This song is amazing for a variety of reasons but let’s focus on the story. The main character has no redeemable qualities. He’s a hypocritical, manipulative and most of all cheating, Loser. “Everyone’s bragging and drinking their wine, I can tell the queen of diamonds by the way she shines” ie he’s marked the card and that’s why he’s got no chance of losing this time. He tells Sweet Suzie don’t drink liquor just coffee because we are getting out of here early before everyone sobers up and realized they’ve been cheated. Pure Americana
Michael Palmisano he’s admonishing the other players for bragging but the song opens up with him bragging about how many aces he’s drawn throughout the years
Michael, forgive me if this takes a bit to get out. As one who rarely comments on social media or video, I have felt compelled over the past months to respond. As the lead guitarist and 40 year player in a Northeast based Grateful Dead Tribute band (Terrapin), I have been living and playing this music in bands and with friends for virtually all my life. The advent of RUclips and other digital means to continue to gather and build skills is impressive and never ending. However, rarely have I come across as entertaining and informative as what you have been doing over the past months. Seeing this music I have known and loved for all my life interpreted through the eyes of a new fan and one certainly as skilled as you are has been an amazing experience. As you have explained on many occasions, this music is not about perfection, its about expression!. We all find new things every time we listen to the shows and versions and I appreciate your take on that. From you, I found Tom Bukovac, reconnected to Marty and have written a ton of new songs myself. While Pandemic has been tough on all, you have become a "go to" part of the week and has challenged many of us to keep getting better all the time. Keep up the great work, there is oodles of material out there to choose from and we will keep on watching and learning.
Geoff, I couldn't have put it better myself. I'm a bass player in the south east and a lover of Grateful Dead for many years. Michael, I want to thank you. You have helped me improve my bass playing with the insights you share with us about our favorite songs. Thank you, I cant thank you enough, Thank you
Dude please do all of Cornell. My buddies and I started listening to this Show when we were 16 in High School. There is literally no other piece of music in the world I would rather see a Good Guitar player ramble on about.
Oh, Dennis... there is no need to buy live Grateful Dead recordings! A huge part of the culture was the recording and trading of shows from very early on... simply go to deadlists.com, search around, and you will see links to every available recording ever made on the Archive. You can stream all the shows for free, and you can download the audience recordings (soundboards not downloadable at the archive, but there are torrent sites that share them all... you’ll learn). Enjoy!!
@@fourscore4 Yep, I love Jerry's mu-Tron sound. I just picked up the new Micro-Tron IV Vintage pedal and it totally nails that Jerry tone. It comes with recommended settings to get the "Jerry G" sound.
Love how you explained Jerry's first solo on this track. The Dead have always been a band that you either get them or you don't, rarely are people in-between. But for those who just don't get it, there may come a time when it finally clicks for them, and it's life-changing. Then you wonder to yourself... how the hell did I miss out on this for so long.
The dead is like one of those pictures that trick you, that are blurry and look like nothing, then as you continue to stare, and stare, and stare, the image finally pops out at you and is you think to yourself, "Holy shit this image is incredible and for so long it looked like a bunch of tiny, blurry pixels
BTW - do not dare cut out the "take a step back routine" they do in the start of Scarlet !!! Phil and Keith start to blow up on this song and then by Fire Jerry and the boys are completely in a zone only they could ever produce. Thanks for doing these, lots of fun.
You really, REALLY need to do a listen/breakdown of the Springfield Creamery Benefit in Veneta, Oregon on 8/27/1972. Trust me, your mind will be blown on camera for all to see. Thanks for doing these.
Great reaction. Those pinch harmonics just ooze with suppressed tension and anxiety. A false bravado on the brink of implosion. A truly great solo in a great song.
@@Guitargate Agreed, great job letting the musical story of that solo play out uninterrupted! I would highly recommend this format of respecting the whole solo/jam and then going back to "get some" for your Cornell '77 series. I also can't explain enough how much fun it is to be right there with you as you experience this show for the first time. When you "get it' and experience another person "getting it" live it's a real treat! Thanks!!!
The “set up” and “anticipation” of Jerry’s lead is just perfect... Taking nothing away from the great dynamics and subtleties in this section, when the lead starts and it continues to tell the story.. And it’s only elevated by the monster chorus coming back in with the wall of harmonies... man.. it’s easy to get mentally and emotionally immersed in “Loser”.. Michael I tip my hat to what you’re doing!
Your comment about the sound quality is very well taken. Many people - myself included - think that one of the reasons for this show's prominence in show ratings has as much to do with the quality of the recording as the performance. Not to take anything away from the quality of performance - I think the show is wonderful, and the Morning Dew has as much to do with my life long dedication to the band as any other individual perfomance of any song - but there were years in the late 80's and mid-90's when this cassette was the one of the few shows most people were able to acquire with this kind of quality. The band and it's crew had gotten in the habit of recording every performance when Bear was still running sound in the late 60's and early 70's. Betty Cantor was responsible for these recordings in the 70's, and the release of these "Betty Boards" was instrumental in the popularity of some of these shows. Again, not dissing the show, but I do believe, while it is certainly a wonderful show deserving of much attention, it's not the clearly best show that seems to be indicated by its top ranking on a lot of polls and lists.
