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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October 28, 2015 - 10:10am

#1581

drsox

Joined:
June 18, 2015

European Sales Tax on Downloads.

Anyone have first hand experience on whether Rhino charges VAT/TVA etc etc on Downloads to a recognised European billing address ? Thanks.
October 28, 2015 - 9:56am

#1582

purpleerik69

Joined:
May 24, 2015

one artist method...

Over the last 34 years i had times when i only listened to the Dead for hours , the i had months where i went through all other kinds of stuff i like.Now - the last five years - i notice that the phases when i hear 95% Dead only become longer and longer , the last phase started in March - ok , occasionally i go to a concert or listen to ething that criosses my path - e.g. after hearing the 91 trip with Branford i had to listen to some Coltrane on vinyl - and yes there is Furthur , ratdog and Phil and friends on my playlist. Sometimes i have to listen to other music - when the band i`m playing in tries out new tunes - Overall , since March i`m hooked , never grow tired of GD. Yep , i`m healthy ( and hope to stay so ) , there`s only two addictions in my life : GD and a few cigarettes per day.
October 28, 2015 - 5:51am

#1583

icecrmcnkd

Joined:
October 20, 2015

@snafu

I do the artist method too. Grateful Dead 99% of the time. JGB 0.7% Pink Floyd 0.2% Others 0.1%. My system works great. :)
October 28, 2015 - 3:45am

#1584

lowspark75

Joined:
July 31, 2015

Songs Out Of Order

I just make playlists for most of the shows. If you do that, you can toss all of the songs in together and then put them in the correct order. Easiest way to fix a show that got rearranged because of CD restrictions. And then you aren't having to permanently screw up the order they came in on the cds in case you want to burn them ever.
October 28, 2015 - 3:17am

#1585

snafu

Joined:
April 23, 2008

@g1u2i3

Yeah it's a lot of fun going deep into an artist. I'm lucky I rent a room out and so far my music has never been an issue. Once I pressed play on my ipod (yes I know mp3s are going backward but I do a lot of travel and carrying a 1000 cds is tough)to Frank Zappa (I order everything chronologically)as I arrived at the Bangkok airport and was still listening to him as I approached Immigration in San Francisco. With layover etc 24 hours. My personal best so far. While I believe a person's formative years in your core music tastes come around age 12-20 Which puts me right in the mid 60's to early 70's I feel that every decade has great stuff to offer. From Punk in the late 70's (God save the Queen She Ain't No Human Being There is No Future and England's Dreaming to Grunge to Post Punk Social Distortion to Green Day etc. etc. Then the true lover of music continues to expand by adding genres My best friend got me hooked on Bluegrass in a big way 25 years ago.My job has mostly youngsters (I am "the Old Man")a friend had a radio show at SFSU and turned me onto modern R&B and hip hop. They aren't necessarily real high on my list but he got me back to Marvin Gaye Barry White etc. And while again it's not high on my list I have a better understanding of what kids see in hip hop than virtually anyone my age. I guess the bottom line to me is MUSIC IS LIFE
October 28, 2015 - 2:03am

#1586

saintstephen1971

Joined:
November 25, 2009

giving 68 another chance

ok so it was never going to fill the shoes of the 67 show i played before it....so ive returned for a revisit in isolation.... it still underwhelms me and has to be one of the disappointments of the box for me.....im guessing it was selected for being a greek show and little else?? and how high is phils bass in the mix...i almost cant hear pigs organ weirs rhythm or anyyhing else during schoolgirl or lovelight an odd selection of show.....and mix...but the rest with the exception of 82...pure gold...now back to 91 fourth time around....
October 28, 2015 - 12:50am

#1587

drcomedy1966

Joined:
August 28, 2015

Shipping notice received...

