30 Trips Around The Sun Box & Digital USB

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September 4, 2015 - 10:38am

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admin

Joined:
March 9, 2007

"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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August 17, 2015 - 5:28pm

#5451

Dusty.rambler@…

Joined:
March 13, 2015

Tomorrow

Does this quote feel a little like an empty promise to any one right now? " So now you have it, but you should stay tuned as we will be revealing tons of great music, artwork, and more." 12 songs hardly count as "tons if music" and I haven't seen any "art work, and more yet".
August 17, 2015 - 5:02pm

#5452

DaveStrang

Joined:
November 9, 2011

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is one month until it ships - add one week (or more depending on your location) until we have it in our grubby little hands.
August 17, 2015 - 3:44pm

#5453

Topheraw

Joined:
January 29, 2015

Tomorrow

Tomorrow will bring us one month away from the big box. They've got to give us something........right?
August 17, 2015 - 2:04pm

#5454

wissinomingdeadhead

Joined:
December 17, 2011

30 Trips Around the Sun & other musings

On August 5th I put a list of the amount of discs that I think each show will have in 30 Trips here on dead.net using the following format.... 1966 1 1967 1 1968 1 and so on & so on well it appears my calculations are ALL wrong, as DB 50 in the updates section has confirmed that the Dead played 2 sets on 3/18/71 so my 2 CD count is wrong so the only way I can figure it out to be 80 discs is to add 1 disc to 3/18/71 & and take one from 2/21/95, I'm going to refigure my figures & put an updated list here on dead.net soon, ISN'T THIS FUN!!!!!! Also regarding 30 Trips I think the "sleeper" show is going to be 5/14/78. 2/6/79, Why is it that I want to hear this show so bad, is it because I can't as DB 50 states no tape exists of this show, even though it's a well known fact that early 1979 recordings are spotty at best as no complete show SBD's exist. Only the "stronger" shows i.e., 1/10 2nd set, 1/15 2nd set & 1/20, partial 2nd set are SBD's & even those recordings are fair to middling at best. Also with all of the in fighting going on between Donna & Keith the band's playing suffered. Don't ask me why but I hope a SBD of 1/21 surfaces someday just because of the odd venue & from what I can hear from the single AUD recording on the Archive the Terrapin>Playin sounds real good. Is Jon Mayer that good? Did anyone notice that 10/31 & 11/1 have indeed SOLD OUT? And WITHOUT Phil. In closing I notice that the Taper's Section features 5/26/77? As usual a very good choice, as you can NEVER go wrong with anything from May 1977 this as well as 5/18/77 are both release worthy perhaps for a 2 show mini box set. Wouldn't that make a delightful Christmas gift? HAPPY MONDAY, DEADLAND!!!!!!!
August 17, 2015 - 9:03am

#5455

DaveStrang

Joined:
November 9, 2011

30 Trips Arrival

Sept. 18 - '30 Trips Around The Sun' ships Sept. 24-26 - The Pope visits Philadelphia The Pope's visit is touted as "The World Meeting Of Families" I'm touting 'Boxzilla' as "Meeting Up With The World's Dead Shows" So the question is: Will the Pope's visit delay 'Boxzilla' arriving at the Jersey Shore? I'm in the Wildwood/Cape May area or as I think of it "Hurricane Country". Inquiring Deadminds want to know (or are Deadprayers in order?).
August 17, 2015 - 7:20am

#5456

Kayak Guy

Joined:
June 4, 2015

Tapers Addendum

I like the Addendium better than the 1st 3 Compendiums, it has more early shows and better source recordings to review. Yes there are really 4 Compendiums and the 4th one is the best of the series. Both series are very dated and have been replaced by the internet for real usefulness. The Compendiums have been replaced by LMA and you can stream the show while reading the reviews of it and add your own review at the end. Really, how cool is that? Deadbase has been replaced by etree with the MD5 checksum verification tool to match the recording to the setlist and info for the exact version you have, again pretty cool stuff. Set lists are everywhere now, even right here on dead.net with the my shows tab if you are logged in. Both book series are anachronisms that are speculative in price for original copies in the used marketplace or ebay for people that want the books. Each series does have some original content and essays that are unique to the books, but the set list info and reviews are out of date or incomplete, and they are the bulk of both series. The Compendiums and the new Deadbase 50 have publishers, so there are chances of reprints, the original annual Deadbases were self published by the authors and very limited printings until DB XI because they didn't want leftover when the new edition was ready. DBXI being the "final" deadbase probably had a larger run and maybe even a reprinting back in the late 1990's, but for the last 15 years it has been easier to get a copy of DBX than the DBXI. In the 1980's Deadbase was advertised in Relix and by the time my order for Deadbase was placed they were already on Deadbase II, so that was what i got in the mail. The question is do you really want a $90 book full of information from the late 1990's, when you can find all the updated and corrected info online for free? For me the answer is easy, yes i want the book, i want to highlight my collection in as many of the different lists as possible, so i can figure out what i'm still missing.
August 16, 2015 - 8:12pm

#5457

Kayak Guy

Joined:
June 4, 2015

Old Deadbases

The reason 2 of the 3 authors reprinted the DBXI for the 50th anniversary was because of the speculative prices of the old Deadbases in the used marketplace. They could have done a better job of advertising the reprint aspect of this edition. [update the amazon description has been recently changed and the DBXI reprint aspect has been moved to the top of the description from lower in the text that you could only see if you clicked "read more", but who pays $90 for a book without reading the whole description?] Maybe calling it Deadbase XI Classic would have been a better name for it. Old Deadbases will continue to remain high in price as they were very limited printings. They are a fetish item and most have been personalized with highlighting and notes by the original owners. John Scott, who was not involved in Deadbase 50, sometimes has new copies of older versions that he sells through his Dharmarose website. Which also has the official online version of Deadbase (last updated in 2002) Try there if you are looking for a copy that doesn't have all the years from 1965-95, remember only Deadbase X and Deadbase XI have all 30 years.
August 16, 2015 - 6:46pm

#5458

wissinomingdeadhead

Joined:
December 17, 2011

My white whale & update

The Deadhead's Taping Addendum, basically "Volume 4" of the Deadhead's Taping Compendium a very limited press run. I check frequently in the secondary market to see if one is available for sale, patience I must have patience as one will come my way.....someday To:TPTB Don't you think it's about time we get a video of what Boxzilla (30 Trips) contains? We all would like to know how is show each going to be packaged & perhaps a glimpse of the 288 page book. I think we out here in Deadland just want a little "taste" of what's to come. Let's make it happen. Yes it's Sunday night & Monday morning rolls around real fast let me just wish everyone an EZ MONDAY MORNING, Peace, Deadland!!!!!!!
August 16, 2015 - 6:23pm

#5459

Kate_C.

Joined:
September 29, 2014

nitecat

I imagine your's is a common inquiry among readers, whether posted or not. I own the 3 TC volumes and DBIX and consider them indispensable companions. However, this rather useless subjective summary aside, perhaps I can provide enough information for you to make an informed independent decision (remember, my observations regarding DB are limited by the fact that I'm only familiar with vol.9). First, TC does one thing better than DB and that's sheer number of recorded shows reviewed. For example, I'll reference 1978, which has understandably garnered a lot of attention lately: DB provides reviews for only about 22 shows over 4-5 pages, whereas TC addresses about 84 shows across 90-odd pages - including 5+ pages devoted to 12/31 (Closing of Winterland) and 25 pages to the Egypt shows. Otherwise, DB is populated with the following wealth of unique information: 1. Comprehensive set lists regardless of whether the show is reviewed, to include venue, show date & day of week with encores marked, guests listed, and historical vagaries noted (i.e., 6/28/91: "Santana opened - 'Dark Star' tease just before last verse of 'Wharf Rat'") 2. Songs played, to include (1) total number of times historically; (2) total number of times played per year; (3) first and last date played; (4) song author and other recording artists by identity/release title/date; and, most impressively, (5) every time played by date, set, number of shows since last iteration, and identification of the preceding and subsequent songs (i.e., "Ain't No Lie": Acoustic set; 1231 shows preceded its debut in 9/80, and it was played between JackaRoe and Ripple). 3. Places played, listed alphabetically by State, City, and Venues with dates cited (i.e., Lake Tahoe (8 shows), broken down by King's Beach Bowl (7 shows (with dates)) and the American Legion Hall (8/19/67)). 4. Venue Seating Charts and Capacities 5. Polls: both personal (age/state of residency/all time favourite venues, years, individual performances/"tape preferences" (i.e., Maxell, TDK, Sony !!!)) and per year (i.e., in vol. 9, polling of money spent touring/favourite shows, venues, new songs/ and a lot of other Qs specifically addressing '94). 6. Garcia Base, 40 pages, to include dates, venues, and setlists for all 24 permutations of his performing side projects (even those he didn't "lead", such as OITW and the Keith & Donna Band). 7. "Odds & Ends" - Miscellany from a short band chronology; to members' birthdays; number of shows performed on each day of the week, month, and season; most played and single stand venues; maximum lapses between song performances (by number of interim shows); and much more. 8. Comprehensive guest list organized chronologically 9. Dark Star Map (longitudinal sampling of 50+ DS versions from each year played broken down on a bar graph by component parts, such as "verse", "jam", and "space") 10. Anagrams (strangely compelling: i.e., Bruce Hornsby = Byron's cherub (?!)) 11. Set and Song Timings (i.e., a complete listing for 1994 only in vol.9) 12. Show lengths by total time, first & second set, and pre & post drumz (1994 only) 13. Ticket sales and gross revenue per venue (1994) 14. Physical tour maps (1994), designated by vectors across a map of the states for each season, in addition to the same map indicating number of shows played by state. 15. Band/Crowd/Venue/Show pictures (1994/20 pages (glossy)) 16. Ticket pictures for each show (1994 (glossy)) I'd like to think that each of the features unique to 1994 for vol.9 will be duplicated for other years in DB50. At the least, I would imagine significant commonalities in format regardless as to how the old database and new information is divided - but those who've already received their copy can be more helpful here. peace, K
August 16, 2015 - 3:41pm

