July 1978: The Complete Recordings

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February 3, 2016 - 11:24am

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July 1978: The Complete Recordings

What's Inside:

• Five Complete Shows on 12 discs
• 7/1/78 Arrowhead Stadium: Kansas City, MO
• 7/3/78 St. Paul Civic Center Arena: St. Paul, MN
• 7/5/78 Omaha Civic Auditorium: Omaha, NE
• 7/7/78 Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Morrison, CO
• 7/8/78 Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Morrison, CO
Mastered in HDCD by Jeffrey Norman
Artwork by esteemed cartoonist Paul Pope
Intro and show-by-show liner notes by Nicholas Meriwether
Producer's Note by David Lemieux
Individually Numbered, Limited Edition of 15,000
Release Date: May 13, 2016

Announcing July 1978: The Complete Recordings

We’re pleased to announce JULY 1978: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS, five incredible unreleased shows and the first official release from the long-lost tapes, recently returned to the Grateful Dead’s vault. Follow the Dead on a sonic journey through a superb selection of settings, an often epic adventure that finds them winning over Willie and Waylon fans in Kansas City, conjuring charisma in Omaha, and elevating the Red Rocks beyond their already spiritual planes. With five distinct performances painting the masterpiece of 1978, Betty Cantor-Jackson's always-pristine soundboard recordings, and the "hall-of-fame pedigree" of the Dead's first-ever shows at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, this is one release that far exceeds excellence in music, sound quality, and rarity.

Limited to 15,000 individually numbered copies, JULY 1978: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS includes Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO (7/1/78), St. Paul Civic Center, St. Paul, MN (7/3/78), Omaha Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE (7/5/78), and Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison CO (7/7/78 and 7/8/78) - all of the performances in this collection are drawn from the band’s master soundboard recordings, each newly mastered by Jeffrey Norman. The set also features original artwork by esteemed cartoonist Paul Pope (D.C. and Marvel comics) and in-depth liner notes written by Nick Meriwether (Grateful Dead Archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz), as well as a producer’s note from producer David Lemieux.

Due May 13th, we anticipate that this extraordinary box will sell out. Your best bet is to pre-order it now, then sit back, relax, and enjoy all the exclusive content we'll be rolling out over the next few weeks right here.

Looking for something a little more byte-sized? The collection will also be available for HD digital download in FLAC and ALAC, exclusively at dead.net, on release day.

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July 29, 2016 - 4:27am

#261

Roguedeadguy

Joined:
July 22, 2016

7/3 st paul

is smokin. It might be my favorite 2 disc show and my favorite set 1. For when you dont have all day to get lost in Space chasing the Dark Star with cowboy Neal at the wheel. If anyone out there is still on the fence about this box, go for it. IMHO four out of the five shows are great. Omaha is a perfectly fine show that is simply overshadowed by the awesomeness of the others. The sound is superb, the packaging and artwork are cool, and the booklet recounting the story of that summer tour, in the context of what was going on in the country as a whole was really interesting. I was but a tyke then, more into Sesame Street than the Dead, alas.
July 29, 2016 - 4:23am

#262

New Potato

Joined:
July 23, 2016

Fillers

That's what I love about this box, none of the shows are fillers. Each one has so much to get excited about. I keep coming back to Arrowhead, maybe because its only one set (clocking in under 2 hours) they don't need to pace themselves and it just has that extra bit of energy, especially MAMU > Big river and PITB. But I agree 3/7 is a fantastic show as well. I think because all the hype surrounded Red Rocks, the other shows have been pleasantly surprising! Certainly wouldn't complain if there was another box set this year if it maintains this standard.
July 27, 2016 - 10:02pm

#263

stoltzfus

Joined:
January 13, 2010

7/3/78

:)))
July 21, 2016 - 9:56pm

#264

wilfredtjones

Joined:
June 4, 2007

Blasphemy!

