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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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OrangeTangoJam

yeller dawg

+751


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

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

What a stunner. I can take or leave a Feelin’ Groovy Jam between a China Rider as I find that a lot of these early versions without it feel so incredibly free. Jerry is an absolute madman on this. Beautiful melodic lead playing and beautiful psychic instinct from the band the entire jam. A favorite for sure.
Sugaree
May 22, 1977
The Sportatorium

The gold standard. Jerry weaves beautiful webs of sound and harmony all throughout this song. 5/22/77 continues to be my favorite show of 77.
Eyes Of The World
Sept. 12, 1973
William and Mary College Hall

A tranquil and beautiful version. Like watching the sunset into dusk into a long hot summer night where fireflies wander and the stars seem endless in sight and dance in perfect harmony with each other. Check out Keith near the end. Stunning 73 version.
Row Jimmy
Sept. 12, 1973
William and Mary College Hall

I am not a huge Row Jimmy fan *collective gasp* yet this version is very captivating. So mellow and sends you gently downstream. Sung beautifully and the song takes over the band. Nice Keith fills as well.
Jack Straw
May 4, 1972
Olympia Theater

^1000% agree. I prefer this from the album version. You really cannot go wrong with either or, but I love this version for its urgency and gradient landscapes this version is able to portray. What a special night.