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    frogstorm
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    And on the Third Night they really became a band.

    I’m underslept, my head is still buzzing and my feet ache from three nights of non-stop dancing (first time I’ve hit three consecutive shows since ’95), but I still have the ecstatic glow of last night’s show to keep me going (until I crash… later).

    The Sunday Furthur concert was one of those shows you hit every once in while where it’s clear from the first second that it’s going to be a great night: sound in the hall is fantastic, the parts are all fitting together smoothly—the band balancing itself, like a great orchestra—everyone looks happy and relaxed onstage and in the crowd, and any and all doubts fall away in the face of undisputable evidence that this music—this band—is really happenin’.

    It all started with drums— Joe and Jay, all smiles, Jay jumping around his setup like he was on springs— and it was a minute or so before it became clear that, no, thi

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  • gratefaldean
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    Bob singing Jerry
    If you've been paying attention to Ratdog setlists over the past few years, you know that Bobby's gotten to the point where he's often singing more Jerry songs than his own. I admit that it sounded "not right" to me at first, but it's been growing on me. I'm good with it. It's certainly as valid as covering Bob Dylan songs or Beatles songs (or Paul McCartney singing Lennon and Harrison songs in his shows). It's not an imitation, but an interpretation, and interpreting the songs of others has historically been a lot more common than performing your own. I admit that I have never seen DSO (or any other band's "tribute band") because that has always seemed too much like imitation, which feels a little creepy to me...but in DSO's case, I'd probably never say "never." I don't know what this has to do with anything, because, frankly, if Furthur comes further east, I'm there!
  • Greg SC
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    Hal R.Hey, I hear you,
    Hal R. Hey, I hear you, however, most believe that the three night stint at the Fox was only a tryout, or investigative look at how John would do in the mix in terms of chemistry, etc. I myself think this is the best thing since Jerry's death. But what would be better if they decide to continue this thing, is the following line up: Bobby, Phil, Mickey, Bill, Jeff C., John K., Donna Jean Greg SC
  • themontereyjacks
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    Recordings?
    hey they should really consider releasing this stuff. all three shows on cd. for christmas? that would be great. i mean it's cool to get downloads too... whatever. just some kind of official release would be nice. in sparkling perfect high quality with seamless transitions and liner notes by robert hunter, bob dylan, and jerry garcia himself!
  • wolff
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    morning dew
    long as phil doesn't sing morning dew I"m happy And i am sure you ALL know what I mean peace and spread the love thank you for all the good tapes , cd's whatever you got jerry lives forever in our hearts and always will
  • sherbear
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    BOB WEIR SINGING JERRY GARICA TUNES
    I LOVE IT! Thanks for each and every one. Never stop. It's so easy to say it and someone needed to hear it. Ok guess we're all caught up. THANKS BOBBY! And I should commend all thoes other ones who do it too. Bravo to ALL in the heart of gold band! AND it's a really big band too! Major thanks...really. -------------{-----------@ xoxoxoxoxo for the unconvinced too. It's like I told you... What I said...
  • fluffhead042
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    Hal R
    I think the name takes on a whole new incarnation now that Jerry has passed....I respectfully disagree that "The Grateful Dead" died with Jerry....the "original" meaning even makes more sense now that he has passed....almost as if the name is finally coming to fruition....either way....call it "shit-pot" and I'm there regardless...they sound great (with the exception of Bob singing the Jerry vocals....just doesn't feel right) :) "In a bed, in a bed, by the waterside I will lay my head. Listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul."
  • fluffhead042
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    wow...
    ummm....why is Bob singing 'Sugaree'?he just doesn't do it for me on the Jerry songs...they were...and are...meant to be sung with Garcia's vocals...and they're onstage!!! WTF? seems ridiculous....I don't hear JK singing lead vocals on Cassidy...doesn't make sense to me...use what u have! Maximize the experience....to each his own I suppose...I just haven't heard anyone praising Bob singing the Jerry songs and neither am I. That being said...It's all good....very good. "In a bed, in a bed, by the waterside I will lay my head. Listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul."
  • cleanlivin
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    Grateful Dead
    Was it just a ploy or was there meaning behind the story of the Grateful Dead?This world needs the Grateful Dead and it should be supported like the institution it is. As one member passes another takes his/her place, there fore paying the debt of the life and funeral of the previous member. I've been waiting for a school to be started since 95. Is the music and the scene not deserving of immortality? Maybe I'm a dreamer but Im not the only one, the Dead, should live and small minds should reopen
  • Hal R
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    Fluffhead - you won't be seeing the Grateful Dead
    sorry man but without Jerry this is not going to be the Grateful Dead and what about Bill K. one of the founders and Mickey, it seems like everybody is just writing them off. It is too bad you never got to see Jerry in person because only then would you understand what he meant to us and why it isn't the Grateful Dead without him and never can be, no matter how awesome the guitarists are and there have been some grates that have played with the boys since Jerry moved on. There was a presence that can not be named and who dares to name it that touched us and that is what it is. Magic, wonder, mystery, joy like you will never see again (not that there are not many other facets of these realms that are yet to be realized and enjoyed and loved for the moment). So be it. Furthur to the next time and space. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
  • fluffhead042
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    mmmhmmm!
    I second "upholding's" emotions....all of them....I also am too young to have seen Jerry live and this is truly something I have been hoping for over the past coupla years....I think Stu Allen would've been a better fit musically/vocally as his song catalogue is more diverse and I personally think he's a notch above John...but John...is perfect! This was bound to happen...it is time. It's trippy....kinda like a resurrection of sorts...headiness! I'm glad the older heads dug the shows too..that means a lot...a WHOLE lot. I figure they should've gone with the Jerry vocals from the get-go....it's what has brought us all here in the first place...the Ol' "If it ain't broke" philosophy should apply. I can't wait to see "The Grateful Dead" for the first time!!! I think they should go back to calling the band 'The Grateful Dead' too...call the tour "furthur" but 'Grateful Dead' fits...esp with Jerry having passed....and us all....well.....eternally Grateful....not dead...just grateful. "In a bed, in a bed, by the waterside I will lay my head. Listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul."
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And on the Third Night they really became a band.

