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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

Dancin' in the Streets
April 14, 1978
Cassell Coliseum - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

It is criminal that this is so low. First, I don’t ever want to hear from anyone that Keith didn’t contribute as much post hiatus. This will prove anyone wrong. Second, holy shit this is the most disco, grooviest, sweating your balls off Dancin’ I have ever heard. The jamming is deep and melodic. Feels like it’s really going somewhere. Absolutely one of the best of all time. Dance music for aliens.
Deal
May 4, 1972
Olympia Theater

The Deal’s of ‘77 onwards are famous for it’s fast and ferocious jams, the essence of gambling within the song, our eyes and ears fixed on whether Jerry will “hit the note” on this one! This is a nice break from those heavy jams, and a nice look into the actual roots of the song. The song is alive and well and may not be the flashiest, it’s so well played and tells a story of old in true electric jug band fashion. This has an energy. Don’t miss these old versions, not many stand out, but this one does.
Greatest Story Ever Told
May 4, 1972
Olympia Theater

The night before is a wailer, but don’t miss it’s twin brother either. this opener is a stunning psychedelic beauty and has an infectious bounce to it that you can’t help but to groove to. Great opener and mood setter to this show.
Playin' In The Band
May 4, 1972
Olympia Theater

Time to spin my favorite show again. This Playin’ is the portal to the epic and elegant jamming this show is known for. Lots of power and jazzy sophistication, the band is not afraid to take risks and they realize how far they can take this jam. This is a landmark in this songs evolution, I can hear the spaces they later explore further in 73-74. The Tiger roars a mighty psychedelic howl that leaves all in attendance in awe of the cosmic Dionysian jamming they just witnessed. Over in just a blink of an eye, this is a peak into the world of Playin’ in the Band right as they conquered it, and you see the beginning groundbreaking explorations this song is known for. Love this version. Star child.
Dire Wolf
July 11, 1969
NY State Pavilion, Flushing Meadow Park

Lovely early version