Grateful Dead

"Sixtus Picks" - I like it. I actually had a similar thing going. One day (15 years ago) I decided to create a CD of "Jerry Jams" - nothing but brilliant instrumental passages by the GD. So, lots of 5 and 10 minute snippets from Dark Stars, Bird Songs, Eyes, Playin', Other One, etc. edited from the Dead's most epic shows. i.e. 8/27/72 Birdsong.... (fade in at the end of the verse before the jam, fade back out as the jam ends and the vocals come back) I listened to that disc for a few days and created a second one. It was a fun project to do - great way to steer my GD energy. I wound up with 25 discs (so about 30 hours) of the best jams ever. Some are long, some are just a 1-2 minute jams within, say, Samson or Watchtower. They span 1969 thru 1994 (I think I got a 3/27/93 Eyes jam in there, and some of the 10/14/94 Scar>Fire). I shared them with a few friends - some loved it, while others found it disconcerting not to hear each song in its entirety. I have them all on my iTunes library, ranked chronologically - a cool listen if you're in the mood for just the creamy filling - just Jerry and the boys taking the music into the stratosphere...

Between 72-79, I saw the Dead between 20-30 times, not including Kingfish or the JGB. I had some great buds who I jammed with, playing my 59 Fender Esquire with, one had a 60s Gibson Les Paul Jr and my other Bud played a Gold Top Gibson Les Paul, We played half Allman Brothers and half Dead. I had hair down to my waist for about 5 years. Album that turned me on to Dead, "Europe 72". First time I saw Dead was at Spectrum, Philly, in the fall. Next Great show was in March,73. Next Big Show was in 74, Aug 4,Unless you were at a "Wall of Sound" show, you really do not know what that was like, The CDs actually sound worse. The first DP I bought was DP 8, a "Wall" concert in Europe, The sound quality was poor, mediocre, the performance might have been ok, but the quality was just ok, you were always trying to get the volume right, then it would get too loud, or too low. Hearing the "Wall" live was incredible, best sound system they ever had. They played that show at the Convention center. The Cylinder was hanging in the center of the hall. The rest of the speakers were over the stage. It was just an awesome show. Well, They took 75 off, and 76 they came back playing smaller venues. Best seats I ever had at a Dead Show were at The Tower Theatre, 3rd row, center stage. It was a super show, Jerry was playing the Travis Bean, they put on a great show, went by so quick. Well, finally , the last big show that I saw of the 70's. 77 was arguably my favorite year. I saw the Dead at Englishtown, NJ, across the river. 100-150 thousand fans, plus I saw the Marshall Tucker Band opening for them, missed NRPS, who played a short set, opening up. It was on the side of a huge hill. They really put on a great show, recording is great.Super version of Eyes, also Trucking ,Best Live version of "Terrapin" I ever heard. Crowd was very mellow, just there to enjoy the show.

Your Grandparents had a eatery in the Village? That had to have been fun for you. Back when NYC was NYC I am guessing. I used to Beeline to the San Remo after dropping stuff off at my friends place at University and 14Th. Those were days I truly miss................

....or how I've labeled it in my "Live Album" folder under "Grateful Dead". I've only started the listening process, but so far it sounds VERY good. Thank you kind sir for posting a link to these. (Can't thank you for putting them together, you did that for you :-) ) The front and rear cd case covers are VERY nicely done, I will be saving them for future use. I have to decide if I'm gonna burn off a copy and store away or just leave as digital copies. There is a certain part of me that likes "people's" mixes over done shows. It's that "don't know where it's going feeling". I have some other guys "31 days of December collection" which I also like a lot. (think I got another guy's mix stuff also) In any event,,, THANKS!

Most that I've met are self centered people who I wouldn't want to know personally.As Shania says, So you're a Rock Star, BIG DEAL! Very True once you get past the glitter!

Just thought I'd join in on the celeb crap and mention that something special is coming our way in August with the next DaP and I'm resuming my off-topic, won't stop, gonna keep it up, call for .... MORE GREASE!!! Yeah baby...

Thin---your jam compilation CDs---that's right up my alley...in my wheelhouse...in my nitro zone...at my sweet spot...my kinda thang...etc!Imagine if you compiled the absolute best jams from all the CDs you've done onto one or two CDs...the effect would be so ecstatically explosive, it might blow up the heads of listeners "Scanners" style...but what a way to go!

I scored a copy on Amazon, very reasonably priced. Thanks for the heads up..

