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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June 9, 2015 - 9:35am

#6931

RV3

Joined:
November 28, 2011

50th Box ......DAVE PICKS #15

Some have seen me a bit cynical & snide on these boards regarding releases ( and lack there of post-1978)....NO MORE, I could not be happier with the 30 TRIPS box set! Bravo to David L & TPTB for their great selections, especially post-1978. Although the 1972, 1973,1974,1977, and 1978 shows look very stellar & unique also.....that being said I'm always curious & just wondering how DAVE will possibly top this box with DP#15?!?! ....I think the loose rumors are true & Dave and Co. will finally release 5/8/77 as DP#15. If not, then we will probably see 4/26/84 IMHO & research. One last thing, for those bitchers about the 50th Box pricetag: 1) think about how much you're getting for the $700 2) stop d*cking around on these boards & go to work so you can afford this STELLAR Box Set. Thanks DAVE!
June 9, 2015 - 9:33am

#6932

hbob1995

Joined:
June 26, 2007

Advertising

I have to agree with PTBarnum. When the E'72 box came out, they said it was 7200 offered and then no more. Then they released the "Music only" version. Not fair in a way. I think you have to read between the lines with Rhino. They say these shows will not be offered individually on cd. So that means they can offer cds in groups, like maybe by each decade or some other grouping? It also means, I think, that eventually downloads will be made available. I want the cds so I don't care if they do offer downloads. I think they will wait until it sells out. After all, on the Spring 1990 TOO box they offered downloads right away and now they have over 400 boxes on the shelf. I believe Rhino is trying to avoid storing anything. Some have argued that the cost of storage is minimal. And while that may be true, please remember that they have to pay taxes on inventory and also the longer these things sit in a warehouse, the greater the chance they could be damaged or they might get "lost" and find their way out the back door. Not that I am pointing fingers at any Rhino employees, but we all have to realize that things do tend to happen as time goes on. Rock on
June 9, 2015 - 8:44am

#6933

PT Barnum

Joined:
December 2, 2009

missed the point

what I am saying is if they release individual shows, this box will not be as advertised, bait and switch, say one thing, do another, that's like saying I'm only going to make ten of something, charge what ever the market will bear, make a bunch of money, then make a bunch more and sell them for cheaper. If that isn't bait and switch, I don't know what is. Also, there was never taxes before, the shipping charge covered the taxes, now, taxes and free shipping, but if you wait you will be charged shipping and taxes, sounds like double charge to me, but what do I know. I have to pay taxes at the end of the year on all internet purchases, what about this one? double pay? My comment was never intended to fire anyone up, just an observation. This has happened before. I never planed to sell this box, nor divide it up and sell it or burn copies and sell them, just a loop hole that I have discovered in the advertising of this set, that's all, take it if you need it, or leave it.... I do not agree that this should be a limited edition, I think all should be able to get it all, at whatever cost you can afford, but to say it's a limited edition, then release individual shows is false advertising and can come back to bite Rhino in the butt, that's all I'm saying. Riding that train, value is a subjective thing, isn't it? I never mentioned value or anything about "my big box" I can't afford this thing anymore than you can. I just see a potential for problems in the future with non payment if they decide to go with releasing shows that are suppose to be "limited". Kind of a lie, don't you think?
June 9, 2015 - 7:50am

#6934

stoltzfus

Joined:
January 13, 2010

taxes are always there.

death, taxes, and me and my uncle.
June 9, 2015 - 7:46am

#6935

stoltzfus

Joined:
January 13, 2010

random recommendation of the day

Sleep: Dopesmoker recently discovered alternative when I need to hear something besides the GD. gruh gruh GRUH BUH gruh give yourself an hour and 10 minutes for a change of pace you'll never forget.
June 9, 2015 - 7:30am

