Robert Hunter

With the Grateful Dead in a recording hiatus (though he had contributed four lyrics to Jerry Garcia's 1983 solo album Run For The Roses), Robert Hunter produced his first album of all-new original material in nine years with this ambitious song cycle, initially released as a two-LP set and later reissued, minus one song, as a single CD. Amagamalin Street contained a series of related songs telling the story of the relationships between four dissolute characters as they drank and fought and whored their way through their lives. The first half was narrated by a wastrel named Chet, while the second half was told from the perspective of his more dependable friend Murphy, who was unable to undo his irresponsible acts. All of this became much clearer in 1990 when Hunter published the songs in A Box Of Rain, his book of lyrics, along with a plot synopsis. On record, it was easier to focus on the rambunctuous rocking tunes, with lead guitar work by John Cipollina. Amagamalin Street lacked dramatic structure, but some of its individual songs were effective, and it provided a more in-depth look at the kind of street life that always fascinated Hunter. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide