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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

1
Eyes Of The World
July 12, 1976
Orpheum Theater

Soundcheck! Excellent sound on source provided & brilliant flowing ripping Garcia leads. Classic '76 "backwards" version.
7
Estimated Prophet
Aug. 30, 1980
The Spectrum

Ultra hot mid jam (Bobby nearly plunges back too early but Jerry forges ahead) & Brent is all over the ivories. Hot stuff in Philly.
1
Eyes Of The World
Oct. 27, 1990
The Zenith

Can't fathom how this A+ 90s version, with a gorgeous, relaxed tempo & delicate Garcia touches throughout hadn't made the list Great show, great EYES
7
Althea
June 12, 1980
Memorial Coliseum

Just a great, grooving, bluesy Althea. Everyone right in the pocket. Find the exceptional Miller SBD & enjoy.
2
Bird Song
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Download Series Vol. 10. This version is sparkling. Everything you expect out of a great '72 w/cool OR. vibe. Beautiful midsong drum break & much more

Comments

New Minglewood Blues
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

My 2 pennies on Cornell: it is a truly great and epic show because of the big ticket songs that it's best known for: ScarletFire, Stephen/NFA and Dew. All as good as advertised even if none of them are in my mind "best evers". What drives me bonkers about Cornell is what you've pointed out here: that so many smaller tunes are automatically given prime marks just because they're in this show. Brown Eyed Women is another perfect example along with this NMB. It's fine but there are at least a dozen others way better that are lower on the list. Some people just see Cornell and instantly vault every song to the forefront when objectively they're not worthy.
Pretty Peggy O
Nov. 13, 1978
Music Hall

Brilliant version I ignored for lack of SBD but source provided is a fantastic AUD...very warm recording and the audience reaction to Jerry's solo says it all. Nice Stagger Lee from this show...generally excellent first set.
Bertha
Feb. 24, 1974
Winterland Arena

Great uptempo version with a little extra "till it go down" Jerry vocal and a sweet bridge jam. No hesitation calling this the best of '74.
It Must Have Been The Roses
Feb. 22, 1974
Winterland Arena

This is how I actually like Roses to be played. The faster, more countrified tempo works better to me than the more drawn out ballad this song would become in later years...beautiful as many of those were. Jerry's vocals are also great in this one and the song loses none of its melancholy longing for the faster and crisper clip at which it's played.
Cold Rain and Snow
June 17, 1976
Capitol Theater

Jumps right into a fine Big River as well. Great eclectic not-your-typical set list for this show, esp. 2d set.