Grateful Dead
From The Mars Hotel
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

Sealed 2024 LE 50th anniversary remaster on pink neon vinyl. More vision for the buck. 'From the Mars Hotel' is the seventh studio album by the American rock band Grateful Dead, released in June 1974. This album captures the band during a period of experimentation and transition, marked by a confluence of diverse musical influences. It is notable for its innovative use of sound and production techniques, with several tracks recorded at CBS Studios in San Francisco. The album's artwork, famously featuring a hotel in a Martian landscape, includes hidden messages, such as the reverse lettering that spells "Ugly Rumors," appealing to the band's penchant for playful mystique.

Musically, the album is a blend of rock, folk, bluegrass, and psychedelic sounds. "U.S. Blues," a standout track, quickly became a staple in their live performances, celebrated for its patriotic yet satirical themes. "Scarlet Begonias" offers a fusion of reggae and rock, showcasing their willingness to explore and adapt different genres. Jerry Garcia's melodic guitar work and Robert Hunter’s poetic lyrics reach new heights in this collection.

The album also marks the first inclusion of keyboardist Keith Godchaux and vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux, contributing to its distinct sound. *From the Mars Hotel* remains a cherished piece of the Grateful Dead's discography, capturing the band's evolving artistry during the mid-1970s.