Conference rdvax::grateful

    WHOA! does any one have that tape????
    
    rfb

>    WHOA! does any one have that tape????

You mean besides Dick? ;-)

tms

    ya, anyone in HERE! %^)
    
    rfb

GDM was distributing what looked like the case card for this CD at last
night's show. The reverse had no more info other than that the show will
indeed be the '73 Tampa show and, in big letters: "Coming soon". 

I'm pshyched for this!

From dead-flames:

From: [email protected] (David Gans)
Subject: Re: Dick's Picks
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 1993 19:33:05 GMT

 Here is the official press release from Grateful Dead Records!
 
 FromEven  Deeper  InTheVaultComes...Dick'sPicks!
 
 Famous in song and story are the world's great repositories of hidden
 riches; There's Fort Knox, King Tut's Tomb, The Wreck of the Titanic...and,
 of course, the Grateful Dead Tape Vault.  Happily, in recent years, some of
 the latter's treasures have begun to see the light of day, in the form of
 Grateful Dead Records' highly successful "From The Vault" series.  The first
 two releases were the answer to a Deadhead's prayers: a pair of the very
 best shows from the band's stash of multitrack masters, impeccably mixed and
 mastered for optimum sound quality.  Ever since then, music-starved
 tapeheads have been clamoring for Vault #3, wondering what show would yield
 a worthy successor to 1 and 2...
 
 ...aye, there's the rub: given the Grateful Dead's famously fanatical
 perfectionism about such things, the broad diversity of ideas and opinions
 among band members, and the incredibly high standards set by those first two
 releases, it's pretty hard to settle on said worthy successor.  A few strong
 candidates were proposed, but none that everyone agreed was as sonically
 pristine as Vaults 1 and 2.  So Vault 3 might be a little while coming,
 kids.  But fear not, sound-hounds -- for out of the void, into the breach,
 leaps...DICK'S PICKS!
 
 So who's Dick? And just what has he picked?
 
 "Dick's Picks" is a new series of releases on the way from Grateful Dead
 Records.  And Dick is Dick Latvala, one of the original Dead tapers.  Among
 those notorious "picky Deadheads", Dick is one of the pickiest -- by his own
 admission, he's spent an alarming portion of his life wired to a tape deck,
 compulsively sifting through countless hours of Grateful Dead music,
 searching for those golden moments when the band unties the Gordian Knot,
 finds the Holy Grail, strums the Lost Chord.  Luckily, like many of us in
 Grateful Dead Land, Dick was able to turn his obsession into a job -- since
 1985, he's been the official keeper of the Dead's tape archive, performing
 the heroic task of organizing nearly three decades of recorded music -- a
 job which requires the combined skills of a curator, archaeologist and
 detective.  And Dick has a special affinity for a certain kind of tape: not
 the relatively high-tech multi-track items, you've heard on the first two
 Vault releases.  No, these come from somewhere deeper, darker -- down in the
 cobwebbed catacombs, across the alligator-infested moat -- that's where
 you'll find "Dick's Picks".
 
 This is the real, raw stuff.  Recorded direct to two-track, with no chance
 to "fix it in the mix".  You hear it just like they played it -- to borrow
 Phil Lesh's pet phrase, this is the Grateful Dead "warts and all".  There
 are also good old-fashioned glitches, splices and gaps due to reel changes.
 In other words, you won't get the complete show -- some editorial surgery
 has been necessary.  But combine Dick's keen ear for a hot tape, the
 excellent quality of the source recording and the fact that mastering and
 editing has been placed in the hands of the Grateful Dead's studio
 alchemists, and we've got a "live" one here!
 
 The first "Dick's Picks" is from the Dead's final show of 1973, on December
 19, at Curtis Hixon Convention Center in Tampa, FL.  This is a period that
 Latvala describes as "chock full of killer shows".  During this time various
 members of the Dead family took turns taping shows, and stalwart crew member
 Bill "Kidd" candelario turned out a particularly impressive batch, of which
 this is among the best.  We won't try to describe just what gets played
 here, but believe us, it gets PLAYED!
 
 "Dick's Picks #1" is a must-have item for any serious Deadhead (like you,
 we'll wager) and will be available by mail order only on a soon-to-be
 announced date.  Stay tuned to the Grateful Dead hotline for further
 developments.

-- 

	That sounds pheonominal!

From: [email protected] (David Gans)
Subject: Dick's Picks vol. 1 - contents
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1993 23:44:45 GMT

I interviewed GD vault archivist Dick Latvala today (for GD Hour #267),
and I got a chance to hear some of the two-disc set.  Here's a list of
what's on there:

 
 Dick's Picks, Volume 1 - 12/19/73 Tampa, Florida
 
 Here Comes Sunshine
 Big River
 Mississippi Halfstep
 Weather Report Suite
 Big Railroad Blues
 Playing in the Band
 
 He's Gone->
 Truckin'->
 Nobody's Fault But Mine->
 jam->
 The Other One->
 jam->
 Stella Blue
 Around and Around
 

Things are not in the same order as in the show, and there are several
pieces missing.  Apparently there were quite a few glitches on the master
tape, and some stuff isn't there at all - including "Sugar Shack," alas.

But what IS there is just amazing.  The second-set jam brought tears to
my eyes!

Dick's Picks will be offered ONLY by mail and telephone from GD Mercantile;
it will not be in record stores.

I don't know when they're going to start taking orders, and I don't know
what the address and phone number will be (but they'll be different from 
the regular GDM contacts, so don't call GDM!).  Stay tuned.  This is
gonna be good.

I'll post some excerpts from the interview as soon as I get it transcribed.

-- 

        David Gans      [email protected]
                        {apple,pacbell,hplabs,ucbvax}!well!tnf

    Does GDM only take phone orders?  If so, what credit cards?  Can I fill
    out an order form and send a check?
    