I agree that Betty captured the night so perfectly, and it was circulated with such prevalence that it got its reputation. I have the official release from a few years ago and I feel like I am on stage between Bobby and Billy taking it all in, simply amazing. The more layers I hear in a performance, the more I love it.
In fact the night before and after are arguably better. The first set is IMO just a solid 77 performance. The second set has a much higher claim to best ever status or at least best of spring 77. Thought that’s arguable as well.
I've watched alot of your videos and have learned alot from your analysis, but your passion and insight in this one is on another level. In a word, extraordinary. Thank goodness for gifted converts like yourself brother.
Absolutely spot on with the desperation expressed in the solo. The clues are all there in the lyrics (and I know some of the others in the comments have talked about this!). : * "If I had a gun for every ace I've drawn, I could arm a town the size of Abilene" - Dude has done this the "right" way long enough, and it has never worked out for him. He is ready to try something desperate, and wishing he had those guns, which he does not have. * " Don't you touch hard liquor, just a cup of cold coffee" - (Mentioned by others in the comments) Narrator and Sweet Suzie might have to make a hasty retreat from this establishment. *"Last fair deal in the country" - Is our dude the dealer? Seems like he must be, given his plan. * "I can tell the Queen of Diamonds by the way she shines" - Dude has the cards marked, he is waiting for the Queen of Diamonds to come up to make his hand. * "Come to Daddy, on an inside straight" - Dude is going to steal everyone's money on this rigged hand, which would normally be a very poor hand to bet everything on. * Guitar solo reflects the restrained panic he is feeling - He has to stay there long enough for his opponents to bet into this hand, then has to run like Hell before they all figure out what he did. Timing must be perfect. *Grateful Dead catalog has so many great songs about the outlaws, gamblers, and outcasts of the old American West. This is a brilliant story of a desperate gambler, and one of my favorite Dead tunes. - I have never met or talked to Robert Hunter, so this is only my own interpretation, based on my understanding of the lyrics and having read the interpretations of others. Have a very great day everyone!
Gateway song for getting into tGD I general or for something else? I’ve always thought it was more hoppy, poppy, melodic stuff like Sugar Magnolia, China Cat Sunflower or Fire on the Mountain. Then if you get hooked you go into something like Terrapin Station. Or did you mean the show? Because this show kicks ass and was definitely a gateway for me in terms of live Dead.
@@cntrlrb20 A gateway into the dead. I agree though with you about a more happy melodic song being a gateway. Mine was fire on the mountain but I know many people who listened to loser to get them into the dead ;p
Michael, my friend, the deeper you go, the more times you will find yourself saying....."the perfect lyric" with Hunter's (and Barlow's!) lyrics! I had one strike me just right the other day in "Eyes of the World" , even though I've heard the song hundreds of times. I was out in my pasture enjoying a cold beverage and sunset/twilight and it hit me just right. "and night comes so quiet, it's close on the heels of the day" Just perfect! "Eyes" is a masterpiece, but you won't get it on Cornell.
Part of being a head is making the music your own. It's so cool to see you discovering the sweetness of the band right on live video. Thanks again for the great tutelage. You really do a magnificent job at it.
I "taught" about this song in my high school English class from the perspective of the lyrics of Robert Hunter.....as it turned out, on the day he died. Thanks for what you do. I really enjoy your videos. Peace and Love.
Thanks Michael - I stumbled upon your channel about 2 months ago and really love it! Keep up the amazing job! This video has inspired me to post for the first time as Loser was the the first Grateful Dead song I brought into my guitar teacher in about 1985. I was fascinated by Bob’s unique style and the version from 9/28/72 has him very high in the mix combined with (Jerry’s) microphone problems made it a perfect teaching tool. Thanks again for doing what you’re doing!!!
Hey Mike. I love how you interpret the solo. I think you are onto something with how you explain it through both narrative and technique. Garcia the musical poet. Great job.
Love this! I do not even play the guitar but I love to watch you b/c of these Dead videos :) I love how you have fallen for them. You truly have seen the light!
One of my all time favorites, the sound quality of this show, coupled with the fact that it’s a great show always keep me coming back to Cornell 77! Please do more!
Really enjoyable video. Love his expression of enthusiasm, and knowledge. Gorgeous PRS. I've always felt similarly that Garcia musically became the story, or characters of the song. My first show was 9/2/78. Changed me forever, love the Grateful Dead and their songs until my last breath. Subscribed.
Superb, I love the way u hear it and instantly break it down - incredible ear! Keep it up on the Dead and also love that you like "Old and In the Way" Jerry!
So happy you're going through the entire Cornell show, Michael. These videos are a joy to watch. Cornell's Loser is fantastic, I suggest checking out 9/3/77 (Englishtown, NJ)!
Right ON, man! I'm blown away at how much you get the GD, Jerry vibe every single time! Especially as how you're not a long time Deadhead! Just a seasoned guitar player falling in love with and appreciating the band chemistry! Led by Jerry who happens to drive the bus with his raw guitar playing! Loving the 5/8/77 series you're doing. Amazing sound clarity as well
So glad you articulated how Jerry’s solos express the main character. As opposed to being cool scales or clever riffs. I’ve never been able to appreciate bands who just solo the lead guitar any other way - and could never articulate why ✌️
Good call on the highlight of Jerry’s solos. He was outstanding in terms of conveying the essence of the song. Yet he always had a new/different way of saying it with each performance.
