, 2009

to "one problem" nafoster1

So this forum should just be for "I love the Dead and it's all so great, la de da"? If that's the case, I need to find a forum that is truly into listening to the music critically. I listen intently, to every note Jerry plays, etc, and it's natural to compare to other eras. And I would like to feel free to express my thoughts on it. What the heck is wrong with that? If this is just a "cultic" forum and only great and romantically positive comments are allowed, well, what's the point? About this: "are you that good at whatever it is you do for a living? I mean, let's be honest" Honestly? Yes. I'm the best at what I do of anyone I've ever met in my field.
August 30, 2012 - 6:01pm

#490

juddcbrown

Joined:
June 11, 2007

Reality

May have set in for me. Once I would have spoken to Ruby at GDTS to ask about my mail-order (and gotten Satisfaction). Today I discovered that I have held on to the fond memories when they have really gone the way of others I held dear. I wanted to believe that someone in Marin County was checking to see why I hadn't gotten my DP3 order. They told me they were, and they usually came through. If a show was sold out, I believed them and mailed even earlier next time. My experience today took awhile to sink in. I knew Spring '90 had started shipping. And that I should have been among the first to receive it due to my choosing Express shipping. So I trusted that there was a mitigating Circumstance when it never showed. GD had always delivered in the end. But I just received my DP3 shipment Friday after getting shipping notice on July 31st. I emailed, called, and waited patiently through multiple explanations and trusted that all would be well. And like always, it was in the end. Today though was different. After repeated efforts to find my Spring '90 box set, it became clear that the Customer Service number/email address has nothing to do with customer service. They are a call center in Georgia handling calls for Rhino. They have no idea what is going on with delivery of DP 3 or Spring '90, nor even what those things are. They are there to verify that we have an order in and to try via dissembling to get us to think our orders are On The Way. Or have been delayed by techical issues. Or were lost by the Post Office but were going to be reissued by Rhino in spite of being Limited Editions. Commenters often speculate that our discs have been delayed due to people smoking the Good Stuff. I fear that it may be us, the customers of these products, that are high. And when we come down, we ask what this shitty Music is. It breaks my heart.

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

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What's Inside:
• 60 page hardcover Smyth-Sewn book featuring essays by Dennis McNally, David Lemieux, and Blair Jackson and photos by Jim Anderson & Mike Laurentis
• 25th Anniversary Tour Program
• Official Band Letters
• 6 Ticket Stubs
• 6 Cloth Sticker Backstage Passes
• 1 Tour Laminate
• Official 1990 Band publicity shot
• 6 complete shows on 18 discs
      • 3/16/90 Capital Center, Landover, MD
      • 3/19/90 Civic Center, Hartford, CT
      • 3/22/90 Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, ON, Canada
      • 3/26/90 Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY
      • 3/30/90 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
      • 4/2/90 The Omni, Atlanta, GA

Box Dimensions: 12-1/8" x 3-1/8" x 12-1/8"
Recorded and Mixed Live by John Cutler
Mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD
Original art by Wes Lang
Individually Numbered, Limited Edition of 9,000

Introducing The Next Box: Spring 1990!

And now for something a little different. This year's box set - Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 - offers six complete shows from the epic spring '90 tour, one concert from each city the band played, personally selected by Dead vaultmeister and archival release producer David Lemieux. The sizzling six are: 3/16/90 Capital Centre (Landover , MD), 3/19/90 Hartford Civic Center, 3/22/90 Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario), 3/26/90 Knickerbocker Arena (Albany, NY), 3/30/90 Nassau Coliseum (Uniondale, NY) and 4/2/90 The Omni (Atlanta, GA).

In his "Producer's Note" in the beautiful book that is part of the box, Lemieux, who attended the first 10 shows on the tour, states, "To my ears this was the last tour that was consistently great, where every show is excellent, not a dud in the bunch." And Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally's comprehensive and informative insider's essay in the box is titled "The Last Great Dead Tour." These guys know what they're talking about.

Basically, the band had been on an upward trajectory since Garcia's return to the road in the spring of '87, following his near-death the previous summer. Of course, 1987 was a trip in itself, what with the unexpected mega-success of In the Dark and their first hit single, "Touch of Grey." But the momentum just kept building with each subsequent tour, as Garcia got back up to full speed (and then some!) and the group as a whole was as unified as they had ever been since Brent joined the band in the spring of '79. New original tunes were popping up and the old favorites were imbued with a freshness and spirit that was so uplifting and inspiring. The band was having fun again, and it was downright infectious.

