The United States celebrates it's Independence, and while the country has deep rooted issues and problems we are dealing (and not dealing) with, it is still the best country mankind has founded in our sordid history. So enjoy the outdoors, hanging safely with friends, and living life. What better soundtrack for that is there than The Grateful Dead?!?!
We took the opportunity a few years back to talk about the Best American Band question on July 4th. Now (in a tradition started years ago) we are just giving you our answer in concert form, the Grateful Dead's July 4th 1989 concert. What a doozy! It is the perfect time to bust it back out and get Truckin' Up To Buffalo.
The United States celebrates it's Independence today, and while the country has deep rooted issues and problems we are dealing (and not dealing) with, it is still the best country mankind has founded in our sordid history. So enjoy the outdoors, hanging safely with friends, and living life. What better soundtrack for that is there than The Grateful Dead?!?!
We took the opportunity a few years back to talk about the Best American Band question on July 4th. Now (in a tradition started years ago) we are just giving you our answer in concert form, the Grateful Dead's July 4th 1989 concert. What a doozy! It is the perfect time to bust it back out and get Truckin' Up To Buffalo.
The United States celebrates it's Independence today, and while the country has deep rooted issues and problems we are dealing (and not dealing) with, it is still the best country mankind has founded in our sordid history. So enjoy the outdoors, hanging safely with friends, and living life. What better soundtrack for that is there than The Grateful Dead?!?!
We took the opportunity a few years back to talk about the Best American Band question on July 4th. Now (in a tradition started years ago) we are just giving you our answer in concert form, the Grateful Dead's July 4th 1989 concert. What a doozy! It is the perfect time to bust it back out and get Truckin' Up To Buffalo.
As RtBE has mentioned in past reviews of recent Grateful Dead releases, there aren't that many major Grateful Dead shows to still officially release. The band and their archivists have done an amazing job of getting their best music out through Dick's Picks, Dave's Picks, Box Sets, Road Trips, Download Series and the list goes on.
The United States celebrates it's Independence today, and while the country has deep rooted issues and problems we are dealing (and not dealing) with, it is still the best country mankind has founded in our sordid history. So enjoy the outdoors, hanging safely with friends and living life. What better soundtrack for that is there than The Grateful Dead?!?!
This was played/filmed up at Rich Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills and captures the Dead in one of their better late period shows, pro audio and video to boot. From the opening "Bertha" to the 1st set closing "Deal" Jerry is just on and seems to be in a great mood, playing and singing with energy, leading the band as only he could. A few personal favorites of RtBE's are in their ("Stagger Lee", "Row Jimmy") adding to us digging on this set.
Not many setlist surprises, just on point playing from the group. The second set starts with their lone hit "Touch of Grey" before the reggae tinge of "Man Smart, Woman Smarter". "Terrapin Station" is always a welcomed second set addition and Garcia takes over for a whirlwind "All Along The Watchtower" and "Morning Dew" mid set combo. RtBE are always a sucker for Brent's work on "I Will Take You Home" as it just melts our hearts and what better encore for the 4th of July then "US Blue's"?
The full set list is below, Enjoy:
Set 1 Bertha Greatest Story Ever Told Cold Rain and Snow Walkin' Blues Row Jimmy When I Paint My Masterpiece Stagger Lee Looks Like Rain Deal
Set 2 Touch of Grey Man Smart, Woman Smarter Ship of Fools Playing in the Band Terrapin Station Drums Space I Will Take You Home All Along the Watchtower Morning Dew Not Fade Away E: U.S. Blues
Happy Birthday to Phil Lesh, the bass player for The Grateful Dead and beyond turns 83 years old today and he is still out there doing it.
RtBE are huge fans of Lesh and feel that, next to Garcia, he was the life blood of the best American band of all time. RtBE has also truly loved his post Dead projects, particularly Phil and Friends who we have been lucky enough to have seen many times.
So to celebrate, here are a few tunes from the Grateful Dead and Phil and Friends:
The United States celebrates it's Independence today, and while the country has deep rooted issues and problems we are dealing (and not dealing) with, it is still the best country mankind has founded in our sordid history. So enjoy the outdoors, hanging safely with friends and living life. What better soundtrack for that is there than The Grateful Dead?!?!
