Reviews (page 5 of 9)
Pretty good, more tame than I expected.
American Beauty is a mixed bag; five of the songs are great and the other five are skippers. Amazing threefer to start and strong finish with Truckin’. Ripple saves a very mediocre middle making this album a tough listen in the seventies. At the time, The Dead were always associated with burnouts, junkies, long hairs, low life’s, and the other undesirable dregs of society - basically trouble. They were known for their long jamband concerts, so I believe one of their live albums will make the 1001 Must Hear List. (3.4*s) Lately it occurs to me…
With the high praise and decades of supportive fans, the Grateful Dead have been an icon in music...I just never got into it. But this is some folk rock I can. The long, hippie jam sesh dead doesn't do it for me as much. American Beauty is good though with a couple hits that still hold up. Not recognizing the top played track on Spotify, "Ripple", was a surprise. It's not the best track, that being "Truckin'" with "Friend of the Devil" and "Sugar Magnolia" close behind. Whole album is listenable and I dig it. Stereo Rick and many others are so great full for the dead and with this album, I can see why some of the swoon is deserved. Truly the Grateful Dead now with no original members left having lost Bob Weir this year makes the timing of this popping up on the list serendipitous. Feeling pretty good at 3.14 stars but look closer.
At one point in high school I tried to give Grateful Dead an honest shot. I was familiar with a couple of hits (Casey Jones, Touch of Grey, maybe a couple others) and figured given their expansive career and reputation as a legendary jam band I hoped there might be something interesting buried in the mix. I rented a box set from the library and started churning through tracks. An hour in I realized none of it was moving the needle for me. I continued Truckin' but only ended up with a pretty limited few songs that made the cut beyond a single listen. I returned the box set and haven't really thought of them much since beyond classical comparisons to Phish and other jam bands. While I ultimately confirmed Grateful Dead isn't really my thing, I've understood over time why they are perfect for an aging stoner hippy crowd. They are a casual folk jam band with some chill vibes that have earned their dedicated fanbase. For what it's worth American Beauty is probably the best Grateful Dead has to offer (outside of a live show I assume). They mostly stay in their lane and hit the folk rock sound that forms the basis of their long form jam band nature. It's fine in the right place, but not somewhere I personally find myself ever really. I don't often go to the Grateful Dead well, but I was surprised how many songs off of American Beauty I was actually familiar with. Box of Rain, Friend of the Devil, Sugar Magnolia, Ripple and Truckin' were all songs I knew and was surprised by how much I enjoyed. The remainder of the tracks were a little too snoozy and slowed down but still not bad. I've never had a reason to argue for or against Grateful Dead because to me they are just one of those bands that have been around and have their place. They have their culture, their fans, their history, etc. and that's OK. I didn't mind American Beauty, and I won't mind if I hear some of those singles again. American Beauty was a good entry as it offered me the best version of the Dead and exceeded my expectations. 2.69 stars
Having only known “The Dead” from snippets of their misic and images of their fans I was completely prepared to hate this album. I didn’t! I disliked it, but appreciate what others saw in it. It’s gentle and mostly upbeat and happy (or at least hopeful). Truckin’ is actually kinda fun. But I can’t see following this band across the country. Or, for that matter, ever listening to them again. C’est la vie.
This album is very similar to a lot of the other older albums on this list that I’ve heard so far. Box of Rain, Friend of the Devil. These were both solid tracks. I like the guitars and vibes of this album. Sugar Magnolia I liked a lot. For a shorter track, Operator was really good. I liked the harmonica at the end. I wanted to do a track by track for the rest of the album but it all kind of blended together for me. Attics of my life was slow, melodic, and almost made me fall asleep. I did enjoy the closer with Truckin. Anyway. 2.5 ⭐️ cause a good portion of it blended together. 87/1089
An American classic.
okay, so this band i know of because of annual TIL Reddit posts how they've sponsored Lithuania's olympic basketball team lol. The vocals are very pleasant,general vibe reminds me of Lou Reed a bit. Whole album is very chill, some hippie melodies, last one is straight rock'n'roll. Nothing memorable, but an alright listen
タイプじゃないが、良いアルバムとは分かる
A quick enjoyable listen while I was working. A sound i enjoy and am familiar with. No saves on the first listen but perhaps it deserves a revisit one day.
Hasn’t clicked with me, but i can appreciate how clean all the instrumentation is, they’re clearly very talented. I’m aware that the band is supposedly stronger on their live albums so i’ll give them a shot, cause i’m not totally sold here. Standouts are maybe Sugar Magnolia and Truckin? I wasn’t overly in love with them to be fair Side note: this album would slap while playing Fallout New Vegas
My exposure to the Grateful Dead is quite limited, despite their status in classic/psychedelic rock. This was very easygoing, more Americana-like than I was expecting. I understand now that the group was fairly seasoned at this point, opting to pursue a more rootsy and acoustic sound compared to how they got started. The songwriting shines more as a result, thanks to the collaboration of Garcia and Hunter. This album won't rock your socks off, but it's a pretty easy listen that features harmonies to (almost) rival Crosby, Stills & Nash, as well as some tight guitar/bass playing.
Well it was the Grateful Dead. Sounded just like them
Eh. Not a Grateful Dead guy but this wasn’t too bad
Grateful Dead at their most palatable. I’m a Freaks and Geeks fan so of course Ripple is a classic. The other two hits are pretty good as well but that’s about it. Isn’t it the worst when someone says they like rock and then you find out they’re a jam band bro. Rating: 2.8
3 - I hate to say it, but I've never gotten as into the Grateful Dead as I wish. This albums still really really good, Friend of the Devil is one of the greatest of all time.
Easy listening.
Pretty good
This was ok. I listened to it a few times and it was pleasant background music. But there was nothing that really got it's hooks in me.