I've never been able to pause the Dead 😂 Thanks for doing it for me and for the insight! I've loved these songs for years and it's always makes my heart swell when someone else loves them too! Grateful for your videos.
This was awesome! Your take on the Grateful Dead, and especially Jerry’s playing is SPOT ON. I’ve enjoyed your videos so much, I bought your Jam Band Course. Keep ‘em coming!
You analysis of the solo is so spot on. You hear that desperation in his tone and you pick up on it so well. Reminds me of Polyphonics channel. The way you are analyzing is so spot on Michael.
Thanks for taking the time to post these GD tracks. You’re able to beautifully summarize, through a musicians ears what has drawn me to Jerry and the GD since the early 80s (I’m 51). They didn’t always shine by the time I started attending shows in ‘84 but when Jerry & Phil etc were on, they created unique musical magic….
Michael, I have been a Dead Head for longer than you have been alive and I just wanted to Thank You for being pure. It reinvigorates the music of my soul and transports me back to a time when we were young. Outstanding videos
You nailed it , my brother - Jerry LIVED his music, inhabited every note, always tried to erase the separation between thought and action, SEARCHING FOR THE SOUND. Keep up the great work, and thank you for tackling this show!
DUDE I AM GLAD I FOUND YOUR VIDEOS. I DON'T PLAY BUT I LOVE HEARING A GUITAR TEACHER EXPLAINING JERRY'S STYLE IS FUN. SAW THEM 89 TIMES. EVERY SHOW IN 89
I don't comment on too many RUclips videos, but your perspective on The Dead, their lyrics and their music is so great to watch. Happy to be a subscriber. Thanks so much for doing this stuff. Cheers.
Hey Michael, you reactions to the "little stuff" makes your teaching even better! The Dead were all about the small bits and pieces vs. the big picture. This particular show was just spot on. Can't wait for you to review Peggy-O soon.
Michael, it is always a blast to watch your reactions and really insightful commentary on musical structure. It's kind of like watching Anthony Bourdain or Julia Child deconstruct a dish; there's both technical expertise and an appreciation for the bigger picture. Your thoughts about Jerry's playing here seem to me to be spot-on. He inhabited a lot of characters and although I always loved the fact that when The Dead was killing it there were a bunch of disparate characters collaborating on a general theme the highlight of anytime he played (for me) was waiting to see what Jerry had to say about it. Thanks,
Michael, that was just fabulous. I have subscribed to your lessons and although I have played guitar for many, many years, I never before managed to get to grips with music and chord theory. I am having such fun. I have also loved the Dead for more years than I can remember and they are the reason I am here studying with you. You might like to know that Weir once said that his job in the Dead was to listen to Jerry, try to figure out where he was going and try to arrive at the same point at the same time. Sometimes he made it, sometimes he didn’t but both were glorious. Stay safe.
@ about 13:30 he sums up, pretty damn eloquently, why he(myself, & many others) love the Dead. Basically cause of the sincerity of the delivery combined with the awsome story being told(in each song, & soon the realization that more important is the story told by the order things were played in- or the run of shows, or the tour... Gone are the days..
Awesome that you're continuing with this... everybody wants jack straw and me too but it would be cool to see you do brown-eyed women too. A personal favorite
You are a good bloke and you are doing a great job of spreading the word. Thank you and love from me missus from Scarborough, North Yorkshire (Steve Winwoods birthplace). ☮️
Good stuff right there! You’re hook, line & sinker now! 😁 I’m looking forward to sharing many years of this musical journey we call life. You get it, friend! 🎸🎶♠️♣️♥️♦️⚡️💀🌹
I always felt it was a song of desperation and I think your explanation is spot on. I started watching you for the Dead vids because it seemed like you are going thru what most people go through when listening to the Dead. You're obviously being pulled into a musical whirlpool that very subtly draws you in with one song. As that song grows on you it proceeds to channel you smoothly through an illuminating and prodigous catalog that you will continuously refer back to for some new understanding. Similar to todays video games, each song is an adventure. The lyrics and the musicianship are so well crafted that it puts you in the front seat. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
I dont blame you. My brother became obsessed with the Dead and kept shoving it down my throat saying how amazing it is...2 years went by and it still sounded like pots and pans and noodles to me, then I started listening to it out of complete boredom of other music. One day it clicked with me all of a sudden, I finally heard what he was raving about, the most amazing feelings arouse in me. Now 18 years later I still love it more than any music and feel sorry for those who dont get it.
@@Jonny-rc4wh One thing that always perplexed me about the Dead: depending on the performance captured on tape they can sound anywhere from absolutely water tight to as sloppy as an arthritic Boomer garage band that only managed to get 2 practice sessions in before Karen threw a fit. For a long time I heard more of the latter than the former, giving me an unfavorable impression. But when they're on... they're ON.
Ezekiel Watters thats the hardest part about getting into the Dead and why I didn’t start getting into them until my early-mid 20s. There’s sooo much you don’t know where to start. I think one of the best albums to start with is the live album “Without a Net” from the late 80’s. I’d love to hear your take after you check it out. Also, there’s a website called headyversion.com where you can click on a GD song you like and every version is listed by popularity from site users. Great way to cut to the chase and pick the marshmallows out of your lucky charms. ✌️
I love seeing you do the Dead and getting it. That's exactly what the solo conveys to me, also. Jerry always said "Music is something that can happen every night". One note by Garcia can move me 1000 times more emotionally than 150 notes by someone like Satriani.
