• https://www.dead.net/features/road-trips-volume-3-number-1
    Road Trips Volume 3 Number 1

    Oakland, 12/28/79

    The latest installment in our Road Trips series, now entering its third big year (and ninth release overall) is bound to become a favorite. Road Trips Vol. 3, No. 1 is the complete show from December 28, 1979, part of the sparkling run that has already given us the excellent Dick’s Picks: Vol. 5 (from 12/26/79). You’ll recall that these year-end concerts, held at the Oakland Auditorium because Winterland had closed down for good the previous New Year’s Eve, were the first holiday shows featuring new keyboardist Brent Mydland, who joined the band in April 1979.

    The new lineup had been gaining momentum with each passing tour since that spring, and by December was truly hitting its stride. It helped, too, that the band was in the midst of recording their Go To Heaven album, so they were really playing together a lot during this period. This 12/28/79 concert is a blast: a super high-energy rock and roll show that also has its share of spacey jams and exploratory passages. The first set includes standout versions of “Sugaree,” “High Time” (rare enough that it always felt like a treat!) and “The Music Never Stopped,” while the second set opens with the always potent pair of “Alabama Getaway” > “Greatest Story Ever Told,” turns deep and introspective with “Playing in the Band” and “Terrapin,” and then later turns into a non-stop party with “Uncle John’s Band,” “I Need A Miracle,” “Bertha” and Good Lovin’.” If you’re not wiped out after that, the double-encore will waste you—“Casey Jones” and “Saturday Night”!

    The sound on both discs is spectacular (it’s hard to beat great reels as source tapes), and as always the CDs have been mastered to the exacting HDCD spec, because you would accept nothing less. The colorful accompanying booklet contains a number of excellent Jay Blakesberg photos from those Oakland Aud. shows, as well as a typically inspiring essay by the always poetic Dead scribe Steve Silberman.

    So it’s a win-win. A slam-dunk. A no-brainer. For more info on all the goodness packed onto these discs, click here. And when you finally come to your senses and decide that you can longer live another day without Road Trips Vol. 3, No. 1, you can order it here.

    —Blair Jackson

    Track List

    CD 1: Oakland Auditorium Arena, December 28, 1979

    1. SUGAREE
    2. MAMA TRIED>
    3. MEXICALI BLUES
    4. ROW JIMMY
    5. IT’S ALL OVER NOW
    6. HIGH TIME
    7. THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED
    SET 2:
    8. ALABAMA GETAWAY>
    9. GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD

    CD 2: Oakland Auditorium Arena, December 28, 1979

    1. TERRAPIN STATION>
    2. PLAYING IN THE BAND>
    3. RHYTHM DEVILS>
    4. SPACE>
    5. UNCLE JOHN’S BAND>
    6. I NEED A MIRACLE>
    7. BERTHA>
    8. GOOD LOVIN’
    9. CASEY JONES
    10. ONE MORE SATURDAY NIGHT



    15687
254 comments
sort by
Recent
Reset
Items displayed
  • Default Avatar
    italiandeadhead
    15 years ago
    .....well,
    WHAT'S NEXT?
  • stone jack baller
    15 years ago
    Whining Boy Blues
    We're up to 22 pages of whining and worrying when the CD is coming and why it's not always just exactly perfect... Why don't you all take a walk downtown and help out some folks who are not whining, but just worrying about where their kids next meal is coming from.
  • marye
    15 years ago
    pantagruel
    send me the order details (shipping info, order number, your email, etc.) and I'll get a crew on it. That sucks!
user picture

Member for

16 years 2 months

Oakland, 12/28/79

The latest installment in our Road Trips series, now entering its third big year (and ninth release overall) is bound to become a favorite. Road Trips Vol. 3, No. 1 is the complete show from December 28, 1979, part of the sparkling run that has already given us the excellent Dick’s Picks: Vol. 5 (from 12/26/79). You’ll recall that these year-end concerts, held at the Oakland Auditorium because Winterland had closed down for good the previous New Year’s Eve, were the first holiday shows featuring new keyboardist Brent Mydland, who joined the band in April 1979.

