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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.
Creepy Hahas
Just catching up. The only posts I found creepy were from the guy who found the PMs creepy;-)
Just wanted to say mbarilla, and stoltzfus, you guys have some great posts, especially on transitions. A lot of credit is given (for good reason) to JiminMD, Sixtus, OneMan, KeithFan, and a few others for their great posts, and I think you guys too! By the way, where is KeithFan lately????
Jedi Master Sixtus - Feel the Force !
4.29.89 - Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
https://archive.org/details/gd1989-04-29.sbd.miller.88124.sbeok.flac16
Me and the Pig Man
Just one man's perspective.
I have not heard near the Pig that most of you have but I do understand his raps. I have always thought some of what people now think as vulgar was also part of the generational shift that was going on. We were only 20 years since the end of WWII and had gone through a period of serious relief that the world did not end. Enormous celebration/relaxation which included the explosion of child births. When I try to describe San Fran or New York City or New Orleans to friends that have never been there, they cannot grasp the impact of Lost Sailors coming and going through these international ports. Those cities have to deal with a much higher level of liberalism and freedom because the wayfairing men are sea dogs after all. That, when combined with the overly uptight puritans that founded this country, always provided a natural grind of culture. Pig was primarily singing to young white uptight kids. He was trying to encourage them to relax some, it is alright to find the opposite sex attractive. To me, it always sounds like he is encouraging the guys to at least "take a chance", let the cards fall as they may. Of course, the funk and grease of black culture was different than the puritan culture. From my perspective, southern black churches do a better job of preaching forgiveness. A'int none of us perfect. We struggle with these issues today. Many younger men are now asking women to meet halfway, take a chance, ask us out. Women now understand the struggle of confidence and rejection. Pig to me was encouraging the guys to go for it, more than likely the girl, at a grateful dead concert, will respond positively if it is done in respectful manner. If you get shot down, well, "broken heart don't feel so bad." It wasn't but a little while longer and we got pole man. Bet Pig did not have to encourage him.
4.29.89 Irvine....
....I was there too. Damn. I guess I've witnessed more awesome transitions than I remember! Damn window pane....
transitions Dick's 5
Dick's number 5 is one of my favorite second sets of all time. Great sounding, pushing the envelope. They were also trying out for the first time a new PA stack which was discussed on the Dap17 WoS release. I know either me or Bmore posted the very long article on those shows and the work being done between Meyer and Ultra Sound. Love the transitions, the interplay, the teasing and then dropping a song when you know for sure you have the next pick. Matter of fact, I am going to listen to that this weekend. Been so busy with 30Tats, and Dave's etc that I have not listened to that in almost a year. I had written to Dave Stang last summer to put on disk three because at the 5 minute mark into the disk (if memory serves) you can hear Dan punch in the (horizontal) line arrays and hear the spacial expansion to what later became known as 3d or holographic sound.
Many weeks back yall got into the discussion of Dan's firing. I cannot remember all of the discussions but I think some discussions were that Dan did not give Sting the full use of the PA and that pissed of Jer. That is what I believe happened. I believe Sting was given the straight stereo PA, not the full expanded holographic sound.
Just thinkin out loud. I know, that can be very dangerous.
Easy Wind
8/30/70 KQED Studios
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ozp2P_ENBo
Transitions 3
2/17/73 HCS > China Cat, etc. But I like 2/15 better.
4/26/72
Appreciate the recommendations, and great transition conversation. Following one of the leads, just finished re-listening to the end of 4/26/72 from Lovelight on.
Very cool, and even just the Lovelight itself, a very badass guitar heavy version, I thought.
My Europe '72 education has stalled recently, with so much else to digest, but I need to get back and wrap up my first pass of the steamer trunk. Do or do not, there is no try.
Completey random side note, anyone else like the Devil Makes Three? Cool stuff.
Here's a Blind Willie McTell cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etQmhGm39bI
mbarilla
Down on the gulf of mexico. Right near the Florida/Alabama line. Great honky tonk there called FloraBama. Huge club, holds like 10,000 people but last summer Kenny Chesney did a show there for 40,000 (on the beach). Family owns a condo right on the beach. For some strange reason I got to go down there the first of April and then again last week. That does not happen very often.
As far as phish - had some great Yellowfin Tuna, Grouper, North Atlantic Cod, and Red Snapper open season started last week so had to have some of that. It was all very very good. However, everyone talking about Walkerswood (???) has me jonesin to find that stuff. Dang I since weight gain...
