When the Grateful Dead decided to simplify their studio process, the result was a return to the band's roots with simple, country, and folk-inspired tunes. Their next LP, Workingman’s Dead set the stage for the release of arguably the band’s studio masterpiece just a scant five months later, American Beauty.
On this episode, we discuss American Beauty and what makes it so endearing and enduring, and why we believe it holds a special place in Americana music specifically, and 20th-century American music overall. Along the way give we look into how the band got here, what other bands were rubbing off on them, and the genius of Robert Hunter.
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