The Grateful Dead- Europe ‘72

Hallelujah Brothers and Sisters, I have seen the light! What I thought was the fiery furnace has now become a comforting flame! A hearth and home in this trying time. And I will testify to my experience. Yes! I will tell you how I came to accept the Grateful Dead for the Great Band they are.

Before, I had not accepted them into my heart. It pains me to admit it, Brothers and Sisters. I heard the music but did not respond. I thought in my ignorance that it was hokey. But now I see, thanks to this album that far from hokey, the Dead is one of the most bona fide, electrified, and sanctified bands of all time.

The Dead then challenged me, they challenged me in the form of a friend. This friend said “Christian, you need to listen.” If I had not promised on my honor, if I had not sworn to myself that I would review this album, I would not be standing before you. I admit my faith was shaken when I saw that this album was two hours long. But my faith in my friend, and my promise got me to take that Leap of Faith, Praise Garcia! Now I testify to a miracle, Brothers and Sisters. Just as Jesus fed the masses so the Dead have taken two hours of music and made it seem like one, praise be!

I am enlightened, Brothers and Sisters! I now see how Jerry Garcia, praise him, is one of the best guitarists of all time. I see how he and Brent Mydland carry on holy musical conversations, each supporting his brother. I see how the Dead have created a mythology out of Americana, praise be. I see this, and I hear the inexpressible. I see, brothers and sisters, I see!

5/5, 5/5! But do not travel the same path I have trod, brothers and sisters. You need not go so far as I have. Rather, Garcia be praised, one only has to listen to “China Cat Sunflower,” “Brown Eyed Woman,” or “Tennessee Jed.” Let the light in, brothers and sisters, there is room for everyone in the Dead’s Holy Jam Session.