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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

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  • mbarilla
    Joined:
    Phil and Friends re-create 5.8.77
    http://www.jambase.com/Articles/125427/Video-Phil-Lesh-and-Friends-And-…
  • mbarilla
    Joined:
    Anybody have Dave's Picks 1 for sale ?
    For a Reasonable price ? Can do cash, credit, or trade. Lots of good stuff showing up at my doorstep lately, make an offer if ya got it and are willing to part. Or Fillmore West Complete Recordings ? If you are searching like me, I may have what you are looking for. Hey Forensicdocevelen, what is the good word in regard to 3.11.71 - U. Centre Ballroom, Dekalb, IL ? Was this show cancelled ? 4.18.71 going a few days ago,, excellent Truckin : Hard To Handle. And the Drums during Good Lovin' ,, so nice Billy K is killing it. I may just have to call him "Billy Killin'IT" Edit: Is there any truth or can someone confirm if the Grateful Dead played a show at Kent State on 4.2.71 ? One person says it happened at a small bar and not a large venue. 2 days later they would be in NYC, but no local records show they played at Kent State. Being the middle of the semester I suppose school newspapers would have documented this, but nothing has turned up.
  • boblopes
    Joined:
    Free the Fillmore West Complete Recordings - Re-Release Please!
    To TPTB: Please, please, please free the Fillmore West Complete Recordings from their captivity. Make it a brown box special so the original pressing is more valuable. Just like old Beatle records - 1st generation pressings are worth the most! Re-Release for the 50th Please! Thank you!
  • mbarilla
    Joined:
    4.13.83 primo
    Included in the Jeebs stash, as was Riverbend 85. Jeebs was always trying to find some of the more quality recordings from all eras. I suspect a few of these 30 trips shows were picked based upon higher quality sound compared to others in the same year. And a few were also picked to save some meat for releases in other series. 1980 does standout considering August, September, October all have some very special stuff. One show Jeebs didn't recommended was 6.24.83 probably because only Audience are circulating. But this one is a dandy. Sets fire from first contact. And the Candyman > Red Rooster is full throttle. April 84 showing up lately, and 4.29.84 is going way under the radar.
  • Vguy72
    Joined:
    Ten years from now....
    ....when I'm pushing sixty, I imagine them releasing a huge box to store all the boxes. Hopefully in the shape of a vintage VW bus, circa '74, with a pop top. That would be neat...really neat. ....some of those buses were awesome eye candy. Even in the late eighties, they turned my head, Dead that is....
  • Mr. Jack Straw
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    Choices of shows
    Really impressed by the choices made here, especially post-1978. Dave really put together a fantastic set. I'm wondering if there are any choices that people are second-guessing, and if so, what would they replace them with (knowing what we know about the contents of the Vault). Remember, I'm not complaining! I love this set, purchased one, and can't wait to dive in. But we've got to pass the time somehow until 9/18 and keyboardist debates can get old (and sometimes violent). I feel the choices for 1966, 1967, 1969, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 are spot-on. Wouldn't change a thing. I don't know much about the choices for 1968, 1983, 1986, or 1990, so I won't comment on them. I love the choice of 4/15/70. Great show. But I would have gone with 9/20/70 to get some of that Fall 1970 sound. If that's not in the Vault (unclear), then I'm fine with this choice. They also could have used 6/7/70, which is in the Vault. I also love the pick of 3/18/71, but its the exclusion of December '71 material that has me second-guessing. 12/5/71 or 12/15/71 are up there too! A complete 8/6/71 would also have been nice, but much of that show is out with DP35 and RT 1.3. The 1972 choice is interesting. The one that circulates could use some cleaning up, and that may catapult the show into top-tier status. Much of October 1972 is not in the Vault, so choices like 10/18/72 and 10/28/72 aren't options. I would have gone with 9/28/72 from September or either of the Berkley shows if not 9/24/72. That said, I'm looking forward to the Vault's copy of this show. Again, 11/14/73 is a GREAT show. Love it. Happy with the choice. But I would have picked 6/10/73, 10/25/73, or one of the March shows over it. 1977 is a unique case. I would have taken a number of shows over 4/25, but they're not in the Vault. 2/26, 5/5-5/9, 10/29, and 11/6 aren't there. 3/18 could have been a great pick...perhaps someday? However, I'm happy with what I've heard of 4/25 and this is a worthy choice. I'm a bit baffled by the choice for 1978. I've always felt that '78 got worse as the year went on, with January > Feb > April > May. I know 1/22/78 and Red Rocks aren't in the Vault, and all 3 would have been great options. Maybe 4/21/78? With DP18, From Egypt with Love, COW, and DaP7, some of the best shows are already out there. Similarly, the 1980 choice is confusing. Obviously, I would have hoped for an acoustic set from Sept or Oct, but those were chopped for Reckoning and Dead Set. I always felt 11/29 was a superior show to 11/28, and 6/20 would have also been a better choice. I like 6/24/85, but it pales in comparison to 6/30 or 7/1. Hopefully, those are a mini-box at some point. There are some good November shows, but I'd still go with 6/24 over those. I'm no expert on 1988 or 1995, but I always felt 7/2/88 was the best show of '88 and 3/30/95 was the best of '95. What do you think?
  • will74
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    Joined:
    Re: Choices of Shows, Brent
    In response to Mr. Jack Straw...here is my quick 2 cents. Overall, I am very excited about most of the selections in this box set. He was either spot on (10/27/79), or very close (6/24/85) with a lot of the choices...in my opinion. However...here are a few dates I would trade out for. 1981: 3/6/81 ...amazing show...Let it Grow>Deal is a must hear, as is the Estimated>Franklin's. Would have loved to have seen 7/10/81 also...awesome 2nd set. Hope this could be a Dave's pick soon. 1983: Most of the Spring tour, especially 4/13/83 (one of the best Scarlet>Fires EVER), and 6/20/83 would have been incredible to see in this box. 1985: 6/27/85, Saratoga: great playing, inspired setlist...including Feel Like a Stranger> Eyes, a 1st set Crazy Fingers, and an exciting Supplication jam Whoever does not know these shows should check them out. Quickly on Brent...I did not learn to appreciate him until well after even Jerry died. I love his early singing more than his later years, but I LOVE Blow Away these days. I also love a nice Far From Me. I would have laughed myself out of town 20 years ago if I heard myself say these things...but there you go.
  • Morning Sun
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    Brent, et al.
    Just a Little Light, Blow Away, Easy to Love You, I Will Take You Home, all fine by me. Do the people railing on IWTYH have children? Hey Pocky Way cover was a highlight. I agree the Blow Away rap was cring-inducing at times, but the song structure and way it jammed out to an unexpected stop, particularly '89 versions, was great. My reaction to much of the "90 boxes was that the band was lucky Brent was there, because he was working like mad to keep these songs coherent. A little like Garth Hudson for The Band--the more you listen, the songs are really his keyboards combined with all the sweet singing. Except for the Dead you had not so sweet singing, at that point, usually. Bob's 'angular' later songs? Throwing Stones, Picasso Moon, Feel Like a Stranger--love them all. I expect some of the highlight shows not included in this newest box are to save for later DPs and boxes.
  • MLavallee
    Joined:
    Speaking of Brokedown Palace...
    Noticeably absent from the box altogether. Was always my favorite encore, just perfect.
  • davey concepci…
    Joined:
    May post more later, but I
    May post more later, but I was at the Cincy '85 show and was a little surprised that it was selected. I hope DL2 gives us some thoughts on how the shows were selected . . . I mean, after all, that's part of the fun of being an obsessive Deadhead is engaging in such arcanity (and why the Boys still make lots of money off us!). I thought a good show, better than most during that period in which Jerry was so obviously seriously impaired, but would have thought Saratoga a few nights later or one of the Red Rocks shows, or the Halloween show in Columbia, SC with the Space opening of set 1(which was quite good). Also a bit confused why none of the anniversary shows from 1980 were selected instead of a pretty pedestrian Lakeland, FL show. Any clues on that one? I mean, is it correct that the NOLA shows were not recorded by Healey or Betty? I've always loved the AUD of that second show with the Brokedown encore. Please don't take this as whining . . . it's not. I bought on day 3 (had to fix debit card max charge and didn't realize the snafu for a couple of days) and think this will be superb. This may be the product that my kids (25 and 21) really come to grips with the importance of the Dead as a musical phenomena as opposed to a social and commercial one. Anyway, just rambling gambling thoughts! DCFHOF. It's time. Kentucky Scott
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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

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Do they have good tapes for this show? If so, let's make that DaP 17 please.
