From The Mars Hotel (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) [3CD]

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March 27, 2024 - 7:12am

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Dead Admin

Joined:
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FROM THE MARS HOTEL (50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION) features remastered audio by GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer David Glaser, with Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction. Produced for release by Grateful Dead Legacy Manager and Audio Archivist, David Lemieux, the DELUXE EDITION also includes demos of “China Doll” and “Wave That Flag” – the song that became “U.S. Blues” – as well as a previously unreleased live performance of the Grateful Dead at University of Nevada-Reno on 5/12/1974. As the band filled an outdoor football stadium with epic highs like huge “China Cat Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider,” Mars Hotel cuts including “U.S. Blues” and classics such as “Brown-Eyed Women,” “Tennessee Jed,” “Mississippi Half-Step,” “Truckin',” “Sugar Magnolia,” a massive wind storm was no match for the Wall of Sound. Designed to improve the listening and performance experience at what were becoming larger gigs and longer, more dynamic and varied sets, the Wall of Sound required 21 stage hands, and underlined the resounding effect the Grateful Dead were having on American audiences and culture at the time, even as the entire operation remained homespun and humble.

Recorded in San Francisco’s Coast Recorders studio, FROM THE MARS HOTEL finds Keith Godchaux particularly shining across a variety of keys, from the “China Doll” harpsichord to the pounding piano on Bob Weir’s “Money Money,” to the churchy organ that elevates “Ship Of Fools.” Lyricist Robert Hunter packs “U.S. Blues” with a barrage of imagery, pop-culture references and sardonic asides – as Canadian author Ray Robertson writes in the 50th Anniversary Edition’s liner notes, it “carries an undeniable whiff of late-capitalism ennui…it’s the most fun you’ll ever have dancing to the end of the American Empire.” Jerry Garcia’s jaunty lead guitar drives bouncing melodies across the LP, while guests include Ned Lagin’s unnerving synth effects on “Unbroken Chain,” Clover member John McFee’s country-rock pedal steel on “Pride Of Cucamonga,” and more.

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July 16, 2024 - 2:34pm

#1

hendrixfreak

Joined:
February 26, 2014

I've got a sale going....

My two cents has been discounted to ... a penny for my thoughts. Hey, half off!

The live show here starts off shaky in terms of sound and performance, but halfway through the first disc, the band tightens up and begins to play like they mean it. This is not necessarily a criticism. What many people don't recognize is that without a first set, there's no second set jam frenzy. And, in the first set, the boys (led by Jer, no doubt) learned to remain calm and go about the business of entertaining with first set songs. In this show, they just come across as a bit lethargic. But, they gather themselves and acquit the remainder of the set in fine energy and style, with Jer ripping away. Second set is tasty and no real issues beyond poor Bobby's garbled vocals to TOO.
Happy to have it. And the Mars Hotel LP sounded really good and I enjoyed a chance to revisit it.
Now, about that primal box of '66-'70 that will include the recently (or not so recently) uncovered '68 tapes..............
July 16, 2024 - 3:49am

#2

daverock

Joined:
September 1, 2014

Audio anomalies

These seem to be a feature of officially released 1974 shows - 5/19/74 comes to mind. I have never heard one where they detract from the whole though. Just a characteristic of the year - and it was a great year.
Having said that...I haven't heard 5/12/74 yet. Quietly confident, though
July 15, 2024 - 5:50pm

#3

icecrmcnkd

Joined:
October 20, 2015

5-12-74

On my second listen.
I originally had this show on cassette, then CD-R, then a torrent, then torrent upgrades. The current copy on my HD is 150221.sbd.miller.

This FTMH 50th bonus is the best sounding version I’ve had.
Glad for the upgrade.
Yes, there are audio anomalies as Oro pointed out, but the show still needed to be released and cutting it down to 2 discs was the right choice in this case.

Now Dave,
Time to announce the October ‘74 Box.
July 12, 2024 - 2:06pm

#4

dmcvt

Joined:
April 4, 2013

anniversary flood

Thanks Oro, no issues here (an inch of rain was all) Alvarhanso over Rutland way saw a little more, the big plume swath stayed north of central axis, Middlebury to Burl, through Stowe, Barre, Plainfield, up to Saint J, 5-6 inches of rain. Some major damage to roads and farm fields, sadly two fatalities. Dozens of households are without power still, lots of washouts, rivers hit flood stage but are heading down. Small scale compared to TX but we are a small state. People talking about the new normal, freaked that it was exactly one year ago to the day for last flood.
July 12, 2024 - 12:51pm

#5

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

More 74 lol

Ha, I knew someone would comment on “worst” comment.
Didn’t mean to cloud anyones fun, I’m just an old tech freak who finds it all fascinating etc, and sometimes ya know, ya gotta grease the rails a little ; )
We need more good conversation round here.

