Heard It Here First

Giant Metal Crickets aka Adam C. Tenenbaum, (half of Wooden Flowers with Michael Menert) is an incredibly distinct and talented creator with music consisting of beautiful harmonies and hypnotic guitar riffs, that he interweaves with electronic storytelling. His chords and melodies can feel somber, healing, and everything in between.

The range of the Giant Metal Crickets project is truly unique to him, and digging through his discography, it’s crystal clear why… and why he’s lent his talents to the legendary Dead & Co. in previous years. Giant Metal Crickets has a way of pulling listeners in with these chilling yet beautiful sonnets, creating a ripple effect of curiosity and peace in one’s mind.

Now, he’s teamed up with Grammy Award-Winning Otiel Burbridge, well known for co-founding Dead & Co, The Tedeschi Trucks Band, and touring with the Allman Brothers. The two musical masterminds connected for an ambient rework of the classic track“China Doll.”  The backstory of the original track is painful, and this rework adds even more layers of delicate chilling atmospheres. Each note echoes through listeners’ minds while they are carried on clouds of fragility and heart-wrenching elements. Adam certainly makes a beautiful nod to Jerry Garcia’s guitar solo in the original, and you can feel that from the moment the duo’s rendition begins to the moment it comes to a close.

Listening through, we found ourselves having to pause and soak everything in; a range of emotions, and a feeling of gratitude for everything we were given musically during the time of the original The Grateful Dead. This pays a tender homage mixed with an even deeper melody. Something about a soothing, ambient song, especially one like this rework of “China Doll,” truly evokes one’s emotional state of being.

It’s not always an easy feat to write and play songs with backstories like this one. At the same time, it’s a reminder to love each other fiercely and be there for one another as best you can. No one should have to face this world alone. Love each other, and spread kindness wherever you go!

Listen to Giant Metal Crickets and Oteil Burbridge’s new reimagining of “China Doll” below and let us know your thoughts on the track in the comments!

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