Different than what I was expecting. Thought it would be punk rock or death metal. Didn’t love it tbh
dig the hits here (Truckin, Friend of the Devil, Ripple). The others I could take or leave
I went into this album fairly open minded. Althea, while not being on this album would be one of my favourite songs at the moment. Unfortunately it also seems to be the only Grateful Dead song that I enjoy, as there isn’t a SINGLE track on this album (or other GD albums for that matter) that have a remotely similar feel. I’m writing this review a few days after listening to this album and while each of the songs individually are objectively decent songs they’re all so hugely unmemorable that I would struggle to pick out a favourite. I guess my only comment about this album is that it feels very of its era, could easily imagine some of these tracks slipping into an Eagles playlist of mine as a bit of filler. Could imagine, but won’t happen. Objectively decent music, just not a huge fan. (Also what is with the gorp synth????)
I don't think I've ever heard a song by this band. This is a band I've only ever vaguely heard about, and I actually thought they were more modern, like king gizzard (another band I basically know nothing about), until I read "remarkably bright creatures" last year and realized they like super old. Even the genre tags are surprising to be, I didn't expect these guys to be Folk/Country. I'm really not sure if i'll like it or not, but only one way to see... 1. Box of Rain - is the one voice supposed to only be in one ear? I don't think it's my headphones. songs fine, nothing special otherwise. 2. Friend of the Devil - it's fine I think unless I'm like blown away by a song, or hate it, I'm not gonna go one by one anymore "Candyman" - Okay, I really hate this one, thanks "Til the Morning Comes" - actually not too bad, so far the only one I can see myself coming back to. thank fuck i'm almost done tho okay, "tuckin" isn't too bad. I mustve heard it somewhere before Overall - this is fine, I guess. It just got more boring as it went on. The only song I can see myself coming back to is "Til the Morning Comes", and maaaaybe "Truckin'" if I'm in a really odd mood, but everything else idk. It's just fine. Not offensive to my ears, but not stimulating in any way
Not an original thought: even though this is claimed by many as their best studio album if you really want to get to know the Dead and hear them at their best then seek out one of the countless official bootlegs. Especially one that includes a really long version of Dark Star. This is amiable enough, sounding like a meeting of The Band with Crosby, Stills and Nash but with less memorable songs.
It was nice and folky and I liked it. It just got a little boring.
3/5 Fun album, but I don't think anything really stood out to me. Maybe it's just not entirely my style.
5/10
Not as bad as I expected
Haven’t been much of a Dead fan. The music is ok, but just feels anemic to me.
Fun listen
So, this was an interesting listen, but didn't really blow me away. I get why it's a big deal in their discography, they toned down the crazy psychedelic jams and went for a more mellow, folk/country/bluegrass vibe. Songs like "Friend of the Devil" and "Ripple" are cool, and the production makes it easier to get into than their live stuff. It definitely has that classic Americana feel, kinda chill. But, even though I respect it as a piece of music history, it just wasn't my vibe. Some of the songs got a bit repetitive, and the whole hippy vibe felt a little background-y. The harmonies were a bit rough around the edges at times, and I found myself zoning out during some of the tracks. It's a fine album, and I'm glad I checked it out, but I probably won't be revisiting it anytime soon.
You know what, I fuck with country. And this was country but nothing special so three stars from me.
While a respectable album without any total stinkers, I just can't really find anything that wows me. Guess I'm just not really here for softer, country-tinged rock, especially when compared to the louder, more bluesy sound I previously knew them for via the '69 Live/Dead album. 7.5/10
decent folk rock, nothing popped out to me
Miðað við hvað ég hef mikið dálæti á andanum og lífsháttunum sem tengjast Grateful Dead, án þess þó að hafa sjálfur orðið rokkhippi, þá finnst mér þeir bara allt í lagi band. Ekkert sem stendur upp úr og mér finnst önnur bönd í svipuðum dúr betri
довольно приятный и местами с интересными мелодиями, но всё же меньше чем за день надоел, не быть мне дедхедом
Out of respect for my friends who love the Dead I'm giving this 3 stars instead of 2. It just doesn't work for me. And I've tried. I've REALLY tried for like 40 years. I just can't connect with it. I can appreciate 2-3 songs of theirs, none of which are on this album. It all sounds like poorly recorded country music with weak singing.
A solid album, but not quite my favourite from the Grateful Dead.
Pretty laid back. Didn’t recognize any songs but listenable.
not my style, but good, 3
Never really “got it” when it comes to the Dead. I give them their props for their legendary live shows, but as someone that was too young at the time to experience those and had to take in the dead based on their recordings alone I have to confess I found them rather mid to be honest. None of the music is bad, but the vocals are actually pretty lame and uninspiring. Three stars for respect but this album is a 2 really.
nothing offensive, the singer annoys me a tad, but beyond that its fine
This is a lot better than their other album I listened to off this list. Decent enough but nothing unique
Thought grateful dead were a punk band. Enjoyed this
Nice warm feeling to this one, thought the Grateful Dead were a heavy band
I never knew they were supposed to sound like this. Decent enough
Good cookin' jams
The Grateful Dead are one of those bands that I've heard of but couldn't name a single song. After listening I'd say I would have enjoyed it more if I was American or stoned
Listenable, but nothing worth hearing before going 6 feet under. I've never understood the need to mix rock and country like this, it's not right.
Sure is a Grateful Dead album. Not great, not terrible. Just...there.
3.5
why did I not know the Grateful Dead had albums??? I just thought they improvised all of their songs at concerts???
My lifetime weed consumption is significantly below the threshold required to think that Grateful Dead are amazing.
It was a calm one, nothing objectively great nor bad
Nice harmonies and guitarwork. My favourite was Friend of the Devil.
Kind of amusing. Friend of a Devil is a really fun song. A lot of it wasn't too standout for me tho
Never really been a Grateful Dead fan, but will say they are the ultimate good weather summer band. Mostly this album does nothing for me, but Box of Rain is easily the best track.
Smooth music to clean a room to
Pleasantly surprised by how sweet and pure this sounds
I don't know the Grateful Dead for 'short and snappy' but this album sailed by. I think it repeated 3 or 4 times during the course of my workday. 2.5
Wowww this was actually listenable
Expected more rock less country
last year when my mom asked me if i had listened to grateful dead and i was like uhhh.. the metal band?? can't believe i went 26 years of my life completely delusional🥀 ily grateful dead ❤️🩹 bruh their guitarist just died rip 💔
I had a lot of preconceived ideas about this band without ever really hearing their music before. I liked it better than expected, but still didn't love it.
