The War on Drugs - 'Touch of Grey'

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‘Touch of Grey' by The War on Drugs, from ‘Day of the Dead’, a tribute album to the Grateful Dead curated by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National, with all profits going to Red Hot Organization.
CD: smarturl.it/DayOfTheDead_4AD
iTunes: smarturl.it/DayOfTheDead_i
Amazon: smarturl.it/DayOfTheDead_a
Google Play: smarturl.it/DayOfTheDead_a
Spotify: smarturl.it/DayOfTheDead_Spotify
Find the full line-up and more about the project: dayofthedeadmusic.com
Adam Granduciel - vocals, guitars, Juno 60, harmonica
Dave Hartley - bass, tambourine, guitar
Robbie Bennett - piano, arp quartet
Charlie Hall - drums
Produced by The War On Drugs
Recorded by: Jeff Zeigler (Boulevard - Los Angeles, CA), Jonathan Low (Miner Street Recordings -
Philadelphia, PA) and Jon Ashley (Echo Mountain - Asheville, NC)
Mixed by Jonathan Low (Miner Street Recordings - Philadelphia, PA)
Directed by Michael Brown, Nick Ciontea, and Christopher Bartlett
Original Artwork by Nick Ciontea (brownshoesonly)
Edited by Christopher Bartlett
4AD on the web:
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#TheWaronDrugs #4AD #4ADRecords

[@spacecadet1869]

Must admit that this is the best cover of Touch of Grey I've ever heard.

[@ryanrockers]

true

[@lisaklienmen719]

Adam Granduciel has a beautiful voice. I could listen to this song over and over again

[@JMF0303]

Never really "got" The Dead, but I've always loved this song and am a huge TWODs fan, so really happy to have found this.

[@maggiescanyon]

That harmonica solo gets my eyes watery.

[@snackpoodle2974]

War on Drugs covering the Dead - marriage made in Heaven - bless them all!

[@mudiusp1392]

Who is this guy? Making a grown man cry. Two weeks in and finally I awake this morning without this precious nugget rocking around in my head. Then just as my beloved awakes, guess the fug what? She's singing the chorus! So, I'm playing it one more time and will be humming this haunting tune for the rest of the day. This, is, in my estimation, a good haunting. Thanks to The War on Drugs for such a beautiful rendition of a happy song I've always loved!

[@iaincooper6164]

I love the vocal phrasing in this cover. He sounds so weary and so intense at the same time. What a brilliant take on this song.

[@tao4mike]

I love this. It's like a groovier Bob Dylan covered Touch of Grey. All my favorite sounds! 🥰

[@aarnoalikoski1755]

The cover version has always succeeded when it sounds like it would be performer's own song. The War On Drugs and The National made the best versions to this collection.

[@disprogreavette8545]

Does Robert Hunter's word justice, love it.

[@cdkilo77]

I agree and I honestly never thought I would want to hear anyone other than Jerry sing this song. While The Grateful Dead version seems to bring out the positive, perseverant side of the song, this version feels more melancholic and focuses on the darker side of the song. I think it really shows how dynamic Robert Hunter's lyrics are.

[@AFM864]

Incredibly, this recording melds both the original version and The War On Drugs' aesthetic. Predictably, some people can't handle not being consulted during the production. Me, I'm just happy to hear from TWOD again. I wonder how long we'll have to wait for the next album? As an aside, I approached Adam after a gig at Pickathon when he was coiling up his cords and he couldn't have been more gracious with his time. He's a stand up guy and I love his music.

[@Altair2990]

Damn! You're the luckiest person on the planet to have met him, I'm a huge fan of TWOD and love all of their albums. It sucks though that they're not famous for the genius music that they make. Now we're stuck with all these mainstream people who about 75-95% don't even compare to Adam's level of music. But yeah I'm jealous

[@AFM864]

Hey, I think fame pretty much ruins most artists. Better to stay hungry for great art.

[@phoule76]

haha. well put, "not consulted during the production".

