(August 2017) I have completed episode 136 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: THE GRATEFUL DEAD. I attended five Dead shows in the mid-1980s. As for the recordings, I prefer the studio work, especially the early psychedelic and folky material; I’m not a jam band guy. This effort included the 22 contemporary studio and live albums, and a dozen retrospective live, bootleg, box and Dick’s Picks recordings. Yes, there is plenty more, but I got what I needed. Once you’ve heard ‘Playing in the Band’ for the 8th time, you know it’s time to move on.
Favorite album: American Beauty
Favorite song: China Cat Sunflower
Favorite period: 1969-71
Worst studio album: Go to Heaven
Worst live album: Dylan and the Dead (saw them together; it was bad)
Special sauce: Robert Hunter
Compared to expectations: same
Opus Project 