The song chosen by random is "Sugaree"
Let's start with the following line -
“If that jubilee doesn’t come…. maybe I’ll meet you on the run.”
Garcia is one of those seemingly incredible songs, after 44 years. However, the same can be said of many albums - collections of songs - all from that time on: the golden age of Hunter and Garcia's story songs.
We remember having to face the question: the first side or the second side? The first installment is an unmistakable song of complete songs: “Deal,” “Bird Song,” “Sugaree,” and “Loser.” The second side is the exploration of sonic spaces and the amazing opening of the "Wheel." We loved both of them, but it was all about the state of the moment. CDs do not offer the same selection. And one iTunes download takes us out of all the context.
“Sugaree” is a story song utilizing all the subtle tricks in Hunter’s arsenal. He lays out a character, addressing another character, the Sugaree of the title, in terms that could mean several things, and offers a glimpse of a shared past and a possible future that awaits. But even in the song’s present moment, what is occurring or has just happened?
Garcia’s setting of the lyric is simply as mercurial because the words themselves. The performances could settle into a good range of tempos, and therefore the instrumentals between the verses could roar to life and so descent to a whisper.
We have read a good range of interpretations over the years. If you wish some fun, take a glance at the series of proposed interpretations voiced within the “deadsongs” conference on the WELL. Just to relinquish you a concept, they vary from well-argued position to well-argued position proposing a range of possible scenarios including one involving two slaves newly-arrived within the New World, all the thanks to the link of a john to a prostitute.
You probably have noticed the notes of Robert Hunter's liner in this song as it written in Garcia's box All Good Things, that what he wrote there:
"Sugaree was composed just after I left Garcia for China Camp. People think the idea came from Elizabeth Cotten's 'Sugaree', but, in fact, the song was called 'Stingaree,' which is a poisonous Santa Sea manta phrase. 'caused by something my co-worker said in my pre-Death days when my poverty-stricken circumstances found me associating with a minority gang. it was:' Hold your mud and don't mention my name. '
"Why did you change the title to 'Sugaree'? Imagine that it sounds better that way, making the viewer seem more difficult to handle the sugar-coated word. The song, as we thought, was directed at a spy. suggested by the song 'Shake it'."
So, when you have Hunter actually telling us how he thought of this song - a strange sight behind the curtain.
But the point, as always, is not about the truth. It is about the perspective of the listener, in different ways the song sounds, and sounds different over time, or how it can be convincingly explained in many different ways.
Each listener who took the time to comment on the meaning of the song wasted no time with the lyrics. As we all do, whether we are well-known lyric listeners or let words wash us away as part of general music. (Sometimes we wish we didn't know English at all, so we could hear these songs as a sound, because that's a direct part of what Hunter does. sound made by the mouth, like brushes on the drum head.)
And it is that investment in words, or sound, that leads us to want to hear the song over and over again — because we will never get to the bottom of it. Its meanings are endless, and the diversity of music is endless, too.
Thank you for this song for several reasons besides its greatness. We are glad he sent me looking for Fred Neil, and Elizabeth Cotten. we are glad that we were forced to familiarize myself with the concept of Jubilie - a concept that seems, at its core, completely sophisticated and lacks in today's unforgiving world of restrictions and job losses and constant debts. Why should there be no account cleaning every 49 years? What a great idea! The slaves were set free. Debts were forgiven. All of this happened in the 50th year. Clean slate.
Hmmm... 50th year. They never thought of that, but it will be a Jubilee Anniversary.
Our friend shared this:
“When I first heard this song live at the concert, I couldn't believe how easy it would be. I only knew the studio version until that show in Winterland in the spring of 1977, and then wham! they played it. I was sitting in the same place you were able to go to, up behind the band, looking at their view from the rest of the crowd, focusing too much on the drummers, but it looked like they were playing choruses assembled on top of the next, we built strong, and, as we kind of said, “shhhhh…” whispered. "Please don't tell him you know me." Shush.
If we already mentioned that show in the spring of 1977, we have a special "Grateful Dead - Nights & Days - Sticker" sticker from that show. You are more than welcome to enjoy it if you enjoyed reading our analysis of the song "Sugaree".
]]>Today, tie-dye may be a uniquely American look, and practically every kid — and lots of adults — will have a minimum of one tie-dyed shirt in their wardrobe. But tie-dye's appeal reaches far on the far side of attire; you'll be able to find it represented practically everywhere, from home décor to phone cover and even cars and flowers.
Furthermore, the Tie-dye technique has been used in the United States since the very early 20th century as a way for women to mimic French fabric styles or revivify old clothes. But especially else, it's become an everlasting symbol of the American counterculture when the Grateful Dead adapted it to their unquiet style.
