Pick of the Day, with Discussion

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April 6, 2020 - 9:47am

8,100 replies

marye

Joined:
May 26, 2007

Bolo24 says: An Idea, Perhaps? Since we're all going to have a fair amount of spare time on our hands for the foreseeable future, what about starting another thread where we all listen to the same show/release on a given day and then share impressions afterward? Folks can submit suggestions and one person (not me) picks what we'll all listen to - call it Deadnet Picks or something. Anyway, if this idea is deemed to have merit, I'd suggest one of the loyal regular posters take the lead and do the picking - y'all can decide who. Might be fun. If it does go forward, I nominate Dick's Picks 18 for the first listen. Been talked about here lately, and, had it been a single show rather than a compilation, we'd probably be talking about it in the same conversation as Cornell, Veneta, etc. Or perhaps even Gainesville?? Stay safe and healthy, friends - this planet needs as many Deadheads as possible.

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February 24, 2023 - 6:38pm

#1291

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

1970-02-23

You cats are already on to 1973. I'm still savoring the gentle respite in the oasis of Austin.

Death don't have no mercy, but there's always time for lunch.
Thanks for reminding me of LL. I need to see if I can get reinstated over there.

Grateful Dead Live at The Auditorium, Austin, Tejas on 1970-02-23
Harpur College was another of my heavy, heavy rotation tapes back in the day, along with the 2/18/71 Capitol Theater show I've already mentioned numerous times. Both were massive inspirations. For what seems in hindsight like a fairly significant period of time, if it wasn't one of those, it was Reckoning.

I Know You Rider: Lovin' the energy and grit of this Rider. It's almost angst.

High Time: This is a song! It's a pretty weird song, too, and after attempting it several times, myself, I must say it isn't surprising it wasn't played often. Damn, it's hard to sing. I submitted a completely deconstructed version of this for the February Dead Covers Project a few years back. I made a point of not revisiting to the original before recording, just going off memory and some notes left in an old binder of songs. I'm sure the ever-growing defenders of canon were thinking, "You ain't doin' it right if you ain't readin' it off a teleprompter." It was an "interpretation". Lol.

Dire Wolf: What a lyric. An electric version, no less. Pretty mellow electric set, almost acoustic.

Yellow Dog Joke… ah… well way to go for completely screwing up the joke, Bobby… actually, I'm not sure I've ever heard him make it all the way to the punch line. We should all heed Jerry's advice and "Don't encourage him." Everything was so light and positive in these days. Phil could be a bit surly, as we've already heard in this tape.

Monkey and the Engineer: This was a standard in my old folk-rock duo. My partner played it and I just followed along. I'd have to start from scratch to figure out how to play it again. Such good stories in these tunes.

Little Sadie: Nice. This wasn't on the Harpur College tape or Reckoning. Another dark story. I don't see how they could possibly be breaking strings playing such gentle music.

Me and My Uncle: I don't recall hearing an acoustic version. It's a great song and works in any format. At this point everyone hadn't already heard it a million times. Imagine that!

Black Peter: One of my favourite tunes ever. Doesn't get much darker than a song from the point of view of a death bed. Started doing this one myself occasionally a few years ago, but I always need a cheat sheet for the bridge. Nothing repeats. There are some interesting mnemonic connections between the chords and the words that help. Just have to sit down and do my homework. Ahh… yeah, Pig sittin' in nicely on the organ. This song needs a really delicate hand, but the organ adds a nice little gospel flavour. If only Pig coulda added just a touch more flair to his playing to fill in some lines before Jerry takes his solo. Pig's got the tone.

Seasons of the Heart: Never heard this before. Great pick! Thanks.

Uncle Johns: Have heard this one a few times. 😉

Not Fade Away: I'm gonna call the union! The Galactic Rock'n'Roll Union! That needs to be a band name, or a song, or something! Crazy to think this tune was in their set their entire career. Some good ol' primal energy here. Jerry's "wild" tone. He must've had the amplifier turned WAY up, cause it sounds like he's not in the mix at all. His guitar is just being picked up by a vocal mic, or something. Basically, no drums, either. I can't keep track of which guitars he was playing in the early years. He seemed to play whatever was available after giving up the Starfire. Sounds kind of like a Stratocaster, The Graham Nash Strat, perhaps? Alligator did not come on the scene until later, if I recall correctly. This tone has even more of a stereotypical Stratocaster sound than Alligator, which retained very little Fender electronics by the time it gets heard on Europe '72. Anyone? Oh, cool call and response with Pig. TC has already left at this point? I need to get my timelines straight. Bobby diggin' in with some soulfully aggressive singing, rather than simply aggressive.

Mason's Children: I can't recall ever hearing this, either. The name comes up often, but it's not on anything I've listened to regularly. Again, thanks for this pick! As you say, not exactly high-energy stuff, but some very rare pieces here. Always appreciate the chance to learn something new about this fascinating family.
February 24, 2023 - 8:28am

#1292

Forensicdoceleven

Joined:
June 17, 2008

Chances are that the universe neither treasures nor regrets us

Rockers!

Lunch time. Death takes a breather. We're in the land of the living, gotta eat lunch.

The "new, fixed" 2/17/73 was up at Lossless Legs first thing this morning. So, it sometimes pays dividends to get up early............

So, one can get it there, or I can supply it to anybody who needs/wants..............

The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own......

