“It has some of the first things I’ve written, and that we’ve performed as a band, that in my opinion are genuinely beautiful...We were in the studio, creating this thing, pullin’ together, and because we managed to get off under those circumstances the music has a certain quality.” - Jerry On American Beauty
"I listened to the album two or three times that night just taking it in, living in its world, and loving it, trying to understand what this feeling was. It wasn’t happy, nor was it sad. Yet, it reflected the presence and possibility of every emotion in the rainbow, and the recording was unbelievable. The talent and musicianship were undeniable. The lyrics melted my mind." - Jim James, My Morning Jacket
"A complete contentment shines through the vocal work on this album. A full contentment. The instrumentation is rich with sound that moves through, under, and into the listener. Damn it all, the album is American beauty, of the best possible kind. The positivity of the Dead just can’t be kept down. Look at the cover. 'American Beauty' can also be read as 'American Reality,' thanks to Mouse Studios. If more of the American reality were this album, we’d all have a lot more to be thankful for." - Andy Zwerling, Rolling Stone, December 24, 1970
We are thankful to be here today celebrating the Grateful Dead's most lauded studio masterpiece with a 50th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION. Available on October 30th, the three-CD set will feature the original album with newly remastered audio, plus one of the most requested archival recordings in the Dead's vault - the unreleased concert recorded on February 18, 1971 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. On stage that night, the Dead debuted a whole new batch of songs, five in all: “Wharf Rat,” “Playing In The Band,” “Bertha,” “Greatest Story Ever Told” and “Loser.” Fans were also treated to a few standbys from the previous decade, including “St. Stephen” and an inspired “Dark Star>Wharf Rat>Dark Star” jam. Notably, keyboardist Ned Lagin (who played piano on “Candyman” on American Beauty) sat in with the band for the show. It's all been mixed from the 16-track analog master tapes by Jeffrey Norman at Bob Weir’s Marin County TRI Studios and mastered by Grammy® Award-winning engineer, David Glasser. How about that!
The show has been mixed from the 16-track analog master tapes by Jeffrey Norman at Bob Weir’s Marin County TRI Studios and mastered by Grammy® Award-winning engineer David Glasser, with speed correction and tape restoration by Plangent Processes.
*Re/ 50th American Beauty - live version of “Trucking”
https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR1LD61h-31cps-7cwaiJjsjsUaYQ4Xt-q…
* Bonus Live Concert- this is the Live Version Of “Trucking”, enjoy the gratefulness! 🙏❤️💀🌹
*RE/Deniss & American Beauty 50th Cover
The AB 50th 3CD release comes with a Slip Case cover, I believe your gonna Dig it my friend! Have a grateful weekend everyone, rock on! Be safe Be Kind and remember, there’s nothen left to do but Smile Smile Smile! 🙏❤️💀🌹🤠
Evacuation delayed
So far the evacuation has not hit critical yet. It looks like we may be ok. Thanks for the suggestions for what to take. Thanks kiethfan for the idea to send my collection to myself, and icecreamkid for the bury my collection plan. Thanks everyone for the good vibes.
When asked what Dead to take, my girlfriend said we got the most enjoyment recently from the 30 trips box. True, we have enjoyed surfing through the years.
Fires, 50th releases & boxes
Hoping for the best and safety to everybody dealing with the fires. 2020 is a mess.
Regarding '71 and potential 50th anniversary album releases, I could the the possibility of all of the "Skull and Roses" album material and outtakes become a complete show box. Would be great if the same y treatment for Bears Choice and FE '70 to see a complete run box. Who wouldn't want those?
Also wonder if Ace and Garcia's first solo albums get the 50th treatment seeing as how they are still essentially the Dead performing under their names.
Obviously E '72 is out.
On another note, I'm surprised the Dead haven't gotten into the recreational cannabis brand business. I've seen strains named after their songs. Seems as natural a fit as the Marley, Willie Nelson and Cheech & Chong brands. It could be the Dancing Bear pack with quarter ounce, bowl, lighter and plush dancing bear. Collect them all.
