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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3568


Submissions

10
Loser
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

Heavens! It took a Dave's Picks to get this on the board! Soft, seductive, dark, and pretty much perfectly realized. Guitar break: shit yeah.
3
Estimated Prophet
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

Bold, sharp, confident version with plenty of 1977 squoosh. This version has that great '77 restraint with Garcia speaking in MuTron tongues.
6
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 29, 1973
Kiel Auditorium

Attention. To. Detail. - ESP Weir. Not the world's greatest recording, but the band is bubbly & effortless.
3
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
July 31, 1971
Yale Bowl, Yale University

Listened to this on a big PA outside over the summer and it's so alive, athletic, and filled with beautiful instrumental cross-talk. Improv!
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.

Comments

Playin' In The Band
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Prime Playin'! The band simply doesn't get a whole lot more dynamic than this. The absolute insanity of Garcia's playing is muted only slightly by the underpants drawer brilliance of each (and every) player. Il pacchetto completo. 11 minutes and no fat. First half of '72 for this song: smooooooch!
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 31, 1976
Cow Palace

The sound of Lesh's bass would go way downhill in a few short years - here: just enjoy the bracing attack and depth. That's my advice anyway. This a version and recording in which to bask.
Playin' In The Band
Sept. 11, 1973
William and Mary College Hall

Like Carrion says, unassuming, slowburn but after not too long, spark dancing on a wire. As is often the case at this time, Kreutzmann & Garcia lead the charge.
Big River
Nov. 15, 1972
Oklahoma City Music Hall

1972 is home to so many best-ofs. This or '73 would be the answer to whither Big River? Spotlight on Weir's guitar - killer. Of course.
Brokedown Palace
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

One of the great shows. Although it gets a little rickety at the end, Garcia's light wah/phasey guitar break is unique and mind-numbingly lovely. I might have to take a breath, too, if I played something like that.