Spring 1990, Volume One Box

Post reply Log in to post comments

August 8, 2012 - 10:43am

1,097 replies

Anonymous (not verified)

Joined:
March 29, 2017

jq171(document).ready(function (jq171) { jq171("h2.product_title").each(function(){ var title = jq171(this); var new_title = title.text().replace(' - SOLD OUT', ''); title.text(new_title); }); var covertArtDownloadMarkup = 'Looking for the digital cover art? You can download it here.'; setTimeout(function() { jq171('#digital_cart').append(covertArtDownloadMarkup); }, 500); });
What's Inside:
• 60 page hardcover Smyth-Sewn book featuring essays by Dennis McNally, David Lemieux, and Blair Jackson and photos by Jim Anderson & Mike Laurentis
• 25th Anniversary Tour Program
• Official Band Letters
• 6 Ticket Stubs
• 6 Cloth Sticker Backstage Passes
• 1 Tour Laminate
• Official 1990 Band publicity shot
• 6 complete shows on 18 discs
      • 3/16/90 Capital Center, Landover, MD
      • 3/19/90 Civic Center, Hartford, CT
      • 3/22/90 Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, ON, Canada
      • 3/26/90 Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY
      • 3/30/90 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
      • 4/2/90 The Omni, Atlanta, GA

Box Dimensions: 12-1/8" x 3-1/8" x 12-1/8"
Recorded and Mixed Live by John Cutler
Mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD
Original art by Wes Lang
Individually Numbered, Limited Edition of 9,000

Introducing The Next Box: Spring 1990!

And now for something a little different. This year's box set - Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 - offers six complete shows from the epic spring '90 tour, one concert from each city the band played, personally selected by Dead vaultmeister and archival release producer David Lemieux. The sizzling six are: 3/16/90 Capital Centre (Landover , MD), 3/19/90 Hartford Civic Center, 3/22/90 Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario), 3/26/90 Knickerbocker Arena (Albany, NY), 3/30/90 Nassau Coliseum (Uniondale, NY) and 4/2/90 The Omni (Atlanta, GA).

In his "Producer's Note" in the beautiful book that is part of the box, Lemieux, who attended the first 10 shows on the tour, states, "To my ears this was the last tour that was consistently great, where every show is excellent, not a dud in the bunch." And Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally's comprehensive and informative insider's essay in the box is titled "The Last Great Dead Tour." These guys know what they're talking about.

Basically, the band had been on an upward trajectory since Garcia's return to the road in the spring of '87, following his near-death the previous summer. Of course, 1987 was a trip in itself, what with the unexpected mega-success of In the Dark and their first hit single, "Touch of Grey." But the momentum just kept building with each subsequent tour, as Garcia got back up to full speed (and then some!) and the group as a whole was as unified as they had ever been since Brent joined the band in the spring of '79. New original tunes were popping up and the old favorites were imbued with a freshness and spirit that was so uplifting and inspiring. The band was having fun again, and it was downright infectious.

The group's fall 1989 shows-as documented two years ago on the Formerly the Warlocks box (two shows from Hampton, VA, 10/8-9/89) and on the 2001 release Nightfall of Diamonds (a single night in NJ, 10/16/89)- kicked the energy level up another couple of notches, as the band reintroduced such loved classics as "Help on the Way" > "Slipknot!," "Attics of My Life," "Death Don't Have No Mercy" and "Dark Star."

And when the band hit the road in mid-March 1990, they had a bunch of other cool tunes to lay on their unsuspecting crowds, including the return of "Loose Lucy" (last played in 1974; it's not on this box), Brent's "Easy to Love You" (missing since 1980), a rollicking cover of the Rolling Stones' "The Last Time," The Band's "The Weight" (with all four singers taking a verse each) and a lyrically retooled "Black-Throated Wind" (absent since 1974), which elicited huge cheers every time it was played.

Over these six shows, most of the cornerstones of the Dead's repertoire from the era appear-splendid versions of "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire on the Mountain," "China Cat Sunflower" > "I Know You Rider," "Playing in the Band," "Uncle John's Band," "Eyes of the World," "Estimated Prophet," "Truckin'," "Sugar Magnolia," "The Other One," "Terrapin," "Stella Blue," "Feel Like a Stranger," "Bird Song," "Let It Grow," "China Doll," "Box of Rain," "Morning Dew"; you name it. From the fall '89 breakouts come "Help-Slip-Frank," "Attics of My Life" and "Death Don't Have No Mercy." Among the still newish tunes are "Picasso Moon," "Blow Away," "Foolish Heart," "Just a Little Light," "Victim or the Crime," "Standing on the Moon," "We Can Run" and a couple that would get their final plays from the Grateful Dead on this tour-"Built to Last" and "Believe It or Not." There are stirring renditions of "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and "Black Muddy River," rockin' takes on "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "Iko Iko" and the only version of the full "Hey Jude" the band attempted in the modern era. And the "Rhythm Devils" and "Space" jams at the heart of each second set are as noisy-beautiful-scary-funny-intense-mysterious-wild as you'd expect/hope for.

Of course, we understand that some of you may have other favorite shows from this tour you wish were included on this box. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. But at 18 discs, this is still the second largest Grateful Dead box (after Europe '72: The Complete Recordings) that's been released, and the non-inclusion of any other shows from the tour definitely does not preclude their future release! But this seemed like a more manageable way to go, while still giving a sense of the tour's amazing depth and breadth.

Besides the discs themselves, Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 has much to offer, including: a gorgeous 60-page hardcover book containing copious color photos by Jim Anderson and Michael Laurentus, unique artwork by Brooklyn-based fine artist Wes Lang, fascinating business letters and communications related to the tour, a detailed historical essay by Dennis McNally, a Producer's Note by David Lemieux and individual show descriptions by Blair Jackson; a reproduction of the Dead's 1990 tour program (printed and sold later in '90, for the fall and Europe '90 tours); tickets and backstage passes of all six shows; a band publicity photo from 1990 by Ken Friedman; Dennis McNally's tour laminate; and reproductions of the colored 8x10 sheets GDTS sent out with hotel, food and other information for each city on the tour.

With recordings made by longtime Grateful Dead recordist and producer John Cutler, mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD, you just know it's gonna sound great-and it does!

So, that's the skinny this time 'round. This box is limited to just 9,000 numbered copies - please note, this is the only time these shows will ever be officially available on CD. There will not be an All Music Edition and single shows will not be available physically. Due to ship out August 31st, we anticipate that this extraordinary set will sell-out, so order your copy today!

If you're looking for more of a bite-sized taste of the '90s, Spring 1990: So Glad You Made It, a 2-CD set featuring a handful of favorites, will be in stores on September 18th.

-Blair Jackson

Comments

sort by

Recent

Recent Oldest A to Z Z to A

Reset

September 27, 2012 - 4:25pm

#131

whupumpkin

Joined:
November 2, 2010

Crosseyed and Painless...

Still waitin', I'm STILL waitin'I ordered the box the day after it was announced,Customer care sent me a mail on Sept 2 telling me that the box had left the building,and here I am,still no dice. Received a mal a week or so ago asking me how did I like my boxset. I replied,what boxset?,they got back to me apologizing and offering a full refund since they didn't have a spare box set to send... But WAIT! The next day,new mail telling me that,no,they did not intend to offer me a full refund but only a 10% rebate,since after all people were sill receiving their boxes and they were investigating on the matter. It is sept 27th. True,I live in Europe,and it takes a while,but 25 frigging day? What a debacle this has been..I've purchased many many items in the past,from dead.net and never had a problem,but this is just terrible. It's like,they don't WANT our money... The music is available,in excellent quality around. We buy what we buy because we like to have the artifact,and maybe,at least for me,because it seems the right thing to do,given the amount of music shared freely elesewhere. You nderstand that,right? Please,get your act together,for the love of the music... Peace out, Dario (I'm sure if/when I'll finally receive the box I'll be so awe-struck that everything will be forgotten,and I'll keep buying,like a moth ever closing in to the light...)
September 27, 2012 - 4:23pm

#132

whupumpkin

Joined:
November 2, 2010

Crosseyed and Painless...

Still waitin', I'm STILL waitin'I ordered the box the day after it was announced,Customer care sent me a mail on Sept 2 telling me that the box had left the building,and here I am,still no dice. Received a mal a week or so ago asking me how did I like my boxset. I replied,what boxset?,they got back to me apologizing and offering a full refund since they didn't have a spare box set to send... But WAIT! The next day,new mail telling me that,no,they did not intend to offer me a full refund but only a 10% rebate,since after all people were sill receiving their boxes and they were investigating on the matter. It is sept 27th. True,I live in Europe,and it takes a while,but 25 frigging day? What a debacle this has been..I've purchased many many items in the past,from dead.net and never had a problem,but this is just terrible. It's like,they don't WANT our money... The music is available,in excellent quality around. We buy what we buy because we like to have the artifact,and maybe,at least for me,because it seems the right thing to do,given the amount of music shared freely elesewhere. You nderstand that,right? Please,get your act together,for the love of the music... Peace out, Dario (I'm sure if/when I'll finally receive the box I'll be so awe-struck that everything will be forgotten,and I'll keep buying,like a moth ever closing in to the light...)
September 27, 2012 - 3:51pm

#133

Star Dark

Joined:
September 5, 2012

Re: Brent Wailing and Jerry Sailing

I agree - Jerry was beginning to pull back at this point, which is why I much prefer Summer '89 to Spring '90. There's a Not Fade Away on youtube (I believe from 7/17/89) that fully captures the mood of that magical season. JG and the others were TRULY on fire - as animated and energetic as during any of their last 10 years.
September 27, 2012 - 2:42pm

