Grateful Dead will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their Mars Hotel album with a three-disc “Deluxe Edition” that includes bonus tracks.
In addition to the remastered original LP from 1974, the expanded 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition includes two demo recordings from the era and a complete, previously unreleased concert from that year’s tour in support of the album.
The reissue will come out on June 21, almost a half-century since the album’s release on June 27, 1974. The reissue will also be available as a single 180-gram black vinyl LP, limited edition neon pink vinyl, an exclusive limited edition “Ugly Rumors” custom vinyl and a zoetrope picture disc. More information can be found on the band’s website.
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You can hear a previously unreleased demo for “Wave That Flag” now.
What’s on Grateful Dead’s ‘Mars Hotel’ Reissue?
From the Mars Hotel – the album’s official title – was the band’s seventh studio record and included fan favorites “U.S. Blues,” “Scarlet Begonias” and “Ship of Fools.” The upcoming reissue features demos for the album’s “China Doll” and “Wave That Flag,” which the band played live a little more than a dozen times in 1973 before the song turned into “U.S. Blues,” albeit with different lyrics.
The 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition also includes a May 12, 1974, concert from the University of Nevada, Reno, a little more than a month before the album’s release. Notably, the Grateful Dead temporarily retired from touring in October of that year; they would start touring again during the summer of 1976.
You can see the track listing for the expanded edition of the album below.
Grateful Dead, ‘Mars Hotel (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)’ Track ListingDisc 1U.S. BluesChina DollUnbroken ChainLoose LucyScarlet BegoniasPride Of CucamongaMoney MoneyShip Of FoolsBonus TracksChina Doll (Demo)Wave That Flag (Demo)
Disc 2Live From the University of Nevada, Reno, 5/12/74SugareeMexicali BluesTennessee JedJack StrawBrown-Eyed WomenBeat It On Down The LineChina Cat Sunflower>I Know You RiderEl PasoU.S. BluesGreatest Story Ever ToldIt Must Have Been The RosesMe And Bobby McGee
Disc 3Live From the University of Nevada, Reno, 5/12/74DealAround And AroundMississippi Half-Step Uptown ToodelooTruckin’>The Other One>Row JimmyBig RiverShip Of FoolsSugar Magnolia
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Gallery Credit: Michael Gallucci
