My favorite thing about Doug is he looks and sounds so wholesome and family friendly...and then every once in a while he'll just pull a random bong rip lol.
Have thought the same since I started watching him - I can remember the first time I saw this extremely intelligent, knowledgeable, refined, articulate classical music aficionado pull out a pipe and roast it up lol…love his musical insights able to know the chords, progression, etc. Good stuff, my man -
The thing about the Grateful Dead music, that makes it different from all others, is that their music never exhausts you, it never takes away from you, it only adds.
@The Sinful Bastard They're taught at Ivy league Universities. Ornette Coleman has played with them, as has Branford Marsallis and Dave Murray. Dizzy Gillespie recognized their talent as has Miles Davis. Phil studied with Luciano Berio. Bob Dylan has had Robert Hunter write songs for him. Vassar Clements has played with Jerry. Joseph Campbell has recognized their contribution to culture. Your statement doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Taste is taste. You don't like it, that's fine. But your commentary is ill informed, and kind of nasty.
Thanks for this. I was at four of the five nights at Winterland in 10/74. I was 19 and in college at Sonoma State. Great memories. I'm old now but still on the bus.
I saw a brilliant comment here in a GD comment section on YT. He says "I was at ___ (insert awesome show/song here") and he said this short but profound thing: It is worth being old now, to have been young then. You, Sir, are lucky to have experienced the penultimate shows of all concerts by any group, ever. 🎉❤ It is indeed good to be old to have seen Jerry live, it's a gift I'm grateful for.
Being younger, I didn't make a show 'til 93, started touring spring 94...but caught about 100 by the last one in 95 Soooo glad I immediately knew I needed to make as many while I still could Nothing beats grabbing a spot in the phil zone every night, like finally making it to yer couch in yer living room, after a hard day's work 😊
One of Garcia's greatest gifts as a guitar player was his ability to "play emotions". Within their many of their songs, he could evoke joy, sadness, anger, fear, nostalgia, loneliness, loss, and my favorite, tension. He once explained the bands live musical experience by saying they try to build a strong, tall musical structure on stage, with each song adding another level. At a certain point once this structure is high enough and stable enough, they jump off it. I think us Dead Heads kept going to the shows to see that jump.
Recently saw a reaction video where the person said Jerry knew how the create tension and resolve it . That just made sense to me , all the shows that I saw you really feel that tension and the resolve sometimes was breathtaking
Some of the most fun performances are when Brent Mydland was playing keys. He added such a nice dynamic and him and Jerry worked so well together. It was a major turning point in Jerry's life when Brent died. It was dark times again, as they come and go. You got it so well, Doug, that I don't entirely believe that you weren't a prior fan when you did your Terrapin Station video. You got it when you said something like," This is like bearing darkness or bad news." That is it exactly. In most cultures, there is a celebration of death as it is a part of life. In our western modern culture, we fear it and blissfully ignore it to the point of mental health issues and absolute struggle. You nail it man. You understand why Grateful Dead is so powerful and important. Bravo.
Your observation that they sound like they have all the time in the world is a great one, and not one I have heard before. It is exactly right - their music and performances have a wonderful feeling of openness and freedom -, and why it is that so much of their happier work is so danceable and still stands up. I'd put in a word for their "Weather Report Suite," though I suspect that many Deadheads would disagree with me.
As other comments have said, you have to check out “Help on the Way” > “Slipknot!” > “Franklin’s Tower” live from August 13, 1975. This version is on the live album One from the Vault. I also recommend the March 29, 1990 version of “Eyes of the World” featuring Branford Marsalis on saxophone
So great when you toke up haaha, that was legit the best. I laughed out loud every time. I absolutely also love when you play along with the music. It shows us physically where we are as well as aurally and verbally. "A bit out of tune, but who cares!" Coming from a college professor with a doctorate that is HIGH (😏) PRAISE indeed. Much love Doug! So glad I finally got to watch this reaction! 🙌 worth wait for...for sure. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The version from Europe '72 is by far the best I have heard. Don't think there is video. The recording engineer couldn't raise someone to fix a wonky microphone stand, so he decided to do the work himself, during the prologue. As he finished, Jerry opened the song. He thought to himself "I deserve to watch this". Jerry could see he was out of his station. What happened next is history. Jerry openly wept during his solo, and you can feel it. Jerry asked later "I hope you got that, it was 100" (a rating out of 3). Thankfully, he had. It's what the left hand is doing that makes all the difference with that rapid right hand thing Jerry does. So strong and fluent, so even and sustained, amazing. The live performance of "Lonely Avenue" on Merl Saunders Fire Up also truly great.
Great reaction, nice to share this old gem with you. A very astute observation of yours, that the Dead want to bring you into their mood, environment. From their earliest days, playing acid rock for acid heads, they always talked about how their audience was such an important part of the experience, for all of them within the experience. They wanted to, (and usually succeeded) draw you into the mood they were weaving, all were in this together. And we loved them for it : )
I can't listen to this song without thinking there are too many cut onions in the room. It is the saddest song I know and at the same time one of the greatest Dead songs of all time. Privileged to have seen this live in London 1972 and Oakland 1982 (I think). You should do some more GD - Maybe The Other One.
@@Anamericanbeauty69420 Being of that age, I was aware of this song from the early sixties when it was a standard of the folk music anti-nuke scene. The problem with 50 year old memories, especially those experienced under chemical and hebal influences, is that I can't accurately remember the entire Lyceum Shows. But I do remember the overwhelming emotion as I unexpectantly first heard Garcia sing, "Walk me out out in the morning dew, my honey", I burst into tears and blubbered through the entire magnificent song. It still has that effect on me today.
@@billpotter3383 I still think they were at their best with Pigpen at the organ (the version of Stella Blue from his last show at the Hollywood Bowl is heartbreaking). Anywho, it's not London, but I thought this might bring back some pleasant memories... ruclips.net/video/EkznlP29TjQ/видео.html
Recently, Bob Weir invited a young harpist named Mikaela Davis (& Southern Star) to tour with him and the Wolf Brothers and guest on some Dead tunes. Now she's working her way through the Dead catalog, and featuring her harp. She's brought the Dead smack into the classical harp vibe (think shades of Yes and Renaissance). Birdsong. Darkstar. St Stephen, Warfrat, Cold Rain & Snow. The space jam too. Let's not forget that! (This one is awesome rn)
@@PaulLaventy I agree totally, but I just can’t understand sometimes why he’s totally out of key flat sharp all over the place. I don’t blame it on drugs and other times he is literally singing perfectly. I am not dogging him. I just don’t understand it. Yes, this is a great night for Jerry.
Doug, the song Help on the way/Slipnot/Franklins tower should be next because it's technically intricate and would challenge you a little bit which would be fun for you and for us. Great stuff man. Thanks!
