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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

2
Candyman
July 12, 1976
Orpheum Theater

Spare, almost vulnerable take on this classic. Godchaux brings the church and Garcia brings the stained glass. An American beauty.
5
Estimated Prophet
Jan. 30, 1978
Uptown Theater

You can hear the swagger in their mutterings before they play. And the performance bears that out. Sure, smooth, and effortless.
1
It Must Have Been The Roses
Aug. 4, 1974
Philadelphia Civic Center

Letter perfect - the Godchauxs take this to a loftier level. Beautiful dynamic push-and-pull by the whole group.
3
Tennessee Jed
May 25, 1972
Strand Lyceum

Planting the Flag of Civilization on this tight scorcher. New from factory - Inspector #9. Under penalty of law, this tag may not be YEAH GARCIA!
5
Candyman
Jan. 31, 1978
Uptown Theater

Dreamy, motionless rendition on a sea of individual human reactions [audience tape]. A wonderful time for this gem.

Comments

Stella Blue
July 18, 1976
Orpheum Theater

So precise and confident, it's almost like a show tune. Can't deliver the package any better than this. Garcia takes smart liberties vocally, so there's a looseness and genuine sentiment behind his voice. Articulation. + That's before Garcia takes a lullaby stroll of a guitar break. And silverfoil clean aluminum guitar-in-the-shower step out as the coda/jam begins. + As everyone here indicates, they stick the landing.
The Wheel
July 18, 1976
Orpheum Theater

Gets off to an uncertain start, but gradually kicks into several other gears. Some parts are as sublime as this song gets. And yeah: Garcia's slide is a thing. Wow.
Playin' In The Band
Sept. 21, 1972
The Spectrum

Fall 72 Playins are such finely tuned machines. Haven't met one I don't dig. Like many from this period, this one could match anything at the Bonneville Salt Flats. + Garcia and Godchaux at times seem to be going mano y mano even though the group is cooking. Garcia has at least three out-of-body experiences. + Coming in at < 17 minutes = no dead wood.
Brown Eyed Women
April 14, 1972
Tivolis Koncertsal

Cruise control. In the best way. I don't know how 4+ minutes can deliver so much sunshine. Stay tuned for my white paper on this number.
They Love Each Other
March 24, 1973
The Spectrum

A silky, smooth . . . machine. There, I said it! Dave says, "Nothing says 1973 more than this." Cheers! Crispy, springy ball o' twine.