This was played/filmed up at Rich Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills and captures the Dead in one of their better late period shows, pro audio and video to boot. From the opening "Bertha" to the 1st set closing "Deal" Jerry is just on and seems to be in a great mood, playing and singing with energy, leading the band as only he could. A few personal favorites of RtBE's are in their ("Stagger Lee", "Row Jimmy") adding to us digging on this set.
Not many setlist surprises, just on point playing from the group. The second set starts with their lone hit "Touch of Grey" before the reggae tinge of "Man Smart, Woman Smarter". "Terrapin Station" is always a welcomed second set addition and Garcia takes over for a whirlwind "All Along The Watchtower" and "Morning Dew" mid set combo. RtBE are always a sucker for Brent's work on "I Will Take You Home" as it just melts our hearts and what better encore for the 4th of July then "US Blue's"?
The full set list is below, Enjoy:
Set 1 Bertha Greatest Story Ever Told Cold Rain and Snow Walkin' Blues Row Jimmy When I Paint My Masterpiece Stagger Lee Looks Like Rain Deal
Set 2 Touch of Grey Man Smart, Woman Smarter Ship of Fools Playing in the Band Terrapin Station Drums Space I Will Take You Home All Along the Watchtower Morning Dew Not Fade Away E: U.S. Blues
Dave's Picks 40: 7/18-19/90 Deer Creek, Noblesville, IN
**** out of *****
The Grateful Dead were having a late career renaissance at the end of the 80's and the beginning of the 90's with the band riding a surprise MTV hit into selling out arena's around the country. The group has already captured this live era on Without A NetandDozin' at the Knickduring their playing days and then released two full box sets of their Spring 1990 tour after Jerry Garcia passed away. Safe to say the band enjoys this time period with Bob Weir even stating, "For my money, this was our hottest era."
The hotness kept rolling into the summer of 1990 before things were forever altered when keyboardist Brent Mydland died from an overdose on July 26th 1990. Dave's Picks 40 captures two complete shows (minus one encore) from just a few days before Mydland's death and prove that the glory of Spring '90 was still riding high through the summer months.
The first set offered from 7/18/90 is by far the weakest of the four presented here, but it is not a complete lost cause. After a rickety "Help on the Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower" start, which had a few sound issues (and a loud and proud Phil Lesh on bass) Mydland takes over for a electro keyboard led "Easy To Love You". Things chill out during mellow offerings of "Peggy-O" and "When I Paint My Masterpiece" before set highlight "Cassidy" finds the best clicking between all the players on the upbeat jam.
The band keeps that energy through the set break for the spritely opening combo "China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider" as the second set puts to bed any doubts after a lack luster opening frame. A passionately delivered "Looks Like Rain" from Weir before a thunderous "Terrapin Station" proves this era of the band had real power. Terrapin leads to a unique sounding jam and interplay before the gremlins in the machine start warping with sonic waves in "Space" and an exploratory "Other One", both freaking out the fans with trippy vocal effects/glitches.
A monstrous "Morning Dew" with huge drums from Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart around Garcia's soaring guitars and screams wraps up the set while an excellent "The Weight" from The Band acts as an encore for the group; a dynamite second set rescues the first with playing and shenanigans that recalled the Dead's early days.
The next night is also included in this set and it finds the band in better form from the start. "Jack Straw" has Lesh's loose bass sound flowing through the opener while Mydland's solo on "They Love Each Other" is smile inducing. Weir takes over and leads a strong version of the band's take on Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row" and Garcia matches the effort with stout playing and singing on the dripping "Row Jimmy". "Picasso Moon" rock's with an 80's flair before an "Althea" which could rival the best the band has played and a smoking "Promised Land" concludes a great first set from the band.
The second just kept on moving in the positive direction with an electro squawking version of the dark "Victim or the Crime" which the band slinks away from into the upbeat strumming of "Foolish Heart". Things really locked in after that as the group wove through the trio of "Playin' In The Band" > "China Doll" > "Uncle Johns Band" with grace and charm. The "Playin'" allowed Garcia to turn his guitar into a flute with midi effects while Lesh held down the deep bass before "China Doll" saw Garcia dig deep for stirring vocals while Brent shone bright throughout "UJB"; this three song jaunt is a highlight run on this release.
