The Deadhead's Taping Compendium: An In-Depth Guide to the Music of the Grateful Dead on Tape. . - The Merry Pranksters' House Band - book review

Whole Earth, Spring, 2002

Michael M. Getz and John A. Dwork Vol. I (1959-1974). 1998; 598 pp. $29.95 Vol. II (1975-1985). 1999; 624 pp. $32.95 Vol. III (1986-1995). 2000; 711 pp. $35 Henry Holt and Co.

The Deadhead's Taping Compendium is a work of art and complete record of the history of audience recording of those legendary concerts. It covers the musical history with essays, interviews, great color photos, and reviews of shows, often song by song. It is also a detailed exposure to the phenomenal underground movement of taping, which originated at Grateful Dead concerts. --DGS

"3/12/66. Danish Hall, Los Angeles, California. Pico Acid Test. This tape is unique in that it represents the most music we have in circulation from any of the Acid Tests--almost a half hour toward the end of the period of time when the Dead were woodshedding in L.A. The Pico Acid Test happened after Kesey had fled to Mexico.... Sound quality is poor, especially at first; there is a boomy, muffled feeling, and several distinct shifts in the mix happen early in the tape. But a few minutes in, the mix is settled, your ears have adjusted--and this is an actual Acid Test, so they're probably high, but damn they sound good. --NICK MERRIWEATHER