The new lineup had been gaining momentum with each passing tour since that spring, and by December was truly hitting its stride. It helped, too, that the band was in the midst of recording their Go To Heaven album, so they were really playing together a lot during this period. This 12/28/79 concert is a blast: a super high-energy rock and roll show that also has its share of spacey jams and exploratory passages. The first set includes standout versions of “Sugaree,” “High Time” (rare enough that it always felt like a treat!) and “The Music Never Stopped,” while the second set opens with the always potent pair of “Alabama Getaway” > “Greatest Story Ever Told,” turns deep and introspective with “Playing in the Band” and “Terrapin,” and then later turns into a non-stop party with “Uncle John’s Band,” “I Need A Miracle,” “Bertha” and Good Lovin’.” If you’re not wiped out after that, the double-encore will waste you—“Casey Jones” and “Saturday Night”!

The sound on both discs is spectacular (it’s hard to beat great reels as source tapes), and as always the CDs have been mastered to the exacting HDCD spec, because you would accept nothing less. The colorful accompanying booklet contains a number of excellent Jay Blakesberg photos from those Oakland Aud. shows, as well as a typically inspiring essay by the always poetic Dead scribe Steve Silberman.

So it’s a win-win. A slam-dunk. A no-brainer. For more info on all the goodness packed onto these discs, click here. And when you finally come to your senses and decide that you can longer live another day without Road Trips Vol. 3, No. 1, you can order it here.

—Blair Jackson

Track List

CD 1: Oakland Auditorium Arena, December 28, 1979

1. SUGAREE
2. MAMA TRIED>
3. MEXICALI BLUES
4. ROW JIMMY
5. IT’S ALL OVER NOW
6. HIGH TIME
7. THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED
SET 2:
8. ALABAMA GETAWAY>
9. GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD

CD 2: Oakland Auditorium Arena, December 28, 1979

1. TERRAPIN STATION>
2. PLAYING IN THE BAND>
3. RHYTHM DEVILS>
4. SPACE>
5. UNCLE JOHN’S BAND>
6. I NEED A MIRACLE>
7. BERTHA>
8. GOOD LOVIN’
9. CASEY JONES
10. ONE MORE SATURDAY NIGHT



Display on homepage featured list
Off

dead comment

user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

... but havent listened to it yet ... Micke Östlund, Växjö, Sweden ------------------------------ My record collection: jazzmicke
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

I only ordered the RT release and just did standard shipping.Ordered on 11/7. Sounds awesome so far. Keep em comin'. Tucson, AZ
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

...well, at least it has taken off. My card was charged today. I'll let y'all know when it lands safely in me (read: my) mailbox. Smiles are starting. Yay. Can't wait... Yes, give it a chance to arrive when they said it would, folks. But, customer service is still sad. Make it better, please.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Got mine yesterday...I did the free shipping bundle w/Jerry. My "ship date" was 11/11, USPS, which really doesn't mean much since that was Veteran's day. Although the fulfillment center-generated label did say 11/11 on it, there was a USPS sticker over it with an 11/16 date -- who knows what that means? Just as I know it's nearly never a 6-day trip from CA to NC via first class mail (subtracting out the Vets Day red herring), I'd also be surprised by a 2-day delivery. I ordered on 10/23 early am, for what it's worth to you folks out there still waiting, and I DID receive the bonus disc. Nothing now left to do but listen, and smile, smile, smile, which is mighty better than fret, fret, fret...or fume, fume, fume. Thanks, marye...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

