The Grateful Dead - Empty Pages - Non-Album Tracks (1971-1972)

The Grateful Dead's final studio album, (1985), was followed by a series of live recordings, including Live at the Greek (1999) and Live at Madison Square Garden (2005).

The story of the Grateful Dead's discography is a winding tale of studio experimentation, financial gambles, and the constant struggle to capture their live "lightning in a bottle." From their frantic 1967 debut to their final stage performances in 1995, the band’s recorded history reflects a group that often felt "horrified" by their past recordings while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what a rock album could be. The Early Studio Struggles (1966–1969)

– The Final Studio Bow The last album of original material before Brent’s death. "Foolish Heart" is sweet. "Standing on the Moon" is a heartbreaking Garcia ballad. It feels like a sigh.

– The Travelogue Three LPs of pure gold. This is the sound of the band hitting their touring stride. Pigpen’s last stand ("He’s Gone" is about their manager leaving, but it became Pigpen’s elegy). The "China Cat > Rider" here is the gold standard. This record feels like a campfire, a train ride, and a sunrise all at once.

The quintessential Bob Weir/Robert Hunter travelogue.