Customer Reviews

Winterland 1973: The Complete Recordings

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nine discs-61,69,55,67,61,57,57,57,79 minutes each approximately. The original release contained a "bonus" disc (77 minutes) from Cincinatti on 12-04-73 not now included in this release. This concert comes from two-track tapes. The sound doesn't have the "openess" and dimensionality of other Dead releases. Saying that,this is probably the best sounding two-track recordings you'll ever hear. Tracks range from"Me and Bobby McGhee",to "Row Jimmy",to "China Cat Sunflower",to "Playing In the Band",to "Weather Report Suite",to "Truckin'",to"Promised Land",to "Dark Star"-those familiar with the band will get the picture.


Let's get it out right now-this will probably stand as one of the finest "live" sets the group has ever released. However,it's a different group than from even a year or so ago. A listen to the lengthy DARK STAR on this set is,DARK STAR,but it's something else too. Read on.


These recordings are testament to the growth of the Grateful Dead. Often dismissed as stuck in the "sixties",the Dead had quietly continued to evolve. Gone are the totally psychedelic flashes found in their own, and in others,compositions. Yes,the Garcia knife-edge guitar sound,the under-pinning yet out-front bass work of Lesh,the drum/percussion foundation of Kreutzmann,and the subtle keyboards of Keith Godchaux are all present. But there is something more-the Dead have matured,moved on in their playing. As I wrote,listen to DARK STAR on disc nine. Compare it to other recordings from even a year previously. It's DARK STAR,but it's also something else entirely. Even given the nature of the band to constantly improvise-this is something new.
This set,(the only one the band played at Winterland in 1973) shows a "newer" Dead-one that's totally at ease within a number of genres,especially their take on country music. The band sounds very at ease with this new approach to their music,which becomes apparent from the start of this release. The musical peaks and valleys the Dead like to travel through are still there,but there are subtle changes at work. The acid-twinkle,the tricks and turnarounds within the compositions are still there,but there is a maturity,a subtle,more straight forward shifting of approach to their music. A shift that only a band who has been together for a number of years,that have had it's share of ups and downs,is capable of. The band's identity was changing and growing. A close look at the song titles show that most of the compositions are relatively new,but are songs the band would continue to play,by and large,into the future. This growth was self-induced,but was also forced on them as their world (and ours) changed-sometimes for better,sometimes not. It's interesting to note that it was only a year (1972) past when the Dead played in Europe (documented on EUROPE '72 and other sets) playing pretty much their then standard set. Then change became evident in the band. Their new studio album,WAKE OF THE FLOOD,was released in 1973,prior to this three night stand. Also in 1973 the band played at the giant Watkins Glen venue,to many hundreds of thousands of people-which left an impression on the band. It was also the year that Ron "Pigpen" McKernan died,which was a blow not only to the band as a whole,but to Garcia,who considered Pigpen to be the defacto leader of the group. Bob Weir was coming to the forefront,both on vocals and song writing. All of these things had an effect on the band's playing.


In listening to this set,there is no real immediate feel of "gotcha" within a lot of their new material,that the Dead,in earlier years,were known for. The band,both in feel and in actual tempo,seem to be holding back,and holding back,until there is finally a release of musical energy. The playing,as a whole,is much better,more "professional" (a funny word for the Dead),but the fireworks,the sense of wild abandonment of the past seems to be gone to some extent. Don't get me wrong-this is one of my favorite sets from the band. I'm basing this on having heard the band,both live (those were the days) and on record from the days when they had just changed their name from The Warlocks to the Grateful Dead. From the days when Garcia didn't have a beard,up through hearing them in 1973. There are plenty of transcendent moments captured on these discs. More mature definitely,but still containing that "good old Grateful Dead" sound and musical trickery they are known for.
If you're new to the Dead experience,you should probably look elsewhere,if you want to know what the Dead were like early on. If you're a long time listener-this will do nicely.


The packaging is sumptuous-a box about five by five inches with a folding lid. Each disc is in it's own cardboard sleeve in a tri-fold booklet. Included is a Grateful Dead pin and a folded mailer,with verse and a cartoon. The booklet is informative about both the era and this collection. There is even an explanation on the technology used on these recordings. All in all a nice presentation.