Rock on,

Doc
It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure......
February 24, 2023 - 6:09am

#1293

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

2/17/73

Hey Doc,

Where is the new Miller for this show? I see a 2020 transfer from Miller on the archive as of this morning, and this one has issues.
February 24, 2023 - 1:16am

#1294

Forensicdoceleven

Joined:
June 17, 2008

I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota......

Mornin', rockers!!!

For all you completists out there----as well as Row Jimmy fans----the talented Mr Miller just put out a "fixed" version of the fine St Paul show from February 17, 1973. Would make up part of a nice box set from early 1973----2/9, 15, 17, 19............

Ah well, one can dream..............

Rock on, happy Friday!

Doc
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before........
February 23, 2023 - 1:20am

#1295

Forensicdoceleven

Joined:
June 17, 2008

Music is the best means we have of digesting time......

ROCKTHING.............

Check your PMs...........

Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend........

Rock on,

Doc
I frequently hear music in the very heart of noise.......
February 23, 2023 - 1:10am

#1296

Forensicdoceleven

Joined:
June 17, 2008

I have just got a new theory of eternity…...

Hey rockers!!!

Pick Of The Day: Austin, Texas February 23, 1970

I reluctantly discussed this at the end of last year. Here I am again. It appears that I’m stuck in a time warp. The galactic rock and roll union. I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious…..

It appears that the currently circulated recording of this show is the only surviving audio document from the Dead’s four show excursion through Texas in February 1970. It’s tough coming right after the wonderful, brilliant Fillmore West/Fillmore East shows earlier that month, and perhaps it’s not unexpected that the intensity level might come down a bit. That being said, this is still interesting, enjoyable, and worthy…..

The band is in 1970 electric/acoustic/electric mode. The circulating recording appears to be missing part of the first electric set, coming in during Know You Rider. For fans of acoustic Dead, this set is nice---Monkey And The Engineer-Little Sadie-Me And My Uncle-Black Peter-Seasons Of My Heart-Uncle John's Band. The festivities are completed with a jammy NFA and Mason’s Children.

The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind. I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity……

Did Bear travel to Texas, and did he record? Banana boxes, reveal thy mysteries…..

Rock on,

Doc
Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods……
February 22, 2023 - 7:47pm

#1297

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

5/19/74 > 2/22/69

>daverock>

The vocal dropouts are not evident in the audience tape, so that must have happened on the way to the board tape.

That said, the recording is slightly overpowered by Jerry and Bob's guitars from the taper's vantage point, but a little time with a simple Equalizer was enough to bring more Phil and better presence to the vocals. I do recall a few lyric flubs with the new material, but in the overall mix it didn't really jump out at me. Probably much more obvious in the official release/soundboard recording.

2/22/69>
Oh, my. I can see this is gonna send me on a primal quest. I have all these fall '69 and fall '68 shows that I've never listened to, but I don't have much from the spring of those years. I love this gentle psychedelia. It's really these delicate type of sounds that really trigger the senses. I'm only up to Dark Star at this point, but what a beautiful way to start a show.... oops, "The transitive diamonds?" Haha. I'd probably have trouble remembering my name if I were there, so whatever.

It's such a shame that we're restricted to streaming this show. Imho, if the official release isn't so significantly better sounding than one of these circulating boards that it isn't a no-brainer to buy it, then what's with the classism, eh? I know the boys need a retirement plan... but... --mini rant off--
February 22, 2023 - 10:30am

#1298

daverock

Joined:
September 1, 2014

5/19/74

Rockthing - good notes on this show - cheers! I'm going through it very slowly, but it's the L.P. I am listening to. Although it has the famous vocal drop outs, the sound and balance of the instruments sounds fine throughout to me. I have just played the side with Loose Lucy and Money Money on. A short side. The lyrics are a bit naff on both of them - but I like the music, and they were both played so rarely that when they do crop up, it's a welcome surprise to me.
I presume the version you have listened to has the earlier vocal dropouts too.
February 22, 2023 - 3:51am

#1299

rockthing

Joined:
August 2, 2020

5/19/74 (Part II)

Wrote these notes on Monday morning while drinking my coffee and getting ready to do some work from home. After a while I was mostly distracted by the show.

I'll get to that Feb. 22 '69 show if I can, but I don't have that one handy. Hafta stream it.

The ETree identifier of this source is 115876, btw. I don't have the box set, so these are my first impressions.

It Must Have Been The Roses: Ok. /Now/ I'm awake. Possible tape change? There is suddenly a big improvement in sound quality for this hauntingly sensitive rendition. Jerry's voice is now clear above the guitars. Everything, save Phil, is suddenly much clearer and the sound field feels wider. Up to this point the tape had sounded like the tape the biker is listening to at the beginning of the Dead Movie. Nice harmony work during the refrain, blended well in the house mix.

Loose Lucy: Gettin' in the funk. Jerry's just perfectly behind the beat to make it nice and nasty. If the syncopation isn't just right, this tune can completely lose all form really quickly. Loose Lucy must be a pretty new song at this point. I have no idea when this tune debuted. They didn't do this in concert much, as far as I know. I was lucky enough to see'em do it once, but the performance I saw was almost unrecognizable. Something was wrong with the timing, so it sounded all backwards. I was embarrassed to not even recognize it until Jerry started singing. This is a nice treat.

I Know You Rider? Something seems to be wrong here. The info text says Money Money should be next followed by China/Rider, but we're just dropped into IKYR. Looks like some minor surgery might be needed on the meta data.

