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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24523


Submissions

6
Candyman
Oct. 28, 1977
Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Hall

There's a Betty Board of this one available. And it's gorgeous. What's stopping you?
9
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 27, 1982
Oakland Auditorium

Seek out the CM SBD (2d set only). This is a fine combo w/Brent & Jer driving Scarlet & Phil prominent in Fire. '82 was a sweet year for S>F!
7
The Other One
Oct. 12, 1977
Manor Downs

Another roaring out of the gate and sustained thereafter 01 that should not be ignored. '77 had its great share & this is one of 'em. Heavy on Phil!
9
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

While I prefer the 1977 BEWs overall this one is excellent for its speed & precision & Jerry nailing all the lyrics w/ gusto! Don't overlook this gem!
4
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

The overlooked European tour. Love Jer's voice for this song in '81.Hangs an extra vocal note or 2 on the chilly winds don't blow refrain. Great stuff

Comments

Pretty Peggy O
April 7, 1978
The Sportatorium

Adding my sincere upvote on this total sleeper pick-lost amid a sea of great versions from this month/year but honestly you gotta give a listen---Jerry's solo starts out quiet and builds not to a raucous jam like Englishtown or some other '77 monsters but flows gorgeously and delivers wave after wave of beauty until washing up on shore as satisfyingly as any rendition you've heard. The realness right here.
Brown Eyed Women
June 26, 1974
Providence Civic Center

Only reason this has just a handful of votes must be due to the spotlight being focused on all the "big" songs and jams from this amazing show but this might be a candidate for "best of" early BEW's. Jerry's vocals are so syrupy good here and the relaxed cadence allows the song to breathe in ways it doesn't in later versions--good as those are for the extended bridge jams in between verses. You also get outstanding foundation from Phil in this one--it deserves to be higher for sure.
Brown Eyed Women
June 26, 1974
Providence Civic Center

Only reason this has just a handful of votes must be due to the spotlight being focused on all the "big" songs and jams from this amazing show but this might be a candidate for "best of" early BEW's. Jerry's vocals are so syrupy good here and the relaxed cadence allows the song to breathe in ways it doesn't in later versions--good as those are for the extended bridge jams in between verses. You also get outstanding foundation from Phil in this one--it deserves to be higher for sure.
Let It Grow
Jan. 31, 1978
Uptown Theater

Best version you've (probably) never heard. Absolute scorching jam sections and just when you think it can't get turned up to 11 Garcia goes full Spinal Tap after the final "I am" chorus--just all-out synapse-snapping lightning fingers...this is one of those buried treasure shows - maybe it's the date, who knows ?-but man, this version of LIG at the very least should tearing up the board
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 20, 1973
U.C.

Garcia throws some extra wood on the fire in the jam leading into the 3rd verse...as others have said this one flows with such ease you feel like you're floating down a river until it starts to pick up speed in the rapids heading into Rider. Should have voted this up a while ago.