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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3668


Submissions

2
Truckin'
Jan. 24, 1971
Seattle Center Arena

Easily overlooked show - the Truckin' opener is a giant tidal wave red carpet.
1
Not Fade Away
March 21, 1972
Academy of Music

Picture Perfeck Academy of Music NFA! Kreutzmann and Weir scoot this gem along.
3
The Other One
Dec. 12, 1970
Santa Rosa Fairgrounds

Adventure soundtrack - the group plays out a number of scenes. Garcia's the acrobatic narrator for the most part. Superb and interactive.
2
The Other One
Dec. 10, 1969
Thelma Theater

Big and round. Lesh is the wacked-out chauffeur. What a cool, bizarre run.
4
Big River
Nov. 20, 1973
Denver Coliseum

A strike-zone era Big River. Smooth & prickly.

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.