I’m underslept, my head is still buzzing and my feet ache from three nights of non-stop dancing (first time I’ve hit three consecutive shows since ’95), but I still have the ecstatic glow of last night’s show to keep me going (until I crash… later).

The Sunday Furthur concert was one of those shows you hit every once in while where it’s clear from the first second that it’s going to be a great night: sound in the hall is fantastic, the parts are all fitting together smoothly—the band balancing itself, like a great orchestra—everyone looks happy and relaxed onstage and in the crowd, and any and all doubts fall away in the face of undisputable evidence that this music—this band—is really happenin’.

It all started with drums— Joe and Jay, all smiles, Jay jumping around his setup like he was on springs— and it was a minute or so before it became clear that, no, thi

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I think the name takes on a whole new incarnation now that Jerry has passed....I respectfully disagree that "The Grateful Dead" died with Jerry....the "original" meaning even makes more sense now that he has passed....almost as if the name is finally coming to fruition....either way....call it "shit-pot" and I'm there regardless...they sound great (with the exception of Bob singing the Jerry vocals....just doesn't feel right) :) "In a bed, in a bed, by the waterside I will lay my head. Listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul."
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I LOVE IT! Thanks for each and every one. Never stop. It's so easy to say it and someone needed to hear it. Ok guess we're all caught up. THANKS BOBBY! And I should commend all thoes other ones who do it too. Bravo to ALL in the heart of gold band! AND it's a really big band too! Major thanks...really. -------------{-----------@ xoxoxoxoxo for the unconvinced too. It's like I told you... What I said...
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long as phil doesn't sing morning dew I"m happy And i am sure you ALL know what I mean peace and spread the love thank you for all the good tapes , cd's whatever you got jerry lives forever in our hearts and always will
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hey they should really consider releasing this stuff. all three shows on cd. for christmas? that would be great. i mean it's cool to get downloads too... whatever. just some kind of official release would be nice. in sparkling perfect high quality with seamless transitions and liner notes by robert hunter, bob dylan, and jerry garcia himself!
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Hal R. Hey, I hear you, however, most believe that the three night stint at the Fox was only a tryout, or investigative look at how John would do in the mix in terms of chemistry, etc. I myself think this is the best thing since Jerry's death. But what would be better if they decide to continue this thing, is the following line up: Bobby, Phil, Mickey, Bill, Jeff C., John K., Donna Jean Greg SC
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If you've been paying attention to Ratdog setlists over the past few years, you know that Bobby's gotten to the point where he's often singing more Jerry songs than his own. I admit that it sounded "not right" to me at first, but it's been growing on me. I'm good with it. It's certainly as valid as covering Bob Dylan songs or Beatles songs (or Paul McCartney singing Lennon and Harrison songs in his shows). It's not an imitation, but an interpretation, and interpreting the songs of others has historically been a lot more common than performing your own. I admit that I have never seen DSO (or any other band's "tribute band") because that has always seemed too much like imitation, which feels a little creepy to me...but in DSO's case, I'd probably never say "never." I don't know what this has to do with anything, because, frankly, if Furthur comes further east, I'm there!
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NO DONNA!!! She had her place in some songs and then others are like nails on a chalkboard...like on Playing in the Band. As I said before, I'm sure there are reasons Billy and Mickey are not involved. Either they don't want to participate or Bob and Phil prefer Jay and Joe. Either way, I'm perfectly fine with the lineup...Although I have to admit I am not the biggest Mickey fan either...and the tapes from the spring sound less energetic than Furthur did to me (in person).
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Hey, I agree. Earlier in the year I was saying to myself how vacant the mix sounded with just Bobby and Warren (Spring tour), but now with John K in there, the gaps are music in themselves, similar to the way Jerry played with strategic holes, and dramatic pauses, which had you craving the next note. It is all in the chemistry I guess. And I think this group has it. But ... I do think Donna Jean should at least come out for a few songs per night. Screeching chalk, well I kind of liked it. Either way, let it rock. Greg SC