    My fear is that they only take Visa and Mastercard and I have only
    AMEX!
    
    dave

re                       <<< Note 371.8 by SPOCK::IRONS >>>

>    My fear is that they only take Visa and Mastercard and I have only
>    AMEX!
 
dump that AMEX mon!  VISA is more widely accepted these days and it is pretty
EZ to get a VISA w/ no annual fee and a high credit limit.

yabbut where do you get one with no annual, high limit, AND 30 day grace
without interest?  I know they must be out there... 

re <<< Note 371.10 by ROADKL::INGALLS "may the four winds blow you home again" >>>


>yabbut where do you get one with no annual, high limit, AND 30 day grace
>without interest?  I know they must be out there... 

my DCU visa card comes pretty close;  i might not get exactly 30 days w/o
interest, but i come pretty close.... never paid any fees and never came
close to the limit.

also, AT&T has a no annual fee card.

> also, AT&T has a no annual fee card.

This is what we have.  I believe it is actually no annual fee
as long as you use the card once a year.  Hasn't been too
hard to keep to that schedule ;-)

PeterT

    USAA Banking Services 1-800-531-2265.  No annual fee, 30 day grace
    period ('cept for cash advances), and ~12% interest rate.  USAA is an
    extremely reputable company.  I barely trust DCU with my lunch money.
    
    I still have Amex though, it's great for travelling.
    
    Jamie

JC, *you* are recommending a *credit* card?

I'm coming to ya 'ouisey!  Lord take me home!

;^)

- dc

re  <<< Note 371.14 by NRSTA2::CLARK "zzzzzzzzzzzzz huh? ... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz" >>>

>JC, *you* are recommending a *credit* card?

why does that surprise you mon?

    I just got one of those no_anual_fee_12%_interest visa applications in
    the mail the other day.  Maybe I should dig it outta the trash.
    
    Visa is great for mailorder stuff of all kinds.
    
    I have the Coporate AMEX DEC gives to it's busy travels (like me!). 
    Free and no interest!  Can't beat it!
    
    Now if only I can treat the Visa like AMEX, I'll be set.  (read - Pay it
    within the grace period!).
    
    I finally broke down and accepted a Sears charge card.  Sears only
    accepts Sears and Discover.  Then I noticed in a Sears Sunday ad that
    they accept ALL major credit cards!!  The Scums!!  After all these
    freakin' years they do it AFTER I get the Sears card.  No wonder they
    offered me $5.00 off my purchase for filling out an application.....
    
    Hey, I'm just tickled I get offered credit cards.  I killed my credit
    in my pre-marriage, middle_20's_I_don't_give_a_sh*t_days.  After
    proving my "worthyness" when we applied for a mortgage, I got cautious
    and wise!
    
    dave

>yabbut where do you get one with no annual, high limit, AND 30 day grace
>without interest?  I know they must be out there... 

i have 3 of them; i only actually use one (AT&T), but i kept getting pestered
with all of these other offers in the mail, so one day i just decided to order
two gold cards for the heck of it (haven't used either one even once)

- rich

	to rathole this further ....				;-)
	
>but i kept getting pestered with all of these other offers in the mail,
	
	I get lots of credit card solicitations. I recently started
	stuffing everything they send to me (except the portion where
	they want my signature ;-) back in the postage-paid envelope and
	mailing it back to them. I let them dispose of it.
	
	Jay

    
    Re: .18
    
    >mailing it back to them.  I let them dispose of it.
    
    I really like that!  what a grate idea ... let them handle their own
    garbage and see if it slows 'em down ne
    
    

hey, wow!  never thought of that!  i think i'll start mailin' 'em back empty
too...

personally, i get 'em every now and then, but never even open junk mail.
deb loves junk mail, i hate it!!!!!!!!  it is such a waste!  

my one dcu visa is sufficient for all my needs...

	Actually, Bob Ross (the brillo-haired tv painter) gave me the
	idea. I send back everything that was in the envelope, including
	the envelope it came in. It's their stamp!  ;-)

   >mailing it back to them.  I let them dispose of it.

someone told me of an even better idea, but i have yet to try it and see if
it works; he claims that when there is one of those business reply mail
postage paid envelopes, that they are obligated to pay whatever the postage is,
not necessarily just the regular letter postage; so his idea was to tape the
envelope to a brick and mail that back, along with a note inside saying that
you'd appreciate not to get any more junk mail from them

- rich

I like it when I get these credit card offers for my KIDS!  Hey, where did
they get a credit line?  Being 1.5 and 4.5 they really don't need it just
yet ;-)  I had something similar on the phone once.  Can't remember what 
they were exactly, solicitor, pollster, or some other such thing, but I 
could hardly refrain from breaking into a guffaw when I picked up the 
phone and this women asked for Mr. Daniel Thompson.  "Well, I'm sure
he'd love to speak to you, but he's taking his nap right now, and I'm not
really sure he'd have much to add to the conversation..."


PeterT

    
    I say we start an award for Best Idea o' the Day Award (BIDA) and 
    the first winner has to be JayJ or JJollimore or however he says it!
    
    carol

re: junk mail and "it is such a waste!"

..."Free Trash" as someone once said to me...

I *LOVE* the idea of mailing it back... ...I think I'll start saving up our
junk mail (we get SO MUCH!!!!) and sending it back to random 'free trash
distributors' in nice BIG boxes with the buzniss reply envelope taped to
the cover! 

I'll probalby put some note about recycling in it too...

;-)

re .22 (mailing bricks)

I recall doing that when Time started putting reply cards in our student
newspaper. They stopped after about two issues.

Hmmm. Given the first thing I do with most mags is rip out all the reply cards
maybe I should start mailing them...

gary

    
    
    Re: Sending junk mail back.
    
    My wife waits until she has more than one piece of junk mail, then
    swaps the contents and sends them back in the pre-paied envelopes.
    
    ie.  The junk mail from company X is sent to company Y and visa versa
    
    Let them sort it out!
    
    
    8-)

    even bettah!!
    

    A few months ago I got a note from AMEX telling me I was preapproved
    for a card. I used their prepaid to tell them thanks but I'd had a card
    for over 10 years and to check their database before doing mailings.
    Got a pseudo-personallized note back from some VP apologizing and
    saying how valued I was. I've since dropped the card (not for that
    reason, though).
    
    jeff

Puting this back on the topic...

From rec.music.gdead, David Gans talking with Dick Latvala:

Article: 26380
Newsgroups: rec.music.gdead
From: [email protected] (David Gans)
Subject: Dick Latvala talks about His Picks
Sender: [email protected]
Organization: The Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link, Sausalito, CA
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1993 18:48:46 GMT
 
Here is an excerpt from my conversation with Dick Latvala, which will
aoppear in Grateful Dead Hour #267.
 