Since you mentioned the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in another video (Dark Side of the Moon), I wanted to point out that the Dead are the only band to have had a _bootleg_ recording placed in the NRR! The concert at Barton Hall, Cornell University, 5/8/77!.(The Dead officially released this recording, but did so in 2017, five years _after_ it had been added to the NRR!) So if you're looking for excuses to check out more live Dead...
Herbal friend, nice😎 Last minute decision in the summer of 1982, around 6pm, my sister asked if I wanted to go to a “Dead” concert… at Red Rocks!!! One of the most moving evenings of my life✌🏼💯
OH MY GOD! I just gained a whole new level of joy and respect for Doug sharing his smoke sesh. And beautiful glass! Nice one. Didn't see it coming! Hahaha.
I love when around the 8-ish minute mark you start playing along and just letting yourself get into the flow following Jerry and the rest of the band for a second
Just found this channel... subbed. Man, Doug you killed the commentary. When I first started playing guitar, this was one of the easier pieces to learn. And you are correct, there is so much going on here, the patience and the story and of course Jerry. I can't say how much I miss him. But these videos keep me alive. Thank you for your review of this masterpiece.
Great video Dr Doug. And it is true about jamming along to songs. It does help bring one's self into the experience and also teaches you how to follow a group and improvise a bit. Thanks from South Texas.
Been waiting patiently for more Grateful Dead on your channel! You picked a good one! Next up I suggest the trifecta of Help on the way>Slipknot!>Franklins Tower from the live CD “Without a Net”
the thing about grateful dead shows was that it always had a vibe of sitting around with a small group of friends listing to some of them playing music extremely intimate even if that small group of friends happened to be thousands of people
This was the penultimate song when I saw them in June 1991 in Bonner Springs, KS. It was a sublime experience live. I loved your analysis of Terrapin Station and it's very nice to see you watching some of their live stuff (which is usually better than anything they did in the studio).
You’re fun! I’ve been watching Grateful Dead reaction videos a lot lately, some of them bring tears of joy to my eyes to watch first time listeners “get it”. I recently watched your “Terrapin Station” and now this “Morning Dew”. You’re the coolest! Please keep digging! I’ve been on this journey with the Dead for 30 years and it never disappoints.
This is a wonderful, moving song, and I’m so glad you did this video. The song is so evocative-the first speaker being in complete denial about what’s happened, and the second trying gently to bring them to reality.
Just discovered your channel & it's right up my alley. What drew my attention was the thumbnail, Grateful Dead, Morning Dew. I've been a Deadhead for 40 yrs now,so I had to watch. It's cool that you don't just react, you also explain how the sausage is made. For a music nerd like me, that's the best. Some folks don't want to know how the magic trick is done, me, I love it. Instantly I am a fan of your channel. Keep listening, keep reacting & keep smoking Doug. I'll keep watching. Have a Grateful day.
This Show from 10/18/74 was one of the first Tapes I got back in 1978 when I was first turned on to The Dead... Still brings me chills every time I hear it!
Insightful as usual Doug. You should try "Eyes of the world" from the same concert. Not my favorite version but at least you got the footage from 'The Grateful Dead movie."
Surpised that the Dead were blocked. Since they were known to allow fans to tape their shows. There were routinely forests of elevated microphones at their outdoor shows.Listen to some psychedelic Dead like "Dark Star", "St.Stephen" which transitions to "The Eleven" from the Live Dead Album.
I believe their thing was all about freely sharing. They wanted people to trade tapes, not sell them. In the case of RUclips blocking, I think they might just block if a video is monetized. I don't know though.
Hey Doug , I have been a Deadhead for about 35 years and a guitar player for about 45 years. I can't believe this but I just learned this song yesterday LOL. I know a boat load of dead songs but not this one. I got it now! Weird coincidence? Peace from Southwest Michigan. ✌💀👍🧠🌌♾🎸🎼🎵🎶
Nice comments from my brethren here. This was the one when you traveled the dead song that achieved the highest of all experiences in music. We'd say in the 80's I want to hear Morning Dew and whatever else the band wants to play. Its almost too personal for many of us to let this one just be out there however its nice seeing the professional synopsis. Im a little snobby(guarded)with this song as it changed my life. Thank you Dr!
OMG, such a great reaction to a legendary song. There's so much more exquisite Grateful Dead music. Live/Dead would be amazing - Dark Star/St. Stephen/The Eleven would be 38 minutes of sheer bliss.
I was lucky enough to be at that event for the friday night show. One thing I've learned to understand when it comes to the grateful dead is that you're either on the bus or not. The live shows we're all about everyone the band the audience, the vibe is amazing.
I have many Dead songs that are favorites but the 1st time I heard this live I melted into my seat. This song is a trip from start to finish, starting slow, hitting that groove to the peak and back down again. I saw the dead a few times in my day, but this one always brings me back to the 1st time at Freedom Hall.
Definitely. Ripple is one of these songs that the first time you hear it you feel you've known it since time began. Hunter and Garcia at the top of their game.
Just ran into this now. Nice. Perfect reaction. Amazing version of one of the Dead's more beautiful songs during the beginning of a peek early in their career. Your commentary throughout and especially at the end worked wonderfully. Every one of your observations were truth. The whole Dead scene was born of performer and audience as one and either part is incomplete without the other. That puts the music in a whole new context. Your playing was really nice too. It would have detracted if any other reactor, but you added. I get the sense you see the world musically. Playing piano or pouring a glass of water, it all has rhythm, harmony, melody. Why your vids are good. I subscribed when you did Terrapin and commenting on Dew reveals any dead song will pull me in to the channel, but I do watch your other videos and your great. Thanks.
Love it!!! I’ve found that the Dead (and all jam bands really) love the mixolydian scale. I love to hear your take on this song - it really is the flat three and the overall atmospheric playing that lends the song its power and character. As other have pointed out, there are even better versions of Morning Dew than this - more beautiful versions from the ‘72 Europe tour, some really good ones from the more rock-y Dead of the late-80s (when Jerry’s voice is less clean, but a lot sadder)
The best thing about your analyses is when you pull out the bong or pipe. Cheers, good sir, and thank you for giving the 70s music the recognition it deserves (especially Pink Floyd!).
Leaving the "I guess it doesn't matter anyway" hanging out there, when the guy's finally agreed to walk the lady out into the dew was deliberate on Bonnie Dobson's part when she wrote the song, I think. I haven't seen the movie but I have read the book by Nevil Shute that it was based on... and this is the point at which he realises that they are both showing symptoms of radiation poisoning and aren't going to survive so there's no need continue to avoid fresh precipitation that will have washed fallout dust out of the upper atmosphere and is likely to be "hot" I'm one of the folkies that picked the song up (at however many degrees of separation it took for it to get to the guy I learned it from) and the better you know the story behind it, the harder it is to play and sing like you mean it. You're supposed to be leaving the emotion out there for the audience, not buckling under it yourself in the middle of the stage.
