Haven't written many blogs lately, been doing a lot of travel and moving. I was watching this video today and wanted to share. You can read my thoughts on Baba O'Riley here.
I remember hearing this sequence on tapes back during my (short lived) GD tour life and I always thought it was really majestic. I think Vince Welnick does great on this medley and I think that it's a really cool choice for The Grateful Dead to integrate into the set at that period.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Just a Little Light - Grateful Dead Song Review
It's kind of uncomfortable for me to review Brent Mydland because I love him as keyboardist for The Grateful Dead but never actually saw him live with GD. As a result I don't have any powerful memories associated with dancing to his originals at shows and maybe that's why I am not huge into his original songs.
But Just a Little Light is a pretty cool tune, one of my favorite of Brent's originals. It has a tense brooding feel and is built upon a minor key. Jerry plays his dynamic filter sound which really makes this Mydland tune "seem like a Grateful Dead song" (some of his other songs just don't fit in with The Dead's music and it seems like they are playing backing band for a guest singer).
Just a Little Light is the 2nd track on Built to Last - the Grateful Dead's final studio album. The song was played 20 odd times only in 1989 and 1990. It was primarily in the middle to late 1st set. Below is a version which I think is a fine rendition of the song. This is their 5th time playing it from July of 1989. Just about 24 years ago this month. Wow.
Thanks Taste4phree for the upload.
Just a Little Light Song Rating on a Scale of 1-10: 6.8
But Just a Little Light is a pretty cool tune, one of my favorite of Brent's originals. It has a tense brooding feel and is built upon a minor key. Jerry plays his dynamic filter sound which really makes this Mydland tune "seem like a Grateful Dead song" (some of his other songs just don't fit in with The Dead's music and it seems like they are playing backing band for a guest singer).
Just a Little Light is the 2nd track on Built to Last - the Grateful Dead's final studio album. The song was played 20 odd times only in 1989 and 1990. It was primarily in the middle to late 1st set. Below is a version which I think is a fine rendition of the song. This is their 5th time playing it from July of 1989. Just about 24 years ago this month. Wow.
Thanks Taste4phree for the upload.
Just a Little Light Song Rating on a Scale of 1-10: 6.8
Disclaimer: This is part of my blog that reviews all things Grateful Dead for fun. Music is a beautiful thing because it is so personal and subjective, so keep in mind that this is one man's opinion(read my blog manifesto to understand my Grateful Dead background a little more).
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Johnny B Good - Grateful Dead Song Review
Johnny B Good is a true standout in the pantheon of American Roll. Written by Chuck Berry in 1958, and a abased on the blues progression, this song could almost be considered the signature rock and roll song.
I don't have a terrible lot to say about Johnny B Good as far as the Grateful Dead goes, they would play it and play it well, usually at the end of shows. This song represents the 'fun rock and roll band' side of The Grateful Dead as opposed to the cerebral side that brings you songs like Estimated Prophet or Slipknot.
When I hear Johnny B Good, it reminds me that The Dead got their start entertaining people in a pizza parlor. At the end of the day, The Dead would often play very simple rock and roll songs like this one, I Fought the Law, Satisfaction, and even Louie Louie. I like hearing these types of songs on bootlegs. For people at shows who are far out of their minds, as song like this might help them come back down to earth at the end of the set.
This song was performed hundreds of time going all the way back to the band's earliest days and usually lasted only a few minutes. If a Grateful Dead show is like a great movie, then Johnny B Good is the ending where the credits are rolling. You know the movie is over, and there's not going to be any more surprises, but you stick around to watch the credits because you liked the movie so much, you don't want it to end.
Or if you're like a lot of people, when the credits begin you make your way to the exit to get ready and buy (or sell) a kind veggie burrito.
Johnny B Good Rating on a Scale of 1-10: 7.3
I don't have a terrible lot to say about Johnny B Good as far as the Grateful Dead goes, they would play it and play it well, usually at the end of shows. This song represents the 'fun rock and roll band' side of The Grateful Dead as opposed to the cerebral side that brings you songs like Estimated Prophet or Slipknot.
When I hear Johnny B Good, it reminds me that The Dead got their start entertaining people in a pizza parlor. At the end of the day, The Dead would often play very simple rock and roll songs like this one, I Fought the Law, Satisfaction, and even Louie Louie. I like hearing these types of songs on bootlegs. For people at shows who are far out of their minds, as song like this might help them come back down to earth at the end of the set.
This song was performed hundreds of time going all the way back to the band's earliest days and usually lasted only a few minutes. If a Grateful Dead show is like a great movie, then Johnny B Good is the ending where the credits are rolling. You know the movie is over, and there's not going to be any more surprises, but you stick around to watch the credits because you liked the movie so much, you don't want it to end.
Or if you're like a lot of people, when the credits begin you make your way to the exit to get ready and buy (or sell) a kind veggie burrito.
Johnny B Good Rating on a Scale of 1-10: 7.3
Disclaimer: This is part of my blog that reviews all things Grateful Dead for fun. Music is a beautiful thing because it is so personal and subjective, so keep in mind that this is one man's opinion(read my blog manifesto to understand my Grateful Dead background a little more).
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Shining Star - Great JGB Footage from 1991
Once again going to have to give a shoutout to LoloYodel for producing, and uploading gems like this.
This just speaks for itself. I love Shining Star, and I think everyone does. It's 14 mellow minutes of Jerry alternating between singing and playing solos.
Jerry seems very happy playing this, pay special attention to 4:10 and onward. This is something I don't see from him very much in other videos on Youtube, but the way I remember him at JGB shows.
This just speaks for itself. I love Shining Star, and I think everyone does. It's 14 mellow minutes of Jerry alternating between singing and playing solos.
Jerry seems very happy playing this, pay special attention to 4:10 and onward. This is something I don't see from him very much in other videos on Youtube, but the way I remember him at JGB shows.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Jack Straw - Grateful Dead Song Review
Man, "Jack Straw from Wichita."
What I would give to go back in a time machine to when I clawed the cellophane off of the Europe '72 "double CD" (yes I got into the Grateful Dead at age 17 in 1992) and heard Jack Straw for the first time.
Jack Straw was just instantly like-able, but certainly not because it was a "bubble gum" pop song that climbed into your subconscious with it's catchy melody. Jack Staw is an epic tale with an extremely cool and original musical structure (music by Weir, lyrics by Hunter).
What imagery this song has! What great lyrics!
Leaving Texas, fourth day of July
Sun so hot, the clouds so low, the eagles filled the sky...
I'm so partial to the Europe '72 version I've included a youtube embed of it from youtube below.
A Song That is Eternally Fresh
In the twenty years since I started listening to the Grateful Dead, I've probably heard a hundred or more Jack Straws (mostly opening the 1st set). I can tell you that never once have I fast forwarded through Jack Straw. The song is just so pleasing and builds so nicely with such great lyrics and an evolving structure. It's just perfect, and definitely none too simple.
I've also been known to crank up Jack Straw as loud as it will go when the 2nd jam starts. This section can really reach great heights (especially for an opener) as Phil drops bombs while Jerry builds the intensity. When you hear a great Jack Straw with Jerry playing great leads, you just know that the next song is going to be a Jerry song because he is just 'feeling it' and is going to take over and deliver a stellar 1st set.
That's how powerful Jack Straw is.
The Creative Peak of the Early 1970's
For you Grateful Dead purists who favor the early to mid 1970's dead, I have to hand it to you, this is an extremely exciting period in the band's history. So many of the songs that came about from 1970-1974 were incredible and became staples of the live show for the remainder of the Grateful Dead's existence . Many of these great songs are like Jack Straw in that they were never even recorded in the studio (Brown Eyed Women, Ramble on Rose, Tennessee Jed), the band was on such a creative tear.
Sentimental Jack Straw Memory
Jack Straw was the last show opener I ever saw (at the Las Vegas Sunday show in 1995). I remember getting pretty emotional for some reason when Jerry and the band walked onstage under the hot Las Vegas sun and started Jack Straw. In the casinos during the Las Vegas shows, you could occasionally hear unsuspecting casino employees paging Grateful Dead characters at some prankster's request: "Jack Straw, please pick up a courtesy phone." It sure was great when the Deadheads took over the Las Vegas Strip, I will never forget those shows.
Jack Straw Rating on a Scale of 1-10: 9.9
What I would give to go back in a time machine to when I clawed the cellophane off of the Europe '72 "double CD" (yes I got into the Grateful Dead at age 17 in 1992) and heard Jack Straw for the first time.
Jack Straw was just instantly like-able, but certainly not because it was a "bubble gum" pop song that climbed into your subconscious with it's catchy melody. Jack Staw is an epic tale with an extremely cool and original musical structure (music by Weir, lyrics by Hunter).
What imagery this song has! What great lyrics!
Leaving Texas, fourth day of July
Sun so hot, the clouds so low, the eagles filled the sky...
I'm so partial to the Europe '72 version I've included a youtube embed of it from youtube below.
A Song That is Eternally Fresh
In the twenty years since I started listening to the Grateful Dead, I've probably heard a hundred or more Jack Straws (mostly opening the 1st set). I can tell you that never once have I fast forwarded through Jack Straw. The song is just so pleasing and builds so nicely with such great lyrics and an evolving structure. It's just perfect, and definitely none too simple.
I've also been known to crank up Jack Straw as loud as it will go when the 2nd jam starts. This section can really reach great heights (especially for an opener) as Phil drops bombs while Jerry builds the intensity. When you hear a great Jack Straw with Jerry playing great leads, you just know that the next song is going to be a Jerry song because he is just 'feeling it' and is going to take over and deliver a stellar 1st set.
That's how powerful Jack Straw is.