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PHIL LESH *** BOB WEIR Jeff Chimenti * John Kadlecik Jay Lane * Joe Russo December 8 & 9 Hammerstein Ballroom New York City, NY Doors: 6:30 / Showtime: 8:00 PM December 11 Chevrolet Theater @ Oakdale Wallingford, CT Doors: 6:30 / Showtime: 8:00 PM December 12 & 13 Asbury Park Convention Hall Asbury Park, NJ Doors: 6:30 / Showtime: 8:00 PM If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
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Wow. First things first: HEARTFELT THANKS TO PHIL and BOBBY for keeping the spirit alive, and for giving us so much all these years. Second, HOLY COW THIS IS IT!!! THE BOYS ARE BACK!!! These shows were the most fun I have had at a musical event since 1990 or 91. Really tremendous. I think this is the right lineup. The magic was happening, something special about this grouping and let's let it happen: Phil, Bob, Jeff, Joe, Jay, and John. Hurray!!! JK, TAG, YOU...ARE...IT! I really appreciated the singing of Bobby, Phil AND John. Of course it's different than Jerry. it is also real, and authentic, and heartfelt, and I LOVE IT! Finally, special thanks to Jay Lane. I just love looking up at the stage and seeing someone bouncing around as energetically as us down in the pit. Yahoo!! Great energy guys. Thank you thank you thank you. Keep on growin'!
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~you can't take sides when you know the earth is round~
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Deadheads wouldn't be deadheads w/o Hal's opinionMods wouldn't be mods w/o Fluff's take... Still, it's proper respect to retire the name Grateful Dead when Jerry passed As it is proper respect to retire The Dead when Bill & Mickey ain't there I think I read somewhere in the Furthur reviews where someone said: "If it wasn't considered proper till now to have a Jerry clone play, so be it. Now is the time we can start having fun again!" This is a very loose paraphrase. I know, I know -- John isn't just a Jerry clone -- and that's what makes Furthur even better! I like the name Furthur, because that is where Bob & Phil are taking it. And you have to give them A LOT of credit for that! Thanks Bob & Phil!!!
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this discussion really doesn't change anything, but it's something i've been hung up on:I'm on the same page as lamagonzo, respect in the community for the Music and All the band members is something for me that sets the entire experience apart from other mere bands. However, in the words of Phil, every member of the Grateful Dead have always been "fingers on the hand" of a much greater organism. When Jerry passed, his absence was undeniably incapable of being filled. Yet to be fair, when pigpen, godchaux, or mydland died, the band kept on chuggin' along in memory of the dedication of the members. So it begs the question: in a general participatory sense was Jerry just as much a finger on the hand as those others? And would he want the name of their legacy retired because of his passing? I would go out on a limb and say he wouldn't. Nevertheless, the decision to hang up the name belonged solely to the remaining band members. The bottom line is that after such an emotional loss things changed, and here we are now. Much FURTHER from those last days! We can call it whatever we want, but when it comes down to it, it's still that good 'ol Grateful Dead music!! Amen.
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Amen..."Mods wouldn't be mods w/o Fluff's take" and what's a "mod"? Should I be insulted? Am I any less of a deadhead because my opinion differs? hmmm. :( "In a bed, in a bed, by the waterside I will lay my head. Listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul."
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and am listening to it as I write. I'm in the midst of Cassidy right now and I must say I'm impressed. I have always been skeptical of the whole "sound like the Grateful Dead" thing. As I result I avoided Dead cover bands like the plague until last year. I finally decided to go see DSO for the benefit of my 13 year old son, figuring this might be as close as he would get to the real thing. I enjoyed them so much that we ended up seeing them twice last year! John has something special going and does sound very similar to Jerry at times. I was once again skeptical when I heard about the Furthur shows. I was concerned that having someone trying to sound like Jerry would be a flop. What I'm hearing here is not someone trying to sound like Jerry, but someone who has a Jerry feel to their playing. The jams in this show sound more energetic and enthusiastic than any I've heard since the death of Jerry. I enjoyed the Dead this spring and thought Warren did a good job, but there is something about this show that has a bit of the "x-factor" to it. It would be nice to hear John doing all the Jerry vocals. Sometimes the shared vocals are kind of a bummer and while I love Bobby doing Bobby songs he often doesn't do justice vocally to the Jerry songs. I would definitely be anxious to see these guys if they come east!
