Grateful Dead's Workingman's Dead (33 1/3)

Finally the 33 1/3 series looks at a Dead album! I had not heard of Buzz Poole before this book but I was very impressed with his writing. It is very difficult for outsiders to find new and interesting things to say about the Dead at this point. Many readers will inevitably know much of the information contained already. However, Poole expertly puts this album in the context of politics and culture, in a way much more interesting than in the book  No Simple Highway: A Cultural History of the Grateful Dead . Great writing and great observations. One of the best of the series.

The context discussed around the lyrics, band and society more broadly really made this an interesting read. I've recommended this to a half dozen people at least, Deadheads and others. It's just a good read.

The only book to be specifically about one Dead album, in this case "Workingman's Dead". Number 112 of a superb series of small books, each about a single groundbreaking album.Check out the rest of the Bloomsbury 33 1/3 series.No album deserves to be analyzed and understood more than Workingman's Dead. It came in a crucial time for the band (they were under severe financial constraints) and in it's own way, influenced by Music From Big Pink by The Band,, it started what became the "Americana" movement in current pop music. It was also the most popular album the Dead did to that point. "Uncle John's Band" was a great (though not chart topping) single. Robert Hunter's lyrics were marvelous. Each track is examined in order. Author Buzz Poole examines lyrics, music, contemporary culture, influences, and all factors that made each song tick. The book is very revealing and a good read.

A very good effort. The author did his homework and conveys an understanding of the historical context in which Workingman’s Dead was created.And there’s a lot of substance in this book. Some interesting interpretation. It’s worth reading. However, its approach is intellectualized and the effect is that at times it reads like an academic paper that could use a little hydration.

I've owned this album since it came out. This book added so much insight for me. Excellent.

Good and through review of the album.

Very cool lil book

Great insight not seen in other books about the Dead. A great read!