Only two weeks after box landed! Not complaining though as have been enjoying those two weeks' listening... only got to 1970, but all great so far...
October 27, 2015 - 11:45pm

#1588

prafter

Joined:
January 5, 2008

USB Unsolicited E-mail

Here's what I received re the USB. Boxzilla is awesome. 1968 Greek Theater is mesmerizing. From: "deadnet@mailca.custhelp.com" Subject: Your Grateful Dead 30 Trips USB order [Incident: 151027-000164] Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:59:41 -0700 (PDT) To: deadnet@custhelp.com Full Headers Undecoded Letter Recently you requested personal assistance from our on-line support center. Below is a summary of your request and our response. If this issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may reopen it within the next 7 days. Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you. Subject --------------------------------------------------------------- Your Grateful Dead 30 Trips USB order Discussion Thread --------------------------------------------------------------- Response Via Email(Michael) - 10/27/2015 08:59 AM Hang tight! Your USB is still coming down the line! We're very sorry we don't have any further information for you at this time but we are working on it and we will get you an update as soon as we can. In the meantime, we hope you are enjoying your streams of the shows available on the order status page. When you do receive your USB, you will find an original Grateful Dead concert ticket and backstage pass included as a token of our appreciation for your unending patience. Many Thanks, The Dead.net Team Question Reference #151027-000164 --------------------------------------------------------------- Category Level 1: Where is my order? Date Created: 10/27/2015 08:59 AM Last Updated: 10/27/2015 08:59 AM Status: Solved Order Number: [---001:001069:31356---]
October 27, 2015 - 11:42pm

#1589

jrf68@hotmail.com

Joined:
August 6, 2013

Alain

Totally agree on the '67 Trip. Fantastic:)
October 27, 2015 - 11:05pm

#1590

g1u2i3

Joined:
September 18, 2015

Listening habits . . .

snafu~ I listen to music similar to how you do. I like to immerse myself in an artist. I can go on some pretty long stretches for sure. I'm 49, so turning 50 next year. I've been obsessed with music, literally, as long as I can remember. I grew up predominantly in the 1970's, which is the most diverse and spectacular decade in music history. Radio in the 1970's was f^cking unbelievable. And it went on year after year after year. I loved so many songs, and in so many different genres of music. I wanted to own every song that I ever heard, that I liked. I felt this way at 7 or 8 years old. And so planted a seed that would grow and by 11 years old, began my journey of collecting and listening passion/obsession/craze. My collection is deep and broad. I was born 10 years too late, as my favorite music is from the generation(s) older than mine. I have not really been into the contemporary music of my time since the late 1970's and early 1980's. My favorite period of music would be 1966-1977. So maybe unsurprisingly, the artists that have consumed me over the past 4 decades and sent me on extremely long periods of focused and dedicated listening, and return to often throughout my life are: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, 70's Genesis, Simon & Garfunkel, CSN, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Tim Buckley, Nick Drake, Bruce Cockburn, Caravan, Jimi Hendrix, Traffic, Spirit, Love, Donovan, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, Gil Scott-Heron, Stevie Wonder, Peter Frampton, Black Sabbath, Gordon Lightfoot, Jefferson Airplane, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd, Oregon (Jazz), Richie Havens, Jim Croce, Rush, Tom Rapp/Pearls Before Swine, Shawn Phillips, Steely Dan, Hot Tuna, The Beach Boys (post-surfer period), The Byrds, The Doors, The Spinners, Dionne Warwick (Bacharach/David period), The Moody Blues, The Who, Van Morrison, War and Yes. Of course, I love many other artists, but this list represents the artists that have spoken to me throughout my life and continue to inspire me and thrill me beyond anything else in life.

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

Bombard Customer Service

.... And still we hear nothing. I cannot believe that we have not been given info regarding the delay.Grateful Dead customer Service should be ASHAMED that they are treating us with such disrespect, especially as they have TAKEN OUR MONEY !!

USB Email Update

To begin, thank you...thank you for being patient with us as you await your 30 Trips Around The Sun USB shipment. Please believe us when we say, your pain is our pain! While in the midst of quality control, we've come across a few assembly issues. At this time, we are polishing up the final product so that it meets the highest standards and repacking each USB so that they will arrive in mint condition. We very much appreciate you sticking it out with us and we'll update you as soon as we can. Best, - The Dead.net Team

USB Email Update

But still no estimate of when we will receive it. Totally unacceptable. Just tell us when the hell it will ship......

The USB debacle - my two cents

I didn't buy the USB - I bought the box - I'm not very technically minded and so CDs work for me...I get the appeal though if I don't understand the technology. Firstly, a resounding offer of condolence to every head who has not received the USB or had the template response from Dead.net (a bit like the template 'my box has not shipped' email I got from them 2 weeks after my box landed). It's a FUCKING DISGRACE DEAD.NET. People spending this sort of cash in this economy are genuine heads - they deserve better - a lot fucking better! Sort out the customer service - issue a genuine apology (with something of value thrown in - not a laminate sticker or ticket) - and give them the real reason for the delay. It's a fucking USB stick - we have hundreds at work - you're simply burning shit onto it (if my technical knowledge is right). God! I do hope there's some resolve in this shortly - the music is too good to miss out on! Hang in there heads.......

