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The rest of the bonus material is live versions of five of the original songs taken from concerts between 1969-1970. In addition there is an alternate mix of "New Speedway Boogie."

This single-disc release from Rhino is identical to the version included in 2001's pricey--but essential--box set THE GOLDEN ROAD (1965-1973). If you're going to own only one album from this legendary band, the nod would have to go to WORKINGMAN'S DEAD. This album sounds as fresh today as it did thirty-three years ago. (Running Time - 79:54) ESSENTIAL


MY FRIENDS THEY COME AROUND...   April 20, 2006
 14 out of 16 found this review helpful

This album always comes around, over and over and over, it is that enjoyable. It almost feels inane and redundant to review this, an album everyone and their monkey's uncle knows is one of The Dead's best, and even one of the greatest American albums from any genre (I usually prefer reviewing my favorites that get unfairly maligned or seem to be underappreciated). Funny enough, I have even slightly higher praise for Blues for Allah for its intense fusiony energy and trippy atmosphere and American Beauty because harmony rules my Seventh Heaven, Wake of the Flood nipping at it's heels. You could say Workingman's emphasizes a tougher, rock flavoring with a huge nod to roots country (for readers not familiar with the recording). But with Jerry and all, any "sound" will end up BEING pure Dead since they are so unique in general, putting their beloved stamp on all they do. Jerry still loved the pedal steel at this time, and some of his best playing is here (the extra Dire Wolf sung instead by Weir is one cool example). Turn this up at any event, party or just alone with your thoughts and you can be assured of joyful waves of sound that will make it all swing again (gonna have us a HIGH TIME, livin' the GOOD LIFE - I think this is my favorite on here...well, along with Dire Wolf and Uncle John's Band and Black Peter and New Speedway Boogie and...they're all so great). Makes a great gift for cool people who are not familiar with it (beware giving it to Rush Limbo knuckleheads since this is associated with liberal radio and lifestyles - they just might crucifies ya).

I have had the original album forever, and an earlier cd version, but this Rhino remaster is so clear and dynamic sounding I was floored. If you haven't jumped to cd with this one yet, you will be astounded how great this 1970 masterpiece sounds. This completely filled cd has many fine extras with great live versions of nearly every track (Uncle John's & Easy Wind are especially cool), including a fun and rockin' live Mason's Children that I think was supposed to go on the album originally. A nice essay booklet is included inside with good track notes but no lyrics (would you guys at Rhino consider in the future that lyrics are a great addition). Casey Jones has maybe run out of track, but Workingman's overall impact is HUGE (good one to convert the unfamiliar to the Dead tribe). Enjoy often!


A studio high   March 4, 2005
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

Any ill-informed Dead Head who bought this upon its release in June 1970, expecting more of the acid-drenched blues and psychedelia of such recent predecessors as Anthem Of The Sun and Aoxomoxoa, must have had a considerable shock when they dropped the needle into the groove, and track one, Uncle John's Band, began to play.
The hallmark guitar was augmented by mellifluous pedal steel and banjo, and in the place of all the weirdness and experimentation came beautifully-recorded, clean sounding, almost traditional, timeless songs, song after song with three-part harmonies and tunes you almost felt you knew already. The Dead had gone back to their roots, the music they grew up with, and their lyricist, Robert Hunter, had risen to the challenge with songs about miners and engineers that belonged within a rich musical tradition, largely forgotten, that was being re-invented by artists like the Band and Ry Cooder. When they entered the studios behind the Fillmore for two weeks in February 1970 they had been coached in harmony by Crosby, Stills and Nash, knew all the songs they were to record and even the order they were to appear on the album, and were completely focused on their mission. This, and its equally inspired sequel American Beauty, expel the myth that the Grateful Dead were a live band whose studio work was of secondary importance, and can stand up proudly against any other record.
This 79-minute edition, re-mastered in HDCD, doubles the length of the original album with live material and one alternative take. The live recordings, mostly from 1970, are all songs from the album plus one song that had been intended to close side two but was eventually not used (Mason's Children), and show how the Dead were both able to integrate the new material into their set and to play it so convincingly well. The earliest recording here is Dire Wolf, from Santa Rosa CA in June 1969, showing they were previewing their new direction alongside their existing set a full eight months before they entered the studios


Revelations Abound   February 28, 2003
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

ALL of the New GD Remasters are pretty great, but the acoustic tracks on this album really stand out. Even if you've heard the album 1000 times as I have this one, you're going to find something you've never heard before. Like it was recorded yesterday. If you don't have HDCD on your CD Player or DVD (most don't offer that feature), you can get it with a soundcard for your computer. It really makes the sound jump out at you. The bonus tracks on this and the other GD Remasters are great as well, and it's nice to see them put the empty space on the CD's to good use. Well worth the money, and a proud addition to my collection.


Remarkably crisp sound   November 26, 2003
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

The remastering of this classic is well worth investing in. The sound quality is excellent and the Dead sound from this period is beautifully captured. I wore the grooves out of my original LP of this and never get tired of hearing these tunes which I believe are some of the best the Dead ever produced. Dire wolf, Black Peter, Cumberland Blues....need I say more. Get this CD and these songs will sound brand new to you.