Blasphemy, I tell you!!! But, agree 7-3 is the sleeper of the set. We'll see if it stands the test of time. Have to give you entire props for your name though.
July 21, 2016 - 8:49am

#265

1stshow70878

Joined:
September 11, 2014

St. Paul is better than Red Rocks!

I totally agree with Deadheadbrewer that 7-3-78 is the sleeper of the boxed set. I have seldom heard a better 1st set from any era. Jerry was ON and very innovative that night. He sounds relaxed and having one of those technically perfect nights. Even the 2nd set is up to the level of any show in the box. I was biased towards 7-8-78 because it was my first show but the sound was SO loud and distorted that it took away from the quality. There is no doubt that the energy was there at Red Rocks, especially 7-7 1st set, and 7-8 has possibly the best Other One ever, but St. Paul is my favorite of the box. Thanks Dave; now how about a release of the Dead's follow up to Red Rocks (after recording Shakedown) of more Red Rocks! 8-30-78 and 8-31-78 are worth a listen with lots of new songs and new arrangements and flawless performances. Not as loose and energetic as July '78 but both are great bookends to two tours.
July 16, 2016 - 11:17am

#266

kyleharmon

Joined:
June 5, 2007

Box Set

I love this box set. I think its the best one they put out in a long time and I pretty much have them all cept for two of them. I was listening to estimated prophet at arrow head. thinking what was goin on in those country fans heads. at least they were respectful not throwing shit at the band and booing them as some country music fans are sometimes not open to any other type of music. I just imagine them hearing terrapin station and estimated prophet thinking "what..the..fuck is this??"
July 15, 2016 - 8:26am

#267

Deadheadbrewer

Joined:
February 2, 2010

July 1978

I'm finally getting some time to dig into the box, and while I thoroughly enjoyed the KC show, the Saint Paul show is absolutely flooring me. It's like a sports car careening down the highway: occasionally it flies across the shoulder and almost into the ditch, but then suddenly, it corrects and just BLASTS straight down the center line. SpaceBro, that's quite a week! I just saw the Phish tour opener in Saint Paul, at the behest of my friends, who have followed them the past fifteen years or so. It was my first Phish show since Red Rocks 1995 (which was my fifteenth Phish show from 1991-1995). I very much enjoyed the really old songs that they pulled out.
July 13, 2016 - 6:18am

#268

Dennis

Joined:
November 1, 2012

Grateful Goodness

Hard to bitch about 6 bucks a disc. When I think back to the late 60's, early 70's a current release lp was 3.79 and was only 30 minutes long! At 6 bucks (with inflation, for at least an hour of music), what's that in adjusted dollars .25 cents??? What kills the best Amazon deals is shipping. I buy a fair number of disc (used) under a buck, but then 4 to ship. Which I don't mind if they ship it first class, but some send it via UPS Mail Innovations :-).
July 12, 2016 - 1:20pm

#269

JimInMD

Joined:
June 27, 2011

Hawaii

wow.. we are all wrong!
July 12, 2016 - 12:26pm

#270

droidmec

Joined:
October 16, 2014

Grateful goodness!

I used a gift certificate from my daughter and took advantage of the deals on Amazon today to fill some holes in my obsession. I picked up Dick's Picks 29, 2-11-69, and the 3-CD comp of FW69 plus the Queen Live at the Rainbow set. I was breaking down the amount spent and found that I got all the stuff for about $6 a CD! I groove on good deals on the Grateful Dead!

