Day 179: Iko Iko, 7/26/87

Iko Iko was the first song ever picked for this project. Looking back that surprises me, but it is what it is!

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We’ve covered a lot of ground in the intervening months. I still don’t know how to gauge whether this is a successful or even a fruitful endeavor, but it’s been fun for me nonetheless. As we close in on completing the first six months of this twelve month project I’m intrigued by what lies ahead and what new releases are on the horizon. Obviously the new Spring 1990 box set will provide some good fodder for me, as I’m a big fan of that tour. I have a copy of 11/17/72, which will be the new Dave’s Picks 11, but I haven’t listened to it in a while. I plan to wait until the release hits my mailbox before spinning that show again. Hopefully there’s a mid-80s release in the works somewhere too. I feel like there is a lot of ground to cover there and the dearth of selections here from that era are not a statement on preference, but more one of lack of availability through official releases.

I guess we’ll just have to wait to see what the future holds. In the meantime, enjoy this Iko Iko!

A bit of warm up goes on before that funky New Orleans vibe emerges. Phil scrambles across the fretboard like a man possessed here. Not bad Phil, not bad. The Jerry/Brent duets on the chorus are top notch. Did I just hear some train samples? I could have sworn that was a locomotive. Jerry’s solo gets the job done to my satisfaction. Really sick solos on a tune like this are just icing, the groove and vibe are what I come for. Of course, Brent busts out the B3 and I’m sucked in. Phil plays the support role nicely here, as Mr. Myland tears it up. Jerry gets another turn with a bouncy take on a solo that is quite lyrical. Phil vamps underneath for a couple of measures, like an abbreviated version of what he does during Deal or Franklin’s sometimes. Bobby joins in on vocals for the last couple of choruses as the end nears, the funk ends, and the crowd roars.

Complete Setlist 7/26/87

Previous Iko Iko DFAY Selections

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5 comments to “Day 179: Iko Iko, 7/26/87”
  1. Those are absolutely locomotive samples. They were so subtle, I actually thought a train was coming past on the nearby tracks. What a weird choice for a sample. Anyway, excellent pick for today.

  2. Lunchbox,
    A fruitful endeavor ?????? Don’t think any other way. You began this with a mission and a mission that has been highly successful reading between the lines from my seat on a regular basis. I honestly feel your passion for your journey or I would have checked out a long time ago. Like you, I live for linking with passion and your quest is so important for your journey thru live. Most folks would never attempt what you have taken on. Trust me, I’ve taken a lot of paths but always gravitate back to what is emotionally relevant for me. Might sound selfish, but as you travel onward with your new family always steer toward passion. Life’s to short to not or to boring to go any other route. Passionate folks always hit roadblocks as we can’t comprehend how others go thru life without a strong compulsion to follow that path. Kinda of a blessing and a curse, but wouldn’t have it any other way. Stay strong, you are a hero.

  3. I’m with Joe, here, Lunchbox, you’re doing a great job and I really appreciate the effort you’ve put into this project. It’s become part of my daily routine to check out the song of the day during my break at work. Several times your choices have led me to revisit a release I haven’t listened to in awhile and there have been other times I’ve been introduced to something new to my ears–always a good thing.
    Joe mentioned that most people wouldn’t attempt what you’ve taken on, and the fact that you’re a younger guy who never saw the GD live makes it even more special. I’d say that this blog goes a long way toward proving that this music is timeless and goes well beyond the listener’s age or past concert going experience.

  4. Joe and Mike, thanks for your kind words. Having gotten 6 months under my belt another 6 certainly seems feasible. After that, we’ll see how things stand. It’s been fun though and I’m glad to hear that at least someone else is getting some occasional value from the project. Many thanks.

  5. The Dead move down the road to Anaheim a couple of nights later and as they light into this Louisiana party tune it sounds as though they are still on the same high that propelled their set back in Oakland. I often find their readings of this song a bit embarrassing, as if they are just not qualified to deliver it. But this version rings more true than most. It may be that a certain cool abandon is required and that element is not always on board. From the sounds of this, these guys could play about anything on this day and make it work. Brent and Jerry get in good solos and the singing is convincingly heartfelt.

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