Dave's Picks Volume 22
Grateful Dead · 2017
231 min · 38 tracks · psychedelic rock
A vibrant tapestry of improvisational jams and folk-infused melodies that captures the essence of the Grateful Dead's live experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cold Rain and Snow Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Sugaree — This track exemplifies the band's blend of Americana and psychedelic rock, showcasing Jerry Garcia's emotive guitar work alongside heartfelt lyrics that resonate with themes of longing.
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Truckin’ — An iconic anthem of the Grateful Dead, this song weaves storytelling with musical exploration, capturing the band's essence through its rhythmic shifts and engaging improvisation.
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Not Fade Away > Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away — This medley highlights the seamless transitions and collective improvisation that define their live performances, showcasing how they build energy and connect with their audience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This live album captures the essence of Grateful Dead's improvisational style while maintaining a cohesive yet varied setlist.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational jams that often exceed ten minutes, allowing for dynamic shifts in tempo and mood.
- Several tracks are medleys, seamlessly transitioning from one song to another without pause, creating a continuous flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with improvisational peaks
- vibrant storytelling through live performance
- for long, relaxed sessions
- great for communal listening experiences
- wave-like pacing that invites reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid live album that showcases the band's improvisational style, appealing to dedicated fans.
- Themes
- live improvisation· American road trips· psychedelic journeys
- Career context
- Released in 2017, Dave's Picks Volume 22 serves as a testament to the Grateful Dead's enduring legacy in the jam band scene, following their dissolution in 1995. This archive series showcases live performances, preserving the band's spontaneous spirit and highlighting their extensive catalog for both new listeners and longtime fans.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phish· The Allman Brothers Band· Jefferson Airplane
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Cold Rain and Snow Start here 6:30
- 2 Beat It on Down the Line 3:38
- 3 Mr. Charlie 4:10
- 4 Sugaree 7:56
- 5 Jack Straw 5:23
- 6 Next Time You See Me 5:27
- 7 Tennessee Jed 7:36
- 8 El Paso 4:30
- 9 Brokedown Palace 6:15
- 10 Run Rudolph Run 3:42
- 11 You Win Again 4:09
- 12 Cumberland Blues 5:52
- 13 Casey Jones 5:57
- 14 Sugar Magnolia 6:34
Disc 2
- 1 Ramble On Rose 6:48
- 2 Big Boss Man 5:43
- 3 Mexicali Blues 3:45
- 4 Brown‐Eyed Women 5:00
- 5 Me and My Uncle 3:15
- 6 Smokestack Lightning 12:42
- 7 Deal 6:01
- 8 Truckin’ 9:02
- 9 Not Fade Away > 6:18
- 10 Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad > 8:25
- 11 Not Fade Away 4:00
- 12 One More Saturday Night 4:56
Disc 3
- 1 Big Railroad Blues 4:47
- 2 Me and My Uncle 3:15
- 3 Ramble On Rose 7:09
- 4 Playing in the Band 6:31
- 5 Cryptical Envelopment > 1:56
- 6 Drums > 2:16
- 7 The Other One > 7:38
- 8 Me and Bobby McGee > 5:59
- 9 The Other One > 13:49
- 10 Wharf Rat 11:43
- 11 One More Saturday Night 5:57
- 12 Uncle John’s Band 6:13
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
A Live One
Phish
Captures a similar improvisational spirit and road trip vibe, emphasizing extended jams and eclectic influences.
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Shares a focus on live performance with intricate jams and Southern rock melodies, embodying a free-spirited atmosphere.
Anchor Drops
Umphrey's McGee
Combines progressive rock with jam band sensibilities, showcasing complex song structures and improvisational flair.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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