GRATEFUL DEAD: "Wake Of The Flood"

Original released on LP GRATEFUL DEAD GD01

(US 1973, October 15)

After the end of their contract with Warner Brothers the Grateful Dead set up their own record companies; Grateful Dead records for Grateful Dead albums and Round Records for solo projects. “Wake Of The Flood”, the first release on the new label was announced to fans via a leaflet to Dead Heads: «We've decided to produce, manufacture, and distribute our records ourselves. The band today finished recording of an all-new studio album (been a long time) called “Wake Of The Flood”. The album will be made from the highest quality vinyl available, which has the best technical properties. In addition, it will be heavier (weighs more, that is) than most albums available in this country. It will be handled locally through independent record distributors and should be available everywhere.»

I love “Workingman's” and “American Beauty” as much as any Deadhead...; but this album is magic. "Mississippi Uptown" is a great track to start off this masterpiece and I've warmed up somewhat to the next track, Keith's "Let Me Sing...." but it is the only weak song on this release. Now the album really begins - "and I say, Row Jimmy, Row...." Jerry takes over on lead vocals and his guitar is so sweet on this track. Then the group slows it down even MORE, if this is possible, with "Stella Blue". More beautiful vocals by Jerry (probably his best vocals EVER were on this album) and by the end of the song you're in a trance with the endearing pedal steel solo. It's hard to follow that tune but the group continues with the lovely "Here Comes Sunshine". It's almost like the Dead were trying to come up with their own version of "Here Comes The Sun" and it succeeds on a joyful, upbeat tune. Then it happens....the best single song the group ever recorded, "Eyes Of The World". Of course Jerry sings it, the lyrics are beautiful, but the lead fills by Garcia are the main reason to love this band. Each solo is better than the last and Jerry's fingers are magical on this cut. If you ever want to turn someone on to the Grateful Dead, just cue up this song, works every time. After he plays every note he can get out of his guitar, Jerry merely hits 2 notes at the end of the tune while Phil solos on bass. Awesome, all-time cut. Bob Weir finally asserts himself with the long and epic "Weather Report Suite" and it's a great album closer. Each part is wonderful. I personally love the last section when Jerry sends notes cascading in all directions while the sax solo blazes on. The Dead never made an album like this before or after. It also was their first release on their new "Grateful Dead Records" company. The album cover itself is classic and timeless. I much prefer it to all of the skulls and lightning bolts. This is a 5 star album all the way and is in my top 10 desert island discs. The Dead catalog is a large treasure of musical genius but this release was the crowning jewel sitting on top. Break out the headphones and drift away...(in Calcutta Tube)