Grateful Dead - Live/Dead (2LP)

Includes 2 untitled hidden tracks following "And We Bid You Goodnight." The Grateful Dead: Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir (vocals, guitar); Ron "Pig Pen" McKernan (vocals, organ, congas); Phil Lesh (vocals, bass); Tom Constanten (keyboards); Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann (drums, percussion). Producers: Grateful Dead, Bob Matthews, Betty Cantor. Recorded live at The Fillmore West and the Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco, California in 1969. Originally released on November 10, 1969. LIVE DEAD was the first 16-track on-location recording. Among the finest of rock's live documents, LIVE DEAD is a snapshot of the Grateful Dead circa 1969, applying the free-jazz lessons of John Coltrane to their finely-tuned, manic, and flowing boogie. It was the first released piece of evidence that the live Dead were a wholly different, multi-headed animal than the one that recorded in the studio. LIVE DEAD was also the culmination of the group's evolution into what's now considered the vintage San Francisco sound--having perfected it, the Grateful Dead would soon leave it for fresher musical pastures. While each of LIVE DEAD's selections calls to mind a specific trick from up the band's sleeve, the opening four songs (later dubbed "the holy quartet" by Deadheads) best indicates the Dead's burning trajectory. "Dark Star" lays out a wide-open musical terrain, allowing the band to leap anywhere from its minimalist-riff launching pad and its two verses of T.S. Eliot-inspired psychedelic prose. Here, it is a dark-hued and majestic sea of ambience and intensity. "St. Stephen" explodes like a shiny metallic cloud-burst, Bob Weir's fervent vocals carrying it like a holy torch. "The Eleven," a thunderous fury of a composition based on "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" and played in 11/4 time, continues the rumbling. By the time Pigpen ends the continuous sermon with a raucous sci-fi-R&B take on Bobby "Blue" Bland's "Turn On Your Lovelight," the Dead have seemingly sailed every corner of their musical universe and crash-landed with aplomb.

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"Live/Dead" by the Grateful Dead is a landmark album in the history of live recordings, capturing the essence of the band's improvisational prowess and the vibrant energy of their live performances. Released on November 10, 1969, this double album was the first official live album by the Grateful Dead and is often hailed as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded.

The album was recorded over a series of concerts in early 1969, primarily at the Fillmore West in San Francisco. The Grateful Dead were known for their extended jams and "Live/Dead" showcases this beautifully, with the band stretching out and exploring musical landscapes in a way that was revolutionary at the time. The album opens with "Dark Star," a 23-minute odyssey that has become one of the band's signature pieces. This track alone is a testament to the Grateful Dead's ability to blend rock, jazz, and psychedelia into a seamless and captivating experience.

One of the standout features of "Live/Dead" is its raw and authentic sound. The album was produced by the band's sound engineer, Owsley "Bear" Stanley, who was a pioneer in live sound recording. His innovative techniques captured the band's live energy and the nuances of their performance, making listeners feel as if they are right there in the audience. The album's production is often praised for its clarity and the way it preserves the spontaneity of the live shows.

"Live/Dead" includes other notable tracks such as "St. Stephen," "The Eleven," and "Turn On Your Love Light," each showcasing different facets of the band's musical abilities. "St. Stephen" is a fan favorite, known for its catchy melody and intricate guitar work by Jerry Garcia. "The Eleven" is a complex piece with shifting time signatures, highlighting the band's experimental side. "Turn On Your Love Light," led by Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, is a high-energy blues number that closes the album with a bang.

Critically, "Live/Dead" was well-received upon its release and has only grown in stature over the years. Rolling Stone magazine praised the album for its "brilliantly executed" performances and the way it captured the essence of the Grateful Dead's live shows. It has been included in numerous "best of" lists, including Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."

The cultural significance of "Live/Dead" cannot be overstated. It was released at a time when live albums were not as common, and it set a new standard for what a live recording could achieve. The album also played a crucial role in solidifying the Grateful Dead's reputation as one of the premier live bands of their era, helping to build their dedicated fan base known as "Deadheads."

In terms of awards, while "Live/Dead" did not win any major awards at the time of its release, its influence and legacy have been recognized in the decades since. The album is often cited as a key influence on the development of the jam band scene and has inspired countless musicians and bands.

Overall, "Live/Dead" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the Grateful Dead or the evolution of live music recordings. Its combination of technical innovation, musical exploration, and sheer energy make it a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners more than 50 years after its release. Whether you're a longtime Deadhead or a newcomer to the band's music, "Live/Dead" offers a thrilling glimpse into the magic of the Grateful Dead's live performances.