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Here's one for you all.. Recommendations for a good set of headphones? Hopefully not break the bank style, but also not skimping too much on sound quality. Best headphones for your money, if you will. I have a pair of Phillips I bought probably 8 years ago or more. They were so-so to begin with, probably sub-par by now. I always have trouble with the cords from each ear getting caught on something or tugged really hard... not good for extended life/quality.
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Long ago, I did not appreciate the spectrum of quality available in headphones. Then a friend let me hear his Sennheisers and I heard details (specifically in Bob Dylan's Desire album) that I had never heard before. So I invested in a pair of HD600s and my world changed. These are not the be-all and end-all of headphones but they have served me well for about 10 years and I use them pretty much daily. They won't break the bank (roughly $350) and are probably the best I will ever own.
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Grado's are one of the top manufacturers of top quality headphones. Not everyone likes Grados (I guess that's true of any brand), but at the lower price ranges, no one comes close. In other words, there's lots of good competition in the more expensive range (Grado's have a large price range), but at the lower price range bang for the buck, I don't think anything really compares. Their least expensive models are the SR60e, SR80e, SR125e, and SR225e. These list for $79, $99, $150, $200 and $295. Like any other headphone, it's best if you can find a dealer that has them so you can try them out. Some don't find them particularly comfortable, but they sound amazing. Again, I know that the higher end ones have stiff competition, but at the lower end I don't think the competition stands up. Edit: I LOVE Sennheisers also, but once you get below that $300 mark, I don't think what they have is up to Grado. Above that price, there really are quite a few really excellent headphones, and they are fairly different from each other, so it's best to try them.
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First.. awesome to see some additional boxes get delivered today. WooHoo. Second.. and I posted this on the Daves Picks thread.. but after helping my dad through some bad health, get well Phil. In GA shows, I used to try and get where I could see and hear the band real good.. After doing this a bunch, and dialing into wherever I wanted to from show to show.. after a while I really settled into the Phil side of the stage. I just had more fun there. It was booming and you usually got a good view of Jerry and everyone else too. There was a reason for that, he was just as much the sound of the band as anyone else, and when Phil had a good night, the GD had a good night. Get well Phil. Glad I got to see you as many times as I did.. for that I am thankful.
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In terms of not sacrificing much sound quality, and a price to performance ratio that's tough to beat, Sennheiser's HD600 and HD650 are outstanding GD headphones. The main difference between the two (besides the fact the HD650 is around $100 more) is the HD600's are closer to neutral and the HD650's have a slightly increased bass response. If I had to pick one over the other, it's the HD650, because of the sweet euphony of these headphones, though there are many who prefer the HD600.
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I have perhaps 7 or 8 different sets of headphones around the house.. but most are cheap wireless ones that if I leave outside and they get wet.. I wont lose any sleep or hair over. I have had a medium end pair of wireless Sennheisers that are really nice for about 10 years now, but nothing special. Great entry level wireless, I think I paid about $70 but haven't seen them lately for less than $125. I like headphones because I can dial into music late night without waking the dead.. so I use mostly closed units. I just got turned on a decent pair of open, higher quality Sennheisers and love them.. but they are wired. I need to figure out a longer cable system so I have better mobility w/out pulling out the plugs and subsequently waking the neighborhood late at night. But they are awesome, especially w. betty boards and Phil stompin. Grado's are a another world all together. Top of the line. I think ZuckFun posted a good review of medium to high end earphones a month or so ago. There's a wealth of knowledge in his links, maybe he can find and repost. To be honest.. I really like my cheap wireless ones too.. I live in the mountains and they are great listening in the hot tub at sunrise. Add some fog or rain, full moon or cridders.. just getting my shit together thinking out my day or week without any distractions.. and if they get ruined.. I grab another. Love headphones, your invisible with them.