#6936

claney

Joined:
July 20, 2007

Opposite Land

Brian, your post about everything being reversed in Australia is one of the funniest things I've ever read on this site. Nice. I've been reading all this, and uncharacteristically silent. I think the people who've pointed out the difficulty of having great shows (like Lindley) being buried in a 700 dollar box are making a valid point, and I don't really understand why that upset other people. It's not whining, to me, and most even added something like "but I'm sure those who can afford it will love it!" As the "wife" posts indicate, this is more than an issue of "affording it" - heck, I have the money for it. Problem is, it's not like there aren't many other things that cost money in life (tuition, sports gear for the kids, car issues, home repair, etc). Some people basically accused others of not being farsighted, because they didn't save up for the inevitable big box. Pshaw. One can "have the money" but have trouble with prioritizing this. Some sympathy for your fellows would be nice. I'm having my own ethical struggles with how to go about purchasing this. Like Brian said, I should move to Australia - I love my wife dearly, and she's frankly hot as hell. Smoking hot. More sex as "penalty" would be pretty okay with me :) But here in the northern hemisphere.... Kate - welcome back! Where is Cosmic Badger? Angry Jack Straw ... you are a good man. Wissinoming - positive vibes and love to you and your family.
June 9, 2015 - 7:20am

#6937

Ridin that Train

Joined:
June 5, 2015

defective?

I can't quite agree that if they decided to sell 30 trips as individual shows this would make the box set somehow "defective". Are you saying the box set would lose it's value? Only in relation to the value you place in it, unless you plan to sell it it will retain whatever value you ascribe to it. If you have the Europe 72 trunk with all the bells and whistles that doesn't suddenly become devalued just because you can buy an individual show. The bottom line is this..the music deserves to be heard by all who wish to hear it. Some people can't pay 700 dollars for one box set. Does that mean that we don't deserve to EVER hear those shows because it might make your big box "defective". I can't get down with that kind of thinking. At the end of the day it's about the music being heard not the collectible value of a box set. i am happy to pay for the music and do not expect it to be given away for free but I could care less if they decided to re-release everything they ever put out even if it was supposed to be a limited edition or a one time thing. It makes me sad when I miss out on getting a Dave's pick or can't find a copy of a bonus disc because I just want to hear the music, that's all that matters to me. I have not nor will I ever sell any of my collection so the commercial value means nothing to me. I just want people to be able to listen to this great band.
June 9, 2015 - 7:04am

#6938

PT Barnum

Joined:
December 2, 2009

E72, 30 trips

Hello again, I purchased the original E72 box when it first was announced, at that time they said that there would never be any others made, then they announced the individual show sales and the music only sales, this made the original box NOT what it was advertised as, a defective product. I guarantee you they will not make that same mistake, there will be no music only box, or single show downloads or sales, if they do, that would also make this box FALSE advertising and a defective product...grounds for any and all not to pay for it. Also, what's up with the taxes? I have never paid tax on a dead product before, now, 50 plus extra bucks for taxes? What gives? What if the state you live in is not on the list of taxed states? How do you get this tax off of your bill? And the money just keeps on flowing, after this 50 year thing, these guys will never have to perform again. It's a sad, sad day, Robert Hunter said it best in his blog, one day, this wonderful music will no longer be heard in concert halls and arenas, it will not be out there for all the world to hear and experience the wonder of it all, well folks, this day is upon us. I miss Jerry and the Grateful Dead. Thank God they were wise enough to record these shows, so future generations can hear what we all experienced, one afternoon, long ago.
June 9, 2015 - 7:01am

#6939

OPSmiles

Joined:
October 7, 2014

DEFINITION OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD

The definition of the Grateful Dead sure put's a new spin on the recent high priced anniversary. I would say throughout the 50 year span the "Hero" and the "Debtor"("Campanion") have changed roles and at least a few occasions. This time for the WORKINGMAN'S DEAD I sure wish the fans had a low cost choice to enjoy this ride. My vote - single show purchases... DEFINITION OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD Alternate title: grateful ghost grateful dead, in folktales of many cultures, the spirit of a deceased person who bestows benefits on the one responsible for his burial. In the prototypical story, the protagonist is a traveler who encounters the corpse of a debtor, to whom the honour of proper burial has been denied. After the traveler satisfies the debt, or, in some versions, pays for the burial, he goes on his way. In another version of the story, burial is prescribed for religious reasons but prohibited by civil authorities. It is this version that forms the theme of the apocryphal Book of Tobit in the Old Testament. The hero is soon joined by another traveler (sometimes in the form of an animal, or, in the story of Tobit, an angel), who helps him in a dramatic way. In some stories the companion saves the hero’s life; in others he helps him gain a prize. In many versions, the companion offers to aid the hero, but only on condition that they divide the prize. Then, as the hero is about to comply, the companion reveals himself as the grateful spirit of the deceased whom the hero helped to bury.
June 9, 2015 - 5:26am

#6940

A Flip

Joined:
February 10, 2014

..and

Also hit up 10-19-89 Spectrum

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

MAgs 72

Did u contact Dr Rhino directly or was this thru Dead net. Still waiting in Fl

Drpryan

I sent emails to both Dr Rhino and Dead.net, as well as calling customer service(twice). I hope you hear some good new soon.

