Listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul.

November 11, 2006 3:38 AM

Calling all DeadHeads: I'm going through some bad, hard-to-deal-with shit right now, and am looking for some music to help see me through.

Jerry's guitar always brings me to a better place, so I'm looking for some Grateful Dead or Jerry Band shows that are soothing and mellow, and ideally, available on archive.org. I'm not really up for listening to anything with much of a party vibe. Other suggestions for music that has helped you through hard times would also be much appreciated. Thanks all.

posted by nixxon to media & arts (18 comments total)

A box of rain
Will ease your pain
And love will see you through

Hope it all works out.
posted by fixedgear at 4:38 AM on November 11, 2006

It's not all Jerry, but try the soundtrack to the movie "Smoke" - it contains Jerry's final recordings, as well as some great Tom Waits and other stuff to fit your desired mood. Mellow but not dreary.
posted by jbickers at 5:27 AM on November 11, 2006

I have always been a fan of Jerry songs like Wharf Rat, Black Peter, and Morning Dew. I doubt you will find any one show that will have what you are looking for. Just listening to Jerry's Cat's Under the Stars always gave me a little pick me up. The early 70's shows always struck a chord with me too. While I have over 500 tapes/CDs, I still come back to Europe '72 often enough. Cornell '76 is a great show with an awesome Scarlet/Fire.

Good luck bro.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 5:33 AM on November 11, 2006

It sounds like you need some "Morning Dew." My favorite comes from the end of 5.22.77, available, as Dick's Pick 3. The last 45 minutes or so: Estimated Prophet>Eyes of the World>Wharf Rat>Terrapin Station>Morning Dew is stunning.
posted by pasici at 5:40 AM on November 11, 2006

I can't suggest particular shows (mainly because every show I can think of ends up pretty heavy with the 'party' element you are looking to avoid) but songs that I would keep an eye out for are:


Black Muddy River
Dark Hollow
Eyes of the World
Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad
Here Comes Sunshine
Standing on the Moon
The Wheel
posted by iurodivii at 6:41 AM on November 11, 2006

It's always been Box of Rain for me.
posted by caddis at 7:18 AM on November 11, 2006

but play Ripple at my wake.
posted by caddis at 7:19 AM on November 11, 2006

The Music Never Stopped: Roots of the Grateful Dead and The Roots of the Grateful Dead will both get you back to the source of what makes Jerry's music so powerful, and if you check out the track listings you will see there are plenty of songs in this American roots music that are all about getting through life's tough times. The music never does stop. Good luck.
posted by extrabox at 7:42 AM on November 11, 2006

Non-dead:

Jerry and Dave Grisman cover "Sitting in Limbo." Acoustic. Beautiful.
posted by Phred182 at 9:15 AM on November 11, 2006

Weather Report Suite- a song so beautiful it has made me cry on occasion
Stella Blue- sad and sweet, in the way that only Jerry could do it
He Was a Friend- I know, this one is Dylan, but I love the Dead's late 60's covers of this song
China Doll
the enitre album American Beauty

and if you want a good laugh (because sometimes it's necessary), the song France from Shakedown Street
posted by Afroblanco at 9:22 AM on November 11, 2006

portland, 7/25/72 is laid back, interesting and has some themes i don't think they did at any other time

there's still some party vibe there, but it's not a rowdy vibe
posted by pyramid termite at 10:00 AM on November 11, 2006

It's not the Dead but maybe you'll like Blind Melon? Some of their songs are kinda feel-good, but not too party-ish. On the other hand some of their other songs are really deep and emotional, perfect for getting through rough days.
posted by RoseovSharon at 10:04 AM on November 11, 2006

not the grateful dead but: iron and wine. when i give into it, it works just like religion.
posted by macinchik at 10:04 AM on November 11, 2006

Cornell '76 is a great show with an awesome Scarlet/Fire.

I think you mean Cornell '77? 'Tis an awesome show, but too much of a party vibe through most, in my opinion. (Except for the 'Morning Dew' which is monumental.)

My suggestion is the acoustic sets that began many shows (particularly the SF and NYC runs) in the fall of '80. Dunno where you can get them, but Reckoning (Amazon) contains many gems from that period.

Listen to the river,
Sing sweet songs
To rock my soul.

Best of luck.
posted by docgonzo at 10:32 AM on November 11, 2006

Thanks everyone. I'd mark each of your answers as "best" if it wouldn't result in such an ugly looking page. But consider your answer marked in spirit. These suggestions will help a lot -- at the very least hunting them down will be a welcome diversion.
posted by nixxon at 10:48 AM on November 11, 2006

Rather than the Jerry death songs, perhaps some snappier numbers? Eyes of the World never fails to perk me up.

Good luck!
posted by terrapin at 11:40 AM on November 11, 2006

Might I recommend Sufjan Stevens absolutely beautiful voice on top of a banjo in the Seven Swans album. There's something imminently soothing about every song on that album and the music itself is insanely fresh and original. I don't think you'd have any trouble immediately liking that album as a Dead fan.

As per music that's gotten me through hard times... certain Verve and Modest Mouse songs have gotten me through friends suicides and break-ups. I also have a tendency of getting down in the mud with my music when times are tough. I want to feel the pain on the deepest level before I can move on. I could email it to you if you wanted me, but it probably might not be your style especially the MM. Early Verve might fit your taste well, but now might not be the time to experiment.

Wish I could recommend some Dead, but everyone else is much more familiar with Jerry's work than I am. I'd second a late-70's Morning Dew though.
posted by trinarian at 10:14 PM on November 11, 2006

I like Jerry Garcia's 'Garcia' album (1972) - "Sugaree," "To Lay Me Down," and "The Wheel" are feel good songs.
posted by DudeAsInCool at 9:56 PM on November 12, 2006