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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

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.