LOVE what you are doing with the cornell show! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do the same with The Grateful Dead's show at Alpine Valley 1989 - it is INSANE, and the way they play off each other(especially jerry and brent) is magical! Thanks again for the great content
great analysis - the solo in this song vs the feeling of the rest of the verse/chorus always made me feel like the narrator storyteller is keeping the facade as he tells the story, but the solo is the real emotions - the solo feels like the truth (sadness and desperation) beneath the poker face and self-deception of the rest of the song. Great stuff man!
Keep it up! Your Grateful Dead reaction/lesson videos are fantastic. I've watched them all. This is a great show and I'm thrilled to watch the rest of the songs. You haven't yet really dug into a more extended Dead song. I'm still calling for China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider from Winterland '74. There's excellent video and the transition jam by BOTH Bobby and Jerry is killer. Also, like Tom Bukovac said in your video with him - Jerry Garcia Band!!! Perhaps some of his best playing occurred outside the GD. So much to explore! Thank you, Michael.
I love how Michaels face follows the high wire act of Jerry's solo....listening to Garcia literally play on the edge of disaster and more often than not pull a beautiful and miraculous melody out of those "where the fuck is this going" moments are what made us Heads keep coming back over and over. I was grinning ear to becasue Palmisano's joyous amusement feels so familiar.
Thank you for your analyses of these great songs. Your assessment of Loser is spot on! By the way, it snowed before the show while we waited outside. People brought big sheets of plastic to cover our heads! Long live Dead Heads!
Видеоклипы
This song is amazing for a variety of reasons but let’s focus on the story. The main character has no redeemable qualities. He’s a hypocritical, manipulative and most of all cheating, Loser. “Everyone’s bragging and drinking their wine, I can tell the queen of diamonds by the way she shines” ie he’s marked the card and that’s why he’s got no chance of losing this time. He tells Sweet Suzie don’t drink liquor just coffee because we are getting out of here early before everyone sobers up and realized they’ve been cheated. Pure Americana
That’s it!!! GOLD.
Ayy Grand Rapids represent. Good Analysis my friend.
Michael Palmisano “I know a little something you won’t never know” he’s not going to tell Suzie he’s a cheater
Michael Palmisano he’s admonishing the other players for bragging but the song opens up with him bragging about how many aces he’s drawn throughout the years
The literary term is "unreliable narrator". Another example is the narrator in Elvis Costello's "Alison"
Michael, forgive me if this takes a bit to get out. As one who rarely comments on social media or video, I have felt compelled over the past months to respond. As the lead guitarist and 40 year player in a Northeast based Grateful Dead Tribute band (Terrapin), I have been living and playing this music in bands and with friends for virtually all my life. The advent of RUclips and other digital means to continue to gather and build skills is impressive and never ending. However, rarely have I come across as entertaining and informative as what you have been doing over the past months. Seeing this music I have known and loved for all my life interpreted through the eyes of a new fan and one certainly as skilled as you are has been an amazing experience. As you have explained on many occasions, this music is not about perfection, its about expression!. We all find new things every time we listen to the shows and versions and I appreciate your take on that. From you, I found Tom Bukovac, reconnected to Marty and have written a ton of new songs myself. While Pandemic has been tough on all, you have become a "go to" part of the week and has challenged many of us to keep getting better all the time. Keep up the great work, there is oodles of material out there to choose from and we will keep on watching and learning.
yes!!
So very well put.
Hey now! Where does your band play?
Geoff, I couldn't have put it better myself. I'm a bass player in the south east and a lover of Grateful Dead for many years. Michael, I want to thank you. You have helped me improve my bass playing with the insights you share with us about our favorite songs. Thank you, I cant thank you enough, Thank you
What's more common than covid in the North East? Grateful dead cover bands!😂
“So much little stuff happening...”. Meet Bob Weir, greatest rhythm player of this era.
"What you are hearing is the desperate man's soul, screaming." Absolutely perfect.
Dude please do all of Cornell. My buddies and I started listening to this Show when we were 16 in High School. There is literally no other piece of music in the world I would rather see a Good Guitar player ramble on about.
Exactly
Right on
War Memorial the day after is actually a better show.
Making me a dead fan, I never was before. I am going to have to buy this record.
Dennis Purdy he hasn’t even covered any of the best parts of this show yet (~);}
Please, check it all out..lots to get into🙏👍
Dennis Purdy welcome to the family
Oh, Dennis... there is no need to buy live Grateful Dead recordings! A huge part of the culture was the recording and trading of shows from very early on... simply go to deadlists.com, search around, and you will see links to every available recording ever made on the Archive. You can stream all the shows for free, and you can download the audience recordings (soundboards not downloadable at the archive, but there are torrent sites that share them all... you’ll learn). Enjoy!!
it's not a record you buy. it's a show you take in. archive dot org.
There is threshold that you quickly reach when you become a DeadHead where all you hear are those little fills in every song. So wonderful.
When you finally said “it’s the desperation”, I yelled it with you. You get it man. So happy you’re here.
Glad we are back at Cornell. Can't wait till you do Dancin' from this show Michael!
Me too!! Thanks!
