Closing of Winterland: December 31 1978 [Box set, Live, Original recording reissued]

Grateful Dead | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 16, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Box set, Live, Original recording reissued
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Grateful Dead / Wea
• ASIN: B00011CYKM
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,920 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

This 4 CD set contains the entire Grateful Dead performance from the Closing of Winterland on 12/31/78, mixed from the 24-track analog master tapes, and includes a 24-page booklet containing photos and essays.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Preserved in amber, February 10, 2004

By 

Jeffrey J.Park (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Closing of Winterland: December 31 1978 (Audio CD)

The Dead acknowledge the imminent closing of the decrepit Winterland venue with this five-hour New Years Eve musical extravaganza, which has been thoughtfully and carefully preserved in a well-packaged four CD set. The sound quality is flawless, having been translated in HDCD format, and boasts crisp treble and deep, rich bass. Everybody is in top form, and what I like to refer to as the nucleus of Jerry, Phil, Mickey, and Bill interact on such a sophisticated harmonic and rhythmic level, that it appears that they can read one another's minds. In fact, even the photographs in the CD booklet attest to the fact that they clearly enjoyed playing together. The set starts off on CD 1 with a very nice Sugar Magnolia>Scarlet Begonias>Fire on the Mountain and then the band cheerily chugs through a number of concert favorites and a few other pieces from the (at the time) recently released Shakedown Street. As things progress, the band stretches out and the jams become really interesting, with the virtuosic interplay between Jerry and Phil driving it all along. The highlight for me is the 25 minute Terrapin Station>Playing in the Band on CD 2. On Playing in the Band in particular, Jerry unleashes a rapid fire torrent of notes on his guitar that is so dense that it completely surrounds the listener like a heavy rain. Things get even looser and a bit more raw on CD 4 with the Dark Star>The Other One>Dark Star>Wharf Rat>St. Stephen jam. At points in this lengthy workout, Phil's bass playing gets very loud and aggressive and oh, does it sound great! The Closing of Winterland has captured the ecstatic and celebratory mood of the event so effectively that it is readily conveyed to people like me who were not even there (I was suffering through a New England winter). This is a very special recording that should be considered indispensable to any fan of the Dead. Highly recommended.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long Time Coming, January 19, 2004

By 

Courtlandt Smith (Charleston, West Virginia United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Closing of Winterland: December 31 1978 (Audio CD)

The first time I heard this was over twenty years ago when a cousin bought a bootleg triple album version. Shortly thereafter, he passed away and its been a prized part of my collection ever since. However, being an album, this meant great songs sometimes stretch from side to side or fade out just when you know the good stuff is kicking in. Well, this includes it all and the sound is great! Its a great representation of a period where the band is at the pinnacle of their abilities with concise, sharp playing as opposed to some of the experimental "you had to be there" that came before and the sadly sludge type playing on many later outings. Sure, its a bit of a greatest hits for those seeking the obscure, but this was a party for the end of an era and the fun is evident in the playing.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Winter Wonderland, March 3, 2004

By 

R. Baker "robertbaker4" (Baltimore, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Closing of Winterland: December 31 1978 (Audio CD)

The CD soundtrack to the outstanding DVD of the same name stands alone as one of the finest releases ever of the Grateful Dead in concert. The Dead were at the top of their game on this night, the playing is inspired and the set lists are woven together as well as a grandmother's quilt. Among the highlights is arguably the best "I Need a Miracle" jam ever with Matthew Kelly adding blues harp. More standout performances include "Dark Star", "Big River" and a raucous "Ramble on Rose". This show is a must for Dead Heads and a worthwhile introduction for anyone who wants to know how and why there was nothing like a Grateful Dead concert.