American Beauty is one of Grateful Dead’s most celebrated albums. It has “Truckin'”, one of the few Grateful Dead songs that receive radio airplay. It’s included in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
Members:
Jerry Garcia: vocals, guitar, pedal steel, piano
Bob Weir: guitar, vocals
Phil Lesh: bass, guitar, vocals
“PigPen”: harmonica, vocals
Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann: drums and percussion
Robert Hunter: lyrics
- “Box of Rain” : This song has beautiful harmonies between Weir and Lesh. The guitars are nice.
- “Friend of the Devil”: One of the most celebrated Dead standards, and some beautiful melodies. David Grisman plays a great mandolin. The song has been covered by Counting Crows, Bob Dylan, and many others.
- ” Sugar Magnolia “: Some great vocals from Bob Weir.
- ” Operator”: Pigpen sings lead this time. Although I prefer Weir and Garcia, this is good.
- “Candyman”: Ned Lagin’s piano is great on this.
- ” Ripple”: This was the B-side for “Truckin'”. The melody and Garcia ‘s vocals sound wonderful.
- ” Brokedown Palace”: Another one of my favorite songs on the album. I like the rhythm on this.
- “Till the Morning Comes”: Some beautiful harmonies on this one.
- ” Attics of My Life “: More great vocals and rhythm.
- ” Trucking”: This song is a bit overplayed, but I still enjoy it. It’s Grateful Dead’s “Freebird”.
Final Verdict: I already knew how excellent this album was because of 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. My opinion hasn’t changed.
Grade: A+
Aspie Catholic 