"Grateful Dead - Dark Star Glastonbury Fayre" is a likely unauthorized 12-inch single featuring a live "Dark Star" (possibly mislabeled) and "Don't Ease Me In." The "Dark Star" origin is unknown, but the vinyl holds value for collectors due to its rarity and connection to the Grateful Dead's live improvisation legacy.
This vinyl relic, titled "GReatfull Dead Grateful Dead - Dark Star Glastonbury Fayre B/W Dont Ease Me In," presents a curious case for Grateful Dead collectors. Let's dissect what we know and the mysteries that remain.
The Tracks
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 (the year most often associated with this rumored performance). Their psychedelic explorations did grace the 1970 festival, but confirmed recordings haven't surfaced officially. Don't Ease Me In: The B-side, "Don't Ease Me In," is a bluesy staple in the Dead's repertoire. Without further information on the recording source, it's difficult to determine its origin.
Authenticity and Origins
Given the misspelling of "Grateful Dead" and the lack of an official release, this is likely an unauthorized bootleg pressing. These were common in the Deadhead community, trading live recordings amongst fans. The true origin of the "Dark Star" recording and its fidelity remain a mystery.
Collectability
For hardcore Dead fans and vinyl enthusiasts, this single holds a certain mystique. Owning a piece of Grateful Dead history, even a potential mislabeled one, can be appealing. However, its value depends on pressing details and condition.
Music Genre: Psych/Acid Prog Rock |
Album Production Information: This album was recorded live in 1971 at the Glastonbury Fayre.: |
Record Label Information: Ice Nine / Scorpio Music |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: Made in Italy |
Track Listing of: "GREATFULL DEAD (Grateful Dead) - Dark Star / Dont Ease Me In" |
The Songs/tracks on "GREATFULL DEAD (Grateful Dead) - Dark Star / Dont Ease Me In" are
|
Description
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 ).
"Dark Star" Record Label Details: Ice Nine / Scorpio Music
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.
Learn more
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
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more