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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

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

Me and My Uncle
May 10, 1969
Rose Palace

Oh heck yeah this is the "Now for something completely different" MAMU you've been looking for...extra twangy guitar from Jerry--a raucous, barroom brawlin' version with so much more swagger than the usual suspect first set fodder we associate (admit it) with this tune in the 1980s. This version brings the tune to life, true to its gritty down n dirty rock-country origins.
Tennessee Jed
June 23, 1990
Autzen Stadium

Two things are necessary for a truly great T-Jed: 1) Jerry needs to nail all the lyrics & sing 'em, with gusto--check, and 2) the wind-up jam has to be epic--double check. You can't ask for much more with this version--the underrated highlight from set 1 of this fine show. Crazy this version isn't into double digits yet.
He's Gone
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Jerry's "smile smile SMIIIIILLLE"!!" line alone should be enough to get this one higher up the ladder but the whole thing is deserving with Garcia completely dialed in to every lyric, some great jamming and a beautiful coda backed up by Brent's perfecto harmonies. Kind of at a loss as to why so many songs from this incredible show are so low on the list. Forget the novelty of the poorly played Revolution encore and check out the "ordinary" songs from this show b/c they're anything but that.
Truckin'
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Another far better than its current ranking & in need of bumpage. Great ensemble vocals on this one...nice jam after the lyrics
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Gobs better than I remembered it being. New box set revealing how great these MSG shows were -- most especially the two nights from '83