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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

Franklin's Tower
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

Stupendous, outrageous, inspired...probably should be ranked a lot higher...it’s not just Garcia’s ridiculous soloing but the whole damn band that’s crushing it all the way through. Even the quiet sections will make you stop and take note of how much of a mind meld is going on here. This show is totally overshadowed by the May 77 run but there is so much brilliance in this Winterland trio of shows and overall this might be the best. Check out this Tower if you haven’t yet...it’s a stunner.
Eyes Of The World
March 19, 1977
Winterland Arena

So so so so much better than its current ranking (still in the teens? come on) How many versions of EYES in 1977 kick off a second set with a snare drum & then charge out of the gate with Garcia in full hyper-speed jazz control? This one is a triumph of ideas & energy & then gets into a quiet space post lyrics that's really pretty. Unique for the year but typical of its greatness all at once.
Row Jimmy
Dec. 28, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

One of my all time favorite Dead tunes--and this is an underrated version from a show that overall should have more ears on it as well. They take their time with this one without going at too slow a pace. Jerry takes it easy the first instrumental break but the band moves along nicely with him & Bob doesn't overdo the slide, instead making it a nice ride-along...2nd break Jerry opens it up a bit more & the aforementioned double time at the end is a nice topper. Great Sugaree from this show too, btw. This RJ can't touch 3/20/77 but that one broke the mold for good. Other honorable mentions for fans of this song that shouldn't be missed: 4/12/78, 5/3/77 (crazy off the radar good), 9/18/74, & 2/26/73.
Dark Star
Oct. 20, 1968
Greek Theatre - University of California

Been digging into the "short" Dark Stars recently* for the peppy/trippy late 60'svibe, concise but fluid & exciting jam sections...this is one of my favorites from that category. * Kinda like making sure not to neglect fine versions of "Deal" from '72-'74 or '77-'78...not monsters of coda fanning jamming that would come in the 80s, but still gems in their own right.
Franklin's Tower
Jan. 30, 1978
Uptown Theater

This version has a spectacular, relaxed, perfect tempo 2 minute open, and a great strong finish with lots of fanning....unfortunately it sags in the middle like Homer Simpson in a hammock, with a lot of boring meandering noodling, Jerry forgetting the lyrics, and the band just sleepwalking along, which is too bad because this could have made for an epic Jerry triple play of Eyes>Stella>Franklins. I can’t upvote this based on just a strong start and nice finish, though. This is a good sleeper show overall but it could have been a lot better with a stronger Franklins here.