Jerry Garcia - Might As Well: A Round Records Retrospective (2-LP Vinyl)

Pressed on double vinyl, Might As Well: A Round Records Retrospective compiles material from Jerry Garcia's solo albums released on his own Round Records label in the mid-1970s—Garcia (1972), Compliments (1974), and Reflections (1976). The compilation provides an overview of Garcia's creative output during a period when he was exploring his own musical identity outside the Grateful Dead's collective approach, working with producer John Kahn and a rotating cast of stellar session musicians including Nicky Hopkins, Ron Tutt, Maria Muldaur, and Merl Saunders.

The retrospective showcases Garcia's range as both songwriter and interpreter: originals like "Might as Well," "They Love Each Other," and "The Wheel" (all of which would become Jerry Garcia Band staples) alongside covers of traditional material and contemporary songs that Garcia made his own. His guitar work throughout emphasizes clean tone and melodic phrasing over the distorted psychedelic explorations of his Dead playing, revealing the jazz and country influences that informed his approach. The production across the three albums emphasizes clarity and definition, with each instrument occupying its own sonic space.

What makes Might As Well essential is how it distills Garcia's 1970s solo work into a comprehensive overview that reveals the songwriter and bandleader behind the Grateful Dead's improvisational guitarist. The double vinyl format allows the retrospective to breathe across four sides, with selections sequenced to show the evolution of Garcia's solo vision. For fans who know Garcia primarily through the Dead, this compilation provides crucial context for understanding his complete musical identity.

Double LP vinyl. Round Records retrospective. Material from Garcia (1972), Compliments (1974), Reflections (1976). Overview of 1970s solo work.