Perhaps recorded at the first of one of the many peaks in their long career, Workingman's Dead is a great studio album. Although the Grateful Dead are known for their live performance, Workingman's Dead is an iconic studio album. The band shyed away from thier acid rock roots of their prevous albums to record Workingman's Dead, a collection of folk rock, country influenced, and legendary tunes. The sound on this remaster is improved over the original CD. Added at the end of the remaster is several bonus live cuts of the same songs that appear on the original disc. Although it would be nice to have the entire live sets that these bonus songs come from, it is good to take what they offer. Futhermore, the live versions given here are a good aternative take on the original Workingman's Dead songs, and would cause any Deadhead to search out some of the numerous accoustic shows from 1970 that circulate as official releases such as the Dick's Picks of the May 2, 1970 Binghamton show or the Road Trips release of the May 15, 1970 show at the Fillmore East. Overall Workingman's Dead is a great addition for the hardcore Grateful Dead fan or even the casual Grateful Dead listener. The disc contains some radio played hits making the CD a good jumping off point for any music fan who wants to buy thier first Grateful Dead CD as it is a mainstream album that Rolling Stone voted record of the year in 1970, and #262 of the 500 Greatest Albums of all time. However, it is the music that carries the weight as the songs contained on Workingman's Dead are well recorded and have a varing style which appeals to all tasts and ages. You will not be dissapointed. 6 stars out of 5!!!!Read full review
A classic studio album from the Grateful Dead during one of their more productive times. Both Workman's Dead and American Beauty were released within a year and featured a softer, more country-tinged Dead that set a new tone and direction for the band. Included on the album are such classics as Uncle John's Band and Casey Jones. It is an album in every Deadheads collection, but if you are looking for a good entre into the Grateful Dead phenomenon this would be a great place to start. Great melodies, great playing and some great blue collar rock and roll.
The grateful dead have always been a quandary to me. How did their success span so much time and so many people from such differing backgrounds and musical tastes? This project one of the Dead's answers to that question. An excellent project that is interesting and simple in a complex way. Brilliance was once described as saying exactly what you want to say in a way that most people can understand. The Dead do that with music. Creative and performance brilliance are their trademark, and this project has it in spades.
Great album! A classic! Great sound! I'm not impressed by the bonus material. There was a reason it was left off the original album!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
One of the top's of Grateful Dead !!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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