Grateful Dead

One of the top 3 rock bands of all time right behind The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Each release kept progressing thanks to the Garcia/Robert Hunter collaborative songwriting. The rest of the members coming from very diverse musical backrounds. Jerry unequivocally the most diverse greatest rock guitarist of all time. Their releases seemed to come out in pairs starting with "Workingman's Dead/ American Beauty" and culminating with "In The Dark/Built to Last", their final studio release. Their masterpiece being "Terrapin Station". It's no wonder they have their long lasting music highlighted on their own radio station on SiriusXM. Their music will last as long as there are humans around to listen to music with their deadhead fanbase continuing to grow every year.

From Brandon8 04/23/2020 03:58 | #250386

This band was larger than life more than just a rock band and it all starts with the music. You don’t have to experience the scene to appreciate the art although I’m sure it was something.

From AJSki2fly 02/07/2020 17:44 | #247569

Like others have said most of the best Dead stuff is the live recordings, I really like some of their earlier albums are also pretty good. I think they are one of those bands you either get or hate, maybe a bit like the Rolling Stones for some people. Whatever you think they are exceptional musicians.

The Grateful Dead is, imo, the greatest live band of all time. They provided a live experience that is unparalleled and one that will never be replicated. If you're looking to "get" the Dead and you're listening to studio stuff, you're in the wrong place. The band's peak is generally regarded to have been from 1968-1974; any released material from those years is going to be best of the best. The later years have their moments but really aren't on the same level. For beginners I highly recommend any of the Dick's Picks volumes from those peak years, particularly the 72-74 years, as well as Live/Dead, Europe '72, Sunshine Daydream, Winterland 1973, The Grateful Dead Movie Soundtrack, and One and Two From The Vault. Listening to the Grateful Dead is a very different listening experience than normal studio albums. Relax and throw on a show front to back; you might be surprised what you find.

To me the pinnacle of American music. Jerry Garcia pre heroin was the greatest guitar player ever. Phil Lesh is in the discussion with Jaco Pastorious as greatest Bass player. Kreutzman is a fantastic drummer, and everyone who has ever played in a jam band wants a rhythm player like Weir. To me the best they can cover Dylan or the Beatles or play originals just as good as anyones. Hunter is in a class with Dylan as a wordsmith. Truly transcendent artists particularly from 67-75 and the in the dark period of 87-90. Live they are an unparalleled force creating unique listening experiences and set lists each night. There was truly nothing like a grateful dead concert and there never will be.

From O.T. 01/22/2016 00:46 | #157300

An outstanding force. Maybe the most inventive of all who followed the Beatles, either in songwriting as for opening new spaces. The sweetest harmonies, the darkest dissonances, the wisest words and the dullest moments, the most caring and the most demanding to their fans.

They have talent, but I think a lot of their legacy is based on pretentious attitudes, and the sort of culture that revolved around them, rather than actual substance (well, musical substance anyway). They do have some good music, though.

From GoJetsGo 08/13/2013 00:56 | #83834

They're OK, but the music doesn't match the cultural presence.

From skelter54 06/02/2013 19:39 | #77937

A very good band.

From gdhead4ever 05/26/2013 02:32 | #77264

The Dead sound lives on and on and on. Spirited music for the ages. Have you got it now? Give it a try -- you will never be the same once you get it.