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Grateful Dead Album: “American Beauty/Workingman's Dead”
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American Beauty/Workingman's Dead |
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Release Date:1970-01-01
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Type:Album
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Genre:Folk, Rock, Classic Rock
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Label:Warner Bros.
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Explicit Lyrics:No
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Review - AMG :
Warner Brothers combined the Grateful Dead's two early-'70s masterpieces, Workingman's Dead and American Beauty, on one cassette in the early '80s. The Dead were already established as paragons of the free-form, improvisational San Francisco psychedelic sound when they abruptly shifted gears for the acoustic Workingman's Dead, a lovely exploration of American roots music illuminating the group's country, blues and folk influences. The lilting "Uncle John's Band," their first radio hit, opens the record and perfectly summarizes its subtle, spare beauty; complete with a new focus on more concise songs and tighter arrangements, the approach works brilliantly. American Beauty is an even stronger document of the Dead's return to their musical roots. Sporting a more full-bodied and intricate sound than its predecessor thanks to the addition of subtle electric textures, the record is also more representative of the group as a collective unit, allowing for stunning contributions from Phil Lesh (the poignant opener "Box of Rain") and Bob Weir ("Sugar Magnolia"); at the top of his game as well is Jerry Garcia, who delivers the superb "Friend of the Devil," "Candyman" and "Ripple." Climaxing with the perennial "Truckin'," American Beauty remains the Dead's studio masterpiece -- never again would they be so musically focused or so emotionally direct. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
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