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Dev's Picks

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Submissions

1
Maggie's Farm
June 7, 1991
Deer Creek Music Center

Coming out of MAMU, builds to a nice pace with that classic "rainbow full of sound" feeling
2
The Other One
July 12, 1987
Giants Stadium

Coming out of space, into Stella, classic pairing going into and out of The Other One. They take their sweet time getting there, this is a spacey one
2
The Other One
April 2, 1990
The Omni

Comes out of a weird but not too weird space, going into the last death don't have no mercy. Lots of midi, to be expected, but still pretty decent.
2
El Paso
May 19, 1974
Portland Memorial Coliseum

Basically an instrumental, as many have noticed, the vocals are shot for a good portion of the first set
6
Sugar Magnolia
June 10, 1973
RFK Stadium

Solid. Doesn't blast you to the moon necessarily, but a fine display of some summertime jammin' at one of the shows of the year

Comments

Brokedown Palace
June 25, 1995
RFK Stadium

Was listening to the one from 11/21/73 and came here to find where it was listed. Interestingly enough, it's well down the list, despite the fact that it is a great version. Anyway, I saw this '95 one ranked pretty high and gave it a spin while I'm working from home. Before Jer got to the solo I was in tears. How is it that something made before I was even born can bring me so much joy, in so many ways? This music makes me cry a lot, but it's always accompanied by a feeling that is like "that's why they're the greatest fuckin' band in all the land". I don't really feel sadness, just that I'm lucky enough to witness beauty, even if its in a digital form. It's hard to put into words for me, and I know others can agree, but what this music means is so much more than any other band or artist I can even think of. They may not be the greatest musicians of all-time, but when they moved as one, no one could touch them. I digress, this is a truly heartfelt brokedown palace. The fact it is the final one makes it that much more special.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 27, 1991
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

About 5:15 on the Fire, Jerry just starts shredding, everyone else does a nice job building around him. He's ripping throughout, Vince does pretty solid. All in all, it's a decent version, I think 6/7 is a better one for 91. Too much midi on the transition, but then again, it's not terrible when Jerry midi solos in the middle jam.
Cumberland Blues
Nov. 14, 1973
San Diego International Sports Arena

There are ones where Jerry is picking a little bit quicker, namely 11/17/72, but he doesn't let up for one moment here and just when it feels like it could end, he pushes the jam even further, impeccable control
Here Comes Sunshine
June 10, 1973
RFK Stadium

I honestly think this one is better than a lot on this list that are higher. Jerry's tone is just hypnotizing, I've heard licks from this one in my dreams
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 21, 1973
Denver Coliseum

Listened to this in my car the other day. Holy hell, unbelievable sandwich. Phil's bombs on the third portion of pitb are soul crushing, must've blown the skulls off of everyone in attendance. Donna stays quiet during the jam and it's just magnificent space exploration during the third portion. The 4 minutes between El paso and Wharf rat are absolutely spectacular. All flows into a mighty Morning Dew. All in all, this second set is just monstrous. The boys display some very fine jamming, incredible range, restraint, ferocity, delicacy, cacophony, and beauty all under an hour. I'd say those in attendance got their money's worth