#134

itsburnsy

Joined:
June 12, 2007

Replacement Disc Arrived

To those waiting for a replacement disc, hang in there. Mine arrived on Tuesday, hopefully everyone else gets thiers too. Thanks to Marye and the others who helped.......
September 27, 2012 - 1:08pm

#135

carolina boy

Joined:
February 1, 2010

I agree with your letter, wharfrattx -

The announcement for the fourth and final installment (this year) of Dave's Picks is well behind schedule based on the trend for the previous three. I have no doubts that this is due to the quality control issues. How it embarassing it must be to have the fourth installment ready for release when a percentage of purchasers haven't even received the third installment yet (if ever)!
September 27, 2012 - 11:24am

#136

wharfrattx

Joined:
August 22, 2011

Open Letter to Dave

What follows below is a letter I sent to the vault. I was inspired to write after reading the comments on this board and the trouble I had with my Europe '72 purchase. Dear Dave, Years ago i spoke with Dick Latvala who told me that things were taking an uneasy turn for the worse, but I bet he NEVER suspected what would eventually become of the Dead organization. I've been mail-ordering tickets and merchandise since the 80's, always a wonderful experience. I've got EVERYTHING EVER released except for "greatest hits" compilations and the Spring '90 box. (more on that below) I'm a subscriber of YOUR series, and I must say, I'm loving it, especially Volume 3! Damn, Keith sure could tickle the ivories when he wanted to! I completely respect and almost always agree with your opinions on the music, and I LOVE the videos - keep 'em comin! I think you're serving the memory of Dick pretty well. Now, here's my issue. You're going to lose me as a customer. Actually, you already have. I didn't order the Spring '90 set and as much as I love 'em, I won't be ordering next year's subscription to your series. I WANT TO! But I can't. The customer service and product quality has gotten so bad, I can't gamble with my money anymore. I would be writing them this message (actually I have, they never respond) but I thought since you seem to be a sincere, decent person who actually cares about the music, much like myself, I thought I'd take a chance and write you. I've had my Europe '72 set for a year and a week. Still haven't received my replacement discs. I call now and then, drop customer service an email here and there, but nothing. No one cares. They have my money. Why should they respond? This is where YOU come in, Dave. See, When I spoke to Dick 15 years ago, (I had burned him some CDs and he called to thank me.) he lamented the fact that big, bad "corporate" folks were trying to muscle in on the sacred organization he had grown to know and love. It was coming, he knew it. He assured me, however, that if/when that day came, there would still be people who made sure that the fans were treated right and fair, and that the music would be respected. And whether he knew it at the time or not, it was people like YOU he was refering to. YOU are now carrying that torch! Which is why I'm writing. People are angry and hurt. They feel ripped off. Have you read the message boards for Spring '90? What's wrong with Rhino? YOU know there's a problem yet you champion them in your videos and defend and promote products like Spring '90 when you know that many people will be ripped off and cheated out of their money! YOU are a good person! PLEASE don't let the powers that be get away with this. It's a disgrace the way customers are being treated by Rhino and in turn, the Dead organization. Other music mail order companies don't do this! I order from Zappa, Phish, Allmans, String Cheese, NEVER a problem, or if there is one, I'm confident they'll provide service. I'VE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE DEAD ORGANIZATION. Ask yourself...What would Dick have said about the disgraceful way fans of this music are being treated now? What would Jerry have said? Other than my conversation with Dick, I don't know him or Jerry, but I do know that they would have been appalled. I believe you probably are too. PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!! MAKE A PUBLIC STATEMENT THROUGH ONE OF YOUR VIDEOS OR SOME OTHER WAY, BUT MAKE PEOPLE AWARE THAT THIS TRAVESTY WILL END!!!! IT HAS TO!! I want to resubscribe to Dave's Picks, but I won't do it now, not with things like they are. PLEASE - MAKE DICK PROUD!!! Do the right thing Dave!!!!!! Sincerely, John Coley P.S. - Even though this would have been the perfect opportunity to release 8-27-72 audio & video (40th Anniversary), thank you for not doing it now, while it would have been subjected to poor quality control and customer service. Save it for when things get better. And they will - I HAVE FAITH IN YOU!!!
September 27, 2012 - 11:24am

