We’re back with another version of The Other One. As you can see below we’ve had one from 78, 88, and the complete suite from ’71. So this installment comes from the jazzy period of 1973, a most welcome addition to the current slate of selections.

The jazzier 1973-1974 period, where things could get really weird, featured 31 versions of The Other One in those two calendar years. A much lower number than I would have expected. However, some of these versions could stretch on for a quite a while. This is a modest 15 minute version, but it goes by quickly. (Isn’t that a quintessential Deadhead concept? It’s a 15 minute song, but it’s a fast 15 minutes!)

So take some time to get to know this version – compare it with some of the other selections and let me know how it matches up. Happy listening!

Phil’s signature Other One entrance riff sets the song in motion and Jerry is quick to establish a signal path through the song. A crashing swell of cymbals accentuates the frenzy going on here. Keith really shows up here too. He’s not just block chords and plodding, but rather interjecting jazz licks and runs all over the place. Bobby is quite discernible on the left side and adds his own unique approach. If anything this is another prime example that Weir wasn’t a rhythm guitarist. To label him as such diminishes his contributions in my opinion. He was a complementary guitarist. Here the rhythm of the song is left to the rhythm section of Phil and Billy, to great effect I may add. Listen to the figure Phil picks up around the 5 minute mark, for example. At about 6:20 Jerry tags the main Other One theme and Keith takes the bait. Phil leads the way back to the main groove and Bobby drops the first verse on us well into minute seven. Jerry and Phil handle the backing vocals quite well. As I listen to this track in isolation from the rest of the release I note that Donna isn’t singing. Was she at this show or did she not make the trip? Regardless, the band finds their way into the stratosphere in short order and the weird reigns supreme. Form once again creeps in and Jerry finds another nice line around 13:30. Phil plays some walking bass style patterns and things begin to subside, paving the way for Eyes of the World.

Complete Setlist 2/28/73

Previous The Other One DFAY Selections