I was at the Truckin' Up To Buffalo, Downhill from Here, and 30TATS Oxford '88 shows. Also made the 1995 GD calendar, I am in the pic of the taper's section for June. Photo also here (Fig. 1): http://www.dead.net/features/documenting-dead/documenting-dead-taping-d… (I contacted the photographer who confirmed the pic was from Oxford '88.) First one to correctly identify me wins a half pint jar of Grandma's homemade toe jam.

....you're the guy sitting down, lower right corner, white tee shirt....I'll pass on the prize though if I'm correct....

These are much easier than Bolo riddles. I'll go with the guy standing, blonde hair and a small backpack (obviously full of contraband of some sort) :D. Grandma Bach's lemon razzleberry toe jam is famous in these parts..

I am in The Grateful Dead movie (1974), during Uncle John’s Band. It’s a floor level crowd scene and I’m located toward the back of the scene, but I’m head and shoulders taller than everyone else (6’8”) so easy to spot. I met Jerry at the Weir Gallery which was on Solano Avenue in Berkeley in the late 80’s. Jerry showed up because his art work was on display, and I had a chance to shake his hand and exchange pleasantries. He handed me a small pen drawing which I was thrilled to accept.

Yeah, a best of would be good, but it would be too obviously filled with 2/18/71 Beautiful jam, 10/31/71 DP2 "Tighten up Jam", 2/28/69 stuff, 9/3/77 He's Gone>NFA jam, 4/26/72 Jam out of Lovelight, Bird Song 8/27/72 jam, etc. So I wound up creating 25 discs of edits/clips, encompassing almost all years and spread across as may songs as possible. I haven't listened to 'em for years - I should cue them up again... it was almost more about the exercise than listening to them, if that makes any sense...

heh, I had no idea - didn't read back that far. Only released show I was at = 7/7/89 = Crimson White & Indigo. Only ever made it to two shows, so 50% release rate, as Albany '95 is still in the Vault.

It's been exactly one month since I received my shipping notice. Still no sign of delivery. I am comforted that I am not the only one. No doubt Australian deliveries have yet again been shipped to Europe for distribution. Meanwhile, the retail Red Rocks set is now available for sale in downtown Melbourne.

No problem, friend. If I came across too strong, it was the wine talking. Sorry that I misunderstood your post and took it personal. My only point about Busta, was that he was humble and not so full of himself to be above shaking hands with the "common" folk, not that I was ecstatic to have a "celebrity" shake my hand. I don't care about that stuff. I just thought it was quite telling of his character and to his credit as a person, because like most celebs I come across at work, Busta had done been busted lol, yet unlike the dozens of others Ive run across in his situation, he was still real enough to know that those of us in uniform are just people too and no different in essence than him, and I thought that was very cool of him. That's all.

Yeah, it was fun at times. I worked there for many years as a young man. My cousin and I both did. We would get off work about midnight, and take a couple waitresses out for drinks in the village ;) University and 14th, eh? I know the area well, or at least I used to. Incidentally, the whole block on University between 12th and 13th is now a vacant lot with a building under construction. Bowlmor Lanes used to be there. That's where Miss Marlene used to play, and from whence she made her fatal run (Donald Fagen's last album, Sunken Condos). "Miss Marlene, we're still bowling every Saturday night."

Wow. Yes I have all his solo stuff and like that tune a lot. Poor Donald has a matrimonial mess going on as of late. My friend lived on the east side of the street (University) and I think there was a place called Strombolli or served it across the street. I tried sushi the first time at a place a little farther down the block, it didn't work out well! So that was the alley eh? Damn!My last visit was about the time CBGBs was closing. I stopped by for a sniff of the joint one last time! What a pit....haha. It sucks when a whole block gets taken out like that. Big Money Talks! One last remembrance. I was down at the tip of Manhatten one night about 11pm. I was looking at the Statue of Liberty and then turning around to see the WTC towers. God what a sight! Anyway there was this old guy fishing over the railing, but he wasn't moving much. This was at a time when the story of a guy dying on the subway and riding around was in the news.....the 80s. So I walk over to the guy and say, hey there. He doesn't move, so I ask What are you catching? He then turns to me and says. Time away from the old lady! Cracked me up seriously! Happy weekend folks.

....t-minus eight days until Mr. Becker and him sooth my soul....

You're the guy in the middle foreground in the white t shirt, hunched over studying Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. My, you're a handsome devil.

you lucky bastard, you. I am very tempted to get tickets for the SPAC show in July, though I would have to call in sick for it, and I've already been reprimanded this year for calling in sick too much...hmmm.

