The Grateful Dead – From The Mars Hotel

Has anyone compared this to the 45 RPM Mobile Fidelity version? That's the best sounding vinyl version I've heard so far.

I preordered both the 50th Anniversary Mars Hotel, "Ugly Rumors" Custom Viny (Limited Edition 3,000) on 180g LP and the 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition Zoetrope Picture Disc (Limited Edition 7,500)and find that both versions are exceptional pressings with soundstages that are superior to the original master recordings.

For archival purposes, these rerelease are great additions to a vinyl collection. I feel fortunate to own both because the mastering on these recordings is incredible. David Lemieux et al @ Rhino Enterprises have done a fantastic job with this release. While I'm not a big fan of the PVC sleeve for the zoetrope, as others have mentioned it must be replaced, I do think the embossed "AUTHENTIC" cover of "Ugly Rumors" and the stickers of the back cover “Aliens watching TV” are a nice touch.

As for the Zoetrope, to view the animation, I found that when I recorded video with an iPhone at 30fps with "flash" and "live action" enabled, I got the best results. The creator of the zoetrope recommends installing a strobe app since animated image is not visible to the naked eye, but I was not able to replicate the animation with the app they recommend. I also tried unsuccessfully the flashlight app set to strobe in a darker room. BRIGHT LIGHTING is definitely key.

IF "Wake of the Flood" captured the band in the "On Deck" circle of 1974, these recordings showcase the band swinging mightily and moving one brightly despite the confines of the studio. Garcia's amplifier reverb and guitar intonation is crisp and clean. Nothing is muddled or unclear and his searching tones are as beautiful as ever - evident in the haunting refrains so eloquently woven within "China Doll" and “Ship of Fools”. Bob's phrasing and alternative chord voicings are in full effect, Phil's voice on "Unbroken Chain" and “Pride of Cucamonga” is strong and articulate, while his bass is as EARth moving as ever - he’s definitely IN THE ZONE. Keith and Donna grace many tunes, and Billy keeps all in check with his impeccable timing.

This studio record captures for the world many of the bands signature tunes which would later become live performance mainstays.

Peace.

Incredible 50th anniversary release, this album has never sounded better, excellent quality all around from mastering and packaging

I'm super impressed, sound was very bright and full, surface noise virtually non existant, no pops, flat, clean... No complaints!

Fantastic release! Bought mine straight from the Dead. Beautiful vinyl colorway, nice and flat, sounds gorgeous! Love the packaging as well, the addition of "Authentic" on the cover is such a nice touch, and the sticker set was a pleasant surprise.

Giving it its first spin now. Sounds great so far. Nice and clean. High quality pressing. Beware of hippies handing out stickers!

Sounds amazing. Looks great too. Wish this had a thicker/tip-on jacket like some of the other Dead.net exclusives, but still looks great.

Really happy I picked this up, it sounds great right out of the packaging and will only sound better after a good cleaning!

Pressing sounds great. Unique color and the included stickers are a nice touch.