Search - Grateful Dead, John Oswald :: Grayfolded 1 & 2

Not Better Than the Real Thing

Michael D. Sobota | Dela-Where? | 12/02/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In accordance with most of the other reviews, this album is based on a cool concept, and it does seem to transport you to wherever it was the Dead took you when they created these sounds, it falls a bit short of what it could have been. I picked up this set in '94, and it's great music to listen to in the dark, but there are better full versions of "Dark Star" already available. I've listed to many versions of this song, but in all honest, if you've heard the version from '69's "Live Dead", it doesn't get better than that."

Enjoyable On Occasion, But Definitely For 'Heads Only

10/26/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Pop Kulcher Review: Bought this as an import several years ago. Since then I've given it a spin maybe once or twice a year, which is about right. It was an interesting idea -- meld together excerpts from dozens of "Dark Star"s throughout the Dead's history into a 2-cd suite. While it makes pleasant enough background music, and in a few spots makes for a dazzling headphone experience, it ultimately comes up a bit short. I think that they didn't take the concept far enough, and only intermittently got creative with the editing and splicing. I'd personally prefer either an unadultered, perfect "Dark Star" from the late '60's or early '70's, or an all-out sonic recreation of the tune. This falls somewhere in the middle, and thus lacks the organic natural flow of the Dead on a good night and the experimental potential hinted at in the album's concept. Still, if you're a die-hard 'Head and/or you enjoyed the comparable Infrared Roses, it's a good value and something you'll want to hear on rare occasions once the novelty has passed."

Build a better Dark Star?

Noah Zingarelli (andrulis@aol.com) | Long Island, New York | 11/16/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nothing is as transportational as a true Dark Star, but this melding of Dark Stars is definately worth listening to. Seemlessly woven through 2 discs is some of the finest sounds the Dead ever created during the hundreds of Dark Stars they played throughout their career. Pop this disc in if you're driving through the mountains or watching the sunset over the ocean, star gazing with some friends, watching a full moon rise. You won't be disappointed. It will take you there"