#215 Grateful Dead, 'American Beauty' (1970)

Previously #261

Arguably the greatest record by the greatest jam band of all time; if not the most, the definitely one of the most prolific touring bands in history. Grateful Dead’s 5th album is a music of Southern Rock, Country, Bluegrass and Folk.

Where previous albums were mostly led by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, this album was more of a collaborative effort, seeing contributions from other members, notably ‘Box Of Rain,’ written and sung by Phil Lesh, ‘Truckin’,’ a collaboration between Garcia, Lesh, Hunter and Bob Weir, who would also sing lead vocals on the song. Another massive favourite of mine on this record is ‘Friend Of The Devil,’ a song that has been covered by the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band and multiple others. This album is a cohesive, solid record from start to finish. Listening to it transports you to a different time. Closing my eyes, I can imagine standing amongst thousands of other Deadheads for hours taking this album in live. Such a typically American record. I’ve just got to mention lyrics that I’ve just heard (yes, I relisten to records as I write); on the song ‘Candyman,’ “If I had me a shotgun/I’d blow you straight to hell,” immediately into the sweetest harmonies. Brilliant!

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