Here is a link about FloraBama's annual mullet toss. I almost posted a month ago when there was some video of a bikini contest and you could see the band playin, and you could hear the singer say "You win again."
http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2016/04/mullet_toss_underway_a…
re:12-29-77
Thanks Jim. I remember exactly where I was: right side of balcony, about 10 rows up! Don't think I heard such an enthusiastic response from a Dead audience since, including the Dark Star a year later(if my memory serves me well...)
Transitions
Fell in love with this years ago on hissy cassette.9-9-82
UJB>
Samson>
UJB>
Estimated>
Eyes>
Drums
Only had set 2 back then. Now have the whole show on CD-R but 1/2 Step is AUD.
Set 1 starts
1/2 Step>
Franklin's>
Stranger
Season transitions....
....one of the best things of summer (and there are many), is that I can fire up the ole' Weber charcoal grill at 6:30 and not have to worry about hauling a flashlight out to monitor the cooking. That usually turns out.....well, let's just say I eyeball it....and it's dark....and my eyeballs don't function too well when it's dark....ohh..and Eyes->Let It Grow, 6.9.76....
Transitions
I've been transitioning from the '78 box back to Dave's 17 and 2/28/69 with a little E'72 mixed in as well. It all depends on what mood hits me at that moment. Good transition from He's Gone into US Blues on Dave's 17.
The '78 Box really blazes away- the St. Paul show was a big hit in the house- kinda surprised me. A nice little gem not be lost among the Rocks Shows.
My 2 year old is rocking out to the Grateful Dead on a regular basis- every time we get in the car he says, "Grwateful Dead, Dad-dy?" It makes me laugh out loud, and then we crank some dead and rock out for our ride! I may not have this whole parenting thing figured out, but that goes in the win column for sure.
I don't know what "something we've never done before means, but----Bring back some PIG for Dave's 19! Please gimme some Pig! The raps, the harmonica, the drive and energy- The PIG!
Think there's any chance the '69 box will ever be available digitally like May '77 and July '78? Would love to get those shows- just been archiving them.
God Bless the Grateful Dead!
9.9.82....
....sounds fun. Mayhaps I will check in out....and to smokum....nice start. Franklin's Tower gets my son every time...you got this parenting thing down pat....
transitive nightfalls
Someone's probably mentioned by now, the Dark Star reprise out of Me and My Uncle on 4/24/72? Or DS into it, for that matter....
2/22/69 (30 Trips) - Mountains of the Moon > Dark Star
Another fun one is Half-Step > El Paso, 10/14/77 - almost manifests perfectly, but then the drummers make a slight but conspicuous adjustment. Love that pairing thematically, though, in any case : )
Vguy,
great calls on China Doll > Around and Around (11/30/80), LOVE that one, and Arrowhead Estimated > Other One (7/1/78).
And I'm a huge fan of 12/29/79, the first Dick's Picks I ever bought. Underrated indeed. The second set is a rich journey, but so's first set. The hottest Alabama Getaway ever, I've never even heard a close second. Cold Rain, Big River, Brown-Eyed Women, all excellent. Phil's bass is still (fittingly) mixed late-70's, notes bouncing above ground, so I've always thought this show is an audible blend of late 70's & 80's Dead stylistically. And that encore!!
Then I freaked when Dick's 4 got replenished at the same record store...! That 2/14 Alligator > Caution run was a crown jewel tape.
So there's another classic pair o' transitions for ya:
Not Fade Away > Mason's Children > Caution! Iconic, both in and out of Mason's.
edit: and
11/10/85 - Half-Step > I Know You Rider
Groupmind, Banter, and High Fives
So much of what the GD accomplished was accomplished by paying attention, hearing subtleties, and reacting; launching in some new direction but taking pieces with them as they went, to form a new Whole. This is what the Transitions are all about (my take) and so too goes Our thoughtful and insightful discussions: One throws out there an idea, and more often than not, they are reached for and placed back with a little something extra added, to move it along. This board today is a prime time example. Someone way back mentioned Transitions, and off We go. 1989 was mentioned, and a fun and unique flow of '89 suggestions comes forth. Prime shows and transitional moments were touted; Others backed them...multiple times. Reinforcement, positivity, e-high fives, Groupmind works in awesome ways. I have thoroughly enjoyed today's discussion folks.
To boot: I loved the Pig video of the '70 Easy Wind - easily one of my favorites from that era, giving Pigpen his due but also allowing Bobby to shine by taking that second solo after Pig blows The Blues. I always liked how that song gave all three a chance to stretch out. The Pig footage - again, a nudge and an offering of this glimpse at a mere mention....awesome. What I wonder is are any of his rants documented in such a way??? Furthermore. ANYTHING Into- Chinacat-related, good lord I had of course blasphemously neglected the several mentioned (12/29/77; 2/17/73; and let's not forget DP14). I love when these happened, they seemed to be rare but great moments. I am also observing, there are Star Wars references all over the place around here as of late; this makes me happy. To be afforded the rank of Jedi Master is beyond humbling; if only. Someone needs to invent a lightsaber. My childhood dream.
I've said it before and likely Others may feel the same way, but I've got nothing but love and pride for participating here and being a part of it All. Thanks folks and Good Night.
Sixtus
And, in the event anyone wondered, yep, that is actually the Dead End sign in my side yard (in my avatar pic). The Serendipity of this house being on a Dead End is too exactly perfect. As seen here.
Pigpen - Lovelight
Unfortunately the cameramen missed out on the chance to zoom in on Pigpen, but there is a short part starting at 3:53 where he is seen performing his rap in 1970.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJhnOq2q3ag
Pigpen - Lovelight, Festival Express
Thanks David. I had not seen that before.
I've never seen that before either.....
....nine minutes of bliss. Wow Dave, wow.....I have Festival Express, but I don't recall this footage. Lots of Billy and Phil, but that's OK....
DP5
Someone mentioned the Alabama Getaway as being the hottest ever. I totally agree! No other version even comes close. An absurd rip-roaring climax, and then Promised Land kicks in and intensifies even further! I woulda been satisfied at that point, and then we get THAT second set! Unbelievable!
Transitions
I know they did it so many times, but I always really wake up when they play China Cat-I Know You Rider. Maybe my all time favourite Dead jam, and moment, is the one on Sunshine Daydream dvd during the jam between the two songs.
The other jam I really like is when the play Me and My Uncle in the middle of The Other One in 1971. The one from 8/6/71 at Hollywood comes to mind, Dicks Picks 35. Amazing, first time you here it-especially if you don't know whats coming next.
Time and place
The other thing I was thinking about this morning, after having read Nick Meriwethers essay in the box set, was how amazing it must have been to see The Dead at Red Rocks. I have read interviews with band members where they say that the envirionment they played in changed the way they played-and this must also be true for us listeners too.
Its even true just listening to tapes and cds. I live in England and I got into The Dead in 1975. In 1990, me and my girlfriend went to America for the first and only time-a "fly drive" holiday on the West Coast. It was beyond my wildest dreams, seeing all those places I had only ever read about-but somehow couldn't imagine really existing. Los Angeles, The Grand Canyon, Death Valley..San Francisco! The weather was glorious, the people we met seemed happy and friendly-it was ...heaven to be young at the time, I would say.
And we listened to The Dead as we tootled along. Never had their music seemed so appropriate. On the long stretches of roads through the country, the music seemed almost organic-as though it had grown out of, and was part of the landscape. The tape I remember listening to most was Stanley Theater, 28/9/72-the night after the one released as Dicks Picks 11. It was so different listening to it there than where I may normally have been listening to it-on the bus, say, with headphones on, going to work in rainy old Manchester.
Flatt and Scruggs
How strange-I have just finished writing up about when I was in America and listened to The Dead in the car, and I was trying to remember what else we listened to. I was looking at some posts from yeserday, and saw the one from Ken Goodman.Flatt and Scruggs-of course! I had never heard them before, but I bought a tape at the roadside somewhere. It also seemed reflect the areas we were driving through. I also got Grand Funk Live...which didn't go down quite as well. Although they were probably fantastic if you were in the right place and state of mind when you heard them.
daverock - nice choice 9.28.72
Has one of the most exquisite "China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider"
Manchester - when I was there it was quite rainy, but that has been quite some time as well, right before the Euro 1996 tournament. Are you a Manchester United fan ?
Your post mentions the changing environment and the way the band played. In regard to July 1978, one of the cool things for me is hearing little hints of what is to come although it's only a week from first to last show in July
Example 1 - "Estimated Prophet -> The Other One" from 7.1.78 - when I heard that piece from Box set my mind connected to 7.8.78 performance of same combo - listening to that Red Rocks show for all these years, but not having heard 7.1.78 was very cool
Example 2 - "Ramble on Rose" from 7.3.78 - similar to example 1 - Ramble on Rose heard it a bunch of time from 7.8.78 and then to hear it on 7.3.78 - connection established
Example 3 - "Ship of Fools" from 7.5.78 - always loved the 7.8.78 "Ship of Fools" and this one is sweet too, the "Ship of Fools" from 7.5.78 is really the point for me when the band finds the X-factor on this night propelling the band for the rest of show
Gary Farseer - FloraBama Mullet toss
Haha looks like a blast ! Reminds me of a trip spring break trip I made to Panama City
That's a lot of fish !! I need some good seafood from prime location, salted and smoked has my mouth watering
Quick Shoutout
Hey.. I rarely do this, but a quick shoutout and Happy BDay to Kayak Guy. Not only is his moniker a great sport and one of my favorite pastimes, but he turned me on to a couple great shows, like 1/22/78, that for some reason slipped under my radar.
