What a Long Strange Trip It's Been
Grateful Dead · 1977
86 min · 18 tracks · psychedelic rock
A sprawling tapestry of improvisational rock and folk that captures the essence of a free-spirited era.
Why this album works
- Best for
- dynamic exploration of musical peaks for long, leisurely afternoons improvisational vibes with friends
- Context
- Released in 1977, 'What a Long Strange Trip It's Been' is a compilation album that marks a transitional period for the Grateful Dead, following their breakthrough with 'American Beauty' and 'Workingman's Dead.' By this time, they had solidified their reputation as pioneers of the jam band scene while expanding their musical explorations. This collection encapsulates their journey through early years, showcasing their evolution and diverse influences.
- If you like
- psychedelic rock
What a Long Strange Trip It's Been is an album by Grateful Dead, released in 1977. A sprawling tapestry of improvisational rock and folk that captures the essence of a free-spirited era. The album is significant as it reflects the Grateful Dead's influence on both rock music and counterculture during the 1970s, capturing their live performance spirit even in a studio format. It received positive critical reception, and its legacy continues to inspire countless artists within the jam band genre, reinforcing the band's status as cultural icons. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does What a Long Strange Trip It's Been sound like?
A sprawling tapestry of improvisational rock and folk that captures the essence of a free-spirited era. Rooted in psychedelic rock.
What makes What a Long Strange Trip It's Been by Grateful Dead notable?
The album is significant as it reflects the Grateful Dead's influence on both rock music and counterculture during the 1970s, capturing their live performance spirit even in a studio format. It received positive critical reception, and its legacy continues to inspire countless artists within the jam band genre, reinforcing the band's status as cultural icons. Released in 1977, 'What a Long Strange Trip It's Been' is a compilation album that marks a transitional period for the Grateful Dead, following their breakthrough with 'American Beauty' and 'Workingman's Dead.' By this time, they had solidified their reputation as pioneers of the jam band scene while expanding their musical explorations. This collection encapsulates their journey through early years, showcasing their evolution and diverse influences.
Who is What a Long Strange Trip It's Been for?
What a Long Strange Trip It's Been works well if you're into dynamic exploration of musical peaks, for long, leisurely afternoons and improvisational vibes with friends.
How many songs are on What a Long Strange Trip It's Been?
What a Long Strange Trip It's Been has 18 tracks, running approximately 86 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 New, New Minglewood Blues 2:36
- 2 Cosmic Charlie 5:33
- 3 Truckin’ Standout 5:06
- 4 Black Peter 7:31
- 5 Born Cross‐Eyed 2:59
- 6 Ripple Standout 4:13
- 7 Doin’ That Rag 4:44
- 8 Dark Star Standout 2:45
- 9 High Time 5:16
- 10 New Speedway Boogie 4:04
Disc 2
- 1 St. Stephen 5:22
- 2 Jack Straw 4:51
- 3 Me & My Uncle 3:06
- 4 Tennessee Jed 7:12
- 5 Cumberland Blues 5:44
- 6 Playing in the Band 4:41
- 7 Brown‐Eyed Woman 4:41
- 8 Ramble On Rose 6:01
Release Date
October 18, 1977
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
86 min 34 sec
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