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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3568


Submissions

4
Tennessee Jed
Nov. 23, 1973
County Coliseum

If possible, a very contemplative TJ. Everyone's in apex '73 form, esp. Godchaux who's mixed fairly high to good effect.
2
St. Stephen
Nov. 5, 1970
Capitol Theater

Of the heavenly 1970 Capitol Theater St. Stephens. Just a beautiful union between audience and group. Killer Stephen! CRUNCH!
4
Here Comes Sunshine
Sept. 26, 1973
War Memorial

Show opener - the perseverence is what really sells me on this one. A struggle, but a worthy one b/c the spoils are lush. Sneaky great.
9
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 18, 1972
Kongressaal, Deutsches Museum

Crazy overlooked: A noble, splendiferous C>R in full Europe 72-ness. Patient, exploratory, charming. Driving a distance? Pack this.
12
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.

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.