Four decades after the release of the Dead's iconic live album, Europe '72, comes the follow up. Filled with live recordings from their tour of Europe in the spring of '72, Europe '72 Volume 2 features 2 1/2 more hours of the Grateful Dead in their element. Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux was charged with the task of developing this follow-up compilation, without repeating any of the songs that appeared on Europe '72. And while Europe '72 Volume 2 may not have the Dead standards featured on the original triple-LP, it is hardly short on familiar Dead numbers. There's the nearly hour long psychedelic excursion on "Dark Star" and "The Other One" that takes up all of the third LP. It also features "Big Railroad Blues" which is exclusive to the vinyl release. For anyone that is a fan of the loose performance style and long jams of the Dead should wrap their ears around Europe '72 Volume 2. Limited edition 180 gram 4LP pressing.

• music label: Warner Bros. Records / Rhino Records 2011

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 10/2012