While three Grateful Dead members released solo outings in 1972, Bob Weir's Ace was ostensibly a solo album, with massive contributions from his bandmates, songs the Dead had been playing live or would soon incorporate into their repertoire, and a mellow Americana sound not too far removed from the tones Weir's main band had been exploring on breakthrough albums like American Beauty. While Jerry Garcia and Mickey Hart's 1972 solo efforts went to a few weird or unexpected places, Ace was basically a Grateful Dead album ...
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While three Grateful Dead members released solo outings in 1972, Bob Weir's Ace was ostensibly a solo album, with massive contributions from his bandmates, songs the Dead had been playing live or would soon incorporate into their repertoire, and a mellow Americana sound not too far removed from the tones Weir's main band had been exploring on breakthrough albums like American Beauty. While Jerry Garcia and Mickey Hart's 1972 solo efforts went to a few weird or unexpected places, Ace was basically a Grateful Dead album released under Weir's name. That's by no means a criticism, considering the artistic zenith the band was approaching in the early '70s. Ace was released just as the Grateful Dead ventured overseas for the tour that would result in their world-shifting Europe '72 live album, and many of the songs Weir penned and presented in their studio form on Ace were refined and rearranged on-stage, beginning with their classic versions from that tour. "Playing in the Band," in particular, became a vehicle for exploration at Grateful Dead concerts for years to follow, with the seven-and-a-half-minute studio version presented here feeling tidy and conservative when compared to the sprawling jams on the song the band would later get into. Greasy rock & roll tune "One More Saturday Night," the lurching, twangy grooves of country-funk rover "Black Throated Wind," and "Mexicali Blues," one of Weir's many cowboy tunes (here complete with pseudo mariachi horns) all became regular inclusions in the Dead's set lists. Closer "Cassidy," somehow upbeat and melancholy at once, predicts college rock on the whole, with Weir's signature unconventional chord voicings and abstract songwriting turns offering glimpses that would materialize in future refractions from R.E.M., Sonic Youth, Robyn Hitchcock, and so many others. Ace fits neatly in the category of Dead-related studio albums that were conceived, produced, and executed well enough to contend with the magic the band so often captured in a live setting. It's easily the home of some of Weir's best songs, and is essential listening for even the novice's Dead primer. ~ Fred Thomas, Rovi
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Add this copy of Ace to cart. $4.50, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Arista.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Ace to cart. $4.59, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Orange County rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Ana, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Grateful Dead.
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Seller's Description:
Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item. Case and cover may or may not have wear or damage. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.
Add this copy of Ace to cart. $5.43, like new condition, Sold by North America Trader, LLC rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Old Bridge, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Grateful Dead.
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Seller's Description:
Fine. The case has no scratches or scuffing. The cover art, liner notes and inclusions are in perfect condition. The CD is unmarked, with no sign of wear. Tracking number issued for every order.
Add this copy of Ace to cart. $8.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Arista.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Ace to cart. $8.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Arista.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Ace to cart. $20.40, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Grateful Dead Prod. (Arista).
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Ace to cart. $33.48, like new condition, Sold by Streetlight_Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Cruz, CA, UNITED STATES.