I ordered both the Jerry Band and RT on the 23rd. Went with the free shipping option. My CC was charged on the 11th and the Jerry Band arrived on Monday, but no RT. I was surprised that it was not shipped together, but it seems that's the way things are these days. So, when it didn't show up yesterday, I called customer service this morning. I was only on hold a few minutes, and the person that answered, Olivia, was courteous and helpful. But, she said she showed that both shows shipped together, which was obviously not the case. She said she would forward to the managment team and get the RT reshipped. I also sent a PM to Marye to hedge my bets. Before today, I had not doubt that I would be fine and get the bonus disc, etc. Now I'm a little antsy. I'm not ready to damn everything yet. If this gets fixed quickly, I'd even be likely to say that my dealings with the new customer service have been good. I guess we will see. I have really had no issues with Rhino. They have been pumping out the releases, and I really enjoy the quality of the packages and shows they are sending out. I have no problems with not getting whole shows, etc. since I can go get the whole show if I really want it. But, I do not like the changes to the website. Not being able to not see prior and current orders stinks. Like I said above, I will really be able to judge where things are based on how this is handled. Fingers crossed.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Has anyone in Australia received their delivery yet?
user picture

Member for

15 years 11 months
Permalink

I ordered it on Oct. 26 with the Winterland '77 and RT V2 #4. Never make that mistake again. Should've placed two separate orders. I called 1-800-CAL-DEAD Sunday, got right through and they said it was in the shipping soon status. Finally charged my credit card yesterday but no confirmation email. Hopefully, it will be here by Thanksgiving.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

I'm sitting here on the night of the 19th without my order. I wish I had spent my time, heart, and money over the last twenty years on a band who had their sheet together.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 3 months
Permalink

Placed an order on the 23rd of October and have yet to receive it and I can't get in touch with anyone at Dead.net or get a response to my emails. Every single one of my past orders has been screwed up in some way. Since I have access to various websites that make available for download all the these releases, should I just download and not bother with this site anymore? It's nice to get hard copies but the price you pay in effort and patience isn't really worth it except for the box sets (which don't arrive in complete). If anyone from Dead.net reads this and would like to help me get the order I placed, that would be greatly appreciated.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

I ordered mine on the 23rd of October as well. I called CAL-DEAD and got through to someone in India. They said my order shipped on the 14th. Still has not arrived yet. What is up with the disorganization over there?
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

I haven't got mine either. Ordered on the 24th. So far I've always got my orders on time and unscathed. But now I feel my luck has run out. It does make me feel a little better that others haven't received theirs yet. So maybe it will come tomorrow. I'm in Virginia. Anyone know whats up?
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

...please help me with the date they said these releases would be shipping. My recollection tells me they mentioned mid-November, but no trace of the release date remains far as I can see. This would indicate the items are arriving on time. But, the customer service and website have taken a definite turn towards the negative in my opinion. I still cannot help but feel like I'm looking a gift horse in the teeth, somehow...I just remember back to my early days of skeevy cassettes, and going down to the post office. But, for my $ they should be making improvements in customer service and the website (order tracking) and soon. Lord knows we could use the jobs here.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

Ordered the first day, have yet to see anything.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 7 months
Permalink

Still waiting, ordered on 24th, card charged 11-14. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad people are getting their orders, even if they ordered well after I did, but it used to be exciting waiting on your CD's. Now it seems to be just stressful. I know I didn't order the first day but damn close. Since my card was charged I'll just wait it out. I used to rant & rave how organized Dead Store was but what a downturn. Half of me wants other releases & the other half doesn't want the hassle. Unfortunately, Dead Heads are quite a captured audience when it comes to new releases. Hope I have a package in my mailbox when I get home. Peace.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

They said they'd be shipping mid-november, right? I guess it's Grateful Dead Merchandising's (whomever *they* are now) fault they didn't leave the info. posted now that now everyone's complaining 'cause they forgot it was a pre-order. Let's not jump the gun folks. But, better communication needed. Someone back me up or refute me on this. Wasn't the release date annouced as mid-Nov.? I wish I has a photograhpic memory now. I know I ordered before All Hallow's Eve, but with the understanding it wouldn't be shipping right away. Anyone?
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Thanks to Marye for helping get some status on mine. I ordered both sets, and her status was that mine shipped on 11/14 (odd for a Saturday), but my card was charged finally on 11/18 and nothing received yet ...
user picture

