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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24523


Submissions

6
They Love Each Other
Nov. 4, 1979
Civic Center

Early in Brent's tenure he's locked in for the 1st part of a long, flowing instrumental mid-section. Jer doesn't disappoint either. Underrated version
11
Crazy Fingers
April 3, 1990
The Omni

Very strong entry w/no lyrical mistakes & Jerry in fine voice, esp. for the year. Crystal clean sound from '90 spring box set shows how good this is!
14
Brokedown Palace
Sept. 16, 1972
Boston Music Hall

This melts like a dream from a weirdly underrated Dark Star & is sung beautifully by Jerry & played sweetly by all. Give a listen!
7
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Sept. 20, 1991
Boston Garden

Ok technically it's Help>Slipknot>Fire but c'mon that's pretty cool & even w/out the novelty of the change-up it's a sweet version
11
Take A Step Back
Oct. 31, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Phil: "Remember, if you step up too close We'll HAVE TO STOP PLAYING. Weir: I would remind you all that Halloween is not a legal holiday"

Comments

Ramble On Rose
March 23, 1972
Academy of Music

Phil's deep rhythmic opening bass salvo, as thick and solid and propulsive as you'll ever hear on a ROR was enuff for my upvote, and the rest is pretty dang hot too. Easy plus one.
Wang Dang Doodle
Oct. 13, 1994
Madison Square Garden

Crazy good fuzz guitar faster paced kick ass version getting very little traction & undeservedly so. Check it out. Whole show is somehow under the sonar.
Candyman
April 15, 1978
William and Mary College Hall

Not sure if Jerry & Donna ever sounded better together than they do on this version of Candyman, and Garcia's solos are at once delicate & deep, ---about as perfect a version as you'll find in any era and I'd have no problem seeing this in top 3-5 ranking...just spectacular.
The Other One
Oct. 16, 1977
Louisiana State U

Folks tend to skip versions from '77 b/c they tend to be shorter & less "epic" than earlier years but it would be a mistake to pass this one by. The rhythm devils in particular bring this one into focus beautifully with a grand lead up to Phil's signature roaring bass intro and it's Jerry off to the races after that. Really fine version from a show better known for its other big tunes like an all-time Sugaree in the first set, but again, this is a real sleeper Other One
Greatest Story Ever Told
Nov. 4, 1979
Civic Center

Not like all the others--a distinctively different start out of the gate that features the mid-jam stop-jump-start-again riff, then takes off like a bat outta heck w/Bobby just chawin' thru the lyrics like he means it. Segues out from a pretty sweet Getaway, too...worth the ups, folks!