i think that the dead were actually better, phil, in that they had more of an encyclopedic love for and understanding of American music (jazz, blues, bluegrass, folk, etc.), whereas some of those who followed are but wan, wanking imitations.

i understand your appreciation of tight song structure - it comes out in your music and music preferences - but i would argue that the dead have more in common with extended-form jazz compositions (particularly in their soloing) than with many of the bands whom they spawned.

that being said, i find much of their later work unlistenable.

it's interesting, though, finally finding a single occasion during which i can find that my tastes are at odds with yours. weird.

Hey, it happens colin.

I'll give you guys a recommendation, check out Sonia Dada's album, Lay Down and Love it Live.

There's a hidden gem for you.

A jam band with pop song structures, and a love of many genres.

And as far as the Dead goes, and their contemporaries or followers...

I'm not sure what to tell you, but I'd rather listen to Aquarium Rescue Unit, or Allman Bros. Band.

Widespread is a talented bunch, i don't see why that's an insult to the Dead/Phish legacy.

This could be a neverending thread of "I don't understand you", "No, I don't understand YOU".

Either way check out that album i was telling you about at www.soniadada.com

and see them live if you get the chance, as they will fuck your shit up, make you dance, and leave you feeling pretty good about life.

Peace,
Phil

i don't see how you could think of the dead NOT being a jam band. they were not JUST a jam band . . . but clearly they were a band who jammed.

i think that there's a disconnect between the grateful dead's live stuff and their studio stuff. i may not personally like either one, but they are different beasts. i guess that i respect them as musicians, though.

thanks dude, i will and ill get back to you with a report