1969 bonus material
Very disappointed that none of the early material recorded on 8 track in San Mateo is being included on this anniversary edition. Particularly the very unique version of "St. Stephen", with bagpipes and clanging anvil. I've had a cassette recording of it for years, and had hoped that it would finally get an official release for the 50th anniversary. What are you saving it for?
* AOXOMOXOA (50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)
...AOXOMOXOA (50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)...
...Bet you excited for the this summer for some primal 1969 Dead at its best! I know I am, jumping up & down waving my flag! 🤠16 Track-Tape Album & LIVE recordings, some of the first LIVE 16 track recordings in the Vault to date!!! “😊😊😊” Smile Smile Smile” my beautiful brothers and sisters.
This is excellent news and a most welcomed release for this period in the Grateful Dead’s musical journey and with some cosmic journals sprinkled on top of a Sunday IceCream, the Dead give us or should I write offer us fans Two versions of their album, “ AOXOMOXOA” , first- the original 1969 mix/master Remeastered & Secondly - the 1971 Remaster Band Mix, On one album for the first time ever and a handful of songs recorded on January 24th-26th 1969 at the infamous ‘Avalon Ballroom’ in San Francisco, CA. ...here’s the Set-list for CD2:
1. “New Potato Caboose”
2. “Dupree’s Diamond Blues”
3. “Doin’ That Rag”
4. “Alligator”>
5. “Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)”>
6. “Feedback”>
7. “And We Bid You Goodnight”
8. “Clementine”>
9. “Death Don’t Have No Mercy”
...Looking forward th this CD release in June 2019. I’m not a big fan/collector of Picture Discs for 12” Vinyl. Not that I dislike them, (I have quit a few in my possession/collection) visual wise they are Beautiful, especially this Grateful Dead Album Cover, AOXOMOXOA.
I would gratefully purchase this picture Disc for the Artwork alone, but we can’t have it all folks. Beach Time The Ocean & the Music, I can’t wait! Peace be with you all. 🙏❤️😎
...I wish those “8 Track Recorded Sessions” were part of the Bonus material but I’m sure they will bloom one sunny day...😉
Great release!
Even though it would have been fun to have those 8-track recordings from San Mateo, I think it would have been even nicer to have the complete set from January 26th which includes The Eleven and Turn On Your Lovelight. It would have been nice to hear those two songs in its proper setting so to speak but maybe it will surface some other day? Hope so! :-)
Micke Östlund
Växjö, Sweden
Clementine
This version of clementine is the only one we have that features Tom Constanten performing, it's quite different from the 1968 versions. I'm curious to hear if they left the guy saying "number 9" in.
Though I too expected at least some of the sessions to be released and find it strange TPTB passed on the opportunity to do so. I am pleasantly surprised that they are releasing this clementine, that was completely unexpected. This also should clear up some inaccurate date/recording info on the archive.
In my early days of…
In my early days of discovery I had a few random live tapes and friends would lend me the Warner Studio albums on tape. I know most of us tend to think of the bands live work for the most part but there’s no denying the studio work is also very much part of the story. Anthem of the Sun along with aoxomoxoa were two of my favorites. I wish some studio outtakes were being issued but the live tracks will be sweet! It’s looking to be a Primal Dead kind of Spring and Summer and I dig it!
Live Bonus Material
I'm surprised that the live material is just a sampler of the January 1969 Avalon Ballroom run. I was really hoping it would be professionally remastered and released in full some day. It would have made a very nice box set. With a few priceless exceptions, there's so little high-quality material available from about March 1968 through March 1969. This run is one of those exceptions, but all we're getting are excerpts.
Here's what I think is included:
1969-01-24 Avalon Ballroom San Francisco, CA
1. New Potato Caboose
2. Dupree's Diamond Blues
3. Doin' That Rag
1969-01-25 Avalon Ballroom San Francisco, CA
4. Alligator >
5. Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) >
6. Feedback >
7. And We Bid You Goodnight
1969-01-26 Avalon Ballroom San Francisco, CA
8. Clementine >
9. Death Don't Have No Mercy
*RE/1968-1969 Recordings
...good day everyone, hope everyone is having a ‘Grateful’ Day! 🙏❤️😎
I also always loved the Grateful Deads song,”Clementine”, I’m quite happy there’s going to be another live recording version released along side the version/track that was included in the ‘ So Many Roads’ box-Set. I really still enjoy this boxset, im still exploring all its hidden treasures in varied depths after all these years, it’s like a Mini “30 Trips Around the Sun.” Great Box Set, if you don’t already have a copy, it’s something you should put on your “wanted list”.
