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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3568


Submissions

6
Cryptical Envelopment
Nov. 17, 1971
Albuquerque Civic Auditorium

Drop dead gorgeous, lithe, and restaurant quality perfect.
2
Candyman
May 1, 1980
Greensboro Coliseum

Clear To Hell - Hear how a luscious Candyman absorbs a crowd in NC.
2
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 23, 1971
Capitol Theater

Lately I think of Port Chester. Fab 4 Alignment. Limber. Ambidextrous.
3
St. Stephen
Dec. 29, 1969
Boston Tea Party

The peak is like a merry-go-round spinning out of and back into control and then, albeit briefly, out and in of control again.
3
Loser
July 31, 1971
Yale Bowl, Yale University

Garcia crushes the guitar break and everything else.

Comments

Estimated Prophet
Jan. 10, 1978
Shrine Auditorium

Underestimated Estimated.
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Best ever? No clue. 2/18/1971 has the advantage of a superior version of Kreutzmann/Hart and some '71 Lesh tones, but this one is so patient and elegant. And the outro is pretty furious. I might take 5/7/1977 or 5/22/1977 over both, but, look, we're splitting hairs. All restaurant quality.
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 28, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

High energy, swingin' version. The group sounds energized and Garcia's gradually building toward his '80s steez. Sweeeet stuff!
Jack Straw
June 24, 1973
Memorial Coliseum

Weir's got the phase juice dimed at the beginning. And what's not to like about that? My favorite era of Garcia side-patter guitar. And the breaks are sweet, totally in control.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
April 29, 1977
The Palladium

Just about as sweet as can be coming outta Scarlet. Love the audience reaction when Garcia starts playing the melody. Garcia's riding the wave - smooth, daring, relaxed. Like no else, ladies & gentlemen.