#5460

nitecat

Joined:
November 1, 2010

DH Taping Compendium and Deadbase

Hi forgive me for my dead ignorance. I have Deadhead Taping Compendium 1, 2 and 3. I have no Deadbase. Can someone tell me the difference, and whether it is worth it for me to get this new Deadbase? I am aware of the other bases, Jerrybase, Bobbase, and I believe these arent in Compendiums. Any advice, clarifications? Thanks nitecat

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Dead Store Products

"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

Anniversary

Today is ours... or I should say.. it's the anniversary of the '68 show from this box. Wish I could celebrate.

In Donna's defense

Exhibit A: Comes A Time, 5/12/1977 (May 77 box set). Sublime harmony by Donna backing up Jerry's soulful singing (and playing). Interestingly, this selection falls within a Playin' sandwich, and her 2 "wails" sound just fine. She definitely had her moments, both good and not so hot. Edit: I noticed several folks started doing this "edit" thing a few weeks ago, as opposed to actually editing the original text. I just didn't want to feel left out.

Still waiting in ATL

I guess I feel a little better that I'm not the only one dealing with this. Called customer service last week - nice people, but totally clueless about the situation. Emailed both dead.net customer service and Dr. Rhino last Friday, both wrote back that they're looking into the delay. Still no word on what the hold up is. I love that folks in Europe and Australia have already gotten theirs, but it's driving me crazy that we're still waiting here, completely in the dark. On the bright side, the frustration has led me to finally join up and create a username, just to be able to vent. Thanks.

Thanks Donna

I would like to comment on how much Donna's singing went so well with the Dead at the time. Donna was no Joplin but neither was the Dead. One exception her final show she sang a note way off key I don't know what she was loaded on.

The Wait

Mags, thanks for the info. I just called customer service and was told that international orders shipped first. She then told me that domestic were being shipped in the order that they were originally ordered. I mentioned that there were several southerners on the forum who had not received theirs and she said "well maybe they are shipping them geographically". I then asked if she knew when the total order was set to be completed and she said that they weren't even supposed to ship until Halloween and that the boxes that have already gone out went out early (even though this is contrary to the info we received saying that shipping was scheduled for mid October).

Where's my box?!?!

Just called Dead.net minutes ago and was told something completely different than you were yonderdawg. I was, however, also told that they were shipped in the order in which they were purchased, which isn't true - I ordered mine on the first day. I was also told this time that the delay had to do with packaging the item for shipping. This hasn't happened before with any of the other releases and it is getting ridiculous. Just glad that I have already received a bill from the credit card company for payment on this thing when I don't even have it.

2-Track

Yeah, I know that after the tape is recorded, the 2-track mix is baked in -- like ingredients in a cake -- no way to unbake it and put in fewer eggs. I was talking about WHILE it was being recorded Kidd Candelario or whomever could have lowered her vocal signal. Surely they heard the results, but never compensated on subsequent shows.

Boxless in ATL

I ordered within an hour or two of receiving the email announcement but, yet, I also do not have a box in ATL. Not even an email saying that there is Help On The Way (in the form of a 30-year box set).But, a friend in MI got his yesterday. Guess they're busy stuffing miracles in mine......

Donna and the Scene

I hate to go all geezer on the forum, but back in the day Donna was referred to in the most reverent and respectful tone from the MA,NJ and NY heads I was around. It seemed to me Donna's presence on stage and status in the band humanized what appeared to be a bunch of drug addled crazies. With Donna came a whole bunch of hippie chicks, something I didn't hear allot of complaints about. In some ways I think the family thing started with Donna showing up on the scene. I have the greatest respect for her, putting up with inadequate vocal monitor systems of the day, and the grinding touring machine of the Grateful Dead. I assure you Donna has never "ruined" one second of music for me, and absolutely never will. The Grateful Dead has accepted me as I am, I do the same for them.

