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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

4
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 21, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Keith's second show & he's all over this faster paced super fun honky tonk version!
5
The Weight
June 7, 1991
Deer Creek Music Center

This is really the best one I've heard--everyobody nails their parts/lyrics...great piano fills on the side (yay, Bruce!). Just exactly, etc.
20
Althea
Sept. 9, 1982
Saenger Performing Arts Center

Incredible. Check out Brent's fills during the epic post-lyrics outro. A must-listen top tier Althea w/bounce, power, & panache!
17
Deal
Feb. 23, 1974
Winterland Arena

Apparently no one is aware that a fellow named Keith played in this band or this version would have 50 votes already. Needs to be heard!
1
Pretty Peggy O
Sept. 4, 1980
Providence Civic Center

Outside of 1977 this may be the best version I've heard. A+ vocals from Jerry, killer mid-solo; slightly faster tempo. Must hear. Gr8 Matrix!

Comments

Playin' In The Band
Aug. 12, 1972
Sacramento Memorial Auditorium

Right out of the gate this amazing version turns on the psychedelic jets and sets the path for a grossly underrated but rewardingly rich Playin' for those willing to seek it out. Check out the reverb wah-wah even as Bob sings the very first line. You don't usually get this far into color sound swirl territory until after the first two verses and the meat of the jam but here they launch straight away. It's all brilliant after that because hey, it's '72, a year that was this song's coming out party and the only thing lacking is a superior recording, although the one I heard isn't bad. Keith is high in the mix as noted by others but I think this is a supremely good thing, because he was a major reason this song was so good in '72. I've kind of resigned myself to these lower ranked versions staying so but those willing to give it a chance will be very happy they did. Up it if you agree.
Althea
May 1, 1981
Hampton Coliseum

This version gets a cameo in the form of a clearly labeled 5-1-81 rolling cassette tape in the new "Long Strange Trip" documentary. Al Franken talks up 5/16/80 at Nassau and the unseen interviewer touts this as his favorite. They play bits of each. They're both worthy.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
June 21, 1971
Chateau d'Herouville

Great, crisp, recording from the new soundtrack. Fantastic Garcia vocals in this one, and a real confident romp through the jamming sections and the transition, which you can sense them feeling out for all its newness, and while it doesn't go the places it would in 73 and 74 it is fascinating to hear an early rendition giving hints to those epic versions to come. Well worth seeking out!
The Other One
Oct. 30, 1977
Assembly Hall - Indiana University

I hear you, CK. There are so many fantastic versions of tunes languishing at the bottom of the ladder and this is one of them. I suspect this great rendition suffers from the bias people have against any Other One that's not 30 minutes long and was played after 1974. It's a shame because they played so damn well in 1977 and just because they shortened the length of the tune doesn't mean it should get overlooked. If anything they honed it down and cut out a lot of the excess fat that actually drags down some of those revered 71-72 versions. I don't need a meandering random Phil solo or a bunch of space feedback for a good TOO. Give me Jerry's blazing leads and the hard backing of the double drums and Phil's rolling intros any day. This one from a great and largely overlooked 77 show delivers.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Nov. 30, 1979
Stanley Theater

^^^^ Let me know when you find those other versions--I'd be curious to check them out!