Please note that due to its size and weight, this item incurs higher shipping fees than the standard Dead.net store ship rates.
WHAT'S INSIDE:
Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, CA (4/5/69) – Cassette
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA (6/5/69)
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA (6/7/69)
Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA (6/8/69)
Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY (2/24/71)
Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY (2/20/71)
Fillmore East, New York, NY (4/25/71)
Fillmore East, New York, NY (4/27/71)
Boston Music Hall, Boston, MA (9/15/72)
Boston Music Hall, Boston, MA (9/16/72)
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY (3/16/73)
Winterland, San Francisco, CA (3/20/77)
Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA (5/13/78)
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO (8/12/79)
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI (8/23/80)
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI (7/11/81)
Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, CT (3/14/81)
Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA (5/1/81)
Frost Amphitheatre, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA (8/20/83)
Greek Theatre, University of California, Berkeley, CA (7/13/84)
Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, Oakland, CA (11/21/85)
Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, Oakland, CA (11/22/85)
Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY (9/16/87)
Deer Creek Music Center, Noblesville, IN (7/15/89)
Oakland Coliseum Arena, Oakland, CA (12/27/89)
Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA (5/12/91)
Capital Centre, Landover MD (3/17/93)
Capital Centre, Landover MD (9/15/82)
Boston Garden, Boston, MA (10/3/94)
Originally Recorded By Owsley “Bear” Stanley, Betty Cantor-Jackson, Kidd Candelario, Dan Healy, & John Cutler
Mastered By David Glasser & Jeffrey Norman
Plangent Processes Tape Restoration And Speed Correction
Custom Keepsake Box w/ A Guide Book By Jesse Jarnow, Producer's Note By David Lemieux, & Essay By The Stanley Owlsey Foundation
Design By Once Upon A Time
Limited To 6,000 Individually Numbered Copies
Dead.net Exclusive
When the ride begins in '65 at a pizza parlor in the South Bay under another moniker, who would have imagined? When "Who Are You? Where Are You? How Are You?" became "Won't you come with me?" and, ultimately, "Where does the time go?," who would have thought? 60 years on, we're celebrating the Grateful Dead's Diamond Era. Here we go back to the beginning, to the original "Follow," and uncover the wonders of getting on the bus all over again.
ENJOYING THE RIDE is a sweeping 60-CD collection that maps an epic cross-country road trip along the “Heady Highway” with stops at storied venues where the music, the moment, and the magic of the Dead reliably converged. Spanning 25 years of legendary live performances, this expansive compendium spotlights defining shows from 1969 to 1994 at 20 venues that consistently inspired the band to new heights.
With the exception of a few tracks from earlier releases, virtually all of the music on ENJOYING THE RIDE is previously unreleased, with more than 450 tracks and over 60 hours of music. Of the 20 shows in the collection, 17 are presented in full, with some featuring additional material from the same venue. The remaining three — Fillmore West, Fillmore East, and Boston Music Hall — are curated from multiple performances at each venue, capturing key moments on those legendary stages.
These performances were originally recorded by Owsley “Bear” Stanley, Betty Cantor-Jackson, Kidd Candelario, Dan Healy, and John Cutler. David Glasser and Jeffrey Norman restored and mastered the performances, with select ones using Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction for optimal sound quality.
It's all housed in a custom keepsake box inspired by the experience of traveling from city to city to see the Dead at legendary venues across America. Inside, a beautifully detailed tour guide features liner notes by Jesse Jarnow (author and co-host of the Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast) and a producer’s note from Lemieux, an essay by the Owsley Stanley Foundation, and more. The set is richly illustrated with photos, including many taken at the shows featured in the collection.
Due May 30th, this one is limited to 6,000 individually numbered copies and exclusive to Dead.net. We invite you to take this not-so-little piece of the road home.
Oro & Movie watching
As Lauren Bacall is often misquoted - It's not an old movie if you haven't seen it.
Not just movies either
I would say that most of The Dead shows I have are unfamiliar to me, despite me having played them before. There is a lot of them where I put them on, and I have no idea what is coming up. It's only the ones that I really like, and that I have had for over 10 years that I am immediately familiar with.
As Usual....
I sure I'm a day late and a dollar short, but.....
Stumbled across Justin Johnson. So far very nice.
He's got a lot on the boob tube, I'm in download mode now.
I'm sure a bunch will know him,,,, I didn't!
Danehead
I LOVE the Scranton release!.........Imagine seeing the band at a Catholic Youth Center during 1971. How was that even arranged??. The original 5, plus an incredible setlist......always love 2nd that Emotion. That must have been such a fun time......stripped down band bringing it to unusual places. Nothing better, plus you get St. Louis and Pittsburgh to complete the 3 discs. One of my favorite Dave's, my fav being the Thelma Theater release. Do NOT pass up Scranton. You will regret it.
Scranton - No, Not Perfect. But Still Very Good
I just consider disc 1 as RAW and in your face - and can def. be appreciated on that basis ... Disc 2 is less of that raw sounding element, but the same up-tempo (classic Dead) Rock n Roll: see Good Lovin right at 'the jump'.
The Pittsburgh partial show is >> Even better. If the vinyl also comes with the 1970 St. Louis filler, that's icing on the cake.
60th Anniversary Concert
Just announced for Golden Gate Park in August. Three nights of Dead and Co.
If I could make it work, I would be there. Tried hard to get tickets for the 50th in Chicago and was shut out.
No Offense lol, you say tomato…
I think 51 is the worst DaP yet…really below the DaP bar, imho of course.
It’s a good, mediocre show, (and bonus material), but several others between Scranton and Fillmore are outstanding! (Those would make a great box!)
AND! Most problematic is the audio, which is sub-par at best, really awful distortion throughout…curious how this one got approval?
(Baked in the recording NOT due to production)
BUT, it’s was certainly worth 25 bucks and is part of the overall DaP collection…
Just one picky audio nutz dos centavos…your milage will probably vary…
Have you ever felt like punching a coworker in the nose?
As Jimi sez
"Well, I have"
Dave's #51
Have to agree with OB. Sound quality of the Scranton show is not good. Kind of a head scratcher of a release. Would love to know why they released it and not too long after the 71 Pauley Pavilion show. Anyway, just one man's opinion.
Dave's 51
Add me to the list of folks who love this release. I understand the complaints about the sound. The flaws are definitly there but I also think there are aspects of the sound that are amazing. Phil's bass being at the top of the list. I am glad to have this one in my collection.
Covering the Bases?
I truly believe that #51 was covering that post Mickey, 'bar band' era with Pig but before Keith and Donna. Something after the Port Chester period and just before the "Ladies & Gentlemen..." Fillmore East shows. Though some have stated there were better shows to pick from that particular era in time, and that may well be.
I also think Dave had to get something out as he had promised, and before too long that would be somewhat compatible for the rest of the 1970 St.Louis filler that was on #48. Though one could also surmise that maybe instead of '70 filler for #48 he could've just gave us a piece of another winter 1971 show? I dunno, any 1970 is rare I hear and a good find, especially the autumn tour. The St.Louis filler was from October too no less and a nice addition for the River Box playlist.
Well, I just keep sippin' & trippen on them proverbial tea leaves!
Ya know what this box is missing?
(Besides shipping info lol ; )
Looking at the schwag got me reminiscing…
One of those “Who are the Grateful Dead and Why do they keep following me?”stickers, and/or a “We Are Everywhere” sticker!
Always loved seeing those out on the tour road.
Of course a fav was “The Fat Man Rocks” but that doesn’t fit the theme…
Well Far Be It From Me to Complain But
I thought #51 was OK. But just OK. Some good Pigpen. I'd give a B. Maybe B- given the subpar audio. Not every show is going to be a life changer. I'm OK with that.
The one Dave's that I actively disliked was #39, which just strikes me as just a Not Very Good Show. The drummers were not getting along that night and the grooves weren't grooving. For me, anyway. And the short duration of the show might indicate that the boys weren't feeling it that night, either. Doesn't help that the show is spread out awkwardly across discs 2 and 3, with bonus tracks from other nights interrupting the flow. Hard to justify that choice, IMO.
But if I'm going to gripe, I have to note that #39 was a rare exception. The bulk of the series has been really good, often great. There's a reason I'm still subscribing.
Hey, how about a last five?
King Crimson: Epitaph
Galactic (with Irma Thomas): Audience with the Queen (great!)
Thelonious Monkathon: Criss Cross, Monk's Time, Straight No Chaser
Blues for Allah 50th anniversary.......
release should be comming out sometime soon. Hopefully we will get 6/17/75 to go along with it.
Dap 51
Two thumbs up from me. I think it's a blast. A looser, more raucous Grateful Dead and its nice have something to mix up the listening but still wanting to play dead. In some respect, the sound levels running so hot you can almost smell them is fitting. An imperfection that actually makes it perfect- like ash mixed in with the glaze.
The one release I've never been sold on is Vol 27 Boise 9/2/83. The separation between the vocals and the instruments is just too much to get a listen from me. Headphones help, but a matrix workover is what it really needed.
Scranton
My notes say that I enjoyed that release a decent amount, especially the second set from 4/13/71, which says a lot for me, as Fall '69 through Keith joining is my least-favorite era. It wouldn't get grabbed as I exited a house fire, but there are certainly some Dave's Picks I would choose it ahead of.
Be kind, rewind.
DaP 51 : Scranton
I don't recall being disappointed with this one, but I've given it another listen in view of all the comments. It seems fairly decent to me, particularly the second set and Good Lovin' is great. I get the comments about the sound and, sure, it wouldn't be under consideration if I were to put together my top 10 DaP's, but neither is it, in my mind, a contender for the worst.
Talking of the worst, the two that immediately spring to my mind are 20, Boulder 1981, and 36, Hartford 1987. I haven't listened to 20 since just after it was released, but I recall feeling embarrassed at the time when my ex wife walked in the room during the latter part of the second set. I recall it just sounding like mediocre musicians who couldn't really play together at that point. 36 is a different kettle of fish, I've tried to listen to each show individually on several occasions, but never get very far. I can't recall if I find it boring or sloppy or what, but each time, within about 30 minutes, I've decided my time would be spent doing or listening to something else. Needless to say, I've not listened to either show in full.
That said, there are so many classics that the few that fall below par don't seem to matter.
Last 5
Grateful Dead - DaP 51 Scranton second set
Arthur Honegger - Symphonies 1, 2 and 3 (one disc)
Galactic - Tchompitoulas
Boobie Knight and the Universal Lady - Earth Creature
Grateful Dead - DaP 51 Scranton first set
DaP
I also like DaP20...and something tells me we'll get another 1981 (or 80) offering soon.
Volumes 48 & 51 were not ones I've returned to since first listen. Come to think of it, since DaP45, I've only relistened to 47 and 49. I really like 54 and will definitely play that one again...I think it's the best release in the past 3 years.
Perhaps not
I think I'll leave Scranton after all. With vinyl editions of New Years Eve 1976 and Greyfolded in the can, my Dead cup overfloweth for the time being.
The Daves Picks I liked least was 36 - the two shows from 1987. In fact I stopped subscribing after that year, so great was the shock.
On the brighter side, I played Dave 1. last night and this morning - 5/25/77. Hugely enjoyable. Less of a sense of perfectly interlocking parts like on Daves 54, but a rock solid band supporting a brilliant lead guitarist.
DAVEROCK
Shocked by #36? It sounded great. I do think Dave Lemieux was itching to get that one out since it was his first show or shows? I can't remember if he went one or both nights, but remember him talking it up! At any rate, the Hartford crowd seemed enthusiastic...overall, I thought it was a good '87 show. I know I've listened to it at least three times...maybe time for another spin.
To me, the subscription is just pure fun. Aside from some personal gripes about the year, tour, setlist...whatever, any material deemed worthy of the Jeffrey Norman treatment is worth a listen in my book. I feel like someone at the company needs to tap a couple of you guys to "guest-pick" along with Dave and select a show of your choosing, because I get a lot of good intel on lesser-known dates or tours that I wouldn't otherwise know about if not for this forum. So thanks to you all.
Dave's 51
After reading criticisms about it I revisited the first set and I think it's a decent release. Feels more like 69-70 energy than the Port Chester shows.
So far I like everything released in this series. My only criticism at this point is that Dave hasn't released any of the post-Brent shows. Winter 90 through NYE 91/92 had many great shows.
Good things come to those that wait?
Never bought Fare Thee Well.
Found a copy on the bay, 10 bucks cheaper that original price.
Guy said "New" - "Still wrapped"
Well it was!!!
So number 3081/20000 is in my hands.
Once and awhile.....
NOW GET ME THAT NEW BOX SET!!!