This feels like very of the time rock/folk/whatever they are. It didn't wow me, nor did it inspire me to buy a van and follow the band around.
The songs are nice but the Grateful Dead just aren't a band that gets me going. I find a lot of their tunes to be particularly flavorless, with the compositions never daring or even teasing dissonance. It's all very vanilla, very major pentatonic. Like a writer who makes stories that don't have antagonists or conflict. With that being said, the tunes are listenable, and this album has what I think is one of their more popular songs- "Friend of the Devil", and I can't hate it too much since they are such a well known and influential band. It's a 3, I think, because a 2 is unfair to the magnitude of the Grate Dead. Every time I listen I know what I'm about to get and I still leave feeling pretty meh.
Dont really like the genre 5/10
This album has all the qualities on paper of greatness (lush instrumentation on dynamic songs performed well, in a (mostly) varied track list,) but somehow I didn’t vibe with it. 3/5
Folk Rock, 1970 -> 3
Not bad by any means. The vocal harmonies were quite interesting, and I liked some of the guitar work. However, I found this boring, especially by the end. I appreciate it for being an objectively good album, but for me it was just fine. 3/5.
Good record. This is like a 3,7
I’m very embarrassed to admit that until listening to this album, I thought Friend of the Devil was a Counting Crows song. Feel free to judge me.
never understood the grateful dead hype beyond good branding but this album is decent
Blind album, I am finding myself not bored per se, but sinking in my chair slowly listening to this to a point where i know i should get up and I think I do.
3.5/5
Bij een bandnaam als dit verwachtte ik Iron Maiden-achtige death metal, maar het blijkt een clubje nog jonge country-boomers, gemoedelijk samenzingend met de gitaar in de hand, als een stel reserve-Eagles. Leuk, maar krijgen ze van mij punten omdat ze niet Björk, Pere Ubu, Sonic Youth of Ice T zijn? Of omdat het echt goed en origineel is? Als ik diep van binnen kijk, moet ik toegeven dat dit toch ook niet echt memorabele muziek is, ondanks het sympathieke genre. Dan liever de echte Eagles.
Grateful Dead is zo'n naam waar je wel eens van hebt gehoord, maar ik zou geen enkel nummer van ze op kunnen noemen. Er staan 'slechts' 2 albums van ze in, dus ik ben benieuwd of ik iets herken. Vooralsnog begint het met 70s americana in de trant van Eagles en Crosby Stills en Nash. Maar in tegenstelling tot die bands, die samenzang en zuiverheid tot in de perfectie beheersen, is dit net niet zuiver gezongen en ook niet allemaal perfect in harmonie. En dan lijkt het meer op huismerk en een stel jolige hillbillies in de kroeg of aan het kampvuur. Uiteindelijk ken ik nog steeds geen enkel nummer (heel misschien het laatste nr Truckin') en ik vind het ook niet zo bijzonder allemaal. Dit hebben andere bands uit die tijd veel beter gedaan. Prima dat het in de 1001 staat overigens hoor, want het is qua naam wel bekend en we zijn hier toch ook om dit soort dingen eens een keer te horen. Maar ik vrees dat het niet meer dan een doorsnee 3 oplevert en dan ben ik nog mild omdat ik het genre wel kan waarderen op de vroege ochtend.
*1970. *I didn't expect to like this, but I mostly dug it. *I haven't listened to much Grateful Dead, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but the whole album was consistent with the two big hits here (Friend of the Devil and Truckin') - pleasant, easy listening, and a little southern charm. *I think I like the Grateful Dead. Huh. RATING - 7/10
Я блять что 10 лет не понимал эту группу, что сейчас. Блеклый рок из пиндосской глубинки.
Pour un groupe avec un aura aussi puissante, j’ai toujours trouvé leur musique underwhelming, genre c’est correct mais sans plus, donc pourquoi j’vois leur logo partout?
I knew about the band merch but didn't listen to their music till now. This was good all things considered I expected worse but I enjoyed the listening experience. The production was the main standout for me, it still sounds fresh for 1970! top 3: friend of the devil, ripple, and brokedown palace 3.50/5
Good band, been around since the late 60’s. Showed the test of time by getting more fans as the years went on. Deadheads everywhere.. Good for them. Shame losing Jerry Garcia at such a young age.
Pleasant listen. Very folky. I recognized a couple songs.
Truckin' is one of those singular songs, like Sultans of Swing, that stands head and shoulders above everything else on the album and a highpoint in the whole damn art form. Otherwise I've never listened to a whole Grateful Dead album, just songs here and there that never really grabbed me. I'd love to hear them live but this very tame record as an unenhanced experience just doesn't do it for me.
I don't think I've listened to the Grateful Dead before. I'm not offended by this album, but I didn't find it very impactful either. The image/aura of the band led me to expect bolder musical choices, but this feels like very standard folk rock. The one track that stands out to me is Attics of My Life. It has a more unique, almost ballad-like sound and showcases the close vocal harmonies well. Truckin' is a fun track too. Maybe you need to be high on psychedelics to love this album as much as Dead Heads do? It's a nice, mellow album, but I'm not sure I would listen again. I will say the band's visual art is pretty sweet though. The bears and skeletons are iconic and I stumbled across the music video for Ripple, which is super cool. It's basically an animated journey through a tarot reading - definitely worth checking out! The video actually made me appreciate the song more. 6/10.
Ahhh what a classic album. The Grateful Dead have greatly grown on me over the years. Ive always loved their vibe, the name, the art, the little rainbow bears, the skeleton musicians, all fantastic. I remember soooo wanting to love their music so that I wasn't a poser if I were to ever get one of the trendy bear shirts (I never did, but maybe now I can!!). I remember first listening to one of their albums and just thinking wow, this is do mid... But after letting their tunes simmer for a few years, I now love their sound a whole lot more. Ages like a fine wine. Was a pleasant surprise seeing this one pop up. Truckin is a favorite of mine, and so is Friend of the Devil, banger songs. But the rest of these fade together into the equivalent of driving across Manitoba, lovely but kinda plain at times. But still lovely, great and close to my heart. 7/10, 8.5/10 if I were a semi driver.
it's 3.5 but i'm not too peace&love for a 4.
