Musically, 2009 can only go down as the year I learned to start loving the Dead.
For years, I've merely had a passing knowledge and a worn copy of Dick's Picks 4. I've scoffed, laughed, and made fun of deadheads in the past yet still harbored a respect for the craft.
Sometime in April, that all changed. I point to the NYTimes articles here and here for sparking my renewed interest.
For anyone that knows my musical leanings, the Dead (and by extension Jerry's musical journey) holds myriad entry points. Obsessive cataloging? Check. Ramshackle performances? Check. Band whose sum was greater than individual parts? Check. Stockpile of awesome covers? Check. I could go on.
Jerry obviously draws this together with his silky yet intricate leads that can go from awe-inspiring to cringe-inducing. Add in his lifelong struggles with weight and drugs and the picture deepens and fascination grows. It's this warts and all mentality that gives me even more avenues to explore as the imperfection of life is what makes it worth living. We're always searching for more...
Not going to continue now, but I've never been more comfortable with a band, and never felt less interested in chasing new hot licks. This is enough...
(h/t to icepetal at deadlistening.com for leading me in some awesome directions)