I don’t really know them well enough, and I haven’t heard many Dicks in fo ever…Hell, since I’ve been on my “quest” I hardly listen to released stuff at all.
Saving for after my quest when I can freak freely lol
Really, after first time virgin full sit down etc, I usually don’t listen that critically, normally. If the playing is hot, I just float with it. But you can’t undo training and when somethings weird, it’s hard to not hear it. Like if it’s decent or good, I don’t notice as much, but if somethings off, it sticks out like a sore thumb, if that makes sense? It can be a curse sometimes.

I love DaP 9, probably for that big scary DS!
Man, I’m on DaP 34 today, NOW that one’s sweet!
Hadn’t spun this one in awhile, Good Sheet Mon!

So, to clarify, my comments were about the audio/recording, not so much the show. Now, they all can’t be the best, and this one is looser than most 74, but it does have some moments to be sure, and you can tell their having fun!
I love in A&A when some are ready to return to the song, but the rest are like, nope, “we ain’t done yet” lol think it happens more than once! Rocking good fun fo sho!
Onward!
Great WE All!

Oh, almost forgot. DMCVT, guess lightning dies struck twice.
Hope y’all are ok and keeping dry! Alvar too, believe he’s up there now also?
Keeps on raining, the levee gonna break…
July 12, 2024 - 9:04am

#6

DeadVikes

Joined:
October 26, 2016

Reno

They set the bar pretty high with the 50 Anniversary releases of Working Mans Dead and American Beauty. Hard to live up to those 71 Port Chester shows.

Still need to listen to the Reno show on the home system. Appreciate the insight OB, Crow and others.
July 12, 2024 - 9:01am

#7

dmcvt

Joined:
April 4, 2013

Oro Agreed

Thanks for the summer 74 series recap, good reminder of a few shows to check out. Did not have a copy of FTMH here, so glad to have the remaster which sounds "lush". Yes, 5/12 is rough, especially first disc, uneven variable levels, indeed piano oversaturated, ouch, but they are going for it. The second disc decided improvement, some nice jamming. I wrote it off to historical interest, this was the first outdoor WoS show, correct? Worst ever,? Naw, seem to recall a couple DiP that were muddy and compressed. DaP9, two days later in Missoula also started out a bit rough though overall, better recording. Speaking of saturation, I get my first taste of live Phish next weekend in MA, Fallon elevator appetizer.
July 12, 2024 - 8:42am

#8

proudfoot

Joined:
August 2, 2020

I say

5 12 74 rocks
July 12, 2024 - 8:09am

#9

JeffSmith

Joined:
June 9, 2014

Maiden Voyage on the Wall of Sound

Hey Oroborous, Crow, et al – Great discussion about the inner workings of the W.O.S. Lots more moving parts than some of us lightweights usually stop to think about. Thanks for jump-starting the conversation Oro.
July 11, 2024 - 1:22pm

#10

Oroborous

Joined:
June 19, 2007

After several spins

On various systems…

There’s aaaaaaaalot going on here lol.
I think it’s perhaps sonically one of the worst releases yet?
Fortunately most won’t hear it.
I’ll just touch on some of the more prevalent items.

Since there was nobody really mixing the wall, and it was one of the first official wall shows, you can perhaps hear them adjusting volume etc more than usual.
Best way to learn gear is to mess with it, and live is always different then elsewhere.
And that’s why your hearing all that adjustment: because most of this system was controlled directly by the musicians. An interesting idea except for occasional volume wars lol.
My first impression of this show was “sound check show” for the tour…
They seem extra laid back and to be having fun, but definitely getting used to things, and I’m sure the wind effected that! Lots of opsies, and other weirdness too.
It’s not bad, but I’d call it mediocre by high bar 74 standards.
It’s interesting historically, checks the gap box, and there are some good moments, just perhaps not the most consistent outing.

But the unfortunate thing I noticed a lot on first listen was distortion.
All kinds…
Sometimes guitars, which are less easy to detect, occasional bass when he pushes certain things, but most notable is the piano!
Basically every time he really starts pounding from El Paso on…
This isn’t necessarily an on common thing on these old tapes, but it just seems more noticeable on this one.
Perhaps the gain settings on the tape mix board were up and combined by the direct instrument feeds, and I think KGs pre amp levels especially, and/or something to do with piano mics? I believe I read they had to basically invent something for that too, which maybe didn’t have set just right at this one!
Maybe Kid was kinda busy with other things and didn’t get a good chance to properly monitor the tape, so as they continued to get louder and push direct levels etc, he didn’t have chance to readjust?
All kinds of possibilities. Tape age, even with full treatment, an old oversaturated tape could be slightly over crispy.

On less revealing systems it’s a tad harder to discern, but on the good system it reveals a whole lot of distortion, almost unlistenable at times…though you get used to it after initial surprise.

I’ve tried it via my good server/DAC , which feeds to different zones, I’ve tried just the disc via an Oppo Blu-ray on one of those zones with different pre amp and no separate DAC etc, so it’s not the server, DAC or main pre amp, or second zone. Haven’t tried the car yet…
I don’t think it will matter. Less noticeable perhaps, but once you hear it, it doesn’t go away lol Volume makes it more noticeable.
That’s why I think it’s baked into the tape.
I don’t think this is a defect.
And I’m betting that 97% of folks out there won’t notice it for various reasons.

I agree with Conekid, who I believe stated that though it’s not good enough for a Dave’s, and it would be kinda lame disappointment in a box, but for this “bonus” material it fills the gap, kinda goes with the theme, though 6/20 included more album songs and is a much better show ( Probably too long, and maybe saving it as the prime 74 shows are dwindling). I know he says he doesn’t have any lists, but come on, how could you net lol. It’s ok Dave, nobody will think poorly of ya lol ; )

So what is left to ponder?
Here’s my thoughts, of course your mmv!

5/25 audio was subpar, but a good 74 show with nice jam sequence
6/8 audio meh, mediocre show, nice playing sandwich!
6/20 is more 74 caliber goodness!
6/26 & 6/28 is it worth rehash if whole shows are usable in the vault?
6/30 good but not RJ.
7/21 better still? Except for Aud only?
7/25 ahem, hear foot tapping…
7/27 good show, big sequence light perhaps, but lil one outta US nice, and that Playin…oye!
I need to go through the hacked up stuff, but not sure I’d prioritize any of this?
9/14 and 9/20 are good, I’d call the 21st a step behind?
Some of these suffer from jam light…
That just leaves WL. Which lol, somehow I’ve not done the complete shows yet.
So I’ll wait until I do so this fall…

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

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FROM THE MARS HOTEL (50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION) features remastered audio by GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer David Glaser, with Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction. Produced for release by Grateful Dead Legacy Manager and Audio Archivist, David Lemieux, the DELUXE EDITION also includes demos of “China Doll” and “Wave That Flag” – the song that became “U.S. Blues” – as well as a previously unreleased live performance of the Grateful Dead at University of Nevada-Reno on 5/12/1974. As the band filled an outdoor football stadium with epic highs like huge “China Cat Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider,” Mars Hotel cuts including “U.S. Blues” and classics such as “Brown-Eyed Women,” “Tennessee Jed,” “Mississippi Half-Step,” “Truckin',” “Sugar Magnolia,” a massive wind storm was no match for the Wall of Sound. Designed to improve the listening and performance experience at what were becoming larger gigs and longer, more dynamic and varied sets, the Wall of Sound required 21 stage hands, and underlined the resounding effect the Grateful Dead were having on American audiences and culture at the time, even as the entire operation remained homespun and humble.

Recorded in San Francisco’s Coast Recorders studio, FROM THE MARS HOTEL finds Keith Godchaux particularly shining across a variety of keys, from the “China Doll” harpsichord to the pounding piano on Bob Weir’s “Money Money,” to the churchy organ that elevates “Ship Of Fools.” Lyricist Robert Hunter packs “U.S. Blues” with a barrage of imagery, pop-culture references and sardonic asides – as Canadian author Ray Robertson writes in the 50th Anniversary Edition’s liner notes, it “carries an undeniable whiff of late-capitalism ennui…it’s the most fun you’ll ever have dancing to the end of the American Empire.” Jerry Garcia’s jaunty lead guitar drives bouncing melodies across the LP, while guests include Ned Lagin’s unnerving synth effects on “Unbroken Chain,” Clover member John McFee’s country-rock pedal steel on “Pride Of Cucamonga,” and more.

RIP Dicky Betts

That's all.

Checking out the Angel's Share....

....beautiful.
I'll take Jerry on acoustic during China Doll as the day is long.
And the days are getting longer.

Say What?

Nobody has posted to this page in a week?

That is a terrible sign. Rhino, wake the fudge up and fix some things. This is leading to your bottom line.

