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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Jacaranda23

Connoisseur

+67


Submissions

4
The Wheel
Dec. 28, 1983
Civic Auditorium

Super extended, gentle, blissful intro, with a Playin Reprise tease at the end.
3
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Dec. 28, 1983
Civic Auditorium

Very crisp, driving version with nice work from Brent.

Comments

Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 31, 1978
Winterland Arena

One significantly notable thing about this version: Jerry sings the lyrics perfectly! All three verses, in the correct order, just as they are sung on the album version, with no flubs. I don't know why, but Fire on the Mountain just seemed to be one of those songs that Jerry always had a hard time getting all the way through without mixing some lines or verses up. But, this one is perfect. It's also a pretty good version unto itself. Very relaxed and chugging and thick sounding.
The Wheel
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

This transition from Space into The Wheel is one of the most euphoric and transcendent sections of music that this band has ever pulled off. It is so utterly sublime, as to bring tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. In fact, I wouldn't really call the first section "Space" as much as I would call it one of the longest, most subtle introductions to The Wheel I've ever heard. When Brent's accordion pad comes in and the first notes of The Wheel are played, Phil drops this bomb that signals, "you have arrived." It is so powerful yet gentle. The song itself is played at this very downtempo pace almost as if the band is savoring the moment and doesn't want it to pass too fast. Unbelievable that a flow like this was completely spontaneous and not composed. Try it with headphones and you will probably put it on repeat like I do every time.