Wake of the Flood is a classic Grateful Dead album that showcases the band's musical evolution and their ability to write and perform songs that are both meaningful and enjoyable. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
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Album Description: The Grateful Dead's album "Wake of the Flood" stands as a seminal work in their discography, showcasing their unique blend of psychedelic rock, folk influences, and improvisational jams. Released as the band's first studio album after their departure from Warner Bros. Records, "Wake of the Flood" marked a significant turning point for the Grateful Dead. This web-page explores the significance of the album, its impact on the band's career, and the enduring legacy it has left on the world of music. The Grateful Dead emerged in the 1960s as a countercultural force, captivating audiences with their eclectic sound and mind-expanding improvisations. Through their relentless touring and experimentation, the band cultivated a dedicated fan base known as the "Deadheads". However, by the early 1970s, the group faced a crossroads as they severed ties with their longtime label. "Wake of the Flood" was their first album on their independent label, Grateful Dead Records, allowing them greater artistic control and creative freedom. "Wake of the Flood" is a tapestry of musical styles, revealing the band's commitment to exploration and sonic diversity. From the opening track, "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo", the album engulfs listeners in a rich tapestry of intricate melodies, tight harmonies, and lyrical depth. The songs reflect a wide range of influences, from folk and country to jazz and blues, all intricately woven into the Dead's signature psychedelic sound. Lyrically, "Wake of the Flood" demonstrates the Grateful Dead's ability to intertwine storytelling with profound social commentary. In songs like "Eyes of the World", they encourage listeners to embrace unity and empathy, reflecting the ethos of the countercultural movement of the era. The album also addresses political themes, such as environmentalism in "Let Me Sing Your Blues Away" and individual freedom in "Stella Blue". These thought-provoking lyrics helped establish the Grateful Dead as more than just a band but as cultural torchbearers. The album's standout tracks showcase the band's instrumental prowess and ability to create transcendent musical moments. "Here Comes Sunshine" features soaring guitar solos, pulsating rhythms, and ethereal harmonies, while "Row Jimmy" captivates with its mellow groove and introspective lyrics. The sprawling epic "Weather Report Suite" demonstrates the Dead's improvisational prowess, incorporating various musical motifs and dynamic shifts. Such innovative compositions highlighted the Grateful Dead's ability to weave intricate tapestries of sound in a live setting. "Wake of the Flood" holds a significant place in the Grateful Dead's legacy and continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. It exemplifies the band's ability to merge different genres and musical styles into a cohesive and distinct sound. Moreover, the album's emphasis on improvisation and extended live performances became a hallmark of the Grateful Dead's concert experience, forging a template for countless jam bands that followed. |
Music Genre: Psych, Acid Rock Music |
Album Packaging / Information: Cover Design Rick Griffin |
Record Label & Catalognr: Grateful Dead Records GD-01 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone Record |
Year & Country: 1973 Made in USA |
Band Members and Musicians on: Grateful Dead Wake of the Flood |
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Complete Track Listing of: Grateful Dead Wake of the Flood |
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Wake Of The Flood" Record Label Details: Grateful Dead Records GD-01 © ℗ 1973 Grateful Dead Records Sound Copyright
Recorded between August and September 1970, "American Beauty" showcased a collaborative effort between the band's songwriting talents. While Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter are credited on most of the tracks
- American Beauty (German Release) - American Beauty (USA Release)
The name "Aoxomoxoa" is derived from a word play created by the Grateful Dead's lyricist, Robert Hunter. It does not have a specific meaning but was intended to be a whimsical and cryptic word.
Aoxomoxoa 12" Vinyl LP
Dark Star (Glastonbury Fayre): The centerpiece here is the legendary "Dark Star," a song notorious for its improvisational jams. However, there's a snag. The Grateful Dead never played Glastonbury Fayre in 1971
Dark Star / Dont Ease Me In 12" Vinyl Maxi
This 2LP vinyl release isn't your typical studio album. It's a portal to the heart of the Grateful Dead's live experience. Recorded throughout 1971, it captures the band at a peak.
Self-Titled aka Skull and Roses 12" Vinyl 2LP
While not officially sanctioned by the Grateful Dead themselves, "Vintage Dead" holds a special place in their history. Recorded without the band's involvement, it falls under the category of a legal release rather than a bootleg.
Vintage Dead 12" Vinyl LP
Through their relentless touring and experimentation, the band cultivated a dedicated fan base known as the "Deadheads". "Wake of the Flood" was their first album on their independent label, Grateful Dead Records
Wake of the Flood 12" Vinyl LP
While "The Grateful Dead" doesn't feature any of the band's signature long-form jams that would define their later career, it lays the groundwork for their improvisational exploration.
The Grateful Dead 12" Vinyl LP
Workingman's Dead marked a shift for the Dead. It moved away from the heavier psychedelia of their earlier work towards a more rootsy sound, featuring songs like "Uncle John's Band" and "High Time" that have become fan favorites.
Workingman's Dead 12" Vinyl LP