190. The Grateful Dead- American Beauty

Release Date: 1970
Label: Warner Bros

Another unexpected suprise! One which wouldn't have been so shocking if I'd been more aware of the (she's) Dead of course (apparently their previous album - this is their fifth release - was in the same vein). Anyway, I digress. I have descrived the band's previous album as something I 'wouldn't choose to listen to again.' and I was expecting more of the same. I was wrong. I really enjoyed this album, and the only song I couldn't get into was the final track. A vast improvement on their previous recommendation.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Ripple

166. The Grateful Dead - Live/Dead

Release Date: 1969
Label: Warner Bros.

Coming in at over 70 minutes, this record - containing only seven songs (one of which is just over thirty seconds) - is a bit of a task to listen to. However, whilst it isn't life changing, it isn't terrble either. To be honest, I thought it would be a lot worse than it actually was and only the penultimate track, 'Feedback' left me feeling cold. Unfortunately, I can't imagine a time where I'd choose to listen to this again. It seems there a lot of double-albums being released around this time, and unfortunately this is one of those that doesn't hold my attention.


Rating: 5/10
Favourite Track: Turn On Your Love Light