From The Mars Hotel

Trailing success, spring 1974 was a promising time for Grateful Dead. After interior tribulations, the ensemble emerged equanimous, dropping the "Wake Of The Flood" set and returning with their 2nd release from Grateful Dead Records, "From The Mars Hotel". To mark the 50th anniversary of the record that produced forever favorites “Scarlet Begonias”, “Ship Of Fools”, and “China Doll”, Rhino Records will release an expanded and remastered edition of the album, previewed today with a demo of “Wave That Flag”, which would become “US Blues”.

Remastered by Grammy award winning audio engineer David Glasser using Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction, and produced by Grateful Dead legacy manager and audio archivist David Lemieux, the deluxe edition includes not only the aforementioned “Wave That Flag” demo but also a previously unreleased live performance from the University Of Nevada in Reno, Nevada, on May 12th, 1974.

Despite being caught in a windstorm, the band was well matched for the elements, conjuring the strength of the breeze into massive displays of sister tunes, “China Cat Sunflower”, “I Know You Rider” and fresh cut "From The Mars Hotel", “US Blues”, in addition to downright classics, “Brown Eyed Women”, “Tennessee Jed”, “Mississippi Half Step”, “Sugar Magnolia” and “Truckin'”, due impart to the Wall Of Sound, the renowned sound system, which required 21 stage hands for assembly.

Besides live additions, the original "From The Mars Hotel" LP was recorded at San Francisco’s Coast Recorders studio. The set finds the band at the height of their 70's prowess, with Keith Godchaux cascading across the keys, showcasing his malleability to produce different tones and textures.

Referencing the set and Robert Hunter’s pop culture infused “US Blues” lyrics, linear note contributor and Canadian author Ray Robertson said, “it carries an undeniable whiff of late capitalism ennui, it’s the most fun you’ll ever have dancing to the end of the American Empire”.

The album excels as Jerry Garcia’s expressive and lively lead guitar unleashes melody across the original deliverable. It reaches a greater altitude with guest spots from Ned Lagin, who layers synth atop the prosperous “Unbroken Chain”, and John McFee’s country leaning pedal steel on “Pride Of Cucamonga”. Notably, the 2 previously mentioned numbers also functioned as the final studio cuts to feature vocal contributions from Phil Lesh.

Rhino Records and Warner Music, June 21st, 2024.