When the surviving members of the Grateful Dead announced their return, Deadheads and other music lovers around the globe rejoiced in celebration. Sure, Jerry Garcia had passed on to another plane of existence, but the strange did, indeed, remain. Bobby Weir, Mickey Hart and Phil Lesh were joined... [+] Expand

When the surviving members of the Grateful Dead announced their return, Deadheads and other music lovers around the globe rejoiced in celebration. Sure, Jerry Garcia had passed on to another plane of existence, but the strange did, indeed, remain. Bobby Weir, Mickey Hart and Phil Lesh were joined by piano man Bruce Hornsby, Dave Ellis, Steve Kimock, Mark Karan and John Molo to form the Other Ones and to headline a tour called the Further Festival. Some members of the media have called the Other Ones the "ultimate Dead cover band," but this group is far from a cover band. Their versions of Dead songs are immaculate, and many time they prove to be actually better than the Dead versions. Soaring saxophone, Hornsby's on-target piano, and the other "new" band members add a whole new set of colors to the palate. Kicking the live set off with a medley of "St. Stephen" and "The Eleven," the Other Ones perform flawlessly, as they make their way through a set of Dead favorites, from "Jack Straw" to "Corrina" and the bizarre time signature of "Estimated Prophet." It's a real pleasure to hear that one live again, to be sure. Bob delivers the most unusual track with a Zappa-esque styling, "Only the Strange Remain," before pumping their way through "White Wheeled Limousine." Disc Two has even more goodies to enjoy, from "Mountains of the Moon" to "Friend of the Devil," "Playing in the Band" and the hottest track on the album, a medley of "China Cat Sunflower" and "I Know You Rider." Garcia's spirit is alive and well, and the Other Ones are the perfect successors to the Grateful Dead empire. Even though the band has elected not to tour this summer, mostly due to Lesh's medical problems, fans can delight in the sheer spirit that comes through their BOSE and JBL's by way of this live document. Put on a set of head phones, light some incense, close your eyes and go to The Other World. ~ Michael B. Smith, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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