The group's fall 1989 shows-as documented two years ago on the Formerly the Warlocks box (two shows from Hampton, VA, 10/8-9/89) and on the 2001 release Nightfall of Diamonds (a single night in NJ, 10/16/89)- kicked the energy level up another couple of notches, as the band reintroduced such loved classics as "Help on the Way" > "Slipknot!," "Attics of My Life," "Death Don't Have No Mercy" and "Dark Star."

And when the band hit the road in mid-March 1990, they had a bunch of other cool tunes to lay on their unsuspecting crowds, including the return of "Loose Lucy" (last played in 1974; it's not on this box), Brent's "Easy to Love You" (missing since 1980), a rollicking cover of the Rolling Stones' "The Last Time," The Band's "The Weight" (with all four singers taking a verse each) and a lyrically retooled "Black-Throated Wind" (absent since 1974), which elicited huge cheers every time it was played.

Over these six shows, most of the cornerstones of the Dead's repertoire from the era appear-splendid versions of "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire on the Mountain," "China Cat Sunflower" > "I Know You Rider," "Playing in the Band," "Uncle John's Band," "Eyes of the World," "Estimated Prophet," "Truckin'," "Sugar Magnolia," "The Other One," "Terrapin," "Stella Blue," "Feel Like a Stranger," "Bird Song," "Let It Grow," "China Doll," "Box of Rain," "Morning Dew"; you name it. From the fall '89 breakouts come "Help-Slip-Frank," "Attics of My Life" and "Death Don't Have No Mercy." Among the still newish tunes are "Picasso Moon," "Blow Away," "Foolish Heart," "Just a Little Light," "Victim or the Crime," "Standing on the Moon," "We Can Run" and a couple that would get their final plays from the Grateful Dead on this tour-"Built to Last" and "Believe It or Not." There are stirring renditions of "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and "Black Muddy River," rockin' takes on "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "Iko Iko" and the only version of the full "Hey Jude" the band attempted in the modern era. And the "Rhythm Devils" and "Space" jams at the heart of each second set are as noisy-beautiful-scary-funny-intense-mysterious-wild as you'd expect/hope for.

Of course, we understand that some of you may have other favorite shows from this tour you wish were included on this box. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. But at 18 discs, this is still the second largest Grateful Dead box (after Europe '72: The Complete Recordings) that's been released, and the non-inclusion of any other shows from the tour definitely does not preclude their future release! But this seemed like a more manageable way to go, while still giving a sense of the tour's amazing depth and breadth.

Besides the discs themselves, Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 has much to offer, including: a gorgeous 60-page hardcover book containing copious color photos by Jim Anderson and Michael Laurentus, unique artwork by Brooklyn-based fine artist Wes Lang, fascinating business letters and communications related to the tour, a detailed historical essay by Dennis McNally, a Producer's Note by David Lemieux and individual show descriptions by Blair Jackson; a reproduction of the Dead's 1990 tour program (printed and sold later in '90, for the fall and Europe '90 tours); tickets and backstage passes of all six shows; a band publicity photo from 1990 by Ken Friedman; Dennis McNally's tour laminate; and reproductions of the colored 8x10 sheets GDTS sent out with hotel, food and other information for each city on the tour.

With recordings made by longtime Grateful Dead recordist and producer John Cutler, mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD, you just know it's gonna sound great-and it does!

So, that's the skinny this time 'round. This box is limited to just 9,000 numbered copies - please note, this is the only time these shows will ever be officially available on CD. There will not be an All Music Edition and single shows will not be available physically. Due to ship out August 31st, we anticipate that this extraordinary set will sell-out, so order your copy today!

If you're looking for more of a bite-sized taste of the '90s, Spring 1990: So Glad You Made It, a 2-CD set featuring a handful of favorites, will be in stores on September 18th.

-Blair Jackson

Good news

let's just hope the ordering process is not the nightmare that was Europe '72!

-

I learned from the '72 box, which I almost missed out on. Been hitting refresh all morning, got mine. *whew*

c'mon

No shipping option to Canada?!? C'mon - you think you'd have it together by now ...

How About Less Merch And More Shows

This Whole Tour Is Worthy Of A Box Set !! And you're putting out the 30th from Nassau!?!?! Not the 29th !?!?!?!?

fingers crossed

ordered without a hitch...hoping that it will be OK. No foul ups pleeeeeease. If you order make sure you print or save the orrder confirmation....