I like the Donna years. I

I like the Donna years. I have no problem with her.Think she was great in the JGB.

Donna and replacement disc

I have to admit that my favorite period of the whole long strange trip were the years that Keith and Donna were with the group, especially before the two year hiatus mid-decade. Was she the right fit for the group? Not really. Was she a great singer? No, but she did have the ability to sing, given the right songs. Anyone who recorded with Elvis at least has to be able to carry a note or two. Did she hit every song pitch perfect every night? No, but, hey, Bobby still has issues remembering the words to "Truckin' ". I'm just grateful (no pun intended.....well, maybe) for the contributions she made to the band over their 50+ years of making the best damn music anywhere. I look at the band's music, and I see a wine cellar of vintage products. Some age better than others, some are a little drier, some a little sweeter. Everyone has different tastes, and I can respect that. One of the guiding lights of being a Deadhead is respect for each other, even if we have different concepts and opinions. One another note, I got a duplicate disc 1 on my '78 Providence set. I just got an email from Dr. Rhino that a replacement was being sent today. Gotta love the Dead......

My 2¢

So now that I've joined this forum, guess I'll make some posts.Question: Why is Charlie Miller better than David Lemieux? Answer: Because he understands the concept of a seamless transition between discs. Seriously David, these aren't cassette tapes. Not trying to piss anyone off, just trying to get David to stop doing overlap transitions. It just sounds better.

appreciation...

Donna totally rocked it in Egypt, and was in beautiful song. I love the Keith and Donna years!

Donna

Donna brought the family vibe, listen to pretty much any Mississippi Half Step. I really enjoy most of her vocals. There have been a couple times where I thought her volume was too much, but other than that I don't have any complaints I can think of at the moment.

Donna, Cher

Not sure what happened to my attempted post earlier, but to g1u2i3 & lowspark ~ give 9/18/74 a spin from the new box. Donna's spot-on all night, both in pitch and in knowing where she is in the mix (raucously in key on BIODTL, nice and soft on Ship of Fools), and spaces out just right on Scarlet. ivhs72, thanks for the historical perspective on her aesthetic. In any event, she was indispensable (like it or not) once Phil stopped singing high harmony. As someone said, she was really nice on Cassidy & Looks Like Rain in the later 70s, and generally nailed the Let It Grow choruses with Bob. "Lights Went Out In Georgia" was offered to Cher first?? That would totally have been another "Gypsies Tramps & Thieves" for her, I can hear it in my mind's ear....

Donna

I get it man.. I don't expect my distaste for some of her contributions to be popular on a forum of people who are here because of their enthusiasm for everything Grateful Dead. It's just my personal taste and what sounds good to my ears. There are probably elements/phases/eras for nearly every band or artist I love which I don't care for. Religious Dylan? No thanks. Recent Neil Young? No thanks. Rolling Stones Undercover and Dirty Work? Don't love it. There are classic Van Morrison albums I don't care for... and I freaking LOVE Van the Man. And on and on. But other people might be enthusiastic enough about any of those artists to think everything they put out or did was golden. And that's fine. It's also fine to not like some of Donna's vocals... or to love ALL of Donna's vocals. That's what forums are about.. expressing your thoughts and opinions. Just so you aren't attacking someone personally for their views.

Side Notes

Coincidentally... I actually AM listening to the first disc of the '74 show right now before I get ready for work. Funny. Also, I do want to reiterate that there are some of those examples I agree with. Sometimes Donna sounds just fine or even enhances a song. BUT.. I absolutely do not enjoy her singing on Playing In The Band or Scarlet Begonias.. And I'm entitled to that.

RE: My 2¢

It would be a wonderful thing if the CDs from Rhino came seamless, hopefully they will go the seamless route in the future.Until then we have to fix our own backups by deleting the overlap. CM was also slow to come around the seamless transition until about 2007 when someone started "fixing" his seeds as soon as he'd seed them, by making them seamless and CM's name got bumped from the new SHNID by Tetzelli, who made 2nd sets seamless but messed up the mastering in doing so.

the list grows

I have been listening to a lot of shows but it is still overwhelming. These shows are rising to the top of my list: 1991 - 9/10, Madison Square Garden, NY, NY - Branford. Nuff Said. 1972 - 9/24, Palace Theater, Waterbury, CT - great all-around show 1979 - 10/27, Cape Cod Coliseum, South Yarmouth, MA - Impeccable show 1967 - 11/10, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA - even hotter than '66 1966 - 7/3, Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA - still cant get over how hot this show is 1982 - 7/31, Manor Downs, Austin, TX - if the hiss wasn't there this would be incredible what do your lists look like?