Standouts Friend of the Devil Brokedown Palace Truckin'
Better than the film adaptation 🌹🌹🌹
First time listen. Boomeritis: The Album frfr. Auditory equivalent of Eliade's Shamanism. Tried to imagine myself tripping on lsd as it played, marginally improving the experience.
Maybe I have to be in the right mood for this one because I just couldn’t get very into it this time. It’s very chill and pleasant, but very little really grabbed me.
Odotin parempaa country bluesia.
Ihan kivan kuuloista kamaa!
Pleasant enough and gentle. But not really something that excites me particularly. And I generally enjoy this type of music.
okay, not horrible
Solid
I’m the closest thing this group has to a resident Dead Head and I’m here with the novel take of: the live stuff is better.
oh well, very much your typical SF sound.
box of rain- 5 friend of the devil- 5 sugar magnolia- 5 operator- 5 candyman- 4 ripple- 4 or 5 brokedown palace- 5 til the morning comes- 5 attics of my life- 4 truckin- 4
Let's do some LSD and dance in a field. Peaceful and calming. I enjoyed it. FS Ripple
Decent folksy rock. Not something I would listen to regularly, but enjoyable.
I'm no dead-head, but some of their music is enjoyable. I actually own this on CD, but it is not frequently played. This is the epitome of "It's okay." to me. 3
Alright, relatively enjoyed the listen
3.
Chill music, not memorable
I’m honestly shocked that this music has so much cultural staying power. I don’t even mean musically, but the Grateful Dead are everyone even today, but really it just sounds like mid tier folk music to me.
I do like this, but it feels like it’s a little too quiet, too relaxed though the whole thing. I kept hoping they’d really turn it up a notch but that never happened.
I understand the cultural importance of the Grateful Dead and this album is decent but it’s just fine. Friend of the Devil is an awesome song and was the true standout. I wish there were a few more tracks that held my interest the same way. Truckin’ was also good bluesy closing track. Good folksy time all in all. 3 stars
Honestly even three stars feels like it might be a little generous. I guess with these guys you just had to be there maybe
Bara allt í lagi.
Huge slice of Americana here. Grateful Dead are a band I know the name so much more than any song so was keen to have a listen. It’s not blown me away but at the same time, it has been perfectly pleasant to listen to. It perhaps merits further listening but not sure when I’d return at this point.
How can you go wrong with Truckin' and Sugar Magnolia? Although every Deadhead I know hates the studio albums.
It's laid back folk/country style..pretty chilled but rather boring.
Got some Grateful Dead songs that I enjoy, 'Terrapin Station' to name one. This album didn't at all feel anything like that. Much more like a country or soft rock album than I had hoped, so a bit disappointed. After a pretty uninteresting first half, it recovered itself a bit with 'Ripple' which is quite a nice track. But then it was unfortunately back to pretty boring territory, with 'Truckin'' perhaps a decent track as well. Overall I was not a very big fan of this, and it felt overall quite mediocre. I understand that the Grateful Dead has a cult following, but I can't really understand why based on this record. Not the worst album I've heard, but not particularly eye opening either. Weak 3.
Cover 6 Sugar Magnolia and Truckin' are my favorites of this album. I have to say the other songs didn't initially hit with me. Nothing wrong just didn't feel them. As for a Truckin', I first heard a rendition from Tesla's album Five Man Acoustical Jam. So it's more nostalgic than anything, but it's a fun song. Still, prefer Tesla's version.
Groovy, but too slow for me.
It was ok
Enjoyed it overall. Standout songs: Sugar Magnolia Truckin'
Da
I know how legendary the Grateful Dead are, but the only song I knew coming into this album was Friend of the Devil, and that’s mostly because the Counting Crows cover version is one of my favorites of theirs. A lot folkier than I was anticipating but I can see the appeal to a bunch of druggies in San Francisco during the Haight-Ashbury days. A solid album that I definitely enjoyed, I just feel like seeing a live performance with a jam band and in a different headspace would boost the rating significantly. Maybe one day I’ll try and catch a Dead and Company show.
Good to listen to, but did not strike me as exceptional
It was okay. A bit too country adjacent for me. Friend of the Devil was familiar and good. The rest was a bit middle of the road for me.
I don't think I would ever go as far as to say this music sucks, but it's certainly not impressive to me. The conversation around this band suggests a much more interesting sound, like every other famous band popularized in the 60s.
Admittedly, I never understood the Grateful Dead fanaticism and I dreaded this selection. But I found this album to be a good listen. I can't say it spoke to me or that I loved it, but it was some good background music while working.
Listened to the band before : No Songs I already knew: none Favourite Songs: Truckin' Some fusion of styles on this album, folky, bluegrass, country blues and a touch of Jazz. Lacks energy at times. The album didn't grab me as much as I anticipated. Pleasant without being outstanding.
I don't understand the fascination with the Dead
easy
I will never understand the hype for Grateful Dead. This is a fine album, but it's nothing more than that. Jangly country stuff. Not bad in any way, but not remarkable either.
This album is an easy entrance to the Grateful Dead because it has more of their shorter hits than the longer jams. I find their longer jams can get a bit tedious for me so this is a great album to show their musical style in a more listenable format. Overall an enjoyable album.
Chill and nice album. You can listen to it five times in a row with realising it, no real outstanding lyrics or instrumentals, but good album overall.
I would be in the target group for this, but there’s something missing here before it really hits with me. I do like some of the songs, like Ripple for example. I imagine sitting in a cottage out in the wilderness
It's okay when played in the background
Very much early 70s late 60s rock. Pleasant enough
Classic album with a handful of all-time great songs.
It's fine but I never understand why people are so passionate about them
Fav tracks: "Operator" and "Truckin'"
Nothing I didn’t like, nothing I really liked.
