What a long, strange trip it has been

nr. 1 This second anthology is considerably more successful than the first, though I would still argue that the Dead's material doesn't really lend itself to this sort of treatment. This is a ragged collection of live and studio tracks, nicely put together in a handsome package. Collectors might want it for the inclusion of the rare, single versions of DARK STAR and BORN CROSS-EYED. Again, though, I wouldn't recommend it. Buying LIVE/DEAD and WORKINGMAN'S DEAD will tell you more about the band's Warner Br. period than this ever could. * * BLAIR JACKSON

nr. 2 In this uncommonly loving compilation, Deadhead Paul Wexler does what he can to eliminate the fecklessly smug and the recklessly experimental. It coheres as well as DeaD albums usually do, and offers two nice singles, which is nice. But ME & MY UNCLE, which hardly counts, is the only cover, a questionable decision. Plus - here's the real catch- four (out of eight) songs from WORKINGMAN'S DEAD, which coheres a good deal better. rating: B ROBERT CRISTGAU, ROCK ALBUMS OF THE 70'S, 1982