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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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nonoyolker

Weirs Jort Army

+56130


Submissions

39
Shakedown Street
Oct. 31, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Big jam here, very funky
63
Althea
July 19, 1989
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Scorcher
146
Stella Blue
Oct. 21, 1978
Winterland Arena

SHOCKED this one wasn't mentioned yet. Even with the crushing cut out in the SBDs, this version still stands at the top
15
Cassidy
June 16, 1990
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Very hot, tight jam segment. Song has the best lyric ever written: "Let your life proceed by it's own design"
28
Brother Esau
April 27, 1985
Frost Amphitheatre

By all accounts, this is a rather goofy song, but i love this version. Entire show is spot on

Comments

Dire Wolf
Dec. 26, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

Super bouncy, precise version. Crisp
Truckin'
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

I credit the mere existence of this jam to the Billy the Kid, channeling his inner Art Blakey and refusing to let the end of Truckin' dissolve to natural conclusion. Bill kept the driving the splashy high hats, then Bobby caught wise with a clever rhythmic pattern, then Phil dove in with the foundational low end. To my ears, this is one of the most easily identifiable and exemplary jams that highlight just how much certain Dead jams could be classified as pure free-form jazz. The period before Spanish Jam could have been pouring out of Blue Note, rather than the Philly Spectrum. Bill takes home the MVP on this in a big way, but everyone makes incredible contributions on this all-timer version. Very grateful to finally have a polished SBD in the new Dave's release!
Good Lovin'
Dec. 31, 1976
Cow Palace

Agree with comments above. The mid/end "jam" is funky, unique, and hints strongly at the impending Samson. Def worth a spin
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 31, 1976
Cow Palace

In a night that is a veritable human highlight reel, this Playin' is a shining example of why this show should be unquestionably in the upper echelon. The initial jam is absolutely hypnotic and entrancing, then Jerry's driven lead is a mature, pointed, and a clear emotional communication. He is on a mission. Purposeful, doesn't devolve into chaos - there is thoughtful intent throughout. Always been a top 3 for me and finally having the joy of hearing on vinyl after a recent buy. This one deserves way, wayyyy (like WAY) more dap
Cassidy
June 17, 1991
Giants Stadium

Lengthy (relatively speaking), dreamy jam in the middle. Whole band connecting as a unified voice.