Album of the Day

BLUES FOR ALLAH was made at a time when the Grateful Dead were more focused on recording than concerts, and it really shows on this outstanding set. The 1975 collection, the third on the band's own label, was cut at Bob Weir's home studio and features the group - with a returning Mickey Hart - moving further toward jazz, world (Middle Eastern in particular) and experimental sounds. As frontman Jerry Garcia explained at the time, “We're working on creating styles, rather than just being eclectic or synthesizing other styles.” Including such favorites as “The Music Never Stopped,” “Franklin's Tower” and “King Solomon's Marbles,” BLUES FOR ALLAH was a success, nearly reaching Billboard's Top 10.