One of the (many) things I really love about group rock improv is how, seemingly more adeptly than any other genre, it can run the gamut from sheer heavens-raining-down-upon-you bliss to utterly unhinged psychedelic skullfuckery. Of course, since it’s Halloween, here’s a couple examples of the latter, from the two bands that do it best.
In this New Years run monster the boys let you up for air a couple times in the midst of plunging you into the depths of your worst fears:
Phish: David Bowie (1994/12/29 Live At Providence Civic Center, Providence, RI)
And then sometimes there is no respite, and you will either have to accept the horrors suggested in your consciousness, or flee your mind with the tattered remains of your sanity:
Grateful Dead: Dark Star (1989/10/26 Live At Miami Arena, Miami, FL)
(Yes, I realize they’re quite long. Have some patience, will you? Good grief…)
