In a way, the Dead have been a gateway to folk music for a lot of people(myself included). Their combination of different folk styles (albeit amplified and with a LOT of liberties taken). A lot of their material can be simplified (or made more complex) and fit into a traditional format. I don't think any of them were the quintessentiall masters of their instruments, but they were all competent and they played together in such a way that the end result was really something to hear. Imagine my surprise later, when I heard those old tapes with gravel-throated country bluesmen singing "Don't ease me in" or even a recording of Desi Arnez (Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy) playing "Women are Smarter".

I've always thought Slipknot would work nicely leading into or out of a set of reels. Or Fire on the Mountain played out of a slide?
We could have a similar argument about whether the Allman Bros. Band can legitimately be called Blues. I'd say so, but there would be someone on a back porch in Mississippi or in a smoky bar in Chicago or at a house party in the Piedmont who would argue vehemently to the contrary.

In a similar manner during a conversation about Irish music, I made a statement that , barring Matt Molloy, the Chieftains really aren't anything special compared to what's out there. My friend replied "Agreed, but would you have ever heard of Arcady, Sliabh Notes, Altan, or any of the music you're listening to now, if you hadn't heard the Chieftains first?"

I'm gonna end now because I feel this turning into another "What is Folk Music" thread, but I'd have to vote yes, the Dead's music can be called folk.

Rich