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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

3
Sugaree
June 4, 1976
Paramount Theatre

Another example of how Sugaree thrived in 6/76: Garcia's sweet, mellow, bubbly silver thread guitar and group dynamics both jaunty & subtle. Primo.
4
Tennessee Jed
Nov. 23, 1973
County Coliseum

If possible, a very contemplative TJ. Everyone's in apex '73 form, esp. Godchaux who's mixed fairly high to good effect.
2
St. Stephen
Nov. 5, 1970
Capitol Theater

Of the heavenly 1970 Capitol Theater St. Stephens. Just a beautiful union between audience and group. Killer Stephen! CRUNCH!
4
Here Comes Sunshine
Sept. 26, 1973
War Memorial

Show opener - the perseverence is what really sells me on this one. A struggle, but a worthy one b/c the spoils are lush. Sneaky great.
9
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 18, 1972
Kongressaal, Deutsches Museum

Crazy overlooked: A noble, splendiferous C>R in full Europe 72-ness. Patient, exploratory, charming. Driving a distance? Pack this.

Comments

The Wheel
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

What a gorgeous set opener. This Wheel is the ideal combination of spacey and precise. Their delicate control of dynamics is especially rewarding here. Love '76 Wheels and this version reminds me why.
Brown Eyed Women
June 14, 1976
Beacon Theatre

Such an amazing show - Brown-Eyed Women don't get much better than this. Garcia's bubbly guitar break is jaw dropping.
Scarlet Begonias
Oct. 19, 1974
Winterland Arena

The coda on this version swings for weeks - the group is on fire. Garcia's playing throughout is breathtaking and I like the D. Godchaux whirls and wails - she clearly stands a distance from the microphone to get a more disembodied, ethereal, subtle sound. Also - I love the give-and-take in the coda jam; it isn't just Garcia dominating, but when he asserts his presence, it's declarative, definitive, and scorching.
Dire Wolf
Sept. 10, 1974
Alexandra Palace

A song about death & destruction (Weir) - performed friendly, loose, & laid-back. Lesh's bass sounds quite nice and Garcia's vocal is an outgoing croon. Dig Garcia's guitar breaks - again really loose, almost like he's swinging in a hammock. Weir's comping is sweet.
Dark Star
Feb. 2, 1970
Fox Theatre

Pretty much right in my Dark Star wheelhouse: 1970, baby! Not quite as earth-shattering as 2/13 or 9/19, but well worth your time.