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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
Turn On Your Love Light
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

This is The Dead at peak performance level. Cataclysmic version. Everyone is ON. Explorative and not a beat missed. Easily top 5 of 69.
2
Dire Wolf
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

Nice early electric version. Always preferred this key for Dire Wolf compared to when they changed it in the later years. Just right. Nice version.
1
Next Time You See Me
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

Takes you right to Chicago. Jerry’s playing emulates the blues greats. Hard rocking version that reminds me of a Junior Wells cut. Highly recommend.
1
High Time
Oct. 31, 1969
San Jose state university

Haunting organ playing. Crystalline and psychedelic early version that feels very spacey. Great vocal delivery.
1
Me and My Uncle
May 25, 1974
Campus Stadium, UCSB

Very nice solo from Jerry. Phil is all over this as well, some great melodic bass playing that compliments the song very well.

Comments

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
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
July 21, 1974
Hollywood Bowl

Jerry's a madman on this one. An underappreciated show that features so many gems just like these. Wicked balls to the wall jamming with new melodic ideas I haven't really heard before this. Full of wonderfully pure magical energy.
Big River
July 21, 1974
Hollywood Bowl

Dangerous. A hair raising sword sharpening performance guaranteed to make your house shake.