Grateful Dead

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I'm a fan of the more modestly sized June 76 and July 78 boxes, and not really the larger sized Spring 90's or E72. Just personal taste I suppose. The music's more important than the goodies/ephemera etc. IMHO. YMMV.

-edit- No box yet here, either. Just going off the reports I'm reading...

Yes HF I was thinking the same thing about the 71 shows: they sound a lot like E72!
I had to check a couple times to make sure I had the right disc lol.
Keithfan might get stumped guessing at his family BBQs lol.

Have mostly heard the first five shows so far. (On 10/19 now)
Overall, Great audio, though there are a few splices. Only the SOTOTW one was tough...lots of repeats, otherwise music solid all around, but perhaps not a lot of “extraordinary” moments, except disc 2 from 10/18/72.
So far, to this DS freak, that’s worth the price alone! Really looking forward to the 73s and specifically disc 20!

BOXES/Space: yep, slightly smaller than a LP..like the small pizza box analogy!
I don’t think it’s tooooo big, but agree there is a lot of extra space...
Agree with most that GIANTS, 76 etc are just right size, though I really love the art etc of the PNW box as I love the PNW native art in general. Saw a great exhibit of it at SAM in 2013.
Agree I wouldn’t want em all that big though...

Oh ps: Does Keith not sound as good or prominent in the mix as you’ve ever heard, especially the 71s which sound like he’s playing the upright and not a grand..

Just got my set in, but I can't find the serial number. Is it hidden somewhere? Am I missing something? Can anyone tell me where it is located? Any help is appreciated.

Glad/hope you got/get yours

I had to look around myself.

Daverock, you hit on a real key insight into eras of any kind. Like the '60s began ~ 1964 with the Beatles, post JFK, etc. The entire "decades" thing doesn't really hold up upon examination.

Other folks have pointed out that GD eras don't neatly fit into years and, of course, that's right. The band's eras really map to specific tours, the introduction of new players or new songs or new instruments or effects. Here's an idea: what if someone actually mapped out all the tours by dates, then noted the intro of new players, new songs, new instruments so one could grasp the overlays? Then there's the elusive time/age factor as teenagers (Bobby at least) or very young men whip past 30, then 40, then 50, and Bobby that focker is hitting his 70s and still going, just sans the bevy of groupies these days (I assume).

SPECTACULAR!!!

....we need the number!!
And yes. Yes it is. Devoting mucho time to it. Might call in sick tomorrow.
The second disc of the first '72 show was so good, I played it twice.
Cumberland. You know me.
Playin'. A monster.
Casey Jones. Check.
GSET. Whoo-hoo!!!
Don't Ease. Bouncy.
Mexicali. Reprieve.
Black Peter. Sublime.
Bobby McGee. Perfect slot selection.
Bertha. No comment required.
I love this particular disc. Granted. I'm biased as hell regarding Cumberland.
But wait, there's more!!

Got two loads of wood delivered today. Dumped, as always, in the road right in front of the house. I spent all afternoon loading and stacking the wood in the garage. Axe in hand, chopping the larger cuts into a more manageable size. I was called foolish for installing a wood burning fireplace. Too much work. Too dirty. Too smelly. Years later all the neighbors look on with envy and ask to borrow wood for their newly installed fire pits. Don’t you just flip a switch or something I always reply.

I come inside after finishing and my daughter hands me the box. Sunday delivery is quite nice. Can’t wait to grab a beer and fire it up. “Mom’s napping.”

So, hopefully tonight I can listen.

First comment. As others have pointed out. The box is way too big. A ton of unused space. And very difficult to remove a single show. They all slide out. How about adding a few more millimeters to make access to the discs easier. You clearly had the extra space.

Time for a Magic Hat #9 and nice little fire.

Happy listening to those who have their copies.

....doesn't make much sense in Vegas though, but I get it AJS.
Foolish you are not.
I bet your daughter was proud handing her dad a bonified treasure. She was probably all smiles.

also, AJS. Picked up one pickup load yesterday, about 800 lbs stacked into the truck, then 800 lbs stacked in various locations around the perimeter of the house. On a cold, dark winter night, snow swirling, I'll pop a little psylocibin, pour a whiskey, grab a guitar and dream on the fire. Yeah, fall is the best as the cooler temps push you to race to get ready for the snow and darkness. Beautiful! And perfect for listening to loud music as doors and windows are closed.

Paz, brothers.

....but I wouldn't chop wood while on it.
Someone I know lost a finger.

Burning wood... local product, have depended on it for forty years, see behind those sunflowers. Stacked a fresh load of beech, maple and ash just a few minutes ago. PITB in some ways, but there's nothing like a wood fire. I cook on the stove, heat water, its the iron beast magnet altar in winter. While awaiting the new box, went to my first live music indoors since February 2020 this afternoon. Host and composer Bill Cole presented a new work, Margaret and Katie... he taught at Amherst and Dartmouth, chaired the department of music, retired a few years ago. Tomorrow is his 84th birthday. Held at a small recital hall at Dartmouth (photo ID, vax certificate, student escorts), limited to forty by invitation, plus a few students, video will be posted to YT after some digital mastering. Seven musicians, everything from tuba, marimba, sax, flute, cornet, conch shell, kora, percussion, various reeds and didgeridoo. As Dartmouth was founded 1769 to educate and Christianize Native Americans, a few moments of quiet reflection on that upside down mistake this eve of Indigenous Peoples Day.