Nie bewusst gehört, aber ich mag den Mythos um den Bus, so ein bischen Embryo Vibes, Album läuft gut durch. Solider (schon wieder) Rock . Take it easy, so easy, "Till the morning comes". -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVq-PAiMVIs bin versöhnt live jammen sind sie sehr gut! c
The definition of bland. I think their days are ultimately numbered as being any sort of relevant.
this was fine. I don't have much else to say. I kept zoning out while listening but it was good background music to my thoughts. Decently enjoyable. Fav- Till the Morning Comes
Pleasant enough, but I wish the singing was tighter - some wavering off key bits that took me out of the nice harmonies. Nothing standout except Attics of My Life.
This album is nice. It's not mind-blowing in any sense, but it has good tracks. I don't think there's much interesting in there, it's enjoyable. And that's fine. There has to be also music just for the sake of having a good time. But I wouldn't say it's anything great.
This is fine, but it doesn’t really excite me, and I’m not sure why people gush over this group. The songwriting is solid, the vibe is laid-back, but l just don't connect with it.
Old school classic. Mellow. Almost folksy.
Tu t'attends à des solos psychédéliques de Jerry Garcia et tu te ramasses avec de la folk americana un peu insipide. Pas nul, juste décevant.
Never heard a Grateful Dead song before today, and they're yet another old fogey 70s band I'd been served this week, so naturally was dreading the worst. So color me pleasantly surprised. This album is a jam, very chilled vibes and vocals I shall describe as pleasant. It's also great to boogie to which again, surprising!
Solid but not for me.
This was kind of underwhelming. I have never listened to an entire Grateful Dead album but you hear so much about their fan base that I was expecting something really amazing, but instead it was just kind of blah chill background music. They were nice background songs but overall I was just hoping for more, more to connect with, more feelings, more energy, more something.
Dad rock. It's fine, not offensive, nothing super interesting. 3*
The Dead. Jam Band. not my thing. also, they are a live band so studio albums land as ponderous, possibly required by their corporate overlords
You know, whatever. It's fine.
the playing is alright country rock but the singing is among the worst hippie bullshit music: hated. (⌐■_■)
This record was the most easy listening record I’ve listened to in a long time. The name of this band is the exact opposite of their sound. Unless it’s a nod to how old one is to really understand this band? I don’t know… I’m all seriousness, I listened to this album doing the most appropriate activity one could do while listening to this band: a puzzle.
2.5/5
I've tried a few times to get into the dead. I've listened to the suggested soundboard recordings and I've listened to the studio records. It's all just meh. I think they may be overrated.
A very easy listening country style album Highlights: - Truckin’ - Box of Rain - Friend of the Devil
jahas maailman paras bändi tässä kuulemma. itse en kovinkaan paljon ole kuunellut heitä. jahas ovat niin paljon enemmän kuin normaali jammailu bändi. artistinen ja kulttuurinen instituutia joka on olemassa omilla säännöillään hehe... koskaan ymmärtänyt tätä. amerikkalaisen huumauskulttuurin karikatuurimainen päätöspiste... missattu pointti kokonaan... dead head. kusinen fanikulttuuri jo päivänselvää kun joku kutsuu itseään dead headiksi. heheh pakko olla huumautunut muuten musiikki on paskaa? uskomaton kriteeri nauttiakseen tästä. samalla olen mahdottoman selvin päin ja pink band silti hittaa gg veli... candyman
monótono la verdad
There is no denying the impact of this band and the cultural phenomenon it became over the years. The loyalty and following are of legendary status that few bands ever achieve. The hits on this album are timeless, I love “Friend of the Devil”, “Sugar Magnolia “ and “Truckin”. I never had the pleasure of seeing them live but I’m sure it was quite a scene. 3.5/5
Those who dig too deep into the criticisms of whether this band is highly overrated are probably missing the point. No doubt these guys became more cemented as a cultural band (brand) rather than an amazingly musical one, but this studio effort still shows a skilled band with solid songs. And the fact that this album was in regular rotation during college years right alongside artists like Jane’s Addiction and Beastie Boys supports that theory. Yeah, you can take drugs watching any band…but if you tune in, turn on and drop out at a Dead show chances are you’re gonna have a much more memorable experience.
Def like these guys more after seeing dead and co live at the sphere. Wasn’t quite life changing for me and don’t think I’ll be selling my positions to follow them around. Also like the live stuff better than the studio recordings.
Correcto
I was kinda bored of this to start with, think 8 was expecting more from a band with this image/branding. But once I chilled out I got into it. Probably 3 though
why not
não é ruim de forma alguma mas é a coisa mais setentista possível (no sentido mais negativo possível xD)
IH eh aquela banda que a lindsay de freaks and geeks gosta muito!! btw é só um "take" de uns noiado sobre folk rock/americana. mas não foi mto ruim não, é decente! fun fact: essa banda literalmente teve um dos maiores (senão o maior) distribuidor de LSD dos estados unidos como ENGENHEIRO DE AUDIO vsf. os shows eram apenas ACIDO GRATUITO PRA TODOS. caos purinho.
I've never really been a fan of their studio stuff. Always wished I had seen them live though. Always thought I'd catch them "next time." And then, there were no next times.
I forgot how many big songs are on this album. Fantastic opening trio. More accessible for non-Deadheads than any other record probably until the final one. 3⭐️
Overall a pretty decent album. The last leg of it drag on a bit, but I enjoyed it for the most part. "Friend of the Devil" was a standout.
this was one of the most middle of the road, non controversial album i have heard on this list so far. this band even states they used the crosby stills nash young formula to sound good. the jams must sound amazing live because i don't the deadhead fervor, sorry
I didn't walk away from this experience with a deeper understanding of why some people are obsessed with the band, but I did find it a pleasant listening experience. 3.5 rounded ... ?down?
My general prior here is that they put out a ton of music, most of it fine, but relatively little that's really great. And a bunch of Gen Xers adore them for it. Listening notes: -Box of Rain: nice chill start here. -Friend of the Devil: This has a nice folk back porch vibe. -Operator: Great harmonica solo here. -Twice I listened to this album and twice I forgot about it before halfway. -Truckin' is about what I expect from this gang. Boring, broadly meaningless, but fun. Review: I think this is a pretty chill album, and could see it being pleasant with a beer (more traditionally a joint?) on my back porch. But I wouldn't go out of my way to pick it for even that purpose, and pretty much any creedence clearwater or blues album would fill that roll more well. In fact, I put on CCR immediately after as a comparison--yeah Grateful Dead are fine, just a chill folk-rock band. Laidback pleasant vibes mean that I think it gets 3 stars. Anyway, I liked friend of the devil.
