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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

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Submissions

6
Candyman
Oct. 28, 1977
Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Hall

There's a Betty Board of this one available. And it's gorgeous. What's stopping you?
9
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 27, 1982
Oakland Auditorium

Seek out the CM SBD (2d set only). This is a fine combo w/Brent & Jer driving Scarlet & Phil prominent in Fire. '82 was a sweet year for S>F!
7
The Other One
Oct. 12, 1977
Manor Downs

Another roaring out of the gate and sustained thereafter 01 that should not be ignored. '77 had its great share & this is one of 'em. Heavy on Phil!
9
Brown Eyed Women
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

While I prefer the 1977 BEWs overall this one is excellent for its speed & precision & Jerry nailing all the lyrics w/ gusto! Don't overlook this gem!
4
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 4, 1981
Rainbow Theater

The overlooked European tour. Love Jer's voice for this song in '81.Hangs an extra vocal note or 2 on the chilly winds don't blow refrain. Great stuff

Comments

Man Smart, Woman Smarter
July 12, 1989
RFK Stadium

Superior jam between verses. Hornsby as noted is a great addition but Brent is spectacular too and Jerry goes way past midi to get after the true guitar grit in his soloing. Easily a top 3 version all time.
Uncle John's Band
Aug. 26, 1971
Gaelic Park

Five now. This is outstanding, surprisingly so for an early incarnation. Great confident in control outro jam. Up it.
Not Fade Away
July 4, 1989
Rich Stadium

^^^^ 100% true. NFA became a garbage late 2nd set throwaway in the late 80s with little jamming replaced by gimmicky hand clapping, crowd chanting and "Mmm-bop" repetition. This one has about 28 votes too many.
China Doll
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

I've never been a huge fan of this song and my favorite version is probably the acoustic from Reckoning but for any electric version this is by far the one I keep coming back to for beauty, flow, grace, and execution. What a show this is up and down the lineup!
Shakedown Street
Aug. 13, 1979
McNichols Arena

The more Shakedowns I spin from '79 the more convinced I am that the song was performed better and more consistently funky in this year than any other and this one from Denver is just the latest to make my personal list. Go immediately to the Miller SBD and get ready for Phil's insanely chunky thick fuzz bass bonanza!