....cool story.
Jim is hanging back with his Workingmans Axe.
I was seriously on the fence regarding that product.

these official releases sound 3 dimensional

Yaaaasss, Phil!

Then 12 9 71 disc one
My beloved got home during Hurts Me Too
She was shocked, SHOCKED, at the volume I had it set at

Came home yesterday after hiking Pt Reyes to find the StL box ensconced behind the ˜petunias and safe from porch pirates. Woohoo! That's 8 days after the official release date, for everybody keeping score at home, so despite all the rigamarole about delays, the box actually made its way to me just about exactly as fast as the more recent DaPs have.

The packaging is lovely. Have only had time to audition two random discs, and they sounded great on every level. It's going to take a good long while to explore all 20 discs, but I'll be loving every minute of it.

Bit by bit (no pun intended)

Compendium hates on this show but it sounds ok to me

Saint of Circumstance lyrics...

Mine has just been delivered in the UK. Obviously, I should have more faith in UPS.

While waiting for my UPS delivery I’ve been reading the latest issue of Uncut. It has a short article and interview with the sax player Charles Lloyd whose music began with playing with the blues greats like Howlin’ Wolf and later hung out with the Grateful Dead who apparently loved his music. For those of us in Blighty he has a show on November 20 as part of the London Jazz Festival at the Barbican.

Mine has just arrived in Sweden, plaudits to Deadnet for finally using a carrier which gets our stuff to us in a timely manner, for once we in the first world dont have to wait around for 6 or more weeks!
Daverock/Simonrob/ Gratefulgerd, I suppose you now also got yours, enjoy!

3847 just arrived here in Scotland. Got hit with £63.15 in charges/taxes. Like others have said the box is too big and you can’t get a show out without them all falling out. I prefer smaller boxes. Weird shaped book but mine is in perfect condition. Now for a mammoth listening session.

Number 9426 also arrived in Scotland but with nothing to pay!!

Very nice package in perfect condition and some nice extras hidden away.

Mine’s just arrived but cannot find the number!

It’s on the back cover of the book.

My box arrived Saturday and overall it is a drop dead gorgeous box. However, the lower right corner of the slipcase for 12/30/73 was mangled, as though someone attempted to shove it in, failed and bent it all up, and then just said f*** it and pushed it back in. There were some significant scratches on the disc that went into that part of the slipcase. Almost *half* of the 20 discs had at least a few hairline scratches on them. I get the environmentally friendly aspect of them, but I despise those cardboard cases.

I’ve sent an email to Customer Service and hopefully they can make it right. They were good about providing a replacement for DaP 39, which also had a bunch of scratches on one of the discs, which was surprising since those are at least in plastic trays. Seriously, does Rhino hire chimps to pack and run QC on their products?

“Karen” rant over. Back to the music!

Thanks! 5134

FrankParry, Charles Lloyd played with the Dead on 8/3/69 at the Family Dog, he plays on a great version of Dark Star. You probably already knew that. I see he plays on the same gig as the Dead on 10/1/67 at the Greek Theatre. I didn't know that he played with Howlin Wolf , but I don't know a Lot of things, Howlin Wolf is one of my favorites.

Thanks Billy - I didn’t know about the Family Dog gig actually. I’ll check that out.

Just listening to the last cd from 73 and half way through Eyes it looks like there’s a giant patch for about twenty seconds. Doesn’t spoil the enjoyment at all though - great version and a truly out there version of Dark Star.

mine has arrived about an hour ago. UPS did a good job. Very reliable tracking from A to Z. Nothing out of control!
Well, I think it's gonna be a long night.
Proudfoot probably would say: Es wird eine lange Nacht.
I'm excited.
Enjoy yours
G.

got mine yesterday as well (Sunday 10/11). I live in Madison, WI. 2 down 18 left to listen to.

It’s great to hear our European Head friends are getting their boxes so quickly. I would be bummed mine hasn’t shown yet, but I have SO MUCH freakin’ stuff to play before the box arrives. I’d be a fool to complain.
Listening to, among many, Bill Evans, Black Sabbath(Technical Ecstasy), Elvis Costello, and Dave’s picks from ‘73 shows.
I was informed I’d have my box on the 9th, 10th, 11th, and now 12th. Pretty sure it WILL arrive eventually.
No matter……Music Is The Best!!

is alive and well and is playing in Santa Barbara this Saturday.

Just got started with the box. First up: disc one from Kiel Aud. 10/29/73.

So far, so good.

