"Alabama Getaway" by the Grateful Dead

Song#:  0222
Date:  06/21/1980
Debut:  86
Peak:  68
Weeks:  6
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  The Dead were not known for singles nor even for getting their albums in the Top 10. During the group's lifespan of main releases from 1967-1990 they succeeded in getting one album and one song into the Top 10 (with only six of their singles in total ever getting on the chart). But it hardly mattered. They still sold albums and their relentless tours geared towards their loyal fan base (known as Deadheads) made them hugely successful. Their eleventh album and first of the 80s, "Go to Heaven," produced this rare singles chart entry.

ReduxReview:  The Dead just ain't my scene. I never gained a liking for jam bands and although there are a few songs in their catalog that I don't mind, overall their style of music doesn't do much for me. This song is alright and a good listen, but it is nothing that would make me want to explore the group any further. I appreciate their place in rock history, their influence, and their fan dedication, but I just don't connect to the music.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  An oddity seemingly out of the mockumentary "Spinal Tap" where five of the group's drummers died, the Grateful Dead has unfortunately been the subject of a "keyboard curse." It seems each of the group's four keyboardists during their active years met an unfortunate fate while in the group or after their departure. Original keyboardist Pigpen McKernan died from complications from alcohol abuse. Then Keith Godchaux died in a car accident the year after being let go from the band. Then Brent Mydland died of a drug overdose. The final keyboardist was Vince Welnick who committed suicide in 2006 (although 11 years after the group disbanded). Although more coincidence than curse, it certainly is an odd chapter in the book of this group.

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