The Creative Peak of the Early 1970's
For you Grateful Dead purists who favor the early to mid 1970's dead, I have to hand it to you, this is an extremely exciting period in the band's history. So many of the songs that came about from 1970-1974 were incredible and became staples of the live show for the remainder of the Grateful Dead's existence . Many of these great songs are like Jack Straw in that they were never even recorded in the studio (Brown Eyed Women, Ramble on Rose, Tennessee Jed), the band was on such a creative tear.
Sentimental Jack Straw Memory
Jack Straw was the last show opener I ever saw (at the Las Vegas Sunday show in 1995). I remember getting pretty emotional for some reason when Jerry and the band walked onstage under the hot Las Vegas sun and started Jack Straw. In the casinos during the Las Vegas shows, you could occasionally hear unsuspecting casino employees paging Grateful Dead characters at some prankster's request: "Jack Straw, please pick up a courtesy phone." It sure was great when the Deadheads took over the Las Vegas Strip, I will never forget those shows.
Jack Straw Rating on a Scale of 1-10: 9.9
Disclaimer: This is part of my blog that reviews all things Grateful Dead for fun. Music is a beautiful thing because it is so personal and subjective, so keep in mind that this is one man's opinion(read my blog manifesto to understand my Grateful Dead background a little more).
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Reuben and Cherise Breakout - Unbelievable Audience Recording
This gives me such chills hearing it. I think I might have even posted about this before, but it bears repeating.
If you're at work or something, do yourself a favor and wait to watch this until you can get to a quiet and private place (and turn it up loud).
This recording is just... I can't find words to describe it. But I believe there was a kind of magic present in the collective consciousness at Grateful Dead shows. This is the closest I've ever come to connecting with that magic since August 9th, 1995.
THANK YOU to thejjak4 for posting this. A note in the comments on the video says this is actually from a show on 3/17/91 (not 3/18/91 as listed in the video title).
If you're at work or something, do yourself a favor and wait to watch this until you can get to a quiet and private place (and turn it up loud).
This recording is just... I can't find words to describe it. But I believe there was a kind of magic present in the collective consciousness at Grateful Dead shows. This is the closest I've ever come to connecting with that magic since August 9th, 1995.
THANK YOU to thejjak4 for posting this. A note in the comments on the video says this is actually from a show on 3/17/91 (not 3/18/91 as listed in the video title).
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Jack a Roe - Grateful Dead Song Review
This is a hot little ditty that was prevalent in the early part of the 1st set from the late 70s pretty regularly through the band's final tour. Jack a Roe never officially was released on a studio album but there is a studio "outtake" from the Go To Heaven sessions. That version is nice, but the live versions are where it's at.
Jerry must've really liked this one. He played it a lot and also played it in the JGB acoustic band. He pretty much consistently delivered great solos over this chord progression.
I would say that Jack a Roe is definitely "underrated." I don't think it will make anyone's top 10 list, but it was pretty a pretty smoking first set tune.
The song is credited to "traditional" so it probably goes way back and is an English war time tale of a girl who dresses up as a man to be with her lover who is enlisted in the Navy. It's a stirring tale of love and risk with a happy ending.
Favorite Versions of Jack a Roe
Jack a Roe popped up on Reckoning as it's first "official" release, and that's a memorable version. But truthfully, you can hear great versions quite often if you listen to bootlegs from almost any era starting in the late 1970s. In fact, it's so consistent that I have a hard time even thinking of a "standout" Jack a Roe but I'm sure most true old school head could rattle off a specific show with a killer version. I can't say I've ever heard a version where the band really "stepped out" on the song, it was always played pretty straight.
The youtube I posted below was one of the first that I found and a pretty great version. Jerry is playing The Wolf which is always nice to see. Thanks to splaif for posting this on youtube.
Jack a Roe Rating on a Scale of 1-10: 7.9
Jerry must've really liked this one. He played it a lot and also played it in the JGB acoustic band. He pretty much consistently delivered great solos over this chord progression.
I would say that Jack a Roe is definitely "underrated." I don't think it will make anyone's top 10 list, but it was pretty a pretty smoking first set tune.
The song is credited to "traditional" so it probably goes way back and is an English war time tale of a girl who dresses up as a man to be with her lover who is enlisted in the Navy. It's a stirring tale of love and risk with a happy ending.
Favorite Versions of Jack a Roe
Jack a Roe popped up on Reckoning as it's first "official" release, and that's a memorable version. But truthfully, you can hear great versions quite often if you listen to bootlegs from almost any era starting in the late 1970s. In fact, it's so consistent that I have a hard time even thinking of a "standout" Jack a Roe but I'm sure most true old school head could rattle off a specific show with a killer version. I can't say I've ever heard a version where the band really "stepped out" on the song, it was always played pretty straight.
The youtube I posted below was one of the first that I found and a pretty great version. Jerry is playing The Wolf which is always nice to see. Thanks to splaif for posting this on youtube.
Jack a Roe Rating on a Scale of 1-10: 7.9
Disclaimer: This is part of my blog that reviews all things Grateful Dead for fun. Music is a beautiful thing because it is so personal and subjective, so keep in mind that this is one man's opinion(read my blog manifesto to understand my Grateful Dead background a little more).
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