#137

wharfrattx

Joined:
August 22, 2011

Open Letter to Dave

What follows below is a letter I sent to the vault. I was inspired to write after reading the comments on this board and the trouble I had with my Europe '72 purchase. Dear Dave, Years ago i spoke with Dick Latvala who told me that things were taking an uneasy turn for the worse, but I bet he NEVER suspected what would eventually become of the Dead organization. I've been mail-ordering tickets and merchandise since the 80's, always a wonderful experience. I've got EVERYTHING EVER released except for "greatest hits" compilations and the Spring '90 box. (more on that below) I'm a subscriber of YOUR series, and I must say, I'm loving it, especially Volume 3! Damn, Keith sure could tickle the ivories when he wanted to! I completely respect and almost always agree with your opinions on the music, and I LOVE the videos - keep 'em comin! I think you're serving the memory of Dick pretty well. Now, here's my issue. You're going to lose me as a customer. Actually, you already have. I didn't order the Spring '90 set and as much as I love 'em, I won't be ordering next year's subscription to your series. I WANT TO! But I can't. The customer service and product quality has gotten so bad, I can't gamble with my money anymore. I would be writing them this message (actually I have, they never respond) but I thought since you seem to be a sincere, decent person who actually cares about the music, much like myself, I thought I'd take a chance and write you. I've had my Europe '72 set for a year and a week. Still haven't received my replacement discs. I call now and then, drop customer service an email here and there, but nothing. No one cares. They have my money. Why should they respond? This is where YOU come in, Dave. See, When I spoke to Dick 15 years ago, (I had burned him some CDs and he called to thank me.) he lamented the fact that big, bad "corporate" folks were trying to muscle in on the sacred organization he had grown to know and love. It was coming, he knew it. He assured me, however, that if/when that day came, there would still be people who made sure that the fans were treated right and fair, and that the music would be respected. And whether he knew it at the time or not, it was people like YOU he was refering to. YOU are now carrying that torch! Which is why I'm writing. People are angry and hurt. They feel ripped off. Have you read the message boards for Spring '90? What's wrong with Rhino? YOU know there's a problem yet you champion them in your videos and defend and promote products like Spring '90 when you know that many people will be ripped off and cheated out of their money! YOU are a good person! PLEASE don't let the powers that be get away with this. It's a disgrace the way customers are being treated by Rhino and in turn, the Dead organization. Other music mail order companies don't do this! I order from Zappa, Phish, Allmans, String Cheese, NEVER a problem, or if there is one, I'm confident they'll provide service. I'VE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE DEAD ORGANIZATION. Ask yourself...What would Dick have said about the disgraceful way fans of this music are being treated now? What would Jerry have said? Other than my conversation with Dick, I don't know him or Jerry, but I do know that they would have been appalled. I believe you probably are too. PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!! MAKE A PUBLIC STATEMENT THROUGH ONE OF YOUR VIDEOS OR SOME OTHER WAY, BUT MAKE PEOPLE AWARE THAT THIS TRAVESTY WILL END!!!! IT HAS TO!! I want to resubscribe to Dave's Picks, but I won't do it now, not with things like they are. PLEASE - MAKE DICK PROUD!!! Do the right thing Dave!!!!!! Sincerely, John Coley P.S. - Even though this would have been the perfect opportunity to release 8-27-72 audio & video (40th Anniversary), thank you for not doing it now, while it would have been subjected to poor quality control and customer service. Save it for when things get better. And they will - I HAVE FAITH IN YOU!!!
September 27, 2012 - 9:54am

#138

pghas1

Joined:
August 29, 2011

My favorite period

...by far of this band. I taped the 3/30/90 show off the radio myself and my brother taped 3/26/90 and so these are considerable upgrades of 2 of my favorite tapes. I really only wish they could have included all of the shows - was at 3/28/90 and 3/29/90 is a must also, as are the other Hartford and the other Atlanta shows. In terms of the mix, I think it is true to the mix that was happening onstage. Jerry sounds a bit muted during Picasso Moon at times, for example, but he was using heavy distortion and some kind of compressor and that's how he sounded in the mix when you were there. Doing it after the fact is a bit artificial, although Cutler was in the truck mixing down the 16 feeds as they came in and optimizing them the same way he would now.And everyone's preferences are different regarding a mix - some like a matrix, some like auds, some like more sterile sounding sbds - there's no pleasing everyone so I think they did a great job. Finally just some comments on the period - by convention, all second sets after about 1979 were listed with Drums and Space in them. But if you listen to 3/22/90 at Copps, for example, the last several minutes of Truckin is a clear Other One jam, then into a similarly themed drums, a space segment that again is clearly an Other One jam, and then 7 minutes of the Other One. So even though the setlist reads Truckin>D>S>OtherOne and the Other One is under 7 minutes, in 1972 this whole track would have been listed as Truckin>The Other One with The Other One clocking in near 30 minutes. Anothe thing that is real interesting is the profound difference between the Eyes in Hartford - a magnificent uptempo version to be sure that takes its roots from many of the late 80's versions - and the Eyes that was played just a few days later in Nassau, which was significantly slowed down and frankly ahd a much sweeter groove that the two drummers really jumped all over. And maybe Jerry consciously slowed it down because of the presence of Branford Marsalis, but every version I've heard after that had that same tempo and those booming, low end drums that were so sweet. So sorry some of you have had trouble with shipping but would love to engage in a discussion about the music.
September 27, 2012 - 7:37am