Sorry, Dave but she didn't actually write that line. And in fact, and I've gone down the rabbit hole for this but no one not The Jeff Beck, Nazareth, Long John Baldree, or Tim Rice sang it either. The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia specifically took a lot of liberties with the lyrics of this tune. They made it their own. But Jerry(and or Robert Hunter) added the line "I guess it doesn't matter anyway" and a perfect ending it is.
@@Noodleboy56 Fair enough :) Doesn't change the fact that it's a perfect reflection of the story behind the song. Whether I was correct or not in assuming that the intent was Bonnie's or if it was just the usual sleet of inspiration that seemed to be "normal weather" inside Jerry's brain it still works :) I've heard several versions of it but somehow never noticed that line's presence or absence - knowing the story I guess it just stuck from hearing it in *one* version and was so perfect my memory placed it in all the others whether it was there or not.
The Nevil Shute book is "On the Beach." There's also a movie based on it. My mother was a huge fan of his writing. I hadn't realized that Bonnie Dobson based her song on it.
What you have to understand about the Grateful Dead is they were playing specifically for the audience that was there live. Even though this was being recorded, it was not being played for anyone who would watch it later. It was played for the moment of the people who were there. And part of that is the Wall of Sound. When the focus on Phil playing those strong bass notes, you can't appreciate the power of the bass coming from the Wall of Sound in this recording in the manner that you would if you were there. The Wall of Sound was an engineering feat, and it could not be captured in a recording. This music is all about the feeling and being in this specific the moment. Listen to Jerry and Bobby's response to having their music taped at shows, and it gives you a perspective most bands don't have.
was lucky to catch the grateful dead play this a few times and its an experience each n every time......good stuff doug...thanks ....in the future u might want to cover a 1980's version with brent mydland on keyboards....i recommend the morning dew from 7-4-89 that goes into buddy hollys 'not fade away' that u will definitely enjoy..... Peace !
Oh!!! The Peace & Love era, its memorable sound, its concerts made up of long, long jams that we would have liked to be infinite... and its volutes with a scent recognizable among millions. It all starts on the west coast. Grateful Dead emerges in Palo Alto; and Scott McKenzie sings "San Francisco" (words and music by John Phillips of Mama's and The Papa's). It was magnificent, it was unfortunately too short! Thank you, Master Helvering.
thank you so much for doing this, and thank you to every dead head that made this Doug's next GD review. my first listen was while working in a walk in refrigerator. Not knowing the lyrics, I thought it was about a person who woke up in the afterlife (mind you the conditions I was in). So glad you picked this date and not one people have heard a million times, from Europe 72'
Love this song. But the song of the Dead's you REALLY need to listen to is 'Dark Star'. From the album Live Dead. The counterpoint between the instruments is just wonderful.
Just watched your Terrapin video, and was planning to suggest Morning Dew. Have lots others!! Deadhead since October, 1971. Looking forward to your take and the music, of course!! Thanks 💀⚡️🌹 PS. Live commenting. No, they’re never in a hurry and will repeat as often, in as many ways as possible, as needed. Shows are always a collective or communal adventure!!
Grateful Dead always a good choice. One exception to your intro;--- This isnt necessarily considered ''one of the best versions ever''. Dozens of 'better' versions, notably 5/8/77. This version well know because on video and good sound quality during famous Wall of Sound sound system period (mostly 1974)
@@stephenrolfe3171 the two I see most often are 5/25/72 and 5/8/77. Cornell is my favorite but there’s so many great ones it almost feels wrong to pick just one lol
This was incredible! You even pointed out the part when they all knew the lyric was coming but they let it sit and appreciated it before they applauded. Your piano playing was fantastic too!!
Listen to a live version of The Eleven. Live at Fillmore West is killer! 2-28-1969 Great breakdown and cool to see you so easily play along! Thanks for this!
This is at the very end of the Dead using Owsley Stanleys "Wall of Sound". It has been referenced many times in recent years as perhaps the greatest rock sound system, ever. It was a McIntosh- JBL force. It was also astronomically expensive to maintain and move. As many know, Owsley Stanley made a significant amount of money as one of the first (the first perhaps?) black market LSD chemists. He funded the dead in their early years and in return was allowed (and welcomed) to be their sound engineer and designer. He was a weird, strong willed dude (surprise) and was hard to get along with, but was assigned by fate to provide from his own pocket what the band could never have achieved on their own at that time. And then of course record the result and archive as his "Sonic Journals". The best recording that has the Dead interacting with Owsley that I have heard (actually, the only) is the Family Dog recording from 4/18/70 at the old Playland by the Sea roller rink at Ocean Beach SF. (Vinyl, RSO.) Phil Lesh has said that this era of Keith Godchaux was the best keyboards they ever had. In my very humble opinion, the dead are at their peak here. Jerry is still healthy and happy. He just got crushed by crap food while touring, too many non filter cigarettes, and the inevitable corrosion of hard drugs. This recording is music history, and again IMHO, as important and influential as any American music in the last 60 years. The creativity, unique approach, inclusion and melding of the foundations of American music (Blues, country, bluegrass, rock n' roll, jazz.....) mixed in a psychedelic pot and broadcast in freeform is just astounding. This video IS lightening in a bottle. Thank you Doug for your wonderful presentation and approach.
The Grateful Dead Movie is a true testament to how The Dead and their fans were almost a cohesive unit, each feeding off the other. And, there is a scene where they show how their crew put together the "Wall Of Sound" concert PA system. Powered by 26,000 Watts of McIntosh Amplifiers, the sound was very detailed, but not overwhelmingly loud, you could talk to the person next to you in a normal voice, and still hear everything. Did you notice the funky setup of the microphones? They had to have two, because the whole sound system was behind the band, so they needed to cancel out the feedback, thus the extra mic. Do yourself a favor and watch the whole movie, it is very enjoyable, and time well spent. Keep the bong handy.
Doug, it's so hard to filter the Dead, but thanks for bringing them into the mix. Often it's not the song but the individual performance that makes it great. The improvisational jams can go almost anywhere depending on how the muse moved them. A few future options : Bird Song, Eyes of the World, Find a good Scarlet>Fire (Scarlet Begonias into Fire on the Mountain).
I've often viewed that as a funeral for the entire world, to make up for him being unable to face the most important grief. He can't take her out in the morning dew, because she too has passed. That's why none of the other things matter, anyway. Early dead was a fascinating mix of things borrowed, created, and remade as needed. Some of them would continue to be brought out on tour with them, other pieces would only be brought out to shine when it felt right.
