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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DaGoodolRichard

TimelessTravel

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Submissions

3
Hurts Me Too
Dec. 5, 1971
Felt Forum - Madison Square Garden

Pig comes alive during this song as well as this entire show, and Jerry respond's to his energy level, as does the whole band. I love this show!
1
Casey Jones
Dec. 5, 1971
Felt Forum - Madison Square Garden

It's nearing the end of 71, Keith is on on board now; their tight and energetic, 72 here they come!
2
Big Boss Man
Dec. 5, 1971
Felt Forum - Madison Square Garden

Pigs vocals and harmonica are at a high and energetic level on this version. Jerry's guitar playing is a must listen, really!
1
Beat it on Down The Line
Dec. 5, 1971
Felt Forum - Madison Square Garden

This is a high energy and very well played version of this song. Bobby is in very good form here.
2
St. Stephen
April 12, 1969
Student Union Ballroom, U. Utah

Good St. Stephen, sanwiched between D.S and The Eleven. Classic Pyhicedelia in the heart of Utah!

Comments

Dark Star
Oct. 26, 1989
Miami Arena

When this song came out on 1968, the most advanced electronics where wa-wa peddles and Wurlitzer pianos. By 1989 midi and advanced digital synthesizers had become common place. The boys take the new technology to their full advantage here, especially the sound scape after the 2nd verse. Jerry has been in better vocal form, but at least that doesn't last long. Overall, this is an interesting version but far from being my favorite.
Dark Star
Feb. 27, 1969
Fillmore West

This one has a lot of energy. Bobby sounds especially good on this one; his guitar is up in the mix, which helps. The dynamics and inventiveness of Jerry's playing is displayed very well here. I wish I had been at that concert.
Dark Star
Oct. 12, 1968
Avalon Ballroom

This could be my favorite D.S, mostly because of Jerry's guitar playing. I love the tone and feed back that he was getting back then. He really builds the solo after the first verse. Then, at about 9.50 min he pulls out a country lick then returns to his souring psychedelic licks; it all works for me.
Dark Star
April 20, 1969
Clark University

This one should be much higher on the list. This one really does it for me, as do many of the 68 - 70 D.S versions. I can imagine if I was at that concert, in an altered state perhaps, my mind would have been blown, in a good way. That's how I judge Dark Stars.
Dark Star
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

This is a sublime version of Dark Star. Keith's contribution on acoustic and electric piano, gives the song an added dimension that had been absent in earlier versions. The song glides along incorporating different styles in each movement then finally eases into Morning Dew. It's not the trippiest version, but it's one of the best for sure.