Dave's Picks Volume 1
Dave's Picks Volume 1 is officially SOLD OUT.
Have no fear, you can join the fun with our next release Volume 2, the complete Grateful Dead performance from the Wall of Sound tour, recorded live on 7/31/74 at Dillon Stadium in Hartford, CT. This was one of the final East Coast appearances by the Grateful Dead for almost two years, and is one of the longest, most exceptionally well-played shows of the entire year. The big jams stand out, of course, including "Weather Report Suite," "Eyes Of The World>China Doll" and "Truckin>several thematic jams," but the smaller songs, like a rare show-opening "Scarlet Begonias," "Mississippi Half-Step," "Big River," "Greatest Story Ever Told," "Uncle John's Band" and countless others are also excellent at this A+ show.
In addition to all the great music, you can look forward to another digipak with trays made of 100% recycled and PCW materials (and of course a booklet featuring a historical essay and photos). Due to popular demand, we'll be using a heavier paper stock for Volume 2 and all the great Dave's Picks releases to come.
Dave's Picks Volume 2 ships this May. Stay tuned for pre-order details.
Learn More About Volume 1 here...
Dave's Picks Archival Series Kicks Off With 5/25/77
Chances are if you’re a Dead Head you’re already well-versed in the glorious spring of 1977. Back a year since their mid-’70s performing hiatus, and fresh from recording their Terrapin Station album in L.A. with producer Keith Olsen, the Dead returned to the road invigorated and excited that spring. There were fantastic new songs (including the “Terrapin Station” suite, “Estimated Prophet” and “Fire on the Mountain”) and their older tunes seemed imbued with new vigor and vitality. Every stop of the tour, which stretched from the third week of April (beginning at the Spectrum in Philadelphia) through the first week in June (back at Winterland in San Francisco), presented some new wrinkle or interesting variation on the repertoire, as songs were moved around, unusual combinations were explored and the septet continue to solidify and mature. Which is a fancy way of saying the band was on fire—y’see, there’s a reason why this is the ninth show from that tour to be released!
The song list from 5/25/77 might not reveal much out of the ordinary (though it’s great selection of tunes), but the playing is definitely extraordinary. The first set contains outstanding versions of favorites such as “Mississippi Half-Step,” “Jack Straw,” “Cassidy” and “Lazy Lightning” > “Supplication.” And the second set is primo-grade ’77 from start to finish. The buoyant “Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire on the Mountain” that kicks things off sets the tone, but then the rest of the set is a deftly played medley starting with “Estimated” and moving into “He’s Gone,” a primal drum workout from Mickey and Bill, a heart-pounding version of “The Other One” that’s split by “Wharf Rat” (the only time those songs were played in that sequence), a joyful “Wheel,” and then a double-dose of Chuck Berry to bring it all back to rock ’n’ roll basics. Talk about a thrill ride!
— Blair Jackson
we obviously have different tastes in music. i easily own more than 1000 albums that are far better than 'dave's picks vol. 1'.
the reason its for potheads; there is almost no intensity in the performance whatsoever. its the kind of show you'd listen to while picnicking in the park on a summer day. good background music. nothing more.
if he only sounded like that in the nineties.This 77 sounds great but why no filler?Seems like dave could have put a lot more music on this cd he could have put the rest of that sportitorium show from pembroke pines.Its all good love the new release just add some filler.Now how about the spring tour from 85 or the summer tour 85 merriweather shakedown.Or maybe that end of the summer tour hult center park west boise and redrocks 83 so good.What do you think?
Finally ordered this, but dread missing out on the bonus for '74 subscription and shoulda maybe done it! who knows? I'll be ordering as we go but will definitly have to get the '74 show right at the release date as I lick my lips! What's next Dave? 85 Mmmm what do you think?