I agree with ya Shane! Dancin’ while Jerry is using the original mu-Tron auto-wah.. phew! Killer stuff. Thanks Michael.
@@Guitargate Arguably one of the dead's best jams ever that isn't a dark star.
@@fourscore4 Yep, I love Jerry's mu-Tron sound. I just picked up the new Micro-Tron IV Vintage pedal and it totally nails that Jerry tone. It comes with recommended settings to get the "Jerry G" sound.
Love how you explained Jerry's first solo on this track. The Dead have always been a band that you either get them or you don't, rarely are people in-between. But for those who just don't get it, there may come a time when it finally clicks for them, and it's life-changing. Then you wonder to yourself... how the hell did I miss out on this for so long.
if I have to explain, you wouldn't understand.....so true
The dead is like one of those pictures that trick you, that are blurry and look like nothing, then as you continue to stare, and stare, and stare, the image finally pops out at you and is you think to yourself, "Holy shit this image is incredible and for so long it looked like a bunch of tiny, blurry pixels
youre talking something more rare than uncooked chicken.
Black Licorice
Well said
BTW - do not dare cut out the "take a step back routine" they do in the start of Scarlet !!! Phil and Keith start to blow up on this song and then by Fire Jerry and the boys are completely in a zone only they could ever produce. Thanks for doing these, lots of fun.
Must have take a step back and another step back 😂🤣
Yes! Been waiting to seea reaction to a Scarlet>Fire!
@@thegratefulwooks "what do you mean nooooo"
All hail the Betty Boards!!!
You really, REALLY need to do a listen/breakdown of the Springfield Creamery Benefit in Veneta, Oregon on 8/27/1972. Trust me, your mind will be blown on camera for all to see. Thanks for doing these.
And there is actual video of that show, which is amazing considering the year. In fact I just watched the Dark Star>El Paso a few hours ago!
And of course that Bird Song!!! Oh My
@@peteriley100 oh yeah
Hot damn, you're actually doing all of Cornell!!! Can't wait for Jack Straw and have fun with that St. Stephen>Not Fade Away>St. Stephen
That St Stephen is so tight. That will be good.
hes doing all the top shelf tunes from that show
I'm especially excited for the St. Stephen -- I want to hear some of his thoughts on their earlier songs (and earlier performances, too).
Lazy Lightning, sleepy fire in your eyes. Please.
St. Stephen > The Eleven > William Tell---greatest seque ever. Just sayin'...
Great reaction. Those pinch harmonics just ooze with suppressed tension and anxiety. A false bravado on the brink of implosion. A truly great solo in a great song.
You waited until the end of the guitar solo to talk, thank you. Great vid!
I know!!! Had to be done!!
@@Guitargate Agreed, great job letting the musical story of that solo play out uninterrupted! I would highly recommend this format of respecting the whole solo/jam and then going back to "get some" for your Cornell '77 series. I also can't explain enough how much fun it is to be right there with you as you experience this show for the first time. When you "get it' and experience another person "getting it" live it's a real treat! Thanks!!!
@@brandonwichmann4110 Bang on! You can actually see people light up when they, eventually, get it. X ☮️
The “set up” and “anticipation” of Jerry’s lead is just perfect... Taking nothing away from the great dynamics and subtleties in this section, when the lead starts and it continues to tell the story.. And it’s only elevated by the monster chorus coming back in with the wall of harmonies... man.. it’s easy to get mentally and emotionally immersed in “Loser”.. Michael I tip my hat to what you’re doing!
Dark Star Orchestra recreated this show on 5/8/2007 at Cornell. The mayor then deemed 5/8 officially “Grateful Dead Day”
Your comment about the sound quality is very well taken. Many people - myself included - think that one of the reasons for this show's prominence in show ratings has as much to do with the quality of the recording as the performance. Not to take anything away from the quality of performance - I think the show is wonderful, and the Morning Dew has as much to do with my life long dedication to the band as any other individual perfomance of any song - but there were years in the late 80's and mid-90's when this cassette was the one of the few shows most people were able to acquire with this kind of quality. The band and it's crew had gotten in the habit of recording every performance when Bear was still running sound in the late 60's and early 70's. Betty Cantor was responsible for these recordings in the 70's, and the release of these "Betty Boards" was instrumental in the popularity of some of these shows.
Again, not dissing the show, but I do believe, while it is certainly a wonderful show deserving of much attention, it's not the clearly best show that seems to be indicated by its top ranking on a lot of polls and lists.
I agree that Betty captured the night so perfectly, and it was circulated with such prevalence that it got its reputation. I have the official release from a few years ago and I feel like I am on stage between Bobby and Billy taking it all in, simply amazing. The more layers I hear in a performance, the more I love it.
Betty is doing an AMA over in the grateful dead subreddit tomorrow!
In fact the night before and after are arguably better. The first set is IMO just a solid 77 performance. The second set has a much higher claim to best ever status or at least best of spring 77. Thought that’s arguable as well.
There are other shows with better set lists (IMO), but none with better sound quality than Cornell.
There’s something beautiful about the feedback in this song
I’ve loved the Dead for a few years now, and Michael’s analysis is making me love them more
Drawing to an inside straight. What a great line- screams desperation. I feel this song in my gut-really hits home.
I've watched alot of your videos and have learned alot from your analysis, but your passion and insight in this one is on another level. In a word, extraordinary. Thank goodness for gifted converts like yourself brother.
