About this album
Where they were
Released in 2005, 'The Grateful Dead Movie Soundtrack' arrived during a period of renewed interest in the band following their dissolution in 1995. This collection serves as a companion to the 1977 concert film directed by Jerry Garcia, showcasing live performances that capture the band's eclectic spirit and improvisational prowess. It marks a retrospective celebration of their legacy as one of the most influential live acts in rock history.
Why it matters
This soundtrack is notable for its critical reception, which praised the seamless transitions between tracks and the band's signature improvisational style. It also served to reintroduce newer audiences to the Grateful Dead’s music, contributing to a resurgence in interest in their extensive catalog. The album's release coincided with various tribute projects and festivals celebrating the band's influence on the jam band scene.
Essential tracks
- "Playing in the Band" — This extended jam showcases the band's improvisational skill and highlights their ability to create a unique experience with each performance, making it a quintessential Grateful Dead track.
- "Dark Star" — 'Dark Star' epitomizes the band's psychedelic roots and experimental approach, featuring an expansive arrangement that evolves into various musical themes throughout its duration.
- "Scarlet Begonias" — This track illustrates the Grateful Dead’s blend of lyrical storytelling and intricate musical interplay, embodying the joyful yet contemplative spirit present throughout their work.
- "Eyes of the World" — 'Eyes of the World' represents the band's ability to merge complex rhythms with lyrical optimism, creating an uplifting listening experience characteristic of their live shows.
Release Date
March 15, 2005
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 U.S. Blues 5:13
- 2 One More Saturday Night 6:33
- 3 China Cat Sunflower > 9:14
- 4 I Know You Rider 6:07
- 5 Eyes of the World > 13:01
- 6 China Doll 6:16
- 7 Playing in the Band 31:43
Disc 2
- 1 Scarlet Begonias 13:56
- 2 He’s Gone > 13:01
- 3 Jam > 7:31
- 4 Weirdness > 8:05
- 5 The Other One > 7:34
- 6 Spanish Jam > 1:48
- 7 Mind Left Body Jam > 3:10
- 8 The Other One > 2:28
- 9 Stella Blue 9:04
- 10 Casey Jones 5:23
Disc 3
- 1 Weather Report Suite 16:44
- 2 Jam > 8:54
- 3 Dark Star > 24:10
- 4 Morning Dew 13:54
- 5 Not Fade Away > 8:34
- 6 Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad 7:32
Disc 4
- 1 Uncle John’s Band 9:08
- 2 Big Railroad Blues 5:02
- 3 Tomorrow Is Forever 6:26
- 4 Sugar Magnolia > 5:26
- 5 He’s Gone > 13:49
- 6 Caution Jam > 4:30
- 7 Drums > 1:23
- 8 Space > 9:14
- 9 Truckin’ > 9:48
- 10 Black Peter 10:10
- 11 Sunshine Daydream 3:13
Disc 5
- 1 Playing in the Band > 13:24
- 2 Drums > 4:09
- 3 Not Fade Away > 14:44
- 4 Drums > 4:53
- 5 The Other One > 10:56
- 6 Wharf Rat > 9:35
- 7 Playing in the Band 8:38
- 8 Johnny B. Goode 3:55
- 9 Mississippi Half‐Step Uptown Toodeloo > 7:34
- 10 We Bid You Goodnight 1:59