Although
New Riders of the Purple Sage
were originally conceived as a side project for
Jerry Garcia
,
Phil Lesh
, and
Mickey Hart
of the
Grateful Dead
, the group quickly turned into one of the most long-lasting country-rock bands of the 1970s under the leadership of singer/songwriter
John Dawson
. The 15-track anthology
The Best of New Riders of the Purple Sage
collects 10 tracks from the band's 1971-1975 heyday, including their signature tune "Panama Red," and adds five rare live tracks and alternate versions. ~ Charity Stafford