Customer Reviews

Music Never Stopped

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The selection of music on this CD really does give an accurate representation of "the roots" of the Grateful Dead's sound. However, it's more than just a CD of the original versions of songs that the Dead covered. This CD contains a wonderful selection of "early" American music from folk to country to rock. You don't have to be a Dead-head to like this CD; you just have to be a fan of good music.

The Grateful Dead, during their tenure as America's perennial road band, frequently covered classic songs from many genres of music. From ballads by country legends such as Merle Haggard to foot-stomping gospel numbers like Samson and Delilah, the Grateful Dead were a veritable looking glass into the history of American Music. This CD is a look back at those roots, with all songs recorded by the original artists. I highly recommend this recording for anyone curious about where the Grateful Dead got their ideas and influences, as well as anyone who would like a concise look back at some of the best music created in this country to date.

One of the things that made the Grateful Dead such a great band was their deep roots in American traditional music. This CD contains the original versions of 17 songs played by the Dead, with recording dates ranging from Cannon's Jug Stompers' "Big Railroad Blues" in 1928 to Dylan's "Baby Blue" in 1965.

Almost all of the songs are excellent. Some of the older ones are poorly recorded but still fascinating to listen to. The genres covered include blues, country, folk, R&B, gospel and rockabilly - a wide spectrum that offers a balanced sense of the numerous influences on the Dead and rock music in general. Even if you aren't a Deadhead this is still a great compilation that should be appreciated by anyone who is a fan of American music.

Some interesting tracks, and some entertaining ones. But doesnt have the jams that Dead fans appreciate. Many of the well written songs are recorded before modern improvements, and in outdated styles. Not for the casual Rock fan of the Dead.

This is an excellent look at the roots of the dead's music. Merle Haggard and Howlin Wolf provide my two favorite tracks, although Jimmy Reed's track is great also. The only downfall of the album is "Iko Iko". That song is just plain not good. Overall the album is an excellent buy. You can always skip track three, (Iko Iko).

I fully agree whith the last reviewer. It is amazing that anyone could have been inspired by such GREAT music and yet been sooo bad. This is a great collection of tunes by a handful of legendary musicians with great cover artwork by Crumb to boot. My only problem is that the cover contains the words: "Greatful Dead."