Tales of the Great Rum Runners
| Tales of the Great Rum Runners | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1974[1] | |||
| Studio | Rolling Thunder Studio[2] | |||
| Length | 40:47 | |||
| Label | Round Records | |||
| Producer | Mickey Hart | |||
| Robert Hunter chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Tales of the Great Rum Runners | ||||
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Tales of the Great Rum Runners is the debut solo album by the American musician and lyricist Robert Hunter, released in 1974 by Round Records.[3]
Release and reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | [2] |
AllMusic writer William Ruhlmann wrote in his review of the album that Hunter "demonstrated the musical and lyrical approach that had made his co-compositions with Jerry Garcia the best of the Dead's original material", noting that "Hunter's poetic language was redolent with a rustic Americana of roads, rivers, roses, and rain, and if his melodies lacked Garcia's grace and the backup lacked the Dead's cohesion, nevertheless this was identifiably music in the Dead vein", concluding that "Hunter demonstrated he was more than just a lyricist" on the album.[2] In a Billboard review, the writers wrote Hunter has "come up with a fine set of his own", noting that "he has come up with a set that should receive immediate and strong FM play".[4] Writing for Record World, the writers wrote Hunter "steps into the limelight with this flavorsome first release", noting that "That Train" and "Standing at Your Door" highlight the country-oriented set."[5] Cashbox wrote in their review that it was "one of the better we've heard so far this year," noting that it "Looks like another star's emerging"[6]
Four tracks on the album were included on the 1982 compilation album Promontory Rider: A Retrospective Collection.[7]
In 1993, Rykodisc rereleased the album on compact disc with no bonus tracks.[8]
On June 7, 2024, a 2CD reissue of the album was released by Rhino Entertainment.[9]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Lady Simplicity" | 0:20 |
| 2. | "That Train" | 4:33 |
| 3. | "Dry Dusty Road" | 2:18 |
| 4. | "I Heard You Singing" | 3:36 |
| 5. | "Rum Runners" | 3:01 |
| 6. | "Children's Lament" | 4:15 |
| 7. | "Maybe She's a Bluebird" | 1:57 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Boys in the Barroom" | 1:09 |
| 2. | "It Must Have Been the Roses" | 3:30 |
| 3. | "Arizona Lightning" | 3:32 |
| 4. | "Standing at Your Door" | 4:31 |
| 5. | "Mad" | 4:12 |
| 6. | "Keys to the Rain" | 4:15 |
| Total length: | 40:47 | |
Personnel
According to the album's liner notes:[3]
- Robert Hunter – guitar, vocals
- Peter Albin – bass
- Rodney Albin – vocals, fiddle
- Maureen Aylett – vocals, spoons
- T. Will Claire – vocals
- Hadi El Sadoon – trumpet
- Snooky Flowers – saxophone
- David Freiberg – bass
- Jerry Garcia – guitar
- Donna Godchaux – vocals
- Keith Godchaux – keyboards
- Mickey Hart – drums
- Barry Melton – guitar
- Jamie Paris – harp
- Steve Schuster – saxophone
- Markee Shubb – mandolin
- Rick Shubb – banjo
- Robbie Stokes – guitar
References
- ^ Kaufman, Gil (September 24, 2019). "Robert Hunter, Grateful Dead Lyricist, Dies at 78". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c Ruhlmann, William. "Tales of the Great Rum Runners". AllMusic. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
- ^ a b "Grateful Dead Family Discography: Tales Of The Great Rum Runners". deaddisc.com. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
- ^ Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. June 8, 1974.
- ^ "Record World Top Album Picks" (PDF). Record World. June 15, 1974. p. 16. Retrieved November 27, 2025 – via worldradiohistory.com.
- ^ "Album Reviews: Pop Picks" (PDF). Cashbox. June 15, 1974. p. 18. Retrieved November 27, 2025 – via worldradiohistory.com.
- ^ Ruhlmann, William. "Promontory Rider: A Retrospective Collection". AllMusic. RoVi Corporation. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
- ^ "Tales of the Great Rum Runners (1990 release)". AllMusic. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
- ^ DeRiso, Nick (May 16, 2024). "June 2024 New Music Releases". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved November 28, 2025.