Grateful Dead

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I'd read somewhere that Keith's being pressured to transition over to electric pianos/keyboards frustrated him creatively. Since he was fairly laid-back and non-confrontational, he did his best to go with the flow, but increasingly felt more and more stifled. That may explain why in certain shows from mid/late '78 he sounds like he's just banging out chords. Might be true, might not. It all rolls into one after awhile. Regardless, the keyboard reigned king throughout the 80s. The Dead, like many 60s and 70s bands, had to adapt to survive. Brent was key (pun intended) to that survival, and definitely ushered in the new sound Jerry and the boys were looking for. But I agree -- that 11/6/77 "Truckin'" is an absolute monster.

Ok, now I get it. Thanks Wilfred. Indeed, Shakedown & Franklin's is sick. Must check out.. So, WHAT ABOUT GAINSVILLE??? Sixtus edit: So, about Gainsville.... had to start with the second set opener...holy shit...THAT TRANSITION into FRANKLIN's TOWER!!! This is what it's all about folks. It's a really good audience recording as well...most excellent. Consider me schooled. https://archive.org/details/gd80-11-29.wise.sacks.2409.sbeok.shnf/gd80-…

I believe the grand was still in use for the magnificent May 77 tour and into June. I think it is just this late 77 and the 78 tours that involved the heavy handed electric piano sound. Honestly I always thought the crew was behind that move because they didnt want to move the heavy piano around. Pure conjecture on my part, but it is well documented that the crew had clout within the organization and perhaps too much.

... what about Gainesville?!

11/29/80 is Gainsville. The shows on either side have been released, but Gainesville hasn't. Why? Because the copy in circulation is the best AUD you'll ever hear (along with 8/6/71). I can't imagine the SBD sounds better than the AUD - it's that good, and makes you feel like you're right there, 20th row center. And the show is a glorious rip-roaring romp. Thanks for posting Mustin - surprisingly long list of released 80's shows. Who knew?! Suprising how few '91 shows have been released. At the time I thought they sounded amazing and scooped up all the '91 recordings I could find. Though not as strong and consistent as '90, there are a lot of good, releasable shows.

Well then, making a AAA+ Matrix shouldn't be too much of a problem.. Did somebody mention Gainesville?

lol... Fuck it, or what about it, it would be a great release. Pardon the derp, but when was 11/28/80 released? I have 11/30/80 official, and a copy of Gainesville set 2, but don't recall 11/28/80 mumble mumble...

... 11/28 was the 1980 pick for the 30 trips set leaving the enduring question unanswered: What about Gainesville!

Matrix recording of 11/29/80 would NOT suck. Hmmmm... Gainesville... Wait - Did someone say Gainesville?

Pretty rockin' good show. Opens with a nice 1/2 Step too... DaP25 is a pretty average release IMO... I prefer Colgate and Rochester, but I agree that the 1/2 Step, Dupree's, Jack Straw, and Tenn Jed are all standouts in the first set, (I like the FOTD too, though I am not a huge fan of the slower versions,) and that the Truckin' is HOT! Oh, what about Gainesville, indeed! RIP Tom Petty Peace

I didn't get the email about TTATS, so I missed out. jk. I couldn't swing the $$$ for TTATS. Gainesville sounds really nice on the archive right now. never heard the 1st set before. what a great band.

I have a close show to the one you reefered to (yes, reefered). 1/30/78, also from the Uptown Theatre in Chicago. It has one of those awesome awesome 1978 Stellas, and then a Franklin's Tower, which....ok, Franklin's standalone really rocked out on the Wolf in 1978. I'll have to check out your 1/31 recommend...reeferal. Glad you caught up to the Tom Petty news :D Good info on Keith's piano DarkStar. I love his sound on DP 18, Estimated Prophet. Sounds electric, but definitely with some effect on it (kind of harpsichord-like). I would love to hear from someone with real personal knowledge, or at least someone who could identify exactly what he used on some of these releases. There are some references on Wiki, but it's very vague and does not cover the wide range of sounds I've heard him use. Maybe I'll see if Donna will let me write her Biography. She would know.

need to hear the rest of Gainesville, then the N.O. shows from 1970, then the Chicago 78s. as well as 10/31/71, another visit to 11/6/77, 5/11/72, and disc two of 10/31/79's set two.

pet peeve as a teacher: you hand out new pencils with erasers. within two days some yahoo has broken off _all the erasers_. and the kids always say, "I need an eraser!" the things we put up with in life. eraser vandalism, bearded skeletons, etc.

