Workingman's Dead (50th Anniversary Dlx Edition)

• Track Listing

Easing out of the gate with their first pop hit, "Uncle John’s Band," the Dead stripped away the sprawling jams and delivered a set of relaxed, intoxicating folk, blues and country on their fourth studio album. Their songs and arrangements take center stage on this 1970 classic: the aforementioned hit plus "High Time," "Dire Wolf," "New Speedway Boogie," "Cumberland Blues," "Black Peter" and one of their most utterly charming tunes, "Casey Jones." Speaking of "Casey Jones," you’ll get the band’s Port Chester, NY performance of that tune (2/21/71 at the Capital Theater) via digital single if you get the picture-disc vinyl edition here. Also marking this album’s 50th anniversary is a 3-CD deluxe edition: the original album, remastered, plus that complete Capital Theater show. Mixed from the original 16-track master tapes, this magnificent set boasts a bevy of songs from "Workingman’s Dead" and "American Beauty": "Casey Jones," "Cold Rain and Snow," Weir’s moving vocal take on "Me and Bobby McGee," Pigpen’s whiskey-soaked growl on "Easy Wind," "Wharf Rat," "Truckin’," "I Know You Rider," "Sugar Magnolia," "Playing in the Band" and more including the perfect show closer, "Uncle John’s Band"! Grateful Dead.