Absolutely spot on with the desperation expressed in the solo. The clues are all there in the lyrics (and I know some of the others in the comments have talked about this!). :
* "If I had a gun for every ace I've drawn, I could arm a town the size of Abilene"
- Dude has done this the "right" way long enough, and it has never worked out for him. He is ready to try something desperate, and wishing he had those guns, which he does not have.
* " Don't you touch hard liquor, just a cup of cold coffee"
- (Mentioned by others in the comments) Narrator and Sweet Suzie might have to make a hasty retreat from this establishment.
*"Last fair deal in the country"
- Is our dude the dealer? Seems like he must be, given his plan.
* "I can tell the Queen of Diamonds by the way she shines"
- Dude has the cards marked, he is waiting for the Queen of Diamonds to come up to make his hand.
* "Come to Daddy, on an inside straight"
- Dude is going to steal everyone's money on this rigged hand, which would normally be a very poor hand to bet everything on.
* Guitar solo reflects the restrained panic he is feeling
- He has to stay there long enough for his opponents to bet into this hand, then has to run like Hell before they all figure out what he did. Timing must be perfect.
*Grateful Dead catalog has so many great songs about the outlaws, gamblers, and outcasts of the old American West. This is a brilliant story of a desperate gambler, and one of my favorite Dead tunes.
- I have never met or talked to Robert Hunter, so this is only my own interpretation, based on my understanding of the lyrics and having read the interpretations of others. Have a very great day everyone!
This is the gateway song for a lot of people, good job as always :)
Thanks brother :)
Gateway song for getting into tGD I general or for something else? I’ve always thought it was more hoppy, poppy, melodic stuff like Sugar Magnolia, China Cat Sunflower or Fire on the Mountain. Then if you get hooked you go into something like Terrapin Station. Or did you mean the show? Because this show kicks ass and was definitely a gateway for me in terms of live Dead.
@@cntrlrb20 A gateway into the dead. I agree though with you about a more happy melodic song being a gateway. Mine was fire on the mountain but I know many people who listened to loser to get them into the dead ;p
Michael, my friend, the deeper you go, the more times you will find yourself saying....."the perfect lyric" with Hunter's (and Barlow's!) lyrics! I had one strike me just right the other day in "Eyes of the World" , even though I've heard the song hundreds of times. I was out in my pasture enjoying a cold beverage and sunset/twilight and it hit me just right. "and night comes so quiet, it's close on the heels of the day" Just perfect! "Eyes" is a masterpiece, but you won't get it on Cornell.
I'm just going to keep saying it. Watching you geek out to the dead is a ton of fun to watch.
Part of being a head is making the music your own. It's so cool to see you discovering the sweetness of the band right on live video. Thanks again for the great tutelage. You really do a magnificent job at it.
Awesome video! Have been anticipating this song and it ended up being next! So happy. Love learning how to play my favorite songs along with ya!
I "taught" about this song in my high school English class from the perspective of the lyrics of Robert Hunter.....as it turned out, on the day he died. Thanks for what you do. I really enjoy your videos. Peace and Love.
Thank you man. The way you play is sweet, delicate, and you can feel/hear the emotion in your hands.
My cold coffee just warmed up a bit, thanks for that shiny queen!
Loving these Cornell 77 videos. Also, getting a little better at guitar just from watching. Learn something new every time.
Thanks Michael - I stumbled upon your channel about 2 months ago and really love it! Keep up the amazing job! This video has inspired me to post for the first time as Loser was the the first Grateful Dead song I brought into my guitar teacher in about 1985. I was fascinated by Bob’s unique style and the version from 9/28/72 has him very high in the mix combined with (Jerry’s) microphone problems made it a perfect teaching tool. Thanks again for doing what you’re doing!!!
been listening to alot of cornell 77 these past few days and BAM you upload this jem. i was just trying to play the solo yesterday too!
I’m glad the bus came by and you got on brother. Give terrapin station 5/28/77 a listen. Great tune and killer ending. Gives you the chills
Live at Palladium is even better!
This is a great thank you. Love hearing your takes on Cornell. Keep em coming
Hey Mike. I love how you interpret the solo. I think you are onto something with how you explain it through both narrative and technique. Garcia the musical poet.
Great job.
Michael, you are so correct: "it's the little stuff that makes it.."
I've had this album on repeat for a week now in preparation for this series! so pumped.
Certainly one of my favorite GD songs! I don’t play an instrument, but I love your channel!
Ha same here
Me too.X
Love this! I do not even play the guitar but I love to watch you b/c of these Dead videos :) I love how you have fallen for them. You truly have seen the light!
love the channel and congrats on the new member of the fam
One of my all time favorites, the sound quality of this show, coupled with the fact that it’s a great show always keep me coming back to Cornell 77! Please do more!
Really enjoyable video. Love his expression of enthusiasm, and knowledge. Gorgeous PRS. I've always felt similarly that Garcia musically became the story, or characters of the song. My first show was 9/2/78. Changed me forever, love the Grateful Dead and their songs until my last breath. Subscribed.
Your description of Jerry's solo, he's beçoming that character. Love it! F****n Awesome! I could listen to you talk about the Dead for hours
Superb, I love the way u hear it and instantly break it down - incredible ear! Keep it up on the Dead and also love that you like "Old and In the Way" Jerry!
