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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49652


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

The Eleven
March 17, 1968
Carousel Ballroom

Jump on this wild Carousel ride folks. Because this isn't on the archive I hadn't heard it until now, but it's the bomb. From its note-for-note perfect transition out of China Cat to one of their tightest performance of the lyrics, then its broiling-hot furnace of a jam into Caution, this should be up there with the best of them.
New Potato Caboose
March 17, 1968
Carousel Ballroom

While I love this and am happy to have the Download series, I feel like it lacks the crackling high-voltage danger that many of the recordings from the era have. This isn't about their performance, which is f'n brilliant, but the compressed sound. I'm guessing that they had to compromise on crispness to get a better balance in the mix. Still, it's '68 Dead and I love it.
Turn On Your Love Light
March 17, 1968
Carousel Ballroom

The Download series has a warm but muted sound quality that makes this both hot and cool at the same time. This version doesn't have the wild Pig life-coaching that came later, but does have that brilliant '68 ensemble jamming that blows your hair back and steals your face, leaving nothing but perma-grin.
Turn On Your Love Light
March 17, 1968
Carousel Ballroom

The Download series has a warm but muted sound quality that makes this both hot and cool at the same time. This version doesn't have the wild Pig life-coaching that came later, but does have that brilliant '68 ensemble jamming that blows your hair back and steals your face, leaving nothing but perma-grin.
Mama Tried
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

Everyone loves the Swing, but don't skip the Mama!