• https://www.dead.net/features/release-info/wait-over-winterland-1973-box-has-arrived
    The Wait Is Over… The Winterland 1973 Box Has Arrived!

    Sherman, set the Wayback machine for the second week of November, 1973. The Grateful Dead are on a roll…yes, again! The summer had seen the band playing triumphant mega-shows with the Allman Brothers at RFK Stadium in D.C. and at Watkins Glenn in upstate New York. With their popularity seemingly still escalating by the month, fall tours took them to various East Coast haunts and all over the Midwest. On October 15, they released Wake of the Flood, their first album on their own independent record label, and copies were flying out of stores coast to coast. So the mood in the band was WAY UP when their incredibly busy schedule brought them home for three shows at Winterland in San Francisco November 9, 10 and 11—before they set off again for points East.

    Winterland always brought out the best—and the beast—in the band. Located across Geary Boulevard from the Fillmore Auditorium, the one-time home of the Ice Follies had hosted dozens of amazing rock shows since Bill Graham started putting on shows there in the late ’60s. It’s where the top tier of Bay Area bands would get together occasionally for marathon shows, and it’s where the most popular out-of-town acts—from The Doors, to Hendrix, to The Who, to the Rolling Stones—would play in the era before faceless sports arenas became an unfortunate fact of concert-going life. But nobody played Winterland as often as the Dead. By the time they’d trucked their ever-expanding sound system to the venue for their November ’73 shows, they’d already logged 31 concerts there—and there would be another 28 eventful Dead nights at Winterland before the old place was closed after the Dead’s New Year’s Eve show in 1978, and eventually reduced to rubble to make way for condos. Sure, the 5,000-capacity hall was acoustically challenging and a little frayed on the edges. But with its narrow open floor, shallow lower balcony that encircled the entire venue, its deeper back balcony chill zone, and serpentine walkways between floors, it was a tremendously fun and entertaining place to see a show—especially a Dead show.

    Winterland 1973: The Complete Recordings captures the Dead during one of their peak years and absolutely at the top of their game. Spread over nine discs, it includes every note of three complete consecutive shows (save for the encore of November 9, which was not recorded), so there’s plenty here to satisfy every fan: magnificent jams on “Dark Star” (which sprawls to 35 completely compelling minutes!), “Playing in the Band,” “Eyes of the World,” the still-new “Weather Report Suite” and more; kick-ass rockers of every variety (“Sugar Magnolia,” “Casey Jones,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Truckin’,” et al); haunting ballads including “China Doll,” “Stella Blue” and “To Lay Me Down”; a truly spectacular “China Cat”; and the first of just three versions ever of the dazzling sequence of “Playing in the Band” > “Uncle John’s Band” > “Morning Dew” > “Uncle John’s” reprise > “Playing” reprise. (For a complete listing of the contents of the nine discs, go here.)

    All the music here was drawn from Grateful Dead crew member Kidd Candelario’s crystal clear and wonderfully present 2-track soundboard reels of the shows, and enhanced by the mastering work of the always reliable sonic wizard Jeffrey Norman, who used all sorts of arcane processes to bring it all into the glorious world of HDCD sound. This stuff will rattle your bones! The beautifully designed box also comes with a colorful booklet containing scads of great photos and a fine essay by Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally.

    We like to think of Winterland 1973 as being part of the noble tradition established by the ecstatically received Fillmore West 1969: The Complete Recordings, and as a precursor for other complete-run boxes to come. So clear out a chunk of space in the ol’ CD case, ’cause this mutha’ is a BIG ONE!

    Don’t delay! You can order Winterland 1973: The Complete Recordings right now by clicking here !

    (To help get you in the mood, you can preview some of the music on the Winterland 1973 box by clicking here. And to give you a little glimpse of what Winterland was like, check out this video montage with audio from the ’73 shows and visuals from The Grateful Dead Movie, shot at Winterland a year later!)