So happy you're going through the entire Cornell show, Michael. These videos are a joy to watch. Cornell's Loser is fantastic, I suggest checking out 9/3/77 (Englishtown, NJ)!
Right ON, man! I'm blown away at how much you get the GD, Jerry vibe every single time! Especially as how you're not a long time Deadhead! Just a seasoned guitar player falling in love with and appreciating the band chemistry! Led by Jerry who happens to drive the bus with his raw guitar playing! Loving the 5/8/77 series you're doing. Amazing sound clarity as well
So glad you articulated how Jerry’s solos express the main character. As opposed to being cool scales or clever riffs. I’ve never been able to appreciate bands who just solo the lead guitar any other way - and could never articulate why ✌️
Good call on the highlight of Jerry’s solos. He was outstanding in terms of conveying the essence of the song. Yet he always had a new/different way of saying it with each performance.
Love this series Michael! I'll be watching every one!
I've never been able to pause the Dead 😂 Thanks for doing it for me and for the insight!
I've loved these songs for years and it's always makes my heart swell when someone else loves them too! Grateful for your videos.
This was awesome! Your take on the Grateful Dead, and especially Jerry’s playing is SPOT ON. I’ve enjoyed your videos so much, I bought your Jam Band Course. Keep ‘em coming!
You analysis of the solo is so spot on. You hear that desperation in his tone and you pick up on it so well. Reminds me of Polyphonics channel. The way you are analyzing is so spot on Michael.
perfect explanation. this has slowly become my favorite dead song overtime ever since i first heard this show in 2017
Sir, your enthusiasm and musical knowledge is infectious. So nice to see your love for the Dead.
Love the Reviews and your passion for Music and Teaching... Nicely done Michael!
Thanks for taking the time to post these GD tracks. You’re able to beautifully summarize, through a musicians ears what has drawn me to Jerry and the GD since the early 80s (I’m 51). They didn’t always shine by the time I started attending shows in ‘84 but when Jerry & Phil etc were on, they created unique musical magic….
Michael, I have been a Dead Head for longer than you have been alive and I just wanted to Thank You for being pure. It reinvigorates the music of my soul and transports me back to a time when we were young. Outstanding videos
You nailed it , my brother - Jerry LIVED his music, inhabited every note, always tried to erase the separation between thought and action, SEARCHING FOR THE SOUND. Keep up the great work, and thank you for tackling this show!
"you love this stuff for its imperfection".......Yes!!!!!!
DUDE I AM GLAD I FOUND YOUR VIDEOS. I DON'T PLAY BUT I LOVE HEARING A GUITAR TEACHER EXPLAINING JERRY'S STYLE IS FUN. SAW THEM 89 TIMES. EVERY SHOW IN 89
What an intro. Good lord. You nailed everything about that solo. Nailed it.
Great reaction. You get it, my friend. And you’ve added to the pleasure of it all by so sincerely explaining your own.
I don't comment on too many RUclips videos, but your perspective on The Dead, their lyrics and their music is so great to watch. Happy to be a subscriber.
Thanks so much for doing this stuff. Cheers.
Gonna watch this evening. This song and particularly THIS version inspired me so much!
love your love of the Dead .. re-learning the guitar, and your site is great .. so I took it up for a year (should i live so long..)
Hey Michael, you reactions to the "little stuff" makes your teaching even better! The Dead were all about the small bits and pieces vs. the big picture. This particular show was just spot on.
Can't wait for you to review Peggy-O soon.
Nice , I've been playing this one for a few years now. You just gave me a few more ideas and directions to go!
Thanks again Michael!
PEACE 💀🧠🎸🎶🎵🌎🌌
Michael, it is always a blast to watch your reactions and really insightful commentary on musical structure. It's kind of like watching Anthony Bourdain or Julia Child deconstruct a dish; there's both technical expertise and an appreciation for the bigger picture. Your thoughts about Jerry's playing here seem to me to be spot-on. He inhabited a lot of characters and although I always loved the fact that when The Dead was killing it there were a bunch of disparate characters collaborating on a general theme the highlight of anytime he played (for me) was waiting to see what Jerry had to say about it. Thanks,
Can't sleep on what Bobby is doing here. So many cool embellishments...
Bobby's conversational counterpoint is almost the coolest part of the song.
Can’t wait for Jack Straw, my favorite Dead tune!
Stoked for the scarlet>fire 🤟
My favorite too.
Chase Haney heard the story about jack straw and of mice and men?
The "Jack Straw" from this show is my all time favorite version.
This is so awesome. I'm already loving the series!
Solo w Auto Wah in “Dancing in the Streets” is going to be insane!! Thanks for these. Such an honest and egoless take. Great lessons!
Michael, that was just fabulous. I have subscribed to your lessons and although I have played guitar for many, many years, I never before managed to get to grips with music and chord theory. I am having such fun. I have also loved the Dead for more years than I can remember and they are the reason I am here studying with you. You might like to know that Weir once said that his job in the Dead was to listen to Jerry, try to figure out where he was going and try to arrive at the same point at the same time. Sometimes he made it, sometimes he didn’t but both were glorious. Stay safe.
@ about 13:30 he sums up, pretty damn eloquently, why he(myself, & many others) love the Dead. Basically cause of the sincerity of the delivery combined with the awsome story being told(in each song, & soon the realization that more important is the story told by the order things were played in- or the run of shows, or the tour... Gone are the days..