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Dead Store Products

July 1978: The Complete Recordings

What's Inside:

• Five Complete Shows on 12 discs
• 7/1/78 Arrowhead Stadium: Kansas City, MO
• 7/3/78 St. Paul Civic Center Arena: St. Paul, MN
• 7/5/78 Omaha Civic Auditorium: Omaha, NE
• 7/7/78 Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Morrison, CO
• 7/8/78 Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Morrison, CO
Mastered in HDCD by Jeffrey Norman
Artwork by esteemed cartoonist Paul Pope
Intro and show-by-show liner notes by Nicholas Meriwether
Producer's Note by David Lemieux
Individually Numbered, Limited Edition of 15,000
Release Date: May 13, 2016

Announcing July 1978: The Complete Recordings

We’re pleased to announce JULY 1978: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS, five incredible unreleased shows and the first official release from the long-lost tapes, recently returned to the Grateful Dead’s vault. Follow the Dead on a sonic journey through a superb selection of settings, an often epic adventure that finds them winning over Willie and Waylon fans in Kansas City, conjuring charisma in Omaha, and elevating the Red Rocks beyond their already spiritual planes. With five distinct performances painting the masterpiece of 1978, Betty Cantor-Jackson's always-pristine soundboard recordings, and the "hall-of-fame pedigree" of the Dead's first-ever shows at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, this is one release that far exceeds excellence in music, sound quality, and rarity.

Limited to 15,000 individually numbered copies, JULY 1978: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS includes Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO (7/1/78), St. Paul Civic Center, St. Paul, MN (7/3/78), Omaha Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE (7/5/78), and Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison CO (7/7/78 and 7/8/78) - all of the performances in this collection are drawn from the band’s master soundboard recordings, each newly mastered by Jeffrey Norman. The set also features original artwork by esteemed cartoonist Paul Pope (D.C. and Marvel comics) and in-depth liner notes written by Nick Meriwether (Grateful Dead Archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz), as well as a producer’s note from producer David Lemieux.

Due May 13th, we anticipate that this extraordinary box will sell out. Your best bet is to pre-order it now, then sit back, relax, and enjoy all the exclusive content we'll be rolling out over the next few weeks right here.

Looking for something a little more byte-sized? The collection will also be available for HD digital download in FLAC and ALAC, exclusively at dead.net, on release day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1agaZinJHg

Delivery Blues

I can get as antsy as the next guy waiting for this gem to hit my doorstep, but I think a lot of folks are forgetting one thing: When this was announced and orders taken, it was stated the they would ship May 13th. People! That is just this past Friday. So had Dead.net stuck with that, the earliest any one could have expected it was TODAY! So chill out and think about that for a moment. My delivery has been saying this Wed. all along, but it just got updated to Tuesday. I never count week ends in my calculations, so that means I got it in 2 shipping days. What more could I have reasonably expected? Now where the hell is my Dap19? Friggin' Fed Ex. LOL! Rock on

GFar

Never fear My Friend! Always have the time, find the time if needed. It's too much fun, too interesting, and too engaging NOT to! And you're exceptionally kind as always. That goes for The Whole Lot of Yous. Graciously, Sixtus, MS

Nice

Received this past Saturday. Sounds great. 7/5 Omaha, Sugaree starts out a little rough, fades in then gets dialed in, also a little "weirdness" in BIODTL for a couple of seconds. Minor quibbles. Can't wait to listen to the rest.

Diplomas

People ask why I hang my four diplomas in the bathroom in the office.Simply put In case we run out of toilet paper! Haha. But seriously congrats to the new graduate Honorable Sixtus

Re: HF, High Crimes and Misdemeanors - Returned Betty's

I have no inside information on this, which leads me to believe it was Zuckfun and his band of felonious monks aka Operation Kung Pao that got us the Returned Betty Boards. I'm not sure if we will ever find out the complete, true story or if we want to. Like in the movie, A Few Good Men.. sometimes the truth is better left unknown.

Box

Got box today .... Just listened to a few songs and it sounds fabulous! Norman and Betty did a great job. I haven't listened to much but this sounds like one of the better recording releases from a quality perspective. Not as crazy about the box design artistically. Nothing wrong with it just don't like as much as other releases Also got a E72 disk in same mail run so what a day. Plus still working my way thru DaP 18 and 30 trips. It's madness all the dead music I have. With 3 little kids there just isn't enough time!

