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"When we began discussing audio projects to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead back in 2012, we knew we wanted to do something completely unprecedented. We could think of nothing more exciting or ambitious than a career-spanning overview of the band's live legacy focused on what best tells the story: complete concerts. Our first criterion was the very best live music to represent any given year in the band’s history. We wanted to make sure that there were not only the tent-pole shows that fans have been demanding for decades but also ones that are slightly more under the radar, but equally excellent. For those who listen to the entire box straight through, chronologically, the narrative of the Grateful Dead's live legacy will be seen as second to none in the pantheon of music history." - David Lemieux
We are more than pleased to announce the Grateful Dead's most ambitious release ever: 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN. Available as both an 80-disc boxed set and a custom lightning-bolt USB drive, the collection includes 30 unreleased live shows, one for each year the band was together from 1966 to 1995, along with one track from their earliest recording sessions in 1965. Packed with over 73 hours of music, both the boxed set and the USB drive will be individually numbered limited editions.
The 80-disc boxed set is individually numbered and limited to 6,500 copies, a nod to the band’s formation in 1965. Along with the CDs, it also includes a gold-colored 7-inch vinyl single which bookends the band’s career. The A-side is “Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)” from the band’s earliest recording session in 1965 with the B-side of the last song the band ever performed together live, “Box Of Rain” recorded during their final encore at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 9, 1995.
The box also comes with a 288-page book that features an extensive, career-spanning essay written by Nick Meriwether, who oversees the Dead archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz, along with special remembrances of the band submitted by fans. Also included is a scroll that offers a visual representation of how the band’s live repertoire has evolved through the years.
The USB drive version* will be shaped like a gold lightning bolt with the Grateful Dead 50th anniversary logo engraved on the side. The drive includes all of the music from the collection in both FLAC (96/24) and MP3 formats and is an individually numbered limited edition of 1,000 copies. Digital version of the book also included on USB.
Shows will NOT be sold individually on CD. This release is sure to sell out quickly so pre-order your copy today and stick around as we will be revealing a mighty fine selection of music, art, and much, much more right here.
(Looking for a smaller 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake? September 18th will see the release of a four-CD version of the collection titled 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN: THE DEFINITIVE LIVE STORY 1965-1995. More on that here.)
ROLLINGSTONE.COM SONG PREMIERE AND EXCLUSIVE DAVID LEMIEUX INTERVIEW
Head on over to Rollingstone.com for the very first listen of "Morning Dew" 9/18/87 Madison Square Garden, David Fricke's exclusive interview with archivist David Lemieux, and the reveal of 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN's '69 and '84 shows.
*Helpful hints for using your USB:
Running the 30 Trips Player / Reader program:
On Windows – Navigate to the USB drive and double click the PCStart.exe file to run.
On MacOS – Open the GD 30 Trips drive, and double click the MacStart to run.
Viewing the digital book:
You can either view it within the program that comes on the drive, or by opening the PDF directly.
To view the PDF, open the PDF folder on the drive and the USB_bk_spreads_08-31 file within. Selecting the option within your PDF reading application to view as a “single page” might be preferable to viewing as a continuous document.
Importing music into iTunes and other library programs:
When you import the songs from the USB into your library, the information used to identify the track will likely leave them sorted incorrectly. Please use the song list found here to re-number the songs for each show so that they playback in the correct order.
PDF
Text
A few more boxes
I should buy a second one and sell it later. Based on what I've had to fork over for copies of past Dave's picks and the May '77 box.. I should be able to sell one of these for a small fortune.
Waiting for the Box
I appreciated the offer of the streams, but I want to listen to this on a system that will let me feel it as well as hear it. I don't have an audiophile budget or anything, but I expect that this box will sound sweet on my decades old Genesis speakers at a high volume.
update?
Thanks for the thrill mine still says backorded until 10/31/2015 but I did think it was going to ship soon based on the e=mail sent last week...how many boxes are going? I think 6,000 and 6,000? so maybe some people may have a changed status...i'm excited...incase anybody didn't know jerry Garcia had a release in june 2 discs acoustic 1 disc electric.
Come On
I don't know about y'all, but I could do without the advertisement of single shows for sale by a guy who bought 2 boxes so he could sell one of them a la carte. Can't that be done on eBay or elsewhere? Looks like his sales are not going so well so he repeats the same pitch over and over. I think we've all heard it.
