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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

1
Big Railroad Blues
Dec. 31, 1970
Winterland Arena

Not on the list, but hidden in an unfortunately cut Easy Wind. Tinny recording but killer, fast, and furious jamming.
7
Smokestack Lightnin'
Dec. 28, 1970
Legion Stadium

Soulful pure blues. This is an intimate, informal show. It ain't slick, and that's just fine.
1
Playin' In The Band
April 15, 1971
Allegheny College

Only 2 months old, and 22nd time: They were working hard on it, and you can hear the explosive potential. Manic warbler mode, Main 10 at the surface.
1
Truckin'
Dec. 28, 1970
Legion Stadium

Tight simmering burner here, with nice Bobby/Jerry mix levels. Pig on organ is a little lost, so try headphones for some fun.
1
Me and Bobby McGee
Dec. 27, 1970
Legion Stadium

Starts simple and grows into a triumph. Can't help but think these meant a lot to the boys right after JJ's passing. Beautiful.

Comments

Brokedown Palace
Oct. 9, 1972
Winterland Arena

In a show with some loose vocals - really really really loose from Grace Slick even - this one stands out as a solid sweet beauty.
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 9, 1972
Winterland Arena

Could be one of the greats, but unfortunately cuts out before the out chorus and goes into a wacky Grace-slick half-rap. Otherwise this shapes up to be a glorious beast, with outrageous interplay, a great Keith-Billy meld as mentioned, and a cool 6/8 section. Just when it feels noodley, Jerry comes ripping in like a screaming across the sky.
Box of Rain
Oct. 9, 1972
Winterland Arena

The first version except the stunningly beautiful 09.17.70 one-off. No love here for the debut of this one? I never got to see this one live, and used to carry signs saying "Sing something Phil!", but this one is a sure beaut. This show was a hometown benefit, and it feels like they're in a relaxed, nostalgic mood with a American Beauty songlist infusing the classic '72 one.
Tomorrow Is Forever
Oct. 2, 1972
Springfield Civic Center

Love Donna? Hate Donna? Listen to this, and you'll know just exactly why the boys wanted her singing next to them.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 2, 1972
Springfield Civic Center

The whole show has gone under-appreciated. I've been listening to it for days. Of course Summer-Fall '72 is full of peak dead, but this show stands up to anything else from the era.