Steppin' Out with the Grateful Dead - England '72 [BOX SET] [LIVE]

Grateful Dead

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 9, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 1972
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Box set, Live
• 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: Arista
• ASIN: B000069KH5
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #153,178 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Marking the 30th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's first full-fledged European tour, the four-disc Steppin' Out will delight collectors wishing to dig deeper than the terrific original three-LP (two-CD) Europe '72. Culling performances from seven English shows from the spring of 1972, this set has much more of a "live" feel than the Europe '72 release, which had polished up the Dead's rougher edges, introduced a bunch of new songs to record, and in general been intended to serve as a "studio" record. Of particular interest here is a rippling, sprite reading of "Sitting on Top of the World" (sung by Jerry Garcia), a couple of lesser-known Pigpen originals ("Chinatown Shuffle" and "The Stranger"), and versions of chestnuts "Hey Bo Diddley" (in a "Not Fade Away" sandwich) and "Rockin' Pneumonia" that most folks have not heard Deadified. There's also a wonderful and lengthy "Dark Star"/"Sugar Magnolia"/"Caution" combo from Wembley Empire Pool on disc 4. While this collection shouldn't replace Europe '72 in your stack, it's a worthy complement for fans of this era in Dead history. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This feels so good!, July 17, 2002

By	Paul Spitalny "Paul S" (Seattle, Washington USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been listening to the Dead since 1976 when I saw my first show at the Beacon theatre in NYC. I have heard and colected hundreds of tapes, and more recently, CD's. Believe me when I tell you that, if you like the Grateful Dead, BUY this CD!! The band, in 1972, was at (or beyond!!) the top of it's form. Before the drug problems and comas this was when the Dead were probably one of the best bands bands in the world. The CD starts out with a sweet "Cold Rain and Snow' and takes-off from there. "Playing in the Band" nearly leaves Earth orbit. "Comes a time" is sweet as can be, one of those prortypical slow (Almost frozen in time) Jerry ballads. And check out the Monster Dark Star -> Sugar Mag -> Caution. Caution in '72 - you bet. Fasten your seat -belts and take the phone off the hook.

My only complaint is that whoever did the mix mixed Jerry too loud. I have heard other bootlegs of these shows with a better overall volume balance between all the instuments. Althought I obviously love Jerry's guitar, I prefer a mix that goes more for the overall orchetra or "gestalt" sound. But still, I am very happy with this CD. Actually, more than happy!!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why the Dead Were Among the Very Best, July 26, 2002

By	Mitchell D. Wilson (Berkeley, CA United States) - See all my reviews

What is amazing about this recording, in addition to how alive and textured it sounds, is that the Dead were extremely polished and tight (as they would be from the early '70's on), while still able to tap into their late '60's improvisational, blues/boogie vibe. Here they are at a critical time of transition between the Pig Pen inspired rapping of Good Lovin' and Lovelight (both versions here are arguably the best ever put out on record by the Dead), and the tight, countrified sound they struck throughout the early and mid-70's (after Pig Pen got sick and eventually died in 1973). Unlike the original Europe '72, which is brilliant in many ways, yet distant and overly polished in feel, these recordings have a risk-taking intensity that is inspiring and awesome. Jerry Garcia feels free to explore a wide variety of textures, styles, and sounds (he plays slide in the middle of the Good Lovin' jam, for example). His second solo on "Sittin' on Top of the World" is worth the entire price of admission: it's boogie jazz, and you hear why Garcia was a true original. No one else could play like that. Phil Lesh is loud and often ferocious on bass. Kieth Godchaux adds sense and color on piano. And Bill Kreutzman (free of the bombast of Mickey Hart) repeatedly turns the band on a dime with expert drumming. Among other highlights is a beautiful "Uncle John's Band" marked by mournful harmonies and a dark, churning jam to finish. "Mr. Charlie" sports another bluesy, funky Garcia solo (much better than the Europe '72 version). The "Dark Star" is relentless--the Dead refuse to stop exploring the spaces hidden in that piece. This is the Dead at their very best. And in this music you hear how important Pig Pen was to the band. Finally, it's important to play this music loud.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Maximum Upgrade Sound, July 16, 2002

By	krishna sherchan (usa) - See all my reviews

Like many DeadHeads I have heard much of this material before, most recently on CD-Rs of exceptional quality. Still, the sound here is a big step up in depth and ambience, making the collection a must have (I guess for GD addicts it's all must have but this time I really mean it).

In any case, the E72 shows represent a peak in the Dead's creative output matched, possibly, only a few other times in their career. The compiled version of Other One>El Paso>Other One and the Dark Star (not a comp - most of disc 4 is from April 8th 72) are a healing journey for which I am grateful indeed. Another fave of mine is the Black Throated Wind, which was never better than in 72. This set is a great companion to the original E72 (recently augmented and rereleased on the Golden Road set), and will stay in my CD changer for some time to come!

And I suspect that GDMusic is saving 5/25/72 for a release yet to come....