Deadhead Cannabis Show

Episode: "The Evolution of Grateful Dead Covers"

Original Air Date: October 1, 2024
Hosts: Larry Mishkin, Rob Hunt, Dan Humiston, Jamie Humiston
Produced by PodConx

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the lasting legacy of Grateful Dead cover songs, exploring their evolution, the stories behind notable covers, and the Dead’s unique approach to reinterpreting music. Along the way, the hosts celebrate a legendary 1993 Grateful Dead show at Boston Garden, dissect famous covers performed by the Dead and rising jam bands, and share recent music and cannabis news. Above all, the show relishes in the Deadhead community’s appreciation for improvisation, innovation, and the intersections of music and cannabis culture.

1. Revisiting the Grateful Dead at Boston Garden (09/30/1993)

[00:32–08:16]

• Setting the Scene
  Larry reminisces about the now-defunct Boston Garden, comparing its “old, a little decrepit” charm to classic NBA and NHL venues:

  "One good puff of wind might be able to knock the whole damn thing over... but certainly when the Dead were there, it would light up." – Larry Mishkin [01:20]

• Show Opener: “Here Comes Sunshine”
  Dan explains its history and tragic underuse:

  • Released on Wake of the Flood (1973), the first album on Grateful Dead Records.
  • Played frequently in ‘73, dropped until Vince Welnick revived it in ‘92.
  • Only 66 performances ever.
  • Notable for its a cappella intro in the '90s versions:

    “They all blend very nicely. It’s really a lot of fun. They come right out the gate with a fantastic tune.” – Larry [07:28]

  • Highlight: “It’s only just a shame that we didn’t get a few more of those while they could have been played.” [08:00]

2. Celebrating Classic Dead Covers and Originals

2.1 “Spoonful” – The Blues Tradition

[08:16–17:34]

• History & Influence
  • Written by Willie Dixon, first recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1960.
  • Numerous covers highlight cross-genre influence—Etta James, Cream, and Grateful Dead.
• Dead’s Version
  • Typically paired seamlessly with “Truckin’,” but this performance stands alone.
  • Performed 52 times (1981–1994).
  • Versatility in the Dead’s setlists:

    "There was nothing out there that wasn't potentially in their wheelhouse to be able to cover and to play." – Dan [11:37]

2.2 Contemporary Covers: “Rich Girl” by Lake Street Dive

[17:34–35:52]

• Song Origin
  • Hall & Oates classic from 1977, written about a real “rich boy.”
  • Dan shares Daryl Hall’s backstory about changing the lyric from “rich boy” to “rich girl.”
• Lake Street Dive’s Cover
  • Performed live in 2018 at College Street Music Hall, New Haven.
  • Lake Street Dive’s rise and musical background highlighted, lauded for their genre-blending, high-energy live performances.
  • Band dynamics and standout vocalist Rachel Price get a special mention.

    “Rachel Price, the vocalist, I love her voice. I love the way she inflects it and I love the way she sings ‘Rich Girl’.” — Larry [27:15]

• Concert Anecdotes
  • Larry recounts a recent Salt Shed show in Chicago with Lake Street Dive and opener Katie Pruitt.

3. Tribute: Lighting Legend Candace Brightman

[35:52–47:34]

• Background
  • Grateful Dead’s pioneering lighting designer, first joining during their 1972 Europe tour.
  • Renowned for improvisational skill, staying in sync with the Dead’s musical explorations.
  • Her technical artistry became industry standard; influenced Phish’s lighting director Chris Kuroda.
• Current Health & Fundraising
  • Facing health and financial issues, supported by a GoFundMe and tributes from Dead alumni.
  • Dan Healy:

    “Candace had a way of moving the audience the whole evening... she would have the audience in the palm of her hand." [36:44]

  • Dennis McNally:

    “I have no idea why anybody wants to watch us. It’s probably her, so give her the money.” (Jerry Garcia quoted) [37:13]

• Legacy
  • Her lighting remains integral to the live Dead experience:

    “She opened her heart and put not just her hands, but her whole self into it.” – Dan Healy [36:52]

4. Music News & Recent Concert Highlights

[47:34–68:43]

• Neil Young & Chrome Hearts
  • Larry laments missing Neil Young’s canceled Chicago appearance but celebrates his return with a 13-minute “Down by the River.”
• More from 1993 Boston Garden
  • “Broken Arrow” (Robbie Robertson cover) [35:52–40:54]:
    • Sung by Phil Lesh; debuted as a Dead cover in 1993, played 35 times.
    • “It was a great song. He really sounds good on this one. Very energetic, really clean voice.” – Dan [38:10]
  • “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” (The Beatles cover) [40:54–47:34]:
    • History, LSD rumors, and the Dead’s interpretation.
    • Jerry Garcia takes vocals, sometimes rough but highly spirited:

