[WGH]

As everyone knows, Arlo Guthrie's most famous song was on his debut album that was released in 1967. But did you know there are 3 versions of "Alice's Restaurant"?

The version we know best is about 18 minutes and 22 seconds long. Recently a 40 year old tape was discovered with Arlo performing a 30 minute and 8 second version that was recorded in 1969 and is nothing like the '67 version. The '69 version includes President Lyndon Johnson, the Chinese, the Russians, and a huge rainbow roach (not the bug if you catch my drift).

Caroly, Arlo's ex-girlfriend, gave him some information on the actual performance. "I started to describe this tape to her and she said, 'Oh, I remember that gig. That show was on Long Island and the Grateful Dead were in the dressing room,'" Guthrie says. "That's all she could remember. She couldn't remember what town it was but remembers the Dead were in the dressing room and we were having a pretty good time."

"Alice - Before Time Began" is on Arlo's soon to be released album Tales of '69



KXCI, our local radio station, just played the entire 30 minute cut; it certainly was a song for the times and it does sound like everyone was having a pretty good time. 

Wayne

[Wayner]

I have the "Best of Arlo Gutherie and it's the usual 18 minute, 30 second version. It's a fun album that also includes Gabriel's Mother's HiWay, Cooper's Lament, Last Train, City of New Orleans, Darkest Hour and Last to Leave on Warner Bros. records, BSK 3112.

Wayner  aa

[WGH]

Here is a well written review of the Tales of 69:
http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-arlo-guthrie-tales-of/

I wonder if Arlo considered releasing this on vinyl in a gatefold album jacket.

[Kim S.]

I have "The Best of Arlo Guthrie" CD also and just want to concur that its a keeper.  The problem with "the best of" collections is they make you want to buy the artist whole catalog!