[FretfulDave]

The classic problem, how to best introduce a person to The Grateful Dead. So many eras, different types of music played. The stuff that draws us all to it.

I myself started from albums, specifically Workingman's Dead (then Wake of the Flood, then Bear's Choice, etc.). I was introduced to the Dead album by others, then pursued the rest on my own. Back in those days tapes were scare and folks could hear live Dead from concerts or FM shows like the King Biscuit Flower Hour, but albums were the most of it.

In this endeavour one must remember the old adage that you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink. So the introduction part can become the very important.

I don't think throwing long jams at anyone immediately is a good thing to do. Appreciation for that stuff is for connoisseurs. Short songs, but live is probably best.

Europe '72, but forego the Prelude and Epilogue stuff
Dead Set.

These two have good examples of much of the different musical styles they played, shorter songs and catches two good periods in the bands time. and if she likes, go for the shows.

On a side note (and yes I know my posts can be long), I have a close friend (> 10 years) who was kinda anti-Dead when I met him due to over-exposure from his brother. He was at my house not too long ago and I put on a DVD concert with them doing Help, et al. Well he was floored and was like, "is this what you would see? Holy crap! This is great!". Now, no mistake, he is not a convert... just doesn't diss the Dead anymore. It is progress .


FWIW

Dave

[shakedown_04092]

Well put, Fretfull Dave, well put. A progress for some, indeed.

[HOWEYMAN]

Just remember the person needs to love music to love the dead. The dead is music.

[HOWEYMAN]

Plus, we folks who LOVE them tend to overplay them a tad..

I can't believe I am hearing this on this site, but I do see where you are coming from. The Dead, for me, is the only music I can listen to 24/7. But I have to be careful at work and only play it for 4 hours of the day instead of 8 so it doesn't wear thin on my work mate, who i turned on to the Dead, but for him he really likes the acoustic stuff, which I goy him hooked on.

[hesgone95]

Hey folks, thanks for all the great ideas, y'all rock! There's some really great shows here, some of which I have, some of which I need

I think the show I'm gonna use is 09/12/89, Greek Theater. It's a solid show that really gives an example of the boys as musicians, not a monster show, but really solid. The setlist is good, shows a lot of variety and has some of the 'essential' jams, 2nd set Scarlet>Fire, really tasty Estimated>Eyes, 1st set China>Rider closer. Even better, Jerry is really on. The only time I hear him flub lyrics is the first line of the third verse of Eyes. And unless you know the song really well, youn won't notice it. Besides, this girl doesn't speak much English so it's all good! More about the music y'know? I have a really tasty AUD, which I think is good. Better than a SB in many cases, the audience energy adds to the recording I think.

I think I'm gonna have to agree with Tigerstrat on the point of studio vs. live. While I got into the dead from studio stuff (Workingmans, American Beauty, Skullfuck), It's different 'cos I grew up with this stuff. Honestly I find alot of the studio stuff lacking. IMHO, the live energy and improvisation is what makes the Dead the Dead.

As far as overplaying the Dead, is that possible? I suppose not for us, but perhaps for some.

[HOWEYMAN]

Just wanted to say one more thing. Try and pick the Dead when the their vocals are really smooth and strong. I mean dont't play them a "round n round" where Bobby is shouting into the mic and Donna is screaming behind him. To virgin ears this may turn them away, for they just won't understand it at that point.

[violanojblues]

I think the stuff from '68 to '70 is the darker music. The show that turned me on was 2/28/69. The Other One Suite, The Eleven & the Alligator from that show are out of this world. Not "best of" by many people's standards, but solid performances non-the-less. For a goth-chick, go for Anthem of the Sun material. Dix Pix 8 & 16 and Two From the Vault. (Just my opinion.)

[DanK]

ah yes, 3/1/69 is one of my fav's, just a couple days after the one you mentioned. i shall check it out.

[amyjared]

I must say, one of the first tapes I ever got and one of the best for newbies (I've used it hundreds of times and it still works!) is

september 20, 1970, Fillmore East

It's got the acoustic set and the electric, the quality is great (something people often forget: It needs to be good quality to turn others on) and the setlist is excellent.

[qiuniu]

I think the stuff from '68 to '70 is the darker music. The show that turned me on was 2/28/69. The Other One Suite, The Eleven & the Alligator from that show are out of this world. Not "best of" by many people's standards, but solid performances non-the-less. For a goth-chick, go for Anthem of the Sun material. Dix Pix 8 & 16 and Two From the Vault. (Just my opinion.)

Kinda what I was going to say, ifin' she's goth gotta go with the dark stuff. Smokin' Other One, Eleven, Dark Star, stuff like that.

I strongly suggest getting her hooked on one song, not trying to get her hooked on shows. Ifin' she's goth, there are just so many Little Red Roosters shes gonna sit through.

[hesgone95]

I Ifin' she's goth, there are just so many Little Red Roosters shes gonna sit through.

there's only so many li'l red roosters i'm gonna sit thru and i fucking love the band heart and soul!



how did i forget 68-70!? 2/22/69-acoustic MOM>Dark Star. Of course! DOH!!

[b weird]

How could I have forgotten Skullfuck that's one of their best albums. Also try In The Dark, as you know it has Touch Of Grey, the song that has made many people a
Dead Head. Also what show was it where Steven Stills sat in with the boys?

[Rev_Roach]

I think the best show is the one you bring them too. I got a buddy of mine into the dead by bringing him to a DSO show, which he loved.

[hesgone95]

I think the best show is the one you bring them too. I got a buddy of mine into the dead by bringing him to a DSO show, which he loved.

Unfortunately, I live in Mexico City and there ain't no DSO or other great cover bands. Or jam bands for that matter...

[tigerstrat]

Top 2 responses in some "The Song That Turned Me On To The Dead" poll I once read (years back):

"China Cat Sunflower" and "Sugar Magnolia"

...but the Goth thing makes me automatically think "China Doll" - now there's a good ol depressing/suicidal tune to which the black eyeliner crowd would relate.