Member for

15 years 2 months
Permalink

I haven't received mine yet, but I'm unconcerned because if they shipped it the fourteenth, it should be here early next week, so it's not late. Because the mail is heavier at this time of year, it will probably be slower than usual, so it could even be the end of next week. First show: July 4th 1986, Rich Stadium. Last show: July 6th 1995, Riverport Amphitheatre
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

The shipping date given here originally for RT 3.1 was 'by' November 11th. Ordered mine on October 25th and still waiting for it to arrive here in a wet and miserable UK. Worst........service.........ever!
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

was just about to start whining, when, at last, I saw that my Card has been charged yesterday. Living in hope here in France. I know that some copies have arrived in the UK. Why the hell did they drop the order tracking function and the delivery notifications? Are these going to be restored?
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Appears to the be the date that the shipping label is created at the fulfillment center. Based on my experience this time, I don't think that's necessarily the date it leaves the building -- my "ship date" was Nov 11 via USPS...but Veteren's day is a Post Office holiday, so I don't believe that the package went anywhere that day but into the "waiting to be picked up" pile. With an 11/11 ship date, my receipt was 11/18, which (if it had actually shipped that day) is definitely slow-boating it through the postal system, pretty atypical these days for 1st class mail. So don't give up...
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

One really simple things these yahoos ought to do is change the order confirmation email so that it no longer says that you'll be receiving a shipping confirmation email -- that just ain't happening, hasn't been happening for a while, and would be very, very simple to change. That way at least, we're not sitting around wondering why we haven't gotten shipping confirmation. Of course actually generating a shipping confirmation shouldn't be too hard either, but at this point, at least don't be promising something that just isn't going to happen... Near as I can tell, your best indicator that the process is in motion is seeing the charge against your credit card...for most of us, at least.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

Ordered the bundled package (RT v. 3 no. 1 and Let It Rock) for free shipping on 11/11. Received both (including the RT bonus disk) in Virginia on 11/17. No problems. Sounds great.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

As stated in my earlier post, Amazon had a pre-order for the Doors Live in New York. This is a Rhino release. The release date was November 17th. I elected the free shipping (anyone who has experience with free shipping knows how long that can take). Amazon sent my order out on the release date of the 17th. Sent me a email shipping notification and a tracking number. Order arrived the 19th. TWO DAYS LATER! I pre-ordered the Road Trips on October 22nd. Received an order confirmation email which states, “you will receive an email confirmation as soon as your order leaves our warehouse.” So far I have received nothing. No shipping confirmation and no Road Trips. Apparently, first come first serve does not happen with this service. I am hoping that Rhino is using the Doors pre-order as a test. If all goes well they will start using Amazon for all their Pre-orders and fire this miserable company they are using now. Just retain MaryE. She is the only bright spot to the whole ordering experience.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

GDM isn't the only outfit to have problems. I ordered the "new" Gov't Mule cd plus t-shirt deal from mule.net and it was supposed to be sent out a month ago. Still not arrived here in the UK. It would be so much easier if bands sent their goods out by tried and tested outfits such as Amazon.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

I order a significant amount of music online from bands like Govt Mule and others who use "musictoday" as their web seller. Frankly, in all the orders over all the years I don't remember any issue related to shipping, ordering, downloads... anything like that from Musictoday. I think there was one time I didnt' get a ship confirmation on a new release and called them. It had gone out and was at my house when I got home from work. Just a glitch in the email that one time. Grateful Dead Merch USED to be damn near as good. I had a couple small issues but mostly with the music releases I got what I ordered, when I ordered it. Lately, I don't know what to say. I finally got a email back from them last week asking what I wanted to do about the order since one of my items was backordered. I replied immediately that I would just cancel anything that is holding up the RT release. Two days ago I emailed again and said just cut all the rest of the order and send me the music. I'm in full begging mode. No replies. No charge on my card. Can't check the order online. Totally frustrated. I ended up buying the Jerry release at my local record store. If I ever get the one from this order I will have to pass it on as a gift.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