....I didn't want to feel left out.

Found a few extra erasers on this end. You know, if anyone needs one. Or two. I'm the bearded skeleton at the small desk by the door...

isn't a bearded skeleton, but he can get on my nerves sometimes. kind of like the bearded skeletons get on some posters' nerves. "I don't WANT to do math! Math is stupid!" grr...

8/19/80 a true classic

Sure. Go ahead and start a petition. Get all the signatures you can find. I'll be the first to sign. Then send it to Dave and the boys in a nice big envelope decorated with fancy artwork. Just like back in the days when mail ordering for tickets. Be sure not to include any bearded skeletons in the design (because evidently those suck too) so that Dave knows just how serious you are about the lack of representation of your prized era. Then wait. Then wait some more. Then, when nothing changes, badger him with emails, maybe another letter, and be sure to complain on this site a lot. A real lot. You want to know why nothing will change? Dave already has your money. You keep subscribing. He keeps raising the production each year to match demand and each release continues to sell out. You keep handing over money and then complain. You really want things to change? Stop subscribing. Simple as that. Stop buying the product. Nothng will grab Dave's attention more than a sharp decline in sales. Not that the dozen or so of you malcontents will make much difference, but at least it's a start. But, also know this. Dave surely understands that if he starts pumping out 80s shows in this series, he runs the risk of the rest of us leaving.

Just got my first buy from Grateful Dead real gone music. Road trips vol 4 # 3 Denver 1973. I paid 44 bucks. Just got my Dave’s 25 and jammed it on my newly re built pioneer CS-99a’s from the 1970’s sounded great. Once I Play the real gone road trips I will let everyone know what I think. I like the packaging. Old school plastic triple cd like the old days.

I personally don't care, but some people did complain. in the immortal words of Squidward: "whaaaatever." in the "What about" department: what about bearded clams? Warty venus with a goatee, anyone? I am 54, going on 12...

And what does a ticketless bearded skeleton have to do with the "Wall of Keys" gig? A missed opportunity to be at least a bit topical ala 23 cover art? Could be. But then again.....whatever.

And what does a ticketless bearded skeleton have to do with the "Wall of Keys" gig? A missed opportunity to be at least a bit topical ala 23 cover art? Could be. But then again.....whatever.

Never had it on cassette.Never heard it. You say it’s good? Generally don’t listen to AUD but if there’s a good recording I’ll check it out. Keith’s pianner, I really dig it on the GD Movie. Vguy, I thought you liked the Flames? Man you switched allegiances fast.

give it a listen.

Said it better than I could, and without being a bit facetious (my usual default mode). My straw hat off to you...

Ossman & Proctor of the Firesign Theatre at the Library of Congress http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=8134&loclr=eanw

Thanks. But, I still like your post a lot more.

Another great release, of a pretty rocking show, in a city close to my heart. This one is getting repeat play here on the Wharf. 2/26/77? Yes, please. I love a good AUD recording. My most recent cosmic pull back to the GOGD was facilitated by stumbling across the Listening Guide. http://www.deadlistening.com/2009/02/listening-trail-best-auds-ever.html But What About Gainesville?

The show before my Numero Uno Daves Pick getting the Full Norman def works for me.

This thread has become quite comical. I have a box of erasers I would like to donate. Does anyone have a copy of the new Gainesville Matrix?

