Grateful Dead

[Bob Roberts]

Just now trying to get into the Grateful Dead, and from everything I read, their live stuff is what it's all about. I would love to put together a "Greatest Hits Live" CD to put on my Ipod. Surely a Deadhead has already done this. Anybody know where I could find this and download like Jokelben?

[hawaiiboy]

There are 8559 shows on the Archive
http://www.archive.org/search.php?query ... ree&page=1

have fun

[cm22lmr]

There are 8559 shows on the Archive
http://www.archive.org/search.php?query ... ree&page=1

have fun

Fun, indeed. You've set yourself quite a daunting task. What's on Archive.org is only part of what's out there. There's also commercially available live sets, and plenty of stuff on other sites and with other collectors that may or may not duplicate what's on archive. My suggestion, as kind of a part-time Deadhead, if there is such a thing, would be to figure out your favorite songs first. You can also decide which band configuration you like best (i.e. with Pigpen, with or without Donna Godchaux, which keyboard player, which playlist), or if that even matters at all. I realize we all have the same type of issues with Jimmy's shows, but there are just so many more choices of Dead shows. Plus, you may want to investigate the spin off bands such as Phil Lesh & Friends, Ratdog (Bob Weir), Old & In The Way (Jerry), Garcia & Friends, etc.
Anyway, I think your favorite songs is the best place to start. And there's plenty of Dead sites to get into that'll help too.
Hope that helps.

Fins Up!

[cm22lmr]

Remembered one thing: with Dead shows a big issue could be audience recordings vs. soundboard recordings. I know people who prefer each, people who don't care, and people who don't even notice. You'll have to experiment to find out which you prefer. There's also multiple versions of a lot of shows, as you'll find out if you stick with it. Pay close attention to the comments sections on archive.org for each concert. They're a good gauge too.

[SharkysMV1]

IMHO, I suggest the widely-available 5/8/77 show from Cornell (Ithaca, NY) as a starting point. There are many good-quality audience recordings out there, including some FOB (front of soundboard). Many people say this is a good representation of the Dead during one of their tightest eras. Some people say this show is overrated, but I still feel it is a great starting point.

[Bob Roberts]

Since I am just now trying to get into the Dead, I've only got a few songs I really know and like...

Tennessee Jed
Scarlet Begonias
Truckin'
Uncle John's Band


Can anyone give me some direction on other favorites I will like?

[SharkysMV1]

Since I am just now trying to get into the Dead, I've only got a few songs I really know and like...

Tennessee Jed
Scarlet Begonias
Truckin'
Uncle John's Band


Can anyone give me some direction on other favorites I will like?

Tough to say, but given your list, I'd have to suggest Bertha, Jack Straw, Deal, Franklin's Tower, Fire on the Mountain, Eyes of the World.

Really depends if you're looking for studio Dead or live Dead. For studio, my personal favorites are American Beauty and From the Mars Hotel. For live, the Dick's Picks series is AMAZING. What you can do, as mentioned above, is check out archive.org for their shows. Their sound varies by era, and you can most definitely pick out which era you prefer, and then perhaps focus on the Dick's Picks to check out. Personally, I'm a fan of 1974-1979...but that's just me. Check out my post above regarding Cornell '77. That has a good mix of songs (and some of your faves!).

Enjoy

[kahuna01]

Also try "Sugarmegs"

[JollyMon66]

The "best of the dead live" topic is one that is that wide open it figuratively stretches from LA to New York. I've got a good live suggestion for you - check out the LIVE AT THE COW PALACE which recorded live on New Years Eve 1976. I received a copy from a friend a few years ago - the sound is good and there is a great assortment of songs including Promised Land (the opening number), Bertha, Mama Tried (the Merle Haggard number), Deal, Sugar Magnolia, Good Lovin, Scarlet Begonias, One More Saturday Night and Uncle John's Band. I'm not sure but I think this was commercially released.

Considering the volume of live work and the fact that you are starting out on a Grateful Dead experience - I would suggest first looking at the commercially released music. Some of the bootleg live cuts go on and on and on....to the point that even a Dead fan like me is ready for a 25 minute version of Deal to end.

Song suggestions? Other than what’s mentioned above I would say anything off American Beauty (if you don't have please buy it), Alabama Getaway, US Blues, Casey Jones, Tarrapin Station..... I would also agree with the comment above that some of the spin off material is really good. I'll through one more out there - Dark Star Orchestra. They are a dead tribute band and perhaps the best one. According to true deadhead buddies, since you can't see the real thing anymore - this band is as good as it gets at this point.

Good luck - this is a big task.

[JollyMon66]

A follow up to my post....Live at the Cow Palace can be bought on Amazon for less than $30 and carries some pretty strong reviews.

[ragtopW]

Bob.. I only saw the Dead.. maybe 15 times..
so I might get flamed for this by the more traveled "heads"
the show was the show and they never failed to provide
but to be honest.. I left with the memorys of two or three songs from each show. no one show sticks out.. the magic was a "one of" song
I (think) I remember a version of "goin down the Road feelin' bad
where they slipped into "Me and My Uncle" mid song
and then finished Goin' Down the Road.. (they did a lot of that kind of thing)
so to download the whole show and expect
to love each and every song.. IMHO.. not gonna happen
enjoy there is a whole lot of music out there to love..

[cm22lmr]

Bob.. I only saw the Dead.. maybe 15 times..
so I might get flamed for this by the more traveled "heads"
the show was the show and they never failed to provide
but to be honest.. I left with the memorys of two or three songs from each show. no one show sticks out.. the magic was a "one of" song
I (think) I remember a version of "goin down the Road feelin' bad
where they slipped into "Me and My Uncle" mid song
and then finished Goin' Down the Road.. (they did a lot of that kind of thing)
so to download the whole show and expect
to love each and every song.. IMHO.. not gonna happen
enjoy there is a whole lot of music out there to love..

With respect, I would add this: one can say that about any band/singer. Friends have teased me about my Jimmy addiction with much the same words you are using about the Dead. You know what? That's fine. I don't love all of Jimmy's songs; for instance, I've never heard a version of "Why Don't We Get Drunk & Screw" that didn't make me want to run for the nearest border. So yeah, "to download the whole show and expect to love each and every song..."; you're right. Not for the Dead, no, but not for Buffett, either. Or anyone else, for that matter. Not for the Stones, Springsteen, Chuck Berry, etc., etc. None of 'em.
But: the thing is, we all find our own paths in life, in many fields, music among them. So, if the Grateful Dead isn't your thing, that's cool. But Bob's path isn't your path, or mine either. It's Bob's. Let Bob explore it.
Peace out.