[@kmando420]

Trying to handle it

[@adamsensenig5750]

Super nice guy. I'm from Philly and have friends who are legit friends with the guy and everyone says he's one of the nicest humans they've ever met. Very genuine person. I thinknit comes through in his songwriting. War on drugs is an amazing band. Lost in the dream is a desert island record for me.

[@davidedickjr]

Heard this for the first time late Wednesday morning Aug 31 while driving through LA on my way to SF. Magnificent cover of an epic classic. Made my heart soar during a grinding drive on the 405. Suddenly, the traffic was beautiful. Yay, KCRW Radio Turns Eclectic!

[@Stonecrow25]

Singer laying it down ln Dylan’s delivery style

[@davidmoulton1991]

not normally a huge WoD fan but this is a great cover

[@ppkyuela]

The beginning is just fucking wonderful, and it has the touch of Adam Granduciel everywhere.

[@Bikebikebikecba]

A beautiful version of a great band. Thanks Spotify.

[@brianvaughan4163]

Awesome rendition. Great energy. I don't get the haters here on this. Lighten up and enjoy yourselves for gods sake. And I'm a dead head, 273 shows from 76 on and I'm supple enough to enjoy this, maybe I'm just too young to be unhappy.

[@ashleynee9020]

Agreed Brian Vaughn. I love this version and it's even more 80's than the original. The only people hating this cover are the same people who hated Touch Heads and I just dont understand hate.

[@watermelonsugaree]

I had been to dead shows in the late 70s. The last show that remember liking was the premier of TofG on Sept 15 1982. The scene changed when they started playing stadiums on the regular. The brief flash in the pan of ToG brought the music to a wider audience. It was kind of a college educated or drop out white person from upper middle class backgrounds with some really funky bohemian tossed in. At least they got to squeeze a little more milk out of the turkey.

[@grendelwasajedi]

i bought "Day of the Dead" on i tunes. it's the only music i've paid for in the last decade.

[@Mojoslickbush]

I never knew how much i wanted to hear a harmonica on this song. Amazing!

[@3rdmachineage]

i am in love with this

[@samvest5205]

long time deadhead here; I taped over 400 shows. I like this reinterpretation of the song. a lot. sure, I loved jerry's many versions, but this one is good also. and I honestly believe jerry (and hunter) would have lived it too.

[@lyndaframe1986]

Aaron and Bryce too 🙏🙏🎶🎶🎸🎸💖💖

[@Oakheart]

Love War on Drugs. Being an middle aged dead head ... I will have to give it a few more listens.

[@masebearcat]

I was a little hesitant to listen to song because of the prestige of the original version.... but I finally listened to it, and after hearing numerous times, I've grown to love it! The War of Drugs is the best band I've heard in 30 years! Love these guys! Almost everything they release takes me to a relaxing place in my mind, body, and soul! What sold me on this was ROBBIE BENNETT KILLING IT ON THE PIANO!! Also the beginning beat kind of reminds me of The Flock Of Seagulls- "I Ran"

[@a-aron14]

This version is not only an ode to the original song but the original RECORDING - I think it is important to note that. They aren't here to fuck with something great - just play it and respect the piece.

[@gmpyearof96]

This band has everything to be a model for future rock generations, one thing in particular: SOUL! Having been completely addicted for the past year.

[@helenesuss4606]

Now, now children, make peace

[@andrewnation7711]

When artists pay tribute to great music and great lyrics thus honoring the original song via their interpretations -- versus imitations -- it is the highest form of compliment. Such as demonstrated on the "Deadicated" album years ago. Each chose a song (or two) that they fully admitted 'spoke' to them years before being invited to pay tribute to the Grateful Dead. So again we have great interpretations ready to be released. You know, it's like everybody has different interpretations of great painting. So let it happen and relish in the aura.

[@adrianhernandez98]

my fucking god

[@nigelsaylor2471]

We will get by

[@mjd3687]

Highly pleasurable and expertly produced!