This one's for Come On
Had a few orders whove paid and some who havent so for now those shows are still available - $55 per show inc shipping from oz (sent day i get box):
A SPECIAL RATE IS AVAILABLE FOR COME ON - $65 PER SHOW LOL
showS available still are
68
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
88
90
92
93
94
95
Also taking offers on scroll, single and book from box as a set or per item
@Lowspark - 1973 - Pauley Pavilion - 11-17-73 DaP5
A week after Winterland and one of the best shows of the year. The recording quality is much better than Winterland and the show quality ranks up there with Winterland.
Highlights for me:
Here Comes Sunshine
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Playin'>UJB>Dew>UJB>Playin'
HDCD and hi-res tests
Well, I used the 3/29/90 Wake Up To Find Out show to set up some tests using the HDCD conversion process I described earlier. I chose this show because I have the CD from the box, plus I have the 24/192 download that I purchased back when FourWinds and I were discussing the issue of dynamic range compression being applied to the CD's.
So, this is what I have to test with:
File1: I ripped the CD to lossless files. These are 16/44.1 lossless files.
File2: I compressed File1 to 256kbs variable bit rate mp3
File3: I took File1 and ran HDCD.exe to extract the HDCD encoding to 24 bit files. These files are lossless 24/44.1, but not true 24 because it's the 16-bit plus whatever information the HDCD encoding added, so it's really 20-bit at the highest, just encapsulated in 24-bit files.
File 4: I compressed File3 to 256kbs vbr mp3
File 5: raw 24/192 download from Dead.net left as is
File 6 I compressed File5 to 256kbs vbr mp3
I applied 6db of gain to File sets 3 and 4. This is because extracting the HDCD encoding and moving that information into the above-16 bits area of each sample has the affect of dropping the amplitude by 6db across the entire file. I believe that this is one of the things that the link Ziffle was referring to when it warns about the possibility of peak level compression when playing HDCD in regular CD players. But, it appears that this was done carefully in this case because the peak levels of the basic ripped file from CD peaks at just below 0db, whereas after running hdcd.exe on the file, the peak level is just below -6db, so it looks like at no time is there any clipping, and there is room to adjust the gain back up by 6db after running hdcd.exe. This will make the volume during playback exactly the same for each of the files.
I have a friend who is an audiophile nut. I don't know the specs of his equipment, but it's tube amp and preamp. He has electrostatic hybrid speakers that have added cone woofers and subwoofers. He uses an external DAC that feeds from his computer into the preamp. We will also be using his Sennheisers (I don't know the model offhand, but they were around $700) going through a Grado headphone amp.
I am going to set up a double blind test by setting up a "playlist" that consists of one track in each of the 6 File versions, and then set that playlist to play random. No one needs to know which order the files were played in until after listening and judging. Then I can look and see what order the playlist is in, noting it down. We can then reshuffle and replay. Also, during each play, the listener can pause and move around each of the 6 files in the playlist (without seeing which is which) taking listening notes and making judgements. This process can be repeating as often as we want, and then repeated with headphones instead of speakers.
This guy swears by hi res everything, and repurchases tons of music he already had in various formats so that he now has them in hi-res. He's one of those "I can't wait to get this in 24/192" folks. I've debated with him endlessly about the merits of hi-res, but people get pretty set in their beliefs.
I will be having him guess which file is which during each session, and also note which he thinks sounds the best during each session. I will only look at what order the randomized playlist was AFTER each session, and note it down. When all the listening is done I will compile the results. I'll do the same testing after him.
Anyone want to take bets on whether he (or I) can tell the difference between these files with anything much over chance (guessing), and whether he picks the higher res files as being better with anything much over chance? Hint: I wouldn't bet a lot.
We'll probably do it this weekend or next. I'll let you know!
Double Blind
On the other hand, I am VERY interested in the double blind audio trial. I will guess the mp3 files will be distinguishable from the 16-bit and 24-bit files. I will also guess that no audible distinction will be made between the 16-bit and 24-bit files. I was the subject of a double blind listening test in my studio and while I thought I was hearing a difference between 16 and 24 bit, I wasn't. My results were the same as guessing. I have yet to see any scientific evidence that anyone can hear the difference, and I had to try it myself to become convinced there was negative value to me buying hi-res audio (higher cost per release, larger files, and re-purchase of stuff I already have).
@OneMan
Thanks, I'll post the results. I'm guessing that it will take the better part of a whole day to do this, which is why we need to wait for a weekend day that happens to work for both of us, because to make this valid we need to do a lot of iterations.
