classic rock lives.

i haven't been here for awhile, but if my data is correct, none of you rapscallions have shown any interest in classic rock. i am here to rectify that, or at least to pay tribute to the music from the decades that shaped how music is played and performed today.

i would like to start with The Grateful Dead.

for those of you who have never listened to American Beauty, the album the Dead released as their first in 1970, you are at a huge loss, musically and emotionally.


perhaps some of the best music i have ever heard, GD covers it all on this beauty, pun intended. they rock out, they jam out, and then they throw in some country. the more well-known songs, like, sugar magnolia, and truckin', are complemented by the lesser knowns, such as 'ripple' and 'attics of my life.' one of my absolute, hands-down favorite songs of all time kicks off the album, a beautiful ballad titled "box of rain." listen to this song as quickly as you can. listen to every word, every chord, every beat. let it take you over and if it doesn't affect you, you are doomed. i'm serious.

if you don't believe me, watch the very last episode of freaks & geeks, which you can pick up in the library. though initally opposed to traditional hippie music, the main character, lindsay weir, gives in after being recommended the record and is completely taken over as soon as she turns it on. it will be one of the best albums you will ever listen to in your life.

unlike most music of today, the combination of incredible sound and phenomenal lyrics will take you to another universe entirely.

the ultimate site to look up or peruse through grateful dead lyrics can be found here. even if the music is too groovy for you, read up on some of the songs and just reflect on the poetry. it's worth it. (upon first discovering the site as a freshman, i used to spend hours of my immense free time just reading lyrics and being completely awe-stricken.)