[@picknizzo]

+Michael DeFlorio I agree Michael!

[@mjd3687]

You have a good taste Mr. Pizzo!

[@tmoneyyy123]

+Michael DeFlorio +picknizzo. Drs. DeFlorio and Pizzo, your taste in music is second to none.

[@picknizzo]

+Michael DeFlorio That's Dr. Pizzo. I didn't go to evil medical school for 7 years to be called Mr.

[@aatproductions5195]

Your opinion is wrong and so is the spelling of your name

[@bookmedia67]

Kind of like Touch combined with early '90s British shoegaze. Love it.

[@4ad_official]

'Touch of Grey', by The War on Drugs, from the forthcoming 'Day of the Dead' tribute to Grateful Dead. Released 20th May on 4AD, with all profits going to Red Hot Organization.

[@larryhunley7357]

If any group could cover The Dead, its these guys. Nice.

[@liljafamilyaccount7306]

great cover, it takes me back im the same age now as jerry garcia was in 1987. i saw the dead a few times in the early 90s and now im feeling old and seeing this song in a different light.

[@TranceSuperWave]

Never heard the original. I love this song in its own right.

[@JacobLinde]

holy fuck shit this is great

[@j2ksbury]

+Jacob Linde Couldn't have said it better ;-) We will get by. We will survive, people!

[@JerrySumrell]

Sounds like something you would expect from 4AD. Love those guitars! Great cover of an already great song.

[@nancymain9035]

Cool!!!!

[@quridapearson5068]

Incredibly, this recording melds both the original version and The War On Drugs' aesthetic. 💙 ❤️ 💙 ❤️

[@babycakes2077]

I’m so in love w lead. He is such an amazing talent and I love his metal hair!

[@jeffbruce6369]

all "DEAD" coattails are exactly that~~~you go ahead and copy all the lines you want, but you'll ONLY realize your OWN story through writing/being your own story~~~this comes straight from the HEART~~~ehyaHO

[@jamiemearns]

Just love this song and band!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@mochalex]

It's like a modern-era Dylan with the Dead.

[@aatproductions5195]

Dylan was trash and even he could put together something leaps and bounds better than this elephant dart of a cover.

[@philipmazonson4694]

One of my fav bands , and one of my fav labels ...never thought the two would mix..yay!

[@bvdv3310]

This version with the original vocals would be absolute perfection...

[@mcarthurperu]

excellent version

[@helenesuss4606]

Adam granduciel is NOT trying to be like Dylan or Jerry Garcia or the Dead or anybody else! He just IS who he is and like any other artists doing covers of others expresses his own interpretation of this Dead song. We are all products of our influences and sure there are similarities and comparisons but Adam and TWOD are a culmination of all their own influences and individual talents, and they are unique in their own way. I have been to Dylan, Grateful Dead and TWOD concerts and absolutely and thoroughly enjoy all of them! If you want a karaoke machine, go get one! I think Jerry would totally appreciate this interpretation. It only demonstrates the great artistry of Dylan and the Dead whom I have had the luxury of seeing them perform together as well as individually. Adam has a great heart and respect for these musicians, lyrically, musically, and technologically, and is not trying to destroy anyone's versions or mock anyone. He simply is who he is and doing what he loves and his band members all speak and perform that great language they all have in common, music!

[@ericmehlermusic]

"Go get a karaoke machine...this is his interpretation...blah blah blah" is a BS non-argument. There is a set melody for the vocals in this song, which Adam went out of his way to deviate from to be more "original". If they're going to "reinterpret" the song, why stop with the vocals? Why not "reinterpret" the rhythm, and the bassline, and the lead keyboard part? Reinterpret all you want, but don't abandon the vocal melody of one of the most sing-along-friendly songs of all time. That's not paying respect. That's being a self-righteous douche.

[@swirlingfudge]

Eric the Dead the Dead themselves played about with the specifics of their own and other bands songs. They were fucking known for it. It goes directly against their spirit to dictate how a song should be performed.