Money Money: Ok. Someone's just mislabelled these files. Man, this has always been one of my least favourite songs in the Dead's catalogue. I rarely skip songs on albums, but being the album closer on Mars Hotel makes it easy. I don't think I've ever heard a live version of it, so this is kind of a treat, in its own sort of way. Having not heard it in such a long time, I guess it's not such a bad song. The negativity of the lyric just sems to strike such a contrast to most of the other stuff in the repertoire. John Lennon, for example, has a lot of negativity in his lyrics, but when I listen to him, I expect that.

China Rider: Yeah. They're keepin' that funky groove going that was working so well during Loose Lucy. The transition jam seems to go almost immediately to an I Know You Rider feel. The guitar tone is very unusual here. It almost sounds like Bobby's Gibson 335 tone. He's playing lots of double-stops, where he plays two notes at a time even while soloing… wait… maybe that /was/ Bobby!? Some very cool interplay between Bobby and Phil before a guitar sound that is unmistakably Jerry joins in just ahead of the trademark unison bit before I Know You Rider. What is now clearly Jerry's tone keeps it going after the unison part, and now there's a Feelin' Groovy jam. I can almost see the smiling faces and twirling homemade sun dresses with flowers in the hair right now. Big, big ovation from the crowd as they settle into the Rider vamp before going into the first verse. They know what they've just heard. That was sweet, breezy, and smooth as can be. I'm guessing Jerry had some sort of equipment or other issue causing him to stop playing for a bit at the beginning of the transition. Oh, yeah, Jer, dig into that "On a north bound train" line. This and the out-of-place IKYR are going to get merged into one track when I get a chance.

Set II:
Promised Land: Yeah. Everybody's definitely up off their blankets now.

Bertha: Got a little "Yee Haw" from someone nearby for "All night pouring, but not a drop on me." It's quite amazing how inobtrusive the audience is, considering this was recorded with a handheld mic by someone just hanging out in crowd.

Greatest Story: Nice wah wah Jerry licks. Jerry's wah is so bubbly and has a rich swell, like the sound of a wave on the ocean. Using the rocking motion of the foot pedal definitely puts the player physically off balance, so I can understand why he seemed to abandon it later in favor of the Mutron "auto-wah" tone filter. Sounds so good here, though. Jerry's volume sounds cranked, though, totally drowning everything out. I ain't complaining. Oh, yeah. A little jam in GSET? They seem to have gone into something altogether different. I'm not sure if this is a set piece, but it feels unfamiliar to me. I know that I've heard occasional jams in Greatest Story, but they seem rare. This is definitely no longer the Greatest Story chord progression, but I don't know what it is, and then Wamp, Wamp-Wamp, right back into it. Now I'm gonna hafta start checking out Spring 1974 Greatest Stories. That was hot and adventurous, like maybe something went wrong and they fought through it… but maybe there was just a jam in this song back then.

Ship of Fools: Giving the manic dancers their first break of the second set. The taper is stopping the tape between songs, though, so who knows how long they spent tuning in between. Very nice harmony work from Bobby and Donna.

Weather Report: Seems a bit tentative in the earlier segments, but the Let It Grow jam is developing interestingly. The whole band just seems sort of in a gentle mood this night. Everything is soft and malleable, and most of all, creative, when they go off into improvised sections. The straight tunes are tight and, well, straightforward, but I'm hearing all sorts of novel ideas coming through during the instrumental segments. There seems to be a completely different confidence at work during this jazzy work out. You can hear Billy getting back to his swing roots and playing off Keith. This is fantastic. Such subtle interplay. Normally when I hear the full suite performed I wonder why they didn't continue to use the first parts, but in this case I didn't feel that way.

Peggy-O: Jerry's picking is quite aggressive, and his tone is very chimey, even behind his vocal. Relaxed tempo, even by Peggy-O standards. In this recording it sounds almost like Billy and Jerry doing a duet, but Keith adds some accents here and there.

??: What is this? A playful little jam and some quiet noodling where the audience's shouts and requests become more prominent. Bobby announces technical difficulties.

Truckin': Nice buildup, but not the major bomb drop I'm used to, and from there things start to get really weird. It's not spacy weird, just, "Whoa, what the heck is this?" weird. Some of the early 70s Truckin's could get totally abstract, so this is just the way they rolled back then. Great stuff. Gettin' that funky groove goin' from the first set again, even as the changes take on some jazzy influences. Bobby is very clear in the mix, and my oh, my it's gettin' Weir'ed. Jerry busts in with a burst of guitar feedback which seems to shock everyone for a moment, but they're still groovin'. This is the gold I look for in any show. It's funny because Mind Left Body actually sounds a lot like Loose Lucy. Billy and Phil getting' into a little funky-drummer exchange. Finally Phil breaks through in the mix with some space for him to hit that Bootsy one. In the info text "Jam" and "Mind Left Body Jam" had been listed separately, but they're actually all included in the Truckin' track, which is my preference. Cousinit made a real mess of this file set, but I can fix it. Rarely are there such glaring mistakes on the Archive, but this one has definitely been put together somewhat carelessly.

NFA: This interesting because I've been listening to a lot of Alligator era NFA's or Bean era NFA's, and that gives a nice context to compare to this Wolf tone… of course, there is a LOT of recording tech affecting the sound here, but even though there's a nice honk, everything seems so nice and round and gently muted. Hey. What's this breakdown in NFA. Pretty sure I've never heard that before… and GTRFB. THAT, was an interesting transition.

GTRFB: Nothing to worry about here. The old standby. Billy's hi-hat figure during the breakdown is, again, getting really funky with a swinging 16th note feel, or something. Very cool.

US Blues: Mars Hotel weighted setlist. What month did that come out? Good, tight version.