So far....

....I've checked out....66 67!! 75 76!!! 78 80 82 84 86! 89 90 91 92 95 ....Cobo is the winner so far. Cozy, smooth and spot on....notice the gap? Yeah, me too....

best song of the year

Best Dancin is 76. even better than 77?I could not afford the physical boxset a few weeks ago and I am still hesitating about the most expensive USB key I ever bought. 1967: is that some Live anthem of the sun? my first grateful dead album. I have to reconsider my position To blow a few candles for 50 years?

1993

After listening to the embarrassment of riches from 1976, 1984 and 1968, I thought I should tone it down with a show I figured would be a letdown. WRONG! The show opens with a strong Bucket, much better than 92. I was joining the band in singing virtually every song on the opening disc, Bertha, Peggy-O, Queen Jane, Cassidy and Casey Jones. Jerry was strong throughout. The only letdown for me was Broken Arrow, not a personal favorite. Disc 2 was great too, but I loved Disc 3 with The Wheel and the encore I Fought The Law. During the show it occurred to me that my favorite cut on So Many Roads is Whiskey in the Jar, which I remembered was rehearsed in February 93. Jerry was interactive and it was fun listening to the band banter back and forth. I was curious how much later this show occurred and sure enough it was a little over a month, the big guy was still in good spirits. Considering the year, I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely listen again. On to 73!

'93 reprise

Just got the 9/93 vine ripped last week. Have been enjoying listening to these shows in between the intense sessions listening to the 60s stuff. I had never heard this tour until now. Jerry's new guitar sound. Vince fully assimilated. Some real nice tunes and shows in this run. Miller-ized for your listening entertainment.

Tours.....

....THAT'S what makes them grate. Every tour had a different sound. Sometimes, the tone would change within tours. That's what makes them what they are. Had a friend of mine come over the other day. Not a music fan, but a sports fan. After watching the Mets beat the Cubs (boooo), I put on some Providence '78 Dead. After three songs, (and us bitching about baseball instant replay), I asked him what he thought of the music. He waiting a bit, then responded with, "They sound...American." My thought exactly.... p.s. he didn't leave until the first set ended. We spent the last couple songs just listening. Then he shook my hand and left....I may have hooked one....

re: Cobo '76 Dancin'

Gotta love overeager Bob coming in a sentence early on "Can't forget that Motor City"...It made me chuckle. He must've really been rarin' to belt out that lyric. Same kind of thing happens during Jack Straw on the 'Leaving Texas', Fourth Day of July' lyric at Manor Downs 7-4-81 (nice show btw). But, agreed. Cobo '76, nice Dancin' with Phil soloing into the reprise.

How 'bout a WORD from someone IN THE KNOW?!?!?

Where's my Lightning Bolt? Where's _any_ NEWS about where my Lightning Bolt is? My SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLAR Lightning Bolt!!! Where is it??? What's the Story??? HELLO.......?!?!?

Cover art for 30 trips around the sun/box number?

Somewhere I found the cover art for the new box set. Could someone please tell me where to look for it? Also, I could not find anything telling me what box number I received. Any idea where to look for that? Thanks for you help. Mr. Pete---------> aging hippie

the number is on the scroll

Number 1 question that has been answered on this thread.

@Mr. Pete

I don't know if this is what else you were looking for, but this page is a very nice resource for GD album covers. Thanks to whomever mentioned it here.https://picasaweb.google.com/106465427611350658328

Number?

Pete look on the top of your scroll it will be numbered. unless you got a Miracle Box then well your in for a whole new treat!

Thanks for the cd cover info/miracle box?

Thanks for the help finding the cover art for the box set. I appreciate it.What is the miracle box vs. the regular box set? Mr. Pete---------> aging hippie

1976

I must have missed something. Was disappointed with all but disc 3, and this was one I had looked forward to. Listening to some of the positive feedback on it, I clearly missed something; will be revisiting today. Thanks

Passaic '77....