[@Bean31600]

Helene Suss cliff notes for the comment? Couldn't read it all haha

[@Bean31600]

But I concur

[@phiggidy2]

AWESOME!!! Wow.. Let's get this to the top of the charts!

[@markhopo9335]

Probably mentioned but that piano reminds me of ultravox tears in my eyes

[@watermelonsugaree]

Love this.

[@Altair2990]

What Adam doesn't perfect in vocals, makes up for in instrumentals

[@Altair2990]

Sheesh dude didn't mean to hit a nerve. All I meant was the war on drugs' music in general not just this song. Obviously this classic should be credited to GD but saying that they r rip offs of bob dylan is a little strong. Can't you at least acknowledge that it's kind of nice for bands like this to mix classic vocals with modern instrumentals. FYI, coming from a born and raised Grateful Dead fan I think they did a damn good job of covering this song. Especially when it's my favorite indie band of all time covering my favorite song from my favorite rock band of all time. But to each his own

[@gmpyearof96]

someone pay this man please

[@michaelmccrary2486]

After a few listens, I really dig it. The vocals could be a little stronger, but musically it's fuckin great.

[@guybrushthreepwood8174]

Michael McCrary check out the original!

[@mudiusp1392]

Dunno! Its those very vocals that resonate for me. Like I said, the guy made me cry!

[@Sunflower0122Z]

What a goof that 4AD is behind this project as I was one of only a handful of Dead Heads during the time of the mid 80's that was also listening to the 4AD catalog of the 80's, Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, Dead Can Dance, Colorbox and of coarse Throwing Muses' debut masterpiece. Back in the day these two musical paths rarely crossed and you never heard Colourbox being played in the lot before the show. The agony, and musical arguments that ensued, I put my Dead head buddies through as they tried to " understand" how I could listen to this " shit" in their words. Full circle baby! Karma is a bi#tch! As for the track it sounds great! Looking forward to adding this disc to my collection, Ill' put it right next to my copy of Lonely Is An Eyesore. Many knew Jerry listened to much alternative music during the 80's so I am sure he is getting a good chuckle from the consensus of the faithful who still don't " get it" on this comment thread. Can we expect 4AD Gothic/ hippie inspired art for the cover of the disc too? Happy trails.

[@nessie46]

+Sunflower0122Z Same here - I started out a complete 4AD snob and then some college friends sat me down and forced me to listen to the Dead and then I became a convert. Now I love both. (I actually know lots of dead heads who love Cocteau Twins too. We are not alone!)

[@somewhereinthecity]

Me too -- love the Cocteau Twins especially, but also Joy Division, Fields of the Nephilim, Sisters of Mercy, and other bands of the genre. I always thought this version sounded a little like Morrissey covering the GD -- Robert Hunter is on record as a Morrissey fan.

[@wetigaz]

The video totally reminds me of the battles in Earthbound!

[@eevae]

How nice

[@msleelee6341]

Dead intelligence lyrically plus the cure -this wooo includes harmonica

[@charlesgriffingibson]

so awesome

[@guillermoortega4119]

AWESOME

[@hiddeninjun]

imagine being the kind of person who hears this and gets mad that it doesn't sound exactly like the original. it's like, do yall not understand the concept of a "cover version"?

[@bumpsangrimez]

They did this song with a bit of new wave urgency in the rhythm section that made me like the song a lot more than before. It used to be my least favorite dead song until that harpoon hits and brings it back to the 1

[@TheDoctorDokins]

Better than the original in my opinion, soft voice, great chill.

[@MrCooperAnthony]

Nice work.

[@xKR33Px]

I think it's great. Every dead head sings this song. But you complain about this? I think he did a wonderful job.

[@josevidalnunez6291]

Great song.

[@tnrrdjnil6315]

Really Cool!!!

[@paulsnith9979]

great!

