{"product_id":"the-best-of-the-grateful-dead-vol-2-1977-1989-review","title":"The Best of the Grateful Dead, Vol. 2: 1977-1989 - 1LP Collector","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1LP format:\u003c\/strong\u003e A single LP provides an accessible, easy-to-play collection that fits well into a standard record rotation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e140g pressing:\u003c\/strong\u003e The heavier 140g vinyl offers improved handling and a perception of higher manufacturing quality for playback stability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tracks drawn from 1977 to 1989 give listeners a coherent snapshot of the Grateful Dead's later-period sound and setlist choices.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e The compilation gathers representative songs so new listeners can sample the band's evolution without committing to multiple albums.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRelease timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Issued as Rocktober 2017, this pressing reflects a modern reissue approach for archival Dead material favored by collectors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListeners 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell curated selection gives a clear introduction to the Grateful Dead's later period for casual listeners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e140g vinyl pressing feels sturdier and encourages hands-on playback in a vinyl collection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingle LP format is convenient and easy to store for collectors with limited space.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a single-disc compilation, it cannot capture the breadth of live improvisation and depth present across full Dead albums and concert releases.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe Best of the Grateful Dead, Vol. 2: 1977-1989\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1LP\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePressing weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e140g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRelease timing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRocktober 2017\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLabel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrateful Dead Production\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEra covered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1977-1989\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a new studio album?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a compilation LP collecting tracks from the 1977-1989 period, not a new studio release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the vinyl weight?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe record is a 140g pressing intended for standard home playback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho released this pressing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe release is by Grateful Dead Production and was issued as Rocktober 2017.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grateful Dead Production","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48164443979995,"sku":"B0759WW896","price":39.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81Q4uW2B1SL._SL1425.jpg?v=1769134633","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/the-best-of-the-grateful-dead-vol-2-1977-1989-review","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}