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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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MrMystery

Dead on arrival

+2490


Submissions

3
Cumberland Blues
Sept. 23, 1987
The Spectrum

Jerry and Brent feeling it. Interesting Bertha > CB 2nd set opener
3
Mexicali Blues
Sept. 19, 1987
Madison Square Garden

I love what Bobby plays during the 2nd solo.
3
Cassidy
Aug. 20, 1987
Park West Ski Resort

Jerry takes charge in the jam and doesn't put a foot wrong. Waits for the others before the peak. Deceptively profound version.
3
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
July 26, 1987
Anaheim Stadium

In true perverse fashion, the Dead backed Dylan at his lowest point. But the way he sings this - on the wrong chords - has an insane urgency.
4
Cassidy
July 10, 1987
JFK Stadium

Extended, raging peak lead by Jerry and Mickey.

Comments

Let It Grow
Dec. 31, 1985
Oakland Coliseum

Slamming version
High Time
Nov. 1, 1985
Richmond Coliseum

Listen to the first phrase of Jerry's solo. It's a standard figure that he sometimes uses to begin the song (though not this time), but it is played with such clarity and feeling that it's like a shot through the brain. He briefly struggles to find the right notes immediately after, which only underscores the impact.
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Oct. 14, 1983
Hartford Civic Center

When Brent played that genius riff in the intro, his notes shot out into the Hartford Civic Center and bounced around the rafters like balls of sparkly green lightning.
Dire Wolf
June 25, 1985
Blossom Music Center

It's got everything you're looking for in a 1985 DW: quick tempo, plaintive croaking vocals, and a tight pedal steely solo from Jer.
Midnight Hour
April 8, 1985
The Spectrum

Great version with Jerry in good form and humor, quoting the Jackson 5.