Also without a hitch

And order confirmation email received...

5 out of 6

Overall, a pretty nice set! I would've included BOTH Copps Coliseum shows and left out Hartford, but otherwise great choices! 2/25-7/23/90 all circulate in SBD, but 3/21 and 3/22 are the two shows most in need of an upgrade and this was the chance to hear both night's in all their glory (I know, I hear it coming, "That's not really a consideration..."), but maybe it could be once in a while, like once a year. 5 out of 6 is pretty good though!

now thats what i'm talking about.

very happy to get a run of brent shows. my only real complaint is the one 'blow away' has already been released as part of the 'dozin' at the knick' compilation. i think i'll let it slide though. big thumbs up for the killer artwork!

order confirmation in!

This is not my favorite era. I did not order the Warlocks (together with Terrapin the only official cd I do not have). But I have to have THIS and now I will, at least it looks like it. $28 for shipping is still way more than Amazon would charge, so the box better be big and clunky...

.

You guys have lost me.

Limited edition, box set. Fancy packageing, basically a $200.00 price tag, thats over $30.00 a show. I just can't seem to wrap my head around this one. I've got several of these shows in audience, soundboard and matrix versions and I almost never listen to them. The 90's were never my favorite shows even though I did go see the boys when they swung down to South Florida in that period. All this just seems like a bunch of hype to extract the maximum amount of money out of the fans. I think I'm done with GD Merchandising, Rhino Records and the whole slick corporate game you guys have been playing here the last few years. I'll keep collecting shows via trades, downloads, and kind gifts from the other like minded Deadheads out there. Ya'll have a really nice day.

I about fell out of my chair

I about fell out of my chair when I checked the site today. Thanks so much all!

Wonderful choice

I do wish they would release on vinyl. I won't buy any new stuff on CD. CDs unless it is something that I just have to have are history for me.

BEAUTIFUL PACKAGE!

I don't like this Dead era, so I won´t order it, but the package is really breath-taking! Delicate and beautiful! For those who are into 1990 Dead, enjoy it!!!

WOOOOT!

Life is Good! I miss you Jerry & Brent...

Meh...

...more stuff that I've had in fantastic quality for years. SURPRISE US !!!! You folks that don't know what etree is will enjoy it though.

Ordered it, but wow....almost half the price of '72 Europe Box

I wish Dead.net folks would respond to valid questions about why things like this are so expensive. The Europe '72 Suitcase was $450.00, but at least it has 22 full shows....this has similar contents (book, etc.), but only 6 shows...I'm sure it will be cool, but this is way overpriced! Sure, to some extent I should shut up since I was willing to order it, but still...

Good and Bad

It's awesome that this is being released! I even attended the three Omni shows, and this release marks the first official one that I was at, to come out. Sadly, the $200 price tag is currently out of my budget and seeing as it's limited to 9000 units, I'll likly miss out on it. :(

No 3-25-90?! ;)

3-25-90 was my first show and it was probably the best I saw in about the 40+ or so I managed to see before Jerry died. The Bird Song, Eyes, Crazy Fingers - the entire show was great. Hell, even Touch was perfect that night. Anyway, I've ordered this and can't wait to get it. Thanks Dave & co. for all your work. Now how about 11-30-80!

I wish I could afford it...

...but I can't and I won't.Why do they have to include all the doo-dads and the fancy packaging? Is it really in the GD spirit to make something like this so expensive, available only to those with too much disposable income? There is no way they can do this and then say, "It's all about the music." I'd like to hear these discs and if they were available individually or in a package that kept the cost down I'd consider it. But this is not my favorite Epoch (not to say overrated, but it is) and one or two of these might have represented the tour just fine, considering we already have "Without a Net" and "Dozin' at the Knick." It would have made a superior Road Trips release (in the original spirit of the series). It could be a 4 to 8 disc compilation that would include every song's best performance and tell the story of Spring 1990 just fine. But where's the profit in that, eh Dave? Too bad that just being a Head who loves the music isn't enough to get me into the exclusive club that Dave and his enablers at Rhino have built. I guess I'm just supposed to kiss their asses and thank them for letting me peek in the window. But I can't hear a thing.

I wish I could afford it...

I guess I'll just listen to "Without a Net" and dream about being worthy of Dave's and Rhino's attention.

who's steering this ship o' fools?