[@danielalcaraz5134]

19 first seconds, and I already like it

[@samanthaalvarez7724]

Holy shit I love this

[@nbramosin]

Me encanta esta Música sobre todo la voz del cantante y el sonido de los instrumentos.

[@sherkatz7319]

oh... this is very nice

[@bhoover1953]

Great!!

[@jnmessenger6]

I really love this version. His voice reminds me of mark knopfler from dire straits, I can't help dancing in the kitchen every time this comes on when I'm cooking.

[@brandonahenakew]

Not one for covers but this is a great cover.. This song needs to be in the next GTA.

[@Toni56cu]

Magnificient tender version with the best vibs

[@chrisgio2]

Why did people thumb down this - this is war on drugs wheelhouse

[@a-aron14]

@Kahless cool.

[@guillescott]

Desde el primer día supe que esta versión me iba acompañar toda la vida// From the first day I knew that this version would be with me all my life.

[@JAHJAWiii]

Yoooooooooooo!

[@bobblakey1246]

WHO CARES WHO DID IT BEFORE

[@WallyBrando]

there's one part of the guitar riff that sounds exactly like Red Eyes

[@edkurkowski6561]

+Robert Paulson Sounds a lot more like Ocean in Between the Waves than Red Eyes

[@JSCarie1983]

+Ed Kurkowski Yes! thought the same. which is my favorite song of theirs.

[@alexdrena9403]

Not too sure where a lot of the criticism is coming from. The point of this project was to reinterpret the Dead, not cover them. I don't think this is the strongest song in the bunch, but I do respect their twist on the original. Their sound very much compliments the pop 80's sound of the song. I love the Dead, and greatly enjoy this project, and obviously the Dead do too.

[@dolphwong]

I be heard both sides of the argument. Valid points made by each

[@chandrashekhermishra5847]

It must be getting early, clocks are running late Paint-by-number morning sky looks so phony Dawn is breaking everywhere, light a candle, curse the glare Draw the curtains, I don't care 'cause it's alright I will get by I will get by I will get by I will survive I see you've got your list out, say your piece and get out Guess I get the gist of it, but it's alright Sorry that you feel that way, the only thing there is to say Every silver lining's got a touch of grey I will get by I will get by I will get by I will survive It's a lesson to me The Ables and the Bakers and the C's The ABC's we all must face Try to keep a little grace It's a lesson to me The Deltas and the East and the Freeze The ABC's we all think of And try to wean a little love I know the rent is in arrears, the dog has not been fed in years It's even worse than it appears, but it's alright Cow is giving kerosene, kid can't read at seventeen The words he knows are all obscene, but it's alright I will get by I will get by I will get by I will survive The shoe is on the hand it fits, there's really nothing much to it Whistle through your teeth and spit 'cause it's alright Oh well, a touch of grey kinda suits you anyway And that was all I had to say and it's alright I will get by I will get by I will get by I will survive We will get by We will get by We will get by We will survive We will get by We will get by We will get by

[@saywhat782]

Hey that's a good sound : )

[@djdoolittle1315]

thx :O)

[@71kylew]

This sounds like Bob Dylan teaming up with Mark Knopfler, which isn't a bad thing at all...

[@maricollier8472]

Exactly my thoughts!

[@screwyootube1]

Throw a little Tom Petty in there, and you're spot on!

[@tomcrawford2922]

Kyle Thompson listen to slow train coming! Dylan record he wrote with Knopfler

[@milesquirk1940]

just heard this playing in taco bell and thought it was dylan... but even the dylan version are better than this

[@Oakheart]

Good comparison was thinking petty

[@danglenzig]

95% of music i listen to is brutal old school Metal and hardcore from the 80‘s and some old Springsteen Rocky Erikson.i just gave up music made after 92. But War on drugs made me have hope for radio friendly songs in the future

[@adminsfm]