    11561
349 comments
sort by
Recent
Reset
Items displayed
  • Hazlenuts
    12 years 7 months ago
    Right On!!!!!!!!
    Can't wait to get this. Over 10 hours of Dead music sweet!!!!!!
  • stone jack baller
    14 years 11 months ago
    Commercial Re-release ???
    Road Trips V2#2 [2/14/68] is released as Catalogue #GRA2-6006 and Hartford 77 is released as GRA2-6008. So where is GRA2-6007 ??? https://www.redeye.com.au/answer.asp?preOrder=yes&reion=YEN&offset=120&…
  • Default Avatar
    BeigePeter
    15 years ago
    WOW
    When i was reading the Deadhead's Taping Compendium 1965-'75 (by Dwork, Getz, and others), the description of these Winterland shows made me practically PRAY for their release on CD. Too good to ever be true, though!*****Years later (last week) it was indeed a revelation to find out that the COMPLETE RECORDINGS of ALL 3 SHOWS were released in a 9-CD deluxe package! I am psyched to hear that the Complete Recordings series will continue, apparently with entire runs of shows, mini TOURS! Many people were saddened that the Dick's Picks series came to an end, and some were downright frightened by the thought that Latvala's archival tradition was to be carried on only in the form of Road Trips compilations! Which is pretty neat by the way. I see each Road Trips--as it exists so far, anyway--as having 4 major functions: 1) as a sampler of a tour from which you have never heard a show; 2) as a way to introduce a new deadhead to what different "eras" of the Dead were like--i.e. Pigpen vs. Keith vs. Brent vs. Vince/Bruce; 3) as a GREAT way to introduce a new deadhead to the point of it all, to what each of these legendary "tours" really was: an adventure, shared by many friends, in pursuit of a living, breathing, moving, improvising, never-the-same-song-twice musical treasure. I can still remember a time when i hadn't yet experienced the majesty of one of their shows, but i WAS getting familiar with the chord structures from listening to studio albums, and so eventually was ready to get into Dick's Picks and tape trading, and of course going to current live shows! But there was a time...when the perfect music purchase to help me make the leap to serious deadhead...would probably have been a Road Trip. The COMPLETE RECORDINGS, however, is really where it's at for serious fans, along with their trades, and the already-existing Dick's Picks series. Many Picks are actually not COMPLETE shows, but the songs are indeed all from the SAME show (or two...or...) They are still far from being compilations. Volume 14, for example, representing the best music from the best 2 shows out of a 3-show run in late '73 at Boston Music Hall, is a joy to own--a real unique and multidimensional experience, from the cover artwork..to the liner notes...to the superintelligent saloon music contained on the discs. I have no gripes about the release not including the 3rd show (supposedly an "off" night)--the Experience was probably better for that! It is still a document of a real Dead Concert Experience. And that brings me to the last reason for Road Trips: 4) as a way for someone who has been a deadhead faaar longer than i have--and has heard a lifetime's worth of complete shows already--to experience a synthetic distillation of a whole tour into a single night's experience! This WOULD be a real trip, especially if it were a tour one had actually experienced live! ...oh God, this comment was originally about...what?? Oh YEAHHHH, the new Winterland box!...ohhhhhh, i want it more than anything. BeigePeter (ryan)
user picture

Member for

17 years

Sherman, set the Wayback machine for the second week of November, 1973. The Grateful Dead are on a roll…yes, again! The summer had seen the band playing triumphant mega-shows with the Allman Brothers at RFK Stadium in D.C. and at Watkins Glenn in upstate New York. With their popularity seemingly still escalating by the month, fall tours took them to various East Coast haunts and all over the Midwest. On October 15, they released Wake of the Flood, their first album on their own independent record label, and copies were flying out of stores coast to coast. So the mood in the band was WAY UP when their incredibly busy schedule brought them home for three shows at Winterland in San Francisco November 9, 10 and 11—before they set off again for points East.

Winterland always brought out the best—and the beast—in the band. Located across Geary Boulevard from the Fillmore Auditorium, the one-time home of the Ice Follies had hosted dozens of amazing rock shows since Bill Graham started putting on shows there in the late ’60s. It’s where the top tier of Bay Area bands would get together occasionally for marathon shows, and it’s where the most popular out-of-town acts—from The Doors, to Hendrix, to The Who, to the Rolling Stones—would play in the era before faceless sports arenas became an unfortunate fact of concert-going life. But nobody played Winterland as often as the Dead. By the time they’d trucked their ever-expanding sound system to the venue for their November ’73 shows, they’d already logged 31 concerts there—and there would be another 28 eventful Dead nights at Winterland before the old place was closed after the Dead’s New Year’s Eve show in 1978, and eventually reduced to rubble to make way for condos. Sure, the 5,000-capacity hall was acoustically challenging and a little frayed on the edges. But with its narrow open floor, shallow lower balcony that encircled the entire venue, its deeper back balcony chill zone, and serpentine walkways between floors, it was a tremendously fun and entertaining place to see a show—especially a Dead show.

Winterland 1973: The Complete Recordings captures the Dead during one of their peak years and absolutely at the top of their game. Spread over nine discs, it includes every note of three complete consecutive shows (save for the encore of November 9, which was not recorded), so there’s plenty here to satisfy every fan: magnificent jams on “Dark Star” (which sprawls to 35 completely compelling minutes!), “Playing in the Band,” “Eyes of the World,” the still-new “Weather Report Suite” and more; kick-ass rockers of every variety (“Sugar Magnolia,” “Casey Jones,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Truckin’,” et al); haunting ballads including “China Doll,” “Stella Blue” and “To Lay Me Down”; a truly spectacular “China Cat”; and the first of just three versions ever of the dazzling sequence of “Playing in the Band” > “Uncle John’s Band” > “Morning Dew” > “Uncle John’s” reprise > “Playing” reprise. (For a complete listing of the contents of the nine discs, go here.)

All the music here was drawn from Grateful Dead crew member Kidd Candelario’s crystal clear and wonderfully present 2-track soundboard reels of the shows, and enhanced by the mastering work of the always reliable sonic wizard Jeffrey Norman, who used all sorts of arcane processes to bring it all into the glorious world of HDCD sound. This stuff will rattle your bones! The beautifully designed box also comes with a colorful booklet containing scads of great photos and a fine essay by Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally.

We like to think of Winterland 1973 as being part of the noble tradition established by the ecstatically received Fillmore West 1969: The Complete Recordings, and as a precursor for other complete-run boxes to come. So clear out a chunk of space in the ol’ CD case, ’cause this mutha’ is a BIG ONE!

Don’t delay! You can order Winterland 1973: The Complete Recordings right now by clicking here !

(To help get you in the mood, you can preview some of the music on the Winterland 1973 box by clicking here. And to give you a little glimpse of what Winterland was like, check out this video montage with audio from the ’73 shows and visuals from The Grateful Dead Movie, shot at Winterland a year later!)