If you need more business ideas hit me up. I'm out of work and could use a job soon.
Live releases
Unless they change their minds they will stick to the studio release plan. I'd love to see Ace as it's for all intents a Dead album but not likely. And Garcia stuff, why would the family turn over valuable material when they have their own business. It would make more financial sense to go 2 box sets in 21 with one being a big one. We haven't had a monster in a while. Start back up in 23
Sound Quality
Hello, Everyone!
Nothing cute to say...just want to know what version has the best sound quality: CD or either of the downloads? Could the cd version possibly have better sound quality than the FLAC?
Please don't say it matters what I'm playing it on...let's just suppose they are all 3 played on the same sound system, okay?
Why does it matter? Because I don't have the funds to purchase 2 of the 3 versions. I actually don't have the funds to purchase one of them, but am hoping I will in the near future.
Thank You for your help!
Big Box Sets to be released?
SNAFU,
Yes, I'd like to see a nice big box set released in 2021. Not too sure if I have a good idea for the contents, but a little less on the packaging. The NorthWest 1973-74 is a prime example - 6 great shows: 19 discs, great packaging ideas, over-the-top execution with the final product.
RE: Sound Quality
OK, ignoring the issue of what device is playing the media (which of course is the critical factor) then the FLAC version has the highest resolution and therefore should sound the best. The ALAC version does not have to be bought if you are getting the CD version as the ALAC files are just lossless versions of the CD. If you need an ALAC version to play on your portable device (i.e. you cannot play the FLAC version on it) then simply rip the CDs to ALAC using ITunes with the output set to ALAC on the control panel.
Almost missed this
I have not been on lately and just saw the email for this and it was automatically put in a Gmail "Promotions" folder. Annoying.
I don't really know this show except Beautiful Jam. The Dead didn't really have any bad shows in '71 and the sound is sure to be as good as the 2/21 show that came with WMD. Count me in.
I would love a huge box from '72. They've released 11 shows this year if you count 4 Dave's Picks. I doubt we'll see another box this year. Maybe a Feb announcement?
Does anyone recall if the 2/21 show had Plangent? I don't see anything about Plangent for 2/18.
No Nitecat Evacuation
So our status of 'get ready' has been downgraded to normal. Fire rages not far from us, but a little farther than before, I guess. We are breathing a sigh of relief. We have high hopes for predicted rain on Thursday. Smoke is still dangerously thick outside. This was a good wake up call to think about what music to take. Obviously FW 69, Europe 72 and the two Winterland boxes. I grabbed a few other favorite boxes: So Many Roads, Spring 77 (the first one), July 78 (I love that box) and last year's 76 box. I probably would take the 30 Trips, and Spring 1990. Difficult decisions. Thanks to everyone for their well wishes and advice about what music to bring.
Plangent
That's interesting. I don't see plangent mentioned in the description either now that you mention it. I went back to the Workingman's Dead page and it does list Plangent as one of the accolades. That has to be an oversight in the description here for American Beauty; I can't imagine they wouldn't give this one the same treatment as 2/21.
Confirmation Email
I never got a confirmation email with my purchase. I’d love if that could happen—just to be sure my money hasn’t up and vanished. It’s also not showing up under my purchases.
Sound Quality
Thank You, Steve Jones!
You precisely, concisely answered my question. I don't need to ask, because I know you are kind.
Meanwhile, I'm in mourning at our loss of RBG, may her name be a blessing forever.
