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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

4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Bob's lyric phrasing on this version is unique. He sings it in a way so different than any I've heard before & it's inventive & super-fun. Must hear!
7
Greatest Story Ever Told
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

Best of the 80's or 90's, hands down. Picture perfect rendition: Vocals, jam fills, & finish.
6
The Other One
April 16, 1984
Community War Memorial Auditorium

Short but raging. Look beyond the length & enjoy for the fire within. Jerry attacks this from the get-go & it's awesome.
2
Truckin'
Dec. 12, 1993
San Diego Sports Arena

Anybody else hear a very distinctive riff of Steely Dan's "Black Friday" in the intro?
5
Sugar Magnolia
April 8, 1978
Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Just listen & you will believe. End jam before SSDD is a tidal wave of sound & power & beauty. A true must hear.

Comments

Row Jimmy
Dec. 2, 1973
Music Hall

Ah, beautiful. Thanks for pointing this one out. One of my favorite Jerry tunes of all time & love finding one that goes off for a wander in between verses.
Throwing Stones
June 15, 1985
Greek Theater

Power version, cleanly lit by Bob's fire. Tight, focused, and way way better than the paltry vote total so far. (This whole show is a candidate for best of the year, btw)....
Brown Eyed Women
June 4, 1978
Campus Stadium - University Of California

Only thing keeping this from legendary territory (and it's a big thing, sadly) is that Jerry completely train wrecks the "Deliliah Jones" verse immediately following his blistering, absolutely stunning guitar break. If his vocal flub at a key moment in the song is no deal breaker for you, that's fine, I totally understand. But for me I can't add a vote b/c it's like breaking up a perfect double play by botching the transfer at second. Too bad b/c the rest is A+ stuff.
Help on the Way
Dec. 31, 1976
Cow Palace

I've neglected this just because no Franklin's ever emerges but the Help here is just exactly perfect and the Slipknot! that follows is a mellow space jam of epic beauty. This whole show is a monster and if not for 12/31/78 would easily get my vote as best New Year's show ever but regardless it's chock full of amazing, inspired playing and this Help>Slipknot is a major part of the action. Such an underrated show despite its high profile date.
Eyes Of The World
July 14, 1990
Foxboro Stadium

Indeed overlooked among the many fine versions of the year. Probably due to no Hornsby or Marsalis but this is a version that can stand on its own. Sweet intro & delicate jazzy lines by Jerry throughout...first verse is actually belted out w/authority by the Captain before the chorus falls flat w/none of the mates backing up on melody (comments on source provided suggest Healy may have been up to his shenanigans silencing Bobby) until Brent steps in late to save Jer. But he rips up the jam & hits the 2nd verse hard as the first. Phil gets more involved near the end of the 2nd chorus & is highly visible during Jer's 2nd guitar break. Limited Midi to spoil the party here & you can settle back to hear Jer do his small jazz club thing to the rolling riffs in this huge football venue until he gets a little more ambitious toward the end of the jam into the final verse. This is a version that really can stand with the best of the year.