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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49667


Submissions

10
Black Throated Wind
Dec. 6, 1973
Public Hall

Perfectly executed arc of mounting emotions in this great version. The band is so tight throughout this show.
16
Uncle John's Band
Dec. 1, 1973
Music Hall

Righteous beauty from probably the most seriously overlooked show from '73 (surrounded by the big beasts in Boston) inside a Playin' just soooo good.
14
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 1, 1973
Music Hall

Outrageous oversight that this crystal clear beauty isn't here. Bobby's vocals, brilliant ensemble playing, glorious UJB in the sandwich. DIG IT!!!
8
They Love Each Other
Dec. 1, 1973
Music Hall

Great version, yeah its Boston '73. But probably the best Stage Banter ever: Check out 09:49 explaining why they aren't going to play St. Stephen.
5
Loser
Nov. 23, 1973
County Coliseum

Nov. '73 and there isn't a bad show in it. This Loser has something special in its tightness and the tempo (doesn't drag). Damn they were good.

Comments

Black Throated Wind
March 26, 1972
Academy of Music

Damn right. Sounds like they mastered it long before. Charlie Miller cleanup on this show is all that, too.
Estimated Prophet
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Donnie's right here. I can't say this one touches the madness that makes this song so special. While my personal opinion is that the Dead were generally more musically interesting in '77 than they were in '91, I also think that the best Estimated Prophets convey jagged, off-kilter, schizophrenia, and could tip you over the edge given the right/wrong mental state. This one sounds like a work in progress - and I think this is one of, if not the best shows in all of '77.
How Sweet It Is
March 25, 1972
Academy of Music

This is one of the most brilliant versions of this song I've ever heard, whether or not I'm also a deadhead. (I am.) Donna never sounded better either.
Smokestack Lightnin'
March 25, 1972
Academy of Music

Pigpen comes out after an hour+ of, shall we say, a not-too-convincing Bo Diddley featuring the Grateful Dead set, and pours it on thick and luscious. Do you think he wanted to step up to Bo D. and say, "now that's how it's done", one bluesman to the next? It seems like the 'lil red rooster wanted to strut in his own backyard here. One of the best, and a painful reminder of how amazing Pigpen's sound could have blended with the emerging seventies Dead. It also sounds like half the band wanted to go into Truckin' for the last five minutes of vamping. Cool how it hovers around but never fully coalesces.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
March 23, 1972
Academy of Music

Cucamonga's right here. This one has no business with only two votes. Were they completely on fire? Did they leave anyone alive? Did they have to replace all their equipment afterwards? Jeez, this one's a scorcher, and needs to be much higher up.