GRATTEFUL DEADDDD!!!!!!!
we love you!!!!!!!!!!!!, I'm shouting by the way :)
I was stunned to read a post in which Dave's Picks Vol. 1 was givin a rating of C+ and described as "nothing special" and "for potheads & those with extremely limited taste in music". WOW! I hope that post was a joke because I thought Dave NAILED it!!! Right outta the park...5/25/77 at the Mosque in Richmond, VA is a tremendous show. The sheer ambience of the venue alone, makes this show one of the finest sounding and atmospheric recordings of the 77 tour. I love when the sound of a venue is captured on tape in perfect harmony with the music. Listening to this show reminded me of the sound of Alpine Valley on Dick's Picks 32(8/7/82) or Dick's Picks 14 at Boston Music Hall(11/30/73 & 12/2/73). Or several of the Red Rocks recordings. But a great venue does not make a great performance! Luckily, the DEAD rolled into the Mosque in late-May '77 playing at a level only matched by the greatest runs of '70, '72-74. This show has everything(except Dark Star, but for my money the absolutely killer The Other One>Wharf Rat>Other One coming HOT on the heels of 60 minutes of masterful '77 Dead in the form of Scarlet>Fire, Estimated>He's Gone>killer drums, MORE than makes up for the Star's lack of appearance)! From the beautiful vocals of Peggy-O, Cassidy, Loser, Brown Eyed-Women, to the ferocious guitar playing of Garcia(AND Weir) during the second set, to the absolute balls out drumming of the two-headed Kruetzmann/Hart monster, and spot on work from both Godchauxs'. 5/25/77 is a truly amazing performance that until now has often been lost amongst the many magical nights of Spring '77. I'm VERY glad Dave chose this show! I PRAY that someday Buffalo-5/9/77 is officially released(and also just in case you're reading this Dave) as well as 7/18/72 Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, NJ. But for now, CONGRATULATIONS TO DAVE and ALL who put their love and time into what one simple Deadhead considers a release of the highest quality, recorded at a historic venue which helped to shape the sound of this show so that it sounds like no other(if you REALLY listen), from a tour that NEVER can be over-stated or over-documented! Can't wait for Dave's next pick...I'm sure it'll be a winner.
I apologize if my message posted several time. My laptop is having a bad day. Anyway, pick up DAVE'S PICKS Vol. 1 immediately!!!! It's truly excellent.
I know with the release of the Europe 72 boxset that the year 1972 has kinda dominmated the DEAD release realm for the last year or so. THANK GOD! But I ask as a fan and a customer, please do not let the Europe 72 boxset in any way hinder you from choosing '72 releases for future DAVE'S PICKS releases. Particularly, 7/18/1972-Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, NJ. I would give my right arm(theoretically) for an official release of that show(in my humble opinion, the greatest non-Europe show of '72, Veneta included). Don't know what the vault situation is for 7/18/72 but I pray it's there and is someday released so that everyone can hear that epic performance. Once again, great pick for Vol. 1! It must have been difficult to choose the Mosque over 5/9/77-Buffalo for example, but I think you made the right decision. You chose a lesser known show with tremendous power, from a righteous(in more ways than one) venue, and subsequently have brought 5/25/77 the attention it has so long deserved! Thanks so much for the gift!!!
The mailman rang on the door while I was listening to Dark Star från 2-13-70. I'm going off to work now but will listen later today. Mine is numbered 3639/12000.
No extra charges was put on me.
Micke Östlund,
Växjö, Sweden
Hey Dave thanks for deciding to make the stock more sturdy on the cd packaging but please do not be intimidated by every gripe into doing things for the complainers or you will end up fetching them MeatBall Subs and cans of Fresca too! LOL!!!!
You guys are doing the lord's work with these finely polished releases from the vault. Bless You All.
"Thanks for all the kind words about Dave's Picks Volume 1 - we're thrilled that you're thrilled! We've had feedback that the stock is a bit light, and we agree, so we'll bump it up for subsequent volumes. As always, your input is valued and much appreciated. Keep the comments coming - we're listening."
Way to go, thanks Dave !
Location
Finally got mine up in Canada! Can't wait to listen tonight. Love this show!!
Thanks David!! And all at Rhino & Dead.net