Off the top of my head I think that Cumberland Blues may be the most harmonically complex, in terms of vocal parts, song on Workingman’s Dead. Due to this I think that while the playing was hot the vocals could be not.
Usually the main offender to my ears is Phil as he seems a bit off, but perhaps it’s just that he’s too forceful and doesn’t blend well. Nevertheless, this song is awesome and whenever I see it on a setlist or a release I can’t wait to hear it.
Interestingly, the song is one that got aired by virtually every line up the Dead put together – Pigpen, TC, Keith, Donna, Brent, Bruce, Vince… you name someone who was in the Dead for any period of time and they played on Cumberland. I’m willing to bet the number of songs in the Dead’s oeuvre that can make a similar claim is relatively small.
So enjoy your work down the mine today as you give this track a listen. And as always, if you have suggestions for other version to check out let me know in the comments.
The vocals sound decent, and obviously this is one of the songs where it’s more difficult to re-create what they did in the studio live. Another fiery guitar solo from Garcia quickly puts any vocal concerns out of mind though. Jerry doesn’t go directly into the “A lot of poor men” verse, and the preceding instrumental section is stretched out a bit. A neat little development. The guys end on a high note, and do justice to the “I don’t know now…” section.
