Grateful Dead

Dave's Picks Volume 1

Have no fear, you can join the fun with our next release Volume 2, the complete Grateful Dead performance from the Wall of Sound tour, recorded live on 7/31/74 at Dillon Stadium in Hartford, CT.  This was one of the final East Coast appearances by the Grateful Dead for almost two years, and is one of the longest, most exceptionally well-played shows of the entire year.  The big jams stand out, of course, including "Weather Report Suite," "Eyes Of The World>China Doll" and "Truckin>several thematic jams," but the smaller songs, like a rare show-opening "Scarlet Begonias," "Mississippi Half-Step," "Big River," "Greatest Story Ever Told," "Uncle John's Band" and countless others are also excellent at this A+ show. 

In addition to all the great music, you can look forward to another digipak with trays made of 100% recycled and PCW materials (and of course a booklet featuring a historical essay and photos).  Due to popular demand, we'll be using a heavier paper stock for Volume 2 and all the great Dave's Picks releases to come. 

Chances are if you’re a Dead Head you’re already well-versed in the glorious spring of 1977.  Back a year since their mid-’70s performing hiatus, and fresh from recording their Terrapin Station album in L.A. with producer Keith Olsen, the Dead returned to the road invigorated and excited that spring.  There were fantastic new songs (including the “Terrapin Station” suite, “Estimated Prophet” and “Fire on the Mountain”) and their older tunes seemed imbued with new vigor and vitality.  Every stop of the tour, which stretched from the third week of April (beginning at the Spectrum in Philadelphia) through the first week in June (back at Winterland in San Francisco), presented some new wrinkle or interesting variation on the repertoire, as songs were moved around, unusual combinations were explored and the septet continue to solidify and mature.  Which is a fancy way of saying the band was on fire—y’see, there’s a reason why this is the ninth show from that tour to be released! 

The song list from 5/25/77 might not reveal much out of the ordinary (though it’s great selection of tunes), but the playing is definitely extraordinary.  The first set contains outstanding versions of favorites such as “Mississippi Half-Step,” “Jack Straw,” “Cassidy” and “Lazy Lightning” > “Supplication.”  And the second set is primo-grade ’77 from start to finish.  The buoyant “Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire on the Mountain” that kicks things off sets the tone, but then the rest of the set is a deftly played medley starting with “Estimated” and moving into “He’s Gone,” a primal drum workout from Mickey and Bill, a heart-pounding version of “The Other One” that’s split by “Wharf Rat” (the only time those songs were played in that sequence), a joyful “Wheel,” and then a double-dose of Chuck Berry to bring it all back to rock ’n’ roll basics.  Talk about a thrill ride! 

I'm half way through Peggy-O on CD 1.  Very pleased with the sound quality, sounds really crisp for a show played 35 years ago.  I see where some are not happy with the CD case, I like it, can't complain.  The CDs will be better protected then the RT's, and the liner notes are easily pulled out. 

I was very pleased that it arrived in a box with packing to protect it, instead of a beat up envelope.  So far so good, I also see that not everyone is happy.  To each is on I guess.  I'm delighted to have Vol.1 in hand, looking forward to the next release with the bonus jams. 

I like how it's easier way to pull out the booklet now with the cutout for the thumb to grip the booklet. 
The packing is a little bulkier.  There's more to look at picture and design wise and the discs are secure with plastic.  The way it looks it could be a 4 disc release.  Disc 1 is 69.13. 

this release needs one of those additional sleeves at least
(so now mine has a home made one)

my thoughts on the music - was thinking "nothing special" thru the first few tracks - then believed by Loser it was heating up.  Lazy Lightning left an impression - great version. 
Drums was way cool
actually need to listen to it again as I'm sure I was dozing off thru half the second set last night - which should NOT be taken as a diss at all - kicking back with the head phones full blast late at night always puts me to sleep....

Holy Moly feels like I'm holding a historical document, but I smells new ink.  Enjoyin' the Mississippi Half Step with some epic Jerry licks. 
As for the weather and the brew: It's 40 degrees and sunny in NE Wisc.  with a 4 pack of Central Waters Brewing Cos.  Bourbon Barrel Stout (it drinks like a meal) that don't need to wait no stinking 10 days!  Haha Ted. 

Thank you GDP, Rhino and all the good folks on dead.net for this wonderful release. 
Great mix and very clean: I'll turn up Scarlet and hope CB feels the warmth in France. 
It's been a good morning in Kansas, as the rain has diminished to where it feels like I'm in Bremerton WA ( 42 and misty ).  As an special treat, I acquired a limited release 750 ml bottle of Boulevard Brewing's Chocolate Ale.  We'll see if it lasts 10 more days for Valentine's Day !! 

if it makes anyone feel better i didn't get charged shipping and i subscribed late at 1st i wasn't going to get it thought why should i for just 1 bonus disc but then i figured i'll probably wind up getting them anyway...i did that with road trips and missed out on alot of bonus discs because i didn't get them early on...but it seems the 1st subscribers got charged with a shipping charge probably they didn't have something set up to waive the shipping charge...i don't know why you'd have to call up after each release...alot of these call center people are mentally challenged. 

Funny i never had a problem with a digipak and i like them much better than the plastic crap...i only figure to be alive another 20 years tops and if 1992 was 20 years ago it'll go quick...hopefully GOD will have some kind of sound system where we can still either download or tap into Grateful dead recordings up in the kingdom of heaven...still i look forward to the Dave picks don't care what they are hell they can even be 90s shows but i prefer 77, 73, 71, 69 and all the years around that 80 wasn't bad they had the acoustic sets in some of the shows...70 they had acoustic sets too but generally not that well recorded for the acoustic sets...i'm looking forward to being Dead but before i am dead i'll be listening to the dead! 

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