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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

10
Jack Straw
June 10, 1973
RFK Stadium

Relaxed and joyous space-age electric guitar semi-ballad.
9
Bertha
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

Warp speed, precise, slightly unhinged, and driving into the greenish-blue evening.
1
Jack Straw
Oct. 30, 1971
Taft Auditorium

Godchaux leads a version that seethes with the excitement of a new song.
3
Brown Eyed Women
May 20, 1973
U.C.

A giggly, slangy Garcia masterpiece (in sweet show sauce). Goes down EZ.
8
Mexicali Blues
Feb. 28, 1973
Salt Palace

So good you can practically see the border town.

Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 28, 1972
Stanley Theatre

The extended intro alone is worth the price of admission. The rest of it is Grade A exploratory rock music. Just a group that can pretty much do what it likes. Such an amazing time for live Dead. A favorite show.
Viola Lee Blues
March 20, 1970
Capitol Theater

Super Garage Power! Not quite as apocalyptic as the 60s versions, but swagger to burn and lots of swing. 1970 Capitol Theater: Guaranteed Mark of Quality. Right before the 6 minute mark, shit gets intense. And yet - they're obviously having a blast. Not just historically significant, but a thrilling piece of art.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Sept. 14, 1982
University of Virginia

1. Great audience recording. 2. 1982 C>Rs are sneaky kick-ass. Garcia's bluegrassy, spidery runs create the feeling of a train roaring down the tracks. This one is SUCH an '82 C>R! Dig it!
Row Jimmy
March 20, 1977
Winterland Arena

I generally prefer '73 Row Jimmys b/c I prefer Garcia sans slide, although he executed many lovely slide breaks in this song thru the years. His eschewing of the slide in the second break on this song reminds me of the gold-leaf majesty of the '73 RJs but with the mature patience of Spring '77 Garcia. When he pushes it in this second break, it's super earned (both thematically and emotionally). As he does so often, he stretches himself as far as his ability allows. That's where the real shit comes from. A lovely RJ.
The Other One
Sept. 21, 1973
The Spectrum

A gorgeous melodic entry and then a Lesh soliloquy and surprising but smooth burst into the actual song. Excitement ensues. + Kreutzmann is barely holding his sticks - almost sounds like a trap jaiz drummer. Then: the abstraction - Lesh and Garcia have this one. No worries. Just goes to show that this song is a career highlight and, when you see it on as setlist, you know there's always the chance for levitation. Especially 1968-1977. But mot (otherwise known as not) limited to that time frame. + This goes pretty damn far out and rarely does it not swing. Kreutzmann is so underrated. As are these Fall 1973 shows - their jazziest tour (whatever that means). No surprise Godchaux's up for it.