I have always really enjoyed In the Dark the whole album is packed with solid material. I realize that there are Dead albums out there that I have not heard completely - hence the question:
 
If you had to recommend just one Grateful Dead album - which one would it be?
 
(Message edited by pauldo on August 20, 2009)

Oof!  Not fair, coz there's too many great ones...
Alright my personal fave is still possibly Skull and Roses (their second live album) no overdubs and Phil's tone is phenomenal!
Also a good blend of songs that became signatures for years.
Mike

American Beauty. Some of the best songs are on this alblum and Phil's tone is simply perfect for the mix. But in reality all of the alblums are great listening but to really get on the bus give archive.org a listen cause a live Grateful Dead show is really where the music shines.

Europe '72

Europe '72 edges out Skull and Roses simply because it has more music.  Either would be fine with me and suitable to recommend to anyone.

But you said JUST ONE!  oh well_ I just can't follow directions ,  SORRY I could not pick just one _______

Ok then will compromise a bit!
           
                Studio work; WORKINGMAN'S DEAD
               LIVE  ;    LIVE/DEAD
  Love the Dark Star on that_
The transitive nightfall of diamonds has a new special significance to me.

Paul; if you had to play with just one string on your bass, which string would it be?  If you had to live in a house that only had one wall, which wall would it be?
 
Ok; so I'll pick Mars Hotel.  And since I don't like your pick only one rules, I'm not going to tell you why I picked Mars Hotel.  So there!
 
Hee hee !!

Dave,
 
I'm not sure I'm correctly understanding your somewhat cryptic query to me - perhaps you could clarify?

Hah!  There are two Pauls in this thread!  Sorry about that, I was responding to the initial post that asked that we recommend just one Grateful Dead album; thus my one bass string, one wall response.

Stay between the lines Dave...the lines are your friends...

Yeah, that's a tough one, like saying would you rather have water or air.
 
I love the recordings  from Radio City Music hall 1980 .

Sticking to studio albums, it's Wake of the Flood.  
 
For live albums check out Dozin at the Knick, it's more of your preferred late model era.

If I had to chose one dead album to live with forever it would be Europe '72.

dave..apart from keeping us all in line I sometimes think you are on something and whatever it is can you send some to me(LOL)