A short while back the door flung wide We all saw good luck on the other side The door blew shut but here's the deal Dreams are lies, it's the dreaming that's real
I've really enjoy your talking about the Grateful Dead. In the late 60s, they released a live album called Live Dead. Its from a concert in Los Angeles. Most of the the release, it was two albums, are a set of songs in one continuous jam of Dark Star, St. Stephen, The Eleven and finally Turn On Your Love Light. This is the only recording of The Eleven they have released and it's one of my favorite songs they do. I'd really like to know what you think of it. Thanks.
fun fact: The Grateful Dead dancing bears are a fun little tribute to Owsley Stanley, affectionately called, Bear. The Dead wasn't just Jerry, wasn't just the band. It was their lifestyle and ideology that set them apart. They had so many moving parts creating a moving experience. Bear was the incredible man who electrically engineered those two opposite phase microphones to filter noise. He actually made them up on tour right before a concert and there are videos of the prototypes duct-taped together. The incredible thing about the dead was their dedication to the experience. Bear designed the infamous, "Wall of Sound," which was as tall as the physical wavelength of the Bass' A chord (correct me if I'm wrong someone) and could be heard clearly for miles. I'll tightly paraphrase Jerry Garcia in an interview saying, "I'm not in the music industry, I'm in the transportation business."
Iirc the quote about the wall of sound was so the music could be heard exactly as intended ¼ mile + away ...not sure about the bass hz wave part, but that's probably right A crazy thing for me, I idolized Bear, from the moment I learned about him in 93 - 94ish In my ventures through dead life (I FULLY dove in in 94) I ended up hangin' with Bear in SF in 97 when they were prepping for the 30 yr summer of love reunion ~ 2 weeks, day in & out, connected at the hip...aand I didn't know it was him (he was using a pseudonym, he was just another one of us, hangin' on the street) ...'til after we parted ways, which, if I would've allowed him to get me to abandon my sense of responsibility to my crew that I brought out there with me (little did I know at the time that he was REALLY working toward turning it into more, if i would've just gone with him) 😒 I could sense the whole time, his caliber...but it was so unexpected, it just didn't occur to me, he even dropped hints, like talking about kentucky & Oz (matter of fact, I recognized him & his buddy from a gathering in Kentucky a few years prior) Bit of a shame really, I saw interviews with him later where he said there was knowledge of sound only he possessed, that would most likely die with him ...aand up to that point, I had always been bat shit insane about music/sound reproduction, aand would've absolutely picked up that torch & carried it ...when we were hangin', it just somehow didn't come up (I was very verry focused on doing my shift at the mine in a biig way, which is what it seems attracted his attention...but that's a whole big, detailed story)
Hey thanks for the cool content. Now I feel a little proud about being Canadian, after hearing the song was originally written by one. Things have been looking a little sad in this country. Thanks for shining a light. 🪷
Interesting thing about this show was it was with the Infamous Wall of Sound System that they Invented that Required Two whole stage setups so they could send one set ahead to setup for the next show cause it took all day to setup... This was one of the last times they used it...The wall of sound was all the Massive PA Speakers in stacks behind the Band & they Used Dual Mics one to cancel out the sound coming from behind & other for vocals. It had a certain stacks assigned to a certain bass string...
Doug - like me you are old enough to remember the struggle with weed. It's cool to be able to do it on camera for all to see!! Keep on Trucking Brother. Hopefully my state will legalize one day soon!
My favorite thing about Doug is he looks and sounds so wholesome and family friendly...and then every once in a while he'll just pull a random bong rip lol.
Wholesome bong rips
i was so caught off guard when i first saw him pull the bong out in a different video but im here for it
none of those are mutually exclusive... 😜
Nothin wrong with a bong rip
Just sayin
Have thought the same since I started watching him - I can remember the first time I saw this extremely intelligent, knowledgeable, refined, articulate classical music aficionado pull out a pipe and roast it up lol…love his musical insights able to know the chords, progression, etc. Good stuff, my man -
“They’re not quite in tune but who cares!” The Dead in one sentence!💀🌹
The thing about the Grateful Dead music, that makes it different from all others, is that their music never exhausts you, it never takes away from you, it only adds.
@The Sinful Bastard You say that as if you think drugs are an illegitimate experience.
@The Sinful Bastard They're taught at Ivy league Universities. Ornette Coleman has played with them, as has Branford Marsallis and Dave Murray. Dizzy Gillespie recognized their talent as has Miles Davis. Phil studied with Luciano Berio. Bob Dylan has had Robert Hunter write songs for him. Vassar Clements has played with Jerry. Joseph Campbell has recognized their contribution to culture. Your statement doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Taste is taste. You don't like it, that's fine. But your commentary is ill informed, and kind of nasty.
@The Sinful Bastard just remember...."They're not the best at what they do, they're the only ones that do what they do."
right. it takes you places. the music was like a magic carpet ride.
😄Never. I would never bad talk drugs. Now, drugs being illegal?--that's a truly terrible thing.
“Nobody’s in a hurry to show off.. because there’s no need.. because we’re all just here abiding” thank you 🙏
I like bands that are not in a hurry. Pink Floyd is like that 😍
PERFECT
Jerry would have loved you playing along. He always saw the Dead's music as a communal experience
Thanks for this. I was at four of the five nights at Winterland in 10/74. I was 19 and in college at Sonoma State. Great memories. I'm old now but still on the bus.
Always hard to get off the bus
I was at the Friday night show and I am still on the bus.
I saw a brilliant comment here in a GD comment section on YT.
He says "I was at ___ (insert awesome show/song here") and he said this short but profound thing:
It is worth being old now, to have been young then.
You, Sir, are lucky to have experienced the penultimate shows of all concerts by any group, ever. 🎉❤ It is indeed good to be old to have seen Jerry live, it's a gift I'm grateful for.
Being younger, I didn't make a show 'til 93, started touring spring 94...but caught about 100 by the last one in 95
Soooo glad I immediately knew I needed to make as many while I still could
Nothing beats grabbing a spot in the phil zone every night, like finally making it to yer couch in yer living room, after a hard day's work 😊
Granola State, eh?😁
One of Garcia's greatest gifts as a guitar player was his ability to "play emotions". Within their many of their songs, he could evoke joy, sadness, anger, fear, nostalgia, loneliness, loss, and my favorite, tension. He once explained the bands live musical experience by saying they try to build a strong, tall musical structure on stage, with each song adding another level. At a certain point once this structure is high enough and stable enough, they jump off it. I think us Dead Heads kept going to the shows to see that jump.
Recently saw a reaction video where the person said Jerry knew how the create tension and resolve it . That just made sense to me , all the shows that I saw you really feel that tension and the resolve sometimes was breathtaking
Bubbles Doug
A leap of faith, believing they'd create something wonderful. And they usually didn't disappoint.
