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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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DonnieInMT

GDTRFB

+15113


Submissions

3
Mexicali Blues
July 26, 1972
Paramount Theater

I feel dirty for liking this song. A guy having sex with a child and it's a fun, uptempo romp? Disturbing.
4
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
July 26, 1972
Paramount Theater

Jerry nails it, but Phil sounds awful and he's loud in the mix.
1
Jack Straw
Oct. 29, 1971
Allen Theatre

Gotta go to Tulsa.......
1
Beat it on Down The Line
Oct. 29, 1971
Allen Theatre

Rippin' version with Keith tearing butt.
2
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 29, 1971
Allen Theatre

Gently, Jack Jones, won't you come to me.

Comments

Shakedown Street
Oct. 25, 1979
New Haven Coliseum

I love Shakedown. I think it's the best live home-town song the Dead could play for you. I have a major issue with this - the first 7+ minutes are ruined by the high, loud tone Brent is playing. When he hits the FUNK key, I can get into the jam - which is amazing. When he goes back to his initial sound, the tone isn't as high and it doesn't bother me as much. Maybe I'm fussy, maybe I have sensitive ears, but that really bothered me.
Truckin'
May 26, 1972
Strand Lyceum

13 comments and nobody mentions Keith? If you ever wondered what the boys saw in him, give this another listen and follow his playing. He's the one that starts playing the Other One and at times when nobody else is, he starts noodling around with it again. In sharp contrast, this also shows what a liability Pigpen can be as a musician.
Sing Me Back Home
May 26, 1972
Strand Lyceum

This version is long, because a verse is repeated. Yes, Donna sounds great - this song was her highlight reel. At times though, Jerry's vocals dissolve into silence, and, for me, Pigpen ruins things to a great extent with his horrible monotone noise. Sorry, but I can't give this the nod over 8-27-72.
To Lay Me Down
June 23, 1974
Jai-Alai Fronton

Anyone who thinks 9-18-90 or 9-26-80 is better than this is an idiot. Yes, that's right - I'm calling you out as a fool. Those versions have Jerry singing with a broken and shot voice. This version is sweet as true. Put your personal bias aside and listen to the music play. If you do, you will know this is the best version out there.
Deep Elem Blues
April 14, 1982
Glenns Falls Civic Center

Jerry's voice is within his range for this song, allowing him to bump things up a bit to accent thing. The first instrumental break, it's the second go at it where Jerry shines. On the next break, he's shining through on the second and third pass. Definately worth a listen.