*RE 50th Anniversary‘American Beauty’
..greetings to all my beautiful Grateful Dead ‘sisters and brothers’ out there in DeadLand! Hoping everyone on this board and even those who are not, are well and staying strong during this year 2020 , a year that will no doubt will go down in history as a time of doom & decay. It could even be viewed forevermore as a ‘cosmic -Crisis’ effecting “everyone “on this small planet ‘we’ call home.”-JFK, BUT, there’s always two sides of every “ “... the Grateful Dead are about to reopen the dead’s vault of magic! 2020 releases from the dead are all Top Notch Primo Picks & recordings! The recordings speak Volumes’ ;) The recordings captured the magic for eternity and beyond that too! only if we continue to preserve and protect its legacy of definition of love. Love and songs/music / lyrics out live us all , they will last forever. You can destroy all the buildings and burn all the books but “songs will last forever music and words is the only thing that can survive a holocaust.”
I have to say, the concert selected for a live performance to be included with “American Beauty” a show from 1971! A PRIMO time in the dead’s history in music. Is like a Perfect Diamond! The audio quality is beyond TEN Stars! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lmao!
The recordings, mix , mastering , plangent and and and the list of people coming together to bring fans old and new alike some of the bands best recordings in their ‘Vault’
This show is one of those gems! The audio quality quickly steals your face right of your head from the get go. The sound quality is at its best! The recorded performanceAlso includes the ‘atmosphere’ Of been there At the concert! This pick / tapes have a different sound of its own c ol mpared to the other 71’ concert included in the 50th Anniversary of “Working mans dead” which sounds like silk & beautiful instrument separation oozing from your home SPEAKERS & system! Absolutely gratefulness! This other 71’ concert included in AB is a very different sound recording setup and the new tapes used grateful ly by the original recorded source( heavenly) big difference in Audio Quality’ Primo my brother and sisters! I truly believe this release will be welcomed by all Dead Fans’ & even for my collection! Lol ;) it may even be the best release from 2020 For Audio Quality! The sound is mind blowing ! Holy Toledo, this 1971 show is where it’s at!, “I believe our beloved member ‘Doc’ must be smilingly gratefully! 1971 , what a year(s) to release! 🙏❤️😉💀🌹
Rock on everyone! Be safe be kind and due your best to “Smile Smile SMILE!
The plan for next
DaP 37-40
Box Set containing the complete shows that were recorded for Skull Fuck.
*RE / 1971 What a Year...it’s still not over!
One of the best in my opinion!its still not over, Rock on everyone! Have a grateful day!🙏❤️🤠💀🌹
...PS The “pony express” has been brought back into affect/service/life. 😉
Love My Girl
Why you think the 2/18 American Beauty live Port Chester show will sound better than the Workingman's Dead live Port Chester show from 2/21?
*RE/ here’s a sample why 🙏❤️💀🌹
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=62DwreIXUec&list=OLAK5uy_kTm_eaEdwn2b…
...how’s this sound?! Can you hear it? 🙏💀🌹
Can anyone confirm whether…
Can anyone confirm whether the Hi-Res Digital Deluxe version includes the downloads only, or whether it also includes the jewel case/booklet that the CDs are shipped in?
*RE/ another reason ,
***recorded on February 18, 1971 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. On stage that night, the Dead debuted a whole new batch of songs, five in all: “Wharf Rat,” “Playing In The Band,” “Bertha,” “Greatest Story Ever Told” and “Loser.” Fans were also treated to a few standbys from the previous decade, including “St. Stephen” and an inspired “Dark Star>Wharf Rat>Dark Star” jam. Notably, keyboardist Ned Lagin (who played piano on “Candyman” on American Beauty) sat in with the band for the show. It's all been mixed from the 16-track analog master tapes by Jeffrey Norman at Bob Weir’s Marin County TRI Studios and mastered by Grammy® Award-winning engineer, David Glasser. How about that!
...reason number #2 😉💀🌹🙏
*Re/ doing the twist & RSD 2020
... I’m sorry if that came out wrong, I’m not twisted , I’m grateful & happy with everything that’s been released so far this year. My post wasn’t meant to be negative in any way or to any one. I’m just talking out loud ! Peace be with you all! Have a grateful day my brother and sisters!