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It actually got here on Monday (DFW metro-sprawl). I took a quick peek at things to check out the overall condition of the box, the scroll, the ticket/backstage pass, the colour of the felt, make sure I had 80 discs. Then reboxed it to go through in more detail when I had more time and less distractions. That time is now. Overall the box arrived in very good shape. The front left corner got dinged and the laminate or whatever is a little loose due to the substrate being kinda deformed. It bugs me but I can deal with it given the overall scope of the project. I'll admit I'm a little disappointed in the cardboard-ness of the thing vs. a true wooden box but realize that the cost involved in doing something of that magnitude would've probably doubled the price. I was also expecting the box itself to be number instead of the scroll. Oh well. Physical Details: Box# 1079, Red Felt, Ticket: 27 Oct 1991- Oakland Coliseum Arena (#5009), Backstage Pass: 09 Jun 1993 - The Palace of Auburn Hills The Music? I started streaming chronologically as soon as stuff was made available. Slight backstory: I really never got into the Dead but was obviously aware of their existence. I knew the 'popular' songs and in previous attempts to get into them I just felt overwhelmed with the vastness of what was available from their live shows and the corresponding oceans of opinions. Needless to say the Dead were just a footnote in my musical universe. Then I got wind of this box set and (after vacillating for a couple days due to initial cost) figured that this box would be an ideal way to essentially "go all in" with what should be a even-handed career overview containing what should be highly regarded/respectable shows from across the entire length of their existence. So, like I said, I started streaming as soon as they were available and by the time I hit 1975 (about three weeks later) I realized that I might be able to get on the bus after all. So far tonight I have ripped (FLAC) 1966 - 68 to my PC and am listening to the the '66 show on my stereo for the first time. Absolutely no regrets on this purchase! So.. that got me thinking... since there is literally tons of shows available, what specific shows would those who are more knowledgeable and discerning then myself choose for shows if they could put together a 30 Trips v2.0. I might actually try to assemble my personal version of this thing on the side so shows could be ones already released or just available on the Internet Archive - just has to be sorta/kinda available. Rather than fill up this message board with suggestions that'll prolly be all over the map you can just PM me what you would consider worthy shows for the given years. If I can see any general consensus I'll try to post what is ended up being suggested. I would greatly appreciate any input to what other shows besides those in the 30T box you would consider good enough to populate a sister/brother 30T box. Sorry for the long and somewhat rambling post. Gin + Tonic + music makes for some inspired posting (sometimes) on my part. PS: @jrf glad to see that you finally got your box. I was pulling for you and hoping that it would just 'show up' all out of the blue and unexpected like.
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Phil, wishing you a speedy recovery. As to 30 Trips, I did a visual check of all the discs and found they were all there and no cracked discs. I did, however, find glue on disc 2 from Cape Cod, Yarmouth, MA, Oct 27, 1979. It appears to have come from an excess of adhesive used to glue the digipak together. I was able to get it off with Goo Gone and it plays okay. I also found some light scratches on disc 2 from Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY, March 27, 1993. They do not affect play back. I'm hoping that I'll have no other problems as I go through the listening experience.
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I hear it too on mine. I didn't notice it the first time I played it (it was at low volume), but noticed it in the car and when I turned it up. It isn't just you. Though there could be a bad batch of discs. Anyone else? For the record, I'm psyched beyond belief at this point. Stub: 10/27/91 Oakland Coliseum Pass: June 8th, 1993, Palace of Auburn Hills, Michigan. Am trying to listen is chronological order, and '72 is as far as I've gotten. I could tell from the details on the release that some shows would obviously be epic ('67 Shrine, '69 Dream Bowl, '79 Cape Cod, '87 and '91 MSG). And others just a tad less so ('85 Riverbend, for example). Well, that '67 sure didn't disappoint. Astounding! Dream bowl in '69 was fantastic too. As was the '68 show, if short. The '72 is just blistering, though it isn't a show that was in any way legendary. Can't wait to see what the rest of the box has in store. Anyone know if the planetary positions represented on the covers are correct for each date (relative to each other) or if they are just random? Edit: gaaahhh!! I forgot to wish Phil godspeed and a successful procedure and good recovery. We love you, Phil.
