Album Info
| Artist: | Grateful Dead |
| Album: | American Beauty |
| Released: | USA & Europe, 13 Nov 2020 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Box Of Rain | 5:18 |
| Bass - Dave Torbert | ||
| Electric Guitar - Dave Nelson | ||
| Written-By - Lesh, Hunter | ||
| A2 | Friend Of The Devil | 3:23 |
| Mandolin - David Grisman | ||
| Written-By - Garcia, Dawson, Hunter | ||
| A3 | Sugar Magnolia | 3:17 |
| Written-By - Weir, Hunter | ||
| A4 | Operator | 2:23 |
| Written-By - McKernan | ||
| A5 | Candyman | 6:11 |
| Organ - Howard Wales | ||
| Piano - Ned Lagin | ||
| Written-By - Garcia, Hunter | ||
| B1 | Ripple | 4:07 |
| Mandolin - David Grisman | ||
| Written-By - Garcia, Hunter | ||
| B2 | Brokedown Palace | 4:06 |
| Piano - Howard Wales | ||
| Written-By - Garcia, Hunter | ||
| B3 | Till The Morning Comes | 3:06 |
| Written-By - Garcia, Hunter | ||
| B4 | Attics Of My Life | 5:09 |
| Written-By - Garcia, Hunter | ||
| B5 | Truckin' | 5:06 |
| Organ - Howard Wales | ||
| Written-By - Weir, Garcia, Lesh, Hunter |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
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Description
"American Beauty" by the Grateful Dead is one of those albums that seems to transcend time, capturing the essence of a particular moment in music history while remaining perpetually relevant. Released on November 1, 1970, this album is often celebrated as one of the Grateful Dead's finest works, showcasing their unique blend of rock, folk, and country influences.
The album was recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, a hub for many iconic recordings of the era. The Grateful Dead, known for their improvisational live performances, took a more structured approach with "American Beauty," focusing on tight harmonies and acoustic instrumentation. This shift was partly influenced by the success of their previous album, "Workingman's Dead," which had a similar acoustic and roots-oriented sound.
One of the standout tracks on "American Beauty" is "Ripple," a song that has become a staple in the Grateful Dead's repertoire. With its poetic lyrics and gentle melody, "Ripple" captures the spirit of the band and their connection to their audience. The song's lyrics, written by Robert Hunter, are often interpreted as a reflection on the nature of life and the journey of the soul, resonating deeply with listeners.
Another highlight is "Box of Rain," which opens the album. This track was primarily written by bassist Phil Lesh as a tribute to his dying father, and it features some of the most heartfelt lyrics on the album. The collaboration between Lesh and Hunter resulted in a song that is both personal and universal, touching on themes of love, loss, and hope.
"American Beauty" also includes "Friend of the Devil," a song that has become synonymous with the Grateful Dead's sound. Its catchy melody and storytelling lyrics make it a fan favorite, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song's narrative of an outlaw on the run is a classic example of the band's ability to weave compelling stories into their music.
Critically, "American Beauty" was well-received upon its release and has only grown in stature over the years. Rolling Stone magazine praised the album for its "beautifully crafted songs" and "superb musicianship." The album's enduring appeal is evident in its continued presence on lists of the greatest albums of all time, including Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."
The production of "American Beauty" was a collaborative effort, with the band members contributing to the arrangements and harmonies. The album was produced by the Grateful Dead themselves, along with Stephen Barncard, who helped capture the warm, organic sound that defines the record. Barncard's engineering skills were instrumental in achieving the album's rich acoustic textures.
"American Beauty" holds a special place in the Grateful Dead's discography, not only for its musical achievements but also for its cultural impact. The album helped solidify the band's reputation as pioneers of the Americana genre, blending elements of rock, folk, and country in a way that was both innovative and accessible.
In terms of awards, while "American Beauty" did not win any major accolades at the time of its release, its legacy has been recognized in various ways over the years. The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, acknowledging its significance and influence in the world of music.
Overall, "American Beauty" is a testament to the Grateful Dead's ability to create music that is both timeless and deeply resonant. Its songs continue to inspire and connect with new generations of listeners, ensuring that the album remains a beloved classic in the pantheon of rock music.
