Next up for the team was the Grateful Dead’s Working Man’s Dead. This record which debuted in 1970 was the band’s forth studio album. Eight songs, book-ended by band classics… Uncle John’s Band and Casey Jones. We decided to give the record a listen while chill-in New Year’s weekend in Vermont with some of the coolest people we know – Doug and Ilicia. They are not not only great hosts, but big music fans. We both liked the album, but it is not really our jam. However, Dougie is a Dead aficionado, so we decided Max should get his take on this classic.
How did you get introduced to the Dead?
It was 1980, before college. My brother had this album and I listened to it over and over. It was my first Dead album, and there’s something special about that. I still have the original LP from 37 years ago! But I used to think it was called Cumberland Blues because that was my favorite track.
What is it about the Cumberland Blues?
It’s the rhythm and the feel. To me it’s the epitome of Working Man’s Dead.
My favorite line is… “Lot of poor man make a five dollar bill. Will keep him happy all the time. Some other fellow’s make nothing at all and you can hear him cry.” …it really sums up what the American working man spirit is.
So is Cumberland your favorite Dead song?
Oh no, just my favorite on this album. There are lots of great tracks though. Over time I learned to love Dire Wolf. Why? It was a riddle. There was something mysterious about it. But folksy songs like Uncle John’s Band were too commercial for me… and I’m not a big fan of High Times.
What is it about the Dead that you love?
It’s the spirit of the band. They always gave away their music and they always allowed fans to plug into the soundboard. That’s the beauty of the Dead. They had all of this commercial success and they would just let people have it for free. It was never about the money, it was about community and sharing music. They had this old saying, “Once we play it, it’s yours”
The Grateful Dead circa 1970. The band’s members were quintessential rock hippies
So how does Ilicia feel about the Dead?
She’s not a huge fan, but she likes a few tracks. When I was trying to get her into it, we used to play a game that whenever a Dead song would come on, you would have to guess who was singing: Bob, or Jerry? Ilicia is more of a Bob fan, but I love em both.
How many times have you seen the Dead?
I wouldn’t say 100, but probably around 60 or 70. I gotta say, I saw them about four weeks ago at Madison Square Garden and it was a beautiful show. John Mayer kicked ass and the music was excellent. But it was kind of sad. I’m sitting there and I thought that this was possibly my last show. I couldn’t explain it. It just felt like it was going to end soon.
What is your top Dead album?
My favorite album is Europe 1972.
Oh! I know why I confused the opening tracks earlier! Europe opens with Cumberland Blues.
Maxwell, the whole story wouldn’t be complete without talking about college. When I was on my way to Buffalo, I was a minor Dead fan at most. I knew a few songs and that was it. Then I met Roger and he was the biggest Dead Head I’d ever met. He took me to dozens and dozens of concerts and is the real reason I’m such a big fan. Roger is the most important person in my Dead story and to me, that’s the best part of it all. It’s about the people brought together and the community that formed.
Working Man’s Dead is ranked # 264 of Rolling Stone Magazine top 500 Albums of all time
Trouble ahead, you know, trouble behind
And you know that notion just crossed my mind
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What a great experience to have been interviewed for this piece. Max and Mike really made me think about my introduction to The Dead and the musical path this band took me. Thanks guys!
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