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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
Aiko Aiko
Feb. 23, 1993
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Hey Now! Played on Mardi Gras day with 10 minute drum percussion lead-in to start the 2nd set! You'll like what the Big Chief say.
3
Space
March 16, 1990
Capital Centre

Not Space, but since there's no category for "jam" this beautiful calypso improv out of WomenRsmarter will have to do (also has an "Eyes" tease)
2
Greatest Story Ever Told
Oct. 9, 1982
Frost Amphitheatre

From the show always overshadowed by the next night, which is a shame. Fantastic Jerry/Brent conversation mid-jam. Give a listen!
11
Let It Grow
June 10, 1976
Boston Music Hall

Liquid
5
Althea
July 1, 1980
San Diego Sports Arena

3 versions on archive. Grab the SBD seeded by Brian Cole. Listen to the insane end jam. Listen to the whole thing. This is an A+++ version!

Comments

Stella Blue
March 24, 1990
Knickerbocker Arena

Thanks to Darkstar67 for recommending the Dusborne Matrix. Haven’t listened to Dozin in a while and should have upped this previously. Just took it for granted I guess but the matrix brings it alive in a new way...coolest thing is you can hear how quiet the crowd goes, totally absorbed in Jerry’s beautiful reading. You miss that crowd feel on the official release. Top 3 all time version.
Last Time
June 8, 1992
Richfield Coliseum

This one's got some serious pep and dang if Bob & Jerry don't sound all out & in sync belting out the vocals, which is really the key to them pulling off this tune. Jerry does take a nice little run after the initial vocal section--nothing too spectacular but sweet and bouncy before Vince gets in a tasty look, then it's back to the sing-out. Really impressed with this one and this show in general--chiefly the great second set--and it's not often you'll hear me say that about '92 shows.
Viola Lee Blues
July 3, 1966
Fillmore Auditorium

I know everyone loves the big insane monster 20+ minute versions & they're great, but this early gem has great (if shorter) jams that are really tight and actually feature some nice Pig organ playing and spectacular ensemble vocals. The end jam gets all speeded out and for a classic acid drenched 60s sound it's tough to beat. I love this "mini" version!
Comes A Time
July 17, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

Never get tired of hearing that gorgeous outro jam.
Franklin's Tower
Nov. 29, 1980
Alligator Alley Gym, University of Florida

I wish they'd made more attempts at Shakedown>Franklin's. While the transition here isn't in their seamless transition hall of fame, it's not awful, and it is fun and adventurous if nothing else, but lost in discussion of the hand off is how good this standalone Franklin's really is. What I love most about it is how direct it is. No meandering here like many longer (and higher ranked) versions are. Jerry just attacks every lead and the band is fully cranked up behind. There's nary a note wasted here and there's a lot to get excited about, plus the novelty of emerging from the shake. Easy ups for me on this one.