Various - Day of the Dead

The Guardian 80

The National’s Dessner brothers have compiled a five-CD tribute to the work and lasting influence of the hippy stalwarts, with varied and intriguing results

My disdain for the Grateful Dead probably comes from ancient tribal suspicion. The punk-derived, alternative rock universe I grew up in generally shunned tie-dye. I have always loathed the Dead, with their bloated songs and sense of counter-cultural entitlement. There are so many superior bands to take heroin to.

A timely snapshot of leftfield Americana with very welcome esoteric additions

Related: Bryce Dessner of The National: 'The Grateful Dead are part of folklore'