Doin' That Rag - Grateful Dead Song Review

"Is it all fall down?

Is it all go under?"

Doin' That Rag gets bonus points for just being on Aoxomoxoa and is an interesting tune.  However, truth be told - this song really pales in comparison to some of the other tracks on that legendary album.

The song has an eerie slow "verse" and then a jaunty little rocking "chorus." The vibe of this song really fits in Aoxomoxoa - it seems cut from the same cloth as Dupree's Diamond Blues and Cosmic Charlie.  

Doin' That Rag has some of of those timeless Robert Hunter lyrics which I always assumed set the song in some bygone era:

one eyed jacks and the deuces are wild

however upon closer scrutiny ist seems that the song could almost be set in the "present day" (of 1969):
Hipsters, tripsters,

real cool chicks, sir,

everyone's doin' that rag 

This song was performed a bit early on in the Dead's career and then basically shelved in the early 70's for good.  I think there's been some revival of the song by Furher and/or Phil and Friends etc.

In summary, the song fits in great on Aoxomoxoa and rounds out the album, but not one that I seek out to listen to.

Doin' That Rag Song Rating on a Scale of 1-10: 6.7

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 (and be sure to read my blog manifesto to understand a little more about where I'm coming from).