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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

13
Bird Song
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

An intimate very early Bird Song - Quartet-styled, which serves this song really well. Also: you can hear the thinking, especially between guitars.
3
Tennessee Jed
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Ho-Hum: Another outstanding 1972 TJ. This gem from the sorta overlooked summer tour. Garcia aces the break, natch. Band - unconscious. Whew! at end.
6
Candyman
June 21, 1976
Tower Theater

From Garcia's cheeky intro on, this graceful cabochon throws a faint, warm light. 1976 elegance w/a sick, raw spider web guitar break.
2
Wharf Rat
March 21, 1985
Hampton Coliseum

First show - I didn't know this gem very well & after this criss-crossy version, I was hooked. Dark & murky.
3
Loser
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Download Series - An intimate, casual living room Loser. Garcia coming out of the guitar break is divine. Not the actor.

Comments

The Other One
June 24, 1970
Capitol Theatre

Late-Spring 1970 is such a sweet spot for The Other One. I'm also more familiar with the CLASSIC late show, but this is fabulous. And I dig the audience recordings from Portchester, 1970. So much top shelf listening.
The Other One
May 15, 1970
Fillmore East (Late Show)

Lesh and Garcia burst out with such abandon and force, I have to think they were just chomping at the bit during Drums. Ferocious and especially all out for an early show entry. Right around peak form for the time. Which is peak form pretty much anytime.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
June 22, 1974
Jai-Alai Fronton

Upon more reflection, this version sets right out in the perfect gait. Then Garcia, Godchaux, and Lesh are free to embark on a loose, easy, rpm synchronized swim. The Weir jam is one of the grooviest - the two guitars dueling, jabbing, ducking, weaving down a turquoise waterslide.
Scarlet Begonias
June 8, 1974
Coliseum Stadium

Start with Lesh's corduroy bass and let it fly from there. As Carrion said, amazing ensemble playing - intricate and virtuoso, but sounds as easy as slipping in the tub. Garcia's sweet voice. And a guitar with seemingly endless ideas -- even within a tidy 6 minutes. Garcia at his most fluid and modern. And the ending is tiiiyyyeeeettt.
Brown Eyed Women
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Booof! American Bandstand perfect. Garcia's flying.