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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

16
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 23, 1972
Strand Lyceum

A more rocking version than others from the time, and oddly overlooked. Jumps off Cat right away into the long transition. Energetic stuff here.
13
Black Throated Wind
May 23, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Is there a single one from '72 that doesn't end in triumph? This song just got better and better throughout Europe. Surprised this wasn't here yet.
11
Sugar Magnolia
May 13, 1972
Lille Fairgrounds

Perfect musical sunshine. This one even got my not-at-all-into-the-Dead wife to dance around like a trippin' hippy, so you know it's good.
15
Truckin'
May 13, 1972
Lille Fairgrounds

Unforgivable that you guys overlook Truckin'. There's a reason it's the one song non-heads know. This one is a forgotten colossus. Listen up.
8
Mister Charlie
May 13, 1972
Lille Fairgrounds

Distinctly slower, with a greasier funk vibe. Surprised it isn't here. Different from the others and lots of fun.

Comments

Franklin's Tower
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

HSF show opener, May '77, what do guess happens next? The band is at peak tightness - with an especially switched on Phil somehow being both whitewater and raft throughout this excellent suite. The reason this probably hasn't shot up higher is that Jerry triplefucks the lyric. It doesn't break his stride at all, but that's the one flaw in the diamond.
Cassidy
June 15, 1976
Beacon Theatre

Summer '76 definitely brought out the best in Bobby and Donna as a vocal duo; and this early run also showcases Keith in his endlessly inventive cascading glory. This is a great version (alright, there are a few loose in the joints transitions, but it's the GD we're listening too, not Glenn Gould) that should have more than 2 votes!
Around and Around
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

Funny moment where half the band goes into double time a chorus before the other half. A lesser band would have trainwrecked, but they pulled it together in the end. Cool slower version, though.
High Time
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

This isn't just about the passionate vocals, but about the tremendous ensemble playing. Keith delivers perfect accents, the intensity swells and fades at brilliant moments, and Donna's sweet touches make this one unforgettable.
Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

This is so hot. How this band jammed in 7/4 with such liquid flow is mind-boggling. Any musicians out there can confirm: It's an unforgiving time signature. Here they make it seem as easy as breathing, inspired and driven, and as wild as the lightning adrenaline Bobby's singing about.