#139

mike dunn

Joined:
July 17, 2007

Regarding cracked 3-16-90 disc 3

I called customer service about 4 weeks ago regarding my cracked disc dilemma. They said it would take a while. No problem. Called again last night, and they stated that they are still waiting for a 3-16-90 disc 3 replacement, so it will still be some time. No worries, I just hope it gets here soon...... Still love the box, anxiously awaiting Dave's Picks Volume 4, hoping it's either 6-30-85, 7-1-85 or both!!!!
September 27, 2012 - 6:11am

#140

bambini

Joined:
January 3, 2011

jerry

a grateful dead where jerry is not the focus so sad

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Dead Store Products

jq171(document).ready(function (jq171) { jq171("h2.product_title").each(function(){ var title = jq171(this); var new_title = title.text().replace(' - SOLD OUT', ''); title.text(new_title); }); var covertArtDownloadMarkup = 'Looking for the digital cover art? You can download it here.'; setTimeout(function() { jq171('#digital_cart').append(covertArtDownloadMarkup); }, 500); });

What's Inside:
• 60 page hardcover Smyth-Sewn book featuring essays by Dennis McNally, David Lemieux, and Blair Jackson and photos by Jim Anderson & Mike Laurentis
• 25th Anniversary Tour Program
• Official Band Letters
• 6 Ticket Stubs
• 6 Cloth Sticker Backstage Passes
• 1 Tour Laminate
• Official 1990 Band publicity shot
• 6 complete shows on 18 discs
      • 3/16/90 Capital Center, Landover, MD
      • 3/19/90 Civic Center, Hartford, CT
      • 3/22/90 Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, ON, Canada
      • 3/26/90 Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY
      • 3/30/90 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
      • 4/2/90 The Omni, Atlanta, GA

Box Dimensions: 12-1/8" x 3-1/8" x 12-1/8"
Recorded and Mixed Live by John Cutler
Mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD
Original art by Wes Lang
Individually Numbered, Limited Edition of 9,000

Introducing The Next Box: Spring 1990!

And now for something a little different. This year's box set - Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 - offers six complete shows from the epic spring '90 tour, one concert from each city the band played, personally selected by Dead vaultmeister and archival release producer David Lemieux. The sizzling six are: 3/16/90 Capital Centre (Landover , MD), 3/19/90 Hartford Civic Center, 3/22/90 Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario), 3/26/90 Knickerbocker Arena (Albany, NY), 3/30/90 Nassau Coliseum (Uniondale, NY) and 4/2/90 The Omni (Atlanta, GA).

In his "Producer's Note" in the beautiful book that is part of the box, Lemieux, who attended the first 10 shows on the tour, states, "To my ears this was the last tour that was consistently great, where every show is excellent, not a dud in the bunch." And Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally's comprehensive and informative insider's essay in the box is titled "The Last Great Dead Tour." These guys know what they're talking about.

Basically, the band had been on an upward trajectory since Garcia's return to the road in the spring of '87, following his near-death the previous summer. Of course, 1987 was a trip in itself, what with the unexpected mega-success of In the Dark and their first hit single, "Touch of Grey." But the momentum just kept building with each subsequent tour, as Garcia got back up to full speed (and then some!) and the group as a whole was as unified as they had ever been since Brent joined the band in the spring of '79. New original tunes were popping up and the old favorites were imbued with a freshness and spirit that was so uplifting and inspiring. The band was having fun again, and it was downright infectious.

The group's fall 1989 shows-as documented two years ago on the Formerly the Warlocks box (two shows from Hampton, VA, 10/8-9/89) and on the 2001 release Nightfall of Diamonds (a single night in NJ, 10/16/89)- kicked the energy level up another couple of notches, as the band reintroduced such loved classics as "Help on the Way" > "Slipknot!," "Attics of My Life," "Death Don't Have No Mercy" and "Dark Star."

And when the band hit the road in mid-March 1990, they had a bunch of other cool tunes to lay on their unsuspecting crowds, including the return of "Loose Lucy" (last played in 1974; it's not on this box), Brent's "Easy to Love You" (missing since 1980), a rollicking cover of the Rolling Stones' "The Last Time," The Band's "The Weight" (with all four singers taking a verse each) and a lyrically retooled "Black-Throated Wind" (absent since 1974), which elicited huge cheers every time it was played.

Over these six shows, most of the cornerstones of the Dead's repertoire from the era appear-splendid versions of "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire on the Mountain," "China Cat Sunflower" > "I Know You Rider," "Playing in the Band," "Uncle John's Band," "Eyes of the World," "Estimated Prophet," "Truckin'," "Sugar Magnolia," "The Other One," "Terrapin," "Stella Blue," "Feel Like a Stranger," "Bird Song," "Let It Grow," "China Doll," "Box of Rain," "Morning Dew"; you name it. From the fall '89 breakouts come "Help-Slip-Frank," "Attics of My Life" and "Death Don't Have No Mercy." Among the still newish tunes are "Picasso Moon," "Blow Away," "Foolish Heart," "Just a Little Light," "Victim or the Crime," "Standing on the Moon," "We Can Run" and a couple that would get their final plays from the Grateful Dead on this tour-"Built to Last" and "Believe It or Not." There are stirring renditions of "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and "Black Muddy River," rockin' takes on "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "Iko Iko" and the only version of the full "Hey Jude" the band attempted in the modern era. And the "Rhythm Devils" and "Space" jams at the heart of each second set are as noisy-beautiful-scary-funny-intense-mysterious-wild as you'd expect/hope for.

Of course, we understand that some of you may have other favorite shows from this tour you wish were included on this box. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. But at 18 discs, this is still the second largest Grateful Dead box (after Europe '72: The Complete Recordings) that's been released, and the non-inclusion of any other shows from the tour definitely does not preclude their future release! But this seemed like a more manageable way to go, while still giving a sense of the tour's amazing depth and breadth.

Besides the discs themselves, Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 has much to offer, including: a gorgeous 60-page hardcover book containing copious color photos by Jim Anderson and Michael Laurentus, unique artwork by Brooklyn-based fine artist Wes Lang, fascinating business letters and communications related to the tour, a detailed historical essay by Dennis McNally, a Producer's Note by David Lemieux and individual show descriptions by Blair Jackson; a reproduction of the Dead's 1990 tour program (printed and sold later in '90, for the fall and Europe '90 tours); tickets and backstage passes of all six shows; a band publicity photo from 1990 by Ken Friedman; Dennis McNally's tour laminate; and reproductions of the colored 8x10 sheets GDTS sent out with hotel, food and other information for each city on the tour.

With recordings made by longtime Grateful Dead recordist and producer John Cutler, mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD, you just know it's gonna sound great-and it does!

So, that's the skinny this time 'round. This box is limited to just 9,000 numbered copies - please note, this is the only time these shows will ever be officially available on CD. There will not be an All Music Edition and single shows will not be available physically. Due to ship out August 31st, we anticipate that this extraordinary set will sell-out, so order your copy today!

If you're looking for more of a bite-sized taste of the '90s, Spring 1990: So Glad You Made It, a 2-CD set featuring a handful of favorites, will be in stores on September 18th.

-Blair Jackson

folks with defective/broken discs

Please send the details to drrhino (at) rhino.com, and so sorry for the hassle.

WOW!!!!!!!!

This is undoubtedly the best box set I have ever purchased. I just got the box today and just got done going through everything and it is awesome. Looks like to me a lot of thought and detail went into this and I thank everyone who had something to do with the making of this box set. For me this was worth every penny of the money that was spent on it and that this should be how all box sets are presented in the future. Great job and two thumbs up.

of the 3 shows i've heard thus far....

i'd say 3/16/90 capital center is the best, but really all are great. hopefully, the success of this box set will convince rhino to release more stuff from the 87-90 period.

To marye re:Defective Discs

I did receive an email from support sending me a label to send the entire box back. I have a wee problem with this solution. I have yet to receive the personalizations, labels, unique number etc. from the E72 box I ordered early that Rhino Corporate promised me after I had exhausted all possible scenarios with "support" during the last fiasco. Which, for most of us is why we bought that set in the first place. So instead, the "simple" answer is mail back this box while I wait on a replacement??????? Really? Is it too difficult to send one disc? The solution is I have to box up the entire set and WAIT to receive a replacement set, which you have yet to completely fulfill from my last boxed order of 1/21/11 ??? The discs are NOT numbered. Why can't it be as simple as - send me your broken disc 2 of 3/22/90 while we send you the replacement??

To marye re:Defective Discs

Individual show cover art

Does anyone have scans of the artwork for the individual show covers yet? Would it be possible to post "official" images here on dead.net? Mark P.? DL? Bueller? Thanks!

Another Cracked/Defective Disc 3

Here's reporting another cracked Disc 3 of Cap Ctr 3/16/90. Bummer. Seems to be a mini-epidemic.Tell me I don't have to sent the whole box back!

Cracked CDs - for your enjoyment

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q552/ziggybirds/6ad1e1dd.jpg http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q552/ziggybirds/854ea278.jpg The first is the cracked disc. Note the crack near the "A" in "Dead" The second is what they want me to mail back instead of sending a replacement disc. As I said earlier, I was one of the "lucky" ones who got the E72 box. And I am still waiting to receive the customization for it (I did receive the box and music - but no number, no labels, no personalization as paid for). Now maybe they used a jackhammer to push the disc into the holder. But obviously there is no quality control on this "limited edition".

link to individual show cover art

here you go ---> https://picasaweb.google.com/titanarch/VaultBoxes

Sending the whole set back

Sending the whole set back might just prove to be an exercise in futility. I just e-mailed Dr.Rhino as Marye suggested. It is with trepidation that I will be sending my set back. I already spent the evening scanning each disc for errors and it doesn't seem that UPS beat my package up either. It would be redundant to send the whole thing back for one disc in my opinion.I just want one disc exchanged. Maybe they are looking at a way to write these defected sets off off as a loss but hopefully not at the customers expense. I purchased everything that Dead.net has offered since before Rhino took the releases over. As long as this is handled swiftly and without adding more variables for further mess-ups Ill keep supporting the releases.However based upon the experiences I've read with other customers when dealing with DR.Rhino I think they are going to make this much more complicated. There are still companies out there that are willing to do right by the customer and I hope Rhino uses them as an example. I mentioned in my email that Mosaic a smaller company dealing with limited edition numbered jazz box sets, would have the replacement in the mail Monday Morning, No questions asked. If i remember, it seems that different people got different remedies when they were having problems with the EU72 sets and I guess some still have not at all if I am reading correctly. I just hope they don't punish us by making it harder than it has to be. After all its not our fault these types of things are constant with the Rhino releases. Again, We'll see. Peace

@Gretsch

Hey man, can you send me a copy of JUST disc 2 of 3/22/90 so I don't have to deal with these clowns and their utterly horrid customer service? Anyone willing to - would be much appreciated?

Hey Ziggybirds

I'll send you a Disc 2 of 3/22/90 if you can send me Disc 3 of 3/16/90.!

HOT stuff!

wow! show #4 might have just eclipsed show #1. can't wait to hear #5 & #6.

@Hoopsie

Deal! Now how do we exchange email addys without the world spamming us (laughing). Did you ever trade with "Ziggy" back in the DNC days of the 90s? If so, I might still have your addy!

happy happy joy joy

Mine came - - 8-1-76 of 9000! I got Jerry's 30 something Birthday box...haha...everything looks nice. Good job guys.

Patagonian Fox

Thanks for the artwork link, Patagonian Fox! I think I called you a "lovable" gadfly in a previous post and I meant it and I was right!Thanks again!

artwork/numbers

Patagoinian Fox- - Thanks for posting the link to the artwork ! I got mine yesterday -- no. 270.

581 has arrived! Have a hdcd question

USPS delivered 581 to me today. I ordered first day available when I got the email in the morning eastern standard time. FWIW, the number plate looks different than the video of #1 - not sure if scratched or not. Looks like the corner was dropped, but so far the cds look ok. Ripping it now to Apple lossless so I can stream via Sonos so my whole house can rock!!! Have a question on HDCD, does anyone have recommendations for a good quality CD or DVD player that has the HDCD capability? Would like both analog and digital out too. Prefer CD, but DVD will work too. Thanks and peace out!

denver arrival

#101 came today in great shape

impressions, hdcd

They were on fire on every show in the box.I think this is much stronger than any of the 89 shows that have been released (including the Warlocks box). Bought it for the music, and was not disappointed. Sound quality is outstanding. Only complaint is that they could have fit most of the shows on 2, instead of 3 CDs. Book and bonus materials are great, although I would have liked a music only option. Still, this is one you've gotta have. In response to the previous question, Denon CD/DVD players usually include HDCD decoding capability... have had good luck with them.

impressions, hdcd

Unbelievable

This is the gold standard that all future box sets will be compared to! And my order still shows as "being processed".I phoned customer service yesterday and they said it might ship next week. Imagine my surprise when it turned up with the postman today. This set is gorgeous and I haven't even gotten around to the music yet! Way to go DL. Rock on.

Why is the album name on each disc have a different format????

This drives me crazy - when I rip a show to Apple Lossless the format of the disc changes so it's hard to put a whole show in queue - wicked frustrating.Shows that were good: 1990/03/16 Capital Centre Landover, MD 1990-03-26 Knickerbocker Arena • Albany, NY Hartford has two discs starting with the name and one with the date, same of Copps. Nassau and The Omni do the venue, city/state, date, disc # Dave's Pick 2 was the worst: Dave's Picks, Vol. 2: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT 7/31/74 1974-7-31 Dave's Picks, Vol. 2: Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT Dave's Picks Volume 2 - 7-31-74 - Dillon Stadium, Hartford, CT Come on intern - I know this is a sweet gig, but let's have some consistency please. Noticed this on some of the Dick's picks selections too. With all that said, digging the music so far.

Unbelievable

Ziggybirds

Let me know if that doesn't work out, and I'll help you out. My buddy is going to hook me up with disc 3 until I get the copy I paid for!

