A Visionary Funk Machine
Stephen M. Rapp | Asheville, NC | 03/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I bought this I had real buyers remorse, thinking I was gona have to endure a CD of Mickey Hart vocals in lieu of his world percussion CD's.What shocking surprise. A Shuckadelic Soul Motion! A gem, a Masterpiece and a Gift from a revolutionary artist with heart, passion and intellegence. The Mint Julips' vocals are off the chart divine. The band is a collaboration of perfection. Mickey aint bad either. Rag Bag Willey and Bam-Alam!!!!!"
World beat indeed
Kid A | Boulder, CO | 05/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being a long-time Deadhead, knowing Mickey's a bit "vocally-challenged" and being a big fan of great drumming, I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I bought this. After dozens of listens over the past several years, it's clear this is one of my best purchasing decisions ever of GD or GD-related music.
Mickey gets the groove on from start to finish and manages to prove his mastery of the art of world music and the feel of the day.
If you're looking for something that resembles the Grateful Dead's sound, look elsewhere. For me, though, this is a good thing. There's enough of the "GD sound" everywhere you turn. Mystery Box is a thoroughly refreshing move away from that jam-band sound. Every song is well crafted, arranged and performed.
One last comment... For anybody who was ever a Jerry Garcia fan, I dare you to listen to "Down The Road" and not be utterly moved. What an incredible farewell to the master."
Love it!
Dane McGregor | Wilmette, IL USA | 01/28/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I bought this disc, I was expecting more percussive tracks ala the earlier Planet Drum discs. Was annoyed that it was all vocal songs, and after one listen tossed it into the CD rack, to languish for a couple of years.
I pulled it out to give it a second listen last year, and fell in love with it-- as long as you don't go into it expecting it to be something it's not, as I initially had, it's delightful! The musical styles are wide-ranging, the lyrics (by Robert Hunter) engaging and worth multiple listenings."