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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
Ship of Fools
Sept. 21, 1974
Palais Des Sports

1974 and Ship of Fools go together like peanut butter and jelly. Full of emotion. They're really giving their all in this.
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.

Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
May 24, 1972
Strand Lyceum

No main riff to bridge between China>Rider, BUT, hearing some organ and hearing the transition jammed out oh so subtly is a real treat. Nice version.
Bertha
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

When the coke was pure. Also what a fun and amazing Bertha. Jerry’s playing this show…my god.
Let It Grow
Feb. 28, 1981
Uptown Theater

Is the is really that low? Jerry is like a skittering June bug flying a million miles a second. Absolutely stunning phrasing and an incredible extended jam towards the end that transitions into a solid Deal. What a version. Needs much more love.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center

One of my all time China>Riders. I would listen to this on repeat 24/7 every hour of the day. Impeccably executed. This show, and I don’t know if this is just me, has some of the most unique phrasing from Jerry I’ve ever heard. The tone, the approach, the creativity and the power, this is so underrated and one of my all time favorite jams. Again, Jerry’s phrasing is a masterclass for all musicians. He roars likes lion and shines as bright as the sun but at times his sound can be ghastly, like a phantom haunting the stage. Ethereal and otherworldly is his playing and it lays the ground work of how the sound can evolve and changes at a whim. The Rider in particular is just absolutely superb. Jerry has fun with Billy and Mickey allowing the music to bounce and dance like grass in the wind. Just a sublime version and is some of my favorite Grateful Dead music of all time.
Sugaree
May 19, 1977
Fox Theatre

77 Sugaree’s. Can you really go wrong? I’m particular picky with mine but this has the GOODS. Jerry is playing beyond himself and is truly with the music. Subtle yet so sharp. Endearing and so compassionate. Chills.