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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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MrMystery

Dead on arrival

+2574


Submissions

7
Ramble On Rose
July 14, 1990
Foxboro Stadium

This version rewards multiple listens. Like it was good the first time, great the second. I hesitate to listen to it again. Bobby leads the way.
2
The Other One
June 15, 1990
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Jerry plays one brilliant idea after another as Phil provides counterpoint.
4
Dear Mr. Fantasy
May 5, 1990
California State University Dominguez Hills

There are surprisingly few really great versions of this tune, and this is one of them. Jerry takes his time, layering burning, melodic phrases.
6
When I Paint My Masterpiece
April 3, 1990
The Omni

They found the right (slower) tempo for this in later years. Also Bobby learned not to oversing. The moments when his voice fills with rage now work.
3
Space
April 5, 1989
Crisler Arena

Jerry's playing simultaneously causes and scratches an itch inside your brain. Spooky comping by Bobby.

Comments

High Time
Nov. 1, 1985
Richmond Coliseum

Listen to the first phrase of Jerry's solo. It's a standard figure that he sometimes uses to begin the song (though not this time), but it is played with such clarity and feeling that it's like a shot through the brain. He briefly struggles to find the right notes immediately after, which only underscores the impact.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Oct. 14, 1983
Hartford Civic Center

When Brent played that genius riff in the intro, his notes shot out into the Hartford Civic Center and bounced around the rafters like balls of sparkly green lightning.
Dire Wolf
June 25, 1985
Blossom Music Center

It's got everything you're looking for in a 1985 DW: quick tempo, plaintive croaking vocals, and a tight pedal steely solo from Jer.
Midnight Hour
April 8, 1985
The Spectrum

Great version with Jerry in good form and humor, quoting the Jackson 5.
Smokestack Lightnin'
March 28, 1985
Nassau Coliseum

Emphatic. Matt Kelly sounds great.