I caught Fagan and the gang a few weeks ago in CT. Crankin' out Da' Funk for sure!Vguy you are in for a rare treat. Dantian, get on the band wagon while you can. These guys are awesome. 13 folks on stage and they will bring a thing of beauty to your life for sure Rock on

in preparation for the fence installer, I pulled out the town clerk's land survey map of my property and my trusty compass (this city boy used to do some serious backpacking back in the day), and it turns out that I have a good 6-8 feet more than I thought in some areas. Now, how to break the news to the neighbor that those two evergreen trees he planted years ago are actually on my property and need to be moved, hmm.

You just made the decision for me, thank you! I'll be buying tickets tonight. I'll just take my wife to the urgent care center that day, get a doctor's note, and bingo...family medical leave ;) Now, just got to check with the cool neighbors across the street if they want to come, to see how many tickets to get.

First listen to 7/8 today after receiveing first day of release and this show is absolutely amazing. Would be a great single purchase if your not into the whole compilation. Definitely don't need the remote for this show, just press play and sit back and listen. If you do skip forward in the first 20-30 minutes you will be doing yourself a major disservice. Stay Grateful!

First listen to 7/8 today after receiveing first day of release and this show is absolutely amazing. Would be a great single purchase if your not into the whole compilation. Definitely don't need the remote for this show, just press play and sit back and listen. If you do skip forward in the first 20-30 minutes you will be doing yourself a major disservice. Stay Grateful!

You can lock me up and throw away the key...but you can't keep my face from breaking out.

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Daves 9Bringing home the goods today with this one. Jazzy jammy Jangalicious!

Thank you Sixtus (and chastason/deadpieshop) for sharing your compilation mixes. I always look forward to your comments herein, and now I have six more reasons why I do. As a usually “whole show” kind of stickler, Sixtus’ Picks is nudging me to re-cast all the amazing years of Dead we have in a whole new, inclusive light. The edits and transitions you added make listening even more transcendent. Out here in the mountains east of “the west Texiz town of El Paso” the only internet is via a satellite 22,500 miles overhead with a limiting download allowance – I hope you’ll keep the link live for a few days so I can finish grabbing volumes 3-6. Sixtus’ Picks will provide excellent accompaniment for the 12+ hour drive up to Boulder for Dead & Co in early July. As I say every chance I get, many thanks to you and all the other deadhead luminaries for shining the light on these boards. I am probably not the only one who gratefully reads almost daily whilst marveling stupidly. Onward!

I received my Lion's Share print a few days ago and just got around to pulling it out of the tube. It's very nice quality. I am extremely excited about this release. My Funny Valentine? Oh hell yes.

I'm looking forward to the release as well. Promises to be a good one.Although here in the Orlando area, it's hard to listen to any music without distraction today. It's been a couple really really bad days...

Gave this a careful listen at fairly high volume on a very large tube amplified stereo last night. Great show, of course, and it raised the hair on my arm as various licks and stage comments piqued my memories of the actual performance 38 years ago. Not even going to mention the setlist, per se, other than the Jack Straw and Candyman openers have been emblazoned on my mind for 38 years after a raucous day on the Rocks fueled by Purple Dragon. But it's the fluidity of the performance, no missteps, no hesitancy, no botched lyrics that struck me. The "fluidity" is what it is on a good night with that band. What struck us was that the acoustic environment at Red Rocks is such that, as in a studio, the players didn't have to turn up and blast to get their tone and feel their sound, if you will. You can tell by the careful harmonies and each players' poise that they could feel the opportunity to rock without going over a certain line. It is superb musical craftsmanship. Jer repeatedly steps out with an assertive and lyrical solo throughout the show. Bobby's up in the mix, and, contrary to my complaints on the first 3 shows in this box, his slide playing on the Rocks shows (at least 7-7) is quite good and not overpowering. Phil is very much a lyrical participant. Mickey refrains from pounding (not his usual elephants across the roof effect) and Donna is very careful to sing in key and in harmonies with the boys. Billy K holds down the fort with his inimitable kit drumming and Keith constantly pops up with complementary rockin' or melodies to spice it up. All of this is true, of course, until the blow-out finale of 3 rock 'n roll numbers, but that's cool too, sending us home on an upbeat note. Contrast the sonic and musical prowess on 7-7 with 7-1, which is the show they open for Willie's picnic in a stadium, where they turn it up and blast away in fine rocking style. (7-1 is my 3rd favorite show of the five, behind the two Rocks shows.) I found 7-1 rocking, exuberant, sometimes aggressive and loved it! I guess my point is that the Red Rocks environ offered the band a chance to enjoy a bit of musical and sonic craftsmanship and it sounds today, as it did then, that they took advantage of the opportunity to really work their magic. And the saga of the tapes themselves -- that Betty rec'd them, stored them, lost possession of them, were recovered through an auction, intercepted/cleaned up/taken to the GD by Rob Eaton and end up in our hands in pristine form -- not a drop-out or sonic oddity on them ('cept that weird start to 7-3 or 7-5, can't remember which) is just so amazing. Thanks Dave & Co and all involved in preserving the tapes and putting them out at reasonable cost in a nicely designed pkg with cool art work. What a great box!!

