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
After each Release is announced I don't listen to the show that's released until it arrives in the mailbox- trying to hear the show with fresh ears. This was a challenge the several months between the announcement of Europe 72 and it's actual arrival. The Releases sound fantastic- it's always worth the wait. Hopefully tomorrow's the day to pop in the Half Step from 5/25/77- the waiting is the hardest part.
FYI - Oppo makes an amazing Blu-Ray/CD/DVD player for $499 that blows the competition away. Plays EVERY format of audio and video. All your HDCD discs will sound amazing! I have no affiliation with them but could not recommend a piece of audio equipment more than this one.
FYI - Oppo makes an amazing Blu-Ray/CD/DVD player for $499 that blows the competition away. Plays EVERY format of audio and video. All your HDCD discs will sound amazing! I have no affiliation with them but could not recommend a piece of audio equipment more than this one.
Are you perhaps Newt Gingrich, with your namecalling and condescending tone? How about leaving? Is there another site that will have you? So what if we love the Dead? You feel compelled to call that out as a big negative?
KISS OUR SMELLY '77 LOVIN' ASSES!!!
sorry bud, but you're just a fanboy, and there is no shortage of them on this website. t think its safe to say the majority of people here not only listen to the grateful dead more than any other artist or genre, but more than all other artists & genres combined, and thats just sad.
... but I kind of like the cover art. It's silly, cheesy, bright, and pretty cool. I wonder where it is going to go from here. (Designing cover art for Dead releases... DREAM JOB!)
Otherwise, hoping that this set is sitting on my porch when I get home. I subscribed in Dec., and it looks like a lot of people have gotten their CDs already. I can't wait to hear it.
Finally, to all you haters.... Want something different? Go somewhere else. Based on the first two Dave's Pick's choices, this is shaping up to be an exciting series! I, for one, am looking forward to 2012 Dead!
I ordered the subscription in December 2011. Got to listen last nite and am very glad I Did order the subscription. Am ALWAYS excited about these Releases. I can't see anyone but Rhino doing these releases. This is a BIG JOB to do these Right and I think Rhino is up to the challenge. Look what they have to put up with!!! US CRAZY DEADHEADS. THANKS RHINO!!!
seems to be a technical difficulty not entirely under people's control. I just cleaned up a whole bunch of 'em. Nothing here to see folks, move right along... we're working on it.
is there an alternate universe where you're not such a tool bag?
no. i'm not newt gingrich. i'm actually a democrat, but that doesn't change my opinion of grateful dead fans. i think most are lame. i admit; i considered myself a deadhead way back in high school, when jerry was still alive, but even then i listened to a ton of different music. at some point; its time to leave the cult, buy some music from this millennium, and find your own identity.
with that said... i really shouldn't complain. fanboys like you have allowed me to get my grateful dead official releases free for years now.