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Mods are deadheads who haven't seen Jerry play in person, who turned on to the Dead without seeing a show. It is what it is (a zen cliche). Your opinion is as valid as anyone else's... No disrepect intended and nor do I believe all mods think the same. I sure know all deadheads don't! And thats what makes all the colors in the rainbow. PS -- Today Lucy of John Lennon's Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds died, she was 46 and had a beautifull smiling face.
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I see...but it's those differing opinions and perspectives that make us ALL Deadheads :) Pre and Post-Jerry...but heads full of dead nonetheless I still think he wrote 'Lucy' about someone else ;) "In a bed, in a bed, by the waterside I will lay my head. Listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul."
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SEE YOU IN NY......... HAHAHAPeace- Moye
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Looked at a little youTube on Furthur, and am definitely on-board with JK! When I went to shows in the 80's I always felt the Grateful Dead were a completely different entity--more self-contained and mystical--than other bands that played big arenas. There was a context and multi-voice dialogue involving the band and, as importantly, the Dead Head community. Long-time show heads at the time always seemed to state then that the band was just a shell of some earlier line-up, which was probably a legitimate gripe in their minds. Being new, everything was fantastic. The band's ability to bring in new players (in the wake of Pig Pen and the Godchauxs leaving the group) and still jell and amaze led my mind to believe there would always be a Grateful Dead, growing like the Master Musicians of Jajouka--who have retained the spirit for multiple generations. After Jerry died, it seemed very much so the opposite, that the chemistry and mysticism was contained in the spirit of Garcia, and that the rest was business. In the years that have followed, some of the reunion line-ups and side projects have worked, sometimes addressing the group personality the Grateful Dead expressed. Furthur is another vehicle to get to those issues--this time balanced with youth along with experience. The context of the music is important, and subtleties like JK's road-weary voice and ability to react in a Garcia-like manner to the changes Phil & Bob lay down is influencing the new band in a positive manner.Concerning Jerry's spirit, his presence always seemed to override the group mind during the 80's and beyond. Shows and later whole tours depended on his state of mind. It seemed Garcia's role in the band began to elevate him about the time of American Beauty. The notion of "fingers on a hand" or "multi-headed hydra" began to fade as Pig Pen contributed less, and his focal point shifted to the emotionally heavier songs Jerry sang. I always wondered which 'Grateful Dead' was referenced by the buttons that said "Good Ol' Grateful Dead." Seems Jerry was an entertainer who exhaustively worked in the spotlight, and had a mixture of influences--L.A. and Marin County, comic books and the oral tradition of the old folk songs, being there and not wanting to be there. Other members of the core balance their own extremes, all leading to the musical dialogue presented. It would be nice to think Furthur is approaching the balanced model that the early Grateful Dead had--"when the music played the band." We'll have to see on tour. And that's a good thing. The context of the post-1970 songs and the ever-lingering Jerry emotions will make it difficult, but perhaps this is one line-up which will be able to coax some of that "Good Ol' Grateful Dead" feeling. If not, my notion of a perpetual Dead spirit will go on the "heap of bad ideas," which include "grateful DEAd" and "jerry garCIA," if you catch my drift... It's all arts and entertainment, but it is still spirit and family as well. May there always be newbies who are amazed, and those who know the history and context.
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... We were selling ice cold reality for a buck in the lobby after the show. "Step right up and get your ice cold reality! Ice cold reality here -- All you can handle only a buck!
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Come to Western NY for further!!! We all love u out here!! As alwayz!!Hippies crawl out of the woodwork here lol it's a rainbow full of sound, It's fireworks, calliopes and clowns....
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let's all pray well guess what !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IT WORKED JUST MAILED MY MONEY ORDER YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPEACE WOLFF