Grateful Dead Goes To Space And Beyond Vol. 01, #02

Today's song is Little Star aka Bob Star!!!

This is one of the few songs that has 2 names. Overall, if you haven't heard this it is basically an added verse for The Other One. They only played this song 3 times. I have seen it pop up on a Ratdog setlist a couple times though. The first time this song was performed was on 4-15-83. This is also the longest time.(Click the date to listen!!! Or right click to DL!!!) The very next night Bobby attempted Little Star again. This time the song was shorter by 5 minutes. On 4-16-83 The Other One was followed immediately after.

The song went into hiding after the second time it was played for about 2 months. On 6-20-83 Grateful Dead played Bob Star one final time. Once again this was a lead in for The Other One.

This is what Dead.net had to say about "Little Star"

Little Star
Lyrics By: Bob Weir
Music By: Bob Weir

Long as we got to be
Long as we are
I just wanna be
One of them little stars

One of them little stars
That'd just be fine
All you gotta do now
Just hang up there and shine
Hang up there and shine

Hang up there and shine
Hang up there and shine
Hang up there and shine

A fragment Bob Weir sang with the Dead three times in 1983. Sometimes called "Bob Star." It seemed to be a prelude to "The Other One." For a fuller description, see Ihor Slabicky's essay.

Revived by Ratdog in 2002 sandwiched inside songs such as "Lovelight" or "The Other One."

Grateful Dead Goes To Space And Beyond Vol. 01, #01

This is the first in a series of space references in Grateful Dead songs. Sure I could go the easy route and direct you guys to a great version of Space, but where is the fun in that?

Standing On The Moon

This was chosen for many reasons as the first song in this series, mainly my little blog has the same name (a coincidence?).

I have been listening to this song pretty avidly for a couple days now. Hunter really out did himself with this one. This is also one of those songs that could have fit in any era. although it did end up in the end. Either way I am happy it was written and performed some 70 times. Right now I am listening to this song, yet again. The patriotism I get from this song and the longing to be with his love is moving. Garcia nails it on 3-20-90 at the Omni in Atlanta.

The first time this song was performed was on 3-31-89 and the last time it was played was 6-30-95. Interesting tidbit, the longest version of this song was played on 7-29-94.

Confessions Of A Dead Head

I just got this book yesterday and couldn't put it down. I strongly suggest any Dead Head to read this one. There are anecdotes that most of us can relate to in one way or another. Also, I must say as I read this book, I have been rekindling friendships of years past. There are many main themes to this book, friendship is one of the major ones I picked up on. So in a way I made a "Grateful Dead moment" just from reading this book. Thanks Starburst Commander!!!
To purchase your very own copy click on the picture of the book.

Happy New Year...A Bit Late

The new year has come and gone, yet this is my first post of the year. I have been busy since I last posted I was moving. I have still had time to listen to the Dead just not write about my favorite band in a while. So right now, I am wide awake on a coffee buzz anticipating Furthur's show in Charlotte. I will be in attendance as will many of you. So far this tour seems to be pretty solid. Bob has let John K. sing more and Phil has done less singing. The band has also brought in a Ratdog song. They first played it at one of those rehearsal shows, then again last night in Atlanta.

I am going to try to get some sleep, maybe wake up early enough to do a real post from the Grateful Dead. If not...here is to hoping I see a Dark Star or at least a PITB!!!!

Hey Everyone

Sorry I have been lacking in blog posts for everyone to read. I have been rather busy this past month and this month is looking busier. I am in the process of moving which I can assure you is not fun.

I will return broadcasting from a new home and with more shows for everyone to listen to.

Furthur

I have decided that my favorite post Jerry Dead band is Furthur. Phil and Bob are playing for keeps. The choice in guitar John K. from DSO (Fake Jerry) was excellent. The music seems fresh at times, yet reminds me of days which now seem like folk lore. I have listened to Terrapin Station from 9/18 twice now. Each time I was looking for something to complain about. After all it is one of the most orchestrated songs the Grateful Dead ever attempted, and mastered. The improvisation from John in the Lady With A Fan>Terrapin transition was stellar. Yet the only complaint that I could actually find was why did Weir sing the Terrapin part. Although, by now I am used to his voice where I never thought they would be. Other highlights from 9/18 are: Althea (John K sings), Jack Straw, The Other One (FIRST SET OPENER). How many Grateful Dead shows did The Other One come up as a set opener. I think that can say a lot about a show. Like a Shakedown opener, you know its going to be good. Well I am about to check out the other two nights. I will return with my findings, also my favorite of the three nights.