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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
Mexicali Blues
May 25, 1974
Campus Stadium, UCSB

“It’s polka time!” Shouts Bobby at the beginning of this one! Honored to submit this one. Absolute rager from an underrated show.
1
Candyman
Nov. 13, 1972
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall

Passionate and poignant. Fantastic Fall 72 version.
1
Black Peter
Oct. 18, 1980
Saenger Performing Arts Center

Stunning organ parts that take the song to a different level. Feels like I'm going down a lazy river without a care in the world.
1
Weather Report Suite
Sept. 24, 1973
Civic Arena

Horns!! Let it Grow is already on here but the Whole suite needs love. When the horns come in you can't help but smile. Pure and beautiful.
1
Friend of the Devil
Nov. 23, 1978
Capital Centre

Stunning version. Sung with lots of passion, and during the solo, Jerry lets Wolf run loose and lets her howl. Great version from a great show!

Comments

Loose Lucy
Feb. 15, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Incredibly energy to start off an all timer of a show. I'm more partial towards the funkier 74 version, but this version completely rocks.
Dark Star
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

Groundbreaking. Innovative. Unlike any other. I think this was exactly what the Dead had been working towards up until this point. The seamless blending of all music encompassed in this piece of modern classical music. A supernova that explodes with such energy, the themes explored in this Dark Star are unlike any other, the jazzy and macabre jamming is ghastly, the band sets the stage aflame in a blue flame. Jerry channels his eastern school of thought in this stream of consciousness performance. Keith completely understands what’s going on, and his ability to add so much depth and nuance make him truly one of a kind. He controls where this music will go. The space after the second verse sees a return to this haunted space, and leads into a climatic point in which Jerry takes the band into the promised land, heaven, the afterlife, green pastures, whatever you want to call it. It’s pureness is infectious and you really do feel your mind leaving your body. One of the best ever. Never gets old.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 19, 1974
Portland Memorial Coliseum

Divine. A long time staple in my listening rotation. Esoteric in nature, this is one of the best they’ve ever done by a long shot. Jerry channeling Coltrane in his solos, and during the Feelin’ Groovy jam, I even hear shades of Bach as well. As good as it gets in my opinion, and don’t miss Billy at the end of Rider!!! Stunning lysergic church music. 8/5/74, 2/15/73, 5/3/72, and 9/24/72 are all up there in favorites for me, and this is 100% included in there as well.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 14, 1973
San Diego International Sports Arena

You know it’s good when Phil is all over the intro. Listen real closely to how his bass interacts with the music, lots of open space with incredible rhythmic motifs to propel the music further. I cannot believe I’m only just now getting around to this show. This is an all timer for sure, it’s fluidity and dynamic range is nothing to scoff at, and as songs, they are performed to their highest potentials. No frills.
Cumberland Blues
Nov. 14, 1973
San Diego International Sports Arena

Lifts off right away. Has that unexplainable quality that puts you right in that space of music. I feel myself melting with the music, Im sure the boys did too. What a stunner, ferocious and a near flawless rendition. Has a nostalgic quality to it I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s a feeling.