Dick's Picks 30 (and Beer)

QUESTION and ANSWER DEPARTMENT

Questions: What criteria is used to determine what shows are selected for release in the Dick's Picks series?

Answer: The selection criteria is a rather detailed process that takes a number of factors into consideration. The first and most important element we examine is excellence of performance. This, above all else, is what gets a show considered for release in the series. The performance quality criteria is both an objective process, as much as that's possible in working with art, as well as a subjective one, in that the opinions of many knowledgeable Dead Heads are taken into account for each Pick. After performance quality, we examine such aspects of a tape as sound quality and, equally important, sound mix, to make sure all members of the band are well-represented in the mix. After this come such variables as rarity of the tape, unique song selections and other such items of interesting historical significance. Ultimately, we try to present as good an historical representation of the Grateful Dead's recorded past as is possible by selecting the best shows that represent all eras of Grateful Dead music. In regards to how a certain era is selected for any given Pick, we look at what has been released under any series title (Dick's Picks, Vault Release, View from the Vault DVD, etc) in the past while and select based on what is appropriate for that time. For instance, in the past year or so we have had a release from 1978, 1969, 1992, 1973, 1977, 1987 and 1980, so that leaves several areas for which to research the next Dick's Pick.

David Lemieux
Audiovisual Archivist
Grateful Dead Productions

There are definitely cool things that only 71 has.

plenty of jamming in Fall '71. one of their finest tours, imo. we need a complete show from that run. many from which to choose

I guess I haven't heard enough Fall to make a judgement.

There's not as much 'pure' freeform jamming during 4/71, but hoo boy, the TOO on Grateful Dead (Live), the NFA>GDTRFB>NFA from that album, the vamp behind Good Lovin' on LAGTGD, and the Alligator>GDTRFB>Cold Rain & Snow sequence are stunners. All priceless.

For instance, in the past year or so we have had a release from 1978, 1969, 1992, 1973, 1977, 1987 and 1980, so that leaves several areas for which to research the next Dick's Pick.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

I read that this morning and interpreted it as <= 1972. I hope I'm right. :-)

there are also years that are not noted there where no research is required

I hope you're right, cause I read that as "80s and 90s"

It's time has come!!

7/31/71
8/26/71
10/21/71
11/7/71
11/15/71
Boston Music Hall 12/1-12/2/71
12/5/71
Ann Arbor 12/14 & 12/15/71

It is time for another pick, please.

Any two or three of those 71's would work nicely, thank you.

We are not picky. OK, most of us are. But you knew that.

Thank you again. Please excuse the interruption.

re: plenty of jamming in Fall '71. one of their finest tours, imo. we need a complete show from that run. many from which to choose

Yes, indeed. Roll out the Harding `71 with the great Dark Star and the TOO>MAMU>TOO sequence that has the slipperiest shift you ever heard.

More '73 please.

Hiya Bert!

Hey Bert! Where you been?