The "Drums">"Space" segment runs long and semi-interesting while "All Along The Watchtower" was hitting shredding highs from Garcia, before he made an odd abrupt down shift into "Black Peter" This version actually gathers up some rocking energy at the end, as if Garcia knew the crowd and the band wanted to keep the vibe soaring, so they wrapped up with a pumping version of "Not Fade Away" to finish an excellent late career show from the Dead.
While fall 1990 through Summer 1995 had a few nights when the band brought it all together or were inspired, the truth is when Mydland died soon after the nights presented here, something seemed to end for The Grateful Dead. This era and Dave's Picks 40 in particular are one of the last exciting moments when Brent was in his element with the rest of the band and things were bright and flowing.
The United States celebrates it's Independence today, and while the country has deep rooted issues and problems we are dealing (and not dealing) with, it is still the best country mankind has founded in our sordid history. So enjoy the outdoors, hanging safely with friends and living life. What better soundtrack for that is there than The Grateful Dead?!?!
(It's official, this is our new 4th of July tradition, so enjoy this great show)
This was played/filmed up at Rich Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills and captures the Dead in one of their better late period shows, pro audio and video to boot. From the opening "Bertha" to the 1st set closing "Deal" Jerry is just on and seems to be in a great mood, playing and singing with energy, leading the band as only he could. A few personal favorites of RtBE's are in their ("Stagger Lee", "Row Jimmy") adding to us digging on this set.
Not many setlist surprises, just on point playing from the group. The second set starts with their lone hit "Touch of Grey" before the reggae tinge of "Man Smart, Woman Smarter". "Terrapin Station" is always a welcomed 2nd set addition and Garcia takes over for a whirlwind "All Along The Watchtower" and "Morning Dew" mid set combo. RtBE are always a sucker for Brent's work on "I Will Take You Home" as it just melts our hearts and what better encore for the 4th of July then "US Blue's"?
The full set list is below, Enjoy:
Set 1 Bertha Greatest Story Ever Told Cold Rain and Snow Walkin' Blues Row Jimmy When I Paint My Masterpiece Stagger Lee Looks Like Rain Deal
Set 2 Touch of Grey Man Smart, Woman Smarter Ship of Fools Playing in the Band Terrapin Station Drums Space I Will Take You Home All Along the Watchtower Morning Dew Not Fade Away E: U.S. Blues
With live music on lock down (like everything else currently in New York City) live streams and old concerts have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. While this current state of pandemic separation is in order we will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and you can always check out or weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past. Please support the artists any which way you can.
Today we highlight: Daze Between - Celebrating The Life & Music of Jerry Garcia
Along with all of the other tributes, the Grateful Dead has released a Spotify playlist to celebrate Jerry Garcia and they are starting a new ritual with Daze Between arriving between Garcia's birth and death of Aug 1- Aug 9th:
Lots of good musicians participating so feel free to jump in and join. To get in the mood here is one of RtBE's favorite Grateful Dead tunes and the one this festival is named after. This version comes from The Knick in Albany on 3/27/93:
With live music on lock down (like everything else currently in New York City) live streams and old concerts have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. While this current state of pandemic separation is in order we will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and you can always check out or weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past. Please support the artists any which way you can.
Fans Belong Here are showing all three of the Fare Thee Well concerts in a row today, starting at noon EST, to celebrate the 5th anniversary of these shows and the 55th anniversary of The Grateful Dead.
While not as musically amazing as the Phil and Phriends shows from 1999 these Fare Thee Well shows had much more hype and advertising around them, making tickets soar in price. Expectations were mostly met as fans were very happy with these shows, and while they were cool, RtBE has other post-Jerry shows which we like more.
That critique aside, it is fantastic that they are all free and on all day today. We started the holiday weekend off with our pick for the best American band of all-time and now end it with the same group, minus Jerry.
Please donate to headcount.org while re-living these shows. To get in the mood here is "West L.A. Fadeaway" from the run:
The United States celebrates it's Independence today, and while the country has deep rooted issues and problems we are dealing with, it is still the best country mankind has founded in our sordid history. So enjoy the outdoors, hanging with friends (in safe social distancing fashion) and living life. What better soundtrack for that is there than The Grateful Dead?!?!
(It's official, this is our new 4th of July tradition, so enjoy this great show)
This was played/filmed up at Rich Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills and captures the Dead in one of their better late period shows, pro audio and video to boot. From the opening "Bertha" to the 1st set closing "Deal" Jerry is just on and seems to be in a great mood, playing and singing with energy, leadingthe band as only he could. A few personal favorites of RtBE's are in their ("Stagger Lee", "Row Jimmy") adding to us digging on this set.
Not many setlist surprises, just on point playing from the group. The second set starts with their lone hit "Touch of Grey" before the reggae tinge of "Man Smart, Woman Smarter". "Terrapin Station" is always a welcomed 2nd set addition and Garcia takes over for a whirlwind "All Along The Watchtower" and "Morning Dew" mid set combo. RtBE are always a sucker for Brent's work on "I Will Take You Home" as it just melts our hearts and what better encore for the 4th of July then "US Blue's"?
The full set list is below, Enjoy:
Set 1
Bertha
Greatest Story Ever Told
Cold Rain and Snow
Walkin' Blues
Row Jimmy
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Stagger Lee
Looks Like Rain
Deal
Set 2
Touch of Grey
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
Ship of Fools
Playing in the Band
Terrapin Station
Drums
Space
I Will Take You Home
All Along the Watchtower
Morning Dew
Not Fade Away
E: U.S. Blues
The summer is here and while Corona Virus has wrecked havoc on live tunes in 2020, the ultimate summer time band the Grateful Dead released (in fall 2019) a huge box set commemorating their jaunts to the 80,0000 seat Giants Stadium in the swamps of New Jersey and we can use the lock down to revisit the behemoth.
These years in Dead history history (somewhat surprisingly) found the Grateful Dead at their popular peak and while long time fans will love/bemoan any era, the band was generally in fine form during these years. Playing these massive outdoor shows spitting distance from the countries largest city guaranteed huge crowds, and if you were one of the thousands who caught these shows this is a fantastic memento...if not, you can skip this bloated release from the band.
It is not that these are bad shows, or poorly played, but there is very little that is must hear over the 15 CD's. Unlike say the recent June '76 box set which illuminated an era and proved wondrous, these concerts have been available to fans in high quality versions for years. If you are new to the band, start elsewhere, this is too big of an investment. The best option may be to just skim the cream of the crop as the best show from this box set has been released on its own and find a good copy of 7/10/89 to round it out.
Below are highlights and comments on each of the shows, it should be noted the quality of the music is fantastic with crystal clear production and restoration of these tye-dyed nights:
The 34th selection of the Dave's Picks series of Grateful Dead live releases has already seen the shows most famous part released previously, but there are other aspects of the full 6/23/74 show from Jai-Alai Fronton in Miami, FL that are certainly worth experiencing, starting with the dynamic cover art.
1974 saw the Dead break out the Oswley designed Wall of Sound speaker system and the fidelity of this release is amazing as each player can clearly be heard; audiophiles will swoon at the sound captured here. The Wall did occasionally deliver virtual bleeps and glitches (even outside of the "Seastones" experiments captured between sets) and that was evident during the opening "Ramble On Rose" but the crisp capturing can be astounding in different passages such as the skittering guitar, drums, bass and keys delivered throughout "Jack Straw".
The band was in it's one drummer, jazz rock phase with a lineup of: Jerry Garcia – lead guitar, vocals Bob Weir – rhythm guitar, vocals Phil Lesh – bass guitar, vocals Donna Godchaux – vocals Keith Godchaux – keyboards Bill Kreutzmann – drums. While a tune like "Cumberland Blues" is usually played with an upbeat folk country pacing, this version drifts more into much slower styling around Garcia's lines.