....Gainesville doesn't hold a candle to Santa Fe. Pick any of the three shows. Go on. Pick one! Do you hear me?As far as Calgary goes, I was just rooting for a good game, and the last two minutes had it in spades. Vegas "erased" that lead quicklike. Love the Flames. Love the Knights more. It's like comparing 1977 to 1972. Fine lines....#vegasborn

It was just pointed out that the link I posted a few days ago somehow got corrupted. Here's a new one:https://www.dropbox.com/s/vq0acpf9yzakexr/Dave%27s%2025%20SQUARE%20%2AF… I made scans of both CD and Booklet covers (each is cropped slightly differently) and combined the two so that none of the artwork is lost. I then extended the top and bottom to “square” the image (some like square format for itunes, phones, etc.) Color-matching on this one was nutty thanks to Tim McDonagh’s sizzling, but analogous color palette. Enjoy & pass around as needed,

go to your CD collection, reach your hand out in an intuitive, instinctive, yet un-expectant, "random" manner. The first CD your hand actually touches is the one you put on, and listen to. It's what the universe wants you to hear, right now ;)

after I post one or two times. So if I miss some PMs, I am very sorry. I know there are a few (very few, lol) people who send me PMs anymore. But let me just say that I appreciate your well wishes, even if I never read the replies, or responded to them. You know who you are. Thank you.

If you own any/all early Dave's Picks. Amirite or wot?!? Not a Bit-Coin millionaire, but Dave did it for me. Lols. Thats Gainesville '80 show would make for a very nice official release 3 day run of shows.

I hear ya. but I do believe Neal Cassady would know better what I'm talking about. Funny thing though, I was more familiar with the I Ching before I was turned onto the Dead, even at an early age. The fact that the two intersected at some point, was a complete surprise to me ;) Never mind though. Back to your regularly scheduled programming...

...but something tells me there are future Box Set plans for this run of 3 shows.

You finally cured me from posting here :)

....oh. It will happen. Just biding our time.

Damn. The potato's back in my hands. Well, at least it feels a little cooler after its trip around the board.

....load me a bowl.

Nice analysis of how and why the bands sound changed after 1974. I have never read of a reason why Weir changed from a Gibson hollow body to and Ibanez-but what you say makes sense. Having said that, the Dead cd I was listening to this morning was Dicks Picks 28, which features highlights from 26th and 28th February 1973. The photographs inside show Weir playing a Gibson SG, which has been used by some very loud guitarists-Angus Young, Tony Iommi and Pete Townsend come to mind. Maybe there was another reason why he retired that one. Maybe he liked the thin sound of the Ibanez! I haven't received the new Daves Picks yet. The 1973 shows quoted above are excellent-very much featuring the earlier non bombastic Dead. There is so much clarity in the sound, with no distortion or use of volume for dramatic effect. Very untypical for a rock band from 1973. I do like the heavier handed approach of 1977-1978, and am looking forward to hearing the new release-but the playing in 1973 (and 1972 and 1974) was of a different order entirely.

Thanks for the feedback regarding HDCD players. It looks like it's going to be difficult finding a player that decodes HDCD. Microsoft owns the rights to the technology, and it didn't become a mainstream digital source. Either way, we're lucky to have high quality GD.

Thanks MidwayKid for this reminder about the reissue - / Real Gone series. I had missed out on the Denver '73 Road Trips back in the day for whatever reason and indeed found it there. Gotta round it out I say. As for Gainesville, that one picked up some serious steam on this thread and I've been spending ample time with this very fine audience recording over the past 18 hours or so. Not being all too familiar with the explicit year of 1980, aside from the scant officially released shows / compilations, I definitely find this show packed full of energy. I think in the past I sort of subconsciously avoided this year, and early 80s in particular due to the fact that inherently, the songs were shorter and thus I assumed less jammy or intense or whatever. What I have learned, however, as my ears and attitude got adjusted to the different style & take on how they played (aka...fast/faster), I've learned they are very good at "getting to the point" in the jams, hence things moving along a little more quickly than if they took their sweet ass time. I am happy with myself that I've sort of stuck with it in that sense, and allowed my ears/mind/expectations to fall in-line with the reality of their playing during this period. I'll also say that 30 Trips helped to break down this barrier for me as well, even if the sound quality on a few of those are a bit questionable. Nonetheless, I'd never have been exposed to this Gainesville phenomenon as well as a lot of other gems without the input from Yous All - Appreciation Factor = Level 69 Sixtus

