Grateful Dead FROM THE MARS HOTEL

Grateful Dead: Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir (vocals, guitar); Phil Lesh (vocals, bass instrument); Keith Godchaux (harpsichord, keyboards); Bill Kreutzmann (drums); Donna Jean Godchaux (background vocals).
Personnel: Ned Lagin (synthesizer).
Additional personnel: John McFee (pedal steel guitar); Ned Lagin.
Audio Mixer: Tom Flye.
Liner Note Author: Joel Selvin.
Recording information: Jai-Alai Fronton, Miami, FL; PNE Coliseum, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Record Plant, Sausalito, CA; Springfiled Civic Center Arena, Springfield, MA; Winterland, San Francisco, CA.
Photographers: Richard Pechner; Ed Perlstein; Bruce Polonsky.
FROM THE MARS HOTEL is immediately distinguished by the beautiful, futuristic Kelly/Mouse cover with its lonely hotel and backward lettering, but the music inside has plenty to offer as well. Some of the Grateful Dead's long-standing live favorites are on this fine studio effort, including the danceable jam "Scarlet Begonias" and the infectious "Loose Lucy."
The beautiful "Ship of Fools" and Jerry Garcia's tender ballad "China Doll" are offset by the jazzy "Unbroken Chain," which showcases the exploratory instrumental prowess of the band. Though not necessarily a Dead essential, this is a mellow and beautifully articulate record that still retains shades of the folksy, rootsy influence left over from their landmark AMERICAN BEAUTY.

• Format: CD
• Released: 3/7/2006
• Genre: Pop