Some of the most fun performances are when Brent Mydland was playing keys. He added such a nice dynamic and him and Jerry worked so well together. It was a major turning point in Jerry's life when Brent died. It was dark times again, as they come and go. You got it so well, Doug, that I don't entirely believe that you weren't a prior fan when you did your Terrapin Station video.
You got it when you said something like," This is like bearing darkness or bad news." That is it exactly. In most cultures, there is a celebration of death as it is a part of life. In our western modern culture, we fear it and blissfully ignore it to the point of mental health issues and absolute struggle. You nail it man. You understand why Grateful Dead is so powerful and important. Bravo.
Your observation that they sound like they have all the time in the world is a great one, and not one I have heard before. It is exactly right - their music and performances have a wonderful feeling of openness and freedom -, and why it is that so much of their happier work is so danceable and still stands up.
I'd put in a word for their "Weather Report Suite," though I suspect that many Deadheads would disagree with me.
I love weather report. Great song.
Definitely Weather Report
Weather report is great
Weather Report Suite is, imo, Weir's finest song.
As other comments have said, you have to check out “Help on the Way” > “Slipknot!” > “Franklin’s Tower” live from August 13, 1975. This version is on the live album One from the Vault. I also recommend the March 29, 1990 version of “Eyes of the World” featuring Branford Marsalis on saxophone
Or help slip frank from 6/14/91, that’s my personal favorite, but one from the vault is exceptional too
So great when you toke up haaha, that was legit the best. I laughed out loud every time. I absolutely also love when you play along with the music. It shows us physically where we are as well as aurally and verbally.
"A bit out of tune, but who cares!" Coming from a college professor with a doctorate that is HIGH (😏) PRAISE indeed.
Much love Doug! So glad I finally got to watch this reaction! 🙌 worth wait for...for sure. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The version from Europe '72 is by far the best I have heard. Don't think there is video. The recording engineer couldn't raise someone to fix a wonky microphone stand, so he decided to do the work himself, during the prologue. As he finished, Jerry opened the song. He thought to himself "I deserve to watch this". Jerry could see he was out of his station. What happened next is history. Jerry openly wept during his solo, and you can feel it. Jerry asked later "I hope you got that, it was 100" (a rating out of 3). Thankfully, he had. It's what the left hand is doing that makes all the difference with that rapid right hand thing Jerry does. So strong and fluent, so even and sustained, amazing. The live performance of "Lonely Avenue" on Merl Saunders Fire Up also truly great.
ha, yes!! love that Lonely Avenue- Fire Up has some great shit on it.
They re-recorded the vocals in the studio later, that’s why it sounds so good.
Great reaction, nice to share this old gem with you. A very astute observation of yours, that the Dead want to bring you into their mood, environment. From their earliest days, playing acid rock for acid heads, they always talked about how their audience was such an important part of the experience, for all of them within the experience. They wanted to, (and usually succeeded) draw you into the mood they were weaving, all were in this together. And we loved them for it : )
Right!
I can't listen to this song without thinking there are too many cut onions in the room. It is the saddest song I know and at the same time one of the greatest Dead songs of all time. Privileged to have seen this live in London 1972 and Oakland 1982 (I think). You should do some more GD - Maybe The Other One.
wait u got to what!?!?!? that’s so awesome man
@@Anamericanbeauty69420 Being of that age, I was aware of this song from the early sixties when it was a standard of the folk music anti-nuke scene. The problem with 50 year old memories, especially those experienced under chemical and hebal influences, is that I can't accurately remember the entire Lyceum Shows. But I do remember the overwhelming emotion as I unexpectantly first heard Garcia sing, "Walk me out out in the morning dew, my honey", I burst into tears and blubbered through the entire magnificent song. It still has that effect on me today.
@@billpotter3383 I still think they were at their best with Pigpen at the organ (the version of Stella Blue from his last show at the Hollywood Bowl is heartbreaking).
Anywho, it's not London, but I thought this might bring back some pleasant memories... ruclips.net/video/EkznlP29TjQ/видео.html
2 secs and I’m crying
First song I ever heard live by the Dead on April 20, 1969.
For many of us there this was a spiritual gathering. I know I wept and prayed 🙏
sure Jan.
Recently, Bob Weir invited a young harpist named Mikaela Davis (& Southern Star) to tour with him and the Wolf Brothers and guest on some Dead tunes. Now she's working her way through the Dead catalog, and featuring her harp. She's brought the Dead smack into the classical harp vibe (think shades of Yes and Renaissance). Birdsong. Darkstar. St Stephen, Warfrat, Cold Rain & Snow. The space jam too. Let's not forget that! (This one is awesome rn)
Jerry is such an underrated vocalist
One of a kind voice. So unique
@@PaulLaventy I agree totally, but I just can’t understand sometimes why he’s totally out of key flat sharp all over the place. I don’t blame it on drugs and other times he is literally singing perfectly. I am not dogging him. I just don’t understand it. Yes, this is a great night for Jerry.
Doug, the song Help on the way/Slipnot/Franklins tower should be next because it's technically intricate and would challenge you a little bit which would be fun for you and for us. Great stuff man. Thanks!
Since you mentioned the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in another video (Dark Side of the Moon), I wanted to point out that the Dead are the only band to have had a _bootleg_ recording placed in the NRR! The concert at Barton Hall, Cornell University, 5/8/77!.(The Dead officially released this recording, but did so in 2017, five years _after_ it had been added to the NRR!) So if you're looking for excuses to check out more live Dead...
Would love Doug to react to anything from Cornell ‘77, especially Scarlet > Fire, Estimated Prophet, or St. Stephen.
Love this; love Jerry no matter who he is playing with!
Really enjoying your reaction, spot on!
Thank you so much for this. 😘
I've listened to the Dead for many years but learn so much from guys like this.
Herbal friend, nice😎 Last minute decision in the summer of 1982, around 6pm, my sister asked if I wanted to go to a “Dead” concert… at Red Rocks!!! One of the most moving evenings of my life✌🏼💯
Flew from NY state for those Red Rocks shows. Celebrating end of college. Wet but so much fun. “Wet Rocks”!
OH MY GOD! I just gained a whole new level of joy and respect for Doug sharing his smoke sesh. And beautiful glass! Nice one. Didn't see it coming! Hahaha.
I love when around the 8-ish minute mark you start playing along and just letting yourself get into the flow following Jerry and the rest of the band for a second
Thank you acknowledging Bonnie Dobson, her version is gorgeous
Uncle Jer encouraged taping of live shows. "Once I've played the notes, I'm done with 'em".
