American Beauty (CD) (Remaster)

A companion piece to the luminous Workingman's Dead, American Beauty is an even stronger document of the Grateful Dead's return to their musical roots. Sporting a more full-bodied and intricate sound than its predecessor thanks to the addition of subtle electric textures, the record is also more representative of the group as a collective unit, allowing for stunning contributions from Dave Torbert (the poignant opener "Box of Rain") and Bob Weir ("Sugar Magnolia"); at the top of his game as well is Jerry Garcia, who delivers the superb "Friend of the Devil," "Candyman," and "Ripple." Climaxing with the perennial "Truckin'," American Beauty remains the Dead's studio masterpiece -- never again would they be so musically focused or so emotionally direct. [The 2003 reissue on Rhino contains expanded liner notes with lots of photos. It also adds five new tracks to the album's original running order: the single version of "Truckin'" and four live tracks ("Friend of the Devil" recorded at the Filmore East on 5/15/1970, "Candyman" recorded at Winterland on 4/15/1970, "Till the Morning Comes" recorded at Winterland on 10/4/1970, "Attics of My Life" recorded at the Filmore West on 6/6/1970, and "Truckin'" recorded at Legion Stadium on 12/26/1970).]~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide