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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49652


Submissions

7
Around and Around
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Usually a toss-off for me, and maybe it's Chuck Berry's passing that makes me think of it, but this version kicks serious ass. Deliberate and strong.
10
Bird Song
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Crisp, articulate, deliberate. This is as strong a statement about what this song could be in '72 as I know. Airplay levels of concision.
7
Cold Rain and Snow
Sept. 26, 1972
Stanley Theatre

Always loved this one early in the first set, 'cause it meant the boys meant business. This one has a loose, comfortable sound, but with high energy.
8
Bertha
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Masterclass from the Philzone here. He tears this one up.
9
Loser
Sept. 24, 1972
Palace Theatre

Driven version. Purposeful, biting, and strong, with a high-tension wire energy. They meant business.

Comments

Let It Grow
June 23, 1976
Tower Theatre

Powerful, forceful, fast, and precise. This is the type of LIG that I would just go nuts for as a young head. This one is just rip-roaring from word go, has a blistering drum solo a greased lightning re-entry before smoothing the way for cool jam into Cosmic Charlie. This kind of "under the radar" jam is perfect for the era: LiG>CosmicC then SS>NFA>SS? How often did they play that combination?
Lazy Lightnin' -> Supplication
June 23, 1976
Tower Theatre

One of the best from June '76.
Big River
June 23, 1976
Tower Theatre

Takes a lot to get me to vote for a Big River, but you've got to hear Keith and Jerry's double solos here. Just perfect.
The Music Never Stopped
June 23, 1976
Tower Theatre

Slightly mellower tempo than some of the wild barn-burners of the time, but this lends itself to a sharp and spiffy show opener with a beautiful swimming interlude vocal (Donna haters notwithstanding) and great crowd pleasing starter. Summer '76 was some brilliant peak Dead, rolling out their next act. Don't skip this one.
Playin' In The Band
June 22, 1976
Tower Theatre

How the Dead can be simultaneously so understated and mellow, yet so tweakingly far out and experimental is one the musical mysteries. This is just wild stuff - it has all the electric-Miles feel mentioned above, but it has that unmistakable high-speed, low-altitude cruising. Around minute 18, after the short proto-FTM jam, Jerry just takes off and skims the treetops. Freeform beauty ensues as they move towards The Wheel.