Grateful Dead Celebrate 60th Anniversary with ‘Greatest Hits’ Compilation
Grateful Dead Announce 60th Anniversary Projects with ‘Gratest Hits’ Compilation and Iconic “Althea” Live Version
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As the legendary Grateful Dead gear up to celebrate six decades of musical pioneering, they’re pulling out all the stops with the announcement of a highly anticipated Best Of compilation and an extensive live collection. Wrapping their rich legacy in a bow, the band has revealed the aptly titled Gratest Hits, a collection that promises to be the ultimate gateway into their expansive catalog.
Set for release on June 13th, Gratest Hits features nine handpicked classics, including fan favorites like “Casey Jones,” “Friend of the Devil,” and the poignant “Box of Rain.” The collection doesn’t shy away from the band’s most mainstream hits either, with the uplifting “Touch of Grey” and the pair of “Scarlet Begonias” and “Fire on the Mountain” set to remind listeners once again why the Grateful Dead’s music is irreplaceable. Unlike countless compilations that emerged over the years, many rooted in label-driven pursuits, this marks the first genuine greatest hits compilation crafted with the band’s input — a major milestone for fans eager for a curated experience.
Accompanying these exciting announcements is a treasure from the band’s archive — a newly unearthed live rendition of “Althea.” Recorded at the Hartford Civic Center on March 3, 1981, this version has been heralded by Grateful Dead archivist and legacy manager David Lemieux as one of the definitive takes on the song. “This ‘Althea’ is widely considered one of the greatest versions of the song the Dead ever played,” Lemieux stated. The power in Jerry Garcia’s vocals coupled with the instrumental prowess exhibited in this performance encapsulates what the Grateful Dead’s live shows were all about.
This gem will also be featured in the colossal 60-disc live collection titled Enjoying the Ride, set to drop on May 30th. This set will delve into the depths of the band’s live history, a fitting tribute to their enduring legacy and improvisational spirit.
The track listing for Gratest Hits is sure to stir nostalgia among fans, with the selection reflecting the band’s journey from the counterculture to mainstream prominence:
Gratest Hits Track List:
- Casey Jones
- Friend of the Devil
- Box of Rain
- Sugar Magnolia
- Truckin’
- Scarlet Begonias
- Fire on the Mountain
- Estimated Prophet
- Touch of Grey
As Grateful Dead fans prepare for a celebration of epic proportions, this year’s anniversary release promises to be both a retrospective and a captivating reminder of why the band has remained a beloved cornerstone of American rock music. Both the Gratest Hits compilation and the live collection serve as touching tributes to their legacy, ensuring that the spirit of the Grateful Dead continues to resonate with new generations of listeners. Pre-orders for the Gratest Hits album are now available, setting the stage for a summer filled with melodic nostalgia.
