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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 17, 2008 9:10am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Soy un perdedor...

Today I knew I wanted to listen to Loser. So I picked what I think is one of the finest examples of that fine song – 1-10-79 at the Nassau Coliseum.

It’s close to the end for the classic Dead of the 70s and the times are definitely a-changing. Keith plays the keys in the corner like the house pianist in the Last Chance Saloon and Garcia’s voice is beginning to crack, lending the song an air of barely suppressed desperation. The instrumental break is a burning light pinning a man on the cusp of hope and despair ready to betray his sweet Suzy for the unfaithful Queen of Diamonds. Garcia’s solo is a keening prayer to the unfeeling gods; Weir’s strong rhythms speak of a happier life that’s long since been swallowed by the unending search for just one good turn of the cards; while Phil’s bass lays down an unarguable reminder that fate can and will crush you.

Do I read too much into these songs? I don’t know, but it’s undoubtedly powerful stuff – I can get as much out of a good Dead performance as I’d take from any other artform. I’ve listened to it three times already today and I’d happily listen again, it’s that good.

Anyway, for now this is the best Loser I know. Anyone got any other suggestions? (And yes Mr Hollow I know it’s all subjective but it’s still a treat to hear what you think.)

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Poster: romper rOOm Date: Jan 17, 2008 3:16pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Hey home pretty boy, your mama's calling you.

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Poster: johnnyonthespot Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:10pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Rob, I have this one in my car. I'm going to pop it in right when I leave.

As for my favs - top of my head Kezar 5-26-73 and I like the Greek 87 one a lot but I forgot the date.

Also - one of the best written Dead tunes imo. Can't think of one version that sucks.

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Poster: He Live's Date: Jan 18, 2008 12:57pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: GO PRE-KEITH....Re: Soy un perdedor...

hola rob.... vives en ingleterra, si? i've put this up before, but here we go again, SINCE apparently YOU TOO are a fan of "loser" cheers and tea and toast, or beans on toast or whatever you all do over there :) elvis plays loser many of the best versions include keith, but try April 26, 1971 on for size.... bit different, the "pre keith" versions.... or of course, we could just [...]go here again...?
This post was modified by He Live's on 2008-01-18 07:27:40
This post was modified by Diana Hamilton on 2008-01-18 20:57:34

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Poster: SomeDarkHollow Date: Jan 17, 2008 9:31am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

3/24/90 http://www.archive.org/details/gd90-03-24.fob-schoeps-mattes.miller.27748.sbeok.shnf Maybe the best "modern" version. Jerry has a coniption. I mean that in a good way. And, as you have noted, all of the above is strictly IMHO.
This post was modified by SomeDarkHollow on 2008-01-17 17:31:48

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Poster: lobster12 Date: Jan 17, 2008 10:23am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Albany is the best one.

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Poster: Cliff Hucker Date: Jan 17, 2008 9:43am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Qué, no recomendation a partir de 1979?

I have always dug this version. Poor Jer is pretty sick, and its obviously painful for him to sing, but in this case it only increases the sense of desperation, which Jer masterfully carries over in a haunting solo starting about 5:25 in...

http://www.archive.org/details/gd78-11-24.sbd.prefm.13948.sbefail.shnf

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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 17, 2008 10:19am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Nail on the head, Brother Hucker. I’m going to make a suggestion based on nothing but supposition that the finest Losers come from the times that are hard, when that endless searching for the sound begins to bite and they wonder if they’ll ever hit that golden note again. A good Loser is a crucible for all their (and our) fears.

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Poster: northstar dead Date: Jan 17, 2008 3:37pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

That's reason enough to give that one a listen. Damn, you learn something new everyday around these parts....

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Poster: L.A. Women Date: Jan 17, 2008 10:00am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...


http://www.archive.org/details/gd71-11-15.sbd.cotsman.12438.sbeok.shnf

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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 17, 2008 9:31am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

I've just had a listen. Good call, Sir Hollow - a very fine performance indeed - Jerry rips it out and no mistake. Thank you for that!

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Poster: bluedevil Date: Jan 17, 2008 10:04am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

best one I was lucky enough to experience:

http://www.archive.org/details/gd84-07-22.pcm-sbd.miller.30650.sbeok.flacf
Jerry growls...

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Poster: jackstraw86 Date: Jan 17, 2008 11:51am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Ditto that bluedevil. I was going to point him to this one but you beat me to the punch. Best Loser I ever saw.

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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:05pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Hey guys, I'm not disrespecting your choice, I just gave it a listen and it's a really good Loser - but it sounds angry and a great Loser, just in my opinion of course, should sound desperate not angry. But damn it there's just so much going on in this song isn't there?

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Poster: direwolf0701 Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:23pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

always the contrarian, eh Rob???

:-P


(trouble maker)

:)

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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:27pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

I come from the planet Contraria. Take me to your leader, primitive Earthling!

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Poster: direwolf0701 Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:51pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

you come from SOME planet alright!!!

:)

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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:56pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Just so long as I'm not headed for Uranus, right?

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Poster: direwolf0701 Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:57pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

sweet suffering Moses.... NO!!!!

;)

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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 17, 2008 1:03pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Ok, Hoss - I shall ask the Goddess Diana to expunge the previous post from the record to avoid offending your tender sensibilities.

BTW did you notice that my Perdedor thread had made a clean sweep of the Big Board? Is this a first? Bwah Hah Haah! The power! The power!!!

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Poster: direwolf0701 Date: Jan 17, 2008 1:07pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

i did notice that :)

excellent work to you and all for board-cleaning-nonsense

woot!!!!

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Poster: bluedevil Date: Jan 17, 2008 1:34pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

I have to say that after I posted, I went back and listened, and while I remember it as an incredibly powerful version live, it did not move me nearly as much listening to it today. Oh well, that's the power and the majesty of the boys - setting and mood had so much to do with what took away. Saw some shows I thought were kind of lame and then listen now and am blown away.

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Poster: Dhamma1 Date: Jan 17, 2008 3:00pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor... (Loser)

I've been listening again lately to the Jan. 1971 PERRO sessions, where Jerry is just working out the tune and words to Loser, with the help of David Crosby and the others. I seem to have lost the URL of the place where I got it; perhaps one of you can post it again. But the story of the tapes, for those who may not know it, is here:
http://www.philzone.com/philbase/perro.html

It's a wonderful glimpse into where this song originated.

Cheers,

Michael

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Poster: stratocaster Date: Jan 17, 2008 9:33am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

03-24-90 is the best one...05-05-1990 is good, 08-19-1989 nice...07-18-1982 fantastic version...04-20-1983/ 10-21-1984 nice 83's...

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Poster: johnnyonthespot Date: Jan 17, 2008 2:56pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

here are the links to the ones I mentioned. I think both of these stand out for me because I like the funky background Weirs giving the tune.

http://www.archive.org/details/gd73-05-26.sbd.cribbs.17076.sbeok.shnf


http://www.archive.org/details/gd87-06-20.sbd.clugston.11943.sbefail.shnf

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Poster: He Live's Date: Jan 17, 2008 11:21pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

hey JOTS!

i like that kezar show too... pokin around for nice "loser"s i landed there as well..

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Poster: wineland Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:03pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

I've asked far and wide, but nobody seems to know. Who is this sweet Suzy the Loser speaks of?

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Poster: direwolf0701 Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:14pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

yo wine!!! you made it back safely from the far reaches of the east coast huh??? hope your business trip was prosperous (other than the martini night)

:)

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Poster: wineland Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:16pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Hey Dire. It was great to finally meet you face to face. Live you ain't half the arse you are here. :-) Seriously, thanks for the welcome to Boston.

Yeah, all went well. 5 cities in 5 days. Wow, that was quite the tour. Got lots accomplished.

I caught Grace Potter and Galactic on Friday at the House of Blues in Orlando/DisneyWorld. Both bands put on great shows! But I was road-weary, light sushi dinner, and had a couple few martinis to pre-funk so as the night wore on the final Galactic set gets a bit fuzzy.

Check out Grace Potter when you have a chance. Here's a good show on the Archive:
http://www.archive.org/details/gpn2006-02-18.flac16
They put a nice spin on Mystery Train, track 7.

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Poster: direwolf0701 Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:35pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

"Live you ain't half the arse you are here."

ssshhhhhhh, you'll ruin everything!!!!!


j/k - it was great to finally meet you also, along with your coworker (and especially the bartender - lol)

Glad you had fun at the shows. I'll have to check out GP - never heard them before. Thanks for the link :)

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Poster: robthewordsmith Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:17pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

"sweet Suzy" is everywoman I'd guess, the name chosen because it fits the rhythm of the song and is easy to sing (like Loose Lucy).

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Poster: wineland Date: Jan 17, 2008 12:26pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Soy un perdedor...

Best explanation I've heard yet. I'll go with that until I hear otherwise.

Hope all is well with you RTWS.