Surprisingly decent and better than I expected? But at the same time, nothing jumped out as memorable. This is the definition of a 3-star album for me.
This isn’t my favorite of theirs but it’s good.
Folkey country rock'n'roll. Fine but lacks bangers.
Was a "deadhead" for about a year before I realised these guys don't have a single studio album worth remembering. Shame, because I think Jerry is a fantastic musician.
Really good album all the way through, maybe you don’t need to be on mushrooms to enjoy the Dead.
3.1 Its fine. Im going to have to give it another go at another time with some "assistance" because right now I don't really see what the whole dead-head thing is about.
A sweet collection of tunes that got my day off to a perfect start!
Hey man, it's fine, I guess.
box of rain sehr herzige song, gitarre isch huere geil Jerry. und sie singed super. he finds sehr seicht mit de ziit. candyman isch zb en herzige song tönt super guet produziert und alles aber cha gad nöd viel demit afange. sehr unüberraschend alles. isch e cutes album okay. aber niiix bsunders.
aso han währendem chuchi putze kei notize chönne mache. finds na herzig, wenn au chli seicht friend of the devil hani na cool gfunde, au wegem damals wahrsch seehr aheggende text brokedown palace hani sehr herzig gfunde allgemein isches eifach na schön aber ja für mich nüt unglaublichs
It was relaxing liked the ripple most
I used to love this but it doesn’t move me much any more. Huh.
I fashioned myself a punk as a teen, so OF COURSE I hated the Dead. But that was a long time ago, and you know what? They're fine. Some of their songs are good (some are certified bops, ngl), none of them are particularly terrible. I'll choose play this very record sometimes when I'm driving with my lovely wife, who fashioned herself a hippy as a teen.
I did not hate this as much as I expected, but its still not for me.
Super chill, relaxing and dreamy album. Good for a long slow and chilled drive.
Nobody is a fan of the Dead because of their studio albums.
Heard of the grateful dead but never really listened to them. This album it's somewhere between Crosby, Stills and Nash and The Eagles. Enjoyed it but again all the tracks seem to slightly blur into one. Very pleasant background music and will try and listen to some more of the dead
⭐️Ripple
I last listened to this album at Mikey's house on Gray Street. I remember being kind of bored at the time, so hopefully it makes a better impression me this time. "Sugar Magnolia" is great. I love the riffs, and the 'doo doo-doo doo doo doo doo'. The first two songs were fine but not super interesting to me. "Ripple" and "Truckin'" were fun. This is a good album, but not totally my cup of tea. It's a little slow a lot of the time. I have a lingering feeling I'm being a little harsh with a 6, but that's what it's going to be for now. This album could grow on me. 6/10
nothing startling to me first listen
Not bad. 3/5
its fine. just like good standard country nothing special tho
I have realised that I always thought grateful dead was a metal band
Slooooow boring rock. Never liked the vocal of this band.
My first time ever listening to a Grateful Dead album. It was better than I had expected. This is my kind of music. Good harmonies, good instrumentals. I don't think sitting in an office at a computer is the ideal place to listen to this, but I still enjoyed it. I'm not going to dive into their catalogue or start watching live performances, but I understand slightly better why some people love this band.
No sé por qué, pero siempre creí que Grateful Dead era un grupo de hard rock o algo así. Resultó que era country. El disco está padre, me gustó, pero no sé, se me hizo medio raro. No me la pasé mal pero tampoco conecté tanto.
chill beach card game vibes
This is a good album but it leaves me wondering what sets this band apart to the point that their fans are almost a household name. I mostly enjoyed this one, but it didn't sell me on the Grateful Dead. Favorite song: "Ripple"
Pretty ok
I didn’t hate this as much as I thought I would. Very 60s. A twinge of country. Truckin’ is a classic.
I guess it's fine? I know the big hits and they're "enjoyable enough" in terms of being recognizable but I'm never going to love this band after too many friends pleading that I just don't get it. They're right. And I think for the most part - besides the major scale noodling which is boring, I hate using that terms but it's true, it's the vocals. They're so milquetoast and emotionless and just... there. A few times listening I wondered how much more I'd like it if it were instrumental and I realized I wouldn't because this music actually does need vocals. Just something better. It's not terrible, it really isn't, but it's also just never gripped me. Willing to give a 3 because it's vital to the story of popular/rock music and worth listening to but that's about it. 5/10 3 stars
Unfortunately very boring. The Dead seriously benefit from live energy, the ability to jam for 15 minutes, and drugs
This was decent
I like the real instuments and the harmonies.
I don't really have anything bad to say about the music from a technical point of view. It's just the kind of music that never really seems to grip me Standouts Box of Rain Ripple 2/5
7/10
To explain my response to this record I'd first need to summarize Andrew Hickey's 3+ hour podcast on the place of the Dead (in his "History of Rock Music in 500 songs"). And after that I'd be too tired to listen to "Friend of the Devil."
I feel about the Dead as I do about Jesus--they're fine, it's their followers I can't stand. Perfectly nice album.
Eh, it's alright. Standard hippie music.
(33 known/74 new)
Good album, but never really understood the Grateful Dead hype
Pretty good.
Felt like music from a simpler time, most of the songs sounded the same and had similar muted harmonized vocals. 3/5
I am a pretty big King Gizzard fan and I know these bands fans have a big overlap, but I've never really listened to the grateful dead before. Sorry to say but it was a little too country for me. Still fine though. Mid 3.