Start by firing that Hey Now IT Assfluck. Whoever installed the piece of crap add on to the web server should be tarred, feathered and let go pronto. ..but not before getting him/her/who to remove it.

Seriously, this is a top flight May 77 show and there is absolutely no hype here whatsoever. Or as Pig_Pen would day, get your hands out of your pockets and get to work.

This is what you need to do

Seriously, this is a topflight show where the second set does not circulate as a sound_board and there is absolutely no hype here whatsoever. Or as Mr. Pen would say, get your hands out of your pockets and fix this.

Really, it's not that hard. Most of us here are happy to share the love and hype releases because the music is that good, even off shows are spectacular in their own special way. We are happy to do this. Just don't censor or hey_now us to death. This is what you need to do

Remove ALL of this Hey_ now B_S_ like immediately.
Fire the joker who sold you this bill of goods
Tar and feather this same joker
If you have a medieval block, be sure to lock him or her up in it and put them in the city center for no less than three days and no longer than a month.

That is all. Have a wonderful day.

Amen Jim in MD

Sadly they just dont care

Bottom line you say

I haven't bought this release because of it

Again tho they just don't care

They probably gave Marye the boot too

Fat and Happy

You're probably right PF.

Disconnected and living off the residuals. But even the DaP's are not selling out and interest is low. Plus their website sucks and is cumbersome to use.

Wake the FU dread net and fix this mess you created.

I don't like hype

What's wrong with a little integrity ? We aren't children. The actual band, The Grateful Dead, were always about integrity rather than hype. Or so it appeared from this great distance.

lifestyle merch

it's not for me, would rather see near total focus on the music, reissue all the stuff that's unavailable except on secondary markets where some sellers expect hideous prices, in whatever formats people wish, and get rid of the toxic hey now

Dave's Picks

I don't think they would ever reisssue in CD format due to the limited edition numbers. As we all know, they have reissued some in vinyl.

According to Dave, they typically sell out in a couple of weeks.

Things just ain’t the same

any time the Hunter, gets captured by the game

Oh stop

Most of you don’t have the gear or ears to tell the difference.
Really, you’d rather pay again, for stuff you have instead of other, new stuff you don’t? To each their own dot dot dot

Toxic Hey Now

Here here. Love it.

They are essentially a marketing company now that manufacturing has been outsourced. Toxic Hey Now has become their 2024 Branding milestone. Congratulations.

Ok, rant over (until the next time I get clubbed over the head by Dr. Hey_ Now)

Oro

Agreed.
I'm getting too old to be looking back.
Give me the new unreleased stuff.
Peace

Hey Now Jim

There’s no ‘77 hype on this page because it’s the Mars Hotel page.

Just saying……

Mea Culpa

Thanks Cone Kid.. I thought I was on the Dave's 50 page, that explains it.

Apologies to all. What can I say.. I screwed that one up.

Doesn't mean I forgive the hey_ now stuff though.

Now... I need to find the dave's 50 thread and see what I have been missing. Anyone ever get lost in the woods. Well... hehe.. again, apologies.

Jim

That’s what happens when you switch to decaf.

Records

I do like records, I have to say. So I am always tempted by re-releases of Dicks Picks in this format. Just the ones I like, obviously.

Vinyl Re-Releases Make Sense

Releasing the older stuff on Vinyl makes sense.

I think Real Gone has released most if not all of the Dicks Picks and Road Trips anyway, so it might be moot. As for Dave's Picks, they appear to be marching forward with few changes, which is probably a good thing.

No decaf today. All systems normal.

Dicks Picks on vinyl

I always assume they will sound better than the old cds - I am not so sure the Daves Picks will, having originally come out more recently. I seem to listen in a more focussed way to vinyl - and those shows I have in this format get played much more in my house than them as don't.

Stirring the pot...

Instead of smoking it... just dropping in to predict that by the end of June they'll announce the year's box set. Mars 50th has been available for order for some time and when they start delivering it, it's on to the next product.

I can't even begin to guess the contents/focus, other than the commercial sweet spot of 1971-1979. A fall '72 box would certainly get my money.

Texas is as odd as it is vast......

HF, hope all is well!

Yes, could certainly go for a late 72 box set, preferably all the Texas shows in one neat package. Except for November 19, sonic issues have been afoot. Maybe there's clean Owsley copies in those banana boxes...........

..........along with complete copies of the 1970 February and April Fillmore West runs............

My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud......

Rock on,

Doc
Perhaps it's good to have a sense of duty, a jealous zeal to protect or improve, but pride ultimately is only that which stands vulnerable to offense and degradation.....

The Doctor speaks

Hey bro, all going as well as can be expected and lucky to be here.