Rocks Box spring tour....

is turning out to be so popular that it's now added new dates! Yay:(Damn thing has already passed THROUGH my state and gone furthur west.Oh boy.Was on it's way here today,but was so hot it turned around to do some time in SLC for a few more days. To TPTB....I can probably hook you folks up with a shipping company that,ya know,actually works. Nah.Having it get steadily worse this past year will work,huh? Sorry folks.Summer has begun with a vengence here in Paradise Lost. I'm f'n bent already......my apologies fer bitchin'.

Pretty Cool Video

Dave Lemieux talking about July 1978 - really sounds like it's awesome. Mine should arrive tomorrow!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thkv4Uzm8k4

JimInMD, you can't handle the truth........

Kidding! Listened to the 7-1-78 set and it's rambunctious! Talk about packing it in and scorching the stage for those who dare to follow... yeah, baby.

Now wait a minute....

....if I recall correctly, takimoto lives overseas. Ok, I'm done wondering.... ....I think he's in South America. Does the Panama Canal count as overseas?....now I'm done

Vguy72

Not overseas ... Suburbs of Boston. Though sometimes I feel like I'm in a foreign country. Purposely taking the long way to work so I can some xtra time with 7/7. Enjoy all. I rec'd my box a day early so keep checking those mailboxes.

Rethinking 1977 vs 1978

This release has changed my perception of 1978. I used to think 1977 was THE peak and that 1978 was the unruly, less talented older brother. I now see (as Dave kinda said) 1977 as being consistently high, with 1978 having major peaks and troughs, BUT those peaks being just as high as the best 1977. And even kicking it up a notch, with a different energy. 1978 is just so ballsy and energetic, and I would bet some songs peaked in '78 rather than '77. So.... which songs were better in '78 than '77? I now see '77 vs '78 as comparable to "Sandy" at the beginning vs end of Grease. 1977: prim and proper, coloring inside lines, aiming for perfection. 1978: with perfection having been achieved, now showing a little leg, taking risks often with thrilling results. It depends if your in the mood for "preppy Sandy" or "leather Sandy". This month I'm all about "leather Sandy". Thanks Dave.

12/10

I love this album, thanks

Art Work

So has anyone found, or uploaded, art work for the individual shows?

Re: Tokimoto

Obviously Tokimoto lives in the basement of a famous French cathedral in Japan. VGuy, don't let facts cloud your view of realty.

BIODTL-Omaha

So, anyone else hear a little "weirdness" in BIODTL as I stated in my earlier post? Or is it my disc?

Out for Delivery

Yes yes yes.....and a day earlier than it said Friday.Standing by the mailbox, a rolled one in my hand.............

Up at 4 am this morning

I got up at 4am this morning so I could RIP all 12 discs and begin the relabeling process that I'm sure many of you go through with each new release. As part of my process, I prefer to find the best Cover Art available so that the beautiful artwork is in full display on the player... Can someone provide me with a link to jpg of the full CD cover as opposed to the small picture of the CD case partially opened (displayed at the top)? Thank you, iGrateful

Hoping it comes today.

Still waiting for my box. I will say it again. Dead.net is THE worst shipping company of all time. Nothing else even comes close. Those of us that pre-ordered this forked out 150 bucks UP FRONT months ago and most of us are still waiting. It's beyond ridiculous for the box to not be in our hands on or before the release date. It made me super angry to see the stand alone 7/8 show at Barnes and Noble this weekend and I don't even have it yet! So terrible and just not a good way to treat folks. No bonus disc, no free shipping for pre-orders and now it's almost a week past the release date. I'm getting fed up. I understand patience and all that but this is about how to conduct business and has nothing to do with the music. They have GOT to fix this!

Re: BIODTL-Omaha

There does seem to be a little sonic oddness at at the 1-minute mark. Goes in and out for about 10 seconds, but I can't tell if it was P.A. noise in the recording or something else. My initial impression of this set is very favorable so far. I don't generally spend a lot of time in this era, but I think I'll be listening to this one quite a bit. I also got the lowest number yet on one of these. Said number is d@mn close to double-digits. For all intents and purposes this matters not, of course, but was still pretty cool to see when I opened the box!