Uncle John's Band Playin' in the Band Uncle John's Band Me and My Uncle Mexicali Blues Tennessee Jed Samson and Delilah Easy to Love You Althea Looks Like Rain Deal Feel Like a Stranger Ship of Fools Estimated Prophet Eyes of the World drums Saint of Circumstance Black Peter Sugar Magnolia Alabama Getaway Brokedown Palace https://archive.org/details/gd80-06-08.eaton.tome.7193.sbefail.shnf

The following list was shamelessly lifted from Steve Hoffman Music Forums: Advance Acoustic MCD 204 (CD Player) Arcam Diva DV 79 (DVD Player) Arcam Diva DV 135 (DVD Player) Arcam Diva DV 137 (DVD Player) Arcam FMJ DV 139 (DVD Player) Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC (DAC) Cambridge Audio Azur 650 BD (Blu-ray Player) Cayin CDT-15A (CD Player) CyberHome CH-DVD 635 (DVD-Player) Denon DBP-A100 (Blu-ray Player) Denon DBP-4010UD (Blu-ray Player) Denon DVD-A1UD (Blu-ray Player) Denon DVD-A11 (DVD/SACD Player) Denon DVD-A1XV (DVD/SACD Player) Denon DVD-A1XVA (DVD/SACD Player) Denon DVD 2800 mk2 (DVD/SACD Player) Denon DVD-2910 (DVD/SACD Player) Denon DVD-2930 (DVD/SACD Player) Denon DVD-3800 (DVD/SACD Player) Denon DVD-3910 (DVD/SACD Player) Denon DVD-3930 (DVD/SACD Player) Harman/Kardon FL-8370 (CD Multi Disc Player) Harman/Kardon HD-750 (CD Player) Linn Majik CD (CD Player) Mark Levinson ML 37 (CD Player) Mark Levinson ML 39 (CD Player) Mark Levinson ML 390S (CD Player) Mark Levinson No. 36 (DAC) Mark Levinson ML 360 (DAC) Mark Levinson ML 360S (DAC) Music Hall CD 25 (CD Player) NAD C 542 (CD Player) NAD M5 (SACD/CD Player) NAD M55 (SACD/DVD Player) NAD T 585 (SACD/DVD Player) Naim CDX2 (CD Player) Naim CD5x (CD Player) Naim CDS3 (CD Player) Naim CD555 (CD Player) OPPO BDP-80 (Blu-ray Player) OPPO BDP-83 (Blu-ray Player) OPPO BDP 93 (Blu-ray Player) OPPO BDP 95 (Blu-ray Player) OPPO DV-980H (DVD Player) OPPO DV-981HD (DVD Player) OPPO DV-983H (DVD Player) Original CD-A8T (CD Player) Panasonic DVD-S52 (DVD Player) Pioneer DVR-550H-S (DVD Player) Restek EPOS (CD Player) Rotel RCD-02 (CD Player) Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player) Rotel RCD-991 AE (CD Player) T+A CD3000R (CD Player) Toshiba SD 500E (DVD Player) Vincent S1.1 (CD Player) Vincent S3 (CD Player) Vincent S5 (CD Player) Vincent S6 (CD Player) Personally I have a Naim CDX2 and I can highly recommend it.

Easily the best AUD I've ever heard. This show is top notch. I see what all the hype is about.

Nothing brings me out of Lurkerville like a reference to the #1 item on my Grateful Wishlist - Alaska 1980. For years I've begged for a "Grateful Dead in the Land of the Midnight Sun" box - all kinds of art possibilities. But I must say, "Basked Alaska" is a fine title too. Also, I saw there was some discussion of Keith's piano in the Fall '77 shows. According to Blair Jackson in "Dead Gear" Keith didn't switch from the grand piano to the Yamaha electric grand until "summer 1978." He indicates that Keith changed to the electric grand piano because it was easier to transport (important for going to Egypt, for example). Ironically the damn things still needed to be tuned, and the piano tuner didn't show up in Egypt. That is so Grateful Dead. Anyhoo ... if you look at this video of 12/30/77 you can see that he's still playing the traditional grand piano. Good shot of it just before the 32:00 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqZP8ihyfs8&list=RDyqZP8ihyfs8&t=1916 So I think the sound of his piano in the fall shows really is due to him pounding away on the chords, and keeping his foot firmly on the echo pedal.

Headliners at Lockn for two nights.