The Best of the Grateful Dead, Vol. 2: 1977-1989 - 1LP Collector

In this review of The Best of the Grateful Dead, Vol. 2: 1977-1989 the bottom line is simple: collectors and casual fans who value a carefully curated single LP of later-era Dead performances will appreciate this release. Presented as a Rocktober 2017 1LP 140g pressing, the record compiles notable songs from a defined era and is aimed at listeners who want a compact representation of the band's post-1970s output. The reviewer found the compilation useful as an entry point and a convenient addition to an existing vinyl library.

Key Features

• 1LP format: A single LP provides an accessible, easy-to-play collection that fits well into a standard record rotation.
• 140g pressing: The heavier 140g vinyl offers improved handling and a perception of higher manufacturing quality for playback stability.
• Era focus: Tracks drawn from 1977 to 1989 give listeners a coherent snapshot of the Grateful Dead's later-period sound and setlist choices.
• Curation: The compilation gathers representative songs so new listeners can sample the band's evolution without committing to multiple albums.
• Release timing: Issued as Rocktober 2017, this pressing reflects a modern reissue approach for archival Dead material favored by collectors.

Who It's For

This compilation is best for Grateful Dead fans who already own earlier classics and want a concise, later-era sampler on vinyl, or for vinyl collectors seeking a 140g pressing to round out a Dead collection. It suits listeners who appreciate curated compilations rather than full live sets or chronological box sets.

Listeners seeking exhaustive live documentations, complete concert reproductions, or a definitive anthology spanning the band's entire career should look elsewhere; this release is intentionally compact and focused on a specific timeframe rather than comprehensive coverage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well curated selection gives a clear introduction to the Grateful Dead's later period for casual listeners.
• 140g vinyl pressing feels sturdier and encourages hands-on playback in a vinyl collection.
• Single LP format is convenient and easy to store for collectors with limited space.

Cons

• As a single-disc compilation, it cannot capture the breadth of live improvisation and depth present across full Dead albums and concert releases.

Specifications

Product name	The Best of the Grateful Dead, Vol. 2: 1977-1989
Format	1LP
Pressing weight	140g
Release timing	Rocktober 2017
Label	Grateful Dead Production
Era covered	1977-1989

Our Verdict

For collectors and fans who want a focused, later-era sampler on vinyl, this 1LP 140g compilation represents good value as a compact introduction to the Dead's post-1970s repertoire. It is not a substitute for full live albums, but its curation and pressing quality make it a worthwhile pick for someone expanding a Grateful Dead vinyl library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a new studio album?
This is a compilation LP collecting tracks from the 1977-1989 period, not a new studio release.

What is the vinyl weight?
The record is a 140g pressing intended for standard home playback.

Who released this pressing?
The release is by Grateful Dead Production and was issued as Rocktober 2017.