Songs That Dead and Company Nails

I love Dead and Company as much as the next Co’ Bro, but I think we all can admit that some songs fall a bit flat compared to the real thing.  That being said, we’re going to focus on the positives in this post.  I think that we’re pretty blessed to be experiencing some amazing music from Bobby, Bill and Mickey (who are 72, 73, and 76 respectively).   Bobby’s vocals are beyond impressive for his age, and while his playing is not nearly as sharp as it used to be, he still calls the shots onstage and can keep up with the younger guys.  Bill is consistent as always, and Mickey has been delivering some cosmic experiences in recent Drums > Space’s.   And of course John, Jeff and Oteil are all thriving in their roles.

Here are some songs I think Dead and Company really deliver on - I’ve separated them into three different categories: Jam Vehicles, Heaters, and Salami Specials.  With each song, I’ve included a YouTube video of a recent performance.  Also, shoutout to @lotmart for the spicy memes.  As always, let me know what songs I missed in the comments.  Enjoy!

Jam Vehicles

These allow the band to really gel and show off some impressive chemistry for being together for such a short amount of time.  Without being a musician, my favorite way of describing Dead and Company’s best jam moments is that they are incredibly “delicate”. And I mean this in the best way possible, when they are at their best nothing is forceful or particularly powerful, it’s just pure bliss.  You can just close your eyes and get absolutely lost.  I think that’s what distances them from any other post Jerry band, no one else can do that for me.  There’s a difference between absolutely shredding (like a lot of guitarists can) and creating that really beautiful space.

Bird Song

Bird Song is one of my favorite Jerry tunes, really pretty but somber at the same time.  As is tradition, Dead and Company slows it down a good bit, but it allows them to really get out there and explore the space.  Here's their performance from Playing in the Sand 2018 (they had another awesome performance in 2019 but I can't find a video). Hopefully we'll get another one next month!

Here Comes Sunshine

Also known as “Here Comes Salami”, these get really spacey - in a good way. I actually had a very embarrassing moment this year when I stated that I liked Dead and Company's Here Comes Sunshine more than any version I had heard by the Grateful Dead. That was, of course, a really dumb statement because I had not yet listened to the Dead's performance on Dick's Picks 1 (12/19/73), which is just simply stellar. Amateur hour over here. Anyway, still always a great one for Dead and Company. Here's their performance from Jiffy Lube this year, my favorite from that show.

Eyes of the World

Of course my favorite song is going to make this list! Dead and Company certainly doesn't disappoint with Eyes. The boys know how to get jazzy, and of course Oteil always delivers a rippin’ base solo.

Dark Star

Dark Star is another one that Dead and Company approaches a little differently, but once you get past that, they are a lot of fun. Probably a good theme song for this blog.

Throwing Stones

Bobby still gets really into Throwing Stones and has been delivering some powerful vocals recently.  This performance is particularly emotional, played in Sunrise, FL shortly after the tragedy at nearby Stoneman Douglas high school.

Playing in the Band

I know what you’re gonna say - I hear this every show and I’m tired of it! Yes, I know it’s their most played song, but hear me out.  When they want to, they can really stretch it out and create an awesome improvisational space out of the song.  It never gets as spacey as some of those 30+ minute Grateful Dead versions (I think for the better, honestly, but Donna might say otherwise), but it really gets the band in a great mindset.

Salami Specials

Say what you want about his own music, but it’s really fun to watch John play Dead tunes.  Here’s a few that he absolutely shines on, even though they might not showcase the rest of the band as much as others.

Sugaree

Nothing will ever top Jerry’s riffs on Sugaree in 77 (Dick’s Picks 3 from 5/22/77 is my favorite) for me, but I love the way Dead and Co builds up each segment of the song.  Mayer is always ON for this one, especially here, from one of the best shows they’ve played.

It Hurts Me Too

Mayer delivers some mean riffs on this blues classic (side note: Camden, NJ is not a fun place to be during a monsoon).

Deal

Hot hot hot.  Another one that John clearly loves to play - he's actually done it a few times at his solo shows.

Heaters

The old guys can still get after it - here’s some evidence!

Cumberland Blues

They don’t always play it this fast, but it’s a lot of fun when they do! Cumberland is a great chance for Jeff to show off his stuff, and there's been some awesome interplay recently between him and John.

Viola Lee Blues

This is Pigpen-era dead tune that wasn't really on the map for me until hearing Dead and Company play it, and they do an amazing job. As expected, it's a bit lower energy than the early Dead versions, but once you get into the groove it's a fun one for me.

Jack Straw

They aren’t as high energy as the rippin’ Jack Straws that we got from Jerry and Co’ in the 80’s but these still pack a punch. Beautiful interplay between John and Jeff on this quintessential Bobby/Robert Hunter song. Plus, a guest appearance by Chill Walton!

Estimated Prophet

The way I like to describe seeing Estimated Prophet live is that it hits you like a freight train. Just an incredible experience.

Hell in a Bucket

It's totally different than some of the really high energy versions we got from the Grateful Dead from 1987-1990, but this incarnation is still a lot of fun.  The slower pace allows John to get creative with his solos and the results are spectacular (this video from Lockn' 2018 is actually on the faster side for them, but here's an example of a slower one that is still major heat).