The best I can figure out, the source of all the problems with ordering, payment, shipping, notifications, and all other issues is GlobalWare Solutions. Their website shows Rhino as being one of their clients. The following link has more company information including mailing address, phone numbers and the names of company officers. http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?… Have Fun!!! "When I die bury me deep, put two speakers at my feet, pair of ear phones on my head, and always play The Grateful Dead."
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

mato apparently 'GlobalWare’s award-winning customer service stems from a commitment to a single goal: the end-to-end excellence of our clients’ supply chain management. A recognized leader with locations around the world, GlobalWare delivers state-of-the-art digital and physical solutions that elevate performance and boost the bottom line. From Assembly and Warehousing to Fulfillment and Returns Management, a dogged partner is in your corner.' hmmmm
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years
Permalink

If you want your complaints to be heard, contact someone at Rhino. The higher up, the better. Fed up with the lack of communication and not satisfied with the things Globalwares Solutions was telling me, I reached out to someone at Rhino, who got the issue resolved and quickly. I received my cds earlier this week. If Rhino doesn't know there is a problem, they can't work to fix it.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

But even if Rhino is aware of the situation (which they surely must be), are they in a position to do anything about it. It seems likely that this whole fiasco was imposed on them by Warner Music Group, the evil empire whose dominions include Rhino. I assume that the hopeless GlobalWare Solutions also has responsibilty for "running" the Rhino Store. Does anyone have any experience of the Rhino Store recently? The problem is knowing who best to complain to - GlobalWare solutions (probably don't give a damn as long as they've got the contract), Rhino (possibly not in a position to do anything about it) or WMG (who are not noted for being the most caring of corporations).
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

It seems that the maxims of this incredibly incapable business are: 1. Never answer a customer email 2. Never acknowledge there is a problem so you never have to tell your customers what you are doing to fix it and when it will be fixed. 3. There are no customers worth retaining outside USA 4. Never allow customers to find out what is happening with their order Happy Trails
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

The old maxim would seem apt here: If you're only prepared to pay peanuts, the chances are that you will only get to employ monkeys. However.. It should be obvious to someone that cutting costs has undoubtedly resulted in a reduction in sales, hence less income. Hey Mr. Bean-counter (or Mr. Peanut-counter) - can I have your job. I reckon I could do it better than you.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 1 month
Permalink

Greetings folks, I tend to read the comments but felt like it was time to post. I received my package w/bonus cd(thankfully) last night. My cc was charged two weeks ago. I emailed for an update a few days ago and never received a response. After reading the previous pages I was not expecting a reply but figured I would try. I am lucky that the cds were in the package because the package was never sealed at the shipping center! The plastic strip was still on the jiffy envelope. You can't make this stuff up. It is a miracle that I received both cds and receipt. Those folks at the USPS must be honest people or just not into the Dead all that much. As much as I find this ordering very unfriendly to the customer I really enjoy the music so will continue to keep my fingers crossed that the order goes through and ships with no issues. Being a newer fan I think they should reprint the first box set because this recent '77 one smokes! Jimmy
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

It said they sent it on the 12th but then UPS put a Time Sensitive Material stamp on it dated the 18th. So I don't know what happened there but it got here & you all will get yours too. I think Veterans day might have messed some things up. Good Luck. It would be much less stress on our paranoid fan base as it is if we just have a shipping email and tracker. lataz.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Great show, must admit i wasn't too excited until i listened to the cds.Sound is very good and the performance very impressive. Never had a clue the band was in such fine form at the end of 79. the Playing has a unique theme, inside the jam, the Terrapin jam goes into Jazz mode !! The bonus disk is also excellent, with a nice scarlet/fire/ let it grow. So dear fellows, go for this show!!!! Alex
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