1990? $200? while i agree w/ Lemieux - "....the last tour that was consistently great....", with more than two decades of gems available prior to '90, this selection stymies me a bit. yes, i did the tour, yes, i have the boards...i just can't justify shelling out the cash for what is basically a pedestrian year in GD concert history. guess it's a case of different strokes. enjoy the music! peace,love, jerry.

Silver discs at $11.33 each

For good, not great, shows. I'll wait until this is offered at 20% off, since it won't sell out. I *might* be tempted then, but will probably still pass. Yawn.

doo-dads

I remember all the complaints about not enough "swag" with the Europe 72 release and now there is to many doo-dads. Give the listening party a listen. Sounds good to my ears. Keep in mind there were two previous box sets that were nine discs (ten with the bonus disc) that were released at close to $100.00.

2 cents

I tell myself everytime a new release is announced not to do it, but I can't resist commenting, even though I know I will be attacked by the Deadheads with unlimited income who are happy to fork over $$$ for anything that the Dead release. The Europe '72 box was $450, AND very expensive when you just look at that big number, but only $6.25 per disc, a very fair price when looked at like that. This release, with shipping factored in (there was no extra shipping charge for Europe 72 for US customers at least) is $11.85 per disc. That's more than $5.50 more per disc! That's insane. Is it that much more expensive to remaster these shows? Have costs gone up that much? Does Deborah Koons need a new 8-series BMW? We'll never know. I certaiinly am not making as much money as I did before the recession and, while $214 will not affect my life one way or another, I am very grateful to say, I just can't spend it on this. It seems wrong. Not to mention the fact that as I grow older I am becoming less and less interested in material possessions and all the bells and whistles added on to these releases just seems like waste. So I agree with at least one or two previous posters here re: the high price. I'll have to make do with what I have, and hope that my purchases of 30 of 36 Dick's Picks, the Fillmore West '69 box, the Europe '72 box, both Winterland boxes, and numerous other releases will be considered sufficient to pay off the debt I owe the Dead for allowing the free circulation of their music (only being a little facetious there, I am grateful that the Dead have allowed the free circulation of their music). This despite the fact that I am not a real Deadhead since I only saw 9 shows, and was born much too late to have enjoyed them in their prime. Let the attacks begin.

2 cents

sorry again

eee

oops, sorry

PEOPLE...

If you have a decent internet connection and a little time you can get all these shows for free, in soundboard quality that is 90% of what these remasters are. Stop whining about dave and rhino screwing you. Learn about torrents, download traders little helper and go to etree.org.

Sorry but I'm going to pass this one up!!

I own every release (yes inded, absolutely every one ever put out by the GD!) but I won't own this one!! A whopping $33 per show for 1990 era Grateful Dead? YAWN!! No wonder they decided to dress-up the packaging. Just like putting lip-stick on a pig! Just not good enough. I'll grab one 1/2 price on E-Bay come the end of September! Sorry GD/Rhino, I work for my money! Maybe you should too!

If you don't have anything nice to say...

This isn't Dead Flames, guys (rec.music.gdead)! To the person who complained that the one Blow Away was already released on Dozin at the Knick: Check the song lists again -- there are 2 Blow Aways. To each their own. I didn't buy the Europe '72 box, but I am buying this one (even though I already have the 25th anniversary program.) Thanks to David Lemieux & everyone else involved in getting this out.

lessons learned

Even though I STILL have not listened to all of the Euro '72 box, I'll probably pull the trigger on this one too -- I agree with David's opinion that this tour was the band's last hurrah...In the meantime, I'm glad to see that the folks responsible for these releases appear to have learned some lessons from the less-than-smooth roll out of E72: -Taking the "build it and they will come" approach rather than the "get 'em in line and we'll decide whether (and how) to serve them then"; -A normal ordering process -- if you want it, buy it; -A ton more memorabilia than was included with E72, not really my priority, but I did like the little stuff they used to include with the Pure Jerry releases and lots of people were disappointed with what little came with E72 box; -Making their intentions unmistakably clear insofar as future releases goes (no all music addition, and no single-show physical releases, implying that download releases are a distinct possibility). So, all in all, and even if this release doesn't float your boat musically, I think we should all be pleased with the way in which it was handled. Hats off to everyone involved!!!

Nice Package...well

Looks like a nice package, but it's a bit more than I can afford right now. I'll be looking forward to the "little sampler" available on 16 September. Peace

Listening party does not work on Ubuntu :-(

I would love to listen to the Listening Party, but it does not work on Ubuntu. In the past, I could listen to the Listening Parties by selecting the Microsoft format. Can anyone help?