....whoa! Monster first set. Let's recap. Minglewood Deal (!) Mama Tried TLEO Looks Like Rain Peggy-O Lazy Lightnin -> Supplication Ship Of Fools (!) Estimated Brown-Eyed Women Music Never Stopped ....simply outstanding / mind blowing. Once again, Betty outdoes herself. Sounds perfect. Just begs to be played loud. Just started the second set. Phil comes hard and fast right out of the gate. The band was raring to go that night.... ....as far as Cobo disappointing, go back to it later Minas. Or turn up the volume. I have been very vocal about that show, as you all know. Can't forget that Motor City indeed!....

Passaic '77....second set....

....The Wharf Rat into Playin is as good as it gets imo. Holy shit....

Passaic '77....encore....

....prior to the encore, Phil comments "Thank you. It's good to be back." Then they kill U.S. Blues like nobody's business. Phenomenal show....Thanks Jerry, Phil, Billy, Mickey, Bobby, Donna, Keith, Betty and Dave. You made my Sunday....

Every Show I Saw after 1987, Branford sat In. True Story

http://gratefulseconds.blogspot.com/2015/10/30-trips-listening-hint-1-e…

GRATEFUL DAD!

I am avery proud and happy dad. My almost 4-year-old son just asked me to play "Fire On The Mountain" by the "Skeleton Band" (what I call the Grateful Dead when I talk to him). We're listening to the '83 Worcester show right now. LOVE IT!

4/15/70

I had this tape about 30 years ago when I first really got into collecting tapes. I thought it was a good show, but my tape was only fair at best, too much hiss. I'd probably give it a C+ at best. Only listened to a few times.Years later, I got it again in a cd-r trade, or was it a b&p deal. Performance was excellent, but the source tape was decent, but better than the original tape I had. Finally in 2015, I get a sonic upgrade as if I was listening to Bear's original master tapes of this show. This time, Candyman really came alive as if the band was in my car. One of my favorite versions of Candyman Thanks Jer! Before that, Man's World is also one of my faves. Thanks Dave & company for the inclusion of show in this box. One of the best of 1970. It also brought me back thinking to when I was a 7th Grader in the 1969 - '70 school year. I was only a 13 year old kid at the time and getting to know the the larger outside world around me, national and international news and other events. I do remember hearing about that 1st Earth Day as it happened in NYC and Philly. I was aware og the Grateful Dead, but didn't really hear their music until Truckin' got airplay in early '71.

ranking indeed

1. 912. 74 3. 92 4. 76 91 is a killer and outrides without a net , will rotate a long time... next up are 68 , 78 and 93

uv1

thumbs up , you have done a good job on your son....

30 trips

Hello everyone,this is my first post but I have been reading them from preorder days. just finished listening to all of the shows in order and must say THANK YOU GDM & RHINO. love all of it , every show from every year has something special to offer. I understand the nature of vault tapes and their possible short comings, and think their choices of shows were fucking sweet! hope you usb stick people get your shows soon. also would like to say I own most every comercial release from the dead and in my opinion the second spring 1990 box set is the best sounding multi-disc set ever released by them. also the first spring 1990 box sounded like shit (if you are going to release a pricey box set at lest make sure it sounds worthy of dong so), so much so that as soon as a i heard the second one I dumped the first knowing I would never listen to it again. did not even burn copies it was/is that bad in comparison to the seconds greatness. just my not so humble opinion, bye for now legalize it!

GRATEFUL DAD! [part 2]

Thanks, @purpleerik69. I forgot to mention, my son has also been coming into my room to look through the new Complete Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics book! He loves turning the pages and looking at the pictures.

O.K....

Finished digesting '71. Great show!...I think '67 and '71 are my favorites so far. Taking my time, savoring through this box! This '71 has some great moments. The whole show rocks! The Rub is great and the Cumberland is one of the best. On to '72 tomorrow, one of the ones Ive been waiting for. Take care folks!!!

surrealistic

Good post. I have been listening sequentially to the box and am up to '82. So far I have been happy with every year, and in a state of bliss with others. I also recently got the Spring 1990 TOO box set and completely agree that the sound of that set is excellent.

what is the story of....

