30 Trips Around The Sun Box & Digital USB

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September 4, 2015 - 10:38am

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"When we began discussing audio projects to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead back in 2012, we knew we wanted to do something completely unprecedented. We could think of nothing more exciting or ambitious than a career-spanning overview of the band's live legacy focused on what best tells the story: complete concerts. Our first criterion was the very best live music to represent any given year in the band’s history. We wanted to make sure that there were not only the tent-pole shows that fans have been demanding for decades but also ones that are slightly more under the radar, but equally excellent. For those who listen to the entire box straight through, chronologically, the narrative of the Grateful Dead's live legacy will be seen as second to none in the pantheon of music history." - David Lemieux

We are more than pleased to announce the Grateful Dead's most ambitious release ever: 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN. Available as both an 80-disc boxed set and a custom lightning-bolt USB drive, the collection includes 30 unreleased live shows, one for each year the band was together from 1966 to 1995, along with one track from their earliest recording sessions in 1965. Packed with over 73 hours of music, both the boxed set and the USB drive will be individually numbered limited editions.

The 80-disc boxed set is individually numbered and limited to 6,500 copies, a nod to the band’s formation in 1965. Along with the CDs, it also includes a gold-colored 7-inch vinyl single which bookends the band’s career. The A-side is “Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)” from the band’s earliest recording session in 1965 with the B-side of the last song the band ever performed together live, “Box Of Rain” recorded during their final encore at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 9, 1995.

The box also comes with a 288-page book that features an extensive, career-spanning essay written by Nick Meriwether, who oversees the Dead archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz, along with special remembrances of the band submitted by fans. Also included is a scroll that offers a visual representation of how the band’s live repertoire has evolved through the years.

The USB drive version* will be shaped like a gold lightning bolt with the Grateful Dead 50th anniversary logo engraved on the side. The drive includes all of the music from the collection in both FLAC (96/24) and MP3 formats and is an individually numbered limited edition of 1,000 copies. Digital version of the book also included on USB.

Shows will NOT be sold individually on CD. This release is sure to sell out quickly so pre-order your copy today and stick around as we will be revealing a mighty fine selection of music, art, and much, much more right here.

(Looking for a smaller 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake? September 18th will see the release of a four-CD version of the collection titled 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN: THE DEFINITIVE LIVE STORY 1965-1995. More on that here.)

ROLLINGSTONE.COM SONG PREMIERE AND EXCLUSIVE DAVID LEMIEUX INTERVIEW
Head on over to Rollingstone.com for the very first listen of "Morning Dew" 9/18/87 Madison Square Garden, David Fricke's exclusive interview with archivist David Lemieux, and the reveal of 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN's '69 and '84 shows.

*Helpful hints for using your USB:

Running the 30 Trips Player / Reader program:
On Windows – Navigate to the USB drive and double click the PCStart.exe file to run.
On MacOS – Open the GD 30 Trips drive, and double click the MacStart to run.

Viewing the digital book:
You can either view it within the program that comes on the drive, or by opening the PDF directly.

To view the PDF, open the PDF folder on the drive and the USB_bk_spreads_08-31 file within. Selecting the option within your PDF reading application to view as a “single page” might be preferable to viewing as a continuous document.

Importing music into iTunes and other library programs:
When you import the songs from the USB into your library, the information used to identify the track will likely leave them sorted incorrectly. Please use the song list found here to re-number the songs for each show so that they playback in the correct order.
PDF
Text

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February 10, 2016 - 4:41pm

#181

jrf68@hotmail.com

Joined:
August 6, 2013

Off topic

Moses GuestLive Stages Get some...it's good. :) ...Over The Car->Under The Stairs...
February 10, 2016 - 3:13pm