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Sending my thoughts and positive energy to you Phil, thanks for all you've done for us. I consider the times I got to see you live in all band formations you were in to be the best musical and some magical/mystical experiences of my life. thank you.
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....to Phil via Terrapin Crossroads. Old school snailmail. Get well brother. I always preferred stage right myself back in the days. And Happy Birthday Bobby.... ....took a 30 Trips break (yeah, already). Just checked out the Boston Garden '94 first set last night after plowing through '75, '89, and '67 the previous evening. Didn't lay my head on a pillow until 1:30 AM....slight oversaturation to say the least. Have Manor Downs spinning in my Jeep during my commutes....I said I would listen consecutively at first, but I decided to jump around.....all is Grate.....
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truly epic!! like a lot of folks, i've had the tape for years, but now, in best sound - phew!
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Thanks for all of the feedback on that. Definitely a good start. Two random items: 1) My box, much to my dismay, is clearly disintegrating. I'm noticing significant flaws which didn't exist when I unpacked it. That's very unfortunate. This chest will clearly not be an heirloom that my grandkids can marvel at. And I hate to say it, because I had settled into a mostly satisfied stance on the whole endeavor. 2) I can usually listen to music out loud once my son goes to sleep. I prefer that over putting on headphones and not knowing there's an issue or he's out of bed until he's standing in front of me.. because I've completely sealed out the world with the headphones. I think '69, however, might be the absolute worst choice of the shows for after bed time. I didn't see all of Bob's "WHOOOOO" screams coming until it was too late. EDIT - I meant '70, not '69.
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I downloaded it and was able to convert it to Apple Lossless - now the mystery begins: what song was played where and when!
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...is another matter entirely. I am confident my box is not Built To Last... but the music... man. I'm only on my sixth show so far, and I already am convinced this box is possibly the best way to introduce someone to The Grateful Dead. At lest half of the shows I've played so far.. I can't believe they weren't put out years ago. I personally think the '69 show is better than any of the DPs or DaPs from that year. I may feel the same about the '70 show by the time I've finished listening. The packaging might not have had all of the WOW factor I fantasized about, but there is definitely plenty of WOW to be had listening to the music.
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I swear around the 7:45-ish mark they start doing "Everything Is Coming Our Way" by Santana.. musically, not lyrically. Crazy.. I wonder if that's exactly what they were doing, or if it just coincidentally sounds like it.
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Phil, I wish you a good and fast recovery. With love.
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You're most welcome! As to the mystery of dates and locations: If you downloaded from the link I posted below, then you will need to find the dates and locations manually, but if you downloaded from the Dropbox linked that I PM's you, those are mp3 files after I loaded them into my music library, so if you look at the mp3 ID tags you will find the date of each file in it's "comment" tag. You can then find the location by looking up the dates on the live music archive :) Or, of course, you can go through the fun of trying to figure each one out one :) Did you get them from the link posted here first, or from the dropbox link I PM'd you? EDIT: And Good Morning (Evening) Dantian!!!

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17 years 5 months
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At last I got to sit down, sip Scotch and savor my first show of the box, 7/03/66. What a gem. Great pick, Dave. Sizzles right out of the gate with Nobody's Fault But Mine...if only there were more, but there's just enough for a good taste, a penetrating first impression as the time machine drops you into summer '66. The boundaries of the Phil Zone have barely begun to expand but the playful & probing exuberance that would burst them ere long is on display.... Phil cooks on Top of the World. Jerry's uncommonly loquacious between songs.... The most expansive Cream Puff War I've heard ~ never had a favorite version till now. All kinds of organ, and assured energy, from Pigpen.... And a familiar, always welcome voice at the very end to raise an extra toast to Pig. I was surprised this wasn't the same Keep Rolling By as on Birth of the Dead.... What a treat to have a second live Tastebud, too, and this has to be the earliest Dancin' I've heard (with righteous harmonies, I might add). I'd swear the tempo of Next Time You See Me speeds up after the solos...but they were a young band, after all. (There's a comical stumbling & restart of the beat during Dancin'...they get right back on that horse.) First show is a golden nug. This journey is going to be fun.