Lyrics Must be getting early Clocks are running late Paint-by-number morning sky Seems so phony The dawn is breaking everywhere You light a candle, curse the glare Draw the curtains, I don't care 'cause it's alright I see you've got your list out Say your piece and get out Guess I get the gist of it, 'cause it's alright Oh, little lady Sorry that you feel that way Every silver lining's got a touch of grey I will get by I will get by Yeah, I will get by I will survive Oh, it's a lesson to me The Ables and the Bakers and the C's The ABC's we all think of Only try to keep just a little grace I know the rent is in arrears The dog has not been fed in years It's even worse than it appears, 'cause it's alright The cow is giving kerosene The kid can't read at seventeen The words he knows are all obscene The shoe is on the hand it fits There's really nothing much to it Just whistle through your teeth and spit Oh, well, a touch of grey it kinda suits you anyway And that was all I really had to say and 'cause alright I will get by I will get by Yeah, I will get by I will survive We will get by Yeah, we will get by We will get by We will survive

[@LonePigsyAndCub]

Hey, well, it's radio friendly... I'm actually digging it. But don't forget to go back to the source! There is NOTHING as rewarding as live Grateful Dead music. The deeper you dig the better it gets!

[@WindsweptMeadow]

I actually find it super, super refreshing to hear some contemporary non-jam bands covering the Dead (I haven't been a "Dead Head" since I was a teenager & this collection of tracks is really affording me a renewed appreciation of their body of work).

[@sparkymahoney4343]

+Colin Drayer Fair enough. I always have to take it on a case by case basis. Once in a great while the cover surpasses the original - Jimi Hendrix's version of Bob Dylan's All Along The Watchtower comes to mind as one example. Mostly no, however. Still even if they don't surpass they can be a refreshing interpretation, I agree. Hot Chip's cover of Joy Division's "Dance to the radio" is pretty bloody good. I haven't head the whole DotD album yet, but I'm open to it. I don't know how anyone worth their salt could call themself a Deadhead and not at least be open to the experience. Cheers! Keep on keepin' on friends!

[@kkrdrunnerz9675]

I totally agree, but Dylan s All Along The Watchtower is best haha, cheers

[@SchokoKekseFTW]

yeah, for me the original is the best version for a track and lyrics like that...

[@mikeshaljian405]

Fuck you, it's a way better version than some hippie burnouts

[@murittziogents]

haters be hating...war on drugs rule

[@DAVINOENTERPRISES]

cool

[@0707wally]

teemazo!

[@tavanweerd]

45 YEARS OF THE DEAD< I have survived. Blesed be We will survive!

[@artiscolors9986]

I am not speak englis ... .o lo que sea.. pero este cantante canta de lo mas genial ...mmuy buena musica 🎸🎸😏😏.....

[@sourcherry23]

I hear Red Eyes vibes in this.

[@bartmason9916]

and I hear Burning...

[@jellesnelleman8893]

I hear a great band covering a great band 🤭

[@pyrobob111]

This sounds pretty good on coke, mission accomplished I guess.

[@Tetrapodbomb]

Kinda sounds like their single "Red Eyes"

[@nout1972]

I got acquainted with both versions the same day. Was trying to like the Grateful Dead for another time and started listening to some songs on Spotify. "Touch of Grey" came by and I was thinking to myself "Wow, this could be a War on Drugs song, but it is played more casual and jazzy". And well what do you know: google found me a War on Drugs cover. And yes, it truly is a War on Drugs song, even though Grateful Dead wrote it first. And sorry for hardcore Grateful Dead fans, I think this War on Drugs version sounds more authentic. The way it is played, how Adam phrases the words and the melody, the instrumental theme is played more deliberate by a keyboard, the rhythm give the song more drive and with it the song has more direction, with a built up at the end that has more feel and heart. The Grateful Dead version sounds like a pleasant enough casual jazzy cover of their own song. I do prefer the guitar solo in the original over the harmonica in the War on Drugs cover though.

[@jaimepinillosb5700]

la banda GD MUY QUERIDA EN USA ,, en el exterior básicamente fue conocida por esta canción , abrazo al cielo a Jerry Garcia