 
DL:  When these shows were recorded, they weren't recorded for the
purpose of someday releasing them live, as live shows.  They were
recorded so the band could hear them afterward and see, and hear how
they performed.  Kidd's job was to not only mix that the recording, but
take care of Keith's equipment, so we have lots of responsibility on
him to do both jobs and in that time see--you know, he'd be busy with
Keith, a reel would run out, and you'd miss ten minutes of something or
a couple songs, [and] there's millions of technical problems in that
era.  It's important just to understand that these tapes weren't made
with the purpose of releasing them.  So editing them becomes a
necessity ... sorry, folks, but that's the way it's going to be.
They're not going to release material that has got glitches in it or
doesn't have one of the mics turned up high enough or something.  So
we're going to have some shows that have a lot of really good things in
them, but the recording might have been screwed up so we can't release
them.
 
So you say, why 12/19/73?  It was as good as any.  You name another
date and, you know, I could tell you why maybe I didn't choose that
one.  But 12/19 particularly had a lot going for it.
 
DG:  Among the missing items from the set list, according to Deadbase,
is the song Sugar Shack.
 
DL:  Yes, that is missing on the master itself.  It is not there. I was
looking for it.  It's even written on the tape box, but it wasn't
recorded.
 
DG:  That's a shame.
 
DL:  I have no idea what happened there.
 
DG:  So unless somebody's got an audience tape out there, we'll never
know.
 
DL:  Yes, we'd love to hear what that was like.  I'm sure it was only a
second or two.
 
But anyway, like this first set you were mentioning.  It is edited.
And it became apparent to me and others--me and John and Cutler and
Jeffrey Norman, who were working on this--that each CD should have a
life of its own.  This isn't an attempt to recapture the total picture
or the whole show.  It's a picture of the show, or the best of the show
idea, and so it has an entity of its own so we tried to make that disc
one have the feel of a first set, but you'll notice that Weather Report
is thrown in there and that is actually from the second set.
 
DG:  And so is Mississippi Halfstep, actually.
 
DL:  Yes, right.
 
DG:  So you rearranged a few things to give it sort of the contour of a
first set even though it's not, strictly speaking--
 
DL:  Right.  Right.  And, yeah, it's not going to ever be literal just
like it happened on the show itself.  You can check DeadBase or your
audience tapes for those things.
 
DG:  Well, I've maintained all along that it was going to have to be
edited.  I can't recall ever hearing a Grateful Dead show that was
perfect from start to finish.  In fact, One from the Vault is one of
the few shows that every moment really is great.
 
DL:  It was.  Yeah, yeah, that's amazing.
 
DG:  So it doesn't surprise me and it doesn't particularly annoy me
that the Grateful Dead have decided to present an edited version of
this.  I think it's in their own interests, and if I were the musician
responsible, I would certainly want the right to hold back things that
I thought weren't excellent and worthwhile.
 
DL:  And believe me, there are.  Each musician has those feelings and
can make decisions about this at any point, which is another one of the
obstacles I faced in getting this one out.  To me, this is a coup.
This is a real coup to get this material out of the vault.  We shall
see what happens but, depending on the response to this, you know, more
shall follow, I'm sure.  But when it becomes real personal--like
imagine if you are the one doing this music, how would you feel if you
have embarrassing pictures out in the world of yourself.  You know, I
mean, there has to be some editing.
 
-- 
 
	David Gans	[email protected]
			{apple,pacbell,hplabs,ucbvax}!well!tnf
 

    RE: "embarrasing pictures out in the world of yourself..."
    
    like the dead DON"t %^)....(actually I agree with the assessment...just
    thought it kinda funny)
    
    rfb

   Dick's Pick's Vol. 1 is scheduled to begin shipping Nov. 1, but you can
   order them now at 1-800-323-2300. It's $18.95 for the 2CD set, including 
   shipping. Call at normal west coast business hours.

    
    
    	Actually, they are open 24 hours a day, and are in Iowa.
    
    

I called on Friday and was thrilled to head the woman on the other end of
the line answer "Grateful Dead.  How may I help you?"  :-)

I was tempted to answer something like "Oh, is Jerry there?  Put him on the
line please..." but I merely placed my order for the Dicks' Picks CD.

She asked me how I heard of the CDs, so I said "the net, you know, the usenet,
rec.music.gdead, email.."

She said they might even begin shipping befor 11/1/93, if they get enough
orders in to make up a good-size bulk shipment.  I guess they get a discount
from the P.O.    So, get your orders in NOW, DAMMIT!  :-)

Josh

    
    	I second Josh's order.....Call now, operator's are standing by...
    
    

    
    I heard a cut on the radio this morning - Round n' Round.  Sounded
    crystal clear, but no major jamming or anything like that.  Pretty
    standard version.  Can't wait to hear the rest of it, though - I hope
    they get here soon.
    
    

    Well, anyone recieve their Dick's Picks Vol. 1 yet?  Ship date was 
    supposed to be a week ago.  I'm dying to hear this stuff.
    
    Bud

    
    Nope, still waiting for my copy.
    
    Marc

    
    Just got off the phone with the GDM people and they said that Dick's
    Picks did indeed go out the 1st. However, they went out US mail
    (probably 4th class) and won't arrive for *ANOTHER* week or two...
    BUMMER!!! I would have gladly paid an extra buck or so to have it
    *NOW*...
    
    Marc

    Dick's Picks is here!!!  I received mine in today's U.S. Snail.  I've
    listened to Disk 1 and am just starting Disk 2 now.
    
    It doesn't have quite the stunning sound quality of either of the vault
    CDs, but it's still very very nice.  It's a keeper.  (And if they put
    out a "Dick's Picks Again" I'll buy that too!)
    
    tms

    Got mine on Saturday.  Some very tasty stuff here.  Haven't listened to
    it loud enough yet...but have the ride to work tomorrow. :-)
    
    Donna haters will love this, as she is listed on the credits as "giving
    birth".
    
    	dave
    

>    Donna haters will love this, as she is listed on the credits as "giving
>    birth".

isn't that what she's usually practicing during "Playin'" ?

;^)

- rich

    
    I got mine, too, and it sounds grate!!
    
    

    
    	Question re: this CD.  I got mine, and looking through the
    	credits, etc.  They list the bandmembers without Mickey......
    	Yet, the credits for playin, list hart as one of them.....
    
    	hopelessly confused,,,,, Glen(n).......
    

Mickey is one of the authors of Playing in the Band.  He had left the band in
February of 71 and did not return until '75.

	dave

    
    got mine too...like the weather report suite. also, its cool the way
    they made the CD's look like reel-to-reels and the case look like an
    old tape box...pretty neat stuff.. 
    
    
    
      Don

Got mine.  The stereo mix has great separation and clarity:  Keith right,
Bob left, Jerry just to the right of center.  No hiss too, I guess Dick 
no-noised it a tiny bit when mastering the CD.  There's a credit to
"Nagra 2759" or some such number, I assume this is the model number of the
Nagra tape recorder the show was taped on.  Anyone familiar with model nos.
of the old Nagra reel to reels? :-)  

Josh

Nice "He's Gone!"

- DC

    
    	Well, I'm still waiting formy copy....Any one else still waiting?
    
    

    
    I actually placed 2 orders and I only got 1 so I'm still waiting too..
    

    I LOVE the second disk - it's been in my cd player all weekend!  He's
    Gone is excellent, as well as Stella Blue.  I really like the jam after
    the Other One, also.  
    
    :), danielle

Oh yes, my Customer Number was 1882.  Someone told me reb's was 53 :-).

Remember, boys & girls, only 50,000 to be made!

Josh

    
    I love the Here Comes Sunshine
    
    

    re: waiting for Da Pix

    I'm waiting too, but I've only been waiting for about 2 minutes
    now...  ;-)


    - jeff_kicking_off_yet_another_cHhArUiNsNtUmKaAsH_shopping_season_:-)

    for those of use who wish not to use a credit card (or don't have one)
    heres where you send your order .....
    
    Grateful Dead Mercantile - Dick's Picks Vol 1
    PO Box 2139
    Novato, Ca. 94948
    
    
    on a card (3x5 I guess) write Dick's Picks Vol 1 
    and write it somewhere on the Money Order (a post office or AMEX one) 
    total for the money order is $18.95 and write it to Grateful Dead 
    Mercantile.
    
    
    Chris
    
    

    I just put in my order and they said it is shiping first class and will
    take 3-4 weeks.  Just in time for giving gifts.
    
    :-)
    
    Scott

What is the phone # to call to order?

>  Dick's Pick's Vol. 1 is scheduled to begin shipping Nov. 1, but you can
>  order them now at 1-800-323-2300. It's $18.95 for the 2CD set, including
>  shipping. Call at normal west coast business hours.

    Received mine today excellent quality,and by the way great delivery time, 
    phoned in order on 11/22/93.             

    I put my order in on the 22nd also.  I hope I have it waiting for me at
    home!
    
    :-)
    
    Scott

>              <<< Note 371.56 by SLOHAN::FIELDS "Strange Brew" >>>
>
>    for those of use who wish not to use a credit card (or don't have one)
>    heres where you send your order .....
>    
>    Grateful Dead Mercantile - Dick's Picks Vol 1
>    PO Box 2139
>    Novato, Ca. 94948
>    
>    
>    on a card (3x5 I guess) write Dick's Picks Vol 1 
>    and write it somewhere on the Money Order (a post office or AMEX one) 
>    total for the money order is $18.95 and write it to Grateful Dead 
>    Mercantile.
    
    
    I just called: they accept personal checks as well.  Mine is on it's
    way!
    
    dave

Got mine yesturday.  CC order;  took about 7-10 days to get to me.... i'm
only slightly through it at this point.

    
    don't you love the hcs? :-)
    
    

re       <<< Note 371.64 by TERAPN::PHYLLIS "in the shadow of the moon" >>>

    
>    don't you love the hcs? :-)
 

HCS isn't one of my fave tunes;  actually, i must confess, i hit the skip
button after about 40 secs..... now, big rivah is another story.  can't weait
for the 21 min playin.... right now, it is in my car, but i don't drive much,
so it'll be a while before i'm there!   
    

    
    Well you missed a good one.  The Playin' is great also.
    
    

.65 JC
>HCS isn't one of my fave tunes;  actually, i must confess, i hit the skip
>button after about 40 secs..... 
	
	Did you ever go back and listen to this version?
	
	

re           <<< Note 371.67 by MKOTS3::JOLLIMORE "Abolish winter!" >>>

NO!  ---> abolish summer!


!.65 JC
!>HCS isn't one of my fave tunes;  actually, i must confess, i hit the skip
!>button after about 40 secs..... 
!	
!	Did you ever go back and listen to this version?


ya mon.... but not being one of my fave tunes, i don't recall it being
any kind of stand-out....

    hmmm...I LOVE HCS!!!!!! glad it's been brought back in the last
    years...
    
    rfb

	HCS is one of my favs too.  Really psyched to hear it brought
	back!    It really opened up some great jams in '73, like the
	killer meltdown from 4/2/73 Boston.

	/Ken

    
    I love it too but have to admit to being a little disappointed when
    they brought it back.  I was dreaming of 1973 when I saw it show up in
    the setlists but it's not even close.  At least not yet anyway. :-)
    
    

	Same here.  The missing element is a 3 letter word starting 
	with "j", and ending with "m".  I was amazed to read how Jerry
	never really liked the song, at least the original arrangement,
	which I thought was just fine ;-)  I think this was from a 
	Golden Road interview.
	
	/Ken

    re .72

    Exactly, I've heard many versions when Jum played with them and they
    all rocked!  Or were you referring to the famous show with cartoon
    character Jem?
    
    Jamie

    I just spoke to my buddy Reardog...he was perusing the pages of a 
    CD retailer/bootlegger.....Dick's Pick's II is scheduled to be
    released on March 14...A Columbus Ohio show from 10-31-71 (? Deadbase
    anyone???) that has a 23 min Dark Star...Sugar Mag->St Stephen->
    NFA-GDTRFB-NFA....an hour long set?????
    anyone heard this?

