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Jun 01, 2026 Web Exclusive By Frank Valish

Grateful Dead famously released two albums in 1970, both stone cold classics and albums that became emblematic of their legacy forevermore. Workingman’s Dead was the first of these albums, released in June of 1970, American Beauty the second, released in November. Both albums have well established themselves in the pantheon of Grateful Dead lore, and both are well worthy of audiophile pressings. Rhino High Fidelity already released American Beauty. Now it is circling back to Workingman’s Dead.

From the sublime opener of “Uncle John’s Band,” it was obvious that this was not the same Grateful Dead of the band’s previous two records, the experimental Anthem of the Sun and Aoxomoxoa. And the audio in this high-fi pressing, cut to 180g vinyl from the original analog master tapes, makes the album stand out even more. The “Uncle John’s Band” harmonies are heard clearer and crisper than ever, the bass outstanding, and the gentle shuffling pitter patter of the drums distinct in the mix. In fact, the harmonies throughout the album are accentuated to beautiful effect, making one of the central aspect of Workingman’s Dead even more centralized.

Jerry Garcia’s vocal lead on “High Time” stands out like he’s singing in the room with you, the slide guitar mournful in the most beatific way. You can even hear as clear as day those moments where the pitch is not perfect, lending to a special kind of endearment to the listening experience. On “New Speedway Boogie,” it feels like you can distinguish every distinct guitar stroke. The loping bluesy ease of “Black Peter” brings out every gentle nuance. The jam of “Easy Wind” is perfectly orchestrated, and “Casey Jones” ends the proceedings with Garcia’s vocals framing one of the most iconic Grateful Dead songs with every inflection magnified and the stuttering drum line propelling the train on to the song’s end.

I’ve said it before. Rhino, with its High Fidelity vinyl reissue series, had made essential listening important again, taking your favorite albums and rendering them anew. You will hear something new. You will be amazed at how the sound brings the albums to life in a way you’ve never heard before. Workingman’s Dead was always the perfect choice for a Rhino High Fidelity reissue, and it is done here perfectly. (www.rhino.com)

Author rating: 10/10