Display on homepage featured list
Off

dead comment

user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

On the bonus disc Phil reaches DEEEEEP into the pocket. Your molars will rattle... and if you live near any fault lines watch out. Seek cover in a basement or under a door frame, and be sure to stay away from windows... Stella Blue is especially sweet. Phil is all over the place. That's as far as I got last night before my brains turned into gravy. Hey now... is that the infamous "MInd Left Body" jam the boys insert between China and Rider? Can someone confirm? On a sad note, RIP Dr. Albert Hofmann 1.11.1906 to 4.29.2008 http://www.hofmann.org/ --------------------------------- I'm not Beethoven
user picture

Member for

16 years 6 months
Permalink

I mean guys-- I am sure this is awesome- Rolling Stone said "Incredible Jerry Licks" so how can I not buy but 100 clams? I mean 3 full shows a box set--even the most incredible run I am not sure I want all 3 nights for 100 bucks..how about the best show for 30 bucks?I doubtless will buy it but its a vote of faith to get a 10 disc set from the same run... I have never had issue with charging for high quality shows we used to get free from the board archives but 100 for one set of shows even seems to set a greed record for whoever the SUITS are in charge of this...and believe me I have no doubt its an awesome set... but i could get an iPod almost for this much.....alas...time to start cracking the piggy bank and praying I am happier than the box set of all the studio albums I bought....the best part of that- the bonus of Beyond Description.. "if the Thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!"- The Wheel "Gonna find out something only dead men know" - Silvio Class of Red Rocks '79... Life without the Dead is not life...and so we carry on...

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

A 10-cd vault release (of previously unreleased material) with extensive booklet, lovingly commissioned artwork and extras sets a greed record for the suits? Give me a @#$@ing break. Let's look at what some other artists charge on average for THEIR boxes, shall we? The Band/ The Last Waltz 4-cd box ~ $ 60.00 Fairport Convention/ BBC 4-cd box ~ $ 80.00 The Doors/ The Doors Box set 4-cd ~ $ 70.00 Pink Floyd/ Oh By the Way 14-cd ~ $ 250.00 (for studio rehash stuff/NOTHING vault) Pearl Jam/ Live at the Gorge 7-cd ~ $ 50.00---ok, this is a steal....but no booklet, not a SINGLE liner note or a SINGLE PHOTO!!! Just the cd's and the track list on the back of the box Talking Heads/ 8-cd $ 140.00 David Bowie/ Sound & Vision 4cd ~ $ 70.00 The Stones/ London years singles collection 2cd ~ $ 40.00 You guys don't even know how good you have it. I wouldn't blame the Grateful Dead if they never released another #$@ing thing for us. Talk about greed.
user picture

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

Clarification... There was never a Mind Left Body Jam between China and Rider. It was always a Feelin' Groovy Jam. This is one of those things that GDP never seems to get right. Feelin' Groovy jam is a sort of bouncy, mellow descending chord pattern, like from the Paul Simon song "Feelin' Groovy" where Paul Simon sings "I got no deeds to do, no promises to keep..." Mind Left Body Jam is a distinctly different sounding chord progression that varies in speed but tends to have a much more mournful, wistful sound. It usually comes at the end of a 72 or 73 Dark Star. It is exactly based off of the Jefferson Airplane song "Your Mind Has Left Your Body", and it's clear if you listen to that, because Jerry was the one who played guitar for them on that album (Baron von Tollbooth and the Chrome Nun). Just a clarification. ; )
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Well after finally listening to the whole thing -- amazing. A few hissy sounding spots but I can't complain. Amazing box. Amazing CD sleeves. Great JOB! If I had one complaint, Weather Report Suite is played on all three nights -- yes I am nitpicking and I know it was being worked in because it was new BUT...... just one "He's Gone" or "NFA -->GDTRFB ->NFA" would have been an excellent addition (if they played it). Oh yeah -- what about the "Other One" - with that hard loud base sound it would have cracked the windshield of my car! Would love a 76 or 77 box like this. Although I love 72 - especially the Euro shows, I don't think there is much left of that year to release anyway. Keep them coming. Unless it is 91-95 -- I will probably keep buying.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Many thanks, Zaorish, for the info. I knew the jam in China/Rider had a Feelin Goovy vibe to it, and have heard it in other jams, but wasn't sure if it was MLB or not.... I will definitely keep my ears open and check out Airplane's MLB...Thanks again Peace! --------------------------------- I'm not Beethoven
user picture

Member for

16 years 6 months
Permalink

That was not all i said and its taken out of context..point is a 100 dollarebox set should be for a really special run- Weather Report SUITE on all 3 CDs in a row--well there is 10 bucks off right there..the box sets you site are from major events for those bands-one could argue this was but it was not planned as an event as say RADIO CITY WAS or Warfield etc. Now I am not making light of the MUISC which is what I want but i do not care that much about hoe nicely the liner notes have the set lists etc. Frankly you sound like a suit yourself..I love the Dead and they have a right to make money but i think this should be priced about 69 bucks... sorry dude-100 is a lot to hear a 3 show run....its a nice idea over say the TOURS clips of best of the tour...but its stretching it...my vote is not in yet as I DID ORDER IT schmucko so its on its way-there is virtually nothing they sell I have not bought from them.....so NOW I AM GREEDY? you are a clown dude! I sent you a PM but it really warranted a reply--do not dis your fellow head when he did not flame anyone other than question the concept/price... "if the Thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!"- The Wheel "Gonna find out something only dead men know" - Silvio Class of Red Rocks '79... Life without the Dead is not life...and so we carry on...
user picture

