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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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FreedomHaul

Grateful Novice

+17074


Submissions

14
U.S. Blues (Wave That Flag)
Jan. 22, 1978
McArthur Court, U of Oregon

Smokin' encore. You know the playing was hot when even this is a scorcher.
15
Samson and Delilah
Jan. 22, 1978
McArthur Court, U of Oregon

Smokin little number boosts the second set.
25
New Minglewood Blues
Jan. 22, 1978
McArthur Court, U of Oregon

Bobby seems on this whole night, and Jerry's tone is unreal.
4
Death Don't Have No Mercy
March 18, 1967
Winterland Arena

Surprised not to find this here.
10
The Golden Road (to unlimited devotion)
March 18, 1967
Winterland Arena

One of the first Dead songs I ever heard way back in the day. Kicks off a raging Set II.

Comments

Estimated Prophet
May 7, 1977
Boston Garden

I think about all of these versions are similar musically, but their ranking is often greatly impacted by how well-known the show is.
Friend of the Devil
May 7, 1977
Boston Garden

Probably the best version at this tempo I've heard. Keith's playing and accompanying is as good as everyone's said, and I second Carrion's remark about the tension between the lead players and rhythm section. Stellar version.
Samson and Delilah
May 7, 1977
Boston Garden

another superb version. Keith throws the ending of this into overdrive, giving Jerry a kick in the but and extending the rage.
Terrapin Station
May 7, 1977
Boston Garden

A bit of a faster tempo to start the second set. I like the faster tempo, and think Keith is adding a lot here. They seem to be speeding up throughout the ending material. Regardless, this version should have more than 6 votes...
The Music Never Stopped
May 7, 1977
Boston Garden

This has far more votes than it deserves. The first set basically falls apart during "Jed" (and I am an avowed fan of the tune), and this is pretty lackluster. Jerry craps all over the opening lick, managing to save things by at least playing something akin to a lead. Phil seems like he stopped trying after "Big River." Yes, the ending peaks hard, but there are so many other great versions of this tune from this tour that top this version (04-29, 04-30, 05-03, 05-05).