Sorry but the hype and the

Sorry but the hype and the price and all the other silly extras just are not enough to pull the trigger on this price tag. it's a lot of dough for six shows. and then the revelation that these will NEVER be released as single shows.. it feels like extortion. enough..!!! this is where the frustration comes from and people rely on "alternate' means of obtaining recorded music. i just want value not smoke and mirrors.

Yes, "doo-dads"

I was not among those who complained about the lack of extraneous dreck in the E 72 release. But I did question the price and the needless "doo-dads" driving up the price of this latest profit-taker.If "It's all about the music" then just give us that, keep it affordable to Heads with jobs (not investment portfolios with Bain Capital) and we'll but it.

Another intimidating/overkill set that should be scaled-down

Honestly, I would rather have a two-show release from this tour, maybe Cap (16th) and Hartford (19th) in the same vein as the Formerly the Warlock release. No doubt these are all killer shows. I am so glad to see my favorite 1990 Grateful Dead show (3/16) finally getting released, however, for those of us who own the boards to most or all of these already circulating shows, 200 bucks for 6 shows is WAY too much. Even with the fancy packaging and the essays, to me its not worth it since I've already heard and can listen to the boards of these shows, even if the HDCD sounds a little more polished, I still won't drop 200 bucks. Many people who would probably buy a smaller scale set will probably be discouraged from spending that much, though I'm sure there are enough millionaire Dead-Heads to buy and sell out this set. Let's face it, most of the heads that were touring 70s and 80s are pretty wealthy by now and this seems like the target market that Dead.net is selling to. I love supporting the remastering and releasing of classic Dead shows, especially if it involves 87-91 Grateful Dead, but this is too overkill for my working-class wages.

doo-dads

I agree that the doo-dads are not really required but my point was there was enough complaining on the last box set about lack of swag that on this release the swag was overdone. They do listen and sometimes react. Be careful what you complain about. I would have preferred an all music edition with a bonus disc thrown in. Most likely the Dave's Picks will see a price increase next year also to around $30-$33 per show (release). This is just an indicator.

Suh-weet.

Hey, Nice surprise. I did not see this coming. Already placed my order. The bitching has already started. If you don't want it, simply do not order it. I'm very happy with the release and will play it all when it arrives. I have read so many comments from those bitching that we never see a 90's release. Well here it is in amazing box. I grabbed a poster too. Thanks David, looking forward to listening to GD all week. Happy Birthday Jerry, thanks to all involved in bringing another great historical archive release to us fans. All you whiners, need to move on. Coconut Phil

single shows will not be available physically

well that is not very comforting... if it is truly limited should these not be available at all as single shows??? I take it this means there WILL BE downloads avialable for purchase at what I expect may be a much lower price than $33 per show. Don't be surprised if sales don't fly off the shelves due to this... anyway I am in on this and I do think someone actually took the time to pick shows that may be less widely distributed as SBDs on torrent sites which is a step forward. This was a great tour and really Brent's last great stand... I am psyched to hear waht a remaster of a 24 track recording will sound like and to compare it to the terrapin station 3/15/90 release which is excellent. I will continue to support the band as much as I can... yes there is so much available for free but as a community let's not abuse that and support the commercial releases as much as one can. Good stuff (except for the little marketing gimic of limited "physical" release...)

I Totally Agree with msgsec74

It is the music that is the most important part of the purchases I have made or will ever make from Dead.net. I really appreciate it when I recieve good quality disks that are well packaged. The artwork is nice, but bells and whistles will drive the price up on anything. I would still buy the music if it was only released as a FLAC download. I went to all 3 nights at Nassau and I remember the show on the 30th was an FM broadcast and it just didn't have the energy or the passion of the 2 previous nights, both of which are near the top of my list of favorite show that I attended. It baffles me why the 30th as well! Just my 2cents... none the less I'm in! Kevin

Smiles, and more smiles

Thanks guys. Getting everything "just exactly perfect" before it's announced is the way to do it. I've been waiting for the Hammertown shows for a long time. I hope there are no problems.

i take it...

you take it that there will be downloads?? I wouldn't bet on it. Let history be your guide: were there downloads for the Winterland boxes? E72 shows? The Warlocks box? You are reading too much into the text that isn't there. The message very much looks to be: You Snooze, You Lose; Now Or Never. "most of the heads that were touring 70s and 80s are pretty wealthy by now" Bwahhahha hahaha haaaaaa!!! Yeah, sure they are. Millionaires, mostly.