Johnny B. Goode: Full colosseum clap along for a high energy reading that does justice to the Check Berry original. Sometimes this can get a bit too languid. This one is rockin' hard.

On repeated listen, I've messed with the EQ some. First of all I bumped up the EQ preamp level, I dunno, about 10db, I guess. I then added a further 12db of 64Hz, and 125Hz on the 10 band EQ to bring Phil nicely into the mix, but also lowered almost everything else about 6db on frequencies that had been flat to make the bass frequency differential greater. The bass still isn't terribly defined, but it at least brings Phil into play. He was completely inaudible without EQ. Got just a touch more vocal by giving the 1KHz and 2KHz about 1db. The tape has a sort of nostalgic cheap car speaker sound, so I actually wanna preserve a bit of that… not that I could really get rid of it. There's quite a nice venue ambiance, especially when there is more space in the arrangements, like during the Mind Left Body Jam.

The vocal drop-outs others have mentioned were not audible to the audience.
February 22, 2023 - 3:28am

#1300

daverock

Joined:
September 1, 2014

2/22/69

That is a great show. According to the cd notes it was recorded, along with shows in late January and the Feb-March shows, for possible inclusion on Live Dead. It probably won't happen - the song lists are obviously very similar, but it would make a great box set to release all the shows recorded.
The shows from 1967-1971 inclusive are the main ones for me in 30 Trips.

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Currently Listening To...

Bolo24 says: An Idea, Perhaps? Since we're all going to have a fair amount of spare time on our hands for the foreseeable future, what about starting another thread where we all listen to the same show/release on a given day and then share impressions afterward? Folks can submit suggestions and one person (not me) picks what we'll all listen to - call it Deadnet Picks or something. Anyway, if this idea is deemed to have merit, I'd suggest one of the loyal regular posters take the lead and do the picking - y'all can decide who. Might be fun. If it does go forward, I nominate Dick's Picks 18 for the first listen. Been talked about here lately, and, had it been a single show rather than a compilation, we'd probably be talking about it in the same conversation as Cornell, Veneta, etc. Or perhaps even Gainesville?? Stay safe and healthy, friends - this planet needs as many Deadheads as possible.

3/28/90

I wanted to fit this in.. but couldn't. Still, I had a recent listen to this. It's one of my favorite Spring 90 shows for no other reason that it scratches an itch, it appeals to me. The beginning of the second set sparkles and has a great flow to it from one song to the next:

Foolish Heart
Looks Like Rain
Cumberland Blues
The Weight
Hey Pocky Way

In addition to a thundering Other One, second set those songs that beginning sequence shines.

- Foolish Heart has a great flow, one of the better versions they did
- Looks Like Rain (used on Without A Net), love the special affects (Mickey??) tosses in.
- Cumberland Blues (it's got a Cumberland, and a smoking one at that)
- The Weight (A great version and the first performed. It's a clean board and you can still hear the NY crowd go nuts as they knew this was a special breakout. A goosebump moment and it comes through on these recordings)

A great show. I still plan to fit this in and revisit it. I think it was OB commenting something to the fact that 3/29 gets all the hype and rightfully so, but it might not be the strongest show in the run. That might be true. Irregardless, if you take a step back and look at the whole three show run there's a wholeness to the sequence. It's a tentpole stop in the spring tour that does a great job of holding the whole thing and poking it up through the clouds. Truly a great moment in Grateful Dead history and powerful run of shows.

Ok.. rant over. Back to your regularly scheduled Looks Like Rain > Cumberland and spare changing on the corner for gas and beer money. (don't even think about reaching for proudfoots catalytic converter.. we know who you are!)

Coming around, in a circle

Yasss that whole 90 Nassau run is top shelf where mama hides the cookies!
I concur, the 28th has a great set list and great flow! The Cutler mix is awesome, if I had more time I’d do a Box release comparison at home, hell maybe I will this WE? But after our awesome enjoyment of the 30th, I’m thinking that one’s the big dog of the run, big set lists and guests aside? But that may of been the moment? Really their all so good who cares lol.
I was able to hit the first set of 5/15/81 again and that’s another great run: 5/15, 16, 17/81. Will hit the first half of the second set, then hopefully some of 4/3/82?

I’ve recently hit the Greek run, so may have to pass or delay? But DV you MUST check out this run if you love 82 and haven’t yet done so!! To me all 3 were really good but seemed to progress each night Culminating on the last night which I think is the 23rd? Chever, go for it, you’ll be happy : )
I would like to hit the Providence show sometime soon as I’ve only heard the second that I had a tape of. I didn’t have a huge tape collection so if I have a tape, it must of been a good show? That and the majority of the 5th that didn’t get on Road Trips are the only parts of this tour I’ve not heard, yet. Perhaps we slip em in next week?

Someday I’ll get time to properly rehit 42 but my listening has been spotty lately.
Still have a couple fall 73s, some more Nitecats, a couple 92 Dark Stars, and more on the to do list!
Perhaps next week Doc will give us another primal history lesson? But this WE I’d like to enjoy some official releases stuff on real stereo, hopefully?
Awright, snowing up here in the high country so time to get things warmed up with some hot Dead!

Louisville 74

Hot here today.. Louisville 74 was on my water device so I hit that while we did the river. The Eyes of the World saw me safely through the steep part. Summer has arrived.. I guess it's safe to put away my skis.

