Mars Hotel review
Note: A re-mastered version
of Mars Hotel was released on Oct. 26, 2004, with bonus
material that was initially
only available in the box-set, Beyond
Description, The individual CD's are now available. The
re-mastered versions include loads of bonus material. Be sure to get
that one.
My review is on the
original album before the bonus material.
Grateful Dead From The Mars Hotel is a mixed
offering. The song writing is dominated by Garcia / Hunter as they penned
five of the eight tracks. Of them, we have the enduring classic,
truly in the style of the Grateful Dead, "Scarlet
Begonias." The two ballads, "Ship Of Fools," and
"China Doll" are classics. The rocker, "U. S.
Blues," is above average. Mars Hotel's two clunkers are
"Loose Lucy," and Weir's only contribution "Money
Money."
After "Scarlet
Begonias" the albums strongest material are two
Phil Lesh compositions that are more than both worthwhile, and
should not be overlooked.
by
Barry Small
Grade B
Many renditions of these songs are
available live. Dick's
Picks 7 and Dick's
Picks 24,and Dick's
Picks 12 ("U. S. Blues" and "Ship of
Fools" are both incredible one this pick) are good examples from tours promoting this album.