Speaking of the “Big Box/30TATS, I’ve been listening to the Dead’s performance in February 22nd 1969, ‘Dream Bowl’, Vallejo CA.
In February of 1969 the Dead had a run of shows at the ‘Fillmore West, four primo shows were recorded by Bear to make the ‘Live/Dead’ album, also the end of shows in January at the ‘Avalon Ballroom ‘ were Recorded... ;)
A week before the ‘Fillmore’ shows, the Grateful Dead performed in ‘Vallejo, CA in the North Bay Area called the ‘Dream Bowl’. This release includes some material from back then, the bands new album “AOXOMOXOA” songs like, ‘Dupree’s Diamond Blues’, ‘Mountains of the Moon’, ‘Doin’ That Rag’ and ‘ St. Stephen’. Also a great take of Pigpens ‘Love Light’!!! This show is just pure high energy exceptional musicianship from the entire band!
After listening to the ‘Dream Bowl’ show this late this morning I decided to take a step back to get a better point of view and decided to play the 1968 selection in ‘30TATS’ boxset. October 20th 1968, ay the famous ‘Greek Theater’, Berkeley CA! It’s not a long performance because they shared the bill with other bands participating in the festive but it makes no difference because the band brings all their raw primitive psychedelic rock to pristine heights in their collective consciousness to this particular show! Long live the first frontman , my man, Pigpen! Love it!!! Rock on my fellow travelers and midnight tokers 😉 lol 🙏❤️🤠 ...it’s almost the Eleven, then I have 3/19/90, ‘Civic Center’, Hartford CT, Spring Tour “Live and Electric”
waiting in the wings...😎
...This was the last release…
...This was the last release of this album, 2011, by the Grateful Dead! 180g LP is the same as the pressing that was included in that set.
5LP Box Set:
"... Each LP's cover has been meticulously reproduced, the 180-gram vinyl pressed at RTI from freshly-cut lacquers mastered from the original analog tapes by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Studios..." - Wayne Garcia, The Absolute Sound, January 2011.
"...when it comes to focus, overall clarity, balance, dynamic punch, and bottom-end weight, which are hallmarks of [these] Rhino's reissues. As to Phil Lesh's marvelous and important bass playing - the clarity of line, and his round, almost creamy tone - is one of the great joys of this new set. These new LPs knock the others, including the CD box, right off my shelf." - Wayne Garcia, The Absolute Sound, January 2011...
To ensure the highest degree of quality, this album was pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI using lacquers cut from the original analog masters by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering. The album features detailed replica of the original album packaging.
"Aoxomoxoa is the work of the magical band. Can you hear this music and not see them before your eyes? The music is so much the reality of their physical and spiritual bodies that seeing them is the wonder of seeing music... Elemental and celebratory, they don't need to fool you because they aren't fooling themselves. No other music sustains a life style so delicate and loving and lifelike." - Rolling Stone, 1969
Features:
• Premium 180g vinyl pressing
• Original replica packaging featuring heavy board tip-on jacket
• Pressed at RTI
• Lacquers cut from original analog masters
• Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering
Musicians:
Phil Lesh, bass, vocals
Bob Weir, guitar, vocals
Jerry Garcia, guitar, vocals
Mickey Hart, percussion
Bill Kreutzmann, percussion
Tom Constanten, keyboards
Ron McKernan, pigpen
Side I:
1. St. Stephen
2. Dupree's Diamond Blues
3. Rosemary
4. Doin' That Rag
5. Mountains of the Moon
Side II:
1. China Cat Sunflower
2. What's Become of the Baby
3. Cosmic Charlie
http://www.elusivedisc.com 😏
FLAC d/l more costly than hard copies?
I still don't understand why a FLAC d/l costs more than an actual hard copy? I would rather just d/l the lossless FLACs but they're $5.00 more than the CDs. I would think it would be the other way around. I'd rather save five dollars by downloading the FLACs and not have to deal with actual physical copies. Curious.
*Re/ 50th Anniversary Release
...shipped! Should be here on Saturday...🙏❤️😎
AOXOMOXOA (50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)
..as of right now, the dead.net store is sold out/out of stock for the upcoming CD AOXOMOXOA (50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)...wow! That’s a positive sign for bothe band and the fans! More more more ! 😊😊😊
Smile Smile Smile! Have a grateful day everyone, Peace be with you all!
🙏❤️😎
*Re/ CD Release
...I’m love’n the Live tracks included in this 50th Anniversary edition! Long live the Grateful Dead ! This Album is Still packing a punch 50 years after being recorded in the studio, that’s Divine music my brothers & sisters! Have a grateful day. 🙏❤️😎
This is my new favorite ‘Clementine’ performance to date! 😉
*Re/ Carlos 🙏
Your last post was intended for me, I get it...please stop with the digs. If you don’t like my posts please ignore them or pm me if you wish.
I don’t want there to be any negativity on the Grateful Dead board. Please respect my request and more importantly respect ‘OUR’ message boards request. There’s a good time for All here if you seek it...
Peace be with you Carlo. 🙏❤️😎
Aoxomoxoa (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) T-shirt
I received my copy of Aoxomoxoa (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) but not theAoxomoxoa T-shirt I ordered at the same time. Did anyone else experience this?
'69
Well, now I know I have always had the '71 version. The original is wonderful, so many little fills and drum patterns that are new to my ears. It's a lot quirkier and sounds a lot fuller to me. The live materiel is powerful too, great performances and great sound, 'Alligator>Caution' is excellent. Between this and the last four Dave's, I am one happy person. Thanks to all responsible.
Arrived...
My copy has arrived, waiting for me when I got home from work yesterday. Now I have a long weekend (Monday is a public holiday here in Holland - Whitsun, Pentecost, whatever) to listen to it. Storm outside so no reason not to sit in and listen!
Looks really nice. The lenticular version of the front cover on the slipcase is cool, maybe not quite as impressive as the Anthem of the sun 3D cover, but nice all the same.
A studio masterpiece
Man, that original mix is amazing and brings this unique studio project back into the sunshine. I played the original mix all the way through last night, with a little help from my friends. I have never heard this record in all its glory until now.
Strikes me, in a way, as a proto-Jerry solo project. He and Hunter wrote (for the first time) several key songs that became keepers and late in the record Jer includes some studio-inspired improv, just like on his actual first solo album, recorded a little over two years later.
I found the experience stunning, inspiring, revelatory. Though I thought I knew the album, the original mix reveals that I had no idea. Aoxomoxoa was overlooked, at least by me, being sandwiched between Anthem and Live/Dead.
Tonight: the live tracks!
Original mix
I set up a playlist with the original and the remix of each song back to back to compare them. rosemary was maybe the only song I thought sounded a little better remixed. Mostly, the remixes had drums and background details muted behind Jerrys voice. The originals were richer, more intricate. Dare I say almost Beatles-esque?
Original vs remix
I agree in general with most of the comments here regarding the differences between the original and remixed versions. There is more to be heard in the original mix. It sounds a bit rougher than the remix, or rather the remix sounds smoother, almost sanitized, by comparison. This applies also to the two versions of Anthem of the sun. I have never seen an explanation of why the band felt the need to remix these albums. Not to generate more sales surely. Maybe they thought that they could make them just exactly perfect with their increased knowledge of studio techniques. A bit like trying to rewrite history to make it seem better. Fail. Nice to have both versions on one disc for comparison. The live disc also makes for great listening. 1969!
Ark, ark.
The live '69 tracks
All these tracks make the grade, IMHO. I'm not a big fan of Dupree's Diamond Blues and it is the least well played; a tough calliope/baroque (trying here) meter to perform with any degree of groove. In contrast, Doin' That Rag is extremely well played. I really enjoyed the New Potato Caboose, Alligator/Caution and Clementine jams. 'Death' was a great closer.
Between the original mix of 'Aox' and the live tracks, this is a valuable release, and good value.
I do wish, however, that Dave would be more upfront about his curation decisions. Why the excerpts from three shows and what does that say about the tapes and performances that remain?
The first live track from Jan 24 reveals a somewhat 'distant' sound and that is immediately evident in the six tracks from Jan 25, which are stunningly clear. Same for 'Death' from Jan 26. Do these excerpts signal that no other tracks from these shows will be released?
Questions. Why not just say what's behind the decisions here? Keep your hand close to your vest, I guess.
*Re/ 50th Anniversary
...anyone else love the live performance of the song, ‘Clementine’ which was included on the Bonus live CD?! Any one want to share their thoughts or opinion on this Grateful Dead song?
🙏❤️🤠
Just answered my own questions
Well, the tequila in my coffee did not do the trick this morning.
A glance at the setlists for these shows quickly reveals that Dave indeed skimmed the cream off the three days of shows to provide the live tracks on this release.
Jan 24:
Cryptical Envelopment
Drums
The Other One
Cryptical Envelopment
New Potato Caboose
Dupree's Diamond Blues
Doin' That Rag
Dark Star
Turn On Your Love Light
[One comment on The Setlist Program says that beyond 'New Potato,' the rest is "meh."]
Jan. 25:
Dark Star >
St. Stephen >
The Eleven>
Lovelight
Dupree's Diamond Blues >
Doin' That Rag >
Cosmic Charlie
Alligator >
drums >
Alligator >
Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) >
Feedback >
And We Bid You Good Night
[We got the bulk of the show besides the big Dark>St>Eleven>Lovelight medley. Couldn't cram it all on one disc and that medley just came out on DaP 30 from one year later on the 'other' coast.]
Jan 26:
Cryptical Envelopment
Drums
The Other One
Cryptical Envelopment
Clementine
Death Don't Have No Mercy
Set 2:
Dark Star
St. Stephen
The Eleven
Turn On Your Love Light
[I forgot that this Eleven>Lovelight has been enshrined on Live/Dead.]
The solution seems to be more tequila in the coffee.
Dave didn't need to explain anything; I just needed to think harder and poke around the setlists.
Original Mix
I agree the original mix is much better then the remix. In the Aoxomoxoa special on serious Dave said that the remix on both this and anthem where at the request of the record label.
*Re/ performances 24th,25th&26th Jan.1969
...out of the three performances recorded and used to make up the ‘Bonus Disc’ Live Cuts,
January 24th,25th & 26th 1969
Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, CA
My favorite is the Jan. 26th performance, excelent example of the Grateful Dead early 1969 sound and development into the next chapter of the Dead’s Musical Growth & Meta-Morphis Of Structure and imprint of the San Franscico Sound...
My second would be the 25th performance as a close runner up in the same playing as mentioned above...
The the 24th is not bad or disliked by me at all, I guess I just enjoy the other two shows more for personal taste...have a grateful day everyone. 🙏❤️🤠 long Live the Grateful Dead! ✌️
Original mix
Much more of a psychedelic listening experience.
Avalon material is great too. This and the most recent Dave's Picks are nice gems from this era.
Surprised no box announcement yet. Woodstock 50 would be cool, but priced way out of my budget.
Big thanks to Dr Rhino
Thank you Doc for helping on Aoxomoxoa 50th anniversary CD. Going to celebrate on Thursday fifty years to the day of its release. I can remember the week it was released. My late brother, myself and some friends gave the vinyl a first spin.
Peace out / Love in
Nice album...shame about the cover.
Surely this has never sounded better than it does today. The 1969 version is the one, full of colour and detail, but the 1971 mix sounds better than before, too.
Needless to say, its a great album. A bit harder to get into than the other 1960s Dead albums to me. I love the energy of the first album, with the lightning guitar solos, and Anthem of the Sun is phenomenal-no excuses needed. Similarly Live Dead. But Aoxomoxoa...it always sounded a bit remote to me. The other albums mentioned seemed wide open and inviting. Having listened to a wide variety of British and German space rock bands prior to getting to the Dead, Anthem and Live Dead seemed more accessible. Aoxomoxoa seemed a bit more obscure-it doesn't invite you in...it won't come out to meet you-you have to go in to meet it. But if you do...caramba!
The live cd is good, too. A bit of an odd running order-it feels like a compilation of shows, as opposed to Live Dead, which also was, but which played like a complete show. Great New Potato Caboose and Alligator-Caution. I also liked the long and loping Clementine.
As for the cover....I thought it was supposed to be lenticular, or at least 3D ? Mine is as flat as a nuns backside. Still, at least the music is lenticular, and that's what counts.
*Re/ Daverock - Album Cover
...it seems you bought the release without the 3D effect slip case...🙏❤️😔
The '71 mix is kinda lame....
....so I will be revisiting that very infrequently. The '69 mix is where it's at! As far as the Avalon live disc. Still digesting it. (playin' now).
All I know is any live New Potato and esp Clementine is worthy. And Alligator already pushes the bar up automatically....
Palindrome (if 6 was 9) I don’t mind
6/21/69 release had to have been chosen by Grateful Dead as part of the Rick Griffin concept of palindromes. Remember the Zap Comic 69 issue with Ricks cover on one side. S. Clay Wilson cover on opposite side.
Going to give the 1969 mix a listen today. But first a hike up Sun Mountain.
Happy Summer Solstice. Seize the moment!
One more palindrome;
A man a plan a canal Panama
icecrmcnkd-lenticulor
No, my copy didn't come with an outer casing. I've just got my copy of last years Anthem here, and that has an outer casing, one side being flat and the other 3D, as you describe Aoxomoxoa having.
But I have just had a thought-maybe there WAS an outer case, and it came off when I took it out of the envelope.
I can see me out rooting through my dust bin tomorrow morning!
*Re/ Daverock
...hello my dear friend, send an email to Dr. Rhino, they will issue/send you a new complete copy, I’ve heard the same problem has happened to some other buyers. All the orders were sent new copies. If you run into any problems just let me know and I’ll send you one myself, no problem at all my brother. Take care. 🙏❤️😎
Aoxomoxoa 8-track
Late June 1972 Jimi, Theresa, Danno and I drove the Connecticut Cruiser (dark blue Chevy 4-door sedan) from Ct. to the first Rainbow Gathering up at Strawberry Lake in Colorado. We only had three 8-track tapes with us, Rolling Stones- Exile on Main Street, Bob Weir- Ace and Aoxomoxoa .
It was a kaleidoscopic westward trip of mythic proportion , the snow field above Strawberry Lake that melted into the outline of a white buffalo, Cosmic Charlie on Table Mountain at high noon on the 4th of July,”You gotta have perspective!”, then onward to the west coast by way of Skull Rock Pass.( there was indeed a rock to fit that description) then nightfall on the Great Basin desert with suicidal jack rabbits tempting fate. Then over ”goner” pass and down into Califas.
Today I waited for the smoke from wildfires in Arizona to dissipate before hiking up Sun Mountain. Watched sunset from the summit.
And now back at my friends adobe home I just gave the 1969 mix of OXO a first listen in many moons. It seems as if I was hearing new subtleties on my buddies awesome sound system. Or was it the expanse and perspective across the gulf of time, and space.
Happy Summer Solstice
Lovemygirl-thanks!
I didn't buy my copy from Deadnet though-so I think I may be stuffed ! Maybe serves me right for going for the cheaper option.
If you can send me one with no extra cost or inconvenience to yourself, that would be great. But if you can't, please don't worry.
Cheers
Dave
Just to add to any possible confusion...
Daverock, I assume you bought a European copy of Aoxomoxoa. I bought a European copy from a shop here in the Netherlands. I ordered it from their website which offered a distinct choice of two versions; one with the 3D (lenticular) and one without. The 3D version cost €2 more, which I grudgingly paid. Before buying I had checked out a variety of places to buy a copy - here, Amazon US, UK and DE and various other online retailers. The Dutch shop where I finally bought my copy was the only place that offered two different versions. No other outlet mentioned this possibility. Draw your own conclusions.
ConeKid - European release CDs (and LPs for that matter) typically do not come shrink wrapped and never have done. I cannot remember if my European Aoxomoxoa was shrink wrapped. Being a European release, it has a different catalogue no. to the US release (603497856121 as opposed to an R2-..... no.). The lack of shrink wrap seems commendable bearing in mind the current attitude to unnecessary single-use plastic, but you can never be certain that your copy is untouched/unplayed (less of an issue with CDs than LPs).
All clear now? I thought not!
An extra €2 for lenticular?
They’re charging you for the lenticular plastic.
That is correct, sir...
You read it right. €2 extra for the slipcase with the lenticular cover art on the front. Whether the other (cheao cheapo, regular) version had a slipcase I know not. The 50th anniversary first album had a slipcase but no lenticular art.
Having thought back on it, my European copy of this was indeed shrink wrapped because I recall there was a sticker on the shrink wrap.