The Grateful Dead's seventh album From the Mars Hotel (1974) is Definitive Dead, and essential to any serious rock collection. It is a fusion of rock, blues, reggae, jazz, psychedelia, country, and improvisational jam. From the Mars Hotel marked bassist Phil Lesh's final lead vocal work for the Dead for over ten years, and with Pride of Cucamonga and Unbroken Chain (two really great songs) his last studio contributions ever. The album features Garcia and Weir on guitars and vocals, Lesh on bass and vocals, Keith Godchaux on keyboards and vocals, Donna Jean Godchaux on vocals, and Kreutzmann on percussion. I first experienced this album on vinyl. The remastered CD is worth the upgrade from vinyl, featuring the following setlist:

1. U.S. Blues
2. China Doll
3. Unbroken Chain
4. Loose Lucy
5. Scarlet Begonias
6. Pride Of Cucamonga
7. Money Money
8. Ship Of Fools

9. Loose Lucy (studio outtake, recorded August 7, 1973)
10. Scarlet Begonias (recorded live at the Winterland, October 16, 1974)
11. Money Money (recorded live in Vancouver, May 17, 1973)
12. Wave That Flag (recorded live in Springfield on March 28, 1973)
13. Let It Rock (recorded live in Miami on June 23, 1974)
14. Pride Of Cucamonga (studio acoustic demo, recorded August 4, 1973)
15. Unbroken Chain (studio acoustic demo, recorded August 11, 1973)

G. Merritt

If your reading this, you probably don't need much more from me. Buy the album. It's even got some extra goodies in the form of live tracks of several of the songs. Heaps o' music. The Grateful Dead. Just do it, you won't be sorry.

The Evolution was already in progress and the Music of The Grateful Dead had come a Long, Long way from from 1967 when the Band released their first Record: "Grateful Dead" to this Highwater Mark of San Francisco Rock Exploration called: "From The Mars Hotel". First released way back in 1974, this little Gem was as close as this Fantastic Band would come to Mainstream Sucess until the Big-Bust-Through of: "In The Dark".

With only Eight Songs on the Original Release, this Re-Issue has an additional Seven Numbers added on to really increase it's Value. For the Original Eight, Six of that Number are considered 'Classic' Dead Songs. For most of us the Two Diamonds from the Pen of Phil Lesh are the Stars of this Show: "Unbroken Chain" & "Pride Of Cucamonga". But Jerry weighs-in heavy as well on "Mars Hotel" with Three Stunners of his own: "U.S. Blues", Ship Of Fools" & "Scarlet Begonias" which would be Staples of the Live Shows...{Well, they STILL are included in the Live Shows}. And then there is: "China Doll", that is about the most Beatiful Ballad this band ever Performed in the 30 Years they existed.

Some of the Grateful Dead's most Majestic Playing can be found on this Record, the Arrangements are Well-Thought out, and every Note played here is On The Mark. The Piano Playing of Keith Godchaux makes every Tune better because of it. Bill Kreutmann, the Drummer often sounds like Three Guys, he really gets to leave his Stamp on these Great Recordings. And Jerry? Some of his Greatest Solos found on an Studio Dead Record are here on this One! He Snakes around the Melodies and always Explores the Outter-Reaches with his Playing, but never Loses his Focus, He is Sharp and Bright in Tone & Color and just Down Right Awesome throughout.

I thought the Dead would have a Hit Single or Two from this Record and Blunder some Booty on The AM Radio...But, Alas that was not to be. Still it was still a Winner on all Counts, for me it's the Best Grateful Dead Record of the 1970's, a Grand Space Exploration not to be Missed!

The Bonus Material does not detract from the Glory of The Original Record. And I'm pleased to see a Version of: "Wave That Flag", The 'Early' rendition of: "U.S. Blues", included here. Also of Note is a Dead Version of: "Let It Rock", normally this Chuck Berry Gem is featured in Jerry's Band, But here is, a Stompin' Live Dead Version. The real Treat is saved until the End of this CD, with the inclusion of Phil's, Acoustic Demos of: "Unbroken Chain" & "Pride Of Cucamonga" that show the Bassman at the Peak of his Powers, This is Classic.

A Five Star CD!!! It would be Equaled over and over again BUT never Bested. The Goods are right here on this Fantastic CD.

My personal favorite of the Dead's studio work, the bonus tracks added an interesting plus to this classic album.

I've always found this album to be a little weak. China Doll, Unbroken Chain, Ship Of Fools and Pride Of Cucamonga are a nice listen. Scarlet Begnias and US Blues are much better in their live performances. Loose Lucy and Money, Money are ok. However, the bonus tunes are great and there's more than enough good stuff to keep you hooked over the long haul.