Just found this channel... subbed. Man, Doug you killed the commentary. When I first started playing guitar, this was one of the easier pieces to learn. And you are correct, there is so much going on here, the patience and the story and of course Jerry. I can't say how much I miss him. But these videos keep me alive. Thank you for your review of this masterpiece.
Great video Dr Doug. And it is true about jamming along to songs. It does help bring one's self into the experience and also teaches you how to follow a group and improvise a bit. Thanks from South Texas.
Been waiting patiently for more Grateful Dead on your channel! You picked a good one! Next up I suggest the trifecta of Help on the way>Slipknot!>Franklins Tower from the live CD “Without a Net”
the thing about grateful dead shows was that it always had a vibe of sitting around with a small group of friends listing to some of them playing music extremely intimate even if that small group of friends happened to be thousands of people
Just kickin' back & takin' in a show with 20, 30, 70,000 of our closest friends
This was the penultimate song when I saw them in June 1991 in Bonner Springs, KS. It was a sublime experience live. I loved your analysis of Terrapin Station and it's very nice to see you watching some of their live stuff (which is usually better than anything they did in the studio).
I was there
You’re fun! I’ve been watching Grateful Dead reaction videos a lot lately, some of them bring tears of joy to my eyes to watch first time listeners “get it”. I recently watched your “Terrapin Station” and now this “Morning Dew”. You’re the coolest! Please keep digging! I’ve been on this journey with the Dead for 30 years and it never disappoints.
This is a wonderful, moving song, and I’m so glad you did this video. The song is so evocative-the first speaker being in complete denial about what’s happened, and the second trying gently to bring them to reality.
Just discovered your channel & it's right up my alley. What drew my attention was the thumbnail, Grateful Dead, Morning Dew. I've been a Deadhead for 40 yrs now,so I had to watch. It's cool that you don't just react, you also explain how the sausage is made. For a music nerd like me, that's the best. Some folks don't want to know how the magic trick is done, me, I love it. Instantly I am a fan of your channel. Keep listening, keep reacting & keep smoking Doug. I'll keep watching. Have a Grateful day.
This Show from 10/18/74 was one of the first Tapes I got back in 1978 when I was first turned on to The Dead... Still brings me chills every time I hear it!
Insightful as usual Doug. You should try "Eyes of the world" from the same concert. Not my favorite version but at least you got the footage from 'The Grateful Dead movie."
Surpised that the Dead were blocked. Since they were known to allow fans to tape their shows. There were routinely forests of elevated microphones at their outdoor shows.Listen to some psychedelic Dead like "Dark Star", "St.Stephen" which transitions to "The Eleven" from the Live Dead Album.
I think he would find "The Eleven" particularly interesting! I've always loved this ripper from 69! ruclips.net/video/36oYArpSkms/видео.html
I believe their thing was all about freely sharing. They wanted people to trade tapes, not sell them. In the case of RUclips blocking, I think they might just block if a video is monetized. I don't know though.
Thanks, Doug, I enjoy your thoughts and feelings on great music and life. The Dude abides.
Hey Doug , I have been a Deadhead for about 35 years and a guitar player for about 45 years. I can't believe this but I just learned this song yesterday LOL. I know a boat load of dead songs but not this one.
I got it now! Weird coincidence?
Peace from Southwest Michigan.
✌💀👍🧠🌌♾🎸🎼🎵🎶
Now, you can learn "I Know You Rider" (almost the same chords). 🙂
@@otherstar1
Been playin' I know you rider for 40 years LOL!
✌💀👍
Nice comments from my brethren here. This was the one when you traveled the dead song that achieved the highest of all experiences in music. We'd say in the 80's I want to hear Morning Dew and whatever else the band wants to play. Its almost too personal for many of us to let this one just be out there however its nice seeing the professional synopsis. Im a little snobby(guarded)with this song as it changed my life. Thank you Dr!
OMG, such a great reaction to a legendary song. There's so much more exquisite Grateful Dead music. Live/Dead would be amazing - Dark Star/St. Stephen/The Eleven would be 38 minutes of sheer bliss.
absolutely!!!
i listen to this *at least* once a week
I was lucky enough to be at that event for the friday night show. One thing I've learned to understand when it comes to the grateful dead is that you're either on the bus or not. The live shows we're all about everyone the band the audience, the vibe is amazing.
I have many Dead songs that are favorites but the 1st time I heard this live I melted into my seat. This song is a trip from start to finish, starting slow, hitting that groove to the peak and back down again. I saw the dead a few times in my day, but this one always brings me back to the 1st time at Freedom Hall.
I would love when Phil would drop one of his bass bombs especially during this song. so good and it would hit you right in the chest.
Dude you MUST Listen to Ripple and Uncle John Band. Those two songs say ALL of what the Grateful Dead Stand for. : }
Yes! On repeat
Definitely. Ripple is one of these songs that the first time you hear it you feel you've known it since time began. Hunter and Garcia at the top of their game.
They don't have to be loud and fast, to deliver the impact these guys do. Love it. Absolutely thumping 😊
Just ran into this now. Nice. Perfect reaction. Amazing version of one of the Dead's more beautiful songs during the beginning of a peek early in their career. Your commentary throughout and especially at the end worked wonderfully. Every one of your observations were truth. The whole Dead scene was born of performer and audience as one and either part is incomplete without the other. That puts the music in a whole new context. Your playing was really nice too. It would have detracted if any other reactor, but you added. I get the sense you see the world musically. Playing piano or pouring a glass of water, it all has rhythm, harmony, melody. Why your vids are good. I subscribed when you did Terrapin and commenting on Dew reveals any dead song will pull me in to the channel, but I do watch your other videos and your great. Thanks.
Love it!!! I’ve found that the Dead (and all jam bands really) love the mixolydian scale.
I love to hear your take on this song - it really is the flat three and the overall atmospheric playing that lends the song its power and character.
As other have pointed out, there are even better versions of Morning Dew than this - more beautiful versions from the ‘72 Europe tour, some really good ones from the more rock-y Dead of the late-80s (when Jerry’s voice is less clean, but a lot sadder)
The best thing about your analyses is when you pull out the bong or pipe. Cheers, good sir, and thank
you for giving the 70s music the recognition it deserves (especially Pink Floyd!).
Leaving the "I guess it doesn't matter anyway" hanging out there, when the guy's finally agreed to walk the lady out into the dew was deliberate on Bonnie Dobson's part when she wrote the song, I think. I haven't seen the movie but I have read the book by Nevil Shute that it was based on... and this is the point at which he realises that they are both showing symptoms of radiation poisoning and aren't going to survive so there's no need continue to avoid fresh precipitation that will have washed fallout dust out of the upper atmosphere and is likely to be "hot"
I'm one of the folkies that picked the song up (at however many degrees of separation it took for it to get to the guy I learned it from) and the better you know the story behind it, the harder it is to play and sing like you mean it. You're supposed to be leaving the emotion out there for the audience, not buckling under it yourself in the middle of the stage.