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

This set is incredible. The sound quality is superb. This is a great period for the band. They play a great selection of songs and they play them well. Bobby's guitar (which in later years is often drowned out) comes through. Also, Bobby has by this point really established himself as a songwriter and a singer. Weather Report Suite played in its entirety is incredible. Garcia has begun his transition to the very light handed approach that would characterize his playing for many years. Yet, he still tears into a lot of the songs with the abandon of the earliest days. There are more highlights than can be mentioned. Truckin' on Saturday is as good as I've ever heard. I'm surprised by the bland reception these shows have received in some of the quotes here. I have quite a few shows from around and before this era but very enthusiastically recommend this set.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Listened through the entire set once and working through a second listen. I am really enjoying this release. Overall, the sound is excellent for a 2-track recording, and the instruments seem to be reasonably balanced. There are moments throughout the set where the vocals are buried, but I guess that is the nature of the beast. The packaging and artwork is superb, with the exception of the cardboard sleeves. For a release of this size and price, I would expect digipak inserts with plastic trays, improving the protection of such an investment. Please take this into consideration for all future releases. I would love to see Emek's artwork offered as decent sized poster, suitable for framing! Looking forward to some more complete runs, say 1977, 1972, other... "May the four winds blow you safely home" – Franklin's Tower
user picture

Member for

16 years 4 months
Permalink

This box is EXACTLY what I want--a piece of Grateful Dead history; an opportunity to relive, or at least simulate, a three night run of shows. If they played WRS or any other song all three nights then so be it. I want to hear it all. I'd rather pay more for three full shows than pay less for a compilation that only has one WRS on it.As for the price, I was hoping it would be a little lower and would gladly do without the artwork if it meant the discs were cheaper (although I liked the artwork and packaging much more than I anticipated). It's not absurdly priced, though. Once you get your hands on the final product you may agree. As for what constitutes a 'special' run of shows...well, we all have our own ideas on that. What's great about the Dead is not what they did at special events or the US festival or Monterey Pop or the shows after Bill Graham died...it's what they did night after night whether they're in Iowa City or MSG. That's just my opinion, of course, but I'm ecstatic to get this little three night snippet of history. As for the next release, I haven't seen anyone mention '74 yet, my favorite year.
user picture

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

Thank you GDP for this amazing box-set. The sound is incredible. It is a musical excursion that is treasured and preserved. The boys are the best in the business. The process by which to bring the sound up in these sets pays off. Bob Weir is in fine form on this one. I never realized until this set just how fine of a player he is. As always, anything GDP puts out is top-notch. This is serious listening and in a time when the truly great players are forgotten, this is just a beautiful example of just how powerful music can be. And when a group like THE DEAD take music from just everywhere and make it their own...They nail it!!!! This is highly recommended and appreciated from a fan who understands just what "They're not the best at what they do, they're the only ones who do what they do" means. Thanks again and keep it coming PLEASE!!!!!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years
Permalink

i'd gladly pay 130$ or more if you, rhino guys, would pack all the gigs for download in a single bulk, maybe with pics and some neat package. i miss those shows, it might also be the digital age but i was a vinyl freak and even though the gigs will end up on my ipod i like to know i also own a "support"think about it, i think lots of deadheads would like this!
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Ordered on Friday May 2, and received Monday May 5, USPS. Not bad. Plus, I still got the bonus disc even though it was past the deadline. Thanks so much, Rhino.But the best is the product itself. Great packaging, great art direction, great art. The booklet is very nice, and McNally's essay a wonderful compliment to three fantastic nights of music. The sound production is crystal clear, and the mix is perfectly time-corrected and imaged. It's as close to being there as we will ever get, except in memory. Overall, having this set in my possession is like having the library of Alexandria. My god, '73 was such a strange time, and the musical explorations of the Dead were exciting and mysterious. I did not attend these shows, but saw the Buffalo stop of the September East Coast tour. These three nights are as good or better than what I heard, and what I heard in Buffalo that night made me want to burn my guitar. I'm thinking that at $99.99 this set is a steal. It's really worth much more than that.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

Can somebody reach out to somebody and find out when the next DVD is coming out???Somebody??? Anybody???
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 10 months
Permalink

delayed getting this, and I don't know why! Just finished listening to the first 3 discs (the first night) and it is magnificent!!! Don't hesitate like I did if you are thikning about it - get it !!!!Sound quality is very good and the boys are smokin'....gotta go switch disks now - later!!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

another complaint about the packaging. i slightly ripped the cardboard packaging trying to remove and replace disc 2! my anal retentive impulses will never forgive me ...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

I find the first 2 nights somewhat average. The band seems to walk thru the entire show. Sure there are highlights but overall very average. The 3rd night is a totally different story. Fan fuckin' tastic!!!!! Sharp and tight performances with Jerry sticking in sharp concise notes wherever possible. The Dark Star/Eyes/China Doll is some of the best stuff I have ever heard. One of the most beautiful and "full" China Dolls ever!!!
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

who is the smart one who put the data line on the 9 cd set. Did anyone check for consistancy. it starts 1973 11-9 D1 then 1973 11-9 D2 and D3 . Then you go to 11-10-73 with no disc number. disk 5 is different with disk 5 and slashes 9/10/73. If any one tries to put this on a I-pod it goes out of order like a 10 year old put it together. If you dont understand this message you must be the smart one who OKed the set without looking at the data line. PikesPeak
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Great Tunes even though its Rhino. They could be cool if they werent PikesPeak
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Maybe someone else has already commented on this but I read the comments up to about page 10 and got real bored with all the really cheap people whining. I skipped to page 32 and they were still at it. Why buy this stuff if you are too cheap to handle it? Maybe I am wrong? But it appears to me that every picture in the booklet that accompanies this box set are from 1974. For the life of me, I just can't remember seeing a beadless Jerry or the Wall of Sound in 1973. Maybe I am wrong.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