I just need to spread it out over a long period of time

mit Sonne
mit Mond
mit Sterne

"Der Autobahn
Der Mond
Die Wolken
und die Sterne"

Im not sur what to say to those stuck on the packaging. I just finished listening to 7 flawless, incredibly well recorded shows, flipping through a solid hardcover booklet, and enjoying some pretty cool extra treats. Not once during all the times Im going to replay these amazing shows am I going to be thinking "But shoot - if only they utilized that extra space deeper into the box or added ribbon to get the discs out quicker". I feel for you folks stuck on that stuff. I really do. Youre seeing a lot of stem and tripping on it, but there is a big bud sitting there to enjoy.

For this box only, Dead.net changed unilaterally the shipping from "UPS Mail Innovations Priority" (UPS>USPS>local post) to "UPS Worldwide Saver. "
At least for me in Greece, this means that it will not be delivered to me by the local Greek Post (low customs clearance fee = 20 EUR), but by UPS Greece (80 EUR = 60 EUR UPS fee plus 20 EUR UPS handling).

Dead.net please use only UPS Innovations like all the time previously. Thank you.

Best wishes,

Alex

In time for a 5 hour White Sox game last night. Perfect listening for a wild game. I love the box, art, extras and most importantly so far, the music!

For those who don't like the box, here's an idea. Throw it out. The slip cases didn't come with an umbilical cord. Amazing that people complain about this. Its called a box(ed) set. It comes in a box. If it makes your action figures look small, that's ok.

...If ya don't state your preferences ain't nothing gonna change. Space counts. At least for me.

Highly looking forward to my box. Still hangin' out near Bong.

I'm well pleased with it, too. I like the box - sturdy and well made-it has gravitas befitting the music inside it. Considering it holds 20 cds, it doesn't seem that big to me, either. The last box I bought- "The Starday Custom Series" is bigger, and only holds 10cds. Though it does have a king sized book, too.

Anyway - I like the sound on the first one and a half cds. Rock steady. Also good that "Playing" crops up no less than 5 times, twice in 71 and 72 and once in 73, so its development can be appreciated across the years, if you have the mind. "The Other One" also features in each of the three years. I liked hearing Pigpen sing the Chuck Berry number instead of Bob, too.
The book looks a bit weird-I thought the pages were going to come tumbling out when I first opened it-but it has remained intact. Careful handling needed, I would say.
But overall- great stuff!
Mr Ones-sorry your's hasn't pitched up yet. It sounds like you have plenty to be going on with !

If I was picky about this kind of thing, I would probably a little miffed that the corner of my StL is arrived a little smooshed in. It's not a big deal, but just for example, if I ever wanted to sell it, I couldn't list it as mint condition.

Fortunately, I'm not planning to sell it. And though I've only had time to test 3 discs so far, I haven't have any problems with the CDs so far, which is the most important thing.

As for the packaging? It looks fantastic, just a work of art to behold. But it's not super practical: it takes up a lot of space, even for a 20-CD set, and there's no easy way to see which shows are which or what songs are on a given CD without actually pulling the CD's out of the case. Which isn't super easy, either.

But that's nit picking, because the MUSIC is fucking great.

I'm so glad we had this time together, just to share a laugh and sing a song.

LOL

Harvey Korman
Tim Conway
Vicky Lawrence
and
Owsley Stanley as the BBBBBBBEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAVVVVVVVEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

we Deadheads are indeed a picky lot.

Right on, SteveGold, I'm tossing the box and shelving the shows in my chronological shelf.

And Proudfoot, dooood, I'll have whatever you're having!

Tonight: more from the new box, with a dash of Tequila and Indica and maybe a Guinness....

Enjoy, all!

While I would prefer a size that can fit into a standard bookcase, like June ’76 or July ’78, what we have displays the artwork beautifully. And is exceptional. My only qualm is leaving the slipcases generic. I think it was likely assumed most of us will rip the discs and then rarely will they see the light of day again. With that said, my bet would be that the box was designed for this time when vinyl reins for physical product. In some way it mirrors the original multi LP box sets, where the front opens for a tray that houses the records.

Sound wise, an earlier comment mentioned how three dimensional these releases get. My thoughts exactly when spot checking the discs yesterday. I actually listened to some of the Archive recordings prior to purchasing. By contrast quite proper. Something is done to really bring a stage-presence to the sound. A quality that isn’t there without the Norman magic. Very comfortable to settle into and let the band do their thing. Just add popcorn.

Looking forward to working through these shows in their entirety! Is it Thursday yet????

I received Box Set #3840 on Saturday afternoon. I inspected the box, book and CDs - all are in good shape! Sunday I spent some time ripping the 20 CDs. I'm on a few days of vacation, so I will spend the next few listening to the shows in their entirety after I load them on my iPod. I'm pretty stoked!

I wonder how many of these releases were recorded on Ramrod's reel to reel that's up for auction? Just browsed the whole listings. So much history. Jerry's Starfire Guild is a big ticket item. His Mutton is listed as well. My attention is drawn towards Jerry's Macintosh power amp though. Some high end vintage gear. Anybody got an extra million laying around?

9454 has landed and I really like what I see. So if I’m gone for awhile, well you know…

checking at #00246 and psyched! God Bless The Grateful Dead!