Album Info
| Artist: | The Grateful Dead |
| Album: | The Grateful Dead |
| Released: | US, 30 Oct 2020 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) | |
| A2 | Beat It On Down The Line | |
| A3 | Good Mornin' Little School Girl | |
| A4 | Cold Rain And Snow | |
| A5 | Sittin' On Top Of The World | |
| A6 | Cream Puff War | |
| B1 | Morning Dew | |
| B2 | New, New Minglewood Blues | |
| B3 | Viola Lee Blues |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
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Description
"The Grateful Dead," the eponymous debut album by the iconic American rock band The Grateful Dead, was released on March 17, 1967, by Warner Bros. Records. This album marks the beginning of the band's storied career, which would go on to influence countless musicians and spawn a dedicated fan base known as "Deadheads."
The album was recorded in January 1967 at RCA's Studio A in Los Angeles, California. The production was handled by David Hassinger, who had previously worked with The Rolling Stones. The Grateful Dead's lineup at the time consisted of Jerry Garcia (lead guitar, vocals), Bob Weir (rhythm guitar, vocals), Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (keyboards, harmonica, vocals), Phil Lesh (bass, vocals), and Bill Kreutzmann (drums).
The album opens with "The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion)," a lively and upbeat track that sets the tone for the rest of the record. This song, co-written by the entire band, captures the essence of the San Francisco psychedelic scene with its energetic tempo and vibrant instrumentation.
"Beat It On Down the Line" follows, a cover of a song by Jesse Fuller. This track showcases the band's ability to reinterpret traditional blues and folk music through their unique lens. Pigpen's harmonica playing and Garcia's guitar work are particularly notable here.
"Good Morning Little School Girl," another cover, this time of a classic blues song by Sonny Boy Williamson, features Pigpen on lead vocals and harmonica. The band's rendition is raw and powerful, highlighting their blues influences and Pigpen's charismatic presence.
"Cold Rain and Snow," a traditional folk song arranged by the band, is one of the standout tracks on the album. Garcia's haunting vocals and the intricate interplay between the instruments create a mesmerizing atmosphere that foreshadows the band's future explorations into more complex musical territories.
"Sitting on Top of the World," a cover of a song by the Mississippi Sheiks, is a fast-paced, joyful tune that showcases the band's versatility and ability to blend different genres seamlessly. Lesh's bass lines and Kreutzmann's drumming provide a solid foundation for the song's infectious energy.
"New, New Minglewood Blues," a reworking of a traditional blues song, features Weir on lead vocals. The track is a testament to the band's deep roots in American music traditions and their skill in making these old songs their own.
"Viola Lee Blues," the album's longest track at over ten minutes, is a tour de force of improvisation and musical exploration. The song builds gradually, with each band member contributing to the escalating intensity. This track is a precursor to the extended jams that would become a hallmark of the Grateful Dead's live performances.
The album closes with "Cream Puff War," an original composition by Garcia. This song is notable for its driving rhythm and Garcia's impassioned vocals and guitar work. It serves as a fitting conclusion to an album that showcases the band's diverse influences and burgeoning creativity.
While "The Grateful Dead" may not have achieved commercial success upon its release, it laid the groundwork for the band's future endeavors. The album captures the raw energy and experimental spirit of the Grateful Dead, offering a glimpse into the early days of a band that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon.
In retrospect, "The Grateful Dead" is an essential listen for fans and newcomers alike. It provides a snapshot of the band's formative years and highlights the musical prowess and innovative spirit that would define their career. The album's blend of rock, blues, folk, and psychedelia is a testament to the Grateful Dead's ability to transcend genres and create a sound that is uniquely their own.