I agree about the whiners, but everyone is entitled to their opinion. One of the biggest complaints was the Road Trips Series. That was consistently bad mouthed by people wanting complete shows. Well I purchased the Road Trips Vol 1, No 2 in time to get the bonus disc. Anyone who missed getting the bonus disc missed one of the best. I find myself listening to the bonus disc more than the Winterland. Winterland is a great release but whoever was behind the Road Trips Vol 1, No 2 bonus disc really out did themselves.
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Wall of Sound was definitely in effect for 1973. Examples of photos can be found on this website if you take the time to look. http://www.dead.net/archives/1973/photos/wall-sound-boston-music-hall And here is a beardless Jerry from that same Boston Hall show, just 9 days after Winterland: http://www.dead.net/archives/1973/photos/jerry-garcia-boston-music-hall Google is also your friend.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

I think this boxset is fantastic. I love the subtle differences between each show. The 9th has had a bad rap on here but I really enjoy it. The WRS> Eyes is one of the highlights of the set for me. Bob Weirs work in the China>Rider transition rips. I do, however, find the Around> GDTRFB> Johnny B Goode a bit lacklustre. I guess they were tired. The 10th is super and seems to be a better overall show. The Brokedown is great and probably my favourite electric Brokedown on any official release. The Playing> Uncle> Dew> John> Playing sandwich is delectable. I disagree with a previous review that it sounds like they're going through the motions. It's actually disc III that I like the most on this show. The standalone Stella is beautiful and the Truckin is so bluesy. The main body of the song is quite short and it heads off into blues territory, without going in Nobody's Fault, like on Download Series Vol. 8 for example. The 11th is currently my favourite. I love huge first sets and this is one of those. Not a dull moment. The Dark Star is very far out. It really is special and way the band can be in outer space and before you know it, they're in a quasi-country jam, then a minute or two later they're back in feedback. The Eyes> China is very well played. The AWBYG while someone (Phil) is saying goodnight is funny and also helps to demonstrate just how spontaneous the Dead were/are. I haven't spent too much time on the bonus disc but the Eyes> Space is scary. I love it. This set is fantastic. Suck it up people. This has to be up there with one of the best Dead releases ever. Mind you, how could they go wrong with a Winterland boxset? Feb 1974? June 1977? October 1978? It's all good stuff.
user picture

Member for

16 years 6 months
Permalink

I have to disagree with the last post. The "Eyes Of The World>Space" is terribly erratic, especially "Eyes". Bill Kreutzmann stops playing in some parts and during the "Slipknot! section" (so to speak) the band sounds absolutely unsynchronized. In addition, Phil´s bass guitar is absent for some moments too. I think (maybe I´m wrong, of course) they were having some sound problems on stage during that part of the set.I think the bonus disc features a fair set, nothing more, nothing less.
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Lets hear it for more from Winterland. I think Rhino could do a much better job with a later series of shows such as the ones in October of '78. But then again some heads might complain that there are too many Scarlet -> Fires, just like they have been doing recently about Bob Weir's masterpiece Weather Report Suite (which was last played in its entirety in the Fall of '74 at Winterland, of course). I for one don't care about hearing the same song night after night, rather than getting a compilation that only consists of one of the versions that someone else thinks was the best version. Don't you think that we as the fans (not some suit) deserves to decide for ourselves which version we like best. Let it begin then, From Egypt with Love, From Egypt with Love, From Egypt with Love, From Egypt with Love, From Egypt wi...................
user picture

