From the Mars Hotel / 50th Anniv (Pict Vinyl)

by Grateful Dead

Overview

The Grateful Dead made their reputation on the road with their live shows, and they always struggled to capture that magic in the studio. From the Mars Hotel, while not a classic, represents one of their better studio albums. Jerry Garcia sounds engaged throughout and takes the vocal reigns for most of the songs on the album -- although he's not the most gifted vocalist, he proves himself able and versatile. He sings the rollicking opener, "U.S. Blues," with a tongue-in-cheek seriousness that gives the political song an edge, and he lends emotional sincerity to the atmospheric ballad "China Doll." Garcia shines on guitar during the funk workout "Scarlet Begonias," but the ensemble work is best displayed on the album's centerpiece, "Unbroken Chain." During this song, all the musicians are allowed to shine: Phil Lesh, the bassist and songwriter, provides tender vocals over a piano-based arrangement while the bridge allows the guitars and drums to stretch out in classic Grateful Dead style. This album is highly recommended for fans, but casual listeners should start with American Beauty or Workingman's Dead. ~ Vik Iyengar

Product Details

Release Date:	06/21/2024
Label:	Grateful Dead / Wea
UPC:	0603497826797
Rank:	118811

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Grateful Dead   Primary Artist
Donna Jean Godchaux   Vocals (Background),Vocals
Keith Godchaux   Harpsichord,Keyboards,Piano,Vocals
Ned Lagin   Synthesizer,Guest Artist
Bob Weir   Vocals,Guitar
John McFee   Guest Artist
Bill Kreutzmann   Drums
Pat O'Hara   Trombone
Bill Atwood   Trumpet
Doug Sahm   Guitar
Vassar Clements   Violin
Jerry Garcia   Guitar,Vocals
Martin Fierro   Saxophone
Matthew Kelly   Harmonica
Brent Mydland   Vocals,Keyboards
Benny Velarde   Percussion
Frank Morin   Saxophone
Sarah Fulcher   Vocals
Joe Ellis   Trumpet
Phil Lesh   Bass,Vocals,Guitar (Bass)
Mickey Hart   Drums

Technical Credits

Jimmy Edwards   Associate Producer
John Perry Barlow   Composer
Hale Milfgrim   Associate Producer
Cameron Sears   Producer
Robert Gatley   Mixing Engineer
Bill Kreutzmann   Producer
Bob Weir   Composer,Producer
David Lemieux   Producer
Chuck Berry   Composer
Joe Gastwirt   Producer,Mastering Engineer
Jerry Garcia   Composer,Producer
Roy Segal   Engineer
Robert Peterson   Composer
Tom Flye   Mixing Engineer
Keith Godchaux   Producer
James Austin   Producer
Robin Hurley   Associate Producer
Robert Petersen   Composer
Robert Hunter   Composer
Phil Lesh   Composer,Producer
Mickey Hart   Producer
George Horn   Mastering Engineer
Donna Jean Godchaux   Producer
Mary Ann Mayer   Creation,Illustrations
Scott Pascucci   Associate Producer
Phil Brown   Mastering Engineer