I hear ya man.. I've been ignoring the news all day. This stuff brings me down, so unnecessary. Darkness. As to new Garcia release.. bring it on. Its been too long since the last one. ..yes, Hendrix.. what a great box. I need to revisit 7/7 again. I've only given it one spin. We know that's not enough..

Print looks great, arrived Saturday. When I unrolled it I thought it was print #420 haha,,close it was #425, but at first glance looked like 420 haha Did your CD set arrive, you mention "My Funny Valentine" ? I ordered 3 piece bundle, only poster showed up, but I did notice CD release date is later this month your profile pic from DuckTales ? Gotta love LaunchPad , he is hilarious

....sat in with Dead & Company at Bonnaroo! Oh, happy day!!!....

Its good to see Donna in the mix. I was happy to see her on Move Me Brightly too. It seems fitting after all these years and seems appropriate to see her get some well deserved time in the spotlight.

Along with the '78 box set I picked up a few JG solo releases I thought others might be interested in: 1. Up From The Desert - w/ Howard Wales recorded at Boston Symphony Hall 1/26/72 (haven't listened to it yet.) 2. Pacific High Studio/San Francisco - w/ Merl Saunders, Bill Kreutzman, John Kahn 6/2/72. Great instrumental version of 'Imagine'. 3. The System - Legion Of Mary; Lion's Share - San Anselmo, CA 12/28/72. 4. Don't Let Go - the original JGB with Keith & Donna. Orpheum Theatre - SF 5/21/76. Great music! I was fortunate as a teenager to see the original JGB, Legion Of Mary, and Garcia & Saunders all at the Tower Theatre in Upper Darby, PA (always listed as Phla., PA) Only famous person I ever met was JG himself. A true gentleman and all around nice guy.

I am not familiar with "The System" release, but have seen the others for sale. Only heard #4 on your list "Don't Let Go release is so Primo - it's insane - picked up this one when it was released a while back and it still shines. Surprised I did not lose this puppy I finished July 78 box set a few days ago and was hoping that Garcia 73 release would arrive last weekend to keep the good times rolling. I knew something had shipped but it was only poster. No Garcia Live July 1973 arrival, so I settled on Pure Jerry November 1991 with "Brucey" haha

I'm the guy sitting down with the balloon. Yeah, I know- kind of a letdown, huh. LOL I've been working my way through July '78 slowly but surely. Sometimes it's hard for me to shake off the lingering effects of the daily grind and just get into the music. Friday night I effortlessly slipped into disc 2 of Omaha. I'm a big fan of Est>Eyes and this one is very nicely done. I've always loved the part after Bobby's done raving, where it melts a bit. This one is weird and good. And I appreciate the extra effort from Phil as he sticks around and jams with the Devils a bit. Iko was a big surprise, I was expecting NFA. Next stop, Red Rocks. (This is the third time I've banged this out, the last two versions just went *poof*. wtf.)

Ahh.. I recognize you now. An exact match of the pic in the post office down the street. Wanted in many states (aren't we all) for freakish behavior beyond the reproach of acceptable moral conduct. Nothing boring about it, cool pic. ____________ A little peer pressure goes a long way. I gave 7/7 a second listen, this time with headphones. I completely agree with H.Freak. I'm not sure how I let this slide under the radar.. I have listened to it before, so the new toy factor wasn't quite there.. I also think I got sucked into the Estimated>TOO, Estimated>Eyes and Estimated>TOO>Eyes combos and got a little tunnel vision. Right on HendrixFreak for keeping us honest (not to be confused with keeping us straight).

For those who have checked out my Picks, that is excellent and I am so happy to provide a little offering 'outside the box' and perhaps something new. It is also times like these that I am humbled beyond belief to be a part of this group that has so much positivity, love, and good vibes to offer to each other especially in the midst of so much *bad*. I personally have some trouble finding the mind-bandwidth to arrive back into a satisfying mental place knowing there is so much propensity for evil in this world. But, I do always come back and it always includes this particular music, and it helps me to heal and feel ok to know this. I hope we can all find the way. I want all of you to be well, and happy. Sixtus

Music is the healing vibe and we'll need it as our constant companion going forward, no doubt. To each his own, but blues and the blues-based rock 'n roll definitely help us overcome. Right on. As for JimInMD... ha ha! You're paying attention now! Seriously, I thought 7-1 and 7-7 (and 7-8, which I have not heard in 20 years) provided a great contrast in how the band played in different venues -- in this case, a stadium/festival setting and a unique sonic Rocks environ. Raucous rock 'n roll at high volume vs. the craftsmanship possible at lower volumes in more sensitive settings. Both work for me, but inspire different moods. Glad for both. Paz, bros and sis's

Finished my 'two times through' listening. Wow--really liked. Only 7/3 did not grab me much, though last four songs of each disk were good. Rest---fabulous! Loved 7/1 energy, 7/5 and 7/7 concert long goodness, the extra something in 7/8. The long jam out of Estimated on 7/5 reminded me of '74. And the Promised from the same concert is definitive. So much to love. I do not think 7/8 is a Top 30 concert the way some have it, but it is wonderful. And 7/1 fits nicely with 9/3/77 as high-energy, well-played fun concerts (big crowds). Thank you Dave, et al. P.S. Donna's exuberant yelps, screams, wooo's, and the like are perfect for this music. Bob and Jerry are doing the same. Punk had really gotten going, and they were probably emboldened to let the energy out. Plus, cocaine.

I love this box - great high-energy dead. Best money I've spent all year. All shows have great sound and character. Listening to 5/17/77 from the May '77 box today. I have to say, if the house was on fire I'd still grab the '77 box first. But if I had a chance to go back in, I'd grab the '78 box and '73 Winterland boxes next.

A few pages back the boards had discussions on best/favorite song transitions. A few favorites of mine would be: 1. E72 opening night 4/7/72 Wembly Empire Pool, London, England: 'The Other One' > 'El Paso' > 'The Other One' > 'Wharf Rat'. The group mind was on 10 for this one. 2. DaP4 9/24/76 College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA: 'Playing In The Band' > 'Supplication' > 'Playing In The Band'. A new twist on 2 favorites. 3. 30TATS 6/24/85 River Bend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH.: the entire 2nd set; I can honestly say this was 1 of the shows I was most looking forward to hearing and for me it didn't disappoint. 4. Lastly from the ARCHIVE, the entire 2nd set from 6/24/70 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, N.Y.(late show): 'Not Fade Away' > 'Easy Wind' 'Dark Star' > 'Attics of My Life' > 'Dark Star' > 'Sugar Magnolia' > 'Dark Star' 'St Stephen' > 'China Cat Sunflower' > 'I Know You Rider' E1: 'Uncle John's Band' E2: 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' Granted it's not all 1 transition, but it sure feels that way. In your opinion what would you say was the most unusual/oddest transition/pairing?

better grab this too, even if it's in the burning house

....funny you mention that. This weekend, I took a serious re-listen to the 30 Trips San Diego '73 show. I would say the Dark Star -> Big River -> Dark Star -> Eyes -> Dark Star sequence would be considered one of those. Pretty damn sweeeeeeet....they tease Big River HARD for about two minutes before Dark Star ends. Great stuff....

My awful sucky commute was a little brighter this morning when I got behind a Sante Fe with JSTRAW on his license plate. Pulled up beside him stopped on 1A in Revere and told him I loved his plate and was listening to a little 1978 (1st night Red Rocks). In college at UMass, I went to see U2 in Worcester the same night Joan Armitrading played UMass (1986). Got back from U2 to go to the after show and partied with the sound crew and the opening band (The Mighty Lemon Drops). The Mighty Lemon Drops were playing two days later in Providence, again opening for Joan. We went down to see them, arrived in early afternoon and wound up taking the band to Newport and did the Mansion cliff walk. Went to the show that night, gave Joan's Monitor guy who I drank with a couple of nights before my Indiana Jones like hat. Wound up going to NYC to see them play again and hang out with them during Joan's performance. Fun times. A few years later Joan played Great Woods (Tweeter Center) in Mansfield. I had worked as a stage hand first two years it was open, so I knew the backstage phone number, so I called and asked for Mick, Joan's monitor engineer. Reminded him I gave him the hat and he hooked me up with tix for the show. The Might Lemon Drops and Joan Armitrading were definitely different musical acts on same bill. TMLD were more like Echo and the Bunnymen.