USB Debacle

..... to be honest, I've completely lost interest in what the USB looks like. I just want the music.I COULD stream it, but it sounds crap ! I COULD simply download a copy (there are plenty about), but don't want to do that. IF, and when it ships, I will have to add a couple of weeks for shipping to Europe (they COULD Send it express delivery, but I doubt they will) The email tells us nothing that anyone with two brain cells couldn't figure out. I don't want excuses ..... I want my USB.

If I had the power...

Most have seen the GD Movie,no? My favorite character in the show is the guy during US Blues who's front & center,wearin' overalls,nice 70's chops(sideburns),singing every word and having a dosed ball. He shows up several times throughout the movie(chicklets!)but he's the star of the show during US Blues.Anyhoo If I had the power I'd go back in time and show him THE BOX.Just to see the beautiful look on his melting face.Wonder what he'd think of this monstrosity of GD? You still out there man?Who are you?Where are you? Whoops... Um...now back to your regularly scheduled programming :0) P.S.-All fingers crossed for our USB folks.This darkness got to give.

re outpost

i received my box Oktober 19th , i am an outpost man in Europe too so there is hope for you that the delivery will not take longer than ten days.Anyway , this sucks, i can not imagine what is that difficult with the stick ?

thankful still

for that amount of music - after more than three weeks i still have 16 shows to listen for the first time....last was the 77 trip - a beautiful transition from one time of magic to the next - really love the Rat-jam

Done

I called customer service on Monday and in a moment of frustration I asked if I could cancel my USB order. I was surprised that the answer was ‘yes’. It was a tough decision to buy at $700 for only wanting 8 shows, and it was a tough decision to cancel. I’ll also be passing on the 2016 DP subscription. Peace.

USB

I have to confess that I never felt that the price for the USB should have the same as the box. Now with the delay, I really feel that the USB buyers should get a partial refund. They still keep saying less than 200 left. Even if all 1000 were sold, to give back $150 to each would only be $150,000. Shoot, dropping the price by $150 would probably move the remaining unsold units.

USB vs Box

When I ordered the box, I actually doubted I would keep it. I have way too much stuff around here. Then some complaints rolled in regarding the wood laminate and general lack of sturdiness. Now that I have the box in hand, there is no way I would part with it. There is nothing like it. It's plenty solid for its purpose and it serves as a beautiful mini-shrine to this band I love so much. The shows from the left side will get more airtime in my world, but all will have their day in the sun. I do not understand why the USB version would cost the same. Or for that matter why anyone would prefer it. I get the desire to de-clutter, but this is an exception. And true, you have to do a lot of ripping to make this monster portable. I'm doing that now and frankly it's a chore. But in the end you can have it both ways. Maybe there are some some USBers who will cancel orders and find a box for face value. I'd recommend it. It's only about the size of a 12-pack and the scroll and book are fun to handle and ponder. That 7-inch single is a beauty too.

GD Movie & Side Chops Guy

I know exactly the guy of which you speak during US Blues in the GD Movie, he is in happy happy land the entire time and totally immersed in the sing along. I always felt he was the ultimate epitome of a happy deadhead. USB Guys and Gals: I agree, it is totally the worst not knowing anything at all vs. at least knowing something. The lack of information is disappointing to say the least, we're all pulling for you.

USB Bullshit

Total fail by dead.net with the latest "apology." The streaming alternative was a place holder that was reasonable for a few days delay, but two months later?! The worst part is that they can't even come clean and tell the truth as to the real problem. If they would do that, it might make some difference. But the deception is what drives me crazy. That and the lack of any real update. You'll get it when you get it! Enjoy the streaming! Fuck off!

The USB Blues

This reeks a bit of overseas manufacturing, doesn't it? If so.. a sign of the times, I guess. I suspect they will be coming through very soon.. hang in there everyone.

Movie Guy

Somewhere there is an article or interview that the Establishment discusses this gentleman. I think it might be on the bonus interview dvd disk of the making of the movie (with Donna and Billy???). They give his name and I think they say ole Jer talked with him. I like you wish he would surface. I hope all is well with him. He is one of the characters that solidified my deadheaddom. Beautiful day here, wishin me some chicklets indeed. Thanks to the Vets for your service, wish this great country had more wise counselors (instead of lawyers).

Agree with Jim

I have to believe the usb's will ship soon. I feel for all that are still waiting. I guess the boxes have all been resolved? Would hate to think this was the USB lose...i am sure you win again. I have had the box a month and still am just getting to 1975. Again, I am giving each show two full listens before forging a head. Finally order DP19 today. It better be good...

@Gary Farseer

DP19 is 'da BOMB! Rock on

USB Blues

At this point, I would totally trade in my USB for the box. It was tough to swallow the fact that the price was the same for both but I didn't want all of the "extras" cluttering my space. I didn't think I'd value them enough as time went on. I just wanted the music...I am totally regretting that decision. If I had it to do all over again I would have bought the box. This is so disappointing and frustrating and the "update" did nothing but make me more frustrated over this situation. This was supposed to be a celebratory time for us to revel in the greatness of this band and instead it is an exercise in handling frustration and disappointment.

hbob1995

Got 19 from Amazon brand new for under $40, wow. Also Pick DP1 for $12, used very good condition. Two 1973's in one day. I am 73 deficient. Until this year I listened to mostly audience tapes (and some C Miller boards. So far this year I have over 100 official releases. Guess it can be good to be single sometimes.

Great Scott! I Think Jim's Right....

The USB issue does feel like an overseas manufacturing issue. That's gotta be it. In the time since I received my physical box, I've ripped the songs and crafted a personal lightning bolt USB stick from a generic memory stick, old bong supplies, and a ball-peen hammer.

Re: Great Scott! I Think Jim's Right....

I'll bet you are right. This does seem like an overseas manufacturing issue. The thing that irritates me are statements like this from the official apology: “We are polishing up the final product” and “repacking each USB” What a load of crap. We're not idiots. Just tell the truth.

happy customer: 80 cd box

This forum has become like the wailing wall; People sticking in all these complaints about this and that. Seems we should all appreciate a Group like Deadnet and Rhino that thinks up so off the wall a Box like this, included With Secret hard to find compartments and weird drawings that look vaguely sacred...and furthermore Deadnetg and Rhino gets the Box produced and filled With CDs, reproduces 6500 copies and delivers. What a fine achievement, really something for Deadnet guys to tell their grandchildren (at least the guys were'nt shovelling shit in Louisiana). This Box is special, and it is a pleasure that deadnet and Rhino gave us the chance to buy this. I hereby absolve Rhino therefore for all the original sin Connected to its release of the Door's Matrix tapes With lower quality masters.

U$B vs. Fare Thee Well

I ordered the USB way back in June. Still can't figure out why it takes two extra months from the original estimated ship date to get it out, but who knows. What I am really curious about is how many, if any, people will get their USB before the Fare The Well Box sets start arriving. Then again they already have the money from the USB (including mine) in the bank. I guess they will need to promise the FTW Box set something if they can't deliver by the ship date, maybe just an mp3 stream for a couple of months until mid-january, so they can bank their money too...

greggie

Well, yeah, but how happy would you be if you put out $700 for a product that is 2 months past due on its shipping date, and customer support has no clear answers on when the product will be delivered? You might wail.

My 2 cents or $743.73 as the case may be

They over estimated the demand for 30 trips USB. In order to save money on shipping they will not ship till all 1000 units are sold. The 2 email updates are stalling tactics. In the meantime 800 of us have been charged and are stuck in limbo. Might as well have some fun with it. Place your bets. Paying customer will receive USB version of 30 trips. A) Before Fare Thee Well discs (I also have a bridge I wish to sell) B) Before 2016? C) Before Dave's Picks 17? Keep in mind they have $700x800=$560,000 they are earning a float on. At this point we have two things going for us, fiscal tax year for dead.net/rhino and bad publicity on this page:( Pretend you missed out on Europe 72, Spring TOO, 30 trips (disc version obviously). You go to secondary market ie ebay and get charged 700+ on paypal. No shipping notice and two sketchy emails. At what point do you become nervous, one week, two weeks, one month..., two months????

USB vs Box

I ordered both...(spent next years vacation money)I figured it would be easier to make copies of the USB, than all 73 CDs and my time saved is worth the cost. Someday my USB will come in. Until then, I'm in an endless Talking Heads refrain loop from 'Crosseyed and Painless"...I'm Still Waiting...Still Waiting...