Mine is in San Francisco!

FedEx handed it to USPS at 5Am today in SF. I suppose it will be delivered to me tomorrow. I do remember when GDM products regularly arrived at my door on the "release date", or even a day early. This is not a big issue for me. But if GDM ever sends me a questionnaire about service satisfaction, this is another element of their service that won't get a "very satisfied" answer from me. GDM: "They may not be the best at what they do, but they are the only ones who do it".

Bus Trips- Before you get on board Sir your name we like to know

5.17.77 - Tuscaloosa, AL "Jackie's gone a sailing with trouble on his mind

.

Cover Art

I have a stupid question.Why don't people just take one themselves? I mean good cameras are all over these days. Just curious..................

Cover Art

Once my July '78 Box lands, I'll be making hi-res scans of cover art of box and all five shows. I've been doing this for several previous releases and some of you have already asked for cover art for this box. When I've got the scans ready, I'll repost to let you know – tomorrow maybe?

7/3/78

Well if there's any unevenness in this show, I didn't hear it (though I'm working while i listen, so not full attention). Just finishing set 2 now - the sound is so up-front and in your face! Jerry's guitar tone is bang-on. Everyone sounds so engaged. I was listening to Stella Blue and totally lost track of time and what song it was - just blissing out on the aural nirvana - in the moment - I love when that happens. The whole 2nd set is a joy.... Scarlet>Fire, Dancing are in the same Zip Code as Cornell. Stella Blue is riveting. Werewolves may be the best I've ever heard - not as crazy-manic as 7/8, a little more thoughtful - I'm REALLY digging this release. Cheshire cat grin as I put on 7/5/78 which, if I'm reading all the tea leaves correctly, is the best of the first 3 shows in this box... 7/5/78 BIODTL weirdness at 1:00 sounds like feedback/stage gremlins mucking with the monitors.

Out for delivery!!! 5/17/77

Out for delivery!!! 5/17/77 sounds like a good idea tonight for sure. I'm going to try an hold off on July '78 till this weekend and consume the whole thing.

Shipping

I know how you feel man, im hoping to get mine today its in my town at the post office but i know exactly how you feel i bought this back 2 days after it was anounced and while people where getting shipping orders almost a week in advance i got mine on the 13th

Hey Seth

Mine is in South San Francisco, "out for delivery". Guessing you should be getting yours this afternoon.

Received

Box significantly damaged=sadness. Emailed the good Dr. Rhino.

The Raven has Landed

6254 landed in my mailbox today - home doing remote training, perfect time to rip to PC. Anybody else cut the shrinkwrap around the seam so the plastic still covers both halves of the boxes?

Cut shrink wrap

I always do. I usually burn a copy and put everything back in shrink for storage.

Got mine and sounds amazing!

Got my box set yesterday and have been listening nonstop. I ordered about 2 weeks ago and got # 030xx, cant remember exactly. What #'s did you guys get? Curious. Also received a few Europe 72 shows last week and man I'm loving those, one drummer, one show without Donna, and Pigpen loud and proud. Such an amazing tour that I'm just now getting familiar with. I love this band!!

Random Box Numbers

mcgruber, Hysterical. Evidently the box # has nothing to do with the date/time the set was ordered. I ordered within a couple of hours of it being available and received my set Saturday. I got box 14,997! But it's the music that counts - right. And from what I've heard so far that's been very, very good. Both in terms of set and sound quality.

Arrival!