>    CD retailer/bootlegger.....Dick's Pick's II is scheduled to be
>    released on March 14...A Columbus Ohio show from 10-31-71 (? Deadbase


I've heard the same thing.  Also a Europe '72 show for Three From the Vaults.

/Ken

Geez, don't we have enough early 70's material already?  I'd like to see them
release:

13 May 77 Chicago -- The best of the '77 shows, including a fantastic
Scarlet>Fire, the first Jack-A-Ro'e, and a tremendous Samson>Bertha, this show
makes the Cornell show five days earlier sound dull by comparison.  This was
broadcast on the radio, so there may be a good tape around.

24 Mar 90 Albany -- The last transcendent show I saw.  Standouts are Walkin'
Blues with Brent doing a little scat singing, a riveting Loser, the One More
Saturday Night which was picked for "Without A Net," and of course the jam after
Terrapin.  Since this was taped for "WaN," they could probably have it out next
week.

Jamie

    re that Albany show...  HEAR HEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!  that one is on my list
    of remarkable experiences as well...  an awesome choice for a disc
    release!!!
    
    					da ve

    
    
    Dick's Picks #2 is ON THE AIR!  Call 1-800-323-2300 to order
     Columbus,OH 10/31/71
    
     Dark Star/jam 23:14->
     Sugar Magnolia 6:33->
     St. Stephen 7:10->
     Not Fade Away->7:25->
     Going Down the Road Feeling Bad 10:38->
     Not Fade Away 3:19

I found the following at the Dead home page.  It's a .htm file, so please
excuse the formatting...

	dave

<title>Interview with Dick Latvala, 3/5/95</title>
<h1>Interview with Dick Latvala, 3/5/95</h1>
<h2>by Steve Silberman</h2>

 Greetings, Deadheads online!<p>
 I bring great good news.  Dick's Picks 2 - the latest addition to the Dead's
series of official releases of the best rare live tapes from the Vault - is
now available, and it's amazing:  flashing with psychedelic energy and
 exuberant creativity ("Dark Star"), telepathic ensemble improvisation, good
ol' mojo ("St. Stephen"), and volcanic jams (wait 'til you hear this "Not
Fade Away"!)
<p>

To celebrate the release of Dick's Picks 2, I interviewed Dick last week,
and offer the text of this interview freely to the online Deadhead community.
<p>

Enjoy.
<p>

FEEL FREE TO REPRODUCE THIS INTERVIEW, PRINT OUT, EMAIL, CIRCULATE, &
OTHERWISE SPREAD THE GOOD WORD.  MAY THE FOUR WINDS BLOW YOU SAFELY HOME.
<p>

<pre>
      Steve Silberman
      [email protected]
</pre>

<hr><p>
Dick's Picks 2 is available now, on CD only.  It's a single disc, containing
the second set from Halloween, 10/31/71, at the Ohio Theater in Columbus,
Ohio.  The setlist is as follows:  Dark Star > Sugar Magnolia > St. Stephen >
Not Fade Away > Goin' Down the Road > Not Fade Away.  (There's a very long
and joyful untitled melodic jam between Dark Star and Sugar Magnolia.)
<p>

Dick's Picks 2 is available by phone by calling the Dick's Picks hotline:
(800) 323-2300.  It can also be mailordered by sending a check or money
order for $13.50, including shipping and handling (California residents must
add sales tax - send $ 14.48 total), to:
<p>
<pre>
 Dick's Picks 2
 P.O. Box 2139
 Dept. 16
 Novato, CA 94948
</pre>

<hr><p>

<b>SS</b>:  A lot of Deadheads are curious about who Dick of "Dick's Picks" is.

<b>DL</b>:  I'm Dick Latvala.  My job has changed over the years.  I was hired 10
years ago to keep the tapes organized in the Vault, though I ended up getting
involved in a lot of other projects.  I wanted to help participate in getting
the music out to the people, because I'm a tape collector myself.  I had
hundreds and hundreds of tapes, and I thought I knew what was a good show and
what wasn't.  I got hired because I cared, and still, when I go in the Vault,
I'm like a kid in Candyland.  It takes my breath away.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  When did you start collecting tapes?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  In 1974.  I'd taped a couple of New Year's shows from Winterland that
were on the radio, but I didn't know there were tapes of other shows.  Once I
found that out, I spent 12 hours a day finding the people who were making the
best tapes, communicating with them, and trading.  I used to walk four or
five miles to the post office in Hawaii when I thought tapes were coming.<p>

It's been a long trip, but I'm still just as thrilled by the music as I was
in the beginning.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  Do you remember what your first favorite tapes were?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  Like everyone's:  Harpur College 5/2/70, Fillmore East 2/13/70, 2/14/68,
and 4/6/69.  The reason I got so into it was that I wanted to hear tapes of
shows that had so devastated me in '68 and '69.  Believe me, it was the
most incredible thing in the universe, and that's why I'm so compulsive -
<em>things happened</em> that were in your bones.  I got into tapes hoping
to find those shows.  And I did.  What a thrill, when you find them.<p>

Some people have an attitude.  I remember people in '72 - "'Stella Blue?'
 Gimme a break!  That ain't the Grateful Dead."  But I still like them every
year, and there are good shows in every year.  I love tapes, and I can't
think of anything more important than to sit and listen.  That's all I want
to do, and now, that's all I'm <em>supposed</em> to do, so I'm happy.<p>

My parents told me that when they couldn't find me when I was
one-and-a-half, I'd be sitting by the old Victrola, an old cranker.   I'd put
on one record and play it over and over - the boogie-woogie.  Then when Fats
Domino came around, I was off and running.  About 1955, when I started high
school, I met Phil Elwood, the music critic for the San Francisco Examiner.
 He gave me a 45 and said, "Listen to this."  It was Jimmy Reed.   I started
going to gospel concerts at Oakland Auditorium, which became Henry J. Kaiser.
 Every year, they would have all the best gospel groups in the country:  the
Mighty Clouds of Joy, the Swan Silvertones, the Soul Stirrers, the James
Cleveland Choir.<p>

