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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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FreedomHaul

Grateful Novice

+17694


Submissions

21
Katie Mae
Feb. 13, 1970
Fillmore East

How can you not love this?
9
And We Bid You Goodnight
Feb. 13, 1970
Fillmore East

Little ragged vocally, but a beautiful end to a wide-ranging and justly famous show.
13
Baba O'Riley > Tomorrow Never Knows
May 31, 1992
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

One of the first bits of Dead I ever heard.
8
Terrapin Station
Aug. 5, 1989
Cal Expo

Solidly played, beautiful cacophony at the end as the band varies the outro themes.
10
Spanish Jam
May 16, 1981
Barton Hall - Cornell University

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).