To mark the anniversary of the Grateful Dead last year, a large group of artists compiled covers of different Grateful Dead songs. The list of artists included big names like The National, Mumford & Sons, Jim James, and Wilco as well as smaller artists contributing their own sound to the extensive library of Grateful Dead songs. These songs range from the bluegrass sounds of Bela Fleck covering “Help On The Way” to a psychedelic take on “Dark Star” from the Flaming Lips. Overall, the 39 track album is full of hits and misses…here are my 5 favorite and least favorite covers:

Hit the mark

  1. Sugaree – Phosphorescent and Jenny Lewis
  2. Candyman – Jim James
  3. Ship of Fools – Tallest Man on Earth
  4. Dire Wolf – The Lone Bellow
  5. Jack-a-roe – This is Kit

Missed the Target

  1. Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad – Lucina Williams
  2. Ripple – the Walkmen
  3. Touch of Grey – the War on Drugs
  4. Dark Star – Flaming Lips
  5. Estimated Prophet – The Rileys