GOOD OL' GRATEFUL DEADCAST: Episode Summary Episode Title: From the Mars Hotel 50: Money Money
Release Date: June 20, 2024
Hosts: Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this fiftieth anniversary episode of From the Mars Hotel, hosts Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno delve into the intricacies of the Grateful Dead's 1974 studio album, focusing specifically on the song "Money Money." Celebrating five decades since the album's release, Rhino is set to launch a grand anniversary edition that includes the original remastered album, early demos, and a previously unreleased live performance from the University of Nevada, Reno (May 12, 1974), marking the inaugural roadshow for the legendary Wall of Sound system.

Rich Mahan introduces the topic at [00:05]:
"It is the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's From the Mars Hotel and to celebrate this, Rhino has a grand 50th anniversary release in the works..."
[00:05]

2. Exploring "Money Money"

"Money Money," penned by Bobby Weir and John Perry Barlow, stands as the seventh track on From the Mars Hotel. Despite its catchy chorus, the song was only performed live three times before being retired from the band's repertoire. The hosts explore the song's tongue-in-cheek nature and its reception among band members and fans alike.

Jesse Jarno highlights the song's controversial lyrics:
"Some of the lyrics haven't aged terribly well..."
[03:51]

Rich Mahan defends the song's intent:
"This song is meant as a tongue in cheek song, and I think it works in that regard."
[04:21]

3. Collaboration Between Bobby Weir and John Perry Barlow

The episode delves into the creative partnership between Weir and Barlow, tracing their collaboration from early 1960s boarding school encounters to their contributions to the Dead's music. Their synergy is exemplified in "Money Money," where differing creative processes occasionally led to friction.

Rich Mahan recounts the collaborative dynamics:
"But Barlow was on his way across country, having been hired by the Grateful Dead to be a songwriter because he didn't want to write his book anymore..."
[09:11]

4. Musical Analysis of "Money Money"

The hosts provide a detailed breakdown of the song's musical structure, highlighting its bluesy rock foundation, meter shifts, and innovative production techniques. "Money Money" features complex rhythmic patterns and was notably the only track on the album utilizing all 32 tracks in its production, underscoring its unique place in the Dead’s catalog.

Rich Mahan discusses the song’s tempo and meter changes:
"There’s something about the tempo that makes you digest it more easily..."
[16:00]

Jesse Jarno notes the song's production intricacies:
"Money Money is the only song on From the Mars Hotel to use all 32 tracks."
[17:28]

5. Uncredited Vocals by Sarah Fulcher

A significant revelation in the episode is the discovery of uncredited background vocals by Sarah Fulcher on "Money Money." Initially overlooked in the album's credits, Fulcher's contribution adds a new layer of depth to the song’s production. The hosts commend her performance and rectify her omission in the album's historical records.

Rich Mahan reflects on Fulcher’s uncredited work:
"But what’s not obvious, in which I didn’t get until researching this episode... is that nobody got credit at first."
[23:31]

6. The Europe '74 Tour and Wall of Sound Challenges

The Grateful Dead's ambitious Europe '74 tour is a focal point of the episode, illustrating the logistical nightmares and chaotic environment exacerbated by rampant drug use among the crew. The Wall of Sound, an innovative yet cumbersome audio system, posed significant technical challenges, leading to friction within the band and crew.

Rich Mahan describes the tour’s early struggles:
"So the work was just like backbreaking..."
[37:05]

Jesse Jarno recounts the logistical issues:
"The big one was power, was electricity..."
[37:50]

7. Memorable Performances: Seastones and Eyes of the World

One of the tour's highlights includes the integration of Seastones, an avant-garde musical project led by Ned Lagin, into the Dead’s performances. These segments showcased experimental improvisations that pushed the boundaries of the band's traditional sound, culminating in extended sets that merged seamlessly into classic Dead tunes like "Eyes of the World."

Rich Mahan praises the improvisational prowess:
"Phil's background in avant-garde jazz and European art music influenced the controlled drama of Eyes of the World."
[44:29]

Jesse Jarno elaborates on Seastones' impact:
"Between Billy Kreutzman’s entrance on this recording is incredibly subtle..."
[60:56]

8. Fan Perspectives: Paul Matulik’s Munich Experience

The episode features personal anecdotes from Deadheads like Paul Matulik, who recount their experiences attending the Dead’s Munich show. Matulik's narrative highlights the intense sensory experiences of the concert, the impressive sound quality of the Wall of Sound, and the unique cultural encounters with local European bands.

Paul Matulik shares his astonishment:
"The most astonishing thing was that the music was never loud. It was the best sound I ever heard..."
[74:22]

9. Legacy and Reflections on "Money Money"

Concluding the deep dive, the hosts reflect on the song's place within the larger musical landscape. They consider "Money Money" as part of a tradition of songs exploring the interplay between relationships and financial motives, noting its potential influence on contemporaneous works like ABBA's "Money, Money, Money." This examination situates the Dead's work within a broader cultural and musical context, affirming its enduring relevance.

Jesse Jarno connects to broader musical trends:
"Just two years after Money Money, ABBA's Money, Money, Money emerged, possibly as an answer to Dead's song."
[94:00]

10. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to various contributors, including Ned Lagin, Elvis Costello, and David Lemieux, among others. Hosts Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno emphasize the importance of celebrating the Grateful Dead's rich musical legacy, encouraging listeners to explore past episodes and engage with the community.

Rich Mahan closes the discussion:
"Thanks very much for tuning in to this episode of the Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast."
[94:51]

Notable Quotes with Attributions and Timestamps

• Rich Mahan [04:21]:
  "This song is meant as a tongue in cheek song, and I think it works in that regard."

• Jesse Jarno [03:51]:
  "Some of the lyrics haven't aged terribly well."

• Rich Mahan [16:00]:
  "There’s something about the tempo that makes you digest it more easily."

• Jesse Jarno [17:28]:
  "Money Money is the only song on From the Mars Hotel to use all 32 tracks."

• Rich Mahan [23:31]:
  "But what’s not obvious... is that nobody got credit at first."

• Rich Mahan [37:05]:
  "So the work was just like backbreaking."

• Jesse Jarno [37:50]:
  "The big one was power, was electricity..."

• Rich Mahan [44:29]:
  "Phil's background in avant-garde jazz and European art music influenced the controlled drama of Eyes of the World."

• Paul Matulik [74:22]:
  "The most astonishing thing was that the music was never loud. It was the best sound I ever heard..."

• Jesse Jarno [94:00]:
  "Just two years after Money Money, ABBA's Money, Money, Money emerged, possibly as an answer to Dead's song."

Final Thoughts

From the Mars Hotel 50: Money Money offers an exhaustive exploration of one of the Grateful Dead's most intriguing tracks, unraveling its creation, performance history, and lasting impact. Through insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and expert analyses, the episode underscores the band's innovative spirit and their ability to navigate both musical and logistical complexities. Whether you're a seasoned Deadhead or a curious newcomer, this episode provides a rich tapestry of the band's enduring legacy.

For More:
Explore past episodes and access additional content, including transcripts and bonus material, by visiting dead.net/deadcast. Subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform to stay updated on future deep dives into the Grateful Dead's expansive mythology.