#182

LoveJerry

Joined:
March 19, 2015

dharwin

Somebody on the other thread, I forget who, brought up a point about the secondary market, which was basically that Rhino depends on it to ensure they sell x number of copies of each release in a very short amount of time. This guy who wrote the article worked for a record company or something, I wish I could find the post. But it totally makes sense. Basically, Rhino needs to sellout each release in 3 or 4 weeks to not only be profitable, but to extend the life of the series. By making it limited edition, they sellout immediately and actually rely on the secondary market to be there and buy out what the individuals don't buy. It amounts to free distribution for Rhino. They sell off their 16,500 Dave's Picks in a week, and never pay a dime in distribution costs. For Rhino this means more dollars per unit and less units sold to make both make a profit and re-invest in the next release (and making the next profit). So I get it. Rhino is a very unique position, in that they have a rare product with seemingly no end, and this thing called the internet. And in fact, these very message boards are a major source of advertisement. I'm just happy I'm ahead of the curve now. I spent a lot on eBay back-filling my Dead collection. What I would be interested in, is the legalities involved in re-issuing a product that they originally sold as a limited quantity item. Even if legal, I doubt they would do it, out of fear of ruining their current, buy it now, while it's hot sales model, which is undoubtedly working. One thing I feel confident in, is that if Rhino felt that re-releasing FW 69 Complete would be profitable in the long run, they would do it (and perhaps they will). But I imagine it's a tricky balance, as Morning Sun said - never underestimate the turmoil of breaking a promise to the original people who bought it (of whom I am not one - fucker cost me 400 bucks). Plus I'm sure they all have a dozen copies of all of them that they're saving for 10 years from now when they're going for a grand on eBay ;-)
February 10, 2016 - 9:55am

#183

Cousins Of The…

Joined:
September 10, 2009

FW 69 re-release

Not sure what the exact wording was when they first released it, but some of the music included in the set has been available on the 3 disc compilation.Rhino could produce a set with all 4 FW 69 shows, add 2-11-69 Fillmore East release, change the name and add a disclaimer that would say something like "portions of this set was previously released as Ltd Edition FW box set, etc." Lots of "limited Edition only", and "promo only" music has been re-released that way.
February 10, 2016 - 8:31am

#184

mbarilla

Joined:
August 8, 2013

FW69 Box set

if they want to re-release they would definetely need a new mix. I dont think packaging much to do with it
February 10, 2016 - 7:43am

#185

Roland Bruynesteyn

Joined:
August 7, 2008

re-release FW'69

FWIW, let me echo SpaceBro's (and others) sentiment: I own FW'69, and enjoy it immensely.By all means, re-release it, so that more people can enjoy it. I do not mind scalping, or a secondary market. In general, I don't mind limited editions, bonus discs with first runs etc; companies can run their business as they see fit. But I'm a capitalist through and through: if more people want it, and Rhino can make more money, by all means let's do it. I know that the secondary market, at least in this particular case, exists bcause Rhino said that FW'69 would never be released (in any form?) again. Some people would feel cheated if, after paying a lot (NOT to Rhino though), it was re-released. But surely most Deadheads would want other Deadheads to be able to acquire this set, and there should be some way around it (cheaper packaging or whatever) to get past this?
February 10, 2016 - 6:37am

#186

Born Cross Eye…

Joined:
August 25, 2008

FW 69 box re-issue?

Yes, reissue it as a limited edition of 16,000.$130 each + shipping and sales taxes where applicable. For that $130 you'll get the four shows - 2/27, 2/28, 3/1 & 3/2/1969 in 4 tye-dyed design artwork, thin cardboard type sleeves with a simple booklet with only the song titles, the track times, the songwriters credits and publishers credits with two or three photos, WITHOUT AN ESSAY, all enclosed in a lightweight cardboard case with artwork similar to the original 2005 issue.
February 10, 2016 - 6:14am

#187

Sun King

Joined:
September 19, 2007

shrine vinyl et al...

glad to hear the 69 shrine vinyl release sounds so good. i plan on picking one up soon. as for the 69 box, and other limited releases, i think rhino needs to view their 'investment' in the grateful dead as being holders of something culturally significant. limited edition stuff should be just the initial physical product, but everything should be available via download. as i've said before, they should act like smithsonian/folkways, where nothing they have ever released goes out of print. you can't go to their site and order an original woody guthrie or leadbelly record, those have been out of print forever, but you can download it or order a custom burned cd. there is nothing you can not order. i believe rhino is just waiting for the last 150 usb's to sell, then they will offer all 30 shows via download. as for the 69box, i don't remember their wording, but a physical product probably can't, or shouldn't, be re-released that way, but all 4 shows should be put out via download, if the suits think they can legally do it. if not, lesson learned....
February 9, 2016 - 7:28pm

