From: jojw@uhura.cc.rochester.edu (John J. Wood)
Newsgroups: rec.music.gdead
Subject: Re: Deadicated Comments
Date: 18 Aug 92 14:16:44 GMT
Organization: University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)

Interesting rap here, guys...

DAVE ROPER replies to jjfink@skcla.monsanto.com writes...
>Flame proof clothing on: 
>>   Probably the Burning Spear "Estimated Prophet" is a loss too. 

I don't think that track was a total loss, but I do consider it a 
disappointment, because there's too much hi-tech dross (which has
been the problem with reggae from the 80s on in general) and not
enough *soul*.  For a real indication of Burning Spear's talents,
check out their excellent MARCUS GARVEY album.  On paper, I thought 
this was a wonderful match, but the final results didn't come close
to its potential...a shame.

>Right on for Warren, but I liked China Doll very much.  Still your close 
>enough with hers too.

I found Suzanne Vega's performances to be pleasant, particularly in
"China Doll", but far from groundbreaking.

>Bruce Hornsby's is the worst IMHO.  He did the Dead's version exactly, 
>including the stresses in the lyrics.  The Indigo Girls really stink (again
>IMHO).  I think they're way overrated and wish they didn't get a hold of 
>good old UJB. 
	
	[Indigo Girls bashing deleted]

I really liked this track, as it has a campfire feel, and the "Sister,
I declare" line change gives a nice feminine touch.  The vocal interplay
at the end is a warm, worthwhile moment, too.  Perhaps you have to be
a fan of the Indigos (I am) to appreciate their synergy (key word;-).

As for Hornsby, while "Jack Straw" is tasteful, I agree that it sticks
too close to the Dead original; but it's pretty well presented,
especially Hornsby's piano work.  What's missing is that loose edge
that drew me to "Jack Straw" in the first place.

>>4) Artists who provide something truly new to the interpretation:
>>   The gem of the album (I'm bound to get flamed here) is "Ripple" by
>>   Jane's Addiction.  I'm not a big JA fan, but this song managed to
>>   pick up the improvisational feel of the Dead, mixed with complex
>>   rhythms, in their own art/metal style.

No need for flames, and the track *is* interesting, but in the end,
I lose interest in this new wave version.  However, I don't have much
of a taste for new wave (sorry, but it's just noise to me), so my 
comments are more or less invalid.  The one thing I *will* point out 
is that the band starts playing the Other One chord progression at the end
of the track, but the vocal performance by Perry Farrell is too grating
to these ears.  Again, though, this is a matter of taste, as I know
a few people who dig it.

For my $$$$, my favorite tracks on DEADICATED are as follows:

* - "Ship Of Fools" - Elvis Costello
	This is the one track which Costello's presentation is so sincere
	to the original, yet the version feels like Costello wrote it.
	Costello's vocal performance is restrained, yet passionate, and
	James Burton's guitar solo is a wonderful tribute to Garcia,
	especially since Jerry cited Burton as one of his guitar influences.
	A gem on every note.

* - "Friend Of The Devil" - Lyle Lovett
	A warm, relaxed version, with a friendly music interpretation that
	allows Lovett's barotone vocal performance to shine.  His version is
	a country-tinged keeper that like the Indigo's "Uncle John", is
	as cozy as a warm campfire.

* - "To Lay Me Down" - Cowboy Junkies
	Margo Timmons' vocal performance is soothing, yet sultry, and
	the Junkies' sparse accompaniment is so faithful that it's even
	*slower* than the Dead versions -- live and studio.  Again...Margo!

* - "Deal" - Dr. John
	This is the "bias" pick for me, as I've always loved the good
	Doctor's N'awleans piano style, as well as his always-friendly
	vocals.  A jazzy big-band styled take that is clearly the Doctor's
	own personality.

* - "Uncle John's Band" - Indigo Girls
	For reasons I already stated.

As for the album's disposable track, the "Harshed Mellows" horribly wretched
take of "U.S. Blues" winds hands down.  Memebers of the Heartbreakers
team with members of the (very lame) Georgia Satellites to produce
a version which comes across as a poor man's Aerosmith without the
edge.  Totally unlistenable crapola!

>By far the best, but your right, you and now I will be flamed.

For once, let's talk about this without flames...OK?:-)


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 | John J. Wood                              jojw@uhura.cc.rochester.edu  |
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 |			PLEASE GET WELL, JERRY!!!   			  |
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 | "Nothing's for certain, it can always go wrong..."          		  |
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Newsgroups: rec.music.gdead