Live album from legendary jam band the Grateful Dead. Steal Your Face was originally recorded in 1974 at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom as part of a farewell run that preceded a hiatus for the band. The stress of touring and size of the organization was putting undue strain on the band. They decided to take a break but played five farewell shows before putting their instruments down. The album consists mainly of shorter songs that would make up a typical opening set for the band. Their trademark extended jams are noticeably absent. Compiled by Phil Lesh, the focus was more on songs that would fit more than one to a side, along with unreleased material. Fourteen tracks in all. Released by Rhino Records on double vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve, remastered from the original analog master tapes.

• double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• first time on vinyl since its original release in 1976
• live performance recorded in 1974
• remastered from original analog master tapes
• part of Rhino’s Rocktober reissue series
• music label: Rhino 2018

reviewed by My Parents Were There 10/2018