The Grateful Dead – Anthem Of The Sun

Released in 1968, Anthem of the Sun is the Grateful Dead’s second album and a bold experiment in sonic collage. The band sought to capture the energy of their live performances by blending studio recordings with live concert tapes, creating a psychedelic soundscape that defied conventional music production. This innovative approach resulted in a complex, immersive experience that captures the essence of the Dead's early experimental ethos.

The album's five tracks, including the multi-part suite "That's It for the Other One" and the improvisational "Alligator," showcase the band's willingness to push musical boundaries. While initially met with mixed reviews, Anthem of the Sun has since been recognized as a pioneering work that laid the groundwork for the Dead's future explorations in blending live and studio elements.

Reviews

“The result was an experimental record, in the truest sense; one that fails more often than it succeeds, but always in interesting and instructive ways.” — Uncut

“You hear studio and live performance segments melded together within a single track.” — Classic Rock Review

“The band’s second album better reflects their psychedelic stageshow, including those infamous extended jams.” — Progrography

“A psychedelic experience playing to the strengths and expectations of the time... an album where the band comes into their own.” — Cult Following

“Rolling Stone’s reviewer delivered a quick backhanded compliment: 'Anthem' was 'remarkably successful, especially when compared to the first Dead album.'” — Psychedelic Sight