And if you can or able to pick up the new release from the Grateful Dead this weekend! It’s going to steal your face right off your head when you play this Grateful Dead vinyl Boxset from 1977 , Buffalo NY!!!! A primo performance and recording, mix , mastering and the art packaging is beautiful! Another 5 Star release in my opinion! Rock on ! 🙏❤️💀🌹
LMG I Don't Hear It
I feel I've been bamboozled lol. It doesn't sound any better than the Workingman's Dead Port Chester show. I'm not sure why two shows recorded a couple of nights apart on the same tape and the same equipment at the same venue (and probably mastered at the same time) would sound different. I thought there is a technical reason you read about somewhere that would lend this recording to better overall sound. I did enjoy reading Rhino's ad description you re-posted from the top of the page. I would be interested in any thoughts of your own, or was post just excited hyperbole?
*Re/ sound different
... the 71’ performance included in the 50th American Beauty Release has a different approach to the overall quality performance finished master. their is a technical difference in the mix and mastering.If you play both leases at the same time you will hear what I’m talking about my friend. You’ll & everyone else here will be getting the complete notations very soon! . I believe after you read What’s in included I. The release you’ll understand what I mean. I’m a horrible writer so I apologize if I cause any confusion. If I do, please feel free to send me a message so I can have the chance to explain in more detail. Have a grateful day! 🙏❤️💀🌹
Technical Difference?
Since none of us here can compare the two versions, what are you talking about exactly?
*Re/ different sound & technical sonic difference
...this is just one factor , there are more as well.
02-18-71 - Grateful Dead at the Capitol Theater, Port Chester, NY - Ned plays for the entire concert. He played sparsely or sat out on a very few tunes because the band seemed not in tune (with his keys), some tunes did not need his keyboard (it was by his own choice), and also he wanted to leave space for Pigpen. In earlier discussions, Ned talked only minimally about his playing on 02-18-71, mentioning only a few of the tunes he really liked and remembered without having a set list or recording.
Ned plays organ and clavichord, with Uni-Vibe (Jerry loan) and Cry Baby wah-wah (Jerry gift) pedals; Ned played through two of Jerry's spare Fender Twin Reverb amps. These had the original tie-dyed speaker covers and were mic'd but because of feedback there was a direct box transformer line output. Ned was surrounded (virtually buried) in baffling, equipment cases, and padding by Ramrod (and Jerry) to tame feedback problems from having to mic and amplify the very quiet clavichord.
Especially notable is "Dark Star" > "Wharf Rat" > "Dark Star" > "Beautiful Jam" > "Dark Star" > "Me and My Uncle". Ned did not know until the David Gans interview in 2001 that later this was called "Beautiful Jam". The "Beautiful Jam" is included in the "So Many Roads (1965-1995)" box set on disc two, track 2.
This is the first time that the Grateful Dead performed "Bertha", "Wharf Rat", "Johnny B. Goode", and "Playing in the Band". The afternoon of the concert, back stage during set up, Jerry told Ned he had new songs they had not played before. First he talked through "Bertha". Then "Wharf Rat", which he played for Ned quietly on guitar and singing, showing him the changes (chords) and vocal so he could play it that evening coming out of "Dark Star". A little later, Phil came up to him, told him about "Wharf Rat", and talked him through it, but with no instruments. He didn't know Jerry had already done it, but Ned was happy to have more info. Bob asked Ned to sit back for the first part of "Playing in the Band" and the vocals until he got it.
Jerry sometimes fedback through the sounding board and brass strings of Ned's clavichord as did Ned himself; the feedback character comes from the sweetness of the brass clavichord strings and acoustic wood soundboard.
I hope this post helps you exiled on main street & Sydney. Have a grateful day & peace be with you both. 🙏❤️💀🌹
Fascinating 2/18/71
I was still 16 when I attended those shows. I definitely remember Mickey and Ned on the stage the night of the 18th. 2/19 was a surprise, stripped down, five piece. And in historic retrospective I soon realized the significance. The original five members in a highly evolved space from 1965- autumn 1967 when Mickey first joined the lineup.
