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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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MrMystery

Dead on arrival

+2490


Submissions

4
Dear Mr. Fantasy
May 5, 1990
California State University Dominguez Hills

There are surprisingly few really great versions of this tune, and this is one of them. Jerry takes his time, layering burning, melodic phrases.
6
When I Paint My Masterpiece
April 3, 1990
The Omni

They found the right (slower) tempo for this in later years. Also Bobby learned not to oversing. The moments when his voice fills with rage now work.
3
Space
April 5, 1989
Crisler Arena

Jerry's playing simultaneously causes and scratches an itch inside your brain. Spooky comping by Bobby.
1
Feel Like A Stranger
Feb. 5, 1989
Henry J Kaiser Convention Center

Busting out of the gate in the first show of the year. Great interaction between Bobby and Phil, tasteful commentary by Jerry.
1
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Oct. 14, 1988
Miami Arena

Great version because Bobby is understated, even weary. This gives Jerry the space to jump into the choruses with emotion. Dodging lions.

Comments

Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 10, 1979
Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Hall

Jerry really nails the solo in Scarlet and is in control throughout. Great transition with stabbing accents by Bobby. Outrageous end to FOTM.
Terrapin Station
Dec. 9, 1979
Kiel Auditorium

Agree with Jort that the middle jam is great. I love the longer middle jams. This was a good year for that. It's confounding that they didn't always stretch out in this perfect modal space.
Black Peter
Dec. 5, 1979
Uptown Theater

Fantastic version that deserves listens and votes. Very emotional solo, especially the false harmonics. And check out Jerry's vocalizing at the end!
Estimated Prophet
Dec. 26, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

Went to upvote a tune and what do you know, it's controversial. Surprised this is #3 but it is awesome. Brent is great on his part of the jam, then we go into some kind of narco-dream that turns into a nightmare and then burns up into a perfect transition to He's Gone.
Lost Sailor -> Saint of Circumstance
Dec. 11, 1979
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall

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