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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

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Submissions

1
Big River
Sept. 21, 1974
Palais Des Sports

Like the breaking of a dam, this just flows at a truly ferocious pace. Jerry is relentless in his playing, the second solo will knock your socks off.
1
It Must Have Been The Roses
May 12, 1974
University of Nevada

Any '74 version of this tune is a treat. Incredibly lovely with great Keith lines. Billy sways.
1
Jack Straw
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Definitive for its time. The soundcheck gave us a preview, here's the full thing. Solid version.
1
Mexicali Blues
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Just a damn near perfect performance. Shocked not to see this one submitted. One of MANY highlights from this show.
1
The Eleven
June 21, 1969
Fillmore East

Stupidly heavy, shades of early heavy metal on this one. Incredible controlled chaos that explores so much. A very tight version.

Comments

Dark Star
April 14, 1972
Tivolis Koncertsal

Focused and aligned. Dark Stars of this era tend to wonder(which I don't mind at all) but this one has an incredible sense of direction. Incredible thematic interplay between the band that you can only get on this tour. I love the little pockets of music that they explore in this. I like my Dark Stars dissonant, dark, and brain dissolving, and while this may be more on the lighter side, its power and obvious psychedelic flare leaves open a lot of very interesting melodic ideas. The feedback section feels real earthy as well. A jazzy masterpiece that's among one of the top versions of this tour, which says a lot.
Dark Star
Sept. 11, 1973
William and Mary College Hall

Lots of personality. Mini clusters of supernovas and galaxies all colliding at once. Jerry's playing is inspired and charming. Lots of subtle celestial interplay that brings out a particularly playful sound from the boys this night. Phil is the highlight of this one though, he must've knocked down the whole building with his bass while also opening up some wormholes in the process. Incredible use of feedback. Great Dark Star>Dew combo.
Playin' In The Band
Dec. 28, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

Good call^^ I’ve recently been obsessed with this trifecta of Terrapin>Playin>UJB. All played so brilliantly, this Playin’ is as funky as it is particularly focused for an era not really known for its Playin’ jams. Sick version with everyone on.
Dark Star
Oct. 18, 1972
Fox Theater

Jeez have I not mentioned anything about this one? Like the last light in a dying universe, yet it shines ever so brightly. A journey to the land of the dead, Phil guides you home with his stomp and falls into one of my all time favorite Feelin’ Groovy jams. Celestial and abstract ,maybe not as neurotic and evil as some others, but this one has such an otherworldly feeling I can’t quite put my finger on. The whole Playin’>Dark Star>Morning Dew>Playin’ is a true example of the band possessed. Love this version. Will be on repeat over, and over, and over again.
Space
June 20, 1974
The Omni

Super bluesy, devastating and wicked Keith piano lick near the tiger riff. Also goes into a funky vamp before eyes. We’ve reached the outer edges of the universe.