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I was fascinated with the box when it arrived yesterday. As others have said, it seems somehow smaller than expected and it doesn't look like 80cds are packed in there. My box is no.1544, the ticket is 30/10.91 and the pass 21/8/93. I love the look and feel of the book, with its soft leather cover and embossed skull and roses imprint, but I cant be bothered with looking at the scroll yet.I started off reading the book, which really creates the mood for the music-Nicholas Meriwether ranks as the most thought provoking writer/anthologist ever to write about the Dead. He really enriches the scene. Anyway after reading up to 1967, I listened to the first show. Wow! Far better than I was expecting in terms of music and sound. It seems that Jerry plays faster than other guitarists from the era-maybe his style was based on bluegrass playing rather than ubiquitous blues based on BB/Freddie/Albert King in vogue at the time. I like the organ sound on this early show, too. Maybe because I always associated the sound of an organ with church, I always think it adds a trippy edge to 60s rock music-irrespective as to what is actually played. I will definitely be playing more 1966 shows from now on. Today I started on 1967. Good though 1966 was-this is when it really starts to fly! Hope you all have a good day listening!
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13 years 2 months
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Woke up...(wake n' baked)...and popped on 2/22/69...The Dream Bowl...popped on my ShureSRH750DJ headphones...pretty good morning so far. I'm slowly getting through this box. I know its been said before but I feel it can't be said enough. The 1967 show...I'm only just now to the 69 show because I spent a week listening to 11/10/67. The sound quality, the playing, the energy, the jams, etc...Its all just prime time Grateful Dead. The 67 show alone is almost worth the price of admission. I really don't think its fair that it is not a stand alone release. Its too good. I like how disc 1 is all covers and disc 2 is all originals. I also like how there are several songs that got played throughout the bands entire career. Beat it on down the line, Morning Dew, The Other One... I think its going to be very easy getting through this box considering each show is so different from the next. The 68 show...short but sweet. I have nothing against T.C. but Pigpen doesn't sound like somebody that needed to replaced. Especially on Caution, he is just ripping it up on the Organ. And the way Pigpen sends off the audience with his unapologetic "Bye" is just exactly perfect. Just like Curly Bill Brocius' response in Tombstone when Wyatt Earp states he is leaving town. Anyways, enough rambling, back to the 69 show (good stuff) Get Well Soon Phil
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12 years 6 months
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Out of the pre hiatus shows, so Far I've really liked 67, 68, & 73. Those are the ones I've listened to most. 67 for all the reasons already mentioned. Fierce & hungry jams. Truly awesome 68 has been a real treat. This is the sound that I love & the recording is pristine. Tuning issues at the beginning of Lovelight but that straightens out eventually. The Dark Star has long been one of my favorites for it's sharp playing & strong transitions. Immaculate Version. What a sound. The Guitar is still wild & pigpen is rippin. Might be my favorite show in the box despite its length. 69 is great too but the vocal flub in Dark star takes it down a notch for me. The playing is pretty on this one, slightly more tame than 68 & has the same intimacy associated with THELMA I thought I would like the 74 version more but I've been gravitating more towards 73 for repeat listens. I prefer that laid back/mellow country sound to the deep space exploratory funk of 74 or whatever you might call it. Still fantastic though. Haven't really digested 72, 75, or 66 yet. (working my way towards the 72 Dark Star, saving the best for last???). And 70 was just okay for me at first listen, really disliked the feedback on everything before "technical difficulties". Hard to handle, on the other hand, really gets things going (Pig & Bobby!). Not sure how I feel about 71 either, love the Caution tho. These are just initial reactions I'm sure my opinions will change/grow/evolve as I keep spinnin these discs...
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9 years 3 months
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Get well Phil. I consider you Papa Brother. Thanks for lighting the path for us all. Positive thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery!
