If You Hate The Dead…

The Grateful Dead’s Legacy of Awful Music

A good summary of the anti-Dead perspective.

On a personal note:  back in the 80’s I found myself in a short,  ill-advised relationship with a neo-hippie chick.  Because I will listen to anything once, I allowed myself to be subjected to a fair cross-section of their live and studio recordings.  What I heard was not one, but TWO drummers who couldn’t keep time (where else but in 60’s San Francisco could two such creatures be found?), a bass player who aimlessly noodles when he should be anchoring the song, meandering guitar solos (see article for a good description of those), silly-sounding harmonies, and songs that were either watered down country–country without the requisite redneck element–or jazz without the requisite improvisational talent.  In short, to my ears, they couldn’t play, sing, or write.  Other than that, great band.

And while it’s true that I was prejudiced because I hate jam bands, it’s also true that I at least respect ones who can play.  I never liked the Allman Bros., but I’m forced to admit their musicianship was top-notch.  Hell, Duane Allman even worked as a session guy in Muscle Shoals.  I believe Jerry Garcia would have been laughed out of the room.

More Scott Walker

I’m pretty sure this was the Walker Brothers’ biggest US hit, maybe their only one.  Catchy chorus.  I heard this quite a bit growing up.

More Tarantino

I can’t really tell what the story is supposed to be about, but this looks pretty good. Brad Pitt has a way of finding ways to get in cool movies, so I’m going to give them the benefit of a doubt. I’m not seeing Samuel L Jackson, so that’s a minus, but Margot Robbie is nice eye candy. What say you bastards?

Holy Shit!

A new Long Ryders record! A new Long Ryders record!

And for reference, an old Long Ryders cover of a NRBQ song that should’ve been a hit for both bands.