Unfortunately, if the test results end up like I think they will, it won't convince most folks.
But, anyone can set this up for themselves. The only software needed is hdcd.exe, a free download, dbPowerAmp or equivalent (to do the ripping and format converting) a free download, a software library that will let you create playlists and shuffle them (I think we will be using iTunes), and software to apply the 6db of gain to the files that had hdcd.exe applied to them - I used GoldWave which is $20 for a one year license). I think that is all you need.
Wjonjd
Unless your audiophile friend is one of those elusive special people with super-human hearing (who mysteriously refuse to reveal themselves to the audio researchers that have been searching for them all their lives), my guess would be along the same lines as One Man's guess.
Unfortunately, I don't have super-hearing, so I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. My super-power is the ability to take longer and more frequent naps in increasingly unusual and inappropriate places.
Interestingly enough, my super-power only seems to grow stronger as I get older.
My old ears
Yeah, I'm guessing that I won't even be able to distinguish the 256kbs mp3's from the others. Not sure about my friend. We'll see.
Edit: Dantian, your super power and mine are frighteningly similar. I believe I can now "nap" without any effort at all, and without knowing I accomplished the feat. Anywhere. Anytime. :)
Something to look forward to
This padawan eagerly awaits the day I can advance from family gathering incidents and the occasional driving incidents to weddings and awards banquets. Practice makes perf ...zzzzzzzzz
You see, Wjonjd
I have now attained the highest level of power possible...the ability to put other people to sleep too ;)
@Lowspark 1973
As others have said, DP19 & DaP5 are primo '73.And let's not forget DP1
Rock on
Re: 1973
Is it wishful thinking that perhaps the best of 1973 is yet to come?
I am partial to the DS>MJB>Morning Dew from 10/19/73 with Pauley coming in a close second because it sounds so good and is a complete show. ..and what about RFK and PNC or am I getting ahead of myself?
..and to my narcoleptic friends, successfully falling asleep at a wedding is a skill very few possess usually reserved for Grand Masters.
@Chastason and last thoughts on the testing
Variable bit-rate is superior to constant bit-rate because what it does is use higher bit rates for complex sections and lower bit rates for simple sections, making the average 256 (whatever number you choose). Constant bit-rate has to use 256kbs even where that's more than needed at any particular point in time, and can't go above 256kbs even where that matters a lot. Variable bit rate uses those simple sections to drop to a bit rate that will do, so that it can use bit rates higher than 256 where that would be most beneficial. The average will be 256.
The disadvantage is that not all players/software that play mp3 are compatible with variable bit rates (but nowadays most are.)
Also, I realized that for my testing, I am going to have to do two separate tests because there is no way to make the purchased 24/192 file (and it's resultant mp3) the same volume as the others, because the CD did have some dynamic range compression applied.
So, we will have to compare the HDCD.exe'd files to the CD files (which can be made exactly the same volume), and then to do the test with the Hi Res download, I will use software to "downgrade" the 24/192 files to 16/44.1 with noise shaped dithering (using whatever default settings the software allows) and make mp3's of each of these. Then these files will have the same volume as each other.
There is no way to get the 24/192 volumes to match the CD based files unless I mess with the 24/192 files to apply dynamic range compression to match the CD (I don't know how to do that), or to UNdynamically compress the CD files (I don't know how to do that either.)
But, that should be fine. So, the tests will be:
Test1:
CD lossless
mp3 from CD lossless
hdcd extracted file
mp3 from hdcd extracted file
Test2:
24/192 file
mp3 from 24/192 file
16/44.1 file made directly from 24/192 file
mp3 from 16/44.1 file made directly from 24/192 file.
Using the volume control knob is not good enough. Minute differences will invalidate the test. The volume knob must be SET and not moved throughout the test.
Trey Anastasio
On Friday night, I had the pleasure of seeing Trey Anastasio talk with Alec Wilkinson as part of the New Yorker Festival. Much of what they discussed was about Trey's experiences with the guys from the Grateful Dead (and with Bill Walton), both preparing for and performing at the Fare Thee Well concerts. Trey also played acoustic versions of a few of his own songs. It was a delight to be there, and thought I'd share.
http://blog.phish.net/1444067800/trey-anastasio-new-yorker-festival-int…
vbr v cbr
> Variable bit-rate is superior to constant bit-rate because what > it does is use higher bit rates for complex sections and lower
> bit rates for simple sections,
Ok - I get that. When I make mp3s for ipod, etc., I use 320 cbr, as 320 vbr will never be at 320 (or so I have read). I also read (sorry no link) that changing compression rates in the same song can cause more ear fatigue (even if there is no discernible difference in sound quality). Something to do with pressure changes on ear mechanics.
lowspark '73
Everyone who said DaP 5 is correct - great show.