You'd go into the auditorium, and there would be all black people in their
Sunday finest, bright colors, and hundreds of ushers in white gloves.  You'd
wonder what that was about - and then you'd see people get the spirit, and go
into epileptic seizures.  These ushers would pick them up, carry them out
into the hall, fan them, and carry them back in, when they came back to their
bodies.  I saw this one guy run from the back of the auditorium straight down
the center aisle, and dive headfirst into the stage.  I said, "That's what
music is supposed to do - move you."  Gospel music did it.<p>

Music became my life.  Then when I was in my fifth year of college, about to
graduate, wondering what I was doing, I went to my first Dead show, the Trips
Festival in January of '66, and I knew that that's where I was supposed to
be.  Thereafter, more music started happening, and I thought, "Finally, white
people can play!"<p>

That's what the Grateful Dead experience is for me:  music that moves people
as powerfully as they can be moved.  Each person expresses it in a different
fashion - some twirl around, some sit still as a rock.  I'm the
still-as-a-rock type.  But everyone's way of expressing it is just dandy, and
that's what it's all about.  I thought I was as hardcore as it gets - that no
one could be as hardcore as me.  But now there are thousands.  Everyone in
the building!  This is energy in its highest form, in a group format.<p>

It's better than sex, man.  You can quote me on that.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  Let's talk about the next Dick's Picks.<p>

<b>DL</b>:  I'm absolutely thrilled.  I can't  believe that anyone who hears this is
not going to go to outer space, intensely, over and over.<p>

I didn't know the October '71 shows that well.  None of us had tapes of
them.  It was like diving for treasure, investigating an era that I wasn't
sure about, and I started listening to that stuff in October - Keith's first
tour.  They were all radio shows.  We should have had good tapes of them, but
nobody had them.<p>

I started hearing some really incredible stuff, and then that Halloween show
at the Ohio Theater in Columbus.  After hearing about five or six shows -
they were playing a lot of the same songs, night after night, and it can get
boring - this show was like getting hit with a brick in the face, I couldn't
believe it.  I put it on again, and said, "Man!"  I must have played it ten
times before I could talk.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  There's a very interesting jam out of "Dark Star."<p>

<b>DL</b>:  This happens in '69 "Dark Stars," about 16-18 minutes into it.  The only
thing it reminds me of is Donovan's song, "First there is a mountain..."<p>

It's the most thrilling jam, on the level of "Spanish Jam" or what DeadBase
calls the "Mind Left Body Jam."  Please, somebody in the world, name that jam
better!  I've heard it in many forms.  It's similar to the transitions they
used to do in "China Cat > Rider" they used to do in late '73 and '74, and
some "Dancing in the Streets" in '70 had this theme.  On this Halloween show,
they do it, but it's a little bit different - it's a little jazzier.  I don't
know what to call it, but it's definitely a theme.<p>

It's my favorite theme of them all, and it's as high as you can get when
they get to that place.  You're just floating in Heaven.  It's all over the
Europe '72 tapes - just wait until we get to Wembley, 4/8/72.  That "Dark
Star," oh boy.  They take that theme, and nail you to the wall with it.  That
will come out, at some point.<p>

This was Keith's first tour, and they took the music to another level.
 11/12/71 San Antonio "That's It For the Other One > Big Railroad Blues" is
an example most people have of the great playing that occurred then, or
12/1/71 Boston Music Hall - that "Other One" that goes into "Me & My Uncle"
and back into "The Other One."  That is stupendous, and there are a lot more.<p>

But this Halloween one is one of the top of all time.  This is as good as
it's ever been.  I've never heard anything like it, and I'm shocked.  And
those I play it for feel the same way, so I must not be crazy.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  I think Jerry's leads on this version of "Not Fade Away" are the best
leads I've ever heard him play on that tune.<p>

<b>DL</b>:  I have to put myself in a seat belt.  I start shaking, it's so exciting.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  It's almost sounds like Jerry is playing with Allman Brothers-ish ideas
when he reaches the climax in that jam.<p>

<b>DL</b>:  When he's trying to gather 'em back in for "Goin' Down the Road" is
interesting too.  This is a thrill a minute.  I was just listening to it.<p>

When you listen to something over and over, you can get bored.  It can be
like water torture, making a record.  But this one hasn't been.<p>

Me and Jeffrey Norman are going to be working together a lot, trying to
streamline things so we can get more releases out.  This is my goal:  to get
it out.  I can't stand sitting on this music.  It's terrible that everyone
can't hear this stuff, so my mission is to get it out.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  How many releases are you planning?   In your dreams, would there be a
release every six months?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  I'm not in charge.  I'm just a washer on one lug nut on the rear axle of
a 16-wheel semi, and there are a lot of considerations.  But what I'm
envisioning is three or four a year.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  What could Deadheads do to ensure that there are as many releases as
possible?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  BUY 'em!  What other indication is there that people care?  Talking to
friends is a good indication that people care, but we're talking about 50,000
 or 100,000 people here.  I think everyone on the planet should think this is
the greatest thing, and I'm amazed that there's only a small group of us
[laughing]. <p>

<b>SS</b>:  What's being released from this Halloween '71 show is not the whole
show, but the one jam from "Dark Star" through "Not Fade Away."<p>

<b>DL</b>:  Yeah.  There was a first set that there wasn't much happening in.  But
we went with this jam because it was 59 minutes of no-frills, bare, naked,
straight-up - how can I say this?  I wanted to put out something that would
shock <em>me</em>.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  Are you going to try as often as possible to release complete shows?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  Well, the first two "From the Vault" releases were complete.  Some shows
warrant it.  I really am going to be pulling my best to get 2/28/69 out -
that show is completely worthwhile.<p>

The concept of putting out only whole shows - I came into this job as a
proponent of that, thinking that way.  I was really adamant about it.  I've
learned that that's unrealistic.  That's what tape collecting is for, tape
trading.  We're lucky we're getting what we're getting.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  How do you feel about David Gans' <em>Grateful Dead Hour</em>?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  I think it's the greatest thing!  I don't know why any Deadhead who
cares isn't taping every broadcast.  That's the greatest stuff you can get.
 I know, because he comes to me, and me and him deal with it.  He chooses it,
but I give him input, and he chooses great.  He does the best job imaginable.
 I'm proud of him.  I wish something like that was around when I started tape
collecting! <p>