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9 years 3 months
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Again just want to say thanks folks for all the great posts. I also have some headphone researchin to do. Will try to start that next week. The posts just make me bust out laughing sometimes. Most of you folks are truly a hoot! Thanks for the positive vibes for the boxless. So glad more are hitting home. I am blown away by 66 and 67. Have not gotten off of them yet. 68 today. Still trying to hit Alain's show from E72 this weekend. Surfeiting on GOGD, and the things that go with that.
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I am unsure and am trying to work it out this weekend. I think I hear the initial formation of Donovan's "There is a Mountain" on the 1966 Midnight Hour. If this is true, this might be the genesis of that spectacular jam vehicle. It would put to rest where did the riff come from. Would love to be able to lock that down as Jerry's musings. I know Donovan became a psychedelic freak sometime in late 1966 or early 1967. "There is a Mountain" came out in July 1967, I think. Does any know if he ever played a concert directly with GOGD? Well more next week, will probably spend the rest of the weekend just digesting the box. Hope more will get home today and hope all are within 72 hours of the spiritual lift! G
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17 years 4 months
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I just went to the order status page and now my order status went from back ordered to no status at all. The link to listen to the shows is also gone. I called Dead net and was informed that 1200 orders are still out there, and the best they can tell us is the end of the month. Dr. Rhino really blew this one with whom ever is doing the shipping, but more so with keeping the "unshipped" updated. Since my status did change form back ordered to no status, something changed. Be nice to know what it is. Maybe I'll receive Dave Picks before the 30 trips????
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17 years 4 months
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Just checked again after Dead net tech said they'd get it back up and it is. Still no relief in sight
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13 years 5 months
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Still nothing, so sating my hunger with a loud spin of the So Many Roads retrospective while re-orgainizing the basement. At least it spans the years. Does anyone have individual shows for sale? JUST KIDDING! Don't answer that (here)!
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I don't think he ever played with the boys, though I do have fond memories of the time I saw him at the SF Civic in 1968. So he was in town.
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13 years 9 months
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Hey luddlight, You asked for a 30 Trips Around vol2, and suggested to be PM'd. I decided to post this publicly so others could chime in. My methodology is to include only officially available releases as opposed to picking shows only available as "bootleg" recordings like on the archive. Additionally, I have only included choices that are still available without going through secondary resellers - recordings available directly from dead.net, amazon, etc., either as physical media or as digital downloads. I tried to limit myself to one or two choices, usually. I will abbreviate Dicks Picks as DP, Road Trips vol x number y as RTx.y, and Dave's Picks as DaP. The Road Trips usually came with bonus discs. If the commercial purchase no longer comes with it, seek them out - they're usually pretty indispensable to the release. 1966: Birth Of The Dead (includes some 1965 too) 1967: Since there is nothing else really commercially available, I suggest Anthem of the Sun, the Dead's second commercial release, some of which was recorded in 1967. It is available as an expanded CD with lots of great extra tracks beyond the original LP. 1968: RT2.2 2/14/68 1969: Fillmore West '69 3CD compilation from 2/27/69-3/2/69 1970: Sorry, impossible for me to pick between RT3.3 5/15/70, DP4 2/13,14/70, and DP8 5/2/70. All are essential recordings. 1971: Ladies and Gentlemen from Fillmore East 4/25-29/71. There are many full shows available, but as a commercial release, this is indispensable. Simply magic. 1972: How to choose? My favorite is DP36 9/21/72, a desert island release. I will list two other choices because they are multitrack where DP36 is not. Sunshine Daydream 8/27/72, or 5/4/72 from Europe 72 (hey, I had to pick just one from E72 - throw a damn dart! AND Alain hopped on here! or was that 5/3?) 1973: DP28 2/26,28/73. Even though DP19 from 10/19/73 and RT4.3 11/21/73 are incredible, you already have a late '73 show, so I went with early '73. 1974: I would have to go with the Grateful Dead Movie Soundtrack - 5 CD's of multitrack amazement. My favorite released 1974 shows are the DaPs, and I'm not recommending them because they are not available except through secondary market. DP31 8/4-6/74 or DP12 6/26,28/74 are both jaw droppingly great as well. 1975: One From The Vault 8/13/75 1976: RT4.5 6/9/76 or DP33 10/9-10/76 1977: DP29 5/19,21/77 or To Terrapin: Hartford 5/28/77 (hey, i had to limit my choices). 