Ha, Lou vul

I just happen to put that on, the only Dead thing in the middle of a 90 binge I’ve listened to this WE, Cept now a couple choice sides of grease and the Dark Star etc from 5/7/72. Haven’t been hitting full E72 shows but have sporadically, in order, been working through all the Dark Star discs. Man this one’s a beast!

Hopefully radio silence means DV is in thanksgiving like comatose after gorging on 82 Greek!

Death Don't Have No Mercy (part 3)

First my Mom in 2003, next my big brother in 2018.

Now, my Dad a few hours ago. A couple weeks shy of his 101st birthday.

He was:
> a child of the Great Depression
> a WWII veteran
> a captain of industry
> a kind, brilliant, generous and compassionate human being

He was my Dad. And my best friend.

May the four winds blow you safely home. You were the best person I've ever known.

Bolo sorry for your loss

Bolo, I'm sorry for the loss of your father, losing a parent or any family member is really rough. Hopefully the passage of time will make things better for you.

I will show you fear in a handful of dust…………….

Hey rockers!!

Pick of the day: Big Rock Pow Wow, May 23-24, 1969

Two complete 1969 shows, officially released way back in November of 2010. What’s not to like about that?!!!

As one astute critic noted, time constraints forced the band to alter its plan of attack, yet this is still a delightful romp through the Grateful Dead's early songbook. Couldn’t have said it better myself……..

Although, I might add, has this been sitting on your shelf all these years, gathering dust? For shame!

The soul, which is spirit, can not dwell in dust; it is carried along to dwell in the blood……

Rock on!!

Doc
He ate and drank the precious Words,
his Spirit grew robust;
He knew no more that he was poor,
nor that his frame was Dust.

Hang In Bolo / Big Rock Pow Wow

Hang in there Bolo.. sounds like he lived a full life and made a difference.

Big Rock Pow Wow has been in rotation since it was released. Not sure why.. it just speaks to me. Might hit it today.

I learned something new this year, the GD's He Was a Friend of Mine has been mislabeled all these years. I always thought it was an odd take on the folk song with the same name Dylan, Dave Van Ronk, the Byrds, etc. covered. Not sure why, it had different lyrics and a different arrangement.. It appears it's really a portion of a Mark Spoelstra song "Just A Hand To Hold" I don't think I'm the only one, I recall Dantian bringing this up almost a decade ago (remember him?). He referenced the Village folkie Dave Van Ronk in a similar setting.

Onward.. hope you all have a great day and a great beginning to the week.

Bolo

So sorry for your loss Bolo. Losing a loved one is never easy. Certainly sounds like a rich meaningful life. All the best to you and your family.

Condolences To Bolo

We honor them by being the continuation of their conscience and spirit.
We are not the same but we are of them.
101 is awesome. Not many WWII vets left now. Lost mine in 2000.
Playing a He's Gone for all of them today.
Best wishes

Bolo

so sorry for your loss, I wish I had some tidbit of wisdom to offer but all I can say is time will take away the pain and your memories that you made together will make you smile.

Senior Bolo

Condolences from our family to you and yours.
Sounds like he lived a long full life, hopefully he had a good passing.
We lost Mom in 2016 and Pop in 2020, still so surreal.
What I wouldn’t do just for a phone call : (

May the four winds blow him safely home!!

Hang in there Bolo

May the memories and smiles begin to crowd out the tears soon. Here's to Daddy Bolo – his was an amazing generation. Sometimes I think my parents are gone, but it's comforting how often you realize they're there when you need them, looking over your shoulder. Onward.

Bolo

So sorry hear of your father's passing. Such a difficult thing ro deal with. Condolences from our family to yours. bc.

5/23&24/69

I strolled down Pow Wow lane yesterday. 5/24 has a Friend of Mine and Death Don't Have no Mercy. Timely pick.

I love the intro.. the MC is filling in some space while Ramrod is fixing the organ and suggests people should sit down so the folks in the rear can see. They boys aren't having any of that.. starting with Pigpen, Don't Sit, Stand Up..Don't be programming it baby, lets just get it on.. Then Bobby.. this one in the key of E-nough.. Some talk about the lights, put the lights on the people.. Jerry chimes in, it's incredible man.. you can stand up here and direct the whole ship.. come on.. let's play, and off they go.

Any interest in doing the 50th of 5/24/72 today? An off the radar show that has some high moments.

5/24/72

I'm down. Not one I can recite the setlist by heart, so I'll go without looking at it. I should be able to hit it at sufficient volume too which ought to be nice. :-) Thanks Jim. Jeff

BC

You can't blame gravity for falling in love............

Hello my fellow rockers..........

LOVE 5/24/72!!! Listened on my commute this morning...........

In fact, love that whole four show run. But maybe it's just me..................

Rock on,

Doc
True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about and few have seen...........

5/24/72

Yes to this show Jim. I was going to suggest 5/26/72 also this week, but let's get 5/24/72 going now.

5/24/72

Listening to 5/24/72, this is really one of those shows that just feels like friends hanging out and jamming more than a show. And I certainly mean that in the best way possible. Just the energy bouncing off of every member in perfect harmony. It is a very personal sounding show and one that I will be listening to again!

so.. 5/26 tomorrow?

Enjoyed 5/24.

An embarrassment of riches? Na.. just good ole GD. In recent years I have been enjoying the 'lesser' shows from this tour as much as the monsters. Lille, Munich, 5/24 Lyceum, Aarhus, Concertgebouw.. they all have their own story to tell. As for 5/24 the China Cat > PITB is special as is the latter part of the second set. The country songs shine on this tour as well. Listening to this tour from start to finish when the steamer trunk arrived completely changed my enthusiasm level for the band. So consistently good.

Anyway.. enough blabber from me. Anything on tap for today? Any inspiration?

5/24/72

I didn't catch the WRS Prelude in the first set despite the ample volume. I'll have to pay closer attention next time. :-P

Music fills the infinite between two souls..........

Jim, here is today's inspiration:

London May 25 1972

Besides the "standard repertoire"---which is indeed tasty---we get the jammy, "no-rap", final Pigpen Good Lovin' and the quirkily convoluted Uncle John's Band/Wharf Rat/Dark Star/Sugar Magnolia second set jam sequence.

Be bold, unleash infinity!!!

Rock on,

Doc
If you look deep enough you will see music; the heart of nature being everywhere music.........

Too Funny...

Up early and drinking some strong Kenyan.. with nothing on my listening plate I started 5/25. Just finished Good Lovin'. A strong show and good choice.

Thanks Doc.. might as well hit a few of these this year. Seems just about right.

Might as Well

Might as well hit the final three of the tour. I might need some additional time to get to these three in. They are all such high level shows.

Yep

In it for a penny..... In it for a pound.

Take your time and enjoy the ride.

Thank you

For the kind words. Y'all are some nice folks.

My 100 year old father's last words: "I'm Goood!" Passed away 10 minutes later.

Nice pump fake, Dad. An OG prankster - runs in the family, I guess.

I can relate

Bolo

It has been three years since my father said his farewell. Best man I ever knew. My mother sat with him and asked him to smile. He smiled and died.

"Nothing left to do but smile smile smile."

Good vibes sent your way. "stayed a little while and then flew off."

Take good care

Tim

And do you accept the idea that there is no explanation?

Good morning, fellow rockers!

May 26 1972. The last classic show with all the original band members.

Needs no explanation.

An explanation of cause is not a justification by reason...........

See you in June,

Doc
There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms...............

Re: The last classic show with all the original band members...

Obvious, but I never looked at this show this way before. So glad it was tossed out today. It's a classic, one of my favorites but it's so obvious I actually don't listen to it all that much these days.

I had a personal and special moment my sophomore year in college listening to what existed of this on Vinyl in my room late one night. I didn't have all that much GD back then.. perhaps 40 or 50 tapes of various quality, this was before the influx of soundboards that would come later that year (Cornell, Betty Boards, etc.) I still get goosebumps when I listen to this Morning Dew. It sparks a real moment of personal reflection and inward thinking..

A powerful piece of music that I really enjoy. Wowwow stuff.

E72

5/24/72 is a great show, what is not to like. Still working my through 5/25 and love that first set Big Boss Man, China Rider, Me and Bobby McGee. How about that Brokedown Palace? Fantastic. I will keep it rolling. Hope you are all enjoying it.

Oroboros!

Holy crap, long time no see old top!
It’s unfortunate that such a sad thing brought you outta the woodwork, but glad you did!
Hope you’ve been well my good twin ; ) Great story, per usual, thanks for sharing the smile that made me smile!

Bolo, that’s priceless, last words: I’m good! We should all be so lucky!
Hang in there amigo, got an empty cup, only love can Phil!
If you get confused…

seeing double

Oroboros and Oroborous.

like a Full lunar eclipse from Muley Pt.

Strider?

speaking of brothers - you out there in the mountains of southern NM?

Lyceum '72

streamed available sbds of 5/24 and 5/25 past couple of days. been a long while. really fun listening to Keith's playing in those mixes. everything on the Europe tour is a joy to listen to.

Lyceum Marathon

I was able to fit in all three shows, actually I hit the first a couple weeks ago. I have to say.. the 26th is my favorite of the bunch. I don't listen to it that often but it's long, consistently good and practically perfect in every way. They really are all excellent.. the boys were on.

The highlights are many, but the pure gold is in the beginning of the second set. The balance between the thunderous Other One, spacey interlude and delicate Morning Dew is stunning. In and out, tug and pull, ebb and flow, tension and release.. It gets me every time, especially Jerry's soulful and expressive Morning Dew.

So glad you guys kept this run in our focus..

I think we have a little time while a few ketchup.. I might hit 5/25/77 Richmond since it came up on the Dave's Picks thread. I almost never listen to that one also. Anyone else have anything off the beaten path on the horizon?

Holy cow.. it's a holiday weekend already! Enjoy all..

Jim - off the beaten path you say?

5/25/95 second night Seattle. No sbd, but you can listen to a pull by the man himself Charlie Miller. it's all really really good. gorgeous night. jerry's solo during foolish heart was so very liquid silver and beautiful. and i suggest paying special attention to the D > S > Wheel. For extra credit pick up the sbd source from gd hour of beginning of Set II previous night. I was on the rail whole show. Want To Tell > Estimated . . . . And like ProudFoot said night 3 was a big time dreamy affair with a massive jammed out Scarlet > Fire.

oh call me crazy but i really really like Samba In The Rain. Saw the second one played in Seattle '94 and it had a swing that i really dug. Lyrics by poet etraordinaire Robert Hunter. If I remember correctly Jerry, Bob, and Phil(!) all singing harmony on the chorus and it was great. So it was sweet and just fine to hear it again in '95. and another thing from those '95 shows is just how "fat" and "other" Bobby's guitar sounds. I loved that.

5-25-77

Recently finished listening to this on vinyl. Excellent recording and a solid show. The Lazy Lightning/Supplication really caught my attention. Overall though nothing that just blew me away.
Noticed that an outfit called Brookvale Records out of NY had been doing Dick's Picks vinyl but their website's last listing was DiP 8. Are they still doing those? The site was rather empty. Only 2000 in each issue. Has Rhino taken over the vinyl production? Does Dead.net license to more than one producer at a time? There would be a few DiPs that I would love to have in vinyl, like 15-Englishtown, 18-Dane County, 20-Landover/Syracuse. I did get the DiP 19 OKC '73 vinyl recently.
Saving my 5-26-72 listen for the July CD release. No dinero for that vinyl box.
Cheers

Edit: eBay search seems to indicate Rhino produced, Brookvale just a seller? Brookvale's website said they produced so I'm confused. No Brookvale past DiP 8. Then the newer Rhinos, DiP 36 (averaging 3 or more times release price), 19 (only averaging double the release price). The crazy sellers are there too. DiP 3 listings for $3100. sealed or buy an unsealed for $127.50 (probably won't last), or go whole hog for DiP 1-5 sealed for $2699.99! So it would appear that I've only missed that earlier run of DiP 1-8. Oh well, couldn't have afforded them back then anyway.

Too Burnt and busy

Been having real repetition burn out, especially early seventies, specifically Bobs repetitiveness, though a couple JG songs too. That’s a sure sign of burnout: when you start getting sick of Jerry songs lol.
Also, limited to what I can find on Relisten since what little listening I’ve had has been at work.
I’ve recently spent some quality time with Pow Wow, so skipped that and not much of the Lyceum stuff is on line. Did hit some, but really been outta the loop. Murphy’s law, 50th anniversary but not been really drawn to E72, though I have been slowly making my way through the Dark Star discs etc. THAT stuff never gets old!

Hit 2/9/73 one day since it came up again. Still don’t get what all the hype is about that one. Yes it’s a good show, and interesting historically, but imho there’s other 73 shows I’d rather have, but hey that’s just me. Always seemed overrated to me?
I hit 5/25/77 for the first time sorta recently and it’s yet another of those 77 shows, but it didn’t blow me away, or, I liked 41 from 5/26 better? Admittedly, only listened online and I need a another go of that one? That run all sorta rolls into one for moi? Yes very consistent, tight well played etc, but…? I guess some day I need to go all in and do the whole month in order etc, but there always seems to be something else hot on the radar. Oh, like 7/13/76 that Billy The Kid mentioned elsewhere (another great show he was fortunate to attend, lucky bastid ; )
I hit that yesterday and it was a fine show in spite of the recording. Still think 7/18 is my fav though.
Hopefully I’ll get some shows in this WE, but the other half will be home too so depends on her tolerance level lol.
I’ll see if I can hit that 95 BC if only because you’ve recommended it highly. It’s on you bra ; )
Oh, just received RT 1.3 from 71, the last one I was missing, so that’ll have to get a spin too.
Fug, just like that the WEs shot lol. Such problems!
ONWARD!

RT 1.3

Excellent release.

I'm ready to take the heat if need be for any '95 rec I make. Heck, I don't know if Dave has even posted any '95 in the Tapers Section. But I fully approved of his choice of Salt Lake for '95 in the 30 trips box. Great show, with a gorgeous Foolish Heart and the first of the late era Visions of Johanna, It was before my time in OOtah though Strider was there I think. Just saw that first 2 shows this week in Tapers Section are 8/8/82 Alpine and 8/11/87 Red Rocks, both shows I attended and loved. 8/7 and 8/8 changed the course of my life for the better I think :)

5/26/72 He's Gone

Jerry is botching the lyrics big time but I'm going to try and power through the whole animal today. Then, I might sample 5/25/95 Charlie Miller. Been wanting to see if Jim had any specific thoughts on 9/20/74. BITD, I had a very crisp DAT to Cassette of that show I liked it a great deal. I seem to remember there was a portion at the end cut from my tape, but maybe I'm confusing it with 10/28/77, which I also had a very clean DAT to Cassette of. :-) :-) :-) all 'tis the weekend :-)

5/25/95 & 9/20/74

Thanks Bluecrow. I'll check it out, just getting in from a big day spent mostly outdoors so maybe later tonight. I love this time of year, rain and all. Then again, I seem to find myself content with all seasons.. there's always something to do you just gotta poke around.

Gonna cook and eat some salmon, relax a bit and get settled into what hopefully is going to be a great holiday weekend. Hope you all find something that grabs you..

WTJ, it's been a while since I listened to 9/20/74. I recall liking it and thinking it was a better show than some of the reviews might lead us to believe. It has been a neglected 74 show for me. Perhaps I will fit this into my weekend. Besides, it's got a Cumberland! (and WRS and China Rider).. good setlist to be sure.

5/25/95 & 9/20/74

in the same breath?

holy mother of god.

i'm in deep now

so every show in that fall Europe '74 tour is pretty/really freaking good! I've rec'd an Usbourne matrix of the completely off the radar show from that tour in Munich from 9/14. listen for Tommy (IIRC) played over the system in a between sets on an audience splice. Yeah a history note.

And now yet again I'm "in" Set II for 5/25 Seattle. I really dug this run but hadn't even thought about it recently until ProudFoot mentioned night 3 and, among other things, I realized it it lined up with the last 3 nights of Lyceum '72.

Most of my deep listening nowadays is headphone and that's what I rec here. And don't forget the bonus GDHour source for Want To Tell > Estimated from the night before.

Jim - given all your whitewater and kayak time, did you ever know Jon Dragan back in the day?

Yes Oroboruos, my brother from another mother

I am lurking about.