<b>SS</b>:  What was the source tape for the Halloween '71 show?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  A quarter-track, 7 1/2 inches per second, seven-inch reel, made on a
Sony 770.  This is one of the only quarter-track tapes in the Vault.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  What process did you use to transfer it to CD?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  The same as the first "Dick's Picks"  - flat, no EQ's, straight into the
Sonic Solutions digital editing system, which is a miracle-making machine.<p>

<b>SS</b>:   Was the tape edited at all?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  There was one reel flip that was worrisome to me, but Jeffrey Norman did
a job on this that I defy anyone to be able to pick up.  I can tell you the
instant that it happens, and I defy you to hear it.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  Where does it happen?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  In the start of "Not Fade Away," after it gets going.  A couple of
minutes into it.  Jeffrey just hit it perfectly.  I'm really proud.  This is
going to thrill everyone.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  Do you see releasing any '80s shows someday?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  Yes, but I've been focusing on '79 back to the old days, mainly because
that's the period I know best.  In the '80s, I got hired by the Dead, so I
couldn't keep up.   But there are others who have opinions about this, and
we're going to skip around a bit.  There are a lot of great shows from the
'80s.<p>

I could also stay in the winter of '73 forever [laughing].  I just heard one
yesterday that blew me away.  Does anybody even <em>know</em> about October 29th at
the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis in '73?  Everybody knows about the "Dark
Star" from the following night, but this "Other One" is incredible.  '73
might be their best year.<p>

<b>SS</b>:  If you were on a desert island, what ten tapes would you want to have?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  Oh God, what a terrible question.  If I could think for awhile, maybe I
could do it.  Could I have a hundred? <p>

<b>SS</b>:  [laughing]  Is there any message you'd like to give to Deadheads?<p>

<b>DL</b>:  I love you all.  I think you're the most beautiful people in the history
of the planet.<p>

<hr>
Steve Silberman ([email protected]) wrote Skeleton Key:  A Dictionary for
Deadheads with David Shenk.<p>

<pre>
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////
* skeleton key:  a dictionary for deadheads *
by david shenk and steve silberman :  a doubleday book
is available in most bookstores, or by mailorder, call 1-800-321-9578.
signed copies available by mail.     "light the song with sense and color"
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////
</pre>
    

    
    
    I wasn't sure I was gonna order until I read that, in particular the
    transition jam out of Dark Star, similar to the transitions from the
    late '73 Chiina->Rider....
    
     That's all I need to hear. My $13.50 is justified. Ordering today.
    
    
     Steve-O
    

Got my order in Tuesday :-)


- jeff

    anyone got their pick's II yet???
    it ROCKS!

    Yes got it Friday, it smokes... best Dark Star I ever heard.

Got mine too.  The Dark Star is fine.  The NFA->GDTRFB->NFA is brilliant!

	dave

I like the slow, "reggae-fied" St. Steven.  Sounds a lot like the 8-5-71
(or is that 7-2-71?) Hollywood Palladium St. Steven.  I like it :-)

Josh

MMMMMMMMMmmmmmm.....   Dicks, Picks!!!


- Homer J. Deadsimpheadson

 Dick's Picks #4
 2/13-14/70
 Fillmore East
 (timings approximate)

 * Disc 1 (68:00)

 2/14/70

 Intro by Zacherle
 Casey Jones
 Dancin' in the Streets
 China Cat Sunflower >
 I Know You Rider >
 High Time >
 Dire Wolf

 2/13/70

 Dark Star (29:00) >


 * Disc 2 (61:00)

 The Other One >
 Lovelight


 * Disc 3 (63:00)

 2/14/70

 Alligator >
 Drums >
 Me and My Uncle >
 Not Fade Away >
 Mason's Children >
 Caution (Do Not Stop on Tracks) >
 Feedback >
 We Bid You Goodnight

Available March 1st!  (800) 323-2300.

RE:  dick's 4th pick


I've heard 3/28 for a release date but the 1st would be nice....

Also (I think) Bear's Choice was from one of those dates (both?) and
have heard that the Bear's choice stuff is being left off because
it's already out there...

bob

>Also (I think) Bear's Choice was from one of those dates (both?) and
>have heard that the Bear's choice stuff is being left off because
>it's already out there...

I thought Bear's Choice was from the 4/71 closing of the fillmore run.

In any case, 2/14/70 looks great!!  I haven't listened to my probably
imcomplete and soso cassette of this show for a loooong time.

/Ken

>I thought Bear's Choice was from the 4/71 closing of the fillmore run.

Nope, bob is right.  Bears Choice was indeed from 2/13-14/70.
Why oh why did Dick leave out the Little Sadie from 2-13-70?!!  Its only about 
3-4 minutes long.  It would have fit on Disk 2 or Disk 3.

Josh

re:    <<< Note 371.90 by QUOIN::BELKIN "Nothin' left to do but :-) :-) :-)" >>>

>                -< "Skullf***" (double-live) has some of 4/71 >-

*That's* what I was thinking of, supposedly ;-)

/Ken

    why are they offering DP 4 on the web already???
    Debess did they confirm 3/1 to you?
    

    i just called GDM and DP4 is available in 1/2 hour...
    honest

    They took my order.  Shine up your charge cards!
    
    	dave
    

    61 minutes of The Other One???  yow!
    

    doncha hate it when the young thing on the other end of GDM calls U
    "sir"...........
    
    
    rfb

>    61 minutes of The Other One???  yow!

  Actually it's 60 minutes of The Other One, 1 minute of Lovelight.
  
  [Just kidding -- it's probably 41/20.  60/1 'd work for me though.  8)  ]


  *Thanks* for posting the DP4 info...  - JayC.

    Dick's Pick Vol 4 arrived in the mail on Friday;-);-)
    
    *Nice* stuff and some great liner notes by Owlsley.
    
    I called on 2/23 so it took just a week to get to New Hamster after
    they said it would take 6-8 weeks!

My DP4 came in the mail on Saturday.  This is the BEST!  You definitely want
this set even if you have good tapes of the shows.

I love the 1970 stuff and the Alligator...WBYGN sequence on 2/14/70 has been one
of my favorites for a loooong time.

