I really was looking forward to this one because this funky high octane song just plain rocks. Originally recorded by The Meters, Hey Pocky Way really smokes when Brent sang it with The Grateful Dead.
The song is credited to the guys in The Meters on Dead.net, but also includes a nod to "traditional," so the origins of the song might be a bit murky. Perhaps it is an adaptation of a Mardi Gras type chant that was handed down through the ages.
This song is the perfect vehicle to showcase the talents of Brent Mydland. Between his singing/screaming and searing Hammond organ solos, Hey Pocky Way picks up the tempo and energy of any Grateful Dead set in which it appeared (and it frequently opened the set).
Two of Brent's best known tunes are not written by him (Hey Pocky Way and Dear Mr. Fantasy).
Hey Pockey Way was played a total of 25 times between 1987 and Brent's death in 1990. The version below was from the first month they brought the song out and it already sounds super tight (thanks Park Lots for posting this to youtube). I've yet to hear a version that isn't totally awesome.
Hey Pocky Way Song Rating on a Scale of 1-10: 8.9
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.
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