The first set contains a few rarities but the Garcia lead numbers like "Let It Rock", "To Lay Me Down" and "China Doll" are more sluggish than effective. The Weir sang efforts like "El Paso" and especially the experimental version of "The Weather Report Suite" allowed Garcia to focus on his enchanting playing, and throughout this set that is what he did best. The early highlight effort is an all-time version of "Black Throated Wind" as Kreutzman's drum work leads the band while Weir sings with restrained style over the sashaying lines from Garcia and Godchaux.
The second set starts with the band just noodling around (the way Lesh incorporated into his Phil and Friends shows in the 2000's) and the looseness here benefits the cool version of "Ship of Fools" which sails out of the jamming. Keith's electric keyboard work shines brightest on this version as the slow languid playing is a precursor to the 1976 style the band would move towards.
Unfortunately that slow pace kills "Black Peter" before Weir tries to energize things with a mid set "Around and Around". Garcia then opens the notes of a famous "Dark Star" whose transitions and free form flow were released on career spanning So Many Roads box set. The song threatens to drift off into the ether but Bill and Phil direct the band directly into a "Spanish Jam" based on Miles Davis Sketches of Spain's "Solea".
This is the jolt the players needed as they seamlessly work out one of the best versions of "U.S. Blues" the band ever played, ending an impressive half hour musical journey. Things aren't over though as a very sweet "Uncle John's Band" contains dynamite solos from Garcia, a joyous "One More Saturday Night" and a ragged encore of "Casey Jones" to wrap up a wide ranging night of tunes from the band.
Fans may have had copies of this popular show already, but a Bonus Disk was also included in the release from a lesser known show, the previous night. The selections and the sound again is excellent, with particular highlights on Bill's drumming and Keith's keyboard work.
The opening expansive "Playing In The Band" wanders and is long on jazz interplay for almost a half hour displaying an excellent group dynamic. That syncopation keeps flowing on the "China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider" combo which just may be the highlight of this whole release, an all-time version of this historic pairing that is adventurous, loose, and magical.
Godchaux and Lesh work out a solid "Eyes Of The World" before "Wharf Rat" finds Weir clanging through the Wall of Sound with rhythm guitar slams before a transition to "Sugar Magnolia" wraps up the bonus effort. This bonus disk is a joy and a great addition to the already great full show, possibly even topping the focused release.
Dave's Picks never disappoints and volume thirty four raises the quality of a much loved show from the bands Wall of Sound era. While not an unknown gem, 6/23/74 gives the listener the best seat in the house from a summer night exactly 46 years ago today.
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Support the band, buy the album and peep some video below:
(Not official audio)
Box sets from any group are for the hardcore fans and this gorgeous release from the Grateful Dead highlights a period which the band has not showcased much in the past. June '76 is a perfect combination as diehards will eat it up and the music presented is wonderful to get lost in even if you are not super familiar with the group.
The United States celebrates it's Independence today, so enjoy the outdoors, hanging with friends and living life. What better soundtrack for that is there than The Grateful Dead?!?!
(It's official, this is our new 4th of July tradition, so enjoy this great show)
We took the opportunity a few years back to talk about the Best American Band question on July 4th. Now we are just giving you our answer in concert form, the Grateful Dead's July 4th 1989 concert. What a doozy! It is the perfect time to bust it back out.
This was played/filmed up at Rich Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills and captures the Dead in one of their better late period shows, pro audio and video to boot. From the opening "Bertha" to the 1st set closing "Deal" Jerry is just on and seems to be in a great mood. A few personal favorites of RtBE's are in their ("Stagger Lee", "Row Jimmy") adding to us digging on this set.
Not many setlist surprises, just on point playing from the group. The second set starts with a great "Touch of Grey" before the reggae tinge of "Man Smart, Woman Smarter". "Terrapin Station" is always a welcomed 2nd set addition and RtBE are always a sucker for Brent's work on "I Will Take You Home" as it just melts our hearts. What better Encore for the 4th of July then "US Blue's"?