I might as well repeat my true wish: a collection of the best unreleased '66-'68 tapes, warts and all, for the record. And my ears.

Long live Primal Dead! (And the Doc)

June 2024

Big month in terms of releases of pre~orders. This one here, Mars Hotel. Hunter's Rumrunners and the new GarciaLive, a tasty bit from early 1976 with Kieth & Donna while the Dead still not yet touring again. I just picked up the River Box early this year {lucky it's still in the store} and couldn't agree more with the fall 1972 talk. I would also add the prospect of some Sept.~Autumn 1973 shows for a nice box set. Anyways that announcement will probably also be in June?

Late 1978

I forgot! Last year's box was 1973, so forget that for now. Anyways how about some Keith & Donna era Shakedown Street, From the Heart of Me? Etc.! Early Brent Box? 1979.

Taking the bait...

I will endorse the August 12-14 '79 run for release. (As if that matters!)
First night at Red Rocks, 2nd and 3rd in monsoon rains, at McNichols. Tripped mightily the first two nights, rather hollow the third. But the music was explosive across the three nights.
I'm totally unbiased, but the tapes of the first two nights bears out that this was a good run.

But a distant second to the newly discovered '68 tapes. Including the night in October that they packaged with that silly cartoon book.

Dicks 12

I see this is being re-released on vinyl on Real Gone Records soon. I only played the first cd of this, 6/26/74, at the weekend. One of the all time great cds, in my opinion.

Good call

RYXS

Oakland to Colorado

Re: HendrixFreak; Add the two Oakland shows a week prior to your Colorado trio and that's a nice 5 show box! Early August 1979, right before they did that classic East coast tour. Much of which was on the Road Trips 1.1 release.

Red Rocks 79

HendrixFreak, I was there in 79, first time at Red Rocks. SOOOOO disappointed when we had to move to Mcnichols, I had so wanted to experience the famed Red Rocks!

1979 Red Rocks/McNichols

Me too.
One big happy GD fam-damily here!
1st night: Who is this long haired guy tearing it up on the keys?
2nd night: Loved it even with the poor sound, especially the Nobody's jam.
3rd night: Vague memories, drained by then, nosebleed seats.
Cheers

Is there a "trick" to…

Is there a "trick" to downloading the FLAC version of Mars Hotel the Angel's Share? I've tried downloading 5 times with no luck and I only have 2 more chances left.

Marye

Automatic slim needs your help.

Thanks ICECRMCNKD.

I think I finally "got it!"

Cool

But speak up if you need something...

Limited Edition

Huh. Didn't realize this was a limited edition. Glad I ordered mine before it ran out.

MH

Thanks for the reminder Stillwaters, mine is arriving on Friday. Looking forward to another 74 show.

And these aren't limited editions, but they can sell out.

Deadvikes

Did you receive shipping notice on this? I haven't gotten one yet.

Shipping Notice

Received last night.

FWIW

Got a shipping notice late last night.

TN John

Hey TN John,

Yes, on the way and I see this is back in stock.

Mars Hotel in transit

Received shipping notice Tuesday night.
Expected to arrive in Chicago suburbs on June 20.
Have a Grateful Day.

Out of nowhere...

U.S. Blues is one of the most GD of GD songs

I never get tired of it

Received shipping notice

I received the shipping notification email on Tuesday and hoped I'd get it Friday or Saturday for a great weekend. No such luck. I'll probably get Mars Hotel on Monday or Tuesday in the heat.

Wave That Flag (Demo)

What a sweetie!

Got my copy on Thursday from 'Big River'.de
Cheers,
G.

UNLV Show

Pretty sweet show with the bonus discs. It all sounds great except for the caterwauling of DG on GSET..., but I digress.

1974-05-12 - U of Nevada - Reno, NV

Seems they cut the Promised Land opener, my copy sound like they used it to get levels set. Guess it wouldn't fit on cd, my copy sounds decent will add to front of "official" show.

UNR not UNLV

UNLV is in Las Vegas.
UNR is in Reno (and a better school).

jazzed

I'm jazzed, just got the FTMH and it has my second WOS show!

Shipping Notice?

It always amazes me that the shipping notice is a mystery. I got an e-mail last Tuesday, and it hasn’t been updated since, either through UPS or USPS. This must be one of the times when it just randomly shows up. At least it’s not in the Rossford, OH purgatory.

UNLV Show

Thanks! My college days are a distant, foggy memory. Might have been nice to go away to a university in Reno, although my propensity for overdoing things might have ensured that I would have ended up a degenerate gambler..."You lose again".

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603497827992

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