I apologize

I apologize to lowspark75. I'm in a foul mood, and could have stated my thoughts better. I did the same thing at work today also, I am so gol-darn grouchy as I age. I need to follow my own advice, and respect my fellow travelers. Again, I apologize for my remarks.

It's totally fine, Zooks

I wasn't getting flustered. I just wanted to make sure I was understood. And I listed only examples of things I DON'T like by certain artists. Other examples where I am actually on the supportive side would include.. Pink Floyd: There are many who think they were crap after Roger Waters left. I strongly disagree and enjoy the albums released in his absence. The Beatles: Many consider John Lennon the most important Beatle and view McCartney as a dick. I also strongly disagree there. I consider both Lennon and McCartney's contributions equally important and enjoyable and they both had their egos.. then you'll also get the George Harrison supporters. It's great that the Dead had a long and varied enough career to nurture these differing opinions of the different elements that came and went with their music and performances. Can't really say the same for... The Doors.. for example. Unfortunately.

lowspark

You're not entitled. If you don't agree with the majority, you're WRONG, man! Honestly, I thought I was in the minority enjoying Donna. And she really has grown on me in recent years ~ during my show-going years, I really didn't want to know.... As for recent Neil.... Dude. If the current Promise of the Real tour hasn't hit your town yet; will hit your town yet; you haven't bought tickets; and you still can.... GO. This tour is one of the great ones...however you feel about Monsanto Years (I think it rocks, but no matter). Didn't see Neil in the 70's, but this was the 9th time since mid-80s(including four times with Crazy Horse)...and I didn't remotely expect to be saying this: this was the most powerful Neil performance I've ever seen. Tremendous setlist, but that alone doesn't tell the tale. He out-Welded Weld with the finale, Love and Only Love, blowing past mere extended feedback outros into much more dynamic Dead & Floyd territory (he even did a little Crazy Diamond riff at one point). Jaw-dropping, especially from a 70-year-old! Ok, gush over. Back to the GO'GD.

Still going in order, on '74

Starting to get more tempting to pull stuff I was really looking forward to (MSG 87 and 91, Cape Cod) or to start pulling discs with the same songs on them from different years to do comparisons. Still, I think the '67 Shrine and '69 Dream Bowl are still my favorites so far. '72 also really good and so is '68, I wish there was more than 1 disc! Hot = '66, '74. Smokin' = '70, '73. Incendiary = '67, '69, '72, '68. Hard to call '73 and '74 incendiary, just a bit more laid back and swing to them, for most of the tunes, in any case. Still nice. Wish that '74 didn't have the two songs with the vocal drops, was psyched for Loose Lucy. :( Edit: I get where people are coming from on Donna, but you just have to embrace it. It's not like Jerry or Phil haven't had some vocal issues. Lot's of sweet stuff from her: Weather Report, Sunrise, St. Stephen, Cosmic Charlie, Passenger, Dancin', Looks Like Rain, etc. And no one can ruin Scarlet Begonias when the Dead are playing it. ;) EMBRACE THE DONNA! Screams and all.

Edit : Donna is sweet, top notch

and I would take her over any one of you guys :) Lol 5.4.77 - "Looks Like Rain" !! the Dave's Picks 15 is primo Donna and is sweet on Jack Straw among the many.

Lowspark support

Yes I do agree, especially about playing ITB...and a lot of Scarlet begonias, especially in DP7 is quite a nightmare. However Donna adds nice harmonies on slow songs (row jimmy-Cassidy-Looks Like Rain...)I enjoy very much Sunrise on DP3 and the may77 Boxset. Fortunately she improves a lot after Hiatus and her best contribution stay with the JGband (77-78)

Did Mr. Norman get some new AUDIO EQUIPMENT......

I am up to 1975 and I am amazed at the "CRISPY " beautiful "MELTING BUTTER" sound of these shows so far. I started in at 1966 and each show is just so Exquisite. Between my Sennheiser headphones and plain Jane HONDA FACTORY radio I just keep getting blown away by how great these shows are sounding. There is definitely a difference I am hearing than any other past recordings...anyone else feeling that???... Or hearing that??

Florida Delivery

Sorry to hear so many in the south are still box less...I live in the Orlando, FL area and received mine on October 12th...keep the faith brothers...

