Song Review: Leftover Salmon - “Mr. Charlie” (Live, Aug. 1, 2026)
In Leftover Salmon’s hands, “Mr. Charlie” is a bit of a goof, delivered at warp speed with all the seriousness of “Wooly Bully,” which is to say the extra fish sucked much of the life out of Pigpen’s funky Grateful Dead number.
This, despite dexterous Dobro, mandolin and banjo solos that rescue the number - performed Aug. 1 in Colorado to mark the 84th anniversary of Jerry Garcia’s birth and released on pro-shot video - from complete unworthiness.
The previously released “Deal” from the same gig proves Leftover Salmon can do these songs correctly. “Mr. Charlie” demonstrates the band can do them incorrectly to boot.
Grade card: Leftover Salmon - “Mr. Charlie” (Live - 8/1/26) - A-
8/11/26