To back up my point about how the band has changed,I played a number of tracks from both the Fillmore in 1969,and tracks from Europe in 1972, then listened to this collection. It's proof positive of,if I may use a much quoted phrase,"what a long strange trip it's been". And it's a trip,with this releases help,that listeners will want to take again and again. Get it while you can. This is a warm,fine release. It's like getting a gift from friends.

I just bought this set from Amazon for [...], which is the right price for this product. Anything much more and you are subject to the problem that loyal Grateful Dead fans share--we are likely to buy anything the Band and Rhino issues, almost regardless of the price. First the good news. The set lists from these 1973 shows are wonderful, and the performances themselves are excellent, from an excellent year for the Band. All the classics from this period are here, and of course comparing the three shows is great fun. The Saturday night effort is particularly stellar. Now the bad news. Take very seriously the subtle warning that these concerts were recorded on two-track tape. Even the recent engineering efforts to bring these tapes alive are disappointing. Although the sound from the instruments is acceptably clear, the Band's voices are mostly lost in the mix. Bobby, in particular, sounds like he is singing in a long, distant, tunnel. The packaging cannot make up for the sound. Imagine some of the weaker engineering efforts from "Dick's Picks" or "Road Trips," paying [...] or more for the set when they really should be sold at [...] (comparable to the price for "Dick's Picks" and "Road Trips" for the same number of CDs), and you get the idea. If you want to hear the Dead at Winterland from this time period, you are much better off buying the five-CD Dead "Movie Soundtrack" from 1974. You will save a lot of money, hear the same songs, and benefit from superior engineering and recording technology.

Note: Since I wrote this review, Rhino and the Band issued their Winterland 1977 three-night CD set. This is a magnificant collection that is constantly on my CD player. There are none of the sound/recording problems that I found on the 1973 set, which I never listen to anymore. 5 stars. You will absolutely love this collection!!!! You can buy it for [...] from [...].

This nine CD set of a three night run at Winterland, San Francisco is the type of release the Deadheads have been shouting for....well, for years now. 1973, was a transitional year in GD history. On March 8, news of the passing of Pigpen, meant that the old days were now gone forever. The band, played gigs mostly on the east coast of the USA, with only two shows played in the Bay Area, prior to this Winterland stand. "Bear's Choice" was released in July. Taken from The Fillmore East shows of Feb 1970, "Choice" was as close to a tribute for Pigpen, that the band would ever bring out. "Bear's Choice" also completed The Grateful Dead's commitment to Warner Brothers Records, and in October, "Wake Of The Flood" became the first release from Grateful Dead Records.

Away from home since May, this November three night stand at Winterland is a begining of sorts. Along with the new songs from WOTF, the style of the band's playing had evolved yet again with a more jazz influnced sound.
With tunes such as: "Eyes Of The World" & "Weather Report Suite," The Dead, approached this new music with a confident swing & swagger. Old chestnuts such as: "Dark Star" and "Playing In The Band" take on brand new forms and shapes, and deep space is reached in their center.

Old favorites: "Truckin", "Uncle John's Band" and "Sugar Magnolia" can be found right here in this box, but like newer tunes: "Row Jimmy" and "Stella Blue" they are used as ingredients in this great big musical stew pot. These shows are amongst some of the longest concerts that the band would perform. 1973, is concidered by many to one of the very best years of live Grateful Dead music. These nine CD's will begin to define just what all the fuss is about.

This Winterland box was originally released by The Grateful Dead, at their offical website in March, 2008. An extra "bonus" disc from Cincinnati Gardens, Ohio, 4 December 1973, was a part of that package. That extra CD, was a wonderful addition, to an already good box set. That bonus disc, still recieves lot's of play on my CD machine...but, alas it is NOT included herein.

This Winterland box, is accurate document of live GD music as performed almost 36 years ago. The "Stash Box" package is nice as well. The Dead Head mailer, circa October 73, is a nice touch as well. This is a very nice package containing over ten hours of vintage Grateful Dead music. This Winterland run, proves why it takes more than just one concert, to absorb, this beast we call The Grateful Dead. For the faithful followers of these live GD shows, we now have three COMPLETE shows to dig into. This is a great box taken from a key period of live Grateful Dead music. The "bonus" CD is sorely missed here.
Four Stars !!!

Not since the death of Jerry Garcia has there been a better time to be a fan of the Grateful Dead: Dick's Picks has grown beyond all expectation; the internet has connected fans like never before; and the band itself is back on tour and has made every effort to flood the market with studio quality recordings of pivotal shows from its storied past.

Which way to turn? Which shows to jump on? Our plates are so full deciding is nearly a torment, but these legendary recordings are a good starting point for any fan who wants to know what all the fuss was about.

On the whole, Winterland is a fascinating document, a three-day run portraying a band in an ever evolving state of transition. The sound is so good you'll have a hard time believeing it was recorded on 2-track, but that's a testament to David Lemieux (and Rhino Records) whose talent and meticulous care of the vaults are fully realized on this release.

Last but not least, the packaging. Normally I don't comment on the superficial aesthetic of any release, but the presentation is sumptuous and the linear notes, along with old-time playbills, give these Winterland recordings a sense of a specific time and place, taking our tickets and ushering us through the door just minutes before the band takes the stage.

I wish all box sets were like this.

Here they are, firing on all cylinders, the whole much greater than the parts... this is amazing Grateful Dead music. Considering the two track source, the sound of the cds is wonderfully clear and rich. I always favored this lineup, Jerry, Phil, Bobby, Billy and a brilliantly subtle Keith Godchaux on the keys. His wife Donna actually ADDS to the vibe of these three shows - something she didn't always achieve. I keep returning to listen to this 9 cd set over and over again. The packaging contained in the cool little flip-lid box is first rate too. There is a booklet in which the knowledgable Dennis McNally talks about the music and the historical setting of this 3 day Winterland run. Best of all he takes some time to discuss the legendary 'Wall of Sound' P.A. that is still unequaled today. In addition to the booklet and the 9 cds, you get a facsimile of one of the Grateful Dead Almanacs that the band sent out to you if you signed up at a concert or mailed a request to 'DEAD HEADS' in San Rafael. The artwork on the box and the paper cd cases is beautifully psychedelic recalling the best of Kelly/Mouse or Rick Griffin. It consists of a flaming stealie containing a rose with an eye in the middle of the rose. When you lay all 9 cd covers out flat, they compose a mural of a concert floor peopled with hundreds of cartoon deadhead archetypes... it brings us old folks back to the days when you could listen to your new album while gazing at great artwork!

If you want to hear live Grateful Dead during one of their artistic peaks - get this box... it is an incredible value!

Just got this set today, and I'm SO glad that I bought it from Amazon. It doesn't bother me that I didn't get the 'extra' disc given from the GD website, cause I don't think it would be worth the $25 that I saved by buying it here. The package is really nice, and for the price..which averages out to about $8.00/per cd, you really can't go wrong with this.
Considering how old the source is, it's really amazing listening to it, instead of inferior cassettes that i have 'some' of these shows on.
This music is Timeless, and it always makes me feel more relaxed. I especially enjoy the 'Keith/Donna' years, which a lot of the older True Deadheads didn't like as much. I always thought having a female vocalist helped to round their sound out much better. It wasn't always the BEST..i mean, i've heard some really 'bad' shows with her singing, but, as in anything else, ya take the good with the bad.
I like the fact that I can play cd's like these, and they sound as fresh today as they did 30 plus years ago. Most people who were not familiar with the Dead, always just wrote them off as a 'drug' or 'hard rock' band, which, for those who know, couldn't be further from the truth. Their roots were always based from Bluegrass and Country, and I can guarantee that any music lover that buys this set wouldn't just LOVE it.
Jerry Garcia's guitar playing is like an old friend, that pops in to say Hello every now and then. A lifelong friend. Enjoy the ride, and be thankful and GRATEFUL that someone was rolling the tape machine, and also that they are finally releasing it.
When is the last time you can say that the last 9 cd's you purchased were THIS good?
I didn't decide to write this review to critique this set song for song, for everyone has their own favorite 'decade', but the one good thing I can say is i'm glad there's not a lot of 'repeats' on this box set, and the ones that is, are each played different and unique.

I was especially surprised that when i ordered this, I received it about 3 days later, or, much much quicker than expected.
So, for the same price a ticket to see the 'newer' version of The Dead would cost ya, you could enjoy 3 complete shows that showcase Jerry's guitar playing, back when The Dead were great.
Hope this wasn't too wordy, and it helps anyone considering purchasing this box set. Fare Thee Well.