Agreed, Thank You Kayak Guy
I'm jumping on this bandwagon too, Jim. Thanks to Kayak Guy for all your knowledge droppage along with other very selfless acts including distributing so much of this amazing music to the masses. Godspeed, my friend, and happy birthday!
Sixtus
Symbolic Altamont?
Today I declared "1969 Day" and, blissfully worry & appointment-free, phone turned off, set up the following musical magic to "work" creatively by:1. (underrated) Dick's Picks 26: (beautiful!) Dark Star;
2. Thelma: Dark Star & Other One;
3. Fillmore West: (powerful!) Jam;
4. (back to) Thelma: Drums; Alligator; Caution; Feedback;
5. (back to) Dick's 26: (outstanding) Morning Dew.
Cruising along with my creative work...without warning: a "Stanley Steamer" van pulled up (in front of my first-floor window) to service someone else in the building; and for a LONG, LONG TIME...emitted the worst possible sound imaginable, like ten basso-profundo buzz saws, cruelly & mercilessly crushing my sound-utopia with a super-annoying truly demonic sound from inescapable hell.
This (it seemed to me) was directly symbolic of the historic transition from Woodstock to Altamont. I guess there's no avoiding such things.
Ken Goodman - 1969 add-on if time permits
spin the bonus disc from Fillmore West Recordings
He Was a Friend of Mine ->
China Cat Sunflower ->
New Potato Caboose
"All graceful instruments are known !!!!!
FWIW... Estimated
7/8/78, Disc 2.... The Estimated on this set is just awesome....
Strangers stopping strangers
Heaping my praises and thanks to the great Kayak Guy. Don't stay Lost, Sailor!
A kind and generous seeker shining his light to banish the darkness.
Roll Away the Dew!!!
Hope you have a great birthday! Here's to many more happy healthy years of life, love, and great music! Prost!
Re: Estimated
Agree on the Estimated Prophets, Brian. I re-listened to 7/1 and 7/8 yesterday. I need to check out the Omaha Estimated Eyes again.
The trifecta on 7/8 is stunning, but I sort of like the jam out of Estimated from 7/1 better. That could change in subsequent listens, could be that it surprised me on the first go around, could be that its just really good.
Kayak Guy Appreciation
Happy Bday (who knew!), and a sincere THANK YOU for sharing your technical expertise, show suggestions and interesting posts. Its rare to interact with someone who so truly exemplifies the "random acts of kindness" attitude that our whole scene is born from.
Manchester United-mbarilla
I used to support Manchester United when I was quite young, from about 1968-1972. I gradually lost interest as I got into going to see bands. But it was very exciting at the time. One of their most famous players, George Best used to play for them then. We used to stand up behind the goal, and every time Manchester United moved in to attack that goal, the whole crowd used to sway forward. Being aged 11-14, I used to get swept off my feet sometimes. When you look back at all the risks we take as we grow up, its amazing so many of us live past 21!
Interesting points you make about the connections between songs on the 78 box. I must listen again more closely. I was bowled over by the most unlikely song last night-El Paso on from 7/8. Jerrys guitar playing sparkles throughout.
well it's 1969 Day Baaa-bbbaaayyyyyyccccccchhhhh
thank you Stooges
sittin' in the classroom, thinkin' it's a drag
(poor attitude for a teacher, eh wut?)
Any thoughts on Dave 19?
Dave said it would be something "they" have never done before. Release the full show of a previously released partial show? (ex. Filmore 4/28/71 or road trips 6/18/74) Perhaps three one disc shows from 67,68, or 69? Love to hear some thoughts. Maybe details coming in June?
Sam T.
Also, much thanks Bolo. Loved the Pigpen link!!!!!
Iggy & Scruggs
My son caught Iggy with Josh Homme a few weeks ago at a small theatre near Boston and was blown away.
I saw the Scruggs Review a long time ago and got to shake Earl's hand.
Didn't wash it for a week or so! That man could play.
Rock on
Iggy & Scruggs
I haven't seen Iggy yet... got to see Earl Scruggs a couple times, the last when he was 86 years old. The man was a force on banjo, a bluegrass Jedi Master.
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