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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

5
The Weight
June 7, 1991
Deer Creek Music Center

This is really the best one I've heard--everyobody nails their parts/lyrics...great piano fills on the side (yay, Bruce!). Just exactly, etc.
20
Althea
Sept. 9, 1982
Saenger Performing Arts Center

Incredible. Check out Brent's fills during the epic post-lyrics outro. A must-listen top tier Althea w/bounce, power, & panache!
17
Deal
Feb. 23, 1974
Winterland Arena

Apparently no one is aware that a fellow named Keith played in this band or this version would have 50 votes already. Needs to be heard!
1
Pretty Peggy O
Sept. 4, 1980
Providence Civic Center

Outside of 1977 this may be the best version I've heard. A+ vocals from Jerry, killer mid-solo; slightly faster tempo. Must hear. Gr8 Matrix!
4
Greatest Story Ever Told
Oct. 11, 1989
Meadowlands Arena

Bob's lyric phrasing on this version is unique. He sings it in a way so different than any I've heard before & it's inventive & super-fun. Must hear!

Comments

Hard to Handle
Aug. 6, 1971
Hollywood Palladium

Get the Matrix. Dang.
Stella Blue
April 21, 1978
Rupp Arena

Thanks, Patch. Good to see it up there leading the pack. I really believe that's the best version...certainly as far as instrumental beauty and ferocity. This one here's pretty good too, but 10/21/78 is in a class by itself.
Feel Like A Stranger
July 17, 1989
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Since I was lucky enough to be there I should do the right thing and bump this up the ladder even more. Phenomenal 3-day run at Alpine. So many great tunes featuring a revived Jerry. Bobby & Brent own this one, though.
Not Fade Away
Nov. 2, 1979
Nassau Coliseum

Start your New Year (1/1/15) as I write this off on the right foot w/perhaps the most unique NFA I've ever heard. The intro sounds almost like "Don't Let Go" rather than NFA but everyone in the band is in on it and in the pocket. As Klaussmith notes the following jams are ripping and intriguing in a way that just feels different than most any version you'll hear from any era, and it just cooks all the way thru. Top 10 version, all-time.
Shakedown Street
Dec. 28, 1978
Golden Hall, Community Concourse

This has got to go higher on the list. About as tight and focused and fun as you will ever hear. Check out the jam after the 2nd verse. Get on this version now and bump... it... UP!