Eighth studio album from San Francisco's Grateful Dead. Blues For Allah was originally recorded in 1975 while the storied jam band was in the midst of their then indefinite band hiatus. Recorded at rhythm guitarist Bob Weir's Mill Valley studio, the band was intent on creating new styles rather than mixing previously established modes of music. Writing in the studio allowed participation from all the band members that were present. They used non-traditional instrumentation and Middle Eastern themes, incorporated unique time-signatures and atonal scales. Notable songs include: "Crazy Fingers," "The Music Never Stopped," and the "Help on the Way->Slipknot!->Franklin's Tower" sequence. Eleven tracks in all. Released by Rhino Records on black vinyl housed in a full color sleeve.

• mastered from the original analog master tapes
• part of Rhino's Rocktober reissue series
• music label: Rhino Records 2018

reviewed by Hippy Johnny 10/2018