Smith Tapes: Garcia/Reed

Liner Note Author: Howard Smith .
Howard Smith was a music journalist who later went on to successful careers in filmmaking and broadcasting. During his time as a rock writer, Smith spoke with some of the most famous and influential figures in pop music, and this set includes two interviews from his archive. In a February 1970 conversation with Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead guitarist talks about his experiences working on the film Zabriskie Point, the ill-fated Altamont Speedway Festival (where the Dead shared the bill with the Rolling Stones), his practice methods, the Dead's relationship with Ken Kesey, and much more. Later, Smith talks with Lou Reed in March 1969, shortly after his band the Velvet Underground had released their third album. Reed discusses the early days of the Velvet Underground, the band's trouble getting radio airplay, the songs and themes of the third LP, the downsides of drugs, and the band's relationship with Andy Warhol. ~ Mark Deming