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

Hee-hee "goddam well I declare, have you seen the like" well folks after painfully sifting through,? 30 something pages (only cause for once i actaully had nothing better to do hurrumph) of all your love and kisses on the "box" etc, in my humble opinion, ahem, and we all know opions are all like assholes, everybodies got one, but that aint necessarily good, but that being said....1) if you don't like it, don't by it, like it or not folks, we live in a capitalist society that is driven by commerce, whether your a fucking greed-head Limbaugh loving winger or an organic hog farmer the sad but true fact is that shit costs money and supply and demand is what controls our society "for good or for ill" that being said, the only way any of our beloved dead is going to see the light of day is unfortunetly that some greed head somewhere is gonna see that there is still a demand, (thank god, or jerry, or whom ever you spin too) and thus they are going to provide the ways and means to "supply" our beloved juice. Now one could easily argue that there are other ways to satiate sp? our demand via other means of supply i.e., boots etc., and for some folks thats cool, thats enoiugh, but I for one spent way too many of my formitive years (late 70's) having to listen to too damn many hissy ass lame cassettes etc, and I had by most folks standards a kick ass system, and vinal, yeah whatever, though I do agree that compressed music like mp3 etc sucks (from a high fidelity standpoint, but like the dude said, you can carry your whole library in a tiny little package), so, for the most part, technology at least in reference to music and more specificallly our good ol boys etc, has improved exponentually light years beyound that fucking swill I grew up on! Please do not get me wrong, I would not trade those stony afternoons etc in my folks bassment with my own personel wall of McItosh sound for anything, but objectively, shit has come a long, long way since those days, (anyone that has had the privalage of viewing one of the DVD's on serious equipment with current digital audio knows what I am speaking of) and these kind of releases are a positive by product of that. So, sorry I digress, ahem, yeah, a, uhhhhhhhm, shut up dumb ass, a huh huh huih, ....yeah, anyway so unfortunetly the only way we are going to get good shit from the vault is that someone, the dead, rhino, what difference does it make, is that it is going to cost some cash, of course that is another great thing about current technology, ahem, there are let us say other avenues to fulfull our demand, ahem, just like the old days......sans art and packaging 2) It is what it is, lets face it folks, yes please, "step away from the bong and no one will get hurt" if you really look at the dead objectively it is not the picture of commercial polish and perfection, so yeah, not everything is gonna be some slick gem, as compared to other things out there that cost simalar amounts etc, but at the same time that is a huge part of what makes the dead so fucking great, ITS REAL FOLKS, as they used to say, "zits and all" or some such thing, and so again, take what you need and leave the rest! I mean really, realistically, this shit could of gone the way of the dinosours long ago, so be careful what you piss and moan about, cause the reality is that it could be more likely that there would be no supply at all, so yeah, a hundred bucks is nuts for something that material cost is a few bucks tops, but consider the very real alternitive! 3) one man gathers what another man spills. There were over 2000 shows of which a good percentage are around, at least many hundred that are for various technicall and other reasons usable, and yet there are millions? of heads, at least many thousands, and as my opening remark states, opinions are like... so just like the old days coming out of a show when even you and your homies could not always agree about this or that, trying to get ya all to see eye to eye on such a huge amount of something as vast and diverse as the vault,which is sooooooooo subjective is, well, i hope you see the point, yeah yeah I know if i only could grow a little more hair i could cover that up!!! The point being, be "grateful" that the dead aint dead, and that at least somebody, greedy or not, is bringing this shit to the light of day, and in a much improved format then the "good ol days" when it was all free, of course any one paying attention nows that "nothing comes for free" or at least thats what one of the most wise men I ever knew used too (still does actually) tell me! So stop all this wierdness, "if you get confused, just listen to the music play" whether ya buy it or... Ps, I love the idea of the "75 BOX" yeah those shows too had many of the same songs, but come on people it was perhaps THE most unique period in dead history, and pretty fucking cool too! how bout a Warlocks 89, a Rochester (all years) box, a Hampton 88, or ?? or aaaaaaaaaaaaa, how about a Togaaaaa, togaaaa, yeah a toga box, or the ulitmate, what of the ( i believe) ten "non-screechy", ahem, sorry babe, shows of late 73 that have not been yet released? and on and on...........see, one could hurt themself thinking too hard about all the great shit from all the great years, except maybe the vinny crap, ahem, but agian, thats just my humble opinion, and well, see opening and repeat mantra! love and kisses Pedro pps, sean (from a dellrock, where the fuck are ya)

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Oroborous, your post warms my heart. Clearly I offended Peachy and I have no agenda to perpetuate negative vibes, but you know I was actually feeling hurt by all the comments about this wonderful, lovingly produced release (and Road Trips Vol II is another) somehow being a ripoff of conscious design and one of his statements just happened to be the one that broke my camel's back. I felt it was time to defend the folks who continue to bring us these releases; it's not about heads vs. suits, it's heads of different opinion is all, and that was mine. That said, by now I'm sure (and hope) that just like me he's enjoyed many hours of this set's musical bliss by now. Still haven't heard it all, because I want the first listen of each disc to be just the right atmosphere. But a few thoughts so far~ bonus disc~ China Cat -> Rider is awesome, and unique~ Phil's bass is uncommonly high in the mix, and he wastes no opportunity to make the most of it. Worth the disc by itself, and Truckin' is HOT--listen to Keith. Can I just say (as others have) that Keith is the secret weapon on this release....he puts them over the top again and again, and this really demonstrates just how much he was capable of contributing. Europe '72-caliber piano input here. I mean, how often do you hear Billy playing off Keith? November 9th~ this first set is hard to beat; great set list, and better vocal sound than the 2nd set. They Love Each Other~ is it me, or is Keith inventing the ascending riff here that Jerry later standardized on guitar for the later version? My new favorite Black-Throated Wind, I think~ Bob's vocal delivery is countryish & inspired, and the band really builds a head of steam at the end (the 11th is similar, but the vocals here are much louder and seemingly more effortless). Don't Ease smokes, Keith, yes, of course, Jerry, but Keith! Playing In the Band is yet another five-star, great-as-any version. The rest of disc 2 isn't standout for me on first listen (including, surprisingly, Here Comes Sunshine~ at least compared to the Dick's 1 version a month later). But the Playin' is enough to naysay any wholesale p'shawing of this show. Have not yet heard disc 3. Nov 10 ~ Another fine first set. A treat to hear Jerry still throwing a "Sweet Susie" into Loser at this late hour, Looks Like Rain is lovely (as someone noted, Jerry does still seem to be taking his lead cue from the earlier pedal steel version), and Brokedown is really sweet treat. The only one I've heard from this '73-'74 era. Haven't heard set II at all yet, still savoring the anticipation of the Playin -> Uncle John's -> Dew sandwich.....(kind of like the Dostoevsky canon~ it sucks once you've read them all and have no more masterpieces to look forward to). Nov 11 ~ Well, what can you say? This one really is untoppable. I now have another contender for the time machine show I'd most like to see. The fact that the first set spans nearly two full discs is outrageous. The beauty of the performance is even moreso. Disc 2 (or is it 8?) is absolutely perfect Grateful Dead music. Did I say the bonus disc's ChinaCat -> Rider was awesome? Listen to this one. Everything is high energy and smokin'. Fantastic Weather Report. The energy continues unabated into set II; I usually prefer the faster-beat arrangement of Half-Step (a la the 80's or, say, Philly 9/21/72), but this one is driving and perfect. And the hottest Big River of this era that I've heard. Exhilarating disc. Oh, but then there's disc 3 (9). Just look at the track list and apply the same mojo amply demonstrated on disc 2 (8). How or why should I bother describing the Dark Star? Just wait for the proper space to listen, and embark on the journey. One of the great ones. And the travels to Eyes-> China Doll live up to every bit of the promise you'll have no doubt built up for them by now. A beautiful Uncle John's Band with suitably intense outro and an endearingly loose but inspired Bid You Goodnight will further ensure your retention of this booster shot of magic vibe. Oh, and my brother would add that the first set actually features a HOT El Paso (which might be slightly rarer to his ears than mine, but this one really is an inspired version--Jerry squeezes in pan-fried licks throughout). Some great photos, too. I wasn't previously aware of this prototype Wall of Sound. Love the shot of Jerry on p. 9 of the booklet, and Bob, Jerry, and speakers on p. 20. But you don't have to be a packaging geek like me~ the music here is really special, and I can't imagine you'll regret what you pay for it.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Hey Now. I've found my copy of Winterland 73 has some electronic static on a couple of tracks. Who do I contact to report this, or get replacement disks? Love it otherwise. Thanks! Jackaroses
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

