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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

Cold Rain and Snow
Oct. 21, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Went right to this after seeing the enthusiastic exchange above and was not disappointed. Early Keith showing off his chops. Plus I discovered an equally great Ramble on Rose at this show too.
Jack Straw
Aug. 27, 1972
Old Renaissance Faire Grounds

It's a wonderful version, but I'm not giving it an upvote b/c it's already in 2nd place and sorry, uh-uh, NO WAY,--as wonderful as this version is for its delicate Keith piano playing and nice vocals--NO WAY is it better than any version from '77 on in which they extend the jam and charge into the final verse with emotion, power and precision. Just doesn't even come close. There are plenty of versions under this one on the list that provide all the precision playing and interplay rightly pointed out as being present in this one, but that also have the excitement of THE JAM heading into "Witchita" that this one--and any version pre-'77--simply lacks. Virtually any version on this list directly below this one blows it away...and some should even be much much higher (10/29/77, 6/4/78, 5/10/78) all tear this one to shreds (and those are just the ones I suggested and am shamelessly plugging now; there are plenty others that others have suggested that are equally as good--except for 10/29/77, which is the best ;-) & the one thing they all have in common is that they exceed and should be higher than this fine version (best of '72) but that's all it is--best from a year in which this song hadn't yet reached its full potential.
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 16, 1974
Winterland Arena

I've come around on this one. Long, spacey (in a good way) and gooey. Contemplative, mellow, but never boring. Elements of 6/22/73 but at least from the GD soundtrack a much cleaner version than Vancouver. This one is also great for repeat listening because you'll pick up something different each time.
Row Jimmy
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

^^^^ Agree completely that it can't touch those two you mentioned...the gold & silver medal winners of all time, but it's far better than a lot of other RJ's on this list. I just think it should be much higher as a result. No surprise given the date...the Winterland run to end the year was pretty spectacular & this version doesn't derail that at all. Thanks for giving it a listen, if not an upvote. I'm still going to make the case, though...
Row Jimmy
Dec. 30, 1977
Winterland Arena

Gonna really start annoying people by posting about this amazing version until somebody gives it a damn listen! It canNOT sit around with two votes. Just can't.