The full set list is below, Enjoy:
Set 1
Bertha
Greatest Story Ever Told
Cold Rain and Snow
Walkin' Blues
Row Jimmy
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Stagger Lee
Looks Like Rain
Deal
Set 2
Touch of Grey
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
Ship of Fools
Playing in the Band
Terrapin Station
Drums
Space
I Will Take You Home
All Along the Watchtower
Morning Dew
Not Fade Away
E: U.S. Blues
The United States celebrates it's Independence today, so enjoy the outdoors, hanging with friends and living life. What better soundtrack for that is there than The Grateful Dead?!?!
(It's official, this is our new 4th of July tradition, so enjoy this great show)
We took the opportunity a few years back to talk about the Best American Band question on July 4th. Now we are just giving you our answer in concert form, the Grateful Dead's July 4th 1989 concert. What a doozy! It is the perfect time to bust it back out.
This was played/filmed up at Rich Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills and captures the Dead in one of their better late period shows, pro audio and video to boot. From the opening "Bertha" to the 1st set closing "Deal" Jerry is just on and seems to be in a great mood. A few personal favorites of RtBE's are in their ("Stagger Lee", "Row Jimmy") adding to us digging on this set.
Not many setlist surprises, just on point playing from the group. The second set starts with a great "Touch of Grey" before the reggae tinge of "Man Smart, Woman Smarter". "Terrapin Station" is always a welcomed 2nd set addition and RtBE are always a sucker for Brent's work on "I Will Take You Home" as it just melts our hearts. What better Encore for the 4th of July then "US Blue's"?
The full set list is below, Enjoy:
Set 1
Bertha
Greatest Story Ever Told
Cold Rain and Snow
Walkin' Blues
Row Jimmy
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Stagger Lee
Looks Like Rain
Deal
Set 2
Touch of Grey
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
Ship of Fools
Playing in the Band
Terrapin Station
Drums
Space
I Will Take You Home
All Along the Watchtower
Morning Dew
Not Fade Away
E: U.S. Blues
For one of the great American rock band's of all time to name their most politically focused album American Band, then give it a cover that is stark black-white with a colored American flag on a stand that resembles a cross...well it is safe to saythe boys from the south got something to say. This album shows their current world views and while politically left for the majority of the album, the lyrics continue in the groups excellent literary way so fans from any side of the aisle can get down.
The first half of American Band actually finds the group as close as they've ever come to punk rock in a Clash way as the songs are short, direct and poignant. A track like Patterson Hood's "Darkened Flags on the Cusp of Dawn" about the Confederate flag (written the same day he wrote this) and "The Guns of Umpqa" are good examples of this attack; even if you don't know the back story of Chris Mitnz the song is still a powerful meditation on nature and violence, but knowing, adds huge depth to the track as well as the nonsensical mass shootings hatred.
That combo of beautiful nature (a reoccurring theme since Hood moved to Portland, OR) and fear of the current state of the country, tangle again in Hood's excellent "Sun Don't Shine" which haunts after repeated listens via it's simplicity and honesty. Fellow Trucker and song writer Mike Cooley is equally up to the task getting specific when it comes to the history of guns and border wars on opener "Ramon Casiano" a fifteen year old killed by Texan Harlan B. Carter who (while convicted of murder) spent no time in jail and later went on to lead the National Rifle Association. Again, if you don't know the history or don't care you can still revel in the glorious guitars and rocking production, however knowing, elevates everything to a much higher level.
Cooley goes back to his sly wit and ripping on two faced Religious Right leaders "Hot blooded bible thumpers" on the boogie-wooging "Kinky Hypocrite" digging deep into hypocrisy. "What It Means" dives directly into police violence against black youth in front of organs and pleading vocals from Hood adding direct details of true life events, again adding emotional weight,
While the band has always written about their southern roots or as they put it, "Duality of the Southern Thing" over 15 years ago and of course the south looms large here as the band directly address it on "Surrender Under Protest" and "Ever South". The first takes a confederate slogan and turns it into a rousing chorus which may make for awkward singalongs while the verses address the horrific Charleston Church shooting from 2015. The latter (via some grooving bass bombs) easily states the obvious this band is the embodiment of a region of this country, but create such dynamic songs a New York City Yankee (me) can get just as much out of them, if not more than someone from the region. Hood acknowledges this in the linear notes noting there is more of urban/rural divide from his view points these days.
