The Strange Remain
There are many parallels between theGrateful Deadand a beloved sports team. Deadheads would fervently root for their squad, cheer wildly for successful spurts, forgive the "team" after a "loss" (subpar show), and return again for the next "game." They even keep track of the "statistics." Now, of course, the team has lost its star player--its heart and soul, its leading scorer, its off-the-court leader--and fans have been forced to readjust expectations. But these Other Ones can still win a few ball games playing an updated style that still leaves plenty of room for improvisation and features new teammates such as old friendBruce Hornsby, jazz saxophonistDave Ellis(who broadens the sonic palette), and the twin lead-guitar tandem of Mark Karan and Steve Kimock (who consistently weave intriguing lines around each other). They've added five new "plays" (songs) to the standard Dead playbook and even unearthed a couple of older ones ("St. Stephen," "The Eleven"). Still, without Jerry Garcia, they're no longer championship caliber--maybe at best a playoff contender--and, most important, they're just not as fun to root for.--Marc Greilsamer