Interesting Topic(s)
I find myself mostly in agreement with the latest comments. I appreciate that some of the less than positive comments were made in good taste, which really helps push content along without sinking the ship.
To me, none of these are stinkers. Perhaps a few are less than stellar for a host of reasons, at least one I rarely listen to. I am in complete agreement with the person who saw the value in Lemieux, Norman et. al. going through the efforts to clean these up and make them as good as possible. When all is said and done, cleaning up and releasing these old recordings creates or better reinforces the historical record with the best sounding recordings of some of the best shows the band performed. In IT terms, the official recordings are the system of record that everything else relies on, which is important. Lemieux changed his job title from Archivist to Archivist and Legacy Manager which I think reflects this. These official releases have become the cornerstone of the band's legacy, it's great for us that they put so much into making them sound good.
I also like seeing two (or more) well respected folks here who like/dislike the same release for different reasons. Goes to show...
Good stuff. I have my favorites, but they all get love.
Jim’s Supermodel ex-girlfriend
Everybody likes different eras.
Keep the releases coming Dave/Rhino.
Yes, a ‘91 DaP is due, as well as a post-Bruce Vince era Dap.
I suggest 3-30-94.
It has a Dark Star……
Ha..
Speaking of 1977 (which I compare to my super model, ex-girlfiend), I have a couple new release terms that might or might not stick.
When it comes to Dave's Picks from 2025 forward, 1976 is the new '77 and 1973 is the new '74.
And if my super model, ex-girlfriend ever called me again, I'd give her some love too.
I think music all the time......
Good morning rockers!!
Been laying low and enjoying the discussion about Scranton. To the surprise of maybe some, even though I'm a certified LiveDead1971 freak, Scranton doesn't get a lot of play around here. Pittsburgh, well that's different. All told, the release does emanate the odor of "favor given". That doesn't make it de facto bad, or even good.
I've never encountered a Deadhead who absolutely loves every era equally. A reflection of the intensely subjective nature of music appreciation. In general, April 1971 is worthy of examination, but was Scranton specifically? Maybe not. To my biased ears, there's better April 71 shows, especially the ethereal Bucknell. But even that one has some sonic issues. Sometimes, we have to focus on "listening past the sound quality".
When the box set comes out, people will scratch their heads and question the 1971 selections therein. I'll be happy to have them, but question it just the same. Why not something previously unreleased from March, like March 24? An uneven but overall fine show that does have its own quirky sublime moments.......
We're outsiders looking in, trying to understand and maybe even accept and/or appreciate a selection process that we're not privy to. As I've said before, glad I'm not in charge or even peripherally involved in that, with so many different eras it's difficult to keep everybody happy all the time. Let's be glad the Dead preserved their musical legacy for all of us to enjoy, and luxuriate in......
Slowly putting my life back together. When she had passed, it seemed like the ceasing of exquisite music............
Rock on, my friends!!!
Doc
My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary......
Charles - Big River
To be fair, I haven't played Daves 36 since it came out. It doesn't really call my name, but maybe I should give it another listen this summer. I am sure I would have enjoyed both shows if I had actually been there.
Currently listening to Big River from 5/20/73. Hot damn. I don't read many praises for this song, but it always brightens my day when it comes on, and this version really rocks.
DAVE
Yes, the UCSB Big River is really good. In that HCS box set, the Kezar and RFK shows were so highly anticipated, I think the Iowa and UCSB shows were my favorite because of the hype surrounding the other shows--so I'm thankful those two shows were included.
The newest DaP release, that Big River also cooks. For my money, if I could see the Dead play any year, I would choose 1973. So many good shows--long shows, great consistent playing, experimentation and exploration.
RE: DaP36, the moment those opening chords of In the Midnight Hour blare out of your stereo and the crowd's response to it, it hooked me. It's almost like I am there it sounds so good. Like I said, it may have been Dave's enthusiasm talking about it, hyping me up, then believing it when it played...but I do believe it to be a good couple of shows.
These 51 discussions...
