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Mercury

colorful wookie

+6852


Submissions

10
Jack Straw
Dec. 31, 1977
Winterland Arena

Piston Pumpin' version to close '77. Overlooked? This is the 244th version listed. Deserves to climb the pile.
2
It's All Over Now Baby Blue
Sept. 16, 1966
Avalon Ballroom

From the Hearth (Avalon - Historic/ Vintage Album Version)
2
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Aug. 29, 1983
Silva Hall, Hult Center

Attacked with precision and exuberance by the ensemble, who bat this one on down the road in viscous and youthful ’83 style.
1
The Wheel
July 1, 1971
Wally Heider's Studio

Version from Garcia's first album - the first and the best
3
Jack Straw
Nov. 7, 1987
Henry J Kaiser Convention Center

Brisk, optimistic, and bubbling with noodlage

Comments

Big Railroad Blues
Nov. 19, 1972
Hofheinz Pavilion

Yeah man, there’s all kinds of comparisons but often it comes right down to the version you’re listening to at the moment. That’s the only one. Just love it the way Jerry tears into every solo song after song, show after show, year after year. Seizing the moment for life. And this one surely brings a smile… and a dance :)
Dark Star
Dec. 15, 1972
Long Beach Arena

One of the rare instances where a Dark Star doesn’t begin with Da, da dah-dah, the beginning can be placed at the point earlier in the jam where Jerry telegraphs a Dark Star-like riff that really sounds like a searchlight casting in the fog and a back door opening into a new dimension or realm. More follows (with subtle note sequences akin to other Stars), then Keith joining and Phil entering with a rousing barrage – eventually building into the jam that marks this version. Sure, they could’ve turned a corner and not arrived at the lyrics, but it does feel that they are heading in that direction, albeit in a meandering explorative way and at some points stronger than others. While the post-verse part does not place this version in the company of definitive Stars, the pre-verse lead-in does.
Not Fade Away
Oct. 6, 1977
Activity Center. Arizona State U

Holy psychedelic juggling devil sticks, Batman! Once people check in here, watch this one climb.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 14, 1971
Texas Christian University

The transition's got that brief whip-snap/ jump/ gallop thing going on -- a harbinger of the opening up of future versions.
Desolation Row
July 19, 1990
Deer Creek Music Center

Sublime. The band, collectively and individually, masters the swells and ebbs of this lyric-laden song with poise and frolic. As with other shows on this tour, Brent’s ebullient runs are flying high. This is the pinnacle version.