Dead. Where Is Thy Sting?

It seems to me that the core of this discussion is extremely subjective. I might frame it as a difference of opinion/perception in terms of "do the highs compensate for the lows?", which reflects my priority of tight musicianship. But a deadhead would never ask this question because from their perspective, there are no highs without lows-- the two figure equally in the overall gestalt. I’ve encountered deadheads who fervently believe that consistently tight musicianship = "soulless professionalism". 

Frankly, I don’t see much common ground here for debate. I will never grok the "ragged is right" ethos" but I don’t have to in order to enjoy my favorite Dead recordings. 

Another difference appears to be that deadheads belive when the  Dead played at their best they reached a level unmatched by other bands, which in some way justified the Dead's off nights. I simply don't experience this as accurate. The Dead at their best were wonderful. But not more so than the original Allman Bros., The Who or countless others. Again, there is a fundamental difference of perception that from my perspective, cannot be bridged. 

As my system has improved, I have been enjoying the Dead a lot more. They were not my favorite band growing up but they are now as I have gotten older. I have several live recordings - Dick’s Picks, Dave’s Picks, Europe, Live Dead, etc. - and I enjoy them all even if the band is having an off performance. On every recording, my system makes me feel like I am “there” and in attendance with the crowd. I also now have a greater appreciation for things like Phil’s bass bombs and Drums and Space. I used to skip over Drums and Space when I first started listening to the Dead but now it sounds so real. It’s a real hoot.

@thaluza 

For those who play music, SQ tends not to be a major factor. But if improving your system has enhanced your enjoyment of music, I’m all for it. 

@larsman  I can't think of another word except for sh!t to describe Shakdown Street. Terrain Station wouldn't win any awards either, but it did have a cool Album cover. Blues for Allah another turd and that album where they are all dressed in white suits.

And don't forget that Garcia ended his days making neck ties for the Gentry, including Bill Clinton.

Nevertheless Live Dead stands out as a masterpiece.

@lordmelton - I wouldn't know. I don't listen to GD studio albums; I don't even know what songs were on which ones because it doesn't matter to me - that was never the point of the band; I can hear dozens of live versions of all the songs on those albums, except the very few they didn't like enough to put into the repertoire. 

I won't forget it because it didn't happen. Garcia didn't 'end his days making neck ties for the Gentry, including Bill Clinton'; I don't know what 'Gentry' means in this context; in the 90's, lots of people, from file clerks to CEOs, who worked in offices had to wear ties. Later, many companies adopted 'Casual Friday', where you could come to work tie-less, and then it turned into every day for most places. 

Jerry was also an artist, and some of Jerry's graphic designs were licensed and put a line of neckties - he didn't sit down to create neckties. I had a few myself. He ended his days before he died playing wonderful music, which he did his whole life.