1990 GD for $215.00?

No thank you. 1990 GD is not my preference and $220.00 for 6 shows of meh 1990 GD is not worth my dukats. Sorry, but either lower the price or do another box of pre-'85 Dead. I'll save the cash.

way off base again rhino

200.00 for six shows, didn't pay anywhere that much to see them live back then, what a ripoff. Once again, rhino shows it's ass. I won't risk the money for this, should have been 10 or 11 shows for that cash, and the best ones left out, why, why do you do this to us on Jerry's birthday? Happy birthday Jerry, I know you would have never have had any part of this crap.

Turn it up!

On this new (very stylish) interface, I can't see the names listed with the comments. I can read all the comments (for good or ill), but can't see who wrote them. So there's no confusion, this is Yoda- the Other One rocks! p.s. A big thanks to marye and the Tech Wizard for their help in fixing the glitch

Wes Lang Indian Skull

I can't decide whether the "Indian Skull" artwork honors the native Americans whose ancestors we slaughtered and whose lands we occupy by force, or whether it's more commercial exploitation of their traditions. I wonder what Wes Lang has to say about it? I wonder what opinions any native Americans out there have? Offensive? Cool? Who gives a flip? The boxed set looks awesome... But that's 2 days pay and we have kids to feed.

Wow!!!

I can't believe what a bunch of winers deadheads have become... No one is telling you that you HAVE to buy this... You don't like it? Don't buy it!

I knew the kvetching would start quickly.

i can much more easily buy a dave's picks ($32 total) When I get a new job, i will get this. i am listening to Dozin'ATN, and after many months of GD70s, 60s, and even 80s, it has a great clean sound. like i said elsewhere, even 30 years into the long, strange trip, the music still surprises. I know getting this pack will surprise me pleasantly. THANK YOU, GD ptb!

Well

I must confess to being a bit surprised by the scale of this - the second biggest box - as the follow-up to the biggest box. In that respect I can understand the dismay of some folks regarding the price. It doesn't really come as a surprise that it is again a limited edition - Rhino know pretty accurately how many they will ship quickly and probably have little interest in how many more they could sell over the next few years. It would appear to be a high-quality production regarding the box itself and the bits 'n' pieces that come with it. It would seem that they will never get this right for everybody (probably an impossible task) as some will want it as cheap as possible without any trimmings and some are happy to have loads of stocking-fillers, knowing that it will bump up the price somewhat. Regarding the price, we are getting twice as many discs and twice as many doo-dads for twice the price of the "Winterland" boxes, and a bigger physical box to boot, so there is surely no grounds for complaint there. It is hard to see exactly what the six 3-disc sleeves are - I hope for "Digipaks" as opposed to the paper sleeves of "Europe '72" which attracted so much criticism. Most box sets of this magnitude have plenty of extras added and this does put the price up. Bearing in mind the extras and the fact that there are 1/4 the number of discs as compared to "Europe '72", one can reasonably expect the price per disc to be higher. If you use the price per disc or show of the Allman Brothers' archival releases as your benchmark, you should be grinning from ear to ear every time something comes out here! Although it is in no way my favourite era of the Dead, as far as I am aware it is all top-notch stuff, probably the best of their later performances and their swansong in my opinion. I am sure many will disagree, particularly the younger listeners (absolutely no offence meant here) who grew up with the Dead in the late '80's and onwards. I was pleased to note that ordering was flawless and problem-free this time around - a big thank you to Rhino for at least trying to avoid the ordering problems that have occurred in the past. I hope they have succeeded and that everything goes smoothly in the ordering and shipping processes and that the end result is of the desired / required quality. I'm really looking forward to getting this in my greasy paws - after the customs man has studied it thoroughly and decided that the economy will be better off if I make a sizeable contribution to the treasury! Thanks in advance to everyone who has laboured to get this out to us.P.S. Canada is a different country to the US so I guess that for shipping to Canada one should choose "International" shipping like all other denizens of the rest of the world. SimonRob

Great late era choice

It's not a fit for my budget and current state of GD addiction-affliction (need some '76 and '78 about now, actually). But I would order it if I thought it would help our collective cause down the road to see this sell out. I take it this will sell out given the high reputation of the tour. I loved the Nassau shows! I am amazed at 9000 though, up near the level of the subscription series run. I would have guessed fewer.

product sku

GRA9900088