In 2016, tie-dye of an overtly countercultural (or flower power) bent started amassing a new kind of hype. That was the year that Online Ceramics, a T-shirt brand founded by Alix Ross & Elijah Funk, millennials, and Grateful Dead fans, launched. Its shirts - cluttered with weird, opaque icon-graph and often tie-dyed - rapidly became, per the New Yorker’s Naomi Fry, “beloved by the uncertain subculture comprised of Deadhead streetwear devotee.” That fanbase included John Mayer, who had joined up with ex-members of the Grateful Dead - Bob Weir, to form a spinoff band, Dead & Company, in 2015.
So, let’s back to the roots of the tie-dye, or the way it’s called at the 4000 B.C in India – Bandhani.
The art of Bandhani could be a highly skilled process. The special technique involves multiple types of dyeing the material which is super tied with a thread at several of points, thus producing a series of forms and patterns, for example - Chandrakala, Bavan Baug, Shikari etcetera; reckoning on the way within which the material is tied. the most color employed in Bandhana are yellow, red, blue, green, and black.
The main colors employed in Bandhana are natural. As Bandhani could be a tie and dye process, dying is completed by hand and hence best colors and combinations are possible in Bandhanis.
The Bandhani work has been exclusively and solely dole out by the Khatri caste of Saurashtra & Kutch. A meter length of material can have more than ten thousand of little knots (called 'Bheendi') within the local language - Gujarati. These unique knots form a design once opened after dyeing in those bright colors. At the traditional way, the ultimate productions are often graded degrees titles such 'Chowkidaar', 'Ghar Chola', 'Chandrakhani', 'Shikari', 'khombhi', 'Ambadaal' and some other titles.
Bandhani work is additionally tired Rajasthan, where different colors and distinctive designs are used in Kutch and Saurashtra regions in Gujarat province. Establishments of varying sizes within
having all the necessary or appropriate parts. Kutch & Gujarat are the greatest producers of Bandhani.
Bandhani tying is usually a family trade, and therefore the women of those families work on home to tie patterns. Anjar, Pethapur, Bhuj, Mandavi, Jetpur, Jamnagar, Rajkot, are some of the most known towns in Gujarat where Bandhani was made. The town of Bhuj in Gujarat is also well-known for its red Bandhani. The dyeing process of Bandhani is meted out extensively used in this town, because the water in this area is reflect thoughts and transmit a specific brightness to colors, specifically the original red color and the maroons one.
Just as other Indian textiles, in Bandhani too different colors transmit to different meanings. People believe that red “brings good luck” color for brides.
The earliest evidence of Bandhani dates to Indus Valley Civilization and suggest that dyeing was done as early as 4000 B.C (just as we mention earlier). The earliest example of the foremost flaring variety of of Bandhani unique dots are often seen within the sixth century paintings depicting the lifetime of Buddha found on the wall of Cave I at Ajanta. This art finds its mentions within the Alexander the nice time texts about the gorgeous, printed cottons of India. As per evidence in Historical Texts, the primary Bandhani saree was worn at the time of Bana Bhatt's Harshacharita in an exceedingly royal marriage. it had been believed that wearing a Bandhani saree can bring good future to a bride. Ajanta walls symbolize the evidence of those Bandhani sarees. The dyers have experimented with the utilization of various elements both natural and man-made for ages. Well, there are experiments with different binding or tying techniques to create patterns form on cloth submerged in containers of dye.
3 sweet facts about Bandhani -
Now we know how America got its colorfulness, and of course the origin was there in the Far East. From the same place that meditation, yoga, and masala came to us - Mother India there in the distance (but now she just closer more than ever). Another one of the Eastern influences that was so strongly assimilated into Western culture that it became an integral part of it. And of course, the Grateful Dead always knew how to take things in the best way and make them an integral part of them in a psychedelic way that splashes color everywhere, and “to invent the wheel in an unusual way”. And we remain grateful until the lord of death takes us away and we become simply as dead in our grave or in the great ocean.
]]>
In today's time, there are a lot of ways of getting around town. One of the best, and most fun, is on a skateboard. But what's the point of having one when it's bland, old, not the best quality, or just plain ordinary? Our Duster is the greatest quality with a brilliant design guaranteed to make every push more enjoyable.
This cruiser has a design on both the deck and grip tape, inspired by the famous Europe 72' tour. The print, however, has a different story to each Deadhead, which is why its spirit has been immortalized into this cruiser forever. This makes it perfect for any Deadhead or, really, anyone that appreciates great art and unusual boards.
Of course, you may be wondering if you really need a new board. Has there ever really been a board too many? And with one that creates so much nostalgia for the Grateful Dead era? I doubt it!