Stoked

The first Dead I listened to was Without a Net, and I really love that sound. I like the synths and MIDI stuff. This set is amazing, and I am glad that Rhino figured out that there are about 10,000 Deadheads around the world who will buy just about anything they put out. The backstage passes are suitable for framing, and the books are filled with great stories and photos. Luckily none of my discs are busted, but the outside was banged up a little. I would not be surprised if some of the packages got some rough handling during shipping. #6201, but I would never sell this set anyways. Thanks to all involved who still keep these great releases coming. As one of the 10,000, I'm sure this won't be the last transaction!!!

Stoked

Just got my discs today

and am happy to report that they are all in fine shape without any cracks or problems . The music is warm and wonderful and am truly having a great time reliving those moments. Thanks to all those who made this possible!

Sorry

About the double post

Missing disc one from 3-19-90 Civic center,Hartford,CT

In place of the first disc from the 3-19-90 Hartford show I have disc one of 3-22-90 Copps Coliseum show!I need to get a replacement copy of the FIRST DISC from the 3-19-90 Hartford CT show.everything else is great!

Just exactly perfect

It's amazing how 3 weeks ago, we didn't even know there would be a new Box Set. Now here we are, and it's in our hands. And it's a beauty. Everything is top quality- outstanding job on this one. Thank You!

Hey Ziggybirds

Using marye's spam-free method, you can reach me at bradfordhoopes (AT) hotmail DOTCOM!Spammers beware!

Hey Ziggybirds

Cracked switcharoo!

Arrived and Happy!

I too received this with 03/22/90 Disc 2 Cracked - but oh well....they said they will just send replacement disc 2. .

Arrived in AK

#88 arrived today in Anchorage. Just finished importing the last disc and everything is "Just exactly perfect". Thanks

WOW!!!! Thank You!!

Just received mine today.... I didn't do Europe '72.... but this one is worth every penny!!!! They are making this feel as special as that time in our history was -- right down to the packaging. This thing is loaded with bells & whistles and you guys really pulled this off top notch - Bravo! I threw in the first disc and it took me back to exactly as I remembered it to be. I'm sure the remaining shows are just as stellar and look forward to enjoying this for years to come. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! A volume 2 - as suggested in the materials would be good. Not to throw ideas your way, but a Solder Field box set would go a long way as well. Just saying... Peace.

WOW!!!! Thank You!!

@Hoopsie

Sent you an email ! Thanks again!

@Hoopsie

Sent you an email ! Thanks again!

Got It! #7222

My box was ordered together with another copy, one my buddies and one mine, shipped in the same package. His box number is somewhere in the 1400's, while mine is #7222. These are being distributed randomly. I recieved my copy of the box with no issues. Everything inact. Nothing broken or missing. Each disc uploaded onto iTubes with no issues, even though some of the labeling submitted by those who got theirs first is all over the mark. I relabeled everything chronologically on my account. Fisrt thoughts: Barely scratched the surface of listening and so far, it's among the best sounding recording released to date. The extra goodies, the outer and inner box designs are really nicely done. The two books look cool. I give this an A+ all the way around for quality product and smooth and prompt service! How long do we have to wait for the rest of the tour to be released? Hopefully sooner than later! Like I did with the E72 box, I'm going to listen chronologically. The last show is the one from this set I attended. Looking forward to the 6 show journey. I'll eventually listen to Daves Picks Volume 3 now that I finally recieved my copy, just to mix things up a little bit.

Crackin up

My disc 2 of 3/19 is cracked. The other 17 discs have been safely transferred to regular jewel cases, though what I gather below we have to send the whole set back to get replacement discs. Unbelievable. Oh well maybe they can replace my wrinkled 1990 tour booklet too.

#712 safe and sound

Ordered 3 days before it shipped and scored a low number. Loving it.

Europe 1990 Next?????

On the back cover of the Black Tour Program-like book is The Europe 1990 Tour Poster. Is that perhaps a hint of what will be released next??? I was at the Frankfurt shows with a lot of people from Heidelberg and would love an official release with all the goodies.

Blown away...

Spring 1990 box arrived on Saturday. Have listened to the first show. Performance and audio are outstanding as is the packaging. Great job all around!

Superb!

You folks whining about this box.....Ya don't know what you're missin'! Thanks Dave, Jeffrey, Blair and all involved. An historical tour captured in all its glory. Just a wonderful set!

Nevermind

Venting will change nothing

beyond my expectations

opening this box set was really fun, lots of super cool extras and keep sakes. lots can be framed and hung in your home. we're just now about 1/2 way through the music. feeling gratefully nostalgic as some jams are just soooo good they really bring you back to this era. I'm so glad I got this after being a little hesitant at first. the art work is sick and wes lane really produced some great work here. overall its a 10, get it if you can!

GRA9900088