Re: K. Brandon & J. Norman

I have been very pleased w/ his work lately.. but I am not up to the '80's shows yet. If I were to wager.. I think he is staring to become a deadhead. I have this image of his progression: .. when he first started engineering and mastering GD, Steely Dan was in the car CD Player and he was the geek in the sound booth wearing the kaki's and polo shirt, glasses and a pocket protector. The pocket protector was the first to go moments after his first Playin' in the Band. Years go by.. he drops the loafers for comfy shoes, unbuttons the polo. A little facial scruff fills in. By E-72 he show's up in a t-shirt, shorts and Birkenstocks and he sometimes spends days in the studio without a break. By Spring '90 TOO he's let his hair grow out, he's sporting a raggedy die often for several days at a stretch. By the time he began mixing Boxzilla a never ending drum circle has formed outside the studio. And his mixes do seem to have a special sound. Its possible I have a couple details wrong.. but it sounds plausible, doesn't it? Go back and listen to Dicks Picks 3 and compare it to one of the modern releases from the same year (Spring '77 comes to mind). I think he has improved also. Lets see if I still feel this way after '82.

Playing in the Band

A huge Thanks to drshakedown74...We swapped the tickets/passes from 30 Trips and he returned the favor in an incredibly generous way- A concert ticket to see David Gilmour at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre in April. Amazing kind gesture on his part- hope this kindness finds a way back to him. Thanks again.

Donna

Love her. When she would slowly and rhythmically groove her way to the microphone, smilingly looking down at us, the Grateful Dead idiot fan base, and prepare herself to wail the return of the Playin In The Band theme, well, well, it was really good. Seriously good.

Re: Dr. Shakedown

My ticket was Magoo's Pizza Parlor, backstage pass Gaza Egypt. Wanna trade and got anything near ZuckFun? Just kidding.. wow.. I'm not particularly religious, but that's a miracle worthy of canonization. Saint Shake. Has a nice ring to it. Holy cow, congrats Zuck, thanks Dr. Shake. Those are hot tickets, Gilmour puts on an incredible show, and this will surely be his last trip to the states.

Donna support

I hear both sides of the Donna thing. She could lighten things sweetly, or come in too hard. I agree with Jason, these guys were weak vocally, and blew things in front of us on a regular basis. Their messin up was one of their fun qualities. I cut her some slack like I did for everyone else in the band. And I must speak up for her presence in the band. I enjoyed how she added a feminine element to the stage, so it wasn't just the guys. I do think she really could do sweet harmony with Bobby, and she could rock it with him, too in their Sunshine Daydream duets. I started with 1975, kinda loose show with some nice jammin. Next up was 1982, this is a grate show, I wish it wasn't so muddy and thin, the sound improves in CD3. Come on, UJB>Truckin'>Dew? Now I'm starting from the beginning, listening to 1965. First impression: man Billy was quite the drummer early on... Thanks to all for your great comments!

On vocals, MIIIIIZ Donna Jean Godchaux

I love Donna, but I understand your point, Lowspark. When I first started listening to tapes (mostly 80s shows) I didn't like her much at all but eventually, after the light came on and I "got" 70s GD, I came to accept her. At first it was a case of classical conditioning; the years that excited me most included Donna so I got used to her. Eventually I came to LOVE Donna and even now when I listen to the post Godchaux era, I really miss her contributions on most songs she sang. MNS, Half Step (acrosssss the Rio GrandiOOOH!), LIG, Estimated, Scarlet, Cassidy...well, pretty much all of them. Maybe someday you'll change your mind, Lowspark. But if not you're certainly entitled to your opinion. And I would highly recommend DiP14--she was on maternity leave.

Re: Donna Jean

I always liked Donna, but I also know how an off key screech when I hear one. Still I chose to notice her good harmonies and touch. I used to find myself defending her to friends who were skeptical. I don't anymore, I think people have already made up their minds.. minds can change but that's not my place. She was an integral part of the band during what many call their golden era. There's something to be said for that. Worthy is a good word. Yea.. she flubbed up many a good song, but who didn't in this band. Funny how as fans we are both infinitely forgiving yet relentlessly critical. Not the best example of yin and yang. I bet jerry flubbed up more shows than she did. We forgave him.

Cal Expo '86....

....I played it back to back....yeah, I said it.... ....regarding Donna, I prefer the 76-79 version over the 72-75 version hands down. Both in voice, and in appearance. I believe the JGB experience benefited her grately....Disco Donna was quite the stunner.... ...MIIIIIZ Donna Jean Godchaux. Shout out to Grahams band intro before the Great American Music Hall show. Yeah rdevil, I caught that....