sorry for the hassle, but send email to the great Casson, i.e. casson dot kauffman at iventa dot com, and she'll have things fixed up fast. Send me a PM if this makes no sense!
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

tj crowley just a small bit of critizism...with all that was spent on improving the sound, guitas, amps etc..they could have given 'bill the drummer' a new set excellant quality, great seperation, truly ahead of their time and still
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

Well, if anybody get to the end of the line, they'll get to read this thng! I commend GDP/Rhino for putting out this set. I'm a serious advocate for all releases being complete. I understand why the band might not want some of the stuff not released becuase of mistakes, but anybody who ever got into the GD seriously collected the tapes. Deadhead's didn't care about the mistakes, if we really got into it, we would talk about them and chalk it up to "nobody's perfect" I guess playing music perfectly when the band's style is to take musical chances is very human. Years ago I wrote a letter to Dupree's Diamond News , yes, a real magazine , back in the day , about if they are going to release these Dick's Picks, release the whole show! Well, later on they did, and it's gotten better over the years. I try to purchase all the complete shows and boycott incomplete releases. Sorry, but that's the way it is! Hey, if you want a best of release, make your own from the complete stuff....that's what we did back in the day on cassette with all the nasty wow/flutter and hiss.....did I mention at 8th generation too! However, this is a beautiful release and the performances is as good as it get to perfect. Sure, there will always be some miscues and clunker notes, but this is rock and roll! Also, the band at the time NEVER thought that complete shows would be released with MAYBE the exception of the "one from the vault" "family show". The sound quality is excellent, besides the recent re-mixes from multi-track shows like the fillmore west 69, and two from the vault, this is some of the best stuff I've heard. The recording has a really nice balance and good analog warmth, it does sound a bit compressed in relation to the cymbals, but I don't hear any hiss almost, that's some serious digital wizard stuff! I hope they put out some more 73 , and it's not overated in the least, nor is 1972. Another all time release is 05-26-72, and Hamburg 72 is incredible! Bring more, more , more please, and what's the deal on Sunshine Daydream these days, I mean , that's a instant amount of money....but's it's not about that all the time....it's about the right thing to do....it's history Donnie Loeffler I wish that for just one time, You could stand inside my shoes, and for just that one moment, I could be you - Bob Dylan, Positively 4th St.
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Cinci 73 was my first show and I was amazed at the quality! The Stella was stellar! Now I know why I have always revered certain songs over others! Grateful Sets! If the thunder don't get you, the lightning will!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

Contacted casson dot kauffman at iventa dot com over a month ago about problems with disc two. I was told that I was to receive a replacement as soon as more were available. Have not seen a replacement and have sent numerous emails to casson dot kauffman at iventa dot com and have not receive any new responses on when a new disc will be sent. Unfortunately I spent $100 and I am stuck with a defective disc. Does anyone have any information on how to get this disc replaced?
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

that shouldn't be happening. I'll look into this and report back. Sorry for the trouble.
user picture

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

and anyone else, God forbid, who's having similar issues. With tears in my eyes I report that Casson has moved on. However, our enthusiastic new support person for Store- and merchandise-related matters is Josh Leopard, josh dot leopard at iventa dot com, and he stands ready to pitch in and straighten out snafus as they occur. If you have problems with your order, email Josh and feel free to keep me in the loop too. Thanks!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

Josh Leopard called me last night about getting a replacement for disc two. They are still waiting for the manufacturer to send them. Once the Dead store gets disc 2 they will be sent out promptly. Hopefully this helps others who waiting for their replacement.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

Does anyone else think that the Friday night show is damn fine? It gets bagged, even in the liner notes (to an extent). I think it's great. Sure there is no Playing>Uncle>Dew>John>Playing or Dark Star, but I think the WRS>Eyes>China Doll is wonderful. I don't buy the idea that the Sunday night WRS is the best. My favourite (at the moment anyway) is the Friday night. The Playing is sweet and the China>Rider transition is hot. What's not to like?