USB Email

What's strange is I have not received any USB email update from dead.netHas everyone received two emails but me?

correction

80 CDs, 73 hours of music

Dave's Pick's- Reading Tea Leaves

30 Trips Show 05.16.81 Cornell, Liner notes reference the legendary 05.08.77 Cornell show.Methinks Monsieur Lemieux is laying the groundwork for a 2016 Dave's Picks.

@ prafter, re Cornell

I think it highly unlikely that Cornell 77 will be included in DaP, as it's simply too big, even if it's quality is somewhat overrated, compared to released concerts of the same period. I'd expect one of two things for 2016: 1. May 77 TOO (including May 7-9, and possibly others), with Cornell thrown in to get the box sold (as oversaturation looms for 1977), plus possibly a simple retail version, like 3/29/90 and Spring TOO 2. something like Veneta (dead.net exclusive version), with a big essay focusing on how Cornell more or less singlehandedly started the taping and trading culture as teh first HQ tape started to circulate, plus comments about the specific concert (that may have been received already for the 30 trips book but left out for this particular release). Again, possibly with a simple retail version like 3/29/90 as well.

Cornell and tapes

I also think it's unlikely Cornell will be released as anything but a stand-alone release, or as a stand-alone option to a box set. About tape trading, though, the Betty Board of this show didn't hit the streets until 1985. There was already a huge tape-trading community and culture well before then, so Cornell had nothing to do with the genesis of that culture. Because of the sound quality (and quality of the show) it spread like wildfire, but the tape trading culture, including the various philosophies of the elite traders, from the "I'll make you copy but you can't share it with anyone" folks, to the "get this to as many people as you can" folks, was already firmly established. I knew several people with many hundreds of tapes and the tape trading hierarchy that remained in place for so long was already firmly entrenched, along with its culture, well before Cornell ever hit the streets as a Betty. As far is it being overrated, to some extent I agree with the folks who feel that there was a backlash about its being touted as the best show ever, which is the only sense in which it's overrated in my opinion. At some point it became cool to refer to this show as overrated, which would indicate a deeper knowledge of large numbers of shows at the time. However, even Dick Latavala referred this show as the best of the year when he first heard it, and that was from an audience tape. He referred to it as overrated later, also I believe as a reaction to its growing status as "the best show they ever did". Since it has been a very very long time since most deadheads refer to this show, or believe it (or any other) is specifically the "best show they ever did", but merely in the large handful of shows that can be called "among the best they ever did", it can no longer really be referred to as overrated, imho. There is no question is has one of the greatest Scarlet-Fire's of all time, one of the greatest Morning Dew's (if not THE greatest - which it is in my opinion). It's silly, in fact, to continue to refer to it as overrated when virtually no one refers to it as "the" greatest, but instead as "one of the" greatest", which it clearly is (again, imho). Since its status, its "rating", has changed from the initial years after the Betty of this show hit the streets, at what point is it no longer "overrated"? What does it's rating need to drop to? Or, do we refer to it as overrated forever? I think we may have gotten to the point where it's actually underrated if we've reach the point where almost every time its mentioned it's referred to as overrated. Even with the great sounding versions we already have of this show, I would obviously snap up any official release of this show.

Good points, wjonjd

Some subconscious reverse snobism at work here perhaps. - Most of us have all regular releases (from 04/30/77 DLS to Winterland box). - Most of us have some version of Cornell. - Most of us agree (Spring) 1977 was a good year for the Dead. Is Cornell the best of 1977? Is Cornell the best of all time? Hard to say, and frankly irrelevant. Would I buy the official version? In an instant. Never having been a taper myself, I liked your info. Undoubtedly, a nice essay can and will be written about Cornell's reputation in 1977, its reputation after the tape came out (and since that time, when it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry) and a bit about the discussion about 'all time best versions'. Might listen to it agina sometime soon!

Tape trading/recording history

If you have or get the Taping Compendiums, volumes 2 and 3 each have great very lengthy articles in the early sections before the reviews start about tape trading, taping (including detailed and arcane information about equipment and the technology), and soundboards. I just noticed that they say the Cornell Betty tape started making the rounds in 1987. I don't know which is right, 1985 or 1987 - maybe someone can clarify this. Anyway, the compendiums are a lot of fun - lots of great information and reviews of every tape known about to the authors at the time they wrote them.