It's almost anathema to begin a review of a recorded musical product with mention of its packaging... but I must admit... superb job on the presentation. Sometimes, things are just - well, cool. And this box set is just cool. Just a sight to behold.

As for the music... Just stellar soumding. And it's the Dead '73... need I say more?

I'm not going to get into it on a deeper level, I'll leave that to the real writers out there. If you're a nut for completness, i.e., the idea of having experienced three nights of beauty, than this is your ticket.

Hearing some tunes repeated over the course of your listening is, well, not a problem. First off you enjoy hearing the differences from one evening to another, and second, it's the Dead for god sakes... who doesn't love hearing multiple versions of perhaps one of your most cherished Dead tunes? Besides, you're probably not going to sit down (if you don't dance) and listen to this cover to cover in one sitting.

Lastly, there are some tracks that are just sublime. And you're there for every minute.

I couldn't resist and I'm glad I didn't.

Even though I was born in 1960, I never was much of a Grateful Dead fan. Oh yeah, I sang to Truckin', Uncle John's Band, etc... because they were on the top 40 at one time. My favorites artists growing up were Neil Young, CSNY, Tull, Beatles, Lynyrd Skynard and the likes because I always leaned toward rock with a country flair.

In the last couple of years, I started listening to the older Grateful Dead from the 70's and have really gotten into it. I even went to a Dark Star Orchestra concert at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ. In addition, XM/Sirius and the Dead Channel really has gotten me hooked on the Grateful Dead.

I read all of the reviews before purchasing this 9 CD set and decided to give it a try. I wanted it for my collection and also I wanted to burn it to my iPod. I have not been at all disappointed by this purchase and give it 5 stars.

I may not be a true "dead head" because I have never had the enjoyment of being able to see the Grateful Dead live, but I am trully enjoying this compilation of the '73 Winterland Concert. The music is top notch and I believe these were the best years of Garcia's singing career that I have heard. Many of the songs, Bertha, Row Jimmy Row, Sugaree are my favorite versions yet to here. A lot of the songs are repeated throughout the 9 cds, because these are the recordings from 3 days of Dead concerts, Novemeber 9th-11th, 1973.

If you are a Dead purist, this may not be the set for you. I am not a Dead purist! I can't name all the band members, pick out what concert a song was sang from, nor do I really care. I just enjoy the melodies and the words. Some of the mixing is not the greatest and some of the music is louder than the vocals, but none the less, I still give it 5 stars for content and originality.

Give this set a try, and if you are like me, I am sure will really enjoy it!

Thoroughly satifying ride into the best era of Dead ('72-'74). Excellent sound quality. Excellent, tight performance. Only wished there was more long jamming done, but whats there is pleasing to the soul and intellect.
All 3 nights strong in both singles and improv jams.

how much would you pay to take a trip back in time to hear these concerts? because that's what you get for your money here. over the course of this weekend's 3 shows in 11/73 you hear virtually everything the dead were playing at the time. the band was in top form. some fans have complained about the sound quality of these recordings but to my ruined old ears the sound quality of the box set is for the most part excellent. at one point during the friday night show bob weir does say "lets hear it for the new microphone". so probably they were having some microphone problems friday night. but i think the overall strength of the performances and the energy level of the shows make up for any such problems. i also think 59.99 is a fair price for this box set of 3 full, 3 hour shows on 9 cds. this weekend in 73 the dead were at the top of their game. jerry and the band were still young and strong, if not quite as psychedelic as they once were. this is the coke and weed (hash) fueled, not the acid fueled grateful dead. still, i say if you are a big dead fan don't miss this, get it while you can. and of course the 5 cd (7 hours) grateful dead movie soundtrack is a tremendous bargain and one of the best grateful dead releases ever put out. i strongly recommend you don't miss that one either. also, fans of this era grateful dead should check out dick's picks vol. 31. it's an almost 5 hour compilation from 8/4/74- 8/6/74 on 4 discs with brilliant playing and jamming on every disc. i had always thought the dead reached their peak in 1969-70 but obviously i was wrong. they continued to perform at a very, very high level for many years after that.