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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

9
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 13, 1977
Auditorium Theatre

Almost beyond description. The last full jam leading into the GDTR chorus is a perfect storm example of what made the Dead magic
12
Brown Eyed Women
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Gotta check out the "small" songs in legendary shows like this as well as the usual suspects! Check out Jerry's utterly perfect bridge jam & be in awe
22
Bird Song
Sept. 22, 1993
Madison Square Garden

If you don't know Saxophonist David Murray, here's a good way to find out how great he is. This is one stellar Birdsong that flew under the radar here
19
They Love Each Other
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum

Is there anything prettier, sweeter or more sublimely lovely than Keith's piano in this version? You decide. This TLEO is incredible.
56
Sugaree
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

New #1 favorite. Slightly more compact than other amazing '77 versions & so a bit more focused. 2d Garcia solo has no equal.

Comments

Deal
April 8, 1978
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

This here Deal is the real...well....deal. Seriously tho' it's vaulted right into my top 5 all time--no fooling. For one thing, it's got that great late 70's middle jam that goes around for several turns, all filled with color and nuance and panache in Jerry's leads (if you prefer the power jam codas that marked the 80's versions, that's fine too--may I suggest 5/1/81?), but fans of the slightly mellower yet still musically killer 70s versions are gonna love this. Best of all is Jerry's crazy good vocal reading throughout the tune--especially in the early going with lots of "if I told yas'" peppered with "people" and "burning off both your little ears"--always hallmarks of versions Jer was totally into--it's right here. Not to mention that the whole band wails vocally on the final portion--many go 'rounds on don't ya let that deal go down, but with overlapping call outs and awesome Donna interplay too. Such a stellar version sitting mired in sad single digits--so even if you don't have the new box set featuring this at least check it out on the archive--you won't be sorry.
Cassidy
April 7, 1978
The Sportatorium

Really think this one's better than advertised --a little more jamming than usual and dark's not a bad way to describe it--jer's solo is pretty intense but he sticks the landing...should get a bump from new box set
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Just bumped this to double digits--should be way higher--location & as said above audience reaction on 'just like NYC' sends chills & Garcia--croaky vox & all--nails all the lyrics and growls 'em out...nice little trill of guitar licks at the finale too--up worthy version here
Me and My Uncle
May 31, 1969
McArthur Court, University of Oregon

very nice. Some of the best versions --or at least the ones that stand out from the almost pringles- like similarity of the later years-- can be found in '69...try also 5-10-69 just a couple weeks before this one. Nice rec. here
Pretty Peggy O
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

ridiculously low ranking for a brilliant version--and like those who've listened and voted said, the solo is phenomenal.