***** The Arista Years by The Grateful Dead – An Amazing Song Collection From Late Weaker Albums

I know what you are going to say.  It’s probably something like this, “I bought a cd from when the Grateful Dead where on the Arista label and was totally disappointed.”  I agree these years generally where not as good.  However, this powerhouse greatest hits package would never leave you thinking that.
I am not an illegal drug user, nor do I condone the use of illegal drugs, but I have heard it said that the only time the Grateful Dead sound good is, “When you are high.”  I think I heard that before this album was released.
What is striking about this collection of songs is that they are good in a jazzy sort of way, with a little showmanship and a lot of crafty talent.  In fact, to date, I still think that this collection is the best of all their greatest hits, and albums, and since Jerry Garcia is dead, I can sit with confidence on my proclamation that of all the Grateful Dead’s albums this one is the best.  However, what I cannot say is that it has been the most important to people’s idea of the Grateful Dead.  Most of these songs are long forgotten, in favor of songs by Phish.