...leading me to cue up 51 this weekend
and
if not sidetracked
will go out to the archive (gd1971-04-14.132733)
and stream bucknell
any perspective on the april '71 recording team of bob & betty...
bob matthews recorded scranton, bucknell...
maybe all 5 Penna shows
did betty take time off after boston and before the fillmore run?
who recorded the shows after the Penna run? (princeton thru duke)
DaPs
I liked DaP 51, especially the Good Lovin'. It is a good Pigpen show overall, if you are into that kind of thing (and I am). Is it a vital add to the collection? No, but I don't mind having it. I really enjoyed the Hartford 87 shows when they came out. I like the Matrix-y sound to it-- it truly sounds like a Grateful Dead concert of the era. I absolutely love the Stanford 85 shows released last year, two really solid shows. Any Pigpen era through 1977 is good with me, but 1978-1984 has been hit or miss in the DaP series.
Least favorites-- the Boulder 81 show lacks quite a bit. The Philly show from 84 is low on the list, too-- 'Roses' is truly bad and the rest is unremarkable except the Scarlet-Fire was pretty good if I remember right. The Kiel Auditorium 79 show didn't grab me, but looking at the setlist I may have to give it another listen.
I skipped subscribe this year and don't regret it-- still on the fence about the Baltimore 73 show. I am not questioning the quality of the show, but just the question, "Do I NEED this show?" I may get it at some point-- I rather like that they don't sell out immediately anymore.
Estimated Eyes
The 79 Kiel show is fantastic if you like the early Brent era. And there is a Shakedown!
Don't wait too long on #54.
Keep the drive alive…
Digging the DaP, 71 etc convo…can we keep it up?
SO…, IF…we were to get an April 71 box, (we should!) what would YOU pick?
Let’s make the criteria 8 shows, and NOT include 4/27&28&29/71 for obvious reasons.
I’d say;
I too really dig 3/24/71 (Multitrack= MT) but it’s not in April, probably make a good Dave’s?
So,
4/6/71 !! (MT) didn’t think the other Manhattans were up to snuff, comparatively…
4/8/71! !
4/15/71!
4/17/71!!!
4/18/71! !
4/22/71 !
4/26/71! !
With a tie for last: 4/25 or 4/21? Either would work!
Duke is a dog, you can tell their bushed after the long tour etc, no fancy accommodations yet, so touring was grueling!
No idea about tape availability etc, just going off the music when I did the 71 Pepsi challenge…
Ok, let the games begin (cue trumpet call lol)
Estimated Eyes
Deadvikes is right, don't sleep on DaP54, it's that good. It is a must own in my opinion. You'll say to yourself, "why didn't I buy it when I had the chance?" once it sells out. Trust us, you won't regret it.
He is also correct that Kiel '79 show is really good too, in that early-fiery-Mydland era.
Oro, I'd need to dedicate a week or more to fulfill your homework assignment...but I trust if you zeroed in on April '71 to mine a box worth of material, it's probably worth the time.
I will get by
Just stopped by to mention: the Music Never Stopped compilation of highlights from this box is available for streaming from iTunes (and perhaps other streaming services). Should help tide me over till the box arrives.
EDIT: now as I try to listen to it, I realize only a few tracks are available for streaming, even though all are listed. Maybe all the ones that were already available via listening parties.
So ... never mind.
Fo Sho
If you dig 71, you won’t be disappointed!
I did the whole year and this stretch could be argued best of year, though I don’t like doing that as their transforming so much this year it’s really almost apples to Oranges.
I bet Doc could do a better, more comprehensive take. In fact, if you’ve not checked out his 71 guide, you should! I bet he’d gladly send it to you.
I'll take 6, Please ... To Keep the Cost Down Somewhat
4.6 - Manhattan Center
Bucknell
Princeton
SUNY Cortland
Bangor
& 4.26 Fillmore East
I could wait for a couple/few years on it though - need to pay bills first, downsize second, and upgrade audio situation third/last
Don’t make it complicated lol
We’re just having some fun here. So imagine denaros we’re not a consideration etc, just dig on the music…best 8 shows, musically, from April 71…
DaP 20
I love this particular show, 12/9/81. And I'm not a big '81 person. In fact outside of the stuff after 1992, '81-'83 are some of my least-played years. It's not that I dislike early Brent stuff; I enjoy '79-'80. And I'm extremely partial to '84 and '85. This Boulder show though just scratches that itch for me. Maybe there's some familiarity that helps, though...? Just thinking out loud, as much to myself as anyone else, but it was the first '81 tape I ever had.
It's a lovely thing about all of these releases: there's something for everyone.