Bolo's recent loss sparked me to reply on the recent loss of my father. 92 yrs. old and he was ready to go. And he did.

He's gone.....

Heading out to see Joe Russo's Almost Dead in Vail (2 nights) and then at Red Rocks for a night. Celebrating my wife's successful cancer treatment 5 years ago and our 42nd wedding anniversary in August by heading up to altitude and enjoying some music.

If you haven't availed yourself to JRAD yet, but enjoy the Dead's 68-69 breakneck pace, turn on a dime, deep jamming, combined with the Grateful Dead's entire song catalog, they are highly recommended by this writer.
Check them out. I find them significantly more edifying than any other dead-centric offerings I have seen (yes I have seen Dead & Co multiple times) as they play with inventiveness and pace of that early Dead.

Thanks for the shout out, hope to post more soon, retirement is rapidly approaching and will provide me with extra time to connect, reminisce, and spin tales of our favorite aural adventures.

Take care

Tim

Re: Dragan

I've heard of him, his name used to pop up.. he's a bit before my time and a bit South (Gauley River WV, etc.). The Gauley's a classic run and a bit of a beast. It's gods country down there, stunningly beautiful, really awe inspiring. Even the drive there is breathtaking. I'm about 2 1/2 hours North but occasionally make my way South, made it last fall and hope to make it at least once this year.

5/26/72

Definitely agree with Jim, WTJ and others on this show.
Let me take it a step further.
Obviously part of it was released with the original E72 release and I bought a copy of the CD release in I believe 85. Still have it .
Didn't get the box when it came out in 2011, seems crazy now, but that is the way it goes. Passed on the individual shows that sat on Dead. Net for years. Still can't believe that one. But my daughter was very young and money was tight.
Anyway, I believe my first two individual shows I purchased on the secondary market was this show and 4/26.
I was able to listen to the whole show tonight, basically uninterrupted.
The goose bumps are still there. Definitely a top five show in my book. The Truckin, Other Ones, Dew, Other One, Sing Me Back Home still might be the best music I have ever heard.
The sound quality still to this day amazes me how good it is.
We have to be thankful for the Warmer Bros executive, I forget his name and the unbelievable effort of the Wiz, Bob Matthews, Betty Cantor and others for recording this tour. This one is for you all.
Enjoy the weekend all!

Ha

That must be Joe Smith. I enjoy his modern day interviews and comments. I am not sure the boys were fond of him back in the day, but Jerry gave an amicable interview towards the end. In Anthem to Beauty, someone dug out the letter from him to the band that they "graded." I think they gave it an "F" for "F*** Y**"

Whiz also gave a great account of recording that show in Anthem to Beauty. No one was in the truck when Morning Dew was played and the recording came out flawless. Those were the days....

I'm sure you all knew all this, but just in case.. ah, the end of one of the truly great tours from any band at any time.

Up late last night, well just because.. up early this morning because it's my curse. Got water heating and some freshly roasted to see me through what will surely be a great morning. Everyday should be a holiday weekend.

Jon Dragan

I met Jon in the early aughts out here in the west on an 8-day river trip I was guiding. previous life time stuff, so to speak. unusual trip to say the least, almost every "client" was big time rafting/whitewater. me? just a boatman on the mighty San Juan. somewhat early in my career. But yes, I knew that river pretty well by then. There was at least one other company owner from WV on the trip, plus the owner of DIB, Spouses also. One, maybe 2, family friends. One for sure was a doctor. Moki Mac, another company owner, decades in the business and a legend out of Moab, was also there as the only other "crew" besides myself. Mac was in fact a friend of several of those folks. this trip was not MM trip but WRX. All boats personal, except the one I rowed, even MM. It was late October, hardly anyone on the river and we encountered no one in the lower canyon over 5 days. That is total gold. By chance watched one of the first helicopter "deliveries" of desert bighorn sheep in the low.er.

That first night Jon did something remarkably weird, comic, simple, and memorable.

so - etched in memory in terms of at least 2 key details. it was dinner. I'm standing behind a cook/prep. table. a bit higher than what you would expect - the classic homemade tables/emergency backboards of WRX. Jon has dinner before him. He's got a crazy funny grin. He is holding a miniature pepper mill. 1-1/2" high? it's suspended from a chain around his neck. it's a "charm". Only its functional. If I had to guess it held one, maybe two pepper corns. And he slowly turns the handle all the while smiling at me. honest to god, I am wondering what am I looking at. and at this juncture almost 20 years later I can only smile and laugh. I don't think i dreamt this.

at the end of the trip I showed Jon a couple of pieces of cast silver I had done in a workshop. one was based on a bear pictograph my sweetheart and I had come across previous year - despite everything I think that site is still not on the radar. still proud of that piece, cast in cuttlefish, so ripples along the body. balance and aesthetic is spot on for me. Jon asked me if he could buy it for his wife. I wasn't ready for that - told him can't do it now but maybe down the line. Let's stay in touch. in the end a missed opportunity of connection.

I still remember standing in the company office a year or so later and being told that he had passed away suddenly. He was 62. Legend.

Truthfully the Gauley may well be on a hypothetical bucket list based simply on that.

my apologies for a non-Dead post on this thread.

9/20/74

listening now - WRS.

they need to release complete shows of all '74. it's that simple.

DIB

Cool.

The DIB factory is just across the river from me.. Small world..

Oh.. the Gauley's a classic. I guess you have a few rivers out West that compare.. but here in the East, there is nothing like it. The Beast of the East. A beautiful canyon.