1978: Closing of Winterland 12/31/78 or RT1.4 From Egypt With Love (Winterland) 10/21,22/78 1979: RT3.1 12/28/79 or DP5 10/26/79 1980: Go To Nassau 5/15-16/80 1981: DP13 5/6/81 1982: RT4.4 4/6/82 - I choose this over DP32 8/7/82 if I had to pick just one. 1983: DP6 10/14/83 1984: there are no other commercial releases 1985: DP21 11/1/85 1986: there are no other commercial releases 1987: View From The Vault vol4 7/24-26/87 1988: RT4.2 3/31-4/1/88 1989: Nightfall Of Diamonds 10/16/89 or the Formerly The Warlocks box 10/8-9/89 1990: Wake Up To Find Out 3/29/90 with Branford Marsalis 1991: DP17 9/25/91 or View From The Vault vol2 6/14/91 1992: DP27 12/16/92 1993: RT2.4 5/26,27/93 1994: there are no other commercial releases 1995: there are no other commercial releases
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I love the attention to detail in the design of the cases. The planets' positioning around the sun kind-of lines up with the dates of the event. It has a counter clockwise rotation. I wonder if all the planets are similarly aligned. Pretty Cool!!!
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17 years 3 months
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Who did the artwork on this box?I haven't decided whether to invest in good glue or let the box fall apart and frame all the sides. I don't see the box lasting very long. All things considered, still very happy with the release. It is visually stunning.
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I've read your post. Thanks. I think that you will like to know that when I read your posts your sense of humor almost always make me laugh or at least smile! Definitely, you are a fine person with a great sense of humor.
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I am amazed by the quality of this recording. I went in expecting it to sound below par, but it just explodes out of the box. If there are any more great early shows like this left hiding in the vaults they need out now.
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12 years
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A wonderful song the dead made all their own. This 9/24/72 disc 1 does not disappoint! I look forward to the rest....I'm into Brown-Eyed Women as I type....:)
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12 years 11 months
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I wound up using the first link you posted (and converted all to Apple lossless) and did the accompanying detective work needed (I have to admit it was fun even though I was up until 3:30 AM!) for the dates and venues. Thanks again for the links. I'm probably going to be in the same boat again this year as back surgery #2 happens on Monday. I would think I'll be able to get 30 Days Of Dead 2016 sometime post-surgery. Again thank you (it's like I've tried to explain to others "Heads help Heads").
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17 years 4 months
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....close my eyes, and reached into the magic box. Pulled out 1976. That's OK by me....cosmetic issues aside, this box is the shit....at eight bucks plus change per disc, the physical box is just a bonus to me....
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12 years
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I can't wait to land in Cobo! I know DL has played a little on the Tapers Section but, that's all I've heard. I love some 76 GD..very underrated year IMHO
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12 years 11 months
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After listening chronologically from '66-'77 I ventured into '90, '91, and '93. All are worthy and welcome additions to this box. I can't think of a band more suited to cover Bobby Fuller Four's 'I Fought The Law' than the GD. Now it's back to chronological listening and 'Cobo Hall' it is!
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13 years 9 months
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Happy to help :):) Check your PM again :)
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9 years 2 months
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Lowspark, get thee to Audiogeeks. They have a b&m shop in Portland. You have to listen to a bunch of headphones before you know what suites your tastes. Head-fi can be a good resource, if you can read thru the static. But, listening to lots of cans trumps all! My phones are: Koss Portapros, MDR-V6, and Audeze. All are excellent value at their price point. Don't forget the DAQ and AMP. Slippery slopes, my friend. Prost!
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12 years 11 months
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The '68 show made pull out 'From The Vault #2 8/23-24/68'. I've seen various sources that say it was taken from the 2 nights and others say it's solely the 8/24/68 performance. Does anybody know the facts regarding this release? If it's from both nights do you know which songs are from which night? Thanks in advance for any clarification.
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