Awesome that you're continuing with this... everybody wants jack straw and me too but it would be cool to see you do brown-eyed women too. A personal favorite
I’m doin them all! Just spacing it out a bit :)
Glad your doing this Michael...thanks!
He did that one already
You are a good bloke and you are doing a great job of spreading the word. Thank you and love from me missus from Scarborough, North Yorkshire (Steve Winwoods birthplace). ☮️
This is amazing. Thanks for doing this. So much fun...
Good stuff right there! You’re hook, line & sinker now! 😁 I’m looking forward to sharing many years of this musical journey we call life. You get it, friend! 🎸🎶♠️♣️♥️♦️⚡️💀🌹
One of my fav songs and fav versions of it of all time. Thanks for doing what you do Mike. More Dead! More Vulfpeck!
I always felt it was a song of desperation and I think your explanation is spot on. I started watching you for the Dead vids because it seemed like you are going thru what most people go through when listening to the Dead. You're obviously being pulled into a musical whirlpool that very subtly draws you in with one song. As that song grows on you it proceeds to channel you smoothly through an illuminating and prodigous catalog that you will continuously refer back to for some new understanding. Similar to todays video games, each song is an adventure. The lyrics and the musicianship are so well crafted that it puts you in the front seat. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Damn, you crushed that playing in the intro! Great feel, timing, dynamics, and facial melt!
I never liked the Dead. Never did "get" them I guess, but after hearing that guitar solo I can see why some thought they were great. Genius playing.
Welcome, Ezekiel. Make sure you catch Shakedown Street, and Fire of the Mountain reviews from this show
I dont blame you. My brother became obsessed with the Dead and kept shoving it down my throat saying how amazing it is...2 years went by and it still sounded like pots and pans and noodles to me, then I started listening to it out of complete boredom of other music. One day it clicked with me all of a sudden, I finally heard what he was raving about, the most amazing feelings arouse in me. Now 18 years later I still love it more than any music and feel sorry for those who dont get it.
@@Jonny-rc4wh
One thing that always perplexed me about the Dead: depending on the performance captured on tape they can sound anywhere from absolutely water tight to as sloppy as an arthritic Boomer garage band that only managed to get 2 practice sessions in before Karen threw a fit.
For a long time I heard more of the latter than the former, giving me an unfavorable impression. But when they're on... they're ON.
You must be a politician...
Ezekiel Watters thats the hardest part about getting into the Dead and why I didn’t start getting into them until my early-mid 20s. There’s sooo much you don’t know where to start. I think one of the best albums to start with is the live album “Without a Net” from the late 80’s. I’d love to hear your take after you check it out. Also, there’s a website called headyversion.com where you can click on a GD song you like and every version is listed by popularity from site users. Great way to cut to the chase and pick the marshmallows out of your lucky charms. ✌️
I love seeing you do the Dead and getting it. That's exactly what the solo conveys to me, also. Jerry always said "Music is something that can happen every night".
One note by Garcia can move me 1000 times more emotionally than 150 notes by someone like Satriani.
LOVE what you are doing with the cornell show! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do the same with The Grateful Dead's show at Alpine Valley 1989 - it is INSANE, and the way they play off each other(especially jerry and brent) is magical! Thanks again for the great content
great analysis - the solo in this song vs the feeling of the rest of the verse/chorus always made me feel like the narrator storyteller is keeping the facade as he tells the story, but the solo is the real emotions - the solo feels like the truth (sadness and desperation) beneath the poker face and self-deception of the rest of the song. Great stuff man!
Thank you for this dead coverage so GREAT!
Keep it up! Your Grateful Dead reaction/lesson videos are fantastic. I've watched them all. This is a great show and I'm thrilled to watch the rest of the songs. You haven't yet really dug into a more extended Dead song. I'm still calling for China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider from Winterland '74. There's excellent video and the transition jam by BOTH Bobby and Jerry is killer. Also, like Tom Bukovac said in your video with him - Jerry Garcia Band!!! Perhaps some of his best playing occurred outside the GD. So much to explore! Thank you, Michael.
Thank You so much!! We all are hoping You are really enjoying this as well!!! So much fun... beyond description .. Greatly appreciated👍👍🔥
LOVE YOUR STUFF!!!! THE FEELS ARE REAL !!!
I so look forward to these videos...Guitar is tuned and amp is warmed up ....hitting play...now Thank you Michael 🙏🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is one of your best reactions. You really teach us what we already know but didn’t know how to say
I love how Michaels face follows the high wire act of Jerry's solo....listening to Garcia literally play on the edge of disaster and more often than not pull a beautiful and miraculous melody out of those "where the fuck is this going" moments are what made us Heads keep coming back over and over. I was grinning ear to becasue Palmisano's joyous amusement feels so familiar.
This is wonderful and you are a rare talent…Thanks
The chord analysis is both way over my head and brilliant.
I love when Jerry sings the verse through his guitar
Thank you for your analyses of these great songs. Your assessment of Loser is spot on! By the way, it snowed before the show while we waited outside. People brought big sheets of plastic to cover our heads! Long live Dead Heads!
Thanks for taking this on...this will be a fun guitar trip..I'm on board.
Thanks, man! Keep up the good work!