The most timely of the bands albums lyrically could have used a bit more polish when it comes to vocals, as these impressive lyrics are worth hearing and tend to get buried behind the ragged glory of the great guitar wail. However, the vinyl comes with the lyric sheet and it only takes hearing the opening line of "What It Means" ("He was running down the street/when they shot him in his tracks") once to know what you are dealing with.
Hopefully this record will sound dated in 15 years when police violence against minorities, mass shootings, and depression are all eradicated but I got a feeling it will (sadly) be just as powerful and probably heavier and still rank as one of the bands best efforts.
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We may take on the task of ranking all of the bands albums someday but while this isn't our favorite it is certainly one of their best. Proof they still got so much to say and we would all be better off listening. Support the band, buy the album, peep some video:
Last year we searched the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and posted them to the site monthly. That was all well and good but this year RtBE is upping the ante with a show every week to celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...The Grateful Dead!
(It's official, this is our new 4th of July tradition, so enjoy this great show)
We took the opportunity a few years back to talk about the Best American Band question on July 4th. Now we are just giving you our answer in concert form, the Grateful Dead's July 4th 1989 concert. What a doozy! It is the perfect weekend to bust it back out as it is America's Birthday.
This was taken up at Rich Stadium home of the Buffalo Bills and captures the Dead in one of their better late period shows, pro audio and video to boot. From the opening "Bertha" to the 1st set closing "Deal" Jerry is just on and seems to be in a great mood. A few personal favorites of RtBE's are in their ("Stagger Lee", "Row Jimmy") adding to us digging on this set.
Not many setlist surprises, just on point playing from the group. The second set starts with a great "Touch of Grey" before the reggae tinge of "Man Smart, Woman Smarter". "Terrapin Station" is always a welcomed 2nd set addition and RtBE are always a sucker for Brent's work "I Will Take You Home" just melts hearts. What better Encore for the 4th of July then "US Blue's"?
The full set list is below, Enjoy:
Set 1
Bertha
Greatest Story Ever Told
Cold Rain and Snow
Walkin' Blues
Row Jimmy
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Stagger Lee
Looks Like Rain
Deal
Set 2
Touch of Grey
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
Ship of Fools
Playing in the Band
Terrapin Station
Drums
Space
I Will Take You Home
All Along the Watchtower
Morning Dew
Not Fade Away
E: U.S. Blues
Last year we searched the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts
and posted them to the site monthly. That was all well and good but this year RtBE
is upping the ante with a show every week to celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for
long so enjoy them
while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way,
but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...The Grateful Dead!
(Ok we are repeating ourselves with this one, but it is a holiday so enjoy this great show)
We took the opportunity a few years back to talk about the Best American Band question on July 4th. This year we are just giving you our answer in concert form, the Grateful Dead's July 4th 1989 concert. What a doozy! This is our second full show Friday Dead feature (we kicked the series off with them) and it is the perfect weekend to bust them back out as it is America's Birthday.
This was taken up at Rich Stadium home of the Buffalo Bills and captures
the Dead in one of their better late period shows, pro audio and video
to boot. From the opening "Bertha" to the 1st set closing "Deal" Jerry
is just on and seems to be in a great mood. A few personal favorites of RtBE's are in their ("Stagger Lee", "Row Jimmy") adding to us digging on this set.
Not many setlist surprises, just great playing from the group. The
second set starts with a great "Touch of Grey" before the reggae tinge
of "Man Smart, Woman Smarter". "Terrapin Station" is always a welcomed
2nd set addition and always a sucker for Brent's work "I Will Take You
Home" just melts hearts. What better Encore for the 4th of July then "US
Blue's"?
The full set list is below, Enjoy:
Set 1
Bertha
Greatest Story Ever Told
Cold Rain and Snow
Walkin' Blues
Row Jimmy
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Stagger Lee
Looks Like Rain
Deal
Set 2
Touch of Grey
Man Smart, Woman Smarter
Ship of Fools
Playing in the Band
Terrapin Station
Drums
Space
I Will Take You Home
All Along the Watchtower
Morning Dew
Not Fade Away
E: U.S. Blues