Sorry, Dave but she didn't actually write that line. And in fact, and I've gone down the rabbit hole for this but no one not The Jeff Beck, Nazareth, Long John Baldree, or Tim Rice sang it either. The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia specifically took a lot of liberties with the lyrics of this tune. They made it their own. But Jerry(and or Robert Hunter) added the line "I guess it doesn't matter anyway" and a perfect ending it is.
@@Noodleboy56 Fair enough :) Doesn't change the fact that it's a perfect reflection of the story behind the song. Whether I was correct or not in assuming that the intent was Bonnie's or if it was just the usual sleet of inspiration that seemed to be "normal weather" inside Jerry's brain it still works :)
I've heard several versions of it but somehow never noticed that line's presence or absence - knowing the story I guess it just stuck from hearing it in *one* version and was so perfect my memory placed it in all the others whether it was there or not.
The Nevil Shute book is "On the Beach." There's also a movie based on it. My mother was a huge fan of his writing. I hadn't realized that Bonnie Dobson based her song on it.
how was dark star not the one most recommended. that's what he should listen to!
1969 LiveDead
Appreciate that your never cut the tape and your playing along was perfect. BTW: Before being a movie, "on the beach" is a great novel by Nevil Shute.
Read the book 50 years ago and it never left my memory. It's a chilling book when it comes to the end of our world. Maybe I will read it again. ♡
What you have to understand about the Grateful Dead is they were playing specifically for the audience that was there live. Even though this was being recorded, it was not being played for anyone who would watch it later. It was played for the moment of the people who were there. And part of that is the Wall of Sound. When the focus on Phil playing those strong bass notes, you can't appreciate the power of the bass coming from the Wall of Sound in this recording in the manner that you would if you were there. The Wall of Sound was an engineering feat, and it could not be captured in a recording. This music is all about the feeling and being in this specific the moment. Listen to Jerry and Bobby's response to having their music taped at shows, and it gives you a perspective most bands don't have.
I was having a bad day. I turned this on & rolled a joint. Then Doug took a bong hit. My day definitely got better.
Same here
I really enjoyed you doing the video with keyboard in it, helps give reference when you talk about what specific key and chords they are playing
that was great Doug, Thank you, loved your warm key accompaniment, thank you again for the emotional cocoon of love !!!!
was lucky to catch the grateful dead play this a few times and its an experience each n every time......good stuff doug...thanks ....in the future u might want to cover a 1980's version with brent mydland on keyboards....i recommend the morning dew from 7-4-89 that goes into buddy hollys 'not fade away' that u will definitely enjoy..... Peace !
Oh!!! The Peace & Love era, its memorable sound, its concerts made up of long, long jams that we would have liked to be infinite... and its volutes with a scent recognizable among millions. It all starts on the west coast. Grateful Dead emerges in Palo Alto; and Scott McKenzie sings "San Francisco" (words and music by John Phillips of Mama's and The Papa's). It was magnificent, it was unfortunately too short! Thank you, Master Helvering.
I saw GD live in the summer of ‘74 in Vancouver. They had the amazing Wall of Sound.
thank you so much for doing this, and thank you to every dead head that made this Doug's next GD review. my first listen was while working in a walk in refrigerator. Not knowing the lyrics, I thought it was about a person who woke up in the afterlife (mind you the conditions I was in). So glad you picked this date and not one people have heard a million times, from Europe 72'
Love this song. But the song of the Dead's you REALLY need to listen to is 'Dark Star'. From the album Live Dead. The counterpoint between the instruments is just wonderful.
That is an epic version but the one that truly blows me away every single time is 4/8/72 at the Wembley Empire Pool in London.
yes, a thousand times over. LiveDead 1969 album.
My most favorite GD song ever. They did a recording of this at Barton Hall in Cornell that is fantastic also
I have not gotten to the song, still watching your introduction. Really good research on the background of the song. Bravo Sir.
I have heard many versions of this song and I have to say, hands down the best version is live in London 1972, you can find it on RUclips.
Europe 72
Check out Long John Baldry’s cover, powerful and superb.
Oct. 19, 1973 Oklahoma City is the best Morning Dew.
Just watched your Terrapin video, and was planning to suggest Morning Dew. Have lots others!! Deadhead since October, 1971.
Looking forward to your take and the music, of course!! Thanks 💀⚡️🌹
PS. Live commenting. No, they’re never in a hurry and will repeat as often, in as many ways as possible, as needed. Shows are always a collective or communal adventure!!
Thanks for the great pick.
Another great song on this topic is King of the World by Steely Dan. 😎
Grateful Dead always a good choice. One exception to your intro;--- This isnt necessarily considered ''one of the best versions ever''. Dozens of 'better' versions, notably 5/8/77. This version well know because on video and good sound quality during famous Wall of Sound sound system period (mostly 1974)
It depends on who's doing the considering. I think 12/2/73 Morning Dew is better than most
@@stephenrolfe3171 the two I see most often are 5/25/72 and 5/8/77. Cornell is my favorite but there’s so many great ones it almost feels wrong to pick just one lol
For mine, the one from Europe 72 is the best - but there's some other great ones I love. I don't like this one much at all.
Nah, the only better than this is the 5/26/72 europe 72 version
5/22/77 at Pembroke Pines has entered the chat. (seriously, a best kept secret overshadowed by Cornell)
This was incredible! You even pointed out the part when they all knew the lyric was coming but they let it sit and appreciated it before they applauded. Your piano playing was fantastic too!!
Listen to a live version of The Eleven. Live at Fillmore West is killer! 2-28-1969
Great breakdown and cool to see you so easily play along! Thanks for this!
This is at the very end of the Dead using Owsley Stanleys "Wall of Sound". It has been referenced many times in recent years as perhaps the greatest rock sound system, ever. It was a McIntosh- JBL force. It was also astronomically expensive to maintain and move. As many know, Owsley Stanley made a significant amount of money as one of the first (the first perhaps?) black market LSD chemists. He funded the dead in their early years and in return was allowed (and welcomed) to be their sound engineer and designer. He was a weird, strong willed dude (surprise) and was hard to get along with, but was assigned by fate to provide from his own pocket what the band could never have achieved on their own at that time. And then of course record the result and archive as his "Sonic Journals". The best recording that has the Dead interacting with Owsley that I have heard (actually, the only) is the Family Dog recording from 4/18/70 at the old Playland by the Sea roller rink at Ocean Beach SF. (Vinyl, RSO.) Phil Lesh has said that this era of Keith Godchaux was the best keyboards they ever had. In my very humble opinion, the dead are at their peak here. Jerry is still healthy and happy. He just got crushed by crap food while touring, too many non filter cigarettes, and the inevitable corrosion of hard drugs. This recording is music history, and again IMHO, as important and influential as any American music in the last 60 years. The creativity, unique approach, inclusion and melding of the foundations of American music (Blues, country, bluegrass, rock n' roll, jazz.....) mixed in a psychedelic pot and broadcast in freeform is just astounding. This video IS lightening in a bottle. Thank you Doug for your wonderful presentation and approach.
