Dave's Picks Volume 4 cover

Dave's Picks Volume 4

Grateful Dead · 2012

161 min · 24 tracks · psychedelic rock

A vibrant tapestry of improvisational jams and heartfelt lyrics woven into a psychedelic rock experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Promised Land Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Sugaree — The extended jam on this track showcases the band's signature blend of improvisation and melodic storytelling, making it a highlight of the performance.
  • →
    Help on the Way > — This song features an intricate musical arrangement that transitions seamlessly into 'Slipknot!', emphasizing the band's ability to create fluid medleys filled with rich harmonies.
  • →
    Stella Blue — With its poignant lyrics and emotive delivery, this track encapsulates the reflective side of the band, contrasting beautifully with their more upbeat songs.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

62 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album captures the essence of live Grateful Dead performances with strong improvisation and a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections, particularly in tracks like 'Playing in the Band' and 'Help on the Way', which showcase the band's jamming prowess.
  • Several tracks segue into one another without pause, creating a continuous flow that enhances the live performance feel.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 peaks
  • extended jams for deep listening
  • kaleidoscopic improvisational explorations
  • heartfelt melodies with depth
  • for late-night gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer shorter, concise tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Highlights a notable live performance, appealing to dedicated fans of the band.
Themes
1970s concert energy· psychedelic improvisation· melodic storytelling
Career context
Released in 2012, Dave's Picks Volume 4 is part of the Grateful Dead's archival series that showcases live performances. This collection highlights the band's evolution since their formation in 1965, capturing the essence of their improvisational prowess during a concert from 1977. It serves as a celebration of their enduring legacy and connection with fans through live music.
New to Grateful Dead? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Promised Land Start here 4:40
  • 2 Deal 5:07
  • 3 Cassidy 4:34
  • 4 Sugaree 10:25
  • 5 Looks Like Rain 7:53
  • 6 Row Jimmy 9:48
  • 7 Big River 5:32
  • 8 Tennessee Jed 8:55

Disc 2

  • 1 Playing in the Band > 11:52
  • 2 Supplication > 4:55
  • 3 Playing in the Band 4:47
  • 4 Might as Well 7:36
  • 5 Samson and Delilah 7:01
  • 6 Loser 8:05
  • 7 New Minglewood Blues 4:30

Disc 3

  • 1 Help on the Way > 5:06
  • 2 Slipknot! > 5:07
  • 3 Drums > 5:35
  • 4 Slipknot! > 5:28
  • 5 Franklin’s Tower > 8:12
  • 6 The Music Never Stopped > 5:49
  • 7 Stella Blue 7:34
  • 8 Around and Around 6:54
  • 9 U.S. Blues 5:56

What to play next

Wake of the Flood
Listen next

Wake of the Flood

1973

Continues the improvisational spirit with rich lyrical themes and diverse musical exploration.
Europe '72: Wembley Empire Pool, London, England
Go back to

Europe '72: Wembley Empire Pool, London, England

2011

Sets the stage with live energy and classic jams that lead into the vibrant tapestry of Dave's Picks.
Full Grateful Dead discography Where to start with Grateful Dead Artists like Grateful Dead
psychedelic rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

At Fillmore East

At Fillmore East

The Allman Brothers Band

Captures the same live improvisational spirit and Southern rock vibe, echoing concert energy of the 70s.

A Live One

A Live One

Phish

Features extended jams and playful lyrical storytelling, resonating with the improvisational essence of live shows.

Cats Under the Stars

Cats Under the Stars

Jerry Garcia Band

Shares a similar blend of heartfelt lyrics and melodic improvisation, rooted in the spirit of 70s rock.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata