182. Dylan Rodrigue Discusses Grateful Dead, From the Mars Hotel (TW: discussion of lyrics pertaining to suicide)

CONTENT WARNING: There are references to suicide as they relate to the lyrics of the song “China Doll.” (Discussion begins at 28:27 and ends at 31:53.)

On this episode, L.A.-based singer-songwriter Dylan Rodrigue joins Al to introduce him to the Grateful Dead’s 1974 album From the Mars Hotel. Dylan talks about why he selected this album to discuss, and why he thought it would be a great gateway for Al to learn more about the Grateful Dead. He talks about the progressive rock and jazz fusion influences that can be heard on the album, and he breaks down some of the album’s lyrics. Dylan also talks about his Grateful Dead cover band, Smile Smile Smile, his latest album Sunshine and his upcoming album The Meaning of a Kiss.

Be sure to follow Dylan and Smile Smile Smile on Instagram!

@dylanrodriguemusic

@smilesmilesmileband

You can find Dylan's music on Bandcamp at dylanrodrigue.bandcamp.com.

Al is on Bluesky at @almelchior. This show has an account on Instagram at @youmealbum. Subscribe for free to You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter! https://youmealbum.substack.com/. You can also support the show on Buzzsprout at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1542814/episodes or at the link at the bottom of these show notes.

1:18 Dylan joins the show

1:59 Dylan recalls his earliest memories of listening to the Grateful Dead with his father

5:43 Dylan explains why he chose From the Mars Hotel for this episode

8:11 Al talks about the baggage he brought to this episode

11:14 Dylan cites the various features that make From the Mars Hotel a standout album

13:31 Al was surprised by some of the keyboard sounds on the album

16:09 Dylan and Al talk about the album’s cover art

18:34 Al shares his reaction to the album

21:34 Dylan and Al discuss the progginess of “Unbroken Chain”

23:51 Al gives his opinion on some of the other tracks

24:54 Dylan thinks the prog feel extends to several of the album’s tracks

27:04 Dylan focuses on the Dead’s lyricists and their lyrics

31:53 Dylan sees some parallels between the Grateful Dead and Steely Dan

34:43 Dylan talks about Phil Lesh’s approach to songwriting

37:17 Dylan has plenty of experience playing the songs off of From the Mars Hotel

40:06 Dylan talks about the ways that the Grateful Dead have–and haven’t—been an influence on his work

43:02 Al likes the Grateful Dead’s louder moments

45:18 Dylan and Al sum up their thoughts about From the Mars Hotel 

47:21 Dylan explains why he went in a different direction with Sunshine

52:38 Dylan talks about his upcoming album, The Meaning of a Kiss

55:35 Dylan talks about his tour plans

57:04 Al looks back on having made episodes over the last four-plus years

Outro music is from “Ricochet” by Dylan Rodrigue.