My RT and Jerry discs arrived yesterday in CT, free shipping option. I listened to Jerry disc 1 last night. Nicky Hopkins adds a shimmer to the music that Jerry responds to in true Jerry Fashion. I will get into GD this morning while working out. I have not had any ordering issues so far. I do think that the site should get the customer account operational so that one can track order history, progress, etc. Amazon is a good model. Hats off to all connected with the issues-great sound and selection. Blair-do you know when Jerry site will be back up? The last several issues have referred to the site but when you get there the lights are off and the custodian is snoozing.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

At long last RT 3.1 and Jerry's Let It Rock arrived in today's mail. They are in the player and I have no plans for the next 6 hours or so. The GlobalWare Solutions/Rhino customer service still sucks. I now start thinking about the trials and tribulations that are sure to come with RT 3.2 when they get around to releasing that and any other treats the guys in the vault dig up to tempt our no so sensible thirst for more music. The first disk sounds VERY, VERY good, clear, crispy and oh so sweet. The perfect music to be playing while I burn Hunter's Trix 34 and 35. Gotta keep searchin for the sound. "When I die bury me deep, put two speakers at my feet, pair of ear phones on my head, and always play The Grateful Dead." On the BUS since 12-29-1968.
user picture

Member for

15 years 8 months
Permalink

Thanks for the informative reviews, I love recordings from 78-79, It seemed like those were really Happy shows with alot of creativity happening, during those years. Thanks I'm gonna order them. I have a few of the other Road Trips collections and they sound great in the car, to listen to while driving to the FURTHUR shows ! :)) there are New Furthur dates, allover The USA , check it out ! http://www.Furthur.net play on Liz
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

The era of music represented here is where my own personal journey 'playing with/in the band' at various shows throughout the next decade or so began. The entire band seemed eager to tread some new and unexplored avenues of sonic mayhem and beauty at this time, so... I cannot agree more with what Jerry said in the included liner notes, "we're really in an interesting space right now, starting off a new leg of development." oh yes,..indeed. This set of music is testament to that simple anecdote. This era was the beginning for me, starting in '82...all I can say is yeah man! More of the Brent era PLEASE!!! this is where it all started ...FOR ME> So,,..thanks. This one feels like its for me or anyone who started their venture with the Band around this time. very nice. it takes me back...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years
Permalink

Got it in the mail today! A strange ordering process, but it is here finally. Great to find this website and all of us communicating in Digital Space! Many shows way back when, and I miss it all very much. Getting these Road Trip Disks keeps a smile on my face, and a twinkle in my eye for sure! As to the drama with ordering, I will attempt to call Rhino on Monday and give my 2 cents. So much of this music that we love is available for free, that when we chose to buy it, the process should be as pain free as possible. I talked to a rather confused man on the phone from India who said my order shipped on Monday, yet it did not ship until Thursday with my CC being charged three weeks ago. Strange indeed. All the difficulty aside, it is fantastic to have the boys playing in such great sound quality. I am an old fart and still have tapes I used to trade! Keep the spirt alive people, and it is wonderful to find this community of like minded souls! "May the four winds blow you safely home..." Peace, Thomas
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

I just got this Road Trips Vol. 3 No. 1 release yesterday. Is a real nice show; I have been driving around listening to it and it has made the pre-holiday shopping traffic bearable. Several people have already said it, but 1979 and particularly this end of the year run has some great playing. I am partial to the 11/30/79 and 12/1/79 shows from the Steel City (my home) as there is great playing there too. Another one is 1/10/79, which if I am correct, there is only an audience source for this as there is no SBD in the vault. Nice Dark Star on that show and one of only 2 in that year. Unfortunately, I had my Dick's Pick's 5 & 10 stolen from car a few years back and I always liked those shows. Now that I have this one, I want to repurchase the Dick's Pick's 5 as I would like to have more of the run. Do or do not; there is no try.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