#188

Charlie3

Joined:
September 21, 2015

Ramble On

Dennis Wilmot, feel free to ramble on, you made some good points in a funny way. it sounds like I may have been one of the same two people seated next to you at shows;)For my two cents, I have the 30 trips box and it wouldn't bother me a bit if they made another production run in the future, with or without all the extras. I didn't buy it as an investment, I purchased it because I wanted to have the music and after missing out on FW69 I knew I would regret not having it more than I would regret spending the money. At some point I would like to pick up FW69, but there is a limit to what I can pay and feel OK about the purchase. I understand that the limited edition model is probably what makes the ongoing releases possible to this extent, so it is what it is, but it seems that they could set it up so that it would be possible to reissue things after some period of time. As far as copying limited edition releases, I guess the band makes their money when the original sale occurs and are unaffected by any subsequent transactions, so there's that.
February 9, 2016 - 6:53pm

#189

Dennis

Joined:
November 1, 2012

Re-releases, Limited Editions, illegal copies, ebay prices

I throw my 2 cents into this, I agree with those that say a release of limited edition stuff as maybe a digital download is just fine with me. As always if price is the limiting factor I can not believe you can't find someone to make you a copy. Some say "oh that's illegal", sounds like corporate lawyer talk to me. I agree you shouldn't be knocking out 1,000 copies of something and selling them at the local flea market, but to slip a buddy a copy, fuck no. I remember when people didn't even think twice about making a cassette copy for a friend. Of course the "industry" hated that, they even tried to get a "tax" on blank tapes to cover the "losses" they were suffering. What hogwash! The record companies seem to be doing fine! Ebay prices will disappear or come down if people stop buying them, just like tickets for sporting events (which sports fan seem to believe are way out of whack). Remember when FM first took off and stations would play a perfect album side, even told you when to start your tape. I'm sorry if the record industry makes a product that is easy to copy. Why didn't they just keep producing records? You couldn't copy them as easily as cd. Because they wanted to squeeze out the free music of radio, cd's people would buy more of because you could take them in your car. Did the industry ever return money for those shit 8 tracks that they sold? Or even the shit cassettes they sold? Those store bought tapes NEVER lasted long, but a good maxell made at home lasted forever? I still have cassettes I made from 1980 that play just fine. But the few store bought ones I got the cases always warped in the heat.I think I can most assuredly say that if you could shove a new caddy into a port of the computer and have it shit out a new caddy, everyone would have a new caddy and be saying fuck GM. (probably a lot of people already saying that) You don't see anyone making "illegal" copies of books and you could zerox a whole book. I'm surprise the corporate lawyers haven't tried to shut down public libraries, since they allow people to listen, read and view all copyright material without paying any fee to the owner of the copy right material. There was a point when Mickey Mouse was about to enter the public domain and Disney just couldn't let that happen, so they had congressman Sony Bono push thru a revision of the copyright laws that allowed them to keep the copyright. (see - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_Term_Extension_Act ) Technically if you owned a bar, you couldn't play cd's you own there without a fee being paid to industry. CD's YOU OWN! Can you imagine if you bought a repair guide for a car you owned and you got a second car of the same make and being told you couldn't use that manual to fix the second car, that the use of the manual was only for the first car. You have that same thing with software you buy, you buy the package but can't use it where ever you want, only once (maybe 3 times for some) Sorry I've rambled a bit, but corporations piss me off. They want risk socialize and profits privatized. They want to be citizens with no one responsible for jail time. Fuck them! Record profits and the world still fights for crumbs. On the illegal front, I get a chuckle out of this. I thought it was illegal to bring "drugs" into shows or buy and sell them. Oh, I forgot nobody who went to dead shows did drugs. Like nobody in England watches Doctor Who. The show has been on for 50 years and nobody admits they watch it! Just like back in the .net days, nobody on net.dead did drugs! I must have always got seated next to the same other 2 people who did :-) Once again sorry for the excessive rambling.
February 9, 2016 - 5:20pm

#190

dharwin

Joined:
June 23, 2007

Just to be clear...

I am fully supportive of a re-release of the FW69 box. The whole reason I have the info that I have is that (being the anal retentive completist that I am) I emailed David Lemieux to ask why in the hell the box set hadn't been reissued. Any deadhead that has looked at eBay in the last 5 years can see that this box is in absurdly high demand. I hate the idea of limited releases and find it absurd that they would limit anything. The only thing that does is drive up the price on secondary markets (just look at the 30 trips box on eBay).

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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