Enjoyed
it was okay
If you’re a newcomer to the dead, It’s an alright starting point, but it’s easily trounced by the plethora of live tapes out there. The appeal of this band has always been the more free quality of their live output. Rating: 3.5
I never quite understood the appeal of The Grateful Dead. Now, having listened to what's considered their best studio album... I still don't get the appeal of The Grateful Dead after the first listen. I guess the way it mixes rock, bluegrass and country is kind of interesting. And clearly they hung out with some of the best American musicians of the era, like David Crosby, Neil Young, Santana and Jefferson Airplane. And yet, I don't know. Maybe it's just a bit too jam-band for my taste. Given their massive reputation, I just kind of expected something more. More innovative, more psychedelic, more counter-culture. And maybe it's the result of hearing it 55 years after it was first released. In this challenge, I'm often able to put myself in the mindset of a fan hearing it for the first time the year it came out. But this one, I just couldn't find anything special to match the very famous cult following that the Dead had and continue to have. On my second listen, my adjusted my expectations to just listen for a well made album. And it is, but it still doesn't quite blow me away I'm afraid. Apologies to Jerry Garcia. I really wanted to like this more, but it just didn't click.
I a chill listen, but I wouldn't base my whole personality on it 🧙♂️
Pretty mellow, easy listening, nothing stood out
pretty mid. not my thing unfortunately
It was fine but that's all.
Have never understood why so many people worship the Dead. I mean, they're fine, but there are loads of other bands that are just as talented.
I didn’t realize that Grateful Dead had such countryesque vibes. I remember them being more a psychedelic jam band but this albums vibe was completely different. 5/10
The harmonies reminds me of The Eagles
Pretty good album, but I felt the more downbeat Candyman didn’ jarred a bit. Very CSNY.
I don’t understand the greatness of this album, as there are no songs I feel like relistening to. But I don’t hate it either. Ok backgroundmusic 5/10
I never understood the stature of the Dead in music history. I grew up with sort of hippy parents who weren't really fans but would put on this album and a few others from time-to-time. I'm not really sure what to classify the music as, I can't seem to tell what I am supposed to be feeling while listening, the tunes aren't super narrative, and I just don't get the hype. I've got plenty of friends who really respond to them as a group and I sincerely wish I didn't feel like I was missing out. I will say that it is a well-structured album and the basic tunes are fine. I do not hate it, but, merely wish I could engage with it further.
own
It was all right. Music has come such a long way since that experimental sound that it kind of fell into the background, and no matter what I always wanted to be doing something else while I was listening to it.
Pretty good.
Better when you're fucked up, I'm sure.
Never really listened to the Grateful Dead before this but I know about them. It sounds exactly like I would have thought.
Haven’t heard a ton of greatful dead. I enjoyed it
I mean its alright like
I was surprised at how many songs I knew. Still, it’s the dead and I only really enjoyed them that one time I heard them live.
Rating: 3/5 | Favorite Track: Friend of the Devil --- Totally bored by this release. All of the tracks blended together into this bland, homogeneous, generic country sound I did not care for.
Calm relaxing folk with mostly all acoustic instruments and pretty male harmony Friend of the Devil Ripple Truckin' (radio hit) that sounds like The Beatles' The Ballad of John and Yoko
Expected more psychedelia but why is it more country??? especially for a band that was followed (literally) by hippies on acid all around. There are some other works by them that are waay better than this one imo. 3.5/5
More country than I would have expected from Grateful Dead, but a decent album overall. 3/5
Normales "Oldies" Album mit nem weichen Sound, weich gewaschen maybe? Hatte nichts was mich vom Hocker riss, aber war auch nicht anstrengend zum anhören, klang halt alles gleich
Ganz nett, weniger Rockig als ich erwartet habe
Fine. Wouldn’t listen again tho
Listening to this you realize just what over hyped means. The songs are all decent, but not extraordinary. Production is shoddy. The saddest part is that this mid tier album is considered their best.
I don’t get the cult following behind the Dead. To me this is standard folk/rock, I can’t pick anything about them that speaks to my soul.
Started fairly strong, but ended up being somewhat dull folk-rock. Not bad, but felt longer than it actually was.
With a name like Grateful Dead you'd expect heavy rock, something mean, a bit snarly. This was nothing like that though, It wasn't bad, it was just very soft - like Simon & Garfunkel with a few extra band members. As I said before, it wasn't bad, but it was disappointing.
I actually enjoyed this grateful dead album. Most of the songs were familiar to me from my childhood, but I liked that the album felt cohesive and tight without too much jamming.
Perfectly competent country-tinged folk rock. How this can be anyone's favorite band will forever be beyond me, though.
Mellow folky and bluesy tunes...vocals are kinda meh Highlights: "Friend of the Devil", "Sugar Magnolia", "Till the Morning Comes" (has a CSN&Y vibe with the harmonies), "Truckin'"
Dad rock at its finest – or at least at its most "daddish". Happy harmonies abound, backed by pleasant instrumentals that invariably consist of electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and light drums. A couple of times you can hear an organ or piano dropped into the mix to add a religious or honky-tonk feel, but in general all the songs here sound very similar. Similarly good! There's a general lack of interesting hooks to really separate the tracks from one another, but the atmosphere is so warm and fuzzy that it doesn't matter too much. I would've liked to hear some songs in a minor key, maybe some kind of experimentation on any instrument. I noticed that the performance is a bit unpolished in places, and the production is questionable. But that, in my opinion, adds to the album's humanness where countless other touted masterpieces lack it. (My dad's admiration of the Grateful Dead is definitely colouring my view here. I completely understand the 2- and 1-star reviews.) The cover art is a little rough. Very difficult to read the text, apart from the "VOTE" sticker, which is an odd choice given that the album was released in a non-(major)election year. The colour palette is pretty bad too. The dull yellow and rusty green on wood isn't a good combo. 3/5 Key tracks: Friend of the Devil, Sugar Magnolia, Ripple
Perfectly lovely americana rock album, Truckin' is an earworm that might linger
Never really got into the Dead. I like Truckin and a couple other tracks here.
Inoffensive ciuntry rock. I don't get The Grateful Dead - the albums show no signs of the extended, hard rockin', drug fuelled, guitar solos that their live gigs are famous for. This just seems lame.
