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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

31
Let It Grow
Oct. 2, 1977
Paramount Theatre

The most "Spanish-flavored" of LIG's, evokes old southwest almost Mariachi vibe. Brilliant Garcia changes-Rise&Fall!
25
Althea
May 6, 1980
Rec Hall, Penn State U

Recent Road Trips release is a perfecto: Outstanding vocals from Jerry and a jam after the lyrics that grooves and rocks super-hard. 5-star version!
46
Deep Elem Blues
May 2, 1970
Harpur College

Jerry's voice just exactly bluesy perfect...groovy & slow acoustic cadence & the boys harmonizing sweetly on the chrouses. Outstanding early version
30
Box of Rain
March 20, 1986
Hampton Coliseum

A+ for the crowd alone. Are there better ones? Of course. But I was there & the ecstacy after 14 years of no Box makes this version legendary.
15
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Toodeloo
Sept. 18, 1990
Madison Square Garden

Astonishingly strong Jerry vocals, especially given the year, and some of the prettiest Hornsby-led fills make this one a real great sleeper pick.

Comments

The Other One
March 20, 1992
Copps Coliseum

Excellent fuzz guitar from Jerry, totally ripping. Ignore the year and (maybe) take half a point off if you don't like Healy messing w/Bobby's voice on the chorus to make him sound like he's just sucked helium from a balloon. But this really is top notch jamming. Great stuff from a great show.
Shakedown Street
Nov. 29, 1980
Alligator Alley Gym, University of Florida

^^^^So glad you heard that, too. Thought I was hearing things at first but went back and Jerry sure does run right up to the edge of a full on Stranger riff.
Shakedown Street
Nov. 24, 1978
Capitol Theatre

Such great improv jamming by Garcia post lyrics. Tight, funky uber 70s verses up top. One of the best early versions if not the numero uno in that category already.
Bertha
Dec. 29, 1977
Winterland Arena

This is so spectacular and just a hair's breadth behind my all time favorite 10/29/77. Joyous middle jam by Jerry and Billy and Mickey are in full out beast mode. 5 stars.
Shakedown Street
Nov. 29, 1980
Alligator Alley Gym, University of Florida

One of the great AUDs available on the archive (Miller) & a spectacular, funked out version that I can swear has what sounds like a mini-Feel Like A Stranger jam post-lyrics. Segue into Franklin's is sweet although Jerry comes in too quick on the first line.