Photo by © Richie Pechner

On June 21, the Grateful Dead will reissue their seminal From the Mars Hotel album to mark its 50th anniversary with a deluxe and expanded edition of the 1974 LP, known for populating favorites from love-flushed “Scarlet Begonias” to bouncing narrative “Loose Lucy” and satirical “Ship of Fools.” As the second preview of the remastered work, a live compliment featuring the latter was delivered today. Listen to “Ship of Fools (Live at University of Nevada 5/12/74)” below. 

“Debuting at Winterland in San Francisco on February 22, 1974, less than three months before the Reno show, ‘Ship Of Fools’ was one Jerry’s two mellower-tempo’d songs on Mars Hotel along with ‘China Doll.’ It was a mainstay of Grateful Dead setlists from its debut right through 1995. However, it was only played a half dozen times in 1994 and 1995 combined,” Grateful Dead Legacy Manager and Audio Archivist David Lemieux writes in the liner notes. 

Trailing success, spring 1974 was a promising time for the Grateful Dead. After interior tribulations, the ensemble emerged equanimous, dropping the Wake of the Flood set and returning with their second release from Grateful Dead Records: From the Mars Hotel. Remastered by Grammy award-winning audio engineer David Glasser using Plangent Processes tape restoration and speed correction and produced by Grateful Dead Legacy Manager and Audio Archivist David Lemieux.

Today’s previously unreleased live rendition of “Ship of Fools” finds Garcia tapping into a dulcet delivery. With intentional tenderness, the singer intertwines the revered lyrics with waves of instrumental texture: a mellow yet consistent backbeat, whining guitar riffs, and Keith Godchaux’s undeniable ability to flow with the music when necessary or accentuate his masterful movements across the keys with added flair when the moment calls for a little extra consideration. 

Scroll down to listen to  “Ship of Fools (Live at University of Nevada 5/12/74).”

Pre-order From the Mars Hotel (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition).