An interesting concept: a compilation of the original versions of 17 songs frequently covered by
The Grateful Dead
in concert. Thoughtfully assembled, it showcases several aspects of their eclectic
roots
, encompassing
jug band folk
,
country & western
Appalachian mountain
music,
country blues
, '50s
Chicago electric blues
R&B
Dylan
Guthrie
Holly
Berry
, and more. Some of the recordings are very famous (
's
"It's All over Now, Baby Blue,"
"Not Fade Away"
); others are downright obscure (
Obray Ramsey
"Rain and Snow,"
the rare original version of
"Morning Dew"
by little-known Canadian folkie
Bonnie Dobson
). If you're a
Dead
fan, this is a valuable, very listenable collection of some of their key influences. It may seem churlish to point this out to Deadheads, but if you're not a
fan, you'll find this to be a first-rate collection of
music that's much more enjoyable than hearing
The Dead
's interpretations of the same tunes. ~ Richie Unterberger