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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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grendel

Books and Music

+24543


Submissions

130
Wharf Rat
Oct. 7, 1977
University of New Mexico

Most pristine version I've ever heard. So smooth, so clear. Keith leads the way, Jerry brings it home. . Essential for all Wharf Rat fans
18
Aiko Aiko
Aug. 10, 1982
Iowa Fieldhouse - University of Iowa

Another kick-ass version out of Space...not as long&rising a wind-up as the 9-14-82 tripiness), but raucous, fun & full of N'awlins cajun rock!
36
Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 12, 1983
Madison Square Garden

Powerhouse. Garcia belts out vocals. Hear amazing riff of added notes in the main theme instrumental sections.Drums pound away as well.
7
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 29, 1979
Cleveland Public Hall

Jerry commits strong vocals to this rendition--he's into it big time...& Brent adds great accompaniment. Very strong Garcia bridge jam as well.
118
Cumberland Blues
April 8, 1972
Wembley Empire Pool

They could actually hit the high notes in '72, and the jams? Goodness gracious--this one just rips a hole in the space/time continuum!

Comments

Not Fade Away
June 20, 1980
West High Auditorium

Hey Ragnaroar.....for a super great funky, totally different-sounding early Brent NFA check out 11/2/79....maybe the most underrated NFA ever.
Not Fade Away
June 20, 1980
West High Auditorium

Love the space/funk intro into this...Brent gave this song totally new life in the early 80s before it turned into a waste of time crowd-clapping throwaway in the latter part of the decade and into the 90s...this is when the song still had some FUNK to it. Nice pick. There's also (believe it or not) a super-swinging and excellent "Don't Ease Me In" from this show.
Not Fade Away
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

I finally "get" this version, helped by the new box set cleaned up recording, but also b/c I see now that it's more of a patient rendition, with Jerry playing the long game rather than going for the quick KO blow. My favorite is still the breaking through the gates of hell version from 12/29/77 which is all power and fury, but this one rewards for its long, flowing jam presence. If you want to take a long sweet float down the NFA river, this is the raft you want to be on. +1
Bertha
Dec. 31, 1987
Oakland Coliseum Arena

There's a killer Terrapin from this show as well and an all-time Iko w/the Nevillies. This Bertha is high energy and can hang with the big boys for certain.
Estimated Prophet
June 25, 1978
Autzen Stadium, U. of Oregon

Heck yeah! Fine version from a really oddly underrated 1978 winner. Check out the "Eyes" from this show as well.