The Deadhead's Taping Compendium, Volume II: An In-Depth Guide to the Music of the Grateful Dead on Tape, 1975-1985

Michael Goetz and company have done it again! This book has more in-depth, historical interviews with tapers from the Deadhead community, more information on soundboard releases, and another batch of incredible photos from people's collections. Sure, there are some errors in song titles and some missing shows, but there are a number of fine reviews by a number of contributors. If you enjoyed Volume I and enjoy Deadbase, go get Volume II of The Compendium as well. You'll be glad you did...I am!

This is a great book. If it's possible to surpass the original, they have done it. There is an astounding interview with Betty Cantor-Jackson, and a huge part of the beginning is devoted to the rapidly advancing technology of tapes, recorders, mikes, and taping in general (remember, this is 1975). Rob Eaton is amongst the many experts interviewed in this guide.I only had time for a quick glance through it last night, but I can see I have many nights of reading ahead of me :). For just one example, in flipping around, I came across John Dwork's review of the first night at RCMH/NYC in 1980. A fantastic narrative, that brought a smile to my heart.This is a must buy for any serious, or not so serious, tapehead.

A really fine history book combines the elements of research, perspective and heart. With that in mind, the Taping Compendium (both Vols. 1 and 2) qualify as fine history. Although the ostensible reason behind the book is a review of Dead tapes, it's more of a diary of a rock band. Getz and Dwork are both scholarly and honest--telling us when they were good, and when they weren't very good. It's well worth reading, even if you aren't a Deadhead. I can't recommend it highly enough.

If you enjoy collecting Dead tapes, don't go another day without this one. Wondering if you should pick up 11/29/80? If you owned this book you would know that the answer is a definite..YES!

You just can not say enough about this book. It picks up right where Vol 1 left off. The only problem is that once you pick it up, dont make any plans because it is impossible to put down!