Customer Ratings & Reviews

There is so much more than this when talking about the grateful dead. This seems like an attempt by the record company to put together a greatest hits album to drum up interest in the band. American Beauty and Workingmans Dead are much better places to start if you're interested in the band. However, there is a good version of turn on your love light on this collection.

This upbeat album reminds me of lazy days outdoors in the summer sunshine. I find it ideal background music for a party, or whenever I need a lively little pick-me-up. The Grateful Dead presnt us with a sweet yet fierce fusion of country and rock ‘n’ roll that is sheer listening pleasure – provided we do not listen too carefully to the lyrics! Unfortunately, many songs such as “Casey Jones” and “Friend of the Devil” have references to drugs, heavy alcohol consumption, and promiscuity, which I find inappropriate for listeners who are either under 18 or sensitive. I found the words to “Mexicali Blues,” in particular, downright offensive because I did not like the way women were portrayed in this song. However, each of the Grateful Dead’s melodies in this album is sheer bliss, and I found the high quality of the music cancels out my disappointment with the words.