For the money, however, you can get on e.ba.y. the Winterland 1973 box set brand new for 120. 3 shows from right before the pauly pav show 11/9, 11/10, 11/11. in my mind, a much better buy, plus you get a lot of songs not on DaP 5, including the best version i've ever heard of Loose Lucy - very unique performance.
Speaking of...
Did the Winterland '73 box come with a bonus disc? I got mine from the local record store and it definitely did not have a bonus disc.
lowspark
It would help if I actually read your original post, huh. Sorry, was at a red light and saw some of the responses and thouhht , whoa I need to let this guy know cheap you can still find Winterland '73 - it's the only good deal you can find on a box set. Actually not sure why that one is not in higher demand - I love it, despite my complaints about the mid-range being too high(last year). Yes 12/4/73 Cincinnati is the bonus disc.
Bonus Discs
I really should have been keeping my eyes on Dead.net better over the past 10 years. I missed a lot of stuff I would've loved to have.. without paying price gougers on eBay. Not a mistake I will make again!
W73 - mine did not have the bonus disc either but w77 did
My Winterland 73 box did not have the bonus disc, but my Winterland 77 box did, which was re-released as part of May77 (which I bought). Wronged by the fat finger of fate... Check your pm
re: falling asleep at your own wedding
Surely this only occurs in legend and lore. A fable of the unobtainable, a flight of Icarus.
But pulling this off would surely give you the supreme title of Shogun. Master of all Samurai, commander of all people and ruler of all fiefdoms.
Bonus Discs/'73
I don't think I have the bonus material from Winterland '77 either.
I had my own facts a little off regarding my '73 catalogue. Besides the Winterland '73 box, I do also have the Download series show from 12/10/73. But that doesn't sit on a shelf in physical form with the rest of my collection, so it's easy to forget about.
Winterland 1973 box
$109 delivered from Amazon brand new (from Mill Valley Music - good people )
re: falling asleep at your own wedding
Surely this only occurs in legend and lore. A fable of the unobtainable, a flight of Icarus.
But pulling this off would give you the supreme title of Shogun. Master of all Samurai, commander of all people and ruler of all fiefdoms.
Falling Asleep
Hey guys fall asleep at their wedding. Wifey will fall asleep shortly afterwards.
wjonjd, hdcd & hi res tests
Interesting that you found a 6dB drop between the decoded vs not hdcd discs. Makes sense, they do sound softer, and better. I believe that this is because without decoding the low amplitude parts of the signal are boosted, and the cd sounds too hot (like most cds), i.e. compressed up). I've never heard software decoding, but the hardware decoded hdcd's sound fine, normal amplitude.
Your test sounds interesting. I'm not an adherent of double blind testing, but it is fun to try. Here's an easy experiment to work in, if you want:
Take a track that you like from Spring TOO 192/24 bits. I used Crazy Fingers 3/14 because it has interesting things going on in the harmonics. Transcode the original FLAC to AIF, WAV, ALAC. Have someone put the four (FLAC, AIF, WAV, ALAC) files in a random order. Have someone play back the first minute of each, or pick a random minute in the middle. Do you hear a difference? Do you have a preference?
That's a listening exercise that I'd like to hear about. The amplitudes are supposed to be identical, the quality, supposed to be identical. In fact, the files are supposed to sound identical with identical data content (after decoding). If you have an extra couple of minutes, give it a try. I do not know Windows software to transcode, I use XLD, but I think that is Mac only.
Incidentally, I use equal 125 step analog volume controls. When a CD (or download) is poorly mastered, (compressed for loudness), the first couple of steps give a huge jump, much too loud, pragmatically demonstrating the compression. This problem doesn't exist with HDCD decoded or true high res material. The unencoded HDCD exhibits the same problem as overly compressed CDs.
For your bet: No idea. Auditory memory is really poor. Listening side by side, assuming well mixed, well mastered recordings, probably yes. Listening to several versions, doubtful. But you answered your own question! You noticed that it is impossible to volume match the hi-res audio.
