Customer Reviews

Missing Man Formation

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As the "new guy" in the Grateful Dead, Vince Welnick received an unfair amount of flack from fans who are "Deader-than-thou." (One might be wise to recall that Welnick's predecessor, Brent Mydland, received the same treatment and did not respond well to it.) It's unfortunate, then, that many people will overlook this gem of a solo debut. Welnick assembled a hot little band of seasoned Bay Area professionals to deliver a stunning CD. "Samba in the Rain" reaches heights unimagineable when the Dead performed it. But it's Welnick emotional performances on "Golden Days" and "True Blue" and the Phil Spector-ish production that really make this CD a joy to listen to. Several years after its release, I still haven't tired of listening to this. It's easily one of the best CDs by an ex-Dead member.

Vince Welnick, a veteran of the Punk-Progressive The Tubes, and the last Grateful Dead keyboardist, comes back to music with this CD. Out of reverence for the late Jerry Garcia and the Air Force tradition of flying in formation leaving the dead comrade's position empty, comes the title Missing Man Formation.. Track 1 - "Golden Days" starts off the album as with some of the best rock, a slow instrumental build-up leading into a driving beat. Lyrics such as, "It only stands to reason every set must end some day...I can say I knew you when, these were some Golden Days" are wrenched straight from Vince's heart and soul. One of the most powerful songs, "True Blue" is both affirmation and accusation in dealing with those who care about you when you're at rock bottom. Definitely not Commercial Rock - This entry combines the style and form that's lacking in most commercial pop music today.

LawnChair Neighbors

As the last keyboardist of the Grateful Dead, Vince Welnick brought a passion and energy to the band that was noticeably lacking in these qualities at times. While the band was still capable of doing great things when they wanted to, it was Welnick's powerful high harmony vocals and extremely colorful keyboard fills that brought life to songs that the others had maybe grown a little weary of playing in their 30 year run.

And he even wrote a couple of cool tunes to add to their repertoire, such as the upbeat Samba In The Rain which can also be found on this CD. It is hard to pick out standout tracks since there really isn't a weak song to be heard on this one. However each song is unique in its own way. Golden Years kicks things off on a very emotional level while simultaneously mourning the passing of and celebrating the life of Grateful Dead founder Jerry Garcia. Devil I Know is a fun song that you will find yourself bobbing your head to and drumming on your steering wheel if you happen to be driving while listening. Another track I really enjoy is Golden Stairs, one of two collaborations between Welnick and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter (Samba being the other). The song is very Dead-ish and it is very easy to imagine the Dead playing it, right down to how Jerry would have sounded handling the guitar solo.

This CD definitely belongs in the collection of anybody that loves the Grateful Dead, but it will also be a welcome addition to people who simply love great music that is honest and comes from the heart.

The only shame about this album is that Vince Welnick is no longer with us. Great songs and great instrumentals. Fans of Steve Kimock in particular will find this offering pleasing. True Blue, Samba In The rain and Golden Days will resonate with deadheads.Underrated album by an underrated performer. We miss you Vince

how can you go wrong with Vince Welnick, Bobby Vega, Steve Kimock and Prairie Price. A little slick on production, but great none the less. Speady serveice, great condition

Vince Welnick, a veteran of the Punk-Progressive The Tubes, and the last Grateful Dead keyboardist, comes back to music with this CD. Out of reverence for the late Jerry Garcia and the Air Force tradition of flying in formation leaving the dead comrade's position empty, comes the title Missing Man Formation.. Track 1 - "Golden Days" starts off the album as with some of the best rock, a slow instrumental build-up leading into a driving beat. Lyrics such as, "It only stands to reason every set must end some day...I can say I knew you when, these were some Golden Days" are wrenched straight from Vince's heart and soul. One of the most powerful songs, "True Blue" is both affirmation and accusation in dealing with those who care about you when you're at rock bottom. Definitely not Commercial Rock - This entry combines the style and form that's lacking in most commercial pop music today.

LawnChair Neighbors

(WEBMASTER NOTE: My title got cut off - it reads as above title. The last word is "Only" not "On")