#2547 has landed in western CT. and it is a thing of beauty! I do like the looks of the May '77 box also, but to me, this one has more of the "Dead" look. It will sit proudly on my shelf next to the May '77 box for all to admire. Now, on to the music! Rock on

Promised Land Soon

My copy of July '78 left Crozet VA with Massachusetts on its mind, had motor trouble in West Virginia, met some friends who helped it to Northborough MA, and now it's working on a t-bone steak over Boston, hopefully touching down at my house today. When it does, I'll be sure to give it a chance to call Tidewater 4-1009.

hbob

Agree, this is much more the "Dead Look" than May 1977. I thought that was a weird choice of art (the May '77 that is). But anyway, mine is close, possibly there already: 5/17/2016 - Tuesday 7:20 am Out for delivery KeithFanVille, NJ Out for delivery with the U.S. Postal Service

Arrived

11185 arrived in NM. Probably yesterday morning, but they didn't list as delivered to my P.O. Box until evening. Ripping, labeling and listening.

'78 Box

Box #02331 landed just outside of Philly yesterday, but like Sixtus, I've got 2 little guys under 2, so I'm going to drop in disc 1 of 7/1 tonight. Can't wait! I am really liking the artwork of this box and the DaP artwork this year as well (wasn't crazy about last year's). I have to give a big ol' thank you to all of you on here each day. I have followed along on the various threads for quite a while, but I haven't posted until now. I just couldn't sit out anymore. There is too much great info, knowledge, and good energy that floats through here. You guys rock! In the immortal words of Pierre Robert- "God Bless the Grateful Dead!" Happy Listening!

The Eagle has Landed...

In W.MD. 07066 was delivered, the rider is resting up and the horses being fed for the return trip. Its a beautiful box. Lets see what it sounds like. Thanks all.. and seriously, I have been waiting patiently 38 years for this.. so waiting a couple days past an estimated ship date is no biggie for me. It looks great, no visible box cutter marks or scratches. Made my day. And welcome aboard, Old Chief Smokem. Its no surprise to see another tribal leader here. I have come to the conclusion that most of the leaders of the free world are deadheads and frequent this site, and a couple despicable despots. Occasionally they let slip their tell, and you can figure out who they really are (lookin' at you Putin).

So.... which songs were better in '78 than '77?

stella blue, definitely others: ramble on rose tennesee jed looks like rain cassidy the other one wharf rat music never stopped passenger peggy-o i also think most if not all of those songs peaked in 1978

There's actually a good answer, for me anyway...

...I bought the download version, so I didn't get any artwork - not even the kind embedded sometimes in the ALAC files. Personally, I really appreciate it that you make the kind gesture of sharing your scans!

practical shipping and streamlining services

Mine shipped Thursday, sat in Ohio Friday through Sunday, arrived in my state Sunday night, in my home town Monday night, mail carrier already came by for the day today (Tuesday) without package, so mine is sitting in my local post office and likely won't arrive until Wednesday. It's been sitting at my local post office for 2, going on 3 days. Sadly, it's only a 10 minute walk from my home to my local post office and I can't just go there and pick it up. MusicToday had a better shipping system in place.

#1994 home safe and sound

Where to begin? Easy 7.8.78 and off we go...................

7/3 Scarlet Fire

#5106 arrived safe and sound south of Boston, thrilled with this box! Havent had a chance to really dig in but the Scarlet Fire from the 7/3 show is a thing of beauty as is the Lazy Lightning>Supplication from 7/5, cant wait to really consume this box but so far I'm very very happy with this release!p.s. the sound quality is top notch

#6892 Springfield

Listening in order, Arrowhead!!

7887 showed up today in Bucks County...

imported and uploaded and loving the KC show...

Old Chief Smoking Ifu Gotum

I'm just over the bridge from Philly, mine also landed. I left work early to get it, and am stuck in rain traffic on 95. Grew up on Pierre Robert.... Jimbo, which show u wait 38 years for?

Sound Quality

This might just be the best 2 track sound I've heard from the Dead. 7.8.78 is very crisp and clear with punchy drums and clarity. I'm sure there are many factors involved from Betty on through mastering, but this is excellent sound. The performance is very upbeat too. Great to hear! Disc 1 from this date is all I could squeeze in, but summer 2016 will be filled with July 78 I'm sure!

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