Got my Winterland73 box from Mill Valley Music too
Super score & between that & the FW69 those could be the finest two mini boxes!!
other sweet scores in the last week or so
- Dave's Picks 14 - Academy of Music w/Bonus disc Sealed & (box cutter slice Ahahah) for $35
- Garcia Plays Dylan - & - Garcia Plays Dylan Again - bonus disc 3 tracks combo pack for $25
- Skeletons from the Closest - vinyl - $5
- Fallout from the Philzone - Interview disc
- Way After Midnight - JGB killer stuff
Lowspark75 & suggestion
Go with Dicks Picks 14 !!!! Holy cow that's about as good as it gets
The 2 February shows from another Dicks Picks is also killer.. 2.28.73 !!!
Sugaree
Box of Rain
El Paso
He's Gone
Jack Straw
2nd set ->
China > Rider
Big River
Row Jimmy !!!!
Cincinnati 12.4.73....
....i.e. the bonus disc from Winterland '73....
....got the box two (?) years ago with bonus. Listened to it. Meh. Spun it again six months later. Still meh. Dusted it off a year later. Post-Drumz woke me up, but still meh. Played it last night....got to Truckin', got bored, then popped in Denver 11.21.73 (i.e. RT 4.3)....now That's a Truckin'....not to mention a first set Brokedown, and a relaxing Uncle John's encore....entrancing...
...maybe one day Cincinnati Gardens will grab my collar....one day
'73
Everything released from '73 is worth owning. Glad you mentioned the Denver Road Trips VGuy, it's spectacular, but I'm surprised you're not more enamored with the 12-4 bonus disc. That's essential listening in my book.
10-19 is an all time favorite for me going back to the cassette days so Dip19 is a MUST have IMO. 12-2-73 set II was one of those life changing tapes for me years ago (okay, that may be a bit melodramatic but hopefully you get my point) so DiP14 is essential even though I've never really gotten over the exclusion of Sugar Mags before the Morning Dew encore.
I'd love to hear some thoughts on the Cleveland bonus disc, 12-6. It's almost as if they tune a bit and eventually find themselves playing Dark Star.
Alec Wilkenson
Glad to hear you mention him, UV1, he's a good writer. I'd recommend his book, Mr. Apology and other Essays to all of you. There's a couple essays about Bob Weir and at least one about the Buena Vista Social Club. A couple more about hockey. Good stuff.
updated show list
Remaining shows now ONLY $50 per show inc shipping from oz (sent day i get box):
And to Come On - yeah I make a little doing this but am saving for an op as some heads here know (some even offered donations of their own good heart too - they know who they are) and people like keithfan get that one killer show they want.
So to Come On - Go On (still $65 per show for you) - everyone else take your picks and email me at gilmourstephen@hotmail.com
showS available still are
68
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
88
90
92
93
94
95
Also taking offers on scroll, single and book from box as a set or per item
Test Parameters
When the audio test is conducted this weekend, you could limit the clip played to a minute or so, as suggested here. Depends on what happens during that minute, I guess. I used the studio version of Candyman from the top through the first chorus.
Also, you could use a WAV editor like Peak (Mac) or WaveLab (PC) to adjust the gain. But if (as you say) any dynamic compression or limiting has been applied to any of the mixes, that is much harder to replicate on a non-compressed file. I like your idea of splitting up the test. Be sure to take some breaks so that ear fatigue does not set in. Also, you could try listening without -- and then with -- certain psychoactive enhancements. I REALLY wonder about that.
12-6-73 Bonus Disc and Falling Asleep
rdevil - Love it. Probably tied for best bonus disc in my book, along with Rockin' The Rhein's bonus disc from The Academy of Music (although 11-14-71 is quite good too). Also love the description rdevil: It's almost as if they tune a bit and eventually find themselves playing Dark Star.
JimInMD - I would have to modify it to Smoking a Bowl on the 18th Hole Unbeknownst to My New Wife Who Doesn't Know I'm a Pothead and Falling Asleep at My Own Wedding.
Import delivery charges - a suggestion!
Given that we are fast approaching the delivery of 80 CDs can I respectfully ask a favor of the dispatchers? In view of the fact that import duty here in the UK will probably cost me an arm and a leg, can you send this with the import duty label describing the box as a rabbit hutch (rabbit not included)? I've checked Amazon and they don't cost much so won't attract import duties.
Thank you so much!
30 Trips Order
Status: Backordered (again)
Estimated Ship Date: October 31st
I'm starting to feel a little grumpy about this...
product sku
081227955892