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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

4
Ramble On Rose
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

Faster than usual tempo with just a brilliant Jerry bridge jam and no missed lyrics make this one a not-to-be-missed version.
14
The Other One
May 18, 1977
Fox Theatre

Not sure why everyone ignores '77 versions, but you're missing out if you haven't heard this one. Power packed Jerry-led fury.
4
Spanish Jam
May 21, 1995
Sam Boyd Silver Bowl

In the band's worst year they somehow came up with a really short but spot-on SJ that emerges nicely out of space. Ignore the date-check out the tune.
4
It Must Have Been The Roses
March 13, 1981
Utica Coliseum

Seek out the SBD (unknown lineage) then bask in what's possibly the best-sung, most heartfelt & lovely "Roses" ever.
54
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 11, 1977
St. Paul Civic Center Arena

It's criminal that this hasn't made the list yet. Like super-smooth '77 versions? You MUST hear this.

Comments

Playin' In The Band
June 26, 1973
Seattle Center Coliseum

Glad you checked this out, DS. Whole show seems pretty great and maybe a bit under the radar due to so many fantastic 73s to choose from and maybe not the best sound sources (although a Teddy did a nice job here). Interesting set opener of Casey Jones>GSET and a nice HCS too.
Playin' In The Band
June 26, 1973
Seattle Center Coliseum

This needs to get moved UP. This is a jazz clinic by everyone involved. Just before the 9 minute mark Phil takes a beautiful run and the whole crew follows with confident, gorgeous free form improv that never flags or loses focus. This is a more relaxed playin' than some others of similar vintage but if you like 6/22/73 and those of a dreamy float along jazz bent this one's for you. Glides into re-entry. Stellar. (Grab the Teddy Goodbear version. Easily the best of the sound options available).
C. C. Rider
Sept. 10, 1991
Madison Square Garden

Almost like one continuous blues jam of CC>Train. So good, both tunes, plus Branfird adds great flourish. Numero uno in my book.
Not Fade Away
Oct. 6, 1977
Activity Center. Arizona State U

Haven't sampled all of them yet but you're right at least one of the sources is sped way up. (I think it's the FM broadcast). If you find a better one before I do let me know.
Not Fade Away
Oct. 6, 1977
Activity Center. Arizona State U

Well, yes indeed. The above posters do not lie, this is a right old barn burner. There is some confusion about this show, which for some odd reason has multiple sources on the archive, some of which are mixed in with selections from 10/29/77, aka the best Dead show ever. However, the correct version of 10-6-77 featuring this killer NFA>Black Peter>NFA is crazy good, ultra fast jammed and just a rager of a sandwich. And yeah, I know of no other that has Jerry breaking into an impromptu MLB jam, but it's here!