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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24523


Submissions

4
Ramble On Rose
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

Faster than usual tempo with just a brilliant Jerry bridge jam and no missed lyrics make this one a not-to-be-missed version.
14
The Other One
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Not sure why everyone ignores '77 versions, but you're missing out if you haven't heard this one. Power packed Jerry-led fury.
4
Spanish Jam
May 21, 1995
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

In the band's worst year they somehow came up with a really short but spot-on SJ that emerges nicely out of space. Ignore the date-check out the tune.
4
It Must Have Been The Roses
March 13, 1981
Utica Coliseum

Seek out the SBD (unknown lineage) then bask in what's possibly the best-sung, most heartfelt & lovely "Roses" ever.
54
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

It's criminal that this hasn't made the list yet. Like super-smooth '77 versions? You MUST hear this.

Comments

Bird Song
Sept. 19, 1972
Roosevelt Stadium

Wouldn't be this low if the DavesPicks better sounding version had been available sooner but now that it is I'd say this is one of those worth the whole purchase price for this one song--a more aggressive Bird for sure with Garcia getting gritty right from the git go and it's just pedal to the metal all the way thru the jam section but no one gets lost in the foray and the band tightens up beautifully for the drum break and everything that flows after is gold too...a faster than usual (for its time) version that somehow manages to capture the mellow essence of the tune as well. Easy ups here/.
Bird Song
Sept. 19, 1972
Roosevelt Stadium

Wouldn't be this low if the DavesPicks better sounding version had been available sooner but now that it is I'd say this is one of those worth the whole purchase price for this one song--a more aggressive Bird for sure with Garcia getting gritty right from the git go and it's just pedal to the metal all the way thru the jam section but no one gets lost in the foray and the band tightens up beautifully for the drum break and everything that flows after is gold too...a faster than usual (for its time) version that somehow manages to capture the mellow essence of the tune as well. Easy ups here/.
Row Jimmy
Dec. 10, 1973
Charlotte Coliseum

Slow drippy- trippy -syrupy version with sweet '73 Jerry vocals. Worth getting the Download Vol 8 version for best sound quality & especially so you can hear the little trills of rhythm Bobby plays underneath Garcia's solos.
Eyes Of The World
March 28, 1973
Civic Center

Jam after the last verse is where it's at with this A+ version--absolutely scorching post-lyrics playing --fast paced aggressive but precision-laden jazz --just phenomenal.
Passenger
May 5, 1978
Thompson Arena - Dartmouth College

Lost in the shuffle -- gritty, grunge-like version with a more patient approach than many others....Garcia digs in hard.