With this my post about this release being done, I do want to touch upon a few things as the current state of things have been bothering me: First and as always, I would like to thank David and Jeffery for their work on this release. I also would to send out a simple acknowledgement to Marye who seems to be single-handedly resolving every problem. I think that the customer service department has been in the toilet for a long while now and if weren’t for Marye, I am not sure how many issues would resolved. At least we still have some one in our corner. I do want to raise another nod to some points that have been made regarding this Road Trips series. Letting the complete show vs. compilation go (which is huge for me), it has become quite clear that that this Road Trip release does have a format. Last time I mentioned this, I got in some hot water, but truth be told, I am not stopping as I think we all need to keep asking for things and for change. So it is clear that the Road Trips series IS only to be 2 disc releases. If a complete show is short enough to fit on two discs, then it has a chance of being released as a Road Trip. Other wise, we are going to get compilations. Whether it is compilations or complete shows, 2 discs are limiting. In terms of compilations, there is lot of stuff that can be left out of a multi-show release because it simply won’t fit on 2 discs. As for complete shows, well how many fit on 2 discs? There are some, but the majority are going to be ones that require 3 discs. Yes, I know there is that bonus disc, if you are lucky enough to get it… Which leads me to this point: These releases should just be 3 discs period and not this order and hopefully you get the bonus disc nonsense. To begin third disc is already being produced, so it is not like asking for anything extra. Second of all, this will help keep the integrity of the music as well providing all us of with guarantee that we will have more to listen to. A third piece is cost: All of the Dick’s Picks that 3 discs are retailing at $21. The last 3 disc complete show to be released, To Terrapin, was the same price as each Road Trip release at $19.98. I know that we are getting box sets and other releases and they have been great, and yes there other ways to get shows. But I am like everyone else in that I will buy releases because they sound great and I don’t mind supporting the band and crew. As the Road Trips series is the primary release vehicle, it is clear that it could use a little tune-up. As a result, I am speaking my mind, again, because Rhino, the powers that be, aliens, or whoever/whatever is in charge of this could stand to do better. I know I am not alone, I may get in trouble again, and I am sure I will get few people whining about my freedom of speech saying “Quit complaining” and “Don’t buy it” and the usual mindless ramblings. So the bottom line is that the customer services need to be heavily upgraded and the Road Trips series should be improved. I am stubborn, tenacious, and I will probably get banned from posting here, but as long as some things get better and I can still order the releases, it will be worth it. Do or do not; there is no try.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Just finished listening to this and it is great. From the very first song the band make their intentions clear - they are gonna rock - and they do just that. A fine choice for release and I'm glad I've got it. Gratefulhan's summary of how things are seems pretty reasonable to me. I think the reason for the RT's being only 2 discs is that only 2 discs will fit in those nasty 2 cent carton sleeves. 3 disc sets would require a better, therefore costlier sleeve. As everything here is currently done as cheaply as possible (or so it seems to me) this seems unlikely to happen - even though it seems utterly absurd that something so trivial as the type of sleeve should determine the format of all releases and preclude the majority of complete shows.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

Thanks for the great jams, I'm still amazed that some are still complaining, remember a few years ago when we were not getting shit? Now, we get good jams all the time. I'm very grateful, keep jamming. Happy holidays to all involved and to all reading this post. Coconut Phil, living Free.
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

ordered on 10/26 If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 1 month
Permalink

Hi, just some Road Trips info for my Ontario, Canada Deadheads. Placed my order on Oct 23, It was shipped on Nov. 12 and rec'd today on Nov 23. Listening to the Bonus Disc as I writeThanks again should be mentioned to MaryE for her wonderful work!
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Permalink

today If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
user picture

Member for

17 years 6 months
Permalink

the tunes are landing where they oughta...