Donna . . . again

lowspark75, right on with so many of your comments. I share many of your perspectives. And I'm assuming your username is a reference to Traffic's "Low Spark of High-heeled Boys"? Great band. One of my favorites. My problem is that I have too many favorites. Anyway, I just signed on and caught up on all the "Donna" comments after I posted this afternoon. I had to respond before I hit the sack, and fly to Tulsa, OK for business, in the morning. It's good to read so many different perspectives on how people see Donna. Especially, the people that experienced the 70's Dead in real time. Something I did not. Even though my favorite studio album is "Aoxomoxoa", followed by "Anthem of The Sun", the Keith and Donna period is, ironically, my favorite GD period. That period is also my favorite band "lineup". To clarify, there are shows I actually enjoy and appreciate what she adds to the music. I'm not saying she wasn't capable of it, she just didn't manifest it often enough for me, a lover of great music and musicianship. I totally appreciate and actually agree with the "girl in the band", "family" and "humanizing" perspective and the hippie chicks comments. I dig that, totally. And God knows I've loved me a hippie chick or two, three, four . . . oh . . . excuse me . . . where was I. Oh, right!. Accepting the Dead as they are (were), like Deacon Zooks said, is totally understandable as a fan and lover of this band. I love this band. It's that very sentiment that allows me to still enjoy Jerry when he sings off key. For a moment, though, hitting the pause button on . . . peace and love . . . and hugs and kisses. I am speaking purely objectively and strictly on a musical level. Many of the praises for Donna were non-musical comments. Musically, though, I'm sorry folks, Donna does not possess, in equal measures, what any of the other members did. Not anywhere near the rest of the band. Not even in the same stratosphere. If you think otherwise, I have to wonder how you measure high level musicianship. Jerry, Bobby, Bill, Phil, Mickey . . . all absolute geniuses in their respective instruments. Truly unique players. Donna? There is no way, anyone here, in all seriousness, can extend that to her. However, I will continue to accept Donna in the band, because she was. My comment about removing her from GD history, vocally, was probably a little strong. You know, I love what she did on the Terrapin Station album. And couldn't imagine that album without her. Though, I f*cking hate the studio version of "Dancing in The Streets" and have skipped it every single time I've listened to it since the first time I heard it 35 years ago. Not her fault. Terrible disco infected arrangement. "Dancin' . . . Dancin' . . . Dancin' in the streets." Anyway, let peace and love . . . and hugs and kisses, resume. Good night, all! :-)

Donna again

Sometimes I support Donna but most of the time I do not support it. For me it is not a singer, she does not have the qualities. She screams, she bellowed, she did not know to puts her voice. She was part of the group remains a mystery to me too. But, unlike low spark 75, I appreciate the singing of Donna on Scarlet, including the fabulous version of the May 8, 1977. She did give a little extra color to the music during the 70s, and I got used. I know that the Dead were fully accepted it or you do not accept.

re: Donna - St Stephen - post Hiatus

I hear everyone's comments on the wail during PITB, could be cringeworthy at times. But what she brought to St Stephen when they brought it back was beautiful.

Home from Work

@antonjo - I think Neil came and went through Portland before I even knew it was happening. I saw his own posts on Facebook saying "Thanks Portland". I didn't even know he was coming. @zuckfun - David Gilmour?!? That's awesome!!!! Totally jealous. I still need to get ahold of his new album. I listened to the rest of '74 and all of '75 at work tonight. The '74 Loose Lucy did sound super funky and cool. It is too bad about the vocal glitch. '75 was fairly impressive. I don't know why, but I didn't expect much from this show. The Big River was smoking' and It Must Have Been The Roses was possibly my favorite version I've heard so far. With the exception of 1977, I intend to only have one show per year on my phone. It only has so much room. After I get through the '70s Trips, I am going to have to decide which shows make the cut. Like a lot of people are saying, I think DaP13 might end up being my '74 show. Hard to say.. but I don't think the '74 Trip is going to win that one. But for me, the only choices are DaP9, DaP13, DP12, or the 30 Trips selection. Those are the only '74 shows I own. I'll have to give the latter another spin before deciding... but many of you probably know what the obvious choice will be. '72 will probably be a tough call as well... since I don't have ANY of the E72 shows.. *GASP* I need to pick up one and get started on my ala cart E72 collecting. Which one should be first? The first one? Sorry... still high from all of the caffein required to get through 3rd shift behind the wheel.... lots of random info above.

Re: LowSpark - '72

No E-72. Another Travesty! I think the best way to get through E-72 is, surprise, sequentially. Dr. Keithfan will have lots to say on what, where, how, what shows, mood stimulus, etc. Trust him.. he is a doctor. That being said.. if you don't want to put the scratch into getting the whole set at once and you want to cherry pick shows.. I have one suggestion. Don't just dive into 4/8 first, savor that one for a couple to a half dozen shows. Certainly buy it, but don't just dive right in, especially if you have a heart condition. Its a gem. I will say one more thing. Don't be surprised if this tour ultimately gets you, I have seen several try and piecemeal their way through the tour only to ultimately bite the bullet and get every show. Its cheaper to just get them all, and yes.. we are an excessive bunch of OCD freaks. I think Dr. Keithfan has an accounting on how much it costs both piecemeal and as a whole package. You save more than you think..

Donna? Seriously...

Is Donna wailing really worse than Bob's screaming on Estimated, or his out of tune slide playing?I don't think so...

Neil...Donna

I first saw Neil when I was 14 at MSG for the Trans tour. He was solo and blew me away. Last saw him at Carnegie Hall also solo, amazing. His all out rock shows with the Horse & others are really special. After reading these posts I feel bad I passed on his recent east coast summer visit. Donna works for me. Even the wails are fine. And yes I much rather take that then Bob's slide playing circa 78. Sounds like an amateur player on those shows. The other thing Dead related that sometimes bothers me is the overuse of Midi and those plinky Brent processed keyboard sounds. But warts & all I can live with most any Dead. I guess 68-77 Dead is about as perfect as it gets for me

Donna

I'm a fan of Donna, PITB re-entry notwithstanding. In fact, it still leaves a foul taste in my mouth that she was not included in some way for the Fare Thee Well performances. She was at Jerry's 70th TRI celebration, why not Fare Thee Well?

Re: Segan63

yea I get what you are saying.. I'm still a little miffed I lost the Bolo guess the special guests at Fare Thee Well original artwork giveaway.. I had Donna as a shoe in for a special guest, along with Grisman, David Nelson and I forget who else. I was sure I won that one. Donna is an interesting topic. I will say this, when I play GD to a general crowd (not on the bus people), if its in the '70's, Donna's screeches get the raised eyebrow, if its in the 80's its Jerry's cameled, scratchy voice that gets the raised eyebrow. To me, the bad slide guitar is what gets me to hit skip. Go figure. Since I just slammed Bobby, I will follow w/ a compliment. My favorite Bob work is his early to mid 70's contributions where he plays his wide body Gibsons, notably his ES 335 and SG. He got such a wonderful tone back then and it took me years to figure out how integral it was to their sound in those days. He wrote his best songs in that period to, in my humble opinion. Not a fan of the amateur slide guitar hour though, hope that's fair.

Gary Farseer Congats....

no problem , i sometimes have troubles to decide what`s real and what´s not.For example i never have been to a Dead-show as i live in Austrai , started my " Dead-habit " at the age of 12 back in 81 and unfortunately had no chance to catch them on stage in the early nineties in Germany or France. Nowadays it would be easy but yep.... i close my eyes while listening to the 74 show which indeed has a very european touch an i am there , i do relive that gig.......

Donna.....

is important for the mellow flow oft the 70ies , there is a female quality that was lost afterwards though it was not easy for here to sing with the boys - some voices harmonice and some do not , i know this quite well as i play and sing myself.

Vocals

I find most people I play Lovelight around start being not down when Bob does the falsetto "shine on me" hahaha much more than the PITB screams.

I Think It's Time...

...to let the Donna Debate go. Obviously we all have some opinion about what she brought to, or took away from, the shows, but the fact of the matter is, for better or worse, she was there and will always be there. She had her great moments and her not-so-great moments, just like, as several have observed, the rest of the boys. (Personally, Bobby's screaming on LLR and Lovelight is on par with Donna's PITB). All in all, her good notes outweigh her not-so-good notes. No doubt there are more interesting debates to be had about topics that the box compiler(s) had arguable control over...such as the omission of shows with certain tunes (Easy Wind, Cosmic Charlie, West LA Fadeway...) versus the inclusion of shows with numerous repeats (Hell in a Bucket, TOO, NFA...).

Donna

is great.

scream dream

Sorry, bros 'n sisters, but being an 80's kid, I LOVE the Bobby screams on Estimated, Lovelight, Sailor/Saint, etc, etc. Listen to Estimated from Hampton 3-20-86 ~ that scream-scatting is a work of art. (His screaming on It's All Over Now in the first set, less so, I'll concede ; ) I was thrilled 2nd night Santa Clara when he screamed the big "HEY"s on the Sugar Mag finale till he had nothing left. Would've loved a Donna appearance there. reijo29, I remember that Trans tour, but couldn't convince my older brother to get us tickets -- so I had to wait till '86, with Crazy Horse. (They did play Sample & Hold that time, though.) lowspark, I spaced that you're in Portland. So am I. Maybe we should organize a listening party for one of these trips around the sun. And, yes, Neil did kind of sneak into town. Once in awhile, those otherwise annoying Ticketmaster e-mails land me a hot tip.

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