Cornell - Nicholas Meriwether

Here's a great article that covers a little Cornell history by N. Meriwether: https://rockhall.com/story-of-rock/features/all-featured/7745_grateful-…

1983

If the 1983 show is the best of that year, wow what a sad year! I forced myself to listen to the whole thing, but I suppose I'll never bother again. Even Jerry at his best in this show is lazy and repetitive. And Bob, his phony vocals make me ill. At this point, I could vote this as the worst Dead show I've heard. So far my feelings about the lame '80's are being born out.

wjonjd

My memory is 1987. At times I was in the taper's section and got to know some of the folks. My memory seems to indicate that Betty swept through in late summer or fall 1987. However, I would not trust my memory 100%. Hope that helps clarify or muddle the situation. Some where around this time we also received the 3/25/66 Trooper's Hall tape. That was wild to get that. I know since we gravitated to taping very quickly, we spent inordinate amount of time in hotels making tapes. Would sometimes have the master of the night's show going and listening and trying to come down, while having another 4-10 decks going making other masters and making tapes everyone was bringing in to get each other copies. Man that was some fun times!

May 8, 1977 Cornell

I read a fairly detailed article in Relix recently that explained the May 8 Cornell tapes and a number of other Betty boards were purchased by third parties when the contents of the storage unit in which they were located were auctioned off in the mid '80s. That was apparently when a sizeable volume of the Betty boards began to circulate. The article states that the tapes are still in the possession of the third parties, who legally own the physical tapes but do not own the rights to the music and therefore can not legally release it commercially. The Dead justifiably don't want to pay to get their own music back and the third parties don't want to give the tapes back for free. If true, seems unlikely that there will be an official release of May 8, '77 Cornell.

@Charlie, @Gary

@Charlie, Yes, that was a very interesting article. Is that the one called "What's become of the Betty's?" I don't recall, but it was very informative specifically about the missing Betty Boards. I think many of us are hoping they've come to an agreement with that one hold-out owner, and are keeping it quiet to surprise us (that would be nice, wouldn't it?)! @Gary, thanks - I'm inclined to go with your memory, muddy or not, about 1987. I was never a taper at shows, but we usually got pretty crispy tapes from one of a few different folks (especially you Joel, if you're there!) shortly after the shows we went to, and we had friends that got some great sounding tapes. I was collecting tapes by 81, and when I didn't have a large collection at first, folks were very generous at sharing their favorite low-gen shows. God Bless them all!

@Rbumkin - I do hope you find some of the '80's ones better.

Sorry about your experience with the '83 show. I hope you like the ones that come after better, really. Others here have already extolled the virtues of the '84, 87, 88, and 89 shows in particular. I'm very glad that I like what I hear in that show. The Music Never Stopped has plenty of energy (Phil is all over the place.) Jerry has plenty of creative licks everywhere (to my ears) in this show. The Cumberland is fantastic, and the Ramble on Rose smokes. In the second set, the Scarlet Fire is an excellent one, Playing goes interesting places, the Space is unique and goes places, etc. I wasn't familiar with this one before the box (I don't think), so I didn't look at reviews before listening to it (at least, I don't remember doing so), but it's nice to know that I'm not entirely alone: From Deadbase (John W. Scott): "A show that opens with Music Never Stopped, sigh. And they never lose their stride. Cumberland! A little fast, but hot hot hot, hot. Cassidy builds and builds, gaining tempo with intensity. Jerry pours out the notes at a breakneck pace. I keep expecting them to stumble at this pace, the jam is incredible.... the Scarlet was wonderful, one of the best versions that I have ever heard live. It was LONG ... and well jammed..." It goes on about the rest of the show in much the same manner. From the Taping Compendium, which includes MANY negative review for shows throughout 1983; this one was reviewed by Jeff Silberman, one of their most frequent reviewers: "Highlights: The Entire Show "... This show is most excellent, Deadbase ranks it one of the best of that year. The first-set song selection is top-notch from a raging "Music Never Stopped" opener to the smoking "Promised Land" closer. All the songs in between were well played, too. The second set features a dynamite "Scarlet">"Fire," the transition between which is exquisite. "Uncle John's Band" begins the second set proper and leads to a long and wonderful Playing. After the Drums, the highlight is the fine "Truckin'" Reviewers are just one person's subjective opinion, and my own are frequently different than in reviews I read. But, it's nice to know that I'm not entirely imagining things when that Cumberland rocked me out. Jerry is VERY present, and very emotional belting out the last parts of Rample On Rose. I could go on. I think that it is true that the recording is very dry and sterile - it doesn't have the hiss of the '82 show, but there is still a virtually complete lack of audience and a lack of anything to provide a 3D image; it's very clear, but is flat, two-dimensional. I think that can detract from the show, unless you automatically adjust your brain, so to speak, in the same way we used to for some iffy cassette recordings back in the day where you got to where you could automatically adjust without realizing you were doing it, and it was almost like you were at the show.