The features:
The item's construction is solid, and we're already used to the quality of Dusters boards. On top of that, it is factory assembled, so you can skate as soon as you get it. The sleek, symmetrical grip tape design decorates the top of the deck with calming shades of pink and blue. On the bottom of the board, you will find a multi-colored tie-dye design surrounding the famous ice-cream kid print.
The wonderful thing about the Dusters Ice-Cream Kid longboard is that there are no pesky bumps or low-quality wheels that you should worry about. It rides very smoothly, gliding along the pavement and making it faster and smoother than the average board.
Overall, the ice-cream kid longboard is a great contribution to not only your collection, but your life as well. And if you do not own any other boards, this is a great one to start with. Anyone that hasn't tried skateboarding doesn't know the feel of the wind in your hair, or the adrenaline pumping through your blood, all the while looking amazing; especially on a skateboard you love. Anyone that has would surely agree with me!
My opinion has always been that life is too short to not try out new and exciting experiences, or to deny yourself the simple pleasures of doing what you love ---doesn't matter if it's sports, art, or anything in between. This applies to the board as well, since it is such an amazing combination of both art and athletics. Useful and appealing to the eye, it's one of my top choices to splurge on. So, my advice is to have fun and stay safe, and, of course, above all, happy riding Deadheads!
Well, I ended up in a convoy with some buddies from Canada that was heading down to the show. My friends stopped right on the US side of the border. They were waiting for the 2nd car (full of people that boarder control was shaking down real good) and I didn't want to be asked why were sitting at the border. So I got out to hitch a ride to Rich Stadium. When I went to open the trunk to get my gear, my buddies said they'd rather not open the trunk at the border. "Don't worry, we'll meet you at will call with your bag" they said. I know, I know... famous last words. They all got dosed in the parking lot and totally forgot about me till they got back to Canada. And me, I had my Rich Stadium ticket on me, and pretty much nothing else. No bus, no money, no change of clothes, and NO TICKET. Just me and my dreams!
So I got a ride to Deer Creek and met some family who heard about my situation. They gave me a box full of anklets with those bells on them (they just came back from India, the box probably costed $10) and a blanket I left in their bus on Spring Tour. I laid down my blanket and poured out the anklets and started getting some cash together. Some people came by and told me they heard about my stuff, and that they had an extra ticket.
Over the next week and a half, I never had my thumb up in the air but still managed to get a ticket to every show. Swell times!
Then the very last night of the tour, everything came together like magic. I still didn't have my tree-planting gear, or enough cash to get back to British Columbia, or my wallet, or my ID. But at that last show, it all came together. First, these guys come up to me all smiles and told me that I left a journal with them. They give me their address so I can get it back, and I swear as they're writing down "Tennessee" on the paper, Jerry starts playing the "Tennessee Jed" opening notes. A little later they play "Crazy Fingers". Now, to me, I always felt like Crazy Fingers was like reading tarot cards. There would always be one line in the song that stands out clearer than all the others. And on that night it was "Gone are the days we stop to decide where we should go we just ride." And I realized I don't have to think about it, but I do have to find a ride out west.
Then my brother walks by and as we're dancing to "Crazy Fingers" and the line hits, my bro points at some guy about 50 feet away: "wasn't that guy staying at the house with us (in Chicago)? Yeah! I think he has Washington Plates!" We dance over to him and before I know it, he's going to Vancouver WA and needs a rider. Yippeee!! Problem Solved!
Now get this. Were walking to this guys van. I have no idea where it's parked. But as we get right next to it, I hear my name being called out. It's a friend from Canada (not from the same part of Canada where I'm from) and she's got my bag with her! Somehow while I was on tour, the people who dosed in the lot in Buffalo found this girl who was coming to Chicago and asked if she could take my bag (with my money, Summer tour tickets, ID and my tree planting gear) up to Chicago.
This all happened within a 4-hour time period. After not knowing how or where I was going, when I finally stopped 'stopping to decide', it just flowed! Three days later I was crossing the border, four days later I was back in Northern BC starting work....
Thanks to the user "SavageFields"]]>
We have a job that will work for you. The requirements are:
All you have to do is write us an article related to the Grateful Dead. It could be about the show, road stories, an experience that has to do with the Grateful Dead, a review about any Grateful Dead product you purchased from us. Really, anything having to do with the Grateful Dead!
There are some basic requirements for writing an article for us:
For every 500 words you write in the article, you will get $3 (either Paycoin or Paypal), or $6 for a store purchase.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE -
We also decided to receive articles of 250 words, in exchange for a 4 discount at the store.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is important to note that we have the option of choosing not to accept the article you have written for one reason or another (we will explain why). Most of the articles will be accepted, and the author will receive the credit.
So here, another good reason to be a Deadhead (and there are so many).
Waiting to hear from you,
The STF staff