GRATEFUL DEAD - From The Mars Hotel (1974-1985) RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

The Grateful Dead made their reputation on the road with their live shows, and they always struggled to capture that magic in the studio. From the Mars Hotel, while not a classic, represents one of their better studio albums. Jerry Garcia sounds engaged throughout and takes the vocal reigns for most of the songs on the album -- although he's not the most gifted vocalist, he proves himself able and versatile. He sings the rollicking opener, "U.S. Blues," with a tongue-in-cheek seriousness that gives the political song an edge, and he lends emotional sincerity to the atmospheric ballad "China Doll." Garcia shines on guitar during the funk workout "Scarlet Begonias," but the ensemble work is best displayed on the album's centerpiece, "Unbroken Chain." During this song, all the musicians are allowed to shine: Phil Lesh, the bassist and songwriter, provides tender vocals over a piano-based arrangement while the bridge allows the guitars and drums to stretch out in classic Grateful Dead style. This album is highly recommended for fans, but casual listeners should start with American Beauty or Workingman's Dead. by Vik Iyengar  
Tracklist :
1     U.S. Blues 4:42
Jerry Garcia / Robert Hunter
2     China Doll 4:10
Jerry Garcia / Robert Hunter
3     Unbroken Chain 6:46
Phil Lesh / Robert Peterson
4     Loose Lucy 3:22
Jerry Garcia / Robert Hunter
5     Scarlet Begonias 4:19
Jerry Garcia / Robert Hunter
6     Pride of Cucamonga 4:17
Phil Lesh / Robert Peterson
7     Money Money 4:23
John Perry Barlow / Bob Weir
8     Ship of Fools 5:27
Jerry Garcia / Robert Hunter
Credits :
Bill Atwood - Trumpet
Vassar Clements - Violin
Joe Ellis - Trumpet
Martin Fierro - Saxophone
Sarah Fulcher - Vocals
Jerry Garcia - Composer, Guitar, Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals
Donna Jean Godchaux - Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals (Background)
Keith Godchaux - Harpsichord, Keyboards, Member of Attributed Artist
Matthew Kelly - Harmonica
Bill Kreutzmann - Drums, Member of Attributed Artist
Ned Lagin - Additional Personnel, Guest Artist, Synthesizer
Phil Lesh - Bass, Bass Instrument, Composer, Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals
John McFee - Additional Personnel, Guest Artist, Pedal Steel Guitar
Frank Morin - Saxophone
Pat O'Hara - Trombone
Doug Sahm - Guitar
Benny Velarde - Percussion
Bob Weir - Composer, Guitar, Member of Attributed Artist, Vocals