Member for

16 years 9 months
Permalink

I think the first set in particular is damn fine. Especially Don't Ease - Black Throated Wind. Don't know if there's a finer version of the latter (even on the third night!).
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

Some people have left comments saying how the "whiners" should just be grateful that this music is being made available at all, regardless of the price. But what I am grateful for is the kind and tireless work by the community of tapers and collectors who corrected technical problems and made the Dead's music available over the years through an ever-expanding network of traders. When things like pitch needed to be fixed, they did it for free, which Rhino can't even do for profit (see the new '79 downloads). It was this community that ensured the geometrical growth of the Dead's fan base and created enough consumers of their official releases for them to even be able to sell the stuff at all. People like Charlie Miller are who I am grateful for. Has everyone forgotten that the Grateful Dead were always a two-way street? I'm sure that everyone has a story about how they were either turned on to the band by someone else's tapes or gave recordings to others who became fans themselves. Without this network, and without the Dead's once liberal taping/trading policy, there wouldn't be so many Deadheads today who are willing to buy the official releases.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

However, the above being said, I have always purchased every single official release because of the vast wealth of material that's available to us for free. It's a given among the serious trading community, and I realized that I can't stop now if I am going to continue to enjoy the rest of my collection in good conscience. So I have placed my order and, as such, withdraw my earlier complaint about the price. Besides, Rhino is a good company that releases many things I enjoy due to excellent remastering and overall care. Harsh criticism in their case is unwarranted, the '79 downloads notwithstanding, and I apologize. I realized that paying a little extra for stuff that's remastered above and beyond previous releases is something I am glad to do anyway. Peace, Rhino. You do a good job.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

...that is, except on the '79 downloads, Rhino, which you have miserably screwed up. Please do not make me regret my apology and the eventual assumption I came to that you are a good company compared to many others. 'Cause, right now, your silence on the issue, Jeffrey Norman's response, and the amount of time it took for folks to get their Winterland replacement disc 2's are all indicative of serious problems with upper management. Say what you want about "whiners," but are we being proven right? I urge everyone to check out the multiple-choice test on page 11 of the "New full-show downloads" thread, because it's freakin' hilarious.
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

I'll be looking for more pixs from Winterland & post them soon as humanly possible.....Gypsy Cowgirl
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 3 months
Permalink

I just grateful dead eygpt 1978
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 1 month
Permalink

When i was reading the Deadhead's Taping Compendium 1965-'75 (by Dwork, Getz, and others), the description of these Winterland shows made me practically PRAY for their release on CD. Too good to ever be true, though!*****Years later (last week) it was indeed a revelation to find out that the COMPLETE RECORDINGS of ALL 3 SHOWS were released in a 9-CD deluxe package! I am psyched to hear that the Complete Recordings series will continue, apparently with entire runs of shows, mini TOURS! Many people were saddened that the Dick's Picks series came to an end, and some were downright frightened by the thought that Latvala's archival tradition was to be carried on only in the form of Road Trips compilations! Which is pretty neat by the way. I see each Road Trips--as it exists so far, anyway--as having 4 major functions: 1) as a sampler of a tour from which you have never heard a show; 2) as a way to introduce a new deadhead to what different "eras" of the Dead were like--i.e. Pigpen vs. Keith vs. Brent vs. Vince/Bruce; 3) as a GREAT way to introduce a new deadhead to the point of it all, to what each of these legendary "tours" really was: an adventure, shared by many friends, in pursuit of a living, breathing, moving, improvising, never-the-same-song-twice musical treasure. I can still remember a time when i hadn't yet experienced the majesty of one of their shows, but i WAS getting familiar with the chord structures from listening to studio albums, and so eventually was ready to get into Dick's Picks and tape trading, and of course going to current live shows! But there was a time...when the perfect music purchase to help me make the leap to serious deadhead...would probably have been a Road Trip. The COMPLETE RECORDINGS, however, is really where it's at for serious fans, along with their trades, and the already-existing Dick's Picks series. Many Picks are actually not COMPLETE shows, but the songs are indeed all from the SAME show (or two...or...) They are still far from being compilations. Volume 14, for example, representing the best music from the best 2 shows out of a 3-show run in late '73 at Boston Music Hall, is a joy to own--a real unique and multidimensional experience, from the cover artwork..to the liner notes...to the superintelligent saloon music contained on the discs. I have no gripes about the release not including the 3rd show (supposedly an "off" night)--the Experience was probably better for that! It is still a document of a real Dead Concert Experience. And that brings me to the last reason for Road Trips: 4) as a way for someone who has been a deadhead faaar longer than i have--and has heard a lifetime's worth of complete shows already--to experience a synthetic distillation of a whole tour into a single night's experience! This WOULD be a real trip, especially if it were a tour one had actually experienced live! ...oh God, this comment was originally about...what?? Oh YEAHHHH, the new Winterland box!...ohhhhhh, i want it more than anything. BeigePeter (ryan)
user picture

Member for

12 years 7 months
Permalink

Can't wait to get this. Over 10 hours of Dead music sweet!!!!!!