Bob Weir: “Bombs Away” (1978)

The only Bob Weir single that didn’t bomb, at least from Billboard’s perspective.

Kronomyth 2.2: My love explodes.

An edited version of Bombs Away became Bob Weir’s one and (to date) only solo hit single, reaching #70 on the US charts. I know, it doesn’t sound like much of a hit, but by Grateful Dead standards that’s like reaching the Top 10. I haven’t heard the edited version, so I can’t tell you what they cut out (hopefully the disco bridge that occurs toward the end). The flip side is a mellow version of Little Feat’s Easy to Slip that’s identical to the elpee version on Heaven Help the Fool. The songs from Ace have held up better over time, but Weir’s second album has its moments. I’m not sure I would call “Bombs Away” one of those moments, but the lyrics from John Barlow are appreciably smart.

Original 7-inch single version

A1. Bombs Away (John Barlow/Bob Weir) (3:28)
B1. Easy to Slip (Martin Kibbee/Lowell George) (3:05)

The Plastic

Released on 7-inch single in March 1978 in the US (Arista, AS 0315). Reached #70 on the US charts (charted on March 18, 1978 for 5 weeks). Also released as promotional 7-inch single in 1978 in the US (Arista, AS 0315) feat. A stereo and mono versions.