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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

2
Candyman
April 9, 1970
Fillmore West

2nd one ever, and doesn't flow perfectly yet. They're working out the lovely 3-part harmonies and it's just fantastic transitional Dead.
1
Deep Elem Blues
April 9, 1970
Fillmore West

Sweetness in the '70 acoustic key. Confusing setlist/archive on this show, but worth a listen.
5
Mama Tried
Feb. 14, 1970
Fillmore East

In spite of a bit of tape wobble, this is an otherwise pristine version, with everyone keyed up right. A tight solo and a fun time.
5
Friend of the Devil
April 3, 1970
Field House, U. of Cincinnati

Fast acoustic pickin' with alternative lyrics. Sounds almost like a 12-string in places. Is that possible?
6
St. Stephen
March 24, 1970
Pirates World

All the power and, let's admit it AMBIVALENCE by our boys is on here. They flub the lyrics but bigbang the jam. We are the answer to the answer, man.

Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

A high-end and uptempo jumper. One of those rare moments where "just exactly perfect" applies without a single note out of place. This is all about the Rider, as they transition out of China Cat without a jam. Listen to the delicate, elegant and wonderful Keith fills in all the right places in all the in between places. Sole caveat: the Mike Lai tape has great separation and sound, but may well be a half-tone fast, adding to the lovely urgency, but not necessarily faithful to the original sound.
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

This is like a '77 version transplanted back in time to '72. Are there others like it from this early that had that backbeat shuffle to it and uptempo polish? If so, I don't know of 'em. Interesting new take on a well-established vehicle from years early. Cool.
Bird Song
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

Oh yes this is a beauty, right up there with the best of the immortal '72s. I don't often comment twice on a song, but this one is definitely worth it. If Jerry's long solo is the Bird then Bobby is a gusting wind around him, with Keith the rolling soundclouds, and Phil and Billy sweet distant thunder.
Black Throated Wind
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

Very strong version. This first set just kicks off so well, they were totally switched on this night. I think the Mike Lai version sounds better, even if possibly pitched a smidge sharper.
Wharf Rat
Nov. 15, 1972
Oklahoma City Music Hall

A perfect sounding mix really brings out everyone's contribution here. There are a few humanizing stumbles early on, but anyone overlooking this one is missing on an exceptionally beautiful and interesting Wharf Rat.