I'd heard if you got a "miracle" scroll, you'd get your lightning bolt usb stick BEFORE Christmas!

how much memory do the lossless files for the box use

Ok, so here is a question for all of you who have put all of this lovely music onto your computers: How much memory does the lossless files for the entire box use? I may need to get a new external hard drive... I am looking forward to listening to the music in this big beautiful box, a.k.a the marriage-wrecker, as it has come to be fondly known in our house.

uv1 Grateful Dad

well , i have a baby grand-soon now only three months old , we bought the toddler here on dead.net store and took a photo , unfortunately i am not that " modern " that i could upload this picture - showing me with baby Arthut in his first GD-toddler. So we have our Grateful-Baby-arthur right here in Austria.......and to your son : the road is long , may it be full of love and good music !

@Swiftundertoe - ALAC = 25GB

I ripped mine ALAC and size consumed was about 25GB.

@swiftundertoe

WAV I've got 43.5 GB.

Grateful Dad also

My 4 year old daughter now has my box. Emptied it out and now it has bracelets and her cd's in it. At first I was cringing.....but hey, if you want some brownie points with the kids and the wife....its a solid move.

So Far

I've listened to '66 '67 '68 '69 '70 x2 '71 '72 '73 '74(and part of it a second time) '75 '76 '77 x2 '78 '79(first two discs only) '80 '81 '91 I started '82 and stopped during the first song.. TERRIBLE sound. Also started '87 and stopped it probably 3 songs in. Just wasn't feeling it and there were people around who probably were feeling it even less. It's possible I am not going to appreciate the shows after '81 as much as some of you others will. Because of this, I've started revisiting earlier shows. '77 is still surprisingly underwhelming to me after two listenings. Guess I was spoiled by all of the '77 shows I bought and listened to in the few months leading up to receiving my box. '76 didn't blow my mind like some people. '75 and, more so, '78 have been the surprise hits for me so far. Of course '67 and '69 were amazeballs, but those didn't surprise me as much as '75 and '78. I definitely feel a second listen for '71-'74 is in order so I can have a more fully formed opinion on them. Those four just kind of ran together for me.

surrealistic - agreed - Spring 90 TOO

Best sounding box/release, I think that one is it also.. I am really curious to know if they will do the first 6 shows again like Spring 90 TOO mix ? In my opinion, those were the better shows from the run for the most part. With the 1st set of 3.16.90, near the top of list for favorites of the tour. Let The Good Times Roll Touch Of Grey New Minglewood Blues Peggy-O Queen Jane Approximately Loser Black Throated Wind Bird Song Blow Away

79...

So far my favorites are 79 and 67. The sound and feel on the Cap Cod show is simply magical. On the other hand, I though 1994 was disappointing after hearing rave reviews: while Help/Slip/Franklin is good, it's painful to hear Jerry struggling with his strings, and missing notes.

1973

I'm trying to get to disc 3, but the China->Rider on disc 2 keeps me hitting the rewind button. The transition jam from one song to the other is utterly spectacular. It reminds me a little of the transition on DP 12.

Artists

Kid C and Betty Cantor Jackson are artist with the way the have made the Dead sound. They are responsible for a big part of the bands legend. If they stayed on longer I think other era's would get more love than they have recieved. The seperation of the instruments on their recordings are head and shoulders above Dan Healy and john Cutter no disrespect. I did not relize the difference until listening to this box. I have also noticed that the recording from 76 I love the best have been recorded by Betty. The Dan Healy tapes sound have that lack of seperation and crispness of the Betty's. Please try to get at least some of the Betty tapes for release.

Grateful Dad: redux

I'm digging the Grateful Dad shares. My 9 year-old son had pretty good taste with Levon Helm/The Band, the Kinks, and Zeppelin among his favorites. His favorite animals are turtles and tortoises. When I was tucking him in recently while he was finishing up his bedtime reading, he was reading a reptile book. He asked if I knew what terrapins were. He's been a longtime fan of "Tennessee Jed" (Levon's version from Electric Dirt), and he's long known I love a band called the Grateful Dead, but I figured it was time for his proper introduction. I grabbed disc 3 from DP 29 (May 19, 1977 from the Fox in Atlanta), and I put that on for him (he listens to music at night while he falls asleep, just like his old man and my old man before me). He was mesmerized by Terrapin, and I could only imagine what visions the lyrics stirred in the mind of an imaginative 9 year-old. I envied his wonder and experience. When I came home later and went in to check on him, he had Terrapin on repeat and was asleep in the position he lays when he is listening intently. He's been listening to that disc at bedtime for about 3 weeks. Last night I was driving with my son, with the 76 Cobo show playing. PITB came on, and he said,"Hey, I know this song."

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