Cost: $2.95US
Song Count: 24 - 2 Discs
Admittedly, I have never been a huge fan of the Dead. Mainly that's just because I don't really get them or their rabid fan base. I understand being a fan. But, to the level of the Deadheads...well, I just don't really understand.
So, to further my knowledge I went against all that I believe and bought what really amounts to a Greatest Hits album. I bought Eternally Grateful for educational purposes only. This here review will have a very long track list due to the double disc nature of the offering.
A note about Jerry: Garcia was a great musician and songwriter. Deadheads have deified him just as guitarists worldwide have deified Hendrix. While I appreciate the level of love heaped upon Jerry...once again, I just don't really understand. Oh well, to each his/her own.
The songs on the disc were ok. I'm no hippie...I'm more of a metal/punk guy...but, I understand what really great musicians these guys are/were. The stand out tracks to me (a non-deadhead) are: Friend of the Devil, Truckin', Scarlet Begonias, Touch of Grey, Sugar Magnolia, Uncle John's Band, Casey Jones, and Not Fade Away. Forgive me if I am just listing the "hits" of the Dead. But, to me, a "hit" is popular for one reason: it's good.
Here's the track list and my non-weed-induced notes.
Disc 1: In the Studio
1. Friend of the Devil - This is a really good song. Nicely done.
2. Box of Rain
3. Althea
4. Eyes of the World
5. Truckin' - A popular song. But, a good one. Really like the vocals on this track.
6. Shakedown Street
7. Cream Puff War
8. Scarlet Begonias - I'm a heretic. I like the version Sublime did much more than this one.
9. Touch of Grey - Now this...this is a fucking fantastic tune. Just never gets old. Get it?
10. Sugar Magnolia - Another standout. "Left my baby down by the river..."
11. Cold Rain and Snow
12. China Cat Sunflower - Didn't Bruce Hornsby do a variation of this? (Sunflower Cat?) Dunno.
13. Uncle John's Band - Great harmonies on this one. Proves the Dead really know their shit.
14. Casey Jones - Drivin' that train...high on cocaine. Mr. Jones, watch your speed. A cautionary tale.
15. Ripple
Disc 2: In Concert
1. Jack Straw
2. Bertha
3. Me and My Uncle
4. Cumberland Blues
5. Me and Bobby McGee - Where's Janis?
6. Brown-eyed Woman
7. Morning Dew
8. Johnny B. Goode
9. Not Fade Away - The only real notes I will leave on the live disc (I don't dig live discs). This is a great song and to not note this fact would be a crime against humanity.
That's the Grateful Dead. Apparently, they were a sight to be held when playing live. Disc 2 does not live up to the hype. I guess you had to be there.
Note: No, I did not take the brown acid.
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