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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3568


Submissions

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.
1
Bertha
March 14, 1971
Camp Randall Field House

At :30 Pig switches from tambourine to organ and we're off! These early '71 performances showcase Kreutzmann reveling in sweet space. Driving.

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 24, 1978
Horton Field House - Illinois State University

Love this version - its got lots of highlights, but is the suggestion that the Scarlet>Fire is better in April 78 than May 77 just more anti-May 77 weird backlash? The entire band is tighter, more focused, less flubby, and just plain sounds better in May 77. Here, the drums are already, at times, taking a turn for sneakerville. The cohesion and engine-room propulsion of the May 77 rhythm section has disintegrated noticeably by this point already. And of course Weir's slide guitar (although this is one of the better fits I can remember hearing). Once Garcia gets up to speed @8.35 of Scarlet, he's pretty stunning.
Ramble On Rose
Oct. 10, 1976
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Crispy and celestial. Garcia takes it to the house at the end. No question.
Wharf Rat
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

At this stage, they're so refined they don't really have to think. Auto-pilot in the best way. No thinking just let it happen. This was one of those periods for the group. One of Garcia's best Whart Rat vocals. The sleeve don't get much more topper than this.
Big River
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Garcia comes out snappy! I picture Callan saying this: Don't usually prefer the 2-drummer version of this song, but 7 minutes well spent.
High Time
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Beautiful version. Like Candyman, I could have used more versions of this flower in the May77 Delivery System.