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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24523


Submissions

33
Little Red Rooster
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

All about Brent.
2
Drums
June 4, 1978
Campus Stadium - University Of California

Part of a very hardcore rock and roll 2nd set. HEAVY wailing Drums>Space>NFA w/motorcycle revs.
8
Beat it on Down The Line
May 16, 1972
Theatre Hall

Another Europe '72 tour winner. Bobby sez "Rock on out" for the bridge jam and Jerry obliges.
25
Ramble On Rose
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

Just discovered this one, available on archive as outtakes that didn't make the DP release. Simply put, it kicks ass.
8
Doin' That Rag
June 14, 1969
Monterey Performing Arts Center

Always a tough tune for the band to pull off but here they do it with authority. Jerry nails the vocals w/gusto!

Comments

Estimated Prophet
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

Having been at this bust out show--yes. this is an (almost) understandably overlooked Estimated, but it really should be heard if you haven't had the pleasure--the place was swaying and twirling like mad to this one--it's a byoot.
Estimated Prophet
Aug. 12, 1979
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

No question this is one of the best Brent-era versions--early in his tenure he adds some amazing piano-like jazz fills (mercifully free of the tinkly Fischer-Price toy sounds he would adopt later) in the post lyrics jam outro and the main jam sections have Garcia and Weir both at the top of their games....outstanding version that should be a lot higher on the list.
Brother Esau
Aug. 20, 1983
Frost Amphitheatre

funk fest-- punchy Brent fuzz fills--& tighter than expected early version--slightly different lyrics --could use some extra ears on it
Uncle John's Band
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

No way this shouldn't be in double digits--the vocal harmonies on this A+ version are reason enough for an upvote but you also get the precision and focused jamming that mark all the best versions--rhythm devils are also beastly in the outro jam--overlooked probably b/c of length and the show itself which is one of the most underrated of '77. Do yourself a favor and listen to this byoot and upvote if you agree it's deserving of a much higher ranking
Big River
April 11, 1978
Fox Theatre

Exactly! So many Rivers some of the best can get lost & you've identified one that shouldn't. Flowing, confident, brilliant Jerry picking, and such beautiful work by Keith along the way--great boards available too to bring out all the richness of sound--don't let this Big River pass you by!