The Grateful Dead weren't just a live band, but a live experience, and few years (if any) were better for this great American band than 1972. The year is most famous for the live album Europe '72 which was a compilation of the band's best tunes from their Western European tour of that year. 1972 was also the introduction of Keith Godchaux into the band. Some see this as a blessing and a curse because Keith was a hell of an addition, but he entered as a package deal with his wife Donna, who few express a genuine liking for. In 1972, Bill Kreutzman was the lone soldier behind the drum kit, which made for a different sounding Dead, but one that many fans would argue was tighter and almost funky at times. Sadly, 1972 was the final touring year for Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, who passed in 1973, but not before lending his unique talent and humor to an outstanding year for a legendary band. This Tuesday, we will explore some of the Dead's live recordings from 1972.
First up is a live staple for the band- one which the usually segue into "I Know You Rider." "China Cat Sunflower" features one of the more creative lead/rhythm guitar combinations of any song out there and it makes for a really interesting jam.
Up next is a cover of "How Sweet It Is" from New York City in March of '72. Jerry used to do this one a lot with the Jerry Garcia Band, but it was more of a rarity with the Dead. Donna Jean actually sounds pretty decent on the backups in this one too.
In my humble opinion, the Grateful Dead's finest grasp of Americana is in their poignant ballad "Jack Straw." One of my favorite Dead tunes, this one comes from an unreleased movie called Sunshine Daydream, which documents the band's Veneta, Oregon show on August 27, 1972.
Lastly, here's a take of "He's Gone" from an April 1972 show in Copenhagen, Denmark. Not long after this show, the tune would take on a whole new meaning with the passing of Pigpen. Just remember what Jerry says: "Nothin' left to do but smile, smile, smile."