Highlights of this set for me:

	China->Rider with a really inspired transition from Bob.  He gets
		a very funky lead going on this.

	Dark Star (of course).

	The entire 3rd disk!!  Mason's Children!!!

The energy and the way the band attacks the jamming opportunities on this set
is just outstanding.

Very cool liner notes by Bear and a nice picture of the band (I assume during
Lovelight).

Also, there is a little card that is shipped with the set asking for what your
favorite 10 shows are in order to help them figure out what shows to release in
the future!!!

	dave

>    I called on 2/23 so it took just a week to get to New Hamster after
>    they said it would take 6-8 weeks!

  I called late Monday 26-Feb, got my DP4 Saturday 2-March.
  "4-6 weeks" came out to less than 5 days.
  $18.50 + $5 s/h for 3 CDs - great deal.
  
  Can't comment yet, haven't gotten to discs 2 & 3... - JayC.

    Called Monday, at my door on Friday.  Outstanding!
    

    got mine on Sat. morning as we were pulling out of town for the high
    country, so didn't have a chance to listen, BUT! thanks to Dave Levy, 
    I have some fine tapes of this show at Tumbledown....so we listened to
    DCP4-->via tape all night Sat. nite. Tonite whilst brewing Hoot and I
    will check out DP4 for real as well as the Playboy/Allmans tape T.
    Westervelt sent me last week. (THANKSAGAIN!!)
    
    rfb  

    This blows!
    Where's my DP4?

    It was great to get DP IV in the mail while home sick!  They said
    it would take 4-5 weeks, they musta meant days ;-)

    Great stuff.  Keep em coming!

    Now where's that 10 best shows note we had going ?  

    /Ken

    along these lines.. anyone happen to pick up the GD hour last night?
    Gans had Latvala on there and played some clips from the new release..
    from what Dick said, Harpur College was kicked around for a bit then
    shot down..i guess there is a pretty intense screening process for a
    show to even be considered

  Am beginning my 3rd circuit through DP4...
  
  It's not quite the revelation, for me, that last year's DP3 and Cryptical
  -> Comes a Time were, but I'm getting to like it quite a bit.

  Highlights for me include Dark Star, The Other One...  Really like the
  early-1970 snaps of Me & My Uncle (where for the first time I can hear it's
  "his [uncle's] dead ass" the "Denver man" is leaving by the side of the
  road -- always heard something else in those spots) and
  Not Fade Away.  Esp. knowing the commercial versions from later months and
  years.  The Workingman's material is nice, esp. like the guitar solo on
  Dire Wolf.

  As far as Pigpen material, I prefer his short, structured cameos (Hard to
  Handle, Next Time You See Me, Mr Charlie, Operator, ...).  So, no
  surprise, in this set, I like Alligator, but have no great fondness for
  Lovelight or Caution.  [Hope I'm remembering Disc 3 right.]  His voice
  shoulda been used like Ellington used horns -- for adding his particular
  (rough/soulful) flavor to the stew, for lead lines, but no extended
  improvisations/indulgences.  This is nothing against Pigpen -- good friend
  Janis J. coulda used the same advice (on stage).  Apologies to any Pig''heads.

  Extremely worth the $23.50!   - JayC.

  P.S.
  
  Finally stumbled on Little Junior Parker's "Next Time You See Me", which
  is the model for the Dead's.  From '57 or so, went up to #7 on the R&B
  charts.  Basically the Dead's is a guitar-oriented reworking of a
  horn-oriented arrangement, with a rougher vocal substituted for a
  Charles-Brownish smooth one.  The Dead's version (on Hundred Year Hall) is
  equally good, which is saying a lot.

  That moniker, "Little Junior" Parker, is a little odd...  "Little" was
  ultimately dropped -- guess he grew(?).   (That, or couldn't get a date...)
    - JayC.

  Hmm, no general Allman Bros. topic...
  
  What's the verdict on the Allman Brothers DP?  Anyone got it?
  
  I've heard it's grate.  But how do you think it stacks up against the
  likes of Fillmore East (original configuration) and Eat a Peach?
    - JayC.

    [I also own Fillmore East (the complete), but dislike the remix relative
    to the East & Peach albums, don't currently plan to listen to it a lot.
    I would expect to like a nice, basic 2-track mix, which can't be
    sabotaged by unnatural attention to detail...]

    
    very good quality
    
    i recommend it

    re .110
    
    just curious... is it the "unnatural attention to detail" that makes
    you dislike the remixed "Fillmore"?
    
    /rick
    

>    just curious... is it the "unnatural attention to detail" that makes
>    you dislike the remixed "Fillmore"?

  It's been a while since I listened, so I'm not sure I can remember
  exactly...
  
  I do know that I had the same feeling I did when listening to the remix of
  "Layla" -- that the relative levels & sharpness of detail of the
  instruments & voices had been altered.  Things they chose to mix lower in
  the original suddenly were audible and competing with what they originally
  chose to mix higher.  (I think the remix of "Layla" completely alters the
  Clapton/Allman interaction -- don't like the result at all.  While others
  rave about the positive difference, so there you have it.)

  I'm for preserving original mix decisions in general...  Don't like
  alterations made to classic Beatles & Dylan mixes; thought remixes for
  the 2nd CD edition of Atlantic R&B 1947-74 were criminally bad; don't like
  cuts restored to jazz classics like Rollins' "Blue Seven", even if they
  restore the "original".  (I won't pick an easy example like how CBS
  remixed Prez solos for the Lester Young Story LPs -- everyone agreed that
  was weirdly Prez-centric.)

  It isn't just that I don't like "change", because it can be done well -- I
  thought the restoration of the Rollins '59 Village Vanguard stand on Blue
  note was sensational, enjoy what little of the Mosaic outpourings I can
  afford.  Ditto various boxes (Rhino, Ryko, Razor & Tie, all those reissue
  stalwarts).  I even like "unnatural" stuff like the fake stereo mixes of
  20s & 30s jazz done for Canadian BBC (King Oliver woulda been hot in
  stereo!).
  
  It's just, I think when a sonic restoration specialist thinks they're
  finished, they ought to be made to play the restoration and the original
  side by side and make sure, when you can hear all the trees, that it's
  still the same forest...    As always, Ymmv.   - JayC.