The Grateful Dead Movie is a true testament to how The Dead and their fans were almost a cohesive unit, each feeding off the other. And, there is a scene where they show how their crew put together the "Wall Of Sound" concert PA system. Powered by 26,000 Watts of McIntosh Amplifiers, the sound was very detailed, but not overwhelmingly loud, you could talk to the person next to you in a normal voice, and still hear everything. Did you notice the funky setup of the microphones? They had to have two, because the whole sound system was behind the band, so they needed to cancel out the feedback, thus the extra mic. Do yourself a favor and watch the whole movie, it is very enjoyable, and time well spent. Keep the bong handy.
Doug, it's so hard to filter the Dead, but thanks for bringing them into the mix. Often it's not the song but the individual performance that makes it great. The improvisational jams can go almost anywhere depending on how the muse moved them.
A few future options : Bird Song, Eyes of the World, Find a good Scarlet>Fire (Scarlet Begonias into Fire on the Mountain).
Great reaction...I'm a man cave guitar player and I've played along with this version of Dew a thousand times.
I always loved this song. and I really enjoyed your take on it
That slow solo section is my favorite kind of guitar playing I could listen to that forever.nobody could make you feel more emotion than jerry
I've often viewed that as a funeral for the entire world, to make up for him being unable to face the most important grief. He can't take her out in the morning dew, because she too has passed. That's why none of the other things matter, anyway.
Early dead was a fascinating mix of things borrowed, created, and remade as needed. Some of them would continue to be brought out on tour with them, other pieces would only be brought out to shine when it felt right.
You sound great! Keep playing ✌🏼
This is one of my favorite reactions from you
A short while back the door flung wide
We all saw good luck on the other side
The door blew shut but here's the deal
Dreams are lies, it's the dreaming that's real
This movie/concert(s) has always been one of my favorites. Early wolf, and Phil’s booming bass.
🇨🇦🙏 Seen Morning Dew live a few times. Unforgettable!
Rip: Jerry
Ha! Doug! When you pulled out the bong...first I was surprised...then I thought "Yeah, this guy and I would be friends".
I hit subscribe as soon as I saw you hit that bong, my friend.
Any song of the Grateful Dead. They are recorded the most it's all fresh and welcoming
Long Live the Dead
I've really enjoy your talking about the Grateful Dead. In the late 60s, they released a live album called Live Dead. Its from a concert in Los Angeles. Most of the the release, it was two albums, are a set of songs in one continuous jam of Dark Star, St. Stephen, The Eleven and finally Turn On Your Love Light. This is the only recording of The Eleven they have released and it's one of my favorite songs they do. I'd really like to know what you think of it. Thanks.
This is the song I saw at my very first show, 6/18/83, that set every hair on my body stand up straight!
One of the top 5 versions ever
fun fact: The Grateful Dead dancing bears are a fun little tribute to Owsley Stanley, affectionately called, Bear. The Dead wasn't just Jerry, wasn't just the band. It was their lifestyle and ideology that set them apart. They had so many moving parts creating a moving experience. Bear was the incredible man who electrically engineered those two opposite phase microphones to filter noise. He actually made them up on tour right before a concert and there are videos of the prototypes duct-taped together. The incredible thing about the dead was their dedication to the experience. Bear designed the infamous, "Wall of Sound," which was as tall as the physical wavelength of the Bass' A chord (correct me if I'm wrong someone) and could be heard clearly for miles.
I'll tightly paraphrase Jerry Garcia in an interview saying, "I'm not in the music industry, I'm in the transportation business."
Iirc the quote about the wall of sound was so the music could be heard exactly as intended ¼ mile + away
...not sure about the bass hz wave part, but that's probably right
A crazy thing for me, I idolized Bear, from the moment I learned about him in 93 - 94ish
In my ventures through dead life (I FULLY dove in in 94) I ended up hangin' with Bear in SF in 97 when they were prepping for the 30 yr summer of love reunion
~ 2 weeks, day in & out, connected at the hip...aand I didn't know it was him (he was using a pseudonym, he was just another one of us, hangin' on the street)
...'til after we parted ways, which, if I would've allowed him to get me to abandon my sense of responsibility to my crew that I brought out there with me (little did I know at the time that he was REALLY working toward turning it into more, if i would've just gone with him) 😒
I could sense the whole time, his caliber...but it was so unexpected, it just didn't occur to me, he even dropped hints, like talking about kentucky & Oz (matter of fact, I recognized him & his buddy from a gathering in Kentucky a few years prior)
Bit of a shame really, I saw interviews with him later where he said there was knowledge of sound only he possessed, that would most likely die with him
...aand up to that point, I had always been bat shit insane about music/sound reproduction, aand would've absolutely picked up that torch & carried it
...when we were hangin', it just somehow didn't come up (I was very verry focused on doing my shift at the mine in a biig way, which is what it seems attracted his attention...but that's a whole big, detailed story)
That warmed my heart. Thank you
Hey thanks for the cool content. Now I feel a little proud about being Canadian, after hearing the song was originally written by one. Things have been looking a little sad in this country. Thanks for shining a light. 🪷
Clean tokes, keep up the good work.
The landscapes they painted were so varied.
On The Beach is a harrowing film. The book, by Nevil Shute, is tremendous. I can understand the writing of this song. One of my favorites.....
I had no idea that it was inspired by "On The Beach". It makes an already powerful song that much more impactful.
Two From the Vault
St. Stephen/The Eleven
1968
It took me a long time to 'get' the Grateful Dead but eventually I realised it's all about the vibe. Tension and release, baby!
I love how you start playing along
I gotta say- I freakin' LOVE the Daily Doug. My favorite is the air drumming.
I love your perspective. you should listen to eyes of the world by the Dead....
Interesting thing about this show was it was with the Infamous Wall of Sound System that they Invented that Required Two whole stage setups so they could send one set ahead to setup for the next show cause it took all day to setup... This was one of the last times they used it...The wall of sound was all the Massive PA Speakers in stacks behind the Band & they Used Dual Mics one to cancel out the sound coming from behind & other for vocals. It had a certain stacks assigned to a certain bass string...
Doug - like me you are old enough to remember the struggle with weed. It's cool to be able to do it on camera for all to see!! Keep on Trucking Brother. Hopefully my state will legalize one day soon!