I agree with Blair Jackson, all eras of the Grateful Dead have shining moments. The late 60s until 73-74 have the lion’s share of brilliance.
*RE/ Stridder 2/18/71
... excellent post my friend! I always enjoy reading your posts/ comments on any subject being Dead or anything else . Be safe be kind & peace be with you my friend! Have a grateful day! 🙏❤️💀🌹
WMD verses AB '71 shows
Thank you LMG, now I understand, you are right there should be a definite contrast in sound between the two with Ned adding the extra layer sound, but which one will be the best? Hmmmmm. The last one I listen to probably.
*RE/ Sydney WMD 50 vs AB 50
Your welcome my friend.
Have a grateful day & peace be with you my man🙏❤️💀🌹🤠
*RE/ 2/18/71
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QmjQmyd9Oro
...beautiful! Love it! 🙏❤️💀🌹
Victim of The dreaded double post :-|
Pigpen's greatest greasyest lyrics to fill in the gap:
Ballin' that Jack and drinkin' my wine
AB vs WMD bonus show
If I'm reading you correctly LMG you did not only say it sounds better because of Ned's contributions. You said "the 71’ performance included in the 50th American Beauty Release has a different approach to the overall quality performance finished master. their is a technical difference in the mix and mastering."
What is the technical difference?
*RE/ butch
I dig your passion, but what’s your trip again, I have forgotten & can’t recall. think I know but can’t really remember how you told me in your posts in the past. What’s the question , the full question again? I think you don’t understand my statements & posts my brother. And that’s my failure due to poor writing skills.
Feel free to send me a message & have your self a grateful day my brother, peace be with you!
🙏❤️💀🌹
For good health (mental and otherwise)...
.... always remember kids, 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot!
LMG
You write fine no worries.
My question was about your post when you said:
"the 71’ performance included in the 50th American Beauty Release has a different approach to the overall quality performance finished master. their is a technical difference in the mix and mastering."
Those are your words. My question is what technical difference are you talking about? The CD hasn't come out yet and they're the same batch of tapes mastered by the same people.
*Re/ hello again my friend & AB50th
Actually I posted two brand new samples of the new sources, “Trucking” & “Wharf rat”. I think you will find them a few pages back or more. I posted them when I made posts about the upcoming release of AB 50th and the bonus complete performance of 2/18/71. 🙏❤️💀🌹
*RE/ ‘PERRO’ Sessions Jan. 13-14 1971
Sessions! Jan 13-14, 1971 SBD
https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2k_L7I1Ogi2Q2E7TdX1hcc86oXVsygmV…
* PERRO is:
David Crosby
Graham Nash
Jerry Garcia
Phil Lesh
Mickey Hart
Billy Kreutzmann
Paul Kantner
Grace Slick
Jorma Kaukonen
Jack Casady
David Freiberg
and others...
***
David Crosby – guitar, vocals
Graham Nash – guitar, vocals
Paul Kantner – guitar, banjo, vocals
Grace Slick – piano, vocals
Jorma Kaukonen – lead guitar
Jack Casady – bass
Jerry Garcia – guitar, vocals
Phil Lesh – bass
Bill Kreutzmann – drums
Mickey Hart – percussion
David Freiberg – viola, vocals
Stephen Barncard - producer, engineer, archivist
***
The Planet Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra is a nickname given to artists who recorded together in the early 1970s.They were predominantly members of Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and Crosby, Stills and Nash.Their first album together was ‘Blows Against the Empire’ , when they were known as Jefferson Starship.
Anyone a fan? Any Thoughts or Ideas on this part in the Dead’s musical history of 1971! Primo for my cosmic collective musical Taste Buds! Have a grateful day everyone, peace be with you all! “Let the Good Times Roll!”
🙏❤️💀🌹