Disco de Grateful Dead: “Dick's Picks, Vol. 7”

Basically I'd like to support Alan Sandler's review. My only qualm with this set is that with better Dick's Picks out there including 4,8,10,11,12,14,15,16 and 18 to name a few, casual fans would be best to hold off on this one until they amass a decent Dick's Pick's collection. If you have most of those shows, then by all means pick this one up. Phil's bass thunders on Scarlet Begonias, Not Fade Away, and especially Wharf Rat. Also listen for the King Bee tease during the jazzy outro jam of a veteran Weather Report Suite. For those interested, these shows come from a three-night stand at Alexandra Palace in London from 9/9/74 - 9/11/74.

Not as jazzy as the epic DP 31, but a thoroughly solid effort from my favorite era of Dead (1972-1974). Underrated by others here...a gem and true value relative to other available used DP's.

These shows were played after the band had had some time off. They were A)Rusty and B)Completely strung out/burned out. Very ragged playing, especially when compared to Summer '74. This set's redeeming grace is the Dark Star->Morning Dew which is very powerful. Recording quality is among the worst of the Dick's Picks series. Lots of hiss, not alot of high/low frequencies which is too bad, because that DS->Dew really shines... Steve Urbauer Stephen Urbauer

I appreciated the timely delivery of my purchase, considering the stresses of the holiday season. My purchase was a gift for my Son and if the quality and price remains as superior, I will be a return customer. Thank-you, Cheryl Pickering

...because when I first listened to this I was pleasantly surprised.

I am a Deadhead with arguably too many different versions of the same songs(although I love it and many would relate), and being somewhat of a completist, especially with Dick's Picks, there was no question about buying this.

I have 'read it said' several times that the band sound tired here. Well, maybe,

but I can't help thinking that they were probably tired during countless concerts that have been appreciated with that familiar Dead joy.

I find this mellow, fat and spunky. Perhaps it is this mellow aspect where some perceive the fatigue. Maybe the recording: it is a little cloudy, but to me it does not detract.

Some highlights are the compact and tight jams; the Dark Star -not represented on many official 74' releases- which has the sounds of the year written all over it, making it unique to the "Wall of Sound" era; and the hint at "Not Fade Away" with just a couple of Bass notes from Phil and the beat on just the drum pedal from Bill, which gets the London crowd clapping the rhythm before the song starts proper and then the band are all in and off we go. Really nice and a fascinating glimpse of the Deadhead network operating far and wide before the more mainstream popularity of the Grateful Dead.

I love this and am so grateful.