Dylan Cover #384 The Grateful Dead "Desolation Row"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today is a live cover by The Grateful Dead of the Dylan tune "Desolation Row"

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this track:
A magnum opus of early Dylan. A song that is mystical and heated, politically charged while never explicit. One of the more expansive songs he has written and an early indicator that Dylan was on another level lyrically. From Ezra Pound to Bette Davis there are literary references, pop culture bits and a complete fabled world that comes alive in the ears. A true high point when it comes to Bob Dylan songs.
Cover: 

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
RtBE loves the Grateful Dead. We have voted for them as the Best American Band in our favorite bar stool conversation and are showcasing them this month in our Master's Series.
Thoughts on Cover:
A really solid version of this tune the Dead covered quite a few times. The bass lines from Lesh are really well placed, Brent's atmospheric keyboards and Jerry's vibrant guitar runs/backing vocals contain great flair, but it is Bobby Weir nailing the singing and lyrics on this Dylan tune which make it special. From 7/19/89 whose whole show is really top notch and forms the basis of Down Hill From Here.