Why The USB

As I've stated in previous posts, I have every official release, on CD and over 1,000 GD shows in flac, and when 30 trips was announced, I could've got the box, but the USB looked cool, and was in High Res. files (I upload all my CD's to Apple Lossless anyway), so that's why I went for it. I'm not gonna cancel it, but I believe we should get something more than an old backstage pass, for our troubles (even Amazon would treat you better than this !). I just subscribe to Dave's Picks 2016, so a deal there is out, but how about a USB of some classy '60's shows 2/21/69, 11/11/67 etc. Maybe then we will have something to smile about ! Until then, we have put up with endless comments about good the fu%^& box is ! Whoever it is at Rhino or Dead.net Customer Service, who is making the decision to NOT tell people what's going on, wants a kick in the nuts.Maybe they're trying to figure out how to make a $50 USB look like it's worth $700. Even if they dropped the price to $500, but still couldn't say when it would ship, would you buy it ? It's two months overdue, let's hope it doesn't become three.

GDM paying for their own tapes

They WILL actually pay to get their tapes back but its nowhere near the price that is usually requested. Dave always says they won't in his webchats, etc..but thats not exactly true. I forget where I read this...I'll try to find it after work...

Wjonjd / Taper's Section

Never really realized it or thought about it. The story I was talking about earlier on the hotel room taping experience, got me thinking. Especially about the Betty's and earlier tapes being lost/found/booted. In most ways we owe a lot to Dan Healy. I know he wanted to get the ever increasing Microphone jungle out of his line of sight. Understandable. But he also created the taper's section which naturally meant there was spiderweb of growth in relationships among the taping population. So in many ways, without the taper's section and the friendships that developed, and then the speed at which tapes started to move, the Betty's and others would not have proliferated nearly as fast (or as wide)as they did. Now looking back, it has helped piece together much of the recorded history of GD. By which the many more people who had tapes made sure they would make it to the digital age and where we are today. Amazing to think about, as we gather at the river. I know some bad grammer, forgive me, I am janked on Doc's coffee. I am and was on the side of not holding on to tapes and keeping them for my own little use. That type of thinking is totally against my type of thinking. As Doc and others say, Rock On! Indeed Edit: Question wjonjd, Joel wasn't from Pennsylvania was he?

Taper Section friend web and GD cultural implications

I think you're right, it probably had an affect, and not just on the tapers, but on the entire community. Sounds like a fine dissertation research topic to me. Let the scholarship begin!

wjonjd

one last thing... was Joel from Pennsylvania?

Joel

Close, but nope - originally Ohio. I don't think he ever lived in PA.

Joel2

thanks, just thought i would ask.

Dead offered $100,000 for tapes

Here is the link that explains that the Dead offered money to get their tapes back but the guy wanted a million... http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/11/26/deadhead

money for tapes

Yeah, I remember seeing that, too. But, I remember seeing something since then, much more recently, that discussed that they might be getting closer to an agreement. I wish I could remember where. And who know if it was really accurate, anyway?

Cornell 77'

I agree with wjonjd that Cornell might actually be underrated at this point. It's been talked about for so long as being the greatest show ever(mainly by non Deadheads) that a natural backlash occurred but it really is an amazing show as is the next night! I also think it's the best Morning Dew of all time and I've only ever owned an AUD version and I still think that it's the best! Ha! I would snap up an official release in a heartbeat, much like Veneta when it finally came out. I had been wanting that show for so long. They are both probably in my personal top 5 of all time.

Sticker trade?

I would like to get my hands on a 30 Trips sticker or two. I have extra Fare Thee Well stickers and stealie stickers. If you want to trade, PM me and we'll do this. Rock on

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