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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

Dark Star
June 27, 1969
Veterans Auditorium

Abstract Dark Star. I’ve been digging into these 1969 versions of Dark Star and this one in particular really stands out. Explores many, many themes. This one is harder to talk about and should genuinely be experienced. The band all have something to say, free form ideas that blossom into a cacophony of electrical harmony. A musical debate between everyone in the band, all of them communicating and bringing something new to the table, what a treat.
Terrapin Station
Dec. 28, 1979
Oakland Auditorium

Inspiration, move me brightly. Jerry embodies the storyteller. Played with so much passion, and is surrounded by so much love. Transitions into a funky killer Playin’ and as someone who prefers their Playin’s from 72-74, hearing the one that comes after this blew me away. Check out the whole sequence, you won’t regret it.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 3, 1972
Olympia Theater

The song that got me into the Dead. This version still has a chokehold on me so many years later. Jerry’s solo sections are waterfalls of little stars crashing into the depths of the cosmos. Beautiful sound, listen without the overdubs so you can hear how truly naturally locked in they are in this. Stunning elegance that radiates heavenly energy that makes this version seem from another plant. This is also the single moment they got that transition just right. Doesn’t get better than this,
Jack A Roe
May 6, 1981
Nassau Coliseum

Sick version. My personal go to for some electric jammy sailing. Jack a Roe is so underrated.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
Sept. 18, 1987
Madison Square Garden

^will have to check out this show! Always looking for more 80s shows as a 60s early 70s head. Thank you for the recommendations.