I'm a bit shocked that this is the first Grateful Dead album I've gotten after nearly 400 albums, and equally shocked that there are only two in total of their albums in this collection. I'm not really complaining, though, as I'm not a big fan (or connoisseur), but given the legions of Deadheads I figured we'd get as many or more of their albums than, say, the Beatles or David Bowie. Seems like a fine album to me, and what I kind of visualize as what a Dead album would sound like, albeit with less noodling and endless tracks than I figured was a fixture for them (but maybe that's due to a more folk/country focus than other albums? Or maybe they reserved the endless songs to live shows? I must admit that "Attics of my life" *felt* endless regardless...). The Dylanesque "Friend of the devil" and the quasi-Cash-like "Operator" were probably my favorites, and it was nice to get some of their enduring hits like "Ripple" and "Truckin".
I was expecting much more given the album cover...
Typical Dead
Solid album with a few well loved hits on it.
I like Friend of the Devil and Ripple, and Truckin was pretty fun. I'm not a hippie in a field doing LSD though. So once again, an album I can't get the authentic experience of. It was a pleasant listen, but a little lightweight. 3 stars.
Solid Americana that is 20% better high, 20% better live, 20% better when dancing like a jellyfish. The recording is well polished, well mixed, jammy and delightful. But deadheads can’t argue that the real appeal of this band was the gathering. The juggalos of classic rock.
Some songs sounded like shit?
Pretty chill, guitar, piano?, drum, vocals. Unplugged sound. Some use of harmony/layered vocals (Attics of my Life). Country ish? (Tempo, twangy guitar) Maybe have heard some of these (dr. clr) Box of Rain seems like a (minor key) inspiration to Don't you Forget About Me? Guitars in Sugar Magnolia sound a little Elvis-y but lowkey. Ripple seems familiar. Bass notes go back and forth (slow polka?). Like the more uptempo sound of Till the Morning Comes. Like the triplets of Truckin, sounds familiar.
I like the more roots rock sounding tracks but overall this is just a bit too Country for me. I wanted to like it due to their similarities in many ways with Gizz, but it just wasn’t my thing. Also first few tracks plus Truckin’ are the best.
I liked all the songs (except for Operator) on this album-the songwriting and instrumentation are solid. I don’t care (and never did) for the vocals on this album. It’s a nice lazy Sunday morning in a cabin in the Santa Cruz mountains kinda album.
I enjoyed it! Not my favorite but definitely up my alley. I think if I listened to it again I’d probably like it even more, but as it stands it’s a 3 for me. But like a heavy, strong 3.
Not really a fan. Feels too slow and unorganized. Maybe sounds better when I am drunk
They must have been very charismatic. The music is nothing special. It’s neither bad nor great. 2nd rate Crosby Stills and Nash with some skynyrd. Favorite song: till the morning comes.
Nice mellow and polished folky rock , i don’t see a ton of replay value for me as the album doesn’t differentiate itself from its time but a good listen and could make for some fun late night mellow listening
3 - I've never really understood why Grateful Dead have such a massive following. They are okay, but nothing really that blows me away. Maybe you really just need to be really high on shrooms
Uninspiring in a very Grateful Dead way 3.2/5
It's not bad but why are people obsessed with them? idgi Box of rain is a beautiful song Almost at the end and I'm bored now.
Nice.
Started great but tailed off
As I listened to this, I thought of the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which extolls the virtues of and finds beauty and merit in that which is imperfect, broken, and worn. Because every element of this album seemed imperfect somehow, with flaws (for lack of a better term) that jumped out at me in vocal delivery, instrument playing, and production technique. Now I can sometimes find overly produced music off-putting, but ideally there's a sweet spot between competency and feeling natural. I feel like this weird more towards the "feeling natural" side of the spectrum because there was just something about it that seemed a little less polished, and it was almost becoming distracting but I decided that this was "vibes music" and so I should just focus on the vibes. I feel like they're similar to the Rolling Stones in that they just get together and have fun playing and don't aim for precision, so that's nice for them, I guess. The songs were pleasant enough but there was nothing that felt super groundbreaking or timeless, so it's a solid 3 for me.
Was never a huge Grateful Dead fan, but I enjoyed this album a lot more than I thought I would. I still don't quite get the seemingly rabid cult following though.
Ålreit, men litt lite minneverdig. Hørte på det lørdag, det er søndag nå og har egentlig ikke så mye å skrive om føler jeg
Surprisingly dull. I expected more from the Grateful Dead, tbh!
Good album but I prefer Live Dead.
As one half of iconic duo Houmous & Chutney I know a thing or two about being in a band with a misleading name! A name that evokes thoughts of various levels of metal but a band that delivers something very different. 3.4
My understanding is that you have to see them live to really understand. That makes sense, because this was kind of boring. The last song, "Truckin'", was fun though.
It's fine if a little boring, my old coworker was in love with them. I get that this is a huge live band so I guess deserves some representation on this list. Will I listen to again: 10%
I can see how the Grateful Dead have fans, but no idea how they got their huge cult following. It's fine. Nothing to write home about.
-I had never really listened to the Grateful Dead before now but had heard Many Things about them and their adoring fans… this is sure as hell not what I was expecting -but I liked it, for the most part. it had a sort of peaceful and comforting vibe which I enjoyed after a long stressful day -Favorites are Friend Of The Devil, Ripple, and Truckin’
It’s ok
it’s okay
OK
So this is Grateful Dead. Not as eclectic as their reputation would lead you to believe, but I know that most of that reputation is from their “jam band” style live shows. This was just very Crosby-Stills-Nash-esque. Truckin is a classic, my favorite on here is Ripple though. Not too shabby
There is a certain crowd that embraces this kind of performance.... Me too
a bit lame, very dated
I get the appeal, some tracks are really catchy, and others I just find meandering and kind of dull. But some really cool stuff going on
Maybe I would like it at another time in my life
Decent.
Es un disco re acústico de estos muchachitos que hacen todo psicodélico. Está muy bueno realmente, por ahí demasiaaado tranquilo.
Grateful Dead sounding like the Grateful Dead.
Rock, country, blues. Well done but not my thing.
3 out of 5. Middle of the road for me.
First Grateful Dead album I've heard. Didn't really grab my attention, but not bad either.
Not sure what I was expecting. I guess I've never really listened to them. 3.