Road Trips Volume 2 Number 4
Grateful Dead · 2009
220 min · 28 tracks · psychedelic rock
A vibrant tapestry of improvisational jams and soulful melodies that encapsulates the essence of live Grateful Dead performances.
Top tracks — play these first
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Samson and Delilah Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Box of Rain — This poignant song, written by bassist Phil Lesh for his dying father, encapsulates emotional depth and showcases the band's ability to blend personal storytelling with rich musicality.
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Shakedown Street — As a quintessential Grateful Dead anthem, this track exemplifies their unique blend of rock and funk, featuring tight grooves and improvisational exploration.
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Fire on the Mountain — This track highlights the band's signature storytelling through music, capturing a sense of urgency and community that resonates deeply with their audience.
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Playing in the Band — An extended jam that showcases the band’s improvisational skills, this track evolves through various themes, making it a perfect representation of their live shows.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures the essence of live Grateful Dead performances with extended jams and a diverse setlist.
What we noticed
- The album features extensive improvisational sections, with several tracks transitioning seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous flow.
- Many songs are extended versions of studio recordings, often exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of musical themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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 immersion
- lyrical storytelling engagement
- for live concert vibes
- wave-like pacing and flow
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, standalone tracks
- prefer concise, structured formats
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid live album with deep cuts, appealing to dedicated fans but not a standout entry point.
- Themes
- nostalgic improvisation· personal storytelling· community celebration
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Road Trips Volume 2 Number 4 showcases the Grateful Dead's enduring legacy after their initial breakup in 1995. This live album is part of a series that reflects on their extensive archival recordings, celebrating their improvisational prowess during the late stages of their career. It highlights the band's influence on psychedelic rock while catering to a nostalgic fanbase that continued to grow in their absence.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phish· The Allman Brothers Band· Jefferson Airplane
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Samson and Delilah Start here 8:12
- 2 Here Comes Sunshine 6:27
- 3 Walkin’ Blues 6:52
- 4 Deal 9:54
- 5 Box of Rain 5:26
- 6 Victim or the Crime > 8:32
- 7 Crazy Fingers > 9:31
- 8 Playing in the Band > 18:59
- 9 Rhythm Devils 5:16
Disc 2
- 1 Corrina > 8:44
- 2 Playing in the Band > 3:36
- 3 China Doll > 6:17
- 4 Around and Around 7:34
- 5 Liberty 6:33
- 6 Shakedown Street 14:20
- 7 The Same Thing 8:39
- 8 Dire Wolf 3:23
- 9 High Time 8:20
- 10 When I Paint My Masterpiece 5:27
Disc 3
- 1 Picasso Moon > 7:57
- 2 Fire on the Mountain 12:21
- 3 Cassidy > 6:54
- 4 Uncle John’s Band > 9:31
- 5 Cassidy 4:12
- 6 Gloria 5:45
- 7 Broken Arrow 5:52
- 8 Ramble On Rose 7:53
- 9 Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again 8:32
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
A Live One
Phish
Captures similar improvisational spirit and communal vibe in a live setting, echoing Grateful Dead's legacy.
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Offers extended jams and soulful storytelling, creating a rich live atmosphere akin to the Grateful Dead's performances.
Live in the Classic City
Widespread Panic
Features vibrant live jams and a celebration of community, resonating with the nostalgic improvisation themes present here.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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