      “It’s a Beatles tune... and Jerry sings like he wrote it at the kitchen table.” – Dan [43:20]

    • Played 19 times by the Dead, mostly 1993-95, notably as a second set opener.
  • Dead Originals & Rarities
    • “Wave to the Wind” (Phil Lesh & Robert Hunter) [68:43–69:49]:
      • Performed just 21 times, never released as a studio track.
      • Larry: “Even this version of the tune is really kind of flat and uninspiring. But, when you've written Box of Rain...you're entitled to have a couple of flat ones.” [69:10]
    • “The Other One” ([77:36]):
      • Larry closes the show by celebrating its improvisational power and its place in Dead lore:

        “It's one of the Dead's most played songs, being performed well over 500 times and one of their most popular vehicles for improvisation...” [71:10]

      • “The line ‘He came around and busted me for smiling on a cloudy day’ — one of my all-time favorite Grateful Dead lyrics...” [70:30]

5. Cannabis News Roundup

[47:34–68:43]

Ukraine Legalizes Medical Marijuana

• Ukrainian Ministry of Health establishes a list of 20+ qualifying medical conditions.
• Intended to aid soldiers and civilians amid war with Russia.
• President Zelensky:

  “We must finally fairly legalize cannabis-based medicines for all those who need them...” [52:31]

US Legislation: Federal Record Sealing

• Senate introduces bipartisan “Clean Slate Act” to automatically seal nonviolent marijuana (and other drug) conviction records.
• Sponsor Bob Casey:

  “This legislation will ensure that parents, workers and families ... can build successful lives unburdened by minor, nonviolent criminal history.” [55:40]

Pennsylvania’s Ongoing Cannabis Arrests

• 12,000+ cannabis possession arrests in 2023 (32 per day); disproportionately impacts Black residents.
• Bipartisan push in legislature for legalization, but leadership drags feet.
• Local quote:

  “It’s ridiculous for a state like Pennsylvania to have 32 people on average arrested every day for THC possession.” – Larry [64:24]

Hemp CBD as Natural Mosquito Larvicide

• Study shows hemp leaf extract (CBD) effective against mosquito larvae, including pesticide-resistant strains.
• Larry highlights environmental and regulatory implications for hemp and cannabis sectors.

6. Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Grateful Dead’s Approach:

  “They were, I think as Stephen Stills described them, a garage band... For the audience, it seemed magical. For them, it might have seemed the same way.” – Larry Mishkin [46:24]

• On Phil Lesh’s Songwriting:

  “When you’ve written Box of Rain... one of the top two or three Grateful Dead songs, you’re entitled to have a couple of flat ones.” – Larry [69:10]

• On the Role of the Dead’s Lighting Crew:

  “Candace had a way of moving the audience the whole evening... it just came out of her because she was so in love with what she did did, and in love with the prospects of what her art could do.” – Dan Healy [36:44] “One of our goals was to enhance, but certainly not overshadow the music... So we were always on our toes, ready to try and finesse ourselves into the scene.” – Danny English [37:18]

• On Show Appreciation & the Power of Community:

  “Get out there and enjoy your music. ... Be safe and enjoy your cannabis responsibly." – Larry [71:57]

7. Suggested Listening: Key Tracks from Boston Garden 1993 Setlist

Timestamps refer to episode discussions:

• [02:03] “Here Comes Sunshine”
• [08:16] “Spoonful”
• [35:52] “Broken Arrow”
• [40:54] “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
• [68:43] “Wave to the Wind”
• [77:36] “The Other One”

8. Community & Listener Messages

• Birthday shout-out: Jacob Mishkin (turning 21) [69:49]
• Holiday greetings: Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah)
• Personal updates: Chicago weather, recent concerts, and friends’ musical adventures at the Sphere in Vegas.

9. Closing Thoughts

The episode flows from detailed musicological and fan-based insight (Dead setlist deep-dives, covers, and contemporaries) to heartfelt tributes (Candace Brightman), current events in the cannabis industry, and the enduring strength of the Grateful Dead community. The discussions are infused with warmth, nostalgia, and the hosts’ encyclopedic music and